Q–Let me tell you what old people want in a car: Narrower pillars so we can see because wide pillars block your vision. And cars without headrests, because with headrests how can you see behind you to avoid hitting the house? And cars without tinted windows, because older people need three times the light as a 20-year-old. And cars without air conditioning, because along Lake Michigan you don’t need it. And cars without anti-lock brakes, because if you don’t tailgate on the tollway you can do without it. Forget about sunroofs, leather seats, superchargers and big outside mirrors that not only are ugly but make it too easy to hit the garage door with them. And this list is just for starters. J.V., Kenosha
A–Would love to see your house and garage, or at least what’s left of them. Wider cushioned pillars were mandated by the government to keep occupants from being injured on those thin, hard metal pillars in an impact. Headrests also were mandated to reduce the chance of neck injury in a rear-end impact.
Tinted windows weren’t dictated, but keep cabin temperatures down to reduce the load on air conditioners so the car consumes less fuel to cool it off, one way to ensure better mileage to meet government fuel-economy mandates.
Air conditioners aren’t mandated–or even standard in some cases–but for those who don’t live along Lake Michigan, they often come in handy. And believe it or not, some folks who don’t tailgate, much less on the tollway, find benefit in being able to maintain control of the vehicle in an emergency so they can steer around the danger. And the bigger the mirrors, the better the side and rear view for those whose vision may not be as good as it was 30 or 40 years ago.
We’ll accept your view on leather seats, but will accept your opinion on sunroofs and superchargers only for older motorists.
Q–You must have been using drugs when you reviewed the Pontiac Aztek (Cartalk, June 4), one of the ugliest creations from GM since the bathtub Chevrolet Caprice of the late ’90s. As for the so-called special features such as bags that attach to the tailgate, the Toyota RAV4 has had those for years. I can only assume that you have stock in GM and you’re trying to get the price up by raving over a vehicle that’s completely plastic inside and looks like it was assembled in a Tinker Toy factory on the outside. You’re losing it. P.P., Arlington Heights
A–If you should choose to reread the review, this time with your eyes open, you would find that it said: “With your first glance at the 2001 Pontiac Aztek, you are going to fall into a deep swoon or get sick. You are going to love it or hate it, and whatever the choice, you are going to do it with a passion. It’s the Aztek rear end that motivates swoon or hurl.” And there was no mention of “bags that attach to the tailgate,” but rather utility packs in the door panels. Don’t have any stock in General Motors but suggest you may want to purchase a few shares of some vision center.
Q–About those people who say front-wheel-drive is as good if not better than all-wheel-drive (Letters, Sept. 3), they probably have never test-driven AWD cars or four-wheel-drive vehicles. You can crank an AWD car’s steering to 360 degrees, punch the gas pedal, try to drive in circles as hard as you can on a wet pavement and I guarantee you that car will stay in track and won’t lose traction. Can a FWD car do that .E., Chicago
A–And, please loyal readers, don’t try this at home, unless, of course, you own a cat.
Q–The belt tensioner on my 1998 GMC Jimmy broke, rendering the power steering, compressor and fan useless (serpentine belt). The warranty on my vehicle has long expired as I have 58,000 miles on my SUV. I called my dealership and spoke to the service manager to ask if there were any “service bulletins” issued relating to the belt tensioner. Surprisingly, he said, “send me the bill.” I was paid in full within five days. Is my dealer just a good guy or is GM fessing up to a problem in a quiet way? B.N., Northfield
A–GMC says: “The dealer was a good guy.”
Q–In 1995, I sent away for windshield stickers to Argent Enterprises of Buford, Ga. They have served me very well but are quite worn. I recently sent a check to the same company at the same address for new stickers but received nothing. Are the stickers still available .S., Chicago.
A–The stickers were thin plastic sheets that adhered to windshield glass, making it easy to remove vehicle stickers. Haven’t heard from Argent in years and don’t know where they are or if they are. Any readers who can help?
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Send questions about cars and trucks to Jim Mateja, Chicago Tribune, 700 N. Milwaukee Ave., Suite 135, Vernon Hills, IL 60061-1523, or send e-mail, including name and hometown, to jmateja@tribune.com.
