2011 Auto Preview

2011AUTO P

R

Tru c k I nno v ations

Page 7

All A b o ut Valu e

Page 1 0

Goi ng El ec t r ic

Page 1 1

Auto C l a ssi f ieds

Page 1 2

E

V

I

E

W

Can you guess the make of this

truck?

Check out page 15 for the answer

2011 RAZOR

2011 Auto Preview Saturday, da December 4, 2010 day, The Eagle • theeagle.com

2011 Toyota Tundra

Back with more power

Toyota has streamlined the Tundra full-size pickup truck line for 2011, focusing on the 28 most indemand configurations. In addition, the Tundra’s base 4.0-liter V6 engine gains Dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) for 2011, increasing power and perfor perf mance.

The 310-hp 4.6-liter and 381-hp 5.7-liter V8’s continue across the Tundra line.

Tundra’s comprehensive ehensi suite of ehensive towing equipment gains standard Trailer Sway Control for all 2011 models. This feature uses Tundra’s Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) system to help counteract forces on the truck caused by a swaying trailer in tow.

Performance The 4.0-liter Dual Overhead Cam (DOHC) V6 that’s standard in Tundra Regular and Double Cab models gets a perfor perf mance boost for 2011 with the adoption of Dual Independent Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i).

This is the same technology found on the 4.6-liter and 5.7-liter V8 engines. Horsepower increases to 270 from 236, and peak torque is now 278 lb.-ft. up from 266 lb-ft. The V6 is teamed with a five-speed automatic transmission with uphill/downhill shift logic.

The 4.6-liter i-Force V8 was added to the Tundra line for the 2010 model year and is available in all 2011 models. The DOHC 4.6 V8 features dual independent Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i).

With 310 horsepower, 327 lb.-ft. of torque, the 4.6-liter V8 delive deli rs a versatile combination of power and ef efficienc y.

In addition to its impressive essi 381 essive horsepower at 5,000 rpm, the 5.7-liter i-Force V8 produces 401 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 3,600 rpm.

Both the i-Force 5.7-liter and 4.6-liter V8 engines are teamed with a six-speed automatic transmission.

A fluid warmer quickly brings the transmission fluid up to operating temperature to optimize cold-weather perf mance. Both V8’s meet the perfor Ultra-Low Emissions Vehicle (ULEV II) emissions certification.

Capability

2

Tundra’s adva ad nced TripleTech frame uses wide, full-boxed frame rails for the front portion, a reinfor inf ced C-channel under the cab infor and an open C-channel underneath the bed to maximize strength, ride quality and durability.

Toyota’s tough Tundra pickup comes roaring back with a more powerful base engine for the 2011 model year. ar ar.

An optional TRD Off-R Of oad Package combines off-r of oad tuned suspension featuring Bilstein gas-charged monotube shock absorbers, 285/70 R17 B.F. B.F Goodrich off-r of oad tires on 17-inch alloy wheels, fog lamps and special graphics.

Anti-lock brakes (ABS) with Electronic Brake-for e-f ce Distribution e-for (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA) are standard on all Tundra models. EBD optimizes brake pressure at each wheel for greater control under braking, especially when cornering.

BA is designed to determine if the dri r is attempting emergency drive braking. If the drive dri r has not pressed firmly enough on the brake pedal to engage ABS, the system supplements the applied braking power until pedal pressure is released.

The standard Automatic LimitedSlip Differ Dif ential (Auto-LSD) (A helps provide better acceleration in deep sand or mud and on mixed-friction surf surfaces .

The combination of Auto-LSD and Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) as standard equipment on every Tundra model was a significant first in the full-size pickup segment.

The Tundra’s VSC system integrates traction control (TRAC) and enhances traction on or off-r of oad by helping to keep the vehicle going on its intended course.

Comfort Inside Tundra, richly textured fabrics and deep-grain leathers are available in four colors. A standard manual tilt and telescoping steering wheel was a first in the segment, and Limited grade offers of an available power tilt and telescoping steering wheel. The Limited grade’s four-spoke steering wheel features standard audio controls; they’re available for Double Cab models with the optional JBL audio system or navig na ation system.

Tundra offers of in-demand user technology, gy including available gy,

Bluetooth® phone compatibility, tibility tibility, high-end JBL audio and an optional na ation system with integrated navig wide-screen rear backup camera.

Tundra-grade models come with a standard AM/FM/MP3/CD, integrated satellite radio receive cei r ceive (subscription required), an auxiliary input and six speakers (four (f speakers on Regular Cab). Limited models come standard with a JBL AM/FM/ MP3 six-disc in-dash CD changer featuring an integrated satellite radio receive cei r. ceive

Available at

2011 Auto Preview

Saturday, da December 4, 2010 day,

The Eagle • theeagle.com

3

2011 Auto Preview Saturday, da December 4, 2010 day, The Eagle • theeagle.com

2011 Cadillac SRX

Dynamic style, performance

The Cadillac SRX offers of a dynamic alternative ti in the mid-luxury tive crossover segment, with a dramatic design, efficient ef engine choices and a nimble driving dri experience.

Although the second-generation SRX has only been on the marke mar t since 2010, it has quickly gained a strong consumer following, rising rapidly to become one of the bestselling vehicles in its segment. The SRX receive cei s several revisions for ceive 2011, with a number of new features and modifications that make the vehicle even more refined, responsive sponsi sponsive and technologically adva ad nced.

Added Value Customers now have ha increased access to the features they demand most, with expanded availability of the optional rear-vision camera system and keyless access feature. In addition, the cargo fence is standard on all the collections, allowing customers to leverage the SRX’s rear storage system. There are also two new exterior colors to choose from: Mocha Steel Metallic and the premium Black Ice Metallic.

SRX seats five and delive deli rs generous occupant and cargo room; it can tow up to 3,500 pounds when properly oper equipped. operly A 3.0L direct injected V-6 engine is standard and a 2.8L turbocharged V-6 is optional. Both employ adva ad nced technology that helps produce strong perfor perf mance that is typical of larger-displacement engines, but with greater fuel economy and lower emissions. SRX FWD models with the 3.0L engine are EPA-ra EP ted at 25 mpg on the highway.

Perfor rf mance and safety are rfor enhanced by an available all-wheeldri (AWD) drive (A system designed to optimize vehicle handling and stability in all driving dri conditions.

The pre-emptive, e-empti e-emptive, acti -on-demand active system provides an extra measure of capability in wet or icy conditions.

Design

4

The SRX’s dynamic exterior features a dramatic diving di gesture on the body side to impart the feeling of movement, even at rest. A multi-piece shield grille and Cadillac’s iconic vertical headlamps — with light pipe technology and available adaptive pti ptive forward lighting — are the face of the SRX. They blend into a tightly wrapped, sweeping body that tapers downward at the rear of the vehicle, creating a sporty profile.

The SRX has a wide stance, minimal overhangs and wheels pushed to corners. Eighteen-inch

The 2011 Cadillac SRX luxury crossover is more refined than ever, er offering er, off expanded access to popular options. wheels are standard and 20-inch wheels are offer of ed.

A bold accent line dive di s across the body side and culminates at a chrome front fender vent that incorporates a side marke mar r lamp. An integrated spoiler on the rearward edge of the roof extends the sleek lines and improves aerodynamics.

Inside, an integrated center stack houses controls for climate and audio systems, while the navig na ation system rises from the center of the instrument panel. A signature example of the SRX’s attention to detail is the Cadillac script logos in the front door sill plates that illuminate when the doors are opened.

imaging, adaptive pti forward lighting ptive that swivels the headlamps in synch with vehicle steering, power liftgate with programmable height setting, integrated hard disc drive dri for audio storage and a dual-screen system for rear entertainment.

Bluetooth compatibility is standard, as is OnStar’s Turn-byTurn Navig Na ation service for buyers who do not select the navig na ation system option.

For 2011, the SRX is equipped with ninth-generation OnStar technology.

The flexible speech recognition system is now smart enough to interpret differ dif ent sentences/phrases without actually hearing the exact 2-3 word commands from the user.

Technology

Safety

SRX features numerous adva ad nced electronic systems. Highlights include a “pop-up” navig na ation screen in the dashboard with three-dimensional

The SRX is designed to protect occupants befor bef e, during and after a crash. A strong body structure and chassis that absorb crash energy are

complemented by martensitic steel in the fully enclosed rocker sections.

Additional safety features include standard head curtain side air bags, standard front seat-mounted pelvic/ thorax side air bags, front safety belts with dual pretensioners and load limiters, rollover mitigation sensors, trailer stability assist and OnStar.

The SRX was also designed to meet European pedestrian protection standards.

Available at

2011 Auto Preview

Saturday, da December 4, 2010 day,

The Eagle • theeagle.com

5

2011 Auto Preview Saturday, da December 4, 2010 day,

2011 Toyota Prius

World’s best-selling hybrid The Toyota Prius continues to lead the marke mar t for hybrid automobiles that it started over a decade ago. With its 50-MPG fuel economy rating, Prius is the most fuel-efficient fuel-ef passenger car available in the U.S. today. Prius of offers its stellar fuel economy in a versatile five-passenger package that is recognized as a midsize car by the EP Toyota has sold 880,000 Prius EPA. models in the U.S. since 2000.

The third-generation Prius was all-new for the 2010 model year, ar with ar, even better mileage ratings, enhanced perf mance, and more innovative perfor ti tive design features than the esteemed second-generation version. The 2011 Prius carries over with such innovative ti features as a moonroof tive with solar panels, four driving dri modes, Ad nced Guidance Parking System Adva and steering wheel touch controls that display on the instrument panel.

The Eagle • theeagle.com

Icon The Toyota Prius – now synonymous with “hybrid” – entered the marke mar t in 1997 as the world’s first mass-produced hybrid. The company’s exclusive usi Hybrid Synergy usive Dri System was introduced in 2004 Drive on the second-generation Prius. The Prius helped boost public awareness for the automobile’s role in the en onment, specifically putting a envir focus on improving fuel efficienc ef y and reducing carbon emissions.

The current Prius extends its record of continuous improvement in fuel economy. The first-generation Prius was estimated at 41 EPA EP combined MPG, and the secondgeneration model achieved a 46 MPG EPA EP combined rating. Using a combination of technologies, Toyota increased fuel efficienc ef y for the new Prius to an EPA EP estimated 51 MPG in city driving, dri 48 MPG highway and a combined 50 MPG. Mileage is especially improved in cold-start conditions and at higher speeds.

Hybrid Drive

6

The 2011 Prius is built using processes that reduce emissions in every stage of the vehicle lifecycle, from production and driving, dri through to eventual disposal and dismantling years down the road.

In the Prius, a 1.8-liter Atkinsoncycle, four-cylinder engine produces 98 horsepower at 5,200 rpm. Together with its electric motor, motor the hybrid system generates a combined 134 net horsepower, an improvement of 24 horsepower over the previous generation. Due the unique way that Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive Dri

The Toyota Prius, now in its third generation, has become an icon for its impressive efficiency and unique styling. combines the power of the gasoline engine and electric motor, motor the drive dri r experiences a feeling of torque in the Prius that makes it feel even more powerful than the output numbers suggest.

Design The Prius’ design, by itself, came to represent “hybrid” in the eyes of many.

The third-generation Prius preserved that brand recognition while expanding the role of efficient ef aerodynamics in overall fuel economy.

The corners of the new-generation Prius are sharp and sporty. Strong side character lines, rising from front to rear, ar define the smooth, geometric ar, shape. Viewed from the rear, ar wider ar, rear treads provide a solid, firmly rooted stance.

The third-generation Prius receive cei d more hours of wind tunnel ceive

testing than any other Toyota in history resulting in one of the history, cleanest aerodynamic profiles of any mass-produced vehicle in the world.

Advanced Equipment An available sliding glass moonroof is packaged with solar panels, located over the rear seating area, that power a new ventilation system. The solar powered ventilation system helps reduce the interior air temperature when parke par d directly in the sun. Cool-down time is shorter when the drive dri r returns to the vehicle, thus reducing the use of air conditioning.

The 2011 Prius also offers of a remote air conditioning system. It is the first system in the world to function on battery-power alone, and it allows remote operation so the drive dri r can cool the interior temperature for comf t befor comfor bef e getting into the car.

LEDs (light emitting diodes), optional in low beam headlamps

and standard in tail and stop lamps, help reduce the vehicle’s power consumption. Air conditioning, a major energy drain, has been reengineered to increase efficienc ef y and cool-down perfor perf mance. In addition, an exhaust heat recirculation system reduces heat waste by warming engine coolant during cold startup, for improved perfor perf mance. It also heats up the passenger cabin more ef efficientl y.

Available at

2011 Auto Preview

Toyota Tundra

I

f you’re a buyer, competition is a great thing. It means multiple companies are fighting for your business, trying to offer of you more features for a lower price.

Chevy Silverado

Honda Ridgeline

Today’s pickups are being redesigned at a faster rate than ever befor bef e, adding features, perfor perf mance and refinement with each model year to keep them competiti . Even if your truck is only a couple of competitive years old, a quick test drive dri can show exactly how far the new 2011 models have ha come in a short period of time.

Why are all these improvements coming so quickly? It’s simple: new competitors.

Dodge Ram

Saturday, da December 4, 2010 day,

And in the automotive automoti industry nowhere has industry, competition had a more dramatic effect ef recently than in the marke mar t for pickup trucks.

Back ound Backgr

Nissan Titan

Today, though, Nissan and Toyota have ha both entered the mix in a big way with their Titan and Tundra models. The American marke mar t is still dominated by the domestic brands — Ford, Chevy and Dodge have ha a decades-long head start, after all — but the new competitors mean they have ha to move more quickly to stay relevant in a suddenly crowded marke mar t.

Ford F150

The Eagle • theeagle.com

Years ago, if you wanted a truck in America, you essentially had three choices: Ford, Chevy or Dodge.

Foreign competitors that had been so successful in the car marke mar t had largely left the truck marke mar t untouched because they didn’t have ha any full-size, full-featured pickups available.

You can see the result in today’s trucks. They’re being redesigned at a fast clip, just like new cars, and they’re adding luxury features, smart technology and better perfor perf mance as they fight in a fastchanging horsepower war.

Don’t believe it? Then visit a local dealer to see for yourself.

SER SERVING THE BRAZOS VALLEY FOR OVER 100 YEARS.

7

2011 Auto Preview Saturday, da December 4, 2010 day,

2011 Nissan JUKE

JUKE offers urban versatility The all-new 2011 Nissan JUKE sport cross draws on a number of acti lifestyle influences, including active motorcycles and rally cars, to create a breakthrough design among traditional hatchbacks.

Along with its bold design and highly distinctive, distincti sporty styling inside and out, JUKE brings unexpected levels of perfor perf mance from a standard 188-horsepower 1.6-liter Direct Injection Gasoline (DIG) turbo 4-cylinder engine and an ad nced torque vectoring all-wheel adva dri (AWD) drive (A system .

“Nissan has always been a company willing to stretch the en lope, to combine seemingly enve contradictory principles and make it work – such as ‘affo ‘af rdable’ and ‘perf mance’ to create the original Z, ‘perfor or ‘small footprint’ and ‘big interior’ in the current Nissan cube,” said Al Castignetti, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division, Di Nissan North America, Inc. “JUKE is about to shake up the marke mar t with a boldness, style and sense of fun that it has never seen befor bef e.”

The Eagle • theeagle.com

Bold Urban Sport Cross JUKE fuses the best qualities of a sports car, car including a sporty driving dri position, dynamic handling and powerful turbo engine, with the best aspects of an SUV – such as a robust lower body, raised ground height, improved visibility, visibility confident stance and available all-wheel drive dri . These qualities come together in a uniquely Nissan way with value, quality, quality safety and driving dri pleasure.

JUKE’s aggressive ssi styling brings ssive a breath of fresh air to the segment.

Built on Nissan’s proven global B-platfor tf m, JUKE features a powerful tfor front end treatment with the turn signals integrated into the front fenders, a high beltline and coupe-like falling roofline.

Other exterior details include body-colored outside mirrors and front door handles, and “hidden” rear door handles.

The JUKE interior is equally aggressive ssi with bolstered front ssive seats, a wide instrument panel and a unique center console inspired by a motorcycle fuel tank and finished in a high-gloss paint. The gearshift sits on top of the console, inspired by sports car drive dri r/shifter positioning.

Advanced Drivetrain

8

Powering the all-new JUKE is a standard 1.6-liter Direct Injection

Nissan’s all-new JUKE sport cross combines the fun of a sporty hatchback with the style and versatility of a crossover.

Gasoline (DIG) turbo, 16-valve DOHC aluminum-alloy inline 4-cylinder engine rated at 188 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque. The engine, the first application in North America, combines the best of both worlds – spirited perfor perf mance and good fuel economy. Direct injection helps improve combustion, enhancing power, torque, economy and emissions.

Two transmissions are offer of ed – Nissan’s adva ad nced Xtronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) with S-Mode and a 6-speed manual transmission (SV FWD and SL FWD models only).

Fuel economy is rated at 27 mpg city and 32 highway for JUKE FWD models equipped with the CVT. “The combination of 188 horsepower and 32 mpg fuel economy is another unbeatable feature of the new JUKE,” said Castignetti. “It’s a

win-win combination.”

Safety

Standard Features

Every 2011 JUKE comes equipped with the Nissan Adva Ad nced Air Bag System (AABS) with dual-stage, dual-threshold front air bags and seat belt and occupant classification sensors, roof-mounted curtain sideimpact supplemental air bags for front and rear outboard occupant head protection, seat-mounted drive dri r and front passenger side-impact supplemental air bags and front-seat Acti Head Restraints.

Active

Among the long list of standard JUKE interior features are dual front and rear beverage holders, speedsensiti automatic door locks, AM/ sensitive FM/CD audio system with steering wheel controls, Bluetooth Hands-free Phone System, Interface Interf System for iPod and storage under the rear cargo floor.

Available interior features include RearVie arV w Monitor, arVie Monitor Nissan Intelligent Key with Push Button Ignition, XM Satellite Radio, upgraded speakers with Rockford Fosgate powered subwoofer, ofer USB connector for iPod, ofer, power sliding moonroof and priva pri cy glass.

Also available is the Nissan Na ation System 5.0-inch screen Navig and XM NavT Na raffic raf with Real-Time Traffic af Infor affic Inf mation.

Available at

2011 Auto Preview

Saturday, da December 4, 2010 day,

The Eagle • theeagle.com

9

2011 Auto Preview Saturday, da December 4, 2010 day, The Eagle • theeagle.com

ALL ABOUT

T

VALUE

Buick Regal

here are a lot of things that make the new lineup of 2011 vehicles unique. They’re more efficient. ef They’re more powerful.

They’re more practical for families.

But, above all else, the one trait they all share is an intense focus on creating a good value. No matter what type of 2011 model you’re looking for — from fuel-sipping compact cars to high-end luxury cruisers and pickup trucks — today’s vehicles are more focused than ever befor bef e on providing a good value for the buyer.

This is partially because of the global economic problems a couple of years ago, which made buyers more picky about how they spend their money, money but it’s also because of increased competition in many of the most popular automotive automoti segments.

Crossover vehicles and pickups ha seen especially intense have competition lately, which means the manufactur uf ufactur ers are offering of more features, refinement and incentive incenti s to set their vehicles apart from the pack.

And that means it’s a great time to be a new car buyer. Here are four reasons why:

1. More refined vehicles In the past few years, the automoti industry has made huge automotive leaps in terms of refinement and technology. Even if your car is just a

couple of years old, a quick test drive dri in a 2011 model will show you just how quiet, efficient ef and solid today’s new cars have ha become.

2. Low-interest financing Interest rates remain some of the lowest on record, which means financing your new vehicle can be surprisingly cheap. Many experts predict rising interest rates in the years to come, so your dream car may be more attainable if you buy it now rather than waiting.

3. Better technology

Ford Explorer Acura TSX Sport Wagon

Perfor rf mance, comfor rfor comf t and safety in today’s new cars are all enhanced by better technology. From cooled seats and back-up cameras to sophisticated airbags and stability control systems, the latest car tech will blow you away.

4. A focus on efficiency Not only are new cars better for the envir en onment — they emit less carbon and pollution than older cars — but they can also save sa you money at the gas pump. Manufactur uf ufactur ers are of offering more fuel-efficient fuel-ef cars this year that can save sa you a fortune over the life of the vehicle.

Lexus CT 200h

10

Dodge Durango

2011 Auto Preview

I

t’s long been a dream of envir en onmentalists, and it’s finally becoming a reality in 2011. Chevrolet and Nissan will be rolling out the first mass-marke mass-mar t electric vehicles as 2011 models, and they each have ha a drastically differ dif ent take on what an electric car should be. Here’s a look at both of them:

Range: 40 miles electric, 300 miles using supplemental gas tank Charging: Can charge on standard 120-volt outlet at home; 4,400 buyers to get free 240-volt charging station Base Price: $41,000

2011 Nissan Leaf Range: 100 miles Charging: Eight hours on 200-volt outlet at home; 30 minutes with a quick charger Base Price: $32,780

The Eagle • theeagle.com

Chevrolet’s 2011 Volt is getting lots of attention because it’s an electric car without compromises. Unlike a pure electric vehicle, which would simply stop moving once its batteries run out of juice, the Volt has a small gas engine that can keep providing an electric charge to extend the range if necessary.

Unlike a hybrid, the Volt never uses its gasoline engine to directly drive dri the wheels. It just generates electricity for electric motors to drive dri the wheels.

Realistically, most people will rarely go beyond the Volt’s 40-mile range in pure electric mode. That’s plenty for everyday dri driving.

But on those occasions when you need to take a long trip down the highway, ay you’ll be able to stop and get gas just like ay, in an ordinary car. It’s designed to be the best of both worlds.

Saturday, da December 4, 2010 day,

2011 Chevy Volt

The Leaf is a much simpler car than the Volt, which makes it more affo af rdable. Unfor Unf tunately, it doesn’t have ha a gas engine that can provide electricity to extend the range when needed.

Styling is also more futuristic on the Leaf, making it look like the revolutionary electric vehicle that it is. It looks like something out of “The Jetsons.”

One of the challenges of building an all-electric car is that pedestrians won’t hear it coming. It doesn’t have ha engine noise like a normal car, car so Nissan’s engineers came up with two special sounds it makes when going in forward or reverse.

Perhaps the best thing about the Leaf is its price, starting at $32,780. After a federal tax credit of up to $7,500 — which is also available for the Volt, by the way — the total cost of the vehic ve hicle le will come in ar around ound $25,000, wh whic ich h mak makes es it affo afford rdabl able e for more families.

11

12

The Eagle • theeagle.com

Saturday, da December 4, 2010 day,

2011 Auto Preview

2011 Auto Preview

Saturday, da December 4, 2010 day,

The Eagle • theeagle.com

13

Saturday, da December 4, 2010 day,

2011 Auto Preview

Subcompact models offering a four door option

Driving Lessons Teaching teens to drive calls for more quality time and bravery than many adults expect

By TERESA ODLE

The Eagle • theeagle.com

CTW Features atur atures

14

Q: We’ve sent the kid of off to

Teaching a teen to drive dri is the subject of many a hilarious sitcom skit for good reason. A recent study from the AAA Foundation for Safety and the Unive Uni rsity of North Carolina Highway Safety Research Center put cameras in the cars of 50 families as parents taught their teens to drive dri . They didn’t do it for laughs, but to study the complex process of teaching teens to drive dri .

The study found that teens and parents spent only about 1.6 hours per week practicing. More important, parents’ instructions were somewhat lacking and the adults did not expose teens to enough real-world or driving orld dri conditions. “The most common form of parental instruction we observed was vehicle operation and handling,” says Dan Bleier of the AAA Foundation.

These are instructions like “You “Y need to slow down” or how to handle stops and turns.

Those are fine instructions, but the problem is that parents aren’t getting to what Bleier calls “higher order instruction.” Put simply, it’s helping teens prepare for those untypical situations that cause accidents. He cited an example from one family’s video in which a father prepared his daughter to watch for the brake lights on several cars ahead as she approached a light. But this kind of heads-up instruction was rare, as was giving gi teens driving dri

practice in a variety of conditions, says Bleier.

Surprisingly, in spite of their reluctance – or simple oversight – to give gi their teens more experience on the road than trips to the mall and school, parents still were willing to hand over the car keys to their newly licensed drive dri rs for solo trips. Typically, that left teens to experience more new driving dri situations in their first year of dri driving solo – with parents at home worrying.

There’s a better approach, says Justin McNaul, AAA’s director of state relations and teen driving dri expert. “You’d “Y much rather have ha your teen’s first experience driving dri in snow, having ha to merge into heavy hea traf traffic on the interstate or some other complex maneuver happen with you at her side than on her own,” he says. “As parents, we need to get our teens out there driving dri on the road doing driving dri that we’re not entirely comfor comf table with.”

One way for parents to achieve this it to set up a plan for practice dri driving that includes incremental goals. Most parents know to start in a parking par lot (maybe for our own safety) but where do you go from there? Work your way up to side streets and a wider range of neighborhood driving. dri “When opportunities come up for you and your teen to drive dri on some new roads or in new situations, you need to seize them,” says McNaul.

This doesn’t mean you’ll merge

on the freeway after a few parking par practice sessions or drive dri in snow at 55 mph. But if it’s raining outside, don’t use it as an excuse to skip practice. On the contrary, contrary grab the keys (and your calmest inner self) and head out the door with your teen for some practice appropriate to his current level.

Likewise, expose your teen to rush-hour traffic traf once she’s mastered larger streets and you feel she’s ready to try.

Making a plan helps parents and teens overcome the challenge of meshing busy schedules and finding time for road practice. AAA’s new website, teendriving.aaa.com, teendri of offers state- and level-specific tips for teens and parents.

“Teaching kids to drive can be a really daunting process,” says McNaul. “Teaching your teen to drive takes fairly complex inf mation and teaching it across infor months,” says McNaul. “Add to it that you’re doing so against the backdrop of the relationship you already have ha with your child that’s developed over 16 years.”

The website is set up by levels, so if you’re just beginning you get all the inf mation you need, but if your infor teen is ready to get out on his own, you can skip to infor inf mation on that stage of teen driving.

The risk of motor vehicle crashes is higher for teens age 16 to 19 than for any other age group, so anything you can do to help them prepare is a plus.

college and now we’re probably going to go subcompact for our primary vehicle (we also have ha a truck). We’re early ear in our search, but every time we see a subcompact in a parking par lot, it has only two doors. We’d really prefer a four-door because it’s just so much easier for the extra passenger to get in and out. Are there any little-car manufactur uf ufactur ers that ha thought about the conve have con nience factor?

A:Y A:Yes. Quite a number of

them have ha . Subcompacts that you can get in the four-door configuration include Ford Fiesta, Mazda2, Honda Fit, Chevrolet Aveo, Toyota Yaris, Nissan Versa, Kia Rio, Suzuki SX4, and Hyundai Accent.

Q: We were

seriously considering Steering You Right a two-year-old car at a Sharon PeterS local car lot. We drove it one night and went back to say we wanted to take the car to the mechanic we’ve used for 12 years so he could check it out. They said no. They said they don’t let people go off of with their cars alone. They said they’d be willing to take it to their mechanic and have ha him write up his findings and they wouldn’t charge us.

We took a pass, and now regret it a little because we really liked the car and the price. What would you have ha done?

A: I would have ha taken a pass,

too.

I think any used car should be checked out befor bef e purchase. If you have ha a mechanic you trust, you’ll no doubt feel a lot more comfor comf table about the report than you might if it came from someone who’s being paid by the car seller.

This whole thing is just plain goofy to me. If it really had to do with not wanting you to go off of alone with the car, car they could ha assigned someone to ride with you to have the mechanic and sit quietly in the office of or someplace while the mechanic did his thing.

I wouldn’t visit this place again, no matter how good the deals.

E-mail Sharon Peters ter at ters sharon@ctwfeatur on@ctwfeatures on@ctwfeatur eatures.com.

2011 Auto Preview

Side Vent - Dodge Nitro

Hood/Grill - Ford F150 Raptor

Rear End - GMC Sierra

Front Bumper - Honda Ridgeline

Running Boards - Nissan Titan

The Eagle • theeagle.com

Base - Toyota Tundra

Saturday, da December 4, 2010 day,

Last year The Eagle brought you the “Frankencar” known as the Blackbird.

This year the trucks get the mashup treatment with the Razor. You had plenty of time to think about it, now here is the answer to the question “What’s the make of this truck?”

Windshield/Roof Lamborghini Gallardo 15

16

The Eagle • theeagle.com

Saturday, da December 4, 2010 day,

2011 Auto Preview