Edmunds Answers questions

What is the difference between Gross Weight and Curb Weight of vehicles?

sylvia — Fri, 28 Dec 2007 00:20:58 GMT

Can you please deine each of these two terms? What do each one of these mean to the customer?

What do people mean when they say "quality" while referring to a car?

mansidachu — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 11:04:36 GMT

I am an owner of a Honda cCivic and in the proocess of buying a new car. I wanted to know what people mean when they say "quality" car. Which make has the best quality?

Best performance vehicles in the $30's?

madmanmoo — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 11:00:58 GMT

I'm doing some checking around for vehicles based on performance stats. Can someone give me a list of the best cars in the $30's? Some come to mind, but I know I'm missing quite a few. Thanks for your help!

What's the best vehicle for family of 5 (maybe 6)?

hendolvik — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 23:25:51 GMT

We have 3 kids, ages 7, 5 and 2, and may have 1 more in the next two years. We need to get a new vehicle soon because our '02 Chrysler minivan is starting to cost us more than it's worth... I don't want to get another minivan but I may have to if I want room like I have now. I am looking at crossovers, like the Mazda CX-9, and SUVs like the Toyota Hybrid Highlander because I'd love to not drive a minivan again. Would one of those vehicles be spacious enough four our family of 5 (or 6), or are we stuck with getting another minivan, like the Toyota Sienna or Honda Odyssey?

Does anybody know how the automatic trans Mazda protege5 does against the five speed?

raceman13 — Sat, 02 Feb 2008 18:38:48 GMT

I am looking at a Protege5 automatic.

2008 Acura TSX or 2006 Lexus IS250?

mprigmore — Sat, 02 Feb 2008 19:42:04 GMT

Which is the better deal over the course of 8 years?

A) New 2008 Acura TSX fully loaded w/ Nav., heated seats, and auxillary/mp3 input

or...

B) Used 2006 Lexus IS250 w/ 20K miles. All options EXCEPT Navigation, heated seats, and auxillary/mp3 input.

Assume price of cars to be equal. Please consider resale, body style, and customer service along with all other typical considerations.

What do you say? Midrange new or luxury used? I'm shopping a "new" car. Want luxury,but have 30k.

misspmv — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 15:04:52 GMT

I'm shopping a newer car. I want leather, moonroof, and a luxury feel, but don't have luxury new car money. So I'm torn between a 2005-06 mb m-class, infinity fx35, or a lexus rx330 OR a 2007-08 ford edge, mazda cx7 or acura rdx. My concern w/ the mazda and acura are the turbo charged engines may not have all the "kinks" worked out yet. Been advised that furel injected cars usually become an expensive problem later. On the other hand, my concern w/ buying an older used car is maintenance cost. What would you do?

Can you recommend a luxurious and dependable car in the 26-31k range?

Which car is the best considering the budget between $30-$80K? help please !!!

pviser27 — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 14:17:02 GMT

here is where i am confused at the moment and nothing seems right!:

Audi A6 or lexus GS 2008 or Audi A4 2009 or Lexus LS 2008 or lexus hybrids

HELP plz!
I am looking for the best possible all one LUXURY,COMFORT AND PERFORMANCE along with THE BRAND-effect !
the brands that i felt worth the above, are:
1>AUDI.
2>Lexus.
3>Mercedez
4>BMW.
5>Toyota.
help me plz this is important because its gonna be my FIRST CAR !
budget is between $30K to 80K.

is the e320- 2005 mercedes a good car ?

jardineiro — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 17:04:50 GMT

please tel me if the e320 2005 mb have more problems and is more expencive in repairs or is bmw serie5 ? thank you

What vehicle is best for someone with low back pain?

lakecitytim — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 07:19:31 GMT

I'm 6"1' so I need head room. I've heard getting the hips above the knees helps keep the back in proper position but I've found it difficult to adjust most seats this way. Any ideas?

Cars for tall people?

tallbrunette — Sat, 26 Apr 2008 09:58:03 GMT

I am a tall lady. Both upper and lower body. RIght now I drive an Infiniti G35 which was made for Munchkins. I will be looking for a new car at the end of the year. I need one with head and leg room. Any suggestions. (oh, yes and butt room) The Infiniti with it controls at your thighs leave no room for the seat!!
Any suggestions on crossovers, which are fuel efficient. I do alot of driving and require an energy efficient car which is comfortable.

I am looking for the perfect vehicle. Any suggestions?

jimtealiii — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 14:56:07 GMT

Here are my impossible specifications:

Set 1
AWD or 4WD and at least one of the following:
• < 3000 lbs
• ≥ 30 mpg highway

- or -

Set 2
All of the following:
• < 3000 lbs
• ≥ 30 mpg highway
• ≥ 200 hp

So far I have one contender:

Set 2
2006 Acura RSX-S
• 2840 lbs
• 31 mpg highway
• 201 hp

Which sucks because I sold my RSX. Will I have to buy another one or are there more vehicles that fit my specs?

What is the difference between cargo capacity and luggage capacity under Specifications on Edmunds?

cortina1 — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 13:21:01 GMT

Just a basic understanding of definitions.

True Cost to Own comparison

btbowser — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 14:14:50 GMT

I know the true cost to own is only a guide. Now that my car search is focused on two models (The 2005-2006 Acura TSX or 2006 VW Passat) i am unsure of how to compare the "Repairs" estimate between the two. I am unclear how, over 5 years, the VW (with low reliability ratings) can have less repair costs than the Acura, with a very reliable rating.

I am looking at buying a used car. It has to last a while. $3-4k, good mpg, comfortable back seats. Any advise?

blaine9199 — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 11:29:10 GMT

The best used cars in the $2k-$4,000 range. I know Toyota and Honda are my best bet for long life. Should I buy a Toyota with 180,000 miles? Is their a better small car for confort than another, especially for the passengers? Which has the cheapest repairs of the low cost companies? Is the Saturn Ion a good cheap car used? Do they last over 200,000 miles?

Personal vehicle selections as a company car?

adleo013 — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 10:37:10 GMT

Getting company monthly veh. allowance($500)+ miles & driving 2,200 monthly miles(est). Need 6+ seating. Any suggestions?

Does Edmunds have a page that displays a vehicle's style choices and a short description?

kellyo — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 19:33:50 GMT

Do you have a page that displays all available styles for a car with high level descriptions on the SAME PAGE? For example, if I go to the 2008 VW Jetta style page, there is a list of 14 styles, but I have to click on each style to see the difference. It would be great to have a short description (or even if you hover over the style) with each style. I believe you have a page where you can compare different vehicles and styles side-by-side, but I can't find it. Thanks.

How do you sensibly chose between awd-4wd-fwd or a 4 cylinder car with a turbo like the Acura RDX or one with a 6?

atully — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 19:01:48 GMT

how do you sensibly chose between awd-4wd-fwd?? also what will perform better on long drives- at highway speeds as well as on local roads in traffic for road noise as well as gas mileage and comparing pick up .
i am interested in purchasing a car that will be used for distance driving on a regular basis as well as for use on local roads. i am concerned about pick up and performance, road noise and practicality- a car that will feel safe and practical to own. any help would be greatly appreciated.

What car has the best ride and allows you to be in a sitting position (legs more down not stretched out in front).

aviva1 — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 14:07:59 GMT

Traveling on long car rides for next five years

What are the best cars for $5000 or less to be used in snow/sleet driving. Cosmetics, etc irrelevant.

bronco8 — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 19:06:10 GMT

this is to replace a dead Chrysler Cirrus(FWD) that was great in the snow. car will not be used in decent weather and will be outdoors-not garaged.

We are planning several 3,000 mile trips in the next year or so and would appreciate vehicle recommendations.

nkolkebeck — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 22:58:29 GMT

We will be carrying two sets of golf clubs, picnic basket, cooler, etc. We will be staying in motels or with friends. Our current vehicles include a 2004 Honda Accord V6 and a 1991 Mazda Miata special edition. We would be willing to trade the Honda. One trip will bein the winter and we will be traveling in the northwest and then into Idaho.

Why is it that so many people are blindly loyal to a brand or specific model?

TIMGT5 — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 16:37:31 GMT

So many people I talk never cross compare vehicles to make sure they have the best in class., It seems a major risk of money if you are not sure if you got the very most for the dollar.

With a VIN from a new car, can I obtain car specifics, ie, interior color, exterior color etc.?

dalward — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 10:52:25 GMT

I have the VIN from a 2009 vehicle on a dealers lot. Is there an Internet tool to input the VIN and obtain specifics on the car?

Is there a site where you can find out what original options a car had with the VIN? I'm purchasing a used car.

gmizell — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 16:48:48 GMT

Is there a site where you can find out original options a car had with the VIN, I'm purchasing a used car? I want to be able to Value it better.

How can I find the original MSRP on a used car?

sgerow — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 11:10:07 GMT

"used" '09 or '08.

Frustrated. I would like to find what vehicles/trim have memory seating, is there an easy way?

kknagel — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 22:17:50 GMT

Looking to buy new car. I would like a search filter available somewhere that I can search for features that interest me.

I am tall my wife short so memory seating is important to me. Is there an easy way to search all makes/models to at least limit my list not to mention the hours it takes to find what model/trim has what.

I want to trade a passenger car for a category 2 truck. What are the requirements? '99 Olds Aurora (18 mpg)

dbeno — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 10:12:35 GMT

I have a '99 Aurora...rated at 18 MPG. I want to get a Chevrolet Silverado pick-up which is considered a category 2 vehicle. What are my options?

What new, or newer, vehicles have the best quality factory audio systems?

riled1 — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 23:19:23 GMT

I have a CLK550 with harmon kardon audio. I am not too impressed...I have heard Mark Levinson audio is very high quality although the system I have in my Saturn VUE seems to be very good as well.

I wish to tow a 1 ton house trailer with additional baggage at the least cost in fuel and maintenance. Suggestions?

cormic — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 14:30:10 GMT

I am looking for a prime mover for extended touring with a small self-contained trailer.

I am in need of a car with the gear shift on the steering column. Where can I turn to look? I live in Pittsburgh.

katzmiau — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 21:39:01 GMT

I have a slight disability and I drive a car with a steering knob and is difficult for me to use my right hand. So, therefore, I am in search of a car that has the gear shift on steering column. If I can not find one, I may have to have it custom made from the factory.

Looking for a good family vehicle for towing a camper in Colorado.

11831wheat — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 09:08:43 GMT

I have a 3,200 lbs camper unloaded. Moving to Colorado. I am looking for a family vehicle that I can use to pull the camper. Other priorities are gas mileage, easy access to third row (We have three kids, boys are clumsy; second row bucket seats or a removable mid section for the 2nd row would be great for accessing the 3rd row), 4x4 (for winter roads), side/overhead air bags. I do not typically buy new, so I am open to what ever fits my family needs.

What are the best cars to tow 2600lbs? (not trucks).

blairvb — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 11:50:07 GMT

I am looking to find a car (not truck) that can tow 2600lbs. A car with decent gas mileage, good crash tests and good emissions. Thanks for the help! Thanks

I want to buy a comfortable sedan. Not an Accord or Camry, but something reliable and comfortable. Any answers?

peggy5 — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 12:11:44 GMT

I drive around town and sometimes take road trips. I need a comfortable reliable sedan. I always have driven hondas but I find them not comfortable anymore. I tested a camry and I hated them. I would not object to an American car but I need something reliable!!!! Does anyone have an suggestions? I do not want to pay over 17k and I will go used.

New baby on the way, need 3rd row back seat SUV

jpriceaustin — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 15:52:56 GMT

But I don't want to drive a mobile home! On the other hand the idea of having to have my older son have to climb in and out makes me want to know which mid size to crossover SUV has the best 3rd row for ease of access.

Bigger 4WD SUVs or Smaller AWD ones?

wgb2 — Sat, 23 Feb 2008 00:01:33 GMT

Do I need heavier 4WD vehicles for mild off-road such as fire roads, and for heavy snow on mountain roads to ski resorts in the Cascades, or will the smaller AWD SUVs be good enough? I'm not a big off-roader and don't tow anything but 2-3 times a year, but Baker Mtn has some narrow, slow, roads with lots of snow.

I've heard both sides.

AWD and FWD?

luvlynspecial — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 15:14:24 GMT

What is the difference between AWD and FWD?

Are there specs for ground to floor height listed anywhere online?

srmoore1 — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 20:12:57 GMT

I am mostly interested in late model SUVs. My wife has arthritis and has trouble climbing in my '96 Dodge Ram 4x4. Looking for a new/used SUV or crossover. Thanks

Can anyone reccommend a luxury car that costs between $25/30 thousand with a lot of room?

benzboy2 — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 20:51:09 GMT

i already own a 2000 E430 mercedes benz, it is roomy , but i wanted to get something newer with the same space . it seems that the newer cars are made smaller .My mechanisc just got $600.00 out of me for brakes and a oil change .Then said i need shocks , struts, and new tires which will be approx $2400. Therefore , I think I should move on from this money pit !lol

thanks for your help
benzboy2

Is there a convertible under $50,000 that has a seating capacity of 5?

veburke — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 14:36:28 GMT

Other then the Jeep?

Can I use AWD in deep sand, or must I use 4WD?

dknight775 — Sat, 26 Jul 2008 16:02:00 GMT

I want to buy a mid-sized SUV to tow 3500-5000 lbs, commute, and off-road on a beach.

4 door luxury medium sized sedan, What's the best deal for the money; features, reliability, mileage, room etc. 2008 or 2007?

mayfletcher — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 01:37:23 GMT

Need to purchase a car asap. Definitly want 4 dr sedan.

What older model suvs (2004-2007ish) offer third row seating?

dboroff — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 14:01:47 GMT

As a mother of three and half (baby coming soon), I DO NOT want to be a mini-van Mom, therefore my husband and I are in the market for an SUV that gets decent gas milage and has the third row seating. We've always been Honda people and love the pilot but do not want to spend that much money, therefore we are willing to shop out of our comfort zone and possibly purchase something other than a Honda.

Hi, I am looking for a 7 seater Japanese car that is farly new and priced decently

nprasad1 — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 09:47:21 GMT

I would prefer Nissan, Toyota or Honda.

Looking for small SUV. Under $50k. Wife and large dog. Looking for fun, reliability. Driven Infiniti EX35 so far.

mayz — Sun, 19 Oct 2008 23:06:22 GMT

My wife and I have a large dog , no kids . Looking for a small suv thats fun to drive , reliable , have so far driven the Infiniti EX35 and liked very much. Considering Acura, Audi, looking for some advice...

Looking for used Mid-Sized wagon for up to $5000. Which car and model would be most reliable and best value?

yshanas — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 19:49:19 GMT

Looking for a used Mid Sized Wagon and contemplating between the various brands models and year made. I'm seeking a reliable car that will not be too expensive to service and preferably not too heavy on gas consumption.

What cars have a VVT or VVTI engine?

RADESH — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 05:09:05 GMT

List of names of cars with vvt or vvti ?

Are there any current model sedans other than the Prius with rear seats that fold flat? Need room for two large dogs.

clay_tiller — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 15:14:50 GMT

I have a Lexus RX350 that is the usual "dog car", but occassionally need to haul them in the other car. A Prius would work, but I'd prefer to avoid hybrids until battery technology improves.

What is the most reliable luxury SUV?

crazebabe — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 19:19:29 GMT

I have been looking for a reliable suv. My Husband and I have kept the Land Rover LR3 on the top of our short list along with the MDX AND BMW X5. However, as much as I love the LR3, I have heard of some major issues. After doing some research all Land Rover SUV's seem to have some kind of issue. We have owned a volvo xc90(brake issues and door popping open), Lexus GX470 (shimmy of steering wheel when braking), but we are not happy with any so far. We are back to driving our Ole 4runner, and doing fine with it, however, would like to upgrade to a little style and comfort.

I'm looking for a good used SUV between $10-14K?

olafb — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 17:50:59 GMT

I don't really like the smaller -utes, and the Expedition-Escalade crowd has the money for gas, but I don't. X5? RX 300? MDX? MD320?

What SUV is best for my situation?

Curio6 — Sun, 18 Jan 2009 18:34:59 GMT

I need an new SUV soon. I need a vehicle that can take alot of punishment. I drive 50,000 miles a year. I need cargo space, at least 65 cubic ft., and I need the vehicle to support at least a ton on a daily basis.

The vehicle should last 2-4 years and mpg somewhere around 18 in city.