AUTO NEWS

NEW RECALL RULE CAN HELP USED CAR BUYERS

A new rule by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration requires automakers' public websites to allow searches for active recalls using a car's or truck's vehicle
identification number (VIN). Some car companies already do it, but this is the first regulation that standardizes and
simplifies the searches. The rule also applies to motorcycle manufacturers. It can provide more security for used car shoppers and boost the effectiveness of recalls.

"The goal here is to increase recall completion rates through greater consumer awareness. Providing safety recall information on the websites of automakers is effective and uses databases car companies already maintain," says the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers.

The companies don't have to list recalled vehicles that have been repaired, just those that haven't. Recalls are never 100 percent completed and some may linger on for years. NHTSA says about 75 percent of recalled vehicles get fixed. But some owners don't bother to do it and some don't know about the recall.

NEW CAR SAFETY SYSTEMS REDUCE CRASHES

When shopping for a car, it's best to look for one that scores well on safety tests from both the National Highways Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Both groups conduct crash tests, but they do them differently. 

Visibility. There is currently no requirement for new cars to have backup cameras, but NHTSA says it recommends them. The rear view cameras are offered now on luxury cars.
They are standard equipment on Honda's Accord, Civic and CR-V, according to Kiplinger's Personal Finance. Studies by IIHS show that among newer technologies these systems help reduce crashes the most: 

Forward collision warning systems. They use sensors to alert you if you're approaching the vehicle in front of you too quickly. More advanced versions include automatic braking.
If you don't heed the warning the vehicle will slow down on its own. The feature is now available on Chevrolet Malibu, $395 with lane departure warning, Honda Accord, standard on EX-L and higher trims, and on Ford Fusion, $995 in a package with adaptive cruise control and automatic braking. 

Adaptive front lighting systems. They adjust the headlight beams as you steer giving you a better view in the dark. It's standard on expensive cars, but is an option on others.

CLEAN RUNNING DIESELS ARE 'HOT'

A diesel engine has 20 percent to 40 percent better fuel mileage than a gasoline engine, one reason manufacturers are offering them. Some examples:

• The Chevrolet Cruze compact sedan; 
  
  
• the Jeep Grand Cherokee SUV; 
  
  
• the Mazda Mazda6 midsize sedan, and 
  
  
• the Ram 1500 full sized standard pickup. 
  
  
• Volkswagen has the Beetle, Golf, Jetta, Passat sedan and wagon.
  

WHO'S BUYING CARS DESIGNED FOR YOUNG HIPSTERS? BABY BOOMERS, THAT'S WHO

For generations, auto buying declined for consumers entering their golden years. Now, the 55 to 64 year-old group is most likely to be buyers of new cars. 

While the auto industry spends billions to woo buyers who are in their 20s and 30s, they might be better off chasing their parents. The older set is healthy and in many cases still employed. They want to express themselves in their automobile choices, such as the Ford Fiesta and Fiat 500.  

The popular Chevrolet Volt is part of the trend. It operates two ways, in all electric mode (battery powered) for about 38 miles, then switches to extended range mode (gasoline powered,) which extends range for hundreds of additional miles. Toyota motors has a boomer favorite with its funky looking Scion xB. One buyer says its boxy, low slung design makes it look young. 

The Kia Soul was designed for youthful buyers, but it's now one of the top 10 cars bought by baby boomers. One reason, the car is more accessible than others. It's easy to get into and out of. 

General Motors' Chevy Sonic subcompact was created for 18 to 30 year-olds, but 42 percent of its buyers are retirement age, according to car shopping website Edmunds.com.

THESE ARE THE MOST POPULAR FULL SIZED SEDANS

No. 1: The 2014 Chevrolet Impala 2LT. It has high styling, blind spot warning, forward collision alert, large trunk, rear parking sensors and backup camera. Cost is $35,770.

No. 2: 2013 Chrysler 300S. With eight speed transmission, high ride quality, "masculine looks," rear cross traffic detection and Uconnect infotainment/navigation. Cost is $37,925.

No.3: Hyundai Azera. Features five year warranty, backup camera power steering wheel, panoramic sunroof, rear and side sunshades, heated rear seats, and thigh supports. Cost is $37,225.

No. 4: 2013 Dodge Charger SXT Plus. With performance a blast, rear drive, blind spot warning, cross traffic detection, backup camera, power adjustable pedals, heated/ventilated seats, heated/cooled cup holders. Cost is $37,910. 

No. 5: 2013 Toyota Avalon. A luxurious looking sedan with 10 air bags. Fun to drive with V6 engine. Titanic backseat has virtually no floor hump, according to USA Today reviewers. Cost is $32,000.

No. 6: Ford Taurus Limited. Great handling and steering, incredibly comfortable, backup camera, rear paring sensors, can fit three child seats in rear, huge trunk space. Cost is $35,790.

No. 7: Nissan Maxima 3.5 SV. The only one with continuously variable ration automatic transmission, has extendable thigh support and heated steering wheel, great power and handling. It costs $37,475.

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