Battle of the Hybrids

By JONATHAN WELSH

How do the 2010 Honda Insight and Toyota Prius hybrids compare? —Jeff Resnick, Coral Gables, Fla.

After test-driving both cars in close succession, I was struck by how different they are. Sure, they look like fraternal twins, and both use hybrid gasoline-electric-power systems to boost fuel economy. But the Toyota had a more solid ride and a high-tech feel that made me happy to drive it. The Honda had a cheaper feel, was noisy and rode more harshly—and its fuel economy wasn’t as good as the Prius’s.
The Prius also has the ability to run on electric power alone—a feature the Honda lacks. I could gently cruise two miles across town to our boys’ school, mainly using the battery and electric motor, and register 75 miles per gallon on the trip computer. Seeing such high numbers on the dashboard—though more psychological than truly meaningful—is a thrill the Honda cannot match.
I have a 1997 six-cylinder Toyota 4Runner with 260,000 miles. In 12 years, I have had the timing belt replaced twice, which is the only major maintenance I have had done. Someone told me that with continued regular maintenance, it should serve me for another 260,000 miles or more. It now needs struts, motor mounts and a new radiator, and the dealer says it will cost $2,000. Should I invest the money, or use it toward a down payment for a new 4Runner? —Jerri Griffin, Brookfield, Conn.
I usually recommend keeping aging cars as long as possible because doing so can be the surest way to control one’s automotive budget. That said, I think you may owe yourself a new vehicle.
Logging 260,000 miles is a great accomplishment, even by today’s standards. Your 4Runner may last another 260,000, but it will certainly need many more expensive repairs. While the maintenance and repair costs are unlikely to be as high as the cost of a new model, driving the older one is likely to cause more worry than it is worth.
I’ve bought six old-style (1989-1996) Buick Centuries over the past 17 years. They came decently equipped, averaged 25-plus mpg overall and accelerated well. Now it’s getting tougher to find old Centuries in decent shape. Any idea what to look for in a boxy, six-cylinder passenger car that fits the bill? —Bob Mampe, Buffalo, N.Y.
The first vehicle that comes to mind is the 2009 Ford Taurus. It is extremely roomy without being outsize, and its fuel economy is better than that of many smaller vehicles. Other possibilities include the Dodge Charger, the Chevrolet Impala and the Buick LaCrosse and Lucerne.
I have a 2005 Lincoln LS with almost 100,000 miles, and I have never serviced the transmission. When I slow down, I can sometimes feel the transmission downshift with a thud. The dealer wants me to have the transmission serviced at 100,000 miles, as recommended by the manufacturer. But I have heard that this might not be the right thing to do because the dirty fluid may be the only thing keeping the transmission shifting, because the clutches and other materials have broken down over time. —Gene Mangini, South Plainfield, N.J.
Make an appointment to change your transmission fluid as soon as possible. Far from holding your transmission together, dirty fluid brings with it the risk of clogs and accelerated wear, and a fresh dose of new fluid may smooth out its shifting. When you’re there, ask the mechanic to look at the transmission’s settings to make sure it is adjusted properly.—Email: mecar@wsj.com