Q. Do car dealers make more
money on
new cars or good late-model used cars? -- M.S. (via Internet)
A. They generally make more
money on good late-model used cars.
Q.
i'm looking for a 1965 Ford Mustang with a 289-cubic-inch V8. What
should I pay? Should I look for one that's been restored? Are there any
comparable cars I should look at? -- G.C. (via Internet)
A. You're looking for the most desirable 1965 Mustang, which means many
owners will ask far more than it's worth. The Sports Car Market Price
Guide puts this model in original condition (no substitute engine,
etc.) at $22,500 (Low price) to $30,500 (High price). Forget a genuine
restoration (not just a quickie paint job and such) because the costs
might bury you. The '65 Mustang actually didn't drive all that well.
Opt for the slightly larger, more refined 1967 Mustang convertible with
a 289 V-8. That model will cost less. It looks much like the '65
Mustang, but is a considerably better car.
Q. My
new Buick has been driven only about five months, but the brakes squeal
and the defroster doesn't work well. The Buick dealer says there's
nothing wrong with the car. -- D.R. (via Internet)
A. The dealer is just trying to brush you off. Of course, the brakes
should not squeal, and the defroster should work. The car is under
warranty. Find another dealer or good independent mechanic. You might
also call Buick Customer Service.
Q.
I'm looking for a 1956-57 Continental Mark II convertible. Know of any
for sale? -- H.G. (via Internet)
A. Ford Motor Co. never made a production Continental Mark II
convertible. A prototype was built, and the last I heard is that it
belongs to a member of the Ford family. The limited-production Mark II
two-door coupe is becoming an increasingly valuable collector car, as
well it should be. It was the most expensive American auto when
introduced. Avoid a Mark II with the top chopped off by an independent
outfit. Note that the retractable hardtop later put on the 1957-59 Ford
Fairlane 500 Skyliner model originally was intended for the
Mark II.
Q. I keep reading that younger
folks
aren't all that interested in cars. True or false? -- F.K. (via
Internet)
A. MTV, a division of Viacom, says a recent research study says
Millennials love their cars more than social media and texting.
However, its survey said the auto industry, to win over this
population segment, should provide "more targeted car advertising,
increased customization options and a more transparent buying process."
Q.
What are the most popular car colors? -- J.S. (via Internet)
A. Swapalease.com, which bills itself as the nation's largest
car lease marketplace, says the ten most popular colors, in the
following order, are black, white, silver, dark grey, grey, red, blue,
dark blue, brown and dark red.
Q. I
have a classic 1963 Studebaker Avanti, actually the third made at the
Studebaker plant in South Bend, Indiana. Can you tell me what it's
worth? -- S.B. (via Internet)
A. The sleek,
record-breaking Studebaker Avanti was only built in South Bend. An
advanced four-seat coupe, it was styled under the legendary designer
Raymond Loewy and still turns heads.The price (and performance) depend
on if you have an Avanti R1 with its nonsupercharged V-8 or the
identical-looking R2 with a more powerful supercharged version of that
V-8. The Sports Car Market Price Guide values the R1 at $18,000 to
$28,000 and the R2 at $21,000 to $34,000. Prices for good Avantis were
stuck in the teens for years, but the car finally has been "discovered"
by collectors. It's supported by an excellent owners association.
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