Should you buy an all-new car or a proven carry-over car?

Fall brings the annual new-car model-year transition, and both television screens and dealership lots are now being filled with 2011 cars. Expect to be pummeled with ads focused on the latest performance, styling, and technology hype—all aimed at making your current ride seem boring, quaint, and destined for an imminent trade-in. But buying a brand-new model the minute it arrives from the factory may not be the best strategy.

Consumer Reports car-reliability data shows that most vehicles improve over the model run of their design, due to running changes to address bugs and owner niggles, and to improve general refinement. In other words, the first year for any new or redesigned model tends to bring the most problems. So, before rushing out to purchase such a model, be sure to consider a top-rated carry-over car—or wait for the second (or later) model year of a new design.

NHTSA investigates stalling problem in Volkswagen Jetta TDIs

Volkswagen diesels may be practical and fuel efficient, but perhaps not flawless.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has launched an investigation into stalling problems with 2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI diesel cars. According to the investigation, there have been seven complaints that the cars have unexpectedly stumbled, then almost immediately stalled while driving. NHTSA is looking for more information on how frequently this occurs and its potential safety effects. If you own a TDI and have experienced the problem, you can add your experience by filing a complaint on NHTSA's website.

We have been impressed with the two current-generation Jetta TDIs we have tested, a 2008 sedan and a 2010 wagon (coming soon), for their impressive fuel economy well-finished interiors and enjoyable driving dynamics. We were also impressed with the Golf TDI hatchback we tested. While we reported on our manual transmission-equipped 2010 Jetta and Golf TDI being overly easy to stall in some low-speed situations, such as second-gear stop-and-go traffic, we haven't experienced stalling as described in the NHTSA report. 

Fuel-efficient tires tested: Continental ProContact ECOPLUS+, Cooper GFE, Michelin Energy Saver A/S

Cooper GFE

We recently added two new tire models, the Cooper GFE and Michelin Energy Saver A/S, to the T-speed rated all-season tire ratings, available to online subscribers. Both are marketed as fuel-efficient tires with good all-season grip. It used to be if you wanted a fuel-efficient tire, your choices were limited to original equipment tires. (The automobile manufacturers often request fuel-efficient tires to bolster fuel-mileage ratings.) Last year Goodyear introduced the Assurance Fuel Max, marketing it as a fuel-efficient replacement tire. On Goodyear's heels, Cooper and Michelin introduced two new competing models. Also, Continental recently introduced the ProContact ECOPLUS +, and we have just posted ratings on that model, as well. (See our video showing tire testing and buying advice.)
 

Average gas prices--August 30, 2010

Gasoline prices are down in most areas of the country compared to the week before. The national gasoline average is $.07 above the price this time last year. Diesel fuel is about $.26 above this time last year.

National regular gasoline prices	Price	Change from last week
Regular gasoline/gallon	$2.68	↓ .02
Diesel fuel/gallon	$2.94	↓ .02
Regional regular gasoline prices
East Coast	$2.61	↓ .04
—New England	$2.68	↓ .04
—Central Atlantic	$2.64	↓ .04
—Lower Atlantic	$2.56	↓ .03
Midwest	$2.64	↑ .01
Gulf Coast	$2.53	↓ .04
Rocky Mountain	$2.82	↑ .01
West Coast	$3.04	↓ .04
—California	$3.09	↓ .05

Source: Energy Information Administration, 8/30/10. Figures rounded to the nearest cent.

Buick Regal earns IIHS Top Safety Pick designation

The Buick Regal is the latest in a fast-growing group of cars to earn a Top Safety Pick designation from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). (Read the full results.)

Earning that designation means a car has performed well in all of the Institute's tests, including a front crash test, side-impact test, head-restraint design, and its stringent new roof-crush test. IIHS rates cars in all these tests on a scale of Good, Acceptable, Marginal, and Poor. The Regal earned a Good in all these tests.

The Regal is the smallest model from Buick, brought over from GM's German Opel subsidiary. Look for a full test in our October issue and even sooner online.

Your vote: Should new car fuel economy labels include letter grades?

Option 1: Letters

Today the government proposed new fuel economy labels for the 2012 model year that will accommodate electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles. There are two different proposals being offered to the public for consideration before about Nov. 1.

The proposal comes in response to a demand for new fuel economy labels from Congress that requires new labels to take into account greenhouse gas emissions and fuel costs, not just miles per gallon. It also comes in the nick of time for the first new electric cars to hit the market late this fall, the Nissan Leaf and Chevrolet Volt. (Read: "Here come the electric cars: Chevrolet Volt, Nissan Leaf and more.")

"This is the first overhaul of the fuel economy labels in 30 years," says David Strickland, administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). "This update is long overdue." NHTSA developed the proposals in conjunction with the Environmental Protection Agency.

The new labels are published on the EPA and the NHTSA websites. And the official Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (PDF), lists a letter grade for every car currently sold.

Test complete video: 2010 Ford Flex

Drivers who need to carry more than five people can choose from models of various types and sizes. There are conventional minivans, three-row SUVs, and so-called microvans, each with their own pros and cons. For the September issue of Consumer Reports, on sale now, we tested a new or recently updated model from each group. And you might find the results surprising.

We tested the Ford Flex, Honda Accord Crosstour, Mazda5, and Toyota Sienna--quite different solutions for transporting families and their stuff. Prices for the vehicles in this test group ranged from $23,805 for the Mazda5 to $46,720 for the Flex.

Bluetooth engine-diagnostic scanner coming for Android phones

Photo: Courtesy of PLX Devices

The range of vehicle diagnostic tools available for mobile phones is expanding. We covered some upcoming models at last year’s Specialty Equipment Manufacturers Association convention.

Now PLX, one of the device-makers we covered there, is releasing new technology for phones based on the Google Android operating system. As with other PLX Kiwi models, if your car’s check-engine comes on, you can plug the device into the on-board diagnostic (OBD II) port that has been on all cars since the 1996 model year (see your owner’s manual for the location). The device communicates with your Android phone via Bluetooth to show trouble codes, list problems, and even allow you to reset your check-engine light. (If you haven’t fixed the underlying problem, however, it will come on again.)

IIHS criticizes government’s safety priorities

Problems like unintended acceleration and distracted driving have blinded public policymakers to more important traffic safety issues, according to a recent report by Adrian Lund, President of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The IIHS has become known as one of the nation’s leading safety advocates, mainly for its demanding testing and rating of vehicles’ crashworthiness. The agency is supported by the insurance industry.

To reduce deaths on America’s roads, Lund says, the most important safety issues that need to be addressed are speeding and running red lights, which he says have gotten short shrift to debates over unintended acceleration and driver distraction. He blames both the media and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for losing focus.

“The hypervisibility of these issues diverts attention from initiatives that have far greater potential to save lives,” he says. “There’s nothing rational about the way we set highway safety priorities.”

Test complete video: 2010 Mazda5

Like the Honda Accord Crosstour in our September magazine group, the Mazda5 is another segment-defying vehicle. Previously named a Top Pick in our April issue in the Family Hauler category, the Mazda5 continues to impress with its blend of comfort, versatility, and fuel economy.

Since our last test of the Mazda5, it received electronic stability control (ESC) for 2010. Based on the Mazda3, this mini-minivan delivers responsive handling, and a comfortable ride, although road noise is pronounced.

Despite its modest size, it is relatively roomy, with center-row captain’s chairs and sliding-doors adding to its family appeal. A small split-fold third-row seat can expand accommodations for up to six when needed.