Flashy and Small

Q: We love our son’s new Mercedes CLA, especially the smallish size. We’d like a small premium vehicle, but we don’t wish to do business with our local Mercedes dealer because of a history. Are there other comparable vehicles, from a size and luxury perspective? A: You might check out the Audi A3 and S3, and BMW’s M235i. Each is luxury in a small (fuel-efficient) package. Q: We’ve got eight grandchildren, from ages 2 to 8, and they visit often. We’re extremely careful, of course, but wonder, as we consider car-buying options, if it’s worth the extra expense to get a rear-view camera. A: I’m glad you’re so careful. And I would hope that caution would continue even if you get a car equipped with a rear camera, as I regard the backup camera as supplemental to extreme diligence, not an excuse to drop the watchfulness. There’s some evidence that having such cameras can prevent accidents of the sort that concern you. A study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety found that rear cameras work better than parking sensors at preventing drivers from backing over kids or hitting objects. The test used a foam dummy, not real children, which is definitely worth noting. Also worth saying: although drivers with review cameras had fewer collisions, they hit the dummy or other object 56 percent of the time. Yup. Technology helps. Caution is imperative. Q. Would you ever consider letting your insurance company install one of those data-collection device on your car for the slim chance of getting a rate discount? A: Yes. I’m a low-mileage driver, rarely speed, rarely have to slam on my brakes hard and never drive in the late night or wee hours (the higher risk times). And I like saving money. At this point, insurance companies are saying that whatever they discover from these devices, your insurance rates won’t go up. But many consumers worry that even if that’s true today, it won’t be tomorrow. I understand that. But with my driving habits, I think there’s no way for whatever information is collected to bite me in the backside. Not all people, of course, are quite that confident about how others might assess their driving! And some don’t want to sacrifice any privacy. What’s your question? Sharon Peters would like to hear about what’s on your mind when it comes to caring for, driving and repairing your vehicle. Email Sharon@ctwfeatures.com.