Dear Tom and Ray:

I am looking for a new commuter car that is both reliable and gets great gas mileage. I work at Apple Computer, so while I'm busy saving an American icon, I don't want to have to worry about how I'm getting to the office every day! I've been attracted by the mileage of the Volkswagens with their TDI diesel engines, but I'm wondering why they aren't more popular. They get much better gas mileage, don't they? I won't buy a car until I hear from you. If you don't respond, I won't be able to go to work, I won't be able to continue my crusade to save Apple, and if Apple goes under, you'll have to consider yourselves partially responsible. No pressure, though! -- Doug

Ray: Geez, Doug. Sometimes the answer to a question practically leaps off the page at you. And it is absolutely clear to me that an individualist like you needs a new Volkswagen Beetle. Plus, it'll soon be available with that "Turbo Direct Ignition" diesel engine you're enamored with.

Tom: The new Beetle is a wonderfully cute, reliable commuter car that people are going absolutely gaga over. Everybody seems to love it; old folks, middle-aged folks, and, especially, young women. And given your obsession with computers, I suspect your social life can use such a boost!

Ray: And you're right, diesels do get better gas mileage than gasoline engines. They're also noisier, dirtier, slower and hard to start in cold weather. But they do have their devotees. And since you work at Apple Computer and are used to embracing seemingly superior technology that the rest of the world refuses to notice, there couldn't be a better engine for you than this! Enjoy the Beetle, Doug.

Changing your oil regularly is the cheapest insurance you can buy for your car, but how often should you change it? Find out by ordering Tom and Ray's pamphlet "Ten Ways You May Be Ruining Your Car Without Even Knowing It!" To order, send (check or money order) to Ruin, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475. You can also order online.

© 1998 by Tom and Ray Magliozzi and Doug Berman Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.

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