2007 Audi Q7 Update: 104,000 Miles and Going Strong

As I type this, I'm keeping my fingers crossed (typing with crossed fingers is difficult, maybe I'll cross my toes). I'm not usually superstitious, but I'm sitting in the local Audi dealership while my 2007 Q7 (with 104,300 miles on it) is in the service center getting new brakes, a new brake light, a recall repair, and hopefully a good bill of health. I love my Q7 and I don't want anyone to say anything derogatory about it, especially a service tech after he looks under the hood. Those types of conversations are expensive. I do have a "Mature Audi" coupon to get 10% off this service, so there's that. I'm mature driving a mature Audi. Damn. This day is starting to get rough. 

Bring on Winter! 11 Winter Driving Tips

Winter is here! Or it'll soon be here. Or will hopefully start soon. 

I love winter. I love the snow, the frost, and the cold, dry air. One of my favorite things is being outside on a clear, cold day and having my nostrils freeze together with each intake of breath. Makes me feel alive! 

Driving in the snow and ice takes special care, and should never be done with complacency. Even if we have four-wheel drive, snow tires, or chains, we all must continue to drive with great caution and awareness. Don't forget: You are not invincible, but someone else on the road thinks they are.

2013 Kia Sorento EX: A Good SUV

I drove a 2013 Kia Sorento for a week, logging 165 miles of combined town and highway driving. I found the Sorento to be a capable family vehicle with a third row that could deploy for emergency car pool situations. The interior was nice, the ride was comfortable, and the kids weren't embarrassed by the Sorento. For some reason, however, the 12-year old is embarrassed by me no matter what I drive, wear, or say. I have a feeling it has everything to do with me.

2012 Volkswagen Touareg: Now They're Cookin' with Gas AND Diesel

The 2012 VW Touareg is a fun, powerful SUV with none of the quirkiness of associated with the brand. I took a tour of Marin County in a TDI Clean Diesel and truly forgot that I was driving a Volkswagen. It's nicely appointed inside and out, and has those cool LED daytime running lights in the front that I love. It's time for luxury SUV drivers to consider a stop at the VW dealer to check out the latest Touareg. Plus you get to choose your fuel fav: gasoline, diesel, or a supercharged hybrid.

Q & A with Car Mama: Three Rows of Luxury

Car Mama answers your questions! A reader recently sent this: 

Infiniti QX56

Q. Dear Car Mama: I live on Long Island with my three kids, husband, and our nanny. My husband and I both work full-time and like to fill our weekends with adventure, as well as soccer games and trips to the park. I would like a luxury SUV with All Wheel Drive (or 4 Wheel Drive) that has captains chairs in the 2nd row and an easy-to-access 3rd row. My husband already has a GMC Denali, so I don't want another one of those. And I really don't want a minivan. Suggestions?

2012 Ford Explorer - 225,000 Miles or Bust

Before 2011, Ford Explorers were never high on my list of vehicles with exciting design, so when I heard about the re-design, I didn't give it much thought since the last re-design wasn't what it said it was. But then I saw it. Finally an Explorer that's up-to-date, not too round, and not to square. But would it perform up to the standards that Explorer owners expect? Could it bring buyers from other brands? 

2012 Audi A7: A Cure for The Common Mid-life Crisis

I can't deny that I'm in love with the new Audi A7. It's fun to drive, fast, spacious, and has nice headlights. I'm all for hatchbacks as long as they're this sexy.

 

Audi Q7 - Happy Driver, Happy Family

I don't want to admit it, but the phrase "Happy Mom, Happy Family" is, in fact, true. I don't want to admit that my mood swings (which can shift with the wind) affect my family. As our kids get older, I get smarter -- or less stubborn -- and I can now admit that most of the familial happiness revolves around me. I also never wanted to admit that I'm a control freak, but I am. I'll let my husband be in charge of the car radio when he drives, but God save him if he reaches for the dial when I'm driving. Maybe my car's vanity plates should read "Scorpio" instead of "CarMama." 

2011 Ford Edge - My Second Look

If you read my first review of the 2011 Ford Edge, you know that I really, really liked it. I like the looks, the drive, and especially the technology. I know the front grill isn't popular with everyone, but it does demand attention and Ford deserves a nod for going bold. If you've read all my reviews, then you know that I'm impressed with how Ford has designed and developed their brand in the last 2 years. I think the partnership with Microsoft on the Sync(R) system was brilliant.

The Car Buying Experience: Not for the Faint of Heart

Bye-bye, Sweet Lexus

On the last day of January, my beloved 2001 Lexus RX 300 was hit at an unfortunate angle by a large Chevy Suburban. After weeks of driving a rental and not knowing the status of my Lexus repair, the insurance company decided to total my Lexus. Ugh. Our Family Master Plan did not include buying a new car in 2011. One would think a car reviewer would have a long list titled "Cars I'm Going Buy" (in prioritized order), but it's way more complicated than that. We haven't had a car payment for 7 years. Getting a new SUV or Crossover opens us up to all the various decisions I write about in this Blog: How big? 3 rows? 4WD or AWD? Regular gas or premium at premium prices? New or used?

2011 Chevy Equinox LTZ: Nice Brochure

I drove the 2011 Chevrolet Traverse in October 2010 and thought it was OK. It paled in comparison to the tricked out 2011 Ford Flex, but I could see it's place for Chevy-lovers. I feel the same way about the Equinox. On paper, this is a nice Crossover: good gas mileage, great cargo space, On*Star, etc. But behind the wheel it's just ho-hum. There are too many buttons on the dash and poor visibility. This is not a vehicle that will convert me from a luxury buyer to a Chevy buyer.

This List Goes to 11: Top 11 Family Sedans & Wagons

Here is my list of the top 11 family sedans and wagons you should drive if you're one who likes 4 manual doors (vs. the sliding doors of a minivan). I tried for the Top 5, then the Top 10, but had to add a Hybrid option. So now my list goes to 11.

2009 Subaru Outback: Unflappable & Unstoppable

Plays Well with Mud

No matter the weather or the season, our Subaru Outback is perfect. It isn't flashy, it isn't super fast, but it gets the job done without complaint and with such capability that you just stop noticing how well the car works. The Outback is at the ready all the time. Add some good weather-appropriate tires and I think you can go anywhere.

2010 Lexus RX 450h AWD - Safe Luxury for the Family

2010 Lexus RX 450h

There is one benefit of having your car die: you get to drive a new car. Well, not always, but I was lucky this time. When my 2001 Lexus RX 300 AWD needed a new transmission I took it to the local dealer to be fixed and they loaned me a 2010 RX 450h AWD for 2 weeks. This loaner sure beat the 1998 Toyota Camry I got as a loaner from the tire place last year -- I actually had to roll the windows up and down manually!

Give Thanks for Your Transmission

Not a Good Combo

If you follow me on Twitter (@car_mama), then you heard about my car dying on the side of the road recently. The transmission went out -- specifically the planetary gear broke. I went through a plethora of emotions over the next 3 days, but have come out of this experience with some good knowledge and advice for car owners.

Car Mama's Top 6 Minivans to Test Drive

If you're in the market for a minivan, my top 6 to test drive (in order) are:

1. Honda Odyssey (reviewed in October 2010)
2. Toyota Sienna (reviewed in November 2010)
3. Nissan Quest (review of 2011)
4. Kia Sedona 
5. Volkswagen Routan (reviewed in November 2010)
6. Dodge Grand Caravan 

2011 Toyota Sienna Limited AWD - Mutiny in The Backseat

The 2011 Toyota Sienna Limited is like an airplane: cockpit in the front, then First Class, and Economy Plus is in the back. If you have more than 2 kids, expect mutiny from those seated in the 3rd row of the Sienna Limited. Those 2 kids in the "Swagger Wagon" videos don't fight, but once Baby #3 comes along and takes one of those captains chairs, I'm sure we'll see some tantrums pop up on You Tube.

2011 Chevy Traverse 2LT - Good Option for Active Families

Most of the Moms I talk to about cars are looking for the option of hauling more kids. To haul more people, you need more space and the third row is the way to go. This week I drove the 2011 Chevrolet Traverse, a larger crossover with a third row and seating for 7 or 8.

2011 Ford Edge Limited AWD - Sweet Technology

Last weekend I took advantage of having my husband home to watch the kids and the new puppy, and I went to Novato Ford to check out the new 2011 Edge. It was a great visit and I now have serious tech envy.

2001 Lexus RX300 AWD

When we bought my Lexus RX300 (AWD) in 2000, I didn't think much about the longevity of the car since my entire being was focused on our newborn son. I was interested in how easily the car seat installed and that the second row slid back and forth so I could reach him from the front seat. Safety was a major factor, of course, but so was the nice space between the front seats for my purse.