Q: We test drove the Lincoln MKC SUV and loved everything about it except this: instead of a gear shifter, it’s got buttons. So you punch a button to put it into drive or reverse or whatever. I’m worried that’s too gimmicky, or that maybe the buttons won’t hold up. I’m afraid it might be something that when we trade it in three years might be detrimental. What do you think?
A: I wouldn’t worry about it. This is by no means the only automatic car that’s getting shifted these days by using something other than a lever. For example, several models of Mercedes have utilized a rotary knob device instead of a lever shifter for quite some time, and the Chrysler 200 has a rotary knob as well. Acura’s TLX has push buttons.
So this is not likely to devalue the car — which, by the way, is getting rave reviews from many quarters — at trade-in.
And, just so you know, push-button shifting is not a new thing. Decades ago they were actually fairly common. Many Chrysler models had button shifting, as did the Nash Rambler.
Q: Last fall I received a weak-bumper recall on my 2015 Honda Fit, which I got repaired in less than an hour at the dealership. But my sister, who also bought a new Fit last year, never received a recall notice. When she called the dealership they said her Fit wasn’t recalled. I’m worried. How can it be that one needs fixing and one doesn’t?
A: You no doubt bought an early model-year version of the Fit — one that was built prior to the end of May 2015.
Once the need for a stronger front bumper was made clear (thanks to crash-test ratings) Honda began, in June, installing fortified bumpers on all the Fits it was building. None of those need replacing because they’ve been constructed with the same methods and strength as the dealerships are employing when they’re tackling the recalls.
My guess is that your sis got a Fit that was manufactured later in the year so it’s safe. If concerns remain, she can go to safercar.gov, type in the vehicle identification number and she’ll learn if there’s an open recall on her vehicle.
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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 [email protected].