Consumer Reports has three articles in today's issue worth nothing. A headlight restoration kit review for those of us with older cars. A long article on the Prius V, a new and larger model. And BMW X-3 review.
First the headlights. I have been interested in shining "hazy headlights" for some time, and now CU presents a well researched article with recommendations. The best they found was quite good. Sylvania Headlight Restoration Kit. $21 Six steps, showed the most improvement of all brands tested, and had no degradation over three months. Hardly worth looking at the others, as some are not long lasting. But the 3M Headlight Lens Restoration System 29008 is only $15, requires and electric drill, and was four steps with "great improvement".
The Prius V is getting good reviews in many magazines (I read several auto magazines). Some say it drives and rides better than the smaller Prius. Yet gets similar or better gas mileage. A recent article (not CU) said that small cars do not get really good gas mileage as they are not very aerodynamic. So it is a myth to buy a tiny car expecting "amazing" gas mileage. Most super-small cars get no better gas mileage than Camry, Sonata, and other, larger cars.
The new Prius V is larger in almost all dimensions and has much more room inside, yet gets 41 MPG. Powertrain is almost seamless. Ride compliant and composed. Handling sound (but not agile). Well put together, big windows. Seats are well designed and comfortable. It is likely to be highly rated by CU as well as the other magazines.
The BMW X-3 also got a good rating and a red check mark in this issue. I think it is made in SC,. is it not ? CU rated it as the rare SUV that is fun to drive. And rated it higher than the others in its (small) category.
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