What new luxury sedans should I consider? | Car Doctor

Q: I have a 2014 Mercedes-Benz E350 that runs well, but I would like to get a new car, which will probably be my last car due to my age. However, I have been told by a few people that the new Mercedes is not as dependable as my old car! Are there any new luxury sedans that I should consider?

A: I do not think the overall reliability has gone down. There are more features/electronics that can get finicky. For overall dependability, I would look at the Lexus ES, the slightly smaller Acura TLX, or, for something a bit different, the Genesis G80. These are all exceptionally good luxury cars with the latest safety features.

How to get a car ready for daughter to bring to college

Q: My daughter will be allowed to bring a car to school after the Christmas break. I am trying to plan early and get our third car ready and safe for her. She already has a AAA membership. What more do you suggest?

A: Start with a safety inspection performed by a reputable repair shop and address any safety items − especially tires.

Check and change vital fluids. Chances are your student will not be getting the car's oil changed. Teach them how to check the oil, coolant level and tire pressure and, if possible, how to change a flat tire.

Check all the lights and replace wiper blades.

Put an emergency kit together with battery jump-pack (rather than jumper cables), portable air compressor, flashlight, flares/warning device, an extra quart of oil and a container of coolant.

Give the car a good wash (clean windows in and out) and wax.

Consider a dedicated gas credit card, and make sure the insurance and registration paperwork is up to date.

If the car requires a state inspection, and it is due to expire during the time away from home, consider doing it now before the car goes off to college.

Looking for a small SUV that isn't a Toyota, Honda or Hyundai

Q: I have an old Chevy Tracker that will need replacement soon. I want another small SUV. The important issues are ease of getting in and out, reasonable storage space, and easy to drive. My budget is $30,000. Here is the hard part: I want a vehicle that is not a Toyota, Honda or Hyundai.

A: You could look at the smaller Chevy Trax, slightly larger Trailblazer, and replacements for your Tracker. If all-wheel drive is not an issue, take a look at the Buick Envista. This is a sloping roof crossover that handles well, is pretty economical, feels quite luxurious inside and has all the latest safety features. The last one that I drove with every conceivable option, including special paint, had an MSRP of $29,070.

Volvo has computerized oil sensor instead of a dipstick

Q: I have a 2019 Volvo XC40 T5 R-Design. It does not have a dip stick to measure the oil level. It has an oil level sensor to measure the oil. This is indicated on a graph displayed on the dashboard. I had my local mechanic replace the sensor with a Volvo part, but I am not sure it is working correctly. Any suggestions?

A: In my opinion, electronic oil monitoring is an answer to a question no one has ever asked. As opposed to a dipstick, this system consists of a wire made of a special alloy. This combination results in properties that expand due to heat. The wire is encased in a housing and is held in tension by a spring.

The oil level measurement is done by closing the sensor circuit a brief period and measuring the current. The oil around the sensor cools the sensor wire and this changes the wire resistance. The higher the oil level, the greater the cooling.

The current provides a corresponding voltage to the Engine Control Module (ECM), which in turn provides the engine oil level, based on preprogrammed information about the relation between the corresponding voltage and the oil level.

All these are complicated electronics when a simple dipstick would do the same thing. The only way to determine if the sensor is working properly (provided there are no associated computer codes) is to drain the oil and measure the volume.

Is premium fuel really required in 2025 Honda CR-V?

Q: My daughter is considering buying a 2025 Honda CR-V, but I am concerned about Honda’s statement requiring premium fuel in the 1.5-liter turbo charged engine. I have read conflicting information on whether that is required or recommended. I am sure premium would be the best. If regular fuel is used, I am concerned about the engine warranty. Your thoughts, please.

A: According to page 568 of the 2025 Honda CR-V online owner’s manual, 87 octane is all that is required in the 2025 1.5-liter engine CRV. This is also the same recommendation for the 2024 model. Honda, as many other vehicle manufacturers, does recommend TopTier gas, but premium fuel is not required.

John Paul is the AAA Northeast Car Doctor. He has more than 40 years of experience in the automobile industry and is an ASE-Certified Master Technician. Write to John Paul, The Car Doctor, at 110 Royal Little Drive, Providence, RI 02904. Or email jpaul@aaanortheast.com and put “Car Doctor” in the subject field. Follow him on X @johnfpaul or on Facebook .

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: What new luxury sedans should I consider? | Car Doctor