European Stars And Stripes (Newspaper) - February 26, 1987, Darmstadt, Hesse Thursday february 26, 1987 the Etas and stripes Pago 13 1986 compact cars Cost More to own operate Hertz says Detroit us l higher sticker prices raised the Cost of owning and of crating a new 1986 compact car by 1.8 percent 1o a record $4,84s despite lower fuel prices ind interest rates tie latest Hertz corp. Study shows. The annual estimates showed the Cost of owning and running such a cur has tripled since 1972, inc year before the first Arab Oil embargo. In 1985 it Cost $4,764 to own and run a similar size automobile Hertz sitcoms Are calculated on a normally equipped car driven an average 10,000 Miles a year for five years the typical distance motorists drive during the lire five years of new car ownership. The study said Cut rate financing of fers by car makers during most of 1986 were offset by higher Purchase prices and insurance premiums which accounted for the bulk of the increase. Although interest Rales declined to re curd tows in Many cases interest costs did not drop As much because More Money was paid for the new models. Hertz said the typical compact car last Vear Cost $10,439, up 6.2 Pyrc Cal from 19.834 in 1985 and 205 percent higher limn $3,425 paid in 1972. It also noted that inc higher Purchase prices translated into higher insurance costs. Repairs License tech and taxes were up also but by no As much. As expected ownership and operating costs were less for a subcompact while being the most expensive for a full sic car. However costs o own and run a Enid is i Model increased inc most Ris ing 19 percent 10 s5.6i3 from $4,7is in 19u5, the study found. Subcompact car costs declined 1.2 Pyrc Cal 10 14,042. Costs for full sized cars stayed even with 1985 Levels at $6,298. An average of All car Sites showed ownership and operating costs up 4.7 percent last year to $5,253. Hertz spokesman Leigh Smith said owning and operating costs for minivans would fall Between the intermediate and full size car classes placing annual expenses for them at about $5,880, radar i i room put a twi or to i Ropoc in to Itterl by picking up Ign Litorin War my do 4 to pm by cockpit it Mutt control by vote wtomtk9wr Dziat. Humpty a Quality. Telephone cd Pont n Hijii in w of not poof. Control i few Kikm a thu. Or Tor Down t i a lip xxi Etc. Engine 10 a tent Inonu in yet 19 pollution Side window brakes anti lock by a to pro writ i kidding. Body Tough . Car of the future this is an artist s concept inn of the of science. The primary feature is a 21t in Ury car described by panellists computerized Nair lion system at a Chicago conference of the Arnt i which picks up electronic signals from can association for the advancement wires a Modded in the i Chhav. 1987 brings last rear wheel drive Continental by Jan a. Zvetina Detroit up car Alicel drive die hards take note after 1987, the Lincoln Continental switches to a front wheel drive format. The current version which has been around since 1982, is smaller than its stately town car stablemate but larger than the new generation of front a Eccl drive luxury cars from general motors corp., namely the Cadillac Seville. Only a four door Sedan is offered. To its credit inc Continental keeps some of inc styling that has set it apart from the others in this luxury Market. Although formal looking its rounded front and mildly fashioned Bustle Back trunk give it a distinct and pleasing profile. There Are no big changes in the 1987 Continental. The usual upgraded corrosion package it larger Bat Tery and some reshuffling of the give achy designer series trim arc about the Only differences. The fast major change came in 1986 when the Continental was blessed with anti lock brakes As Standard equipment. Multiple port electronic fuel injection was also added to its 5.0 liter is engine boosting horse Power from 140 to 150. The engine is coupled to a four Speed automatic overdrive transmission. Epa ratings arc 17 m pm City 2 7 mpg Highway. The Continental evaluated Cost $29,205, including a $524 destination charge. Five options were added to its $26,402 base including leather scats $560a Ste Reo cassette player $506 and an anti theft system $200. The Continental s dashboard has no dials or gauges. A digital display records the Speed in Large fluorescent numbers. Smaller numbers denote the odometer and a siring of buttons in the Center of the dash operate the on Board Tnp computer. A digital Compass and thermometer arc nestled by this is the last year for the rear Whyl drive Lincoln Continental which retains its individual look. Tween the Sun visors. The option also has an ice Alert signal a sensor measures temperature and humidity to determine if the roads might be icy and a digital automatic climate control system hat keeps Interior temperatures constant. Some Drivers especially taller ones May find accommodations a bit tight. If the Power seats Are raised to gel a Good View of the Road the till steering wheel winds up in one s Lap when in the lowest position. In other positions the rim blocks the View of the Speed Ometer. The shift lever makes it Tough to reach inc rear window defogger switch when in drive. Legroom and headroom arc Fine All around for four occupants. Rear sealing is comfortable for two. But a bit intimate for three. So much for the bad Points. The Continental with its Gas filled shocks and microprocessor controlled air suspension gives a ride As smooth As Glass and As silent As a Library. It is More agile and manageable than the town car although much of inc Road feet has been tuned out to give it a luxury ride. The anti lock disc brakes a feature that should be Standard on every car bring this 3,800-Pound Sedan to a Stop without any fanfare even on icy roads. Fit and finish on inc lest car were outstanding reflecting Ford s renewed commitment to Quality. The 1987 Continental is a pleasure to drive and a Fine car. For car wheel drive fans it is the last of the Breed. Front wheel drive Cathu spaits can look Forward to the 1988 Continental. Complo on the Lincoln Continental n Avail cafe irom i cafes now Cai sales to
