Yoda guides you

TomTom, a maker of GPS navigation systems for cars, said that customers can download the voice of Star Wars Jedi master Yoda to guide them to their destination. Han Solo was to be made available in August. Each voice costs $12.95.

‘No-cost’ maintenance a drawing card

Cadillac, Lincoln and Jaguar all announced early this summer that they would offer no-cost maintenance to customers who lease or buy new cars, according to a report in the Wall Street Journal. Lincoln’s offer was to expire Sept. 7, while Cadillac and Jaguar said their plans would start with the 2011 models. BMW AG has offered no-hassle maintenance for more than 10 years, and Volvo Cars began promoting it last year. One reason BMW and other carmakers are eliminating out-of-pocket maintenance costs is that they want the cars kept up properly – by their dealers – so they fetch top dollar as certified pre-owned cars. The definition of “no-cost” is a little hazy. For example, Cadillac’s “Premium Care Maintenance” offer doesn’t cover brakes, while Volvo’s “Safe + Secure Coverage Plan” covers the first eight scheduled maintenance services for five years or 60,000 miles.

2010 used-car best bets

Edmunds.com has released its annual Used Car Best Bet Awards, based on a car’s reliability, safety and availability (on the premise that wider availability means more competitive prices and better value). They are: 2003-2008 Hyundai Elantra (compact sedan), 2003-2008 Toyota Camry (midsize sedan), 2006-2008 Hyundai Azera (large sedan), BMW 3 Series (coupe), 2003-2008 Mazda Miata (convertible), 2003-2008 Pontiac Vibe (wagon), 2003-2008 Honda CR-V (compact SUV/crossover), 2004-2008 Mitsubishi Endeavor (midsize SUV/crossover), 2003-2008 Chevrolet Tahoe (large SUV/crossover), 2003-2008 Infiniti G35 (luxury), and 2004-2008 Toyota Prius (hybrid).

AAA travel app

AAA TripTik Mobile, a new, free application for Apple iPhone users, uses GPS technology to display AAA-approved hotels and restaurants near a user’s location. Users can call to reserve a room or table and get maps and directions from within the app. The app also provides maps and turn-by-turn directions to attractions, events and Approved Auto Repair facilities, as well as user-entered addresses. It is said to be the only free iPhone app that displays gas station locations with updated fuel prices.

A squeak is just a squeak…or not

AutoMD.com has released a list of five commonly misdiagnosed vehicle symptoms. Symptom No. 1: Vehicle pulls to one side. Though often diagnosed as misalignment, the real culprit could be improperly inflated or damaged tires. Symptom No. 2: Engine won’t start. Common diagnosis is a dead battery, when in fact, the alternator might be failing to charge the battery. Symptom No. 3: Clunking or squeaking noise when driving over bumps. Common misdiagnosis is worn front struts or shock absorbers, when the problem could actually be worn stabilizer bar ends. Symptom No. 4: Air conditioning not cold enough. Common misdiagnosis is low refrigerant levels; alternative diagnosis is a refrigerant leak. Symptom No. 5: “Check Engine” light is on with an oxygen sensor code. Common misdiagnosis is that the oxygen sensor is bad, when the problem could actually be a vacuum leak in the engine.