Very satisfied with my 2013 sel. Only problem is, is with my reverse sensing sytem. Camera works fine, sound doesn't. That being said, Can't complain about hgwy gas mileage, as far as the "soot" thing goes, I belong to the same club. Found what I consider a reliaable Tech. on "just answer". I had the question about why soot was forming on the chrome edges. I was told in was "normal", without getting into details, and since the vehicle doesn't use oil, what can I say!