Test Your Automotive I.Q.

Published Aug 23rd 2006, 12:42am by Jody DeVere in Featured Articles

Your turn to be an Automotive Expert by answering questions posed to the Ask Patty advisory panel of Automotive Expert women. Post your answers using the comment link on the bottom of this post.

Question from Christiha: My ex-husband left me with a car note 'I cannot afford. It is $564.00 per month.He was driving it for nine months and decided to give to me against my wishes and he gave to me with bad brakes and tires. He paid the payments on time, FYI. The car has too much negative equity in it and I can't sell it outright (cars.com). I don't know else to do but file bankruptcy and not keeping that car. I am swamped an don't know what to do!

Question from Barbara: Time for a convertible. I want a 4 seater and liked the 2007 Solara conv until I saw the 2007 C70 Volvo, which is more than I want to pay. Have owned 3 Volvos in the past and now have a '98 Camry. The Volvo seems safer and not so bulky; but toyota has this reputation for reliability. What's the latest on the C70 reliability, and will the hydrolics in the hardtop have lots of problems. In other words, tell me its OK to go for the Volvo!! Thanks.

Question from Marie: I took the family Honda Element in for the 30k service and on the invoice it said the breaks .6mm and .5mm. How am I supposed to know if the breaks are still good?

Question from Sara: I purchased a new 2006 Toyota Corolla in March of this year. When I had my oil changed at 5,000, the technician told me the transmission was leaking. I took it to the dealer and they have to completely replace my transmission. Should I accept this or request a new car? Thanks in advance.

Question from P: My 80 year old mother would like to buy a newer vehicle; currently she has a 2000 GMC Jimmy. She lives on a rural dirt road and feels she needs the 4-wheel drive. She says cars are too low and prefers the high seat. All of her kids are concerned for her safety, since she began driving two years ago after a 40 year hiatus. What vehicle would you suggest and why?

Question from Tilda: I'm writing for a friend who doesn't have internet: What do you make of this? The engine light comes on in a 2 week old 2006 Honda CRV. When brought to the dealer, the light is reset, and friend is told that the gas cap had not been closed tightly after a fill up, which explained the warning light. Later that day, the engine light glows yet again, and the car starts shaking. This time the dealer informs that the CRV driver had purchased "bad gasoline," which has damaged the car.She is told that repairs are necessary (fuel injector, perhaps) and that the car will be as good as new. Does this sound possible? My friend fears that she has got a lemon. Any thoughts? Can gasoline cause these symptoms? Gas was purchased at major chain gas station. Any feedback will be much appreciated. Thank you!

Question from Jeannie: I have a Mitsubishi Montero 2000. the steering wheel is shaking on occasion. do you know what could be causing this?

Question from Lisa:Does it really make more sense for me to have my infant car seat placed behind the passenger seat in the 2006 toyota prius? They say the middle has a bump on the seat which would make the car seat unstable.