Another cash for clunkers question. My mother has a 2003 or 2004 Kia Sedona minivan. The government website says its combined mileage rating is 16 mpg. It's got a lot of miles on it, not in great condition and probably not worth $4500 - trade it in for an efficient small car? [more inside]
posted by thewalrus on Jul 29, 2009 - 9 answers

Do I have any recourse if an airline deletes my mileage points? [more inside]
posted by tangyraspberry on Jul 29, 2009 - 6 answers

Just got a Pennsylvania title for my car (2000 Rav4) - title indicates the correct odometer reading (~120,00 miles), then says "MILEAGE EXCEEDS THE MECHANICAL LIMITS." What the what? That status is apparently used for cars with 5-digit mechanical odometers when the numbers roll over after 99,999 miles. Mine is digital. It clearly reads 6 digits. Is this a big deal? Should I get a new title? Will this be a problem in the future if I try to sell the car? Has this happened to anyone else?
posted by billysumday on Jul 19, 2009 - 6 answers

As an avid hiker, I'm looking for a (much) more capable trailhead vehicle than my current 98 Ford Escort. Requirements are inexpensive, good mpg, 4wd (preferably on demand and with 4low), good clearance, reliable and inexpensive to maintain. For reasons I can't fathom, I've been thinking about importing a Suzuki Jimny from Japan and have some questions about that too. I live in Canada (Vancouver). [more inside]
posted by dithered on Jan 22, 2009 - 18 answers

Is it worth it? Mazda Protege vs. Toyota Camry! [more inside]
posted by bob bisquick on Oct 20, 2008 - 9 answers

What car should I buy? I have to replace my 2003 Cavalier (worth 6k), and I want to find something with better gas mileage that is reliable. I don't think I can afford more than $10,000, and the closer to $6,000 the better. [more inside]
posted by metricfan on Jul 20, 2008 - 10 answers

By using Google maps, I can figure out not just how to get from point A to point B, but also the number of miles and approximate time it would take to get from A to B. Is there a map that will also let me approximate gallons of gas? [more inside]
posted by jujube on Jul 2, 2008 - 9 answers

A friend has a 10-year old Lexus (with only ~50k miles on it!) that gets driven 2-4 miles per week. Is there any harm in this? (It is a second car for one person.) Oil would keep recirculating due to the weekly drive and the alternator should keep the battery charged. Right? I mean, if the car is fueled only once every 12-18 months can that be good for it? (sediment?) Would any other problems be likely?
posted by umlaut on Jun 29, 2008 - 13 answers

Driving from Pennsylvania to South Carolina with a bike and a kid cart for the bike. Which will create less drag, putting them on top of our Ford Focus wagon, or on a bike rack on the back?
posted by Toekneesan on Jun 25, 2008 - 3 answers

Help us pick a car! We're looking for a good used family car. We have two daughters, a 2 1/2 year old and a newborn and need a car that can accommodate an infant car carrier without putting the front passenger's knees in the glovebox. [more inside]
posted by Reverend John on Jun 5, 2008 - 23 answers

Why is my cars gas mileage so low? [more inside]
posted by LoopyG on Jun 4, 2008 - 35 answers

Simple tricks to improve MPG? For instance, I've thought about removing the rear seats/internal molding to lighten my car. I've also thought about aero-improvements, such as moon-disc wheel covers, or even somehow making a cover over my rear wheel wells. I'll be removing my rear wing this weekend, but what other tweaks could I do? [more inside]
posted by raikkohamilonso on Apr 29, 2008 - 39 answers

Does the Hypertech Max Energy Programmer really increase fuel economy for trucks and SUVs? If so, why do auto manufacturers not simply include them in their vehicles so as to beat out the competition? [more inside]
posted by tosteka on Apr 6, 2008 - 8 answers

How can I maximize fuel economy in a car with an automatic transmission? [more inside]
posted by wondercow on Oct 9, 2007 - 25 answers

Hypothetical-sensible-dream-car-boyzone-filter: After a long phase of big-city living, I may have to drive a lot. I don't want to be a total pig about fuel consumption or emissions. But I want serious performance. Let's say I have $25K . . . . [more inside]
posted by spitbull on Jun 7, 2007 - 53 answers

I'm going to have to start driving many many miles throughout the week...let's say around 500-600. What kind of car should I get? [more inside]
posted by taumeson on Mar 28, 2007 - 34 answers

Does drafting a truck theoretically lower the truck's mileage? [more inside]
posted by condour75 on Mar 10, 2007 - 19 answers

All other things being equal, do I pick the older car with lower mileage or the later model with high mileage? [more inside]
posted by needs more cowbell on Dec 28, 2006 - 18 answers

How many miles are too many on a used vehicle? [more inside]
posted by JPigford on Aug 12, 2006 - 18 answers

Last night on ABC news there was a guy with a VW beetle (silver) who put a wicked-huge wing on the back and claimed some ridiculously-high MPG figure. Alas, my google fu fails me. Why would this wing possibly work? They guy wasn't a tuner, AFAICT.
posted by Wild_Eep on May 5, 2006 - 27 answers

I just inherited a 1998 Mountaineer that has only 20,000 miles. It's never been tuned up and still has the original tires. I'm pretty sure the spark plugs are fouled because it's never been driven at highway speeds. Everything appears to be in great shape. What kind of problems can I expect from this car? [more inside]
posted by Slap Incognito on Nov 28, 2005 - 7 answers

Are there any Federal tax credits or financial incentives (aside from the savings of minimizing fillup frequency) for buying a fuel efficient vehicle? [more inside]
posted by philmas on Aug 26, 2005 - 9 answers

I'd really like to see what tricks of the trade you guys have to make sure your car is getting the most mileage it possibly can. [more inside]
posted by BuddhaInABucket on May 29, 2005 - 38 answers

What are the most efficient cars readily available in the United States? Mileage, fuel & emissions and size are all important criteria.
posted by luriete on Apr 12, 2005 - 27 answers