http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/business/columns/autos/clickandclack?nav=rss_business/columns/autos/clickandclackClick and Clacken-us1514020http://www.washingtonpost.comhttp://media.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/hp/image/wp_web.gifhttp://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A41171-2005Apr10.html?nav=rss_business/columns/autos/clickandclackhttp://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A41171-2005Apr10.html?nav=rss_business/columns/autos/clickandclackSat, 23 Apr 2005 13:25:48 GMT I recently bought a house and now find myself constantly needing to haul things. I have been thinking about getting a small pickup truck. The only thing I hate about the idea is the poor gas mileage. I currently drive a 1995 Honda Civic. So,...]]>http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A21944-2005Apr2.html?nav=rss_business/columns/autos/clickandclackhttp://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A21944-2005Apr2.html?nav=rss_business/columns/autos/clickandclackSat, 23 Apr 2005 13:25:48 GMT Do you know of any sudden-acceleration problems with Subaru vehicles? My 2004 Outback suddenly accelerated, on its own, while my foot was on the brake. I had to stand on the brake to avoid surging into traffic. It continued at super-high...]]>http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A3076-2005Mar26.html?nav=rss_business/columns/autos/clickandclackhttp://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A3076-2005Mar26.html?nav=rss_business/columns/autos/clickandclackSat, 23 Apr 2005 13:25:48 GMT Here is an odd thing: My brother, who lives in Germany, was shocked when I told him that here in the United States we change oil in a car about every 3,000 miles or three months. In Germany, he says, no one changes oil more than once a year,...]]>http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A48927-2005Mar19.html?nav=rss_business/columns/autos/clickandclackhttp://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A48927-2005Mar19.html?nav=rss_business/columns/autos/clickandclackSat, 23 Apr 2005 13:25:48 GMT On your radio show recently, I heard you say you liked the [Toyota] Scion xB, but couldn't recommend it because it was missing some crucial safety features. Then I read this in an e-mail newsletter sent out by folk singers Pete and Maura...]]>http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A29261-2005Mar12.html?nav=rss_business/columns/autos/clickandclackhttp://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A29261-2005Mar12.html?nav=rss_business/columns/autos/clickandclackSat, 23 Apr 2005 13:25:48 GMT I've enjoyed both your radio show and your columns, until I read your criticisms of sport-utility vehicles. I understand your position, that most people don't need them, and I agree that some people drive them recklessly, but to suggest...]]>http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A9425-2005Mar5.html?nav=rss_business/columns/autos/clickandclackhttp://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A9425-2005Mar5.html?nav=rss_business/columns/autos/clickandclackSat, 23 Apr 2005 13:25:48 GMThttp://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A55656-2005Feb26.html?nav=rss_business/columns/autos/clickandclackhttp://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A55656-2005Feb26.html?nav=rss_business/columns/autos/clickandclackSat, 23 Apr 2005 13:25:48 GMT I am an environmentalist who somehow went and had three kids -- one 6-year-old and 2-year-old twins. My husband wants us to get a van or -- heaven forbid! -- a sport-utility vehicle, but I am trying very hard to hold out until a hybrid...]]>http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A38944-2005Feb20.html?nav=rss_business/columns/autos/clickandclackhttp://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A38944-2005Feb20.html?nav=rss_business/columns/autos/clickandclackSat, 23 Apr 2005 13:25:48 GMT The owner's manual for my 2004 Pontiac Vibe lists two maintenance schedules. The long-trip plan calls for the engine oil and filter to be changed every 7,500 miles (or 12 months), while the short-trip maintenance schedule sets a 3,000-mile...]]>http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A19917-2005Feb12.html?nav=rss_business/columns/autos/clickandclackhttp://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A19917-2005Feb12.html?nav=rss_business/columns/autos/clickandclackSat, 23 Apr 2005 13:25:48 GMT I recently drove from Mississippi to Oklahoma to visit my family for Christmas. I made my trip one day after a winter storm had moved through the area. I saw several vehicles off in the ditch, which I presumed were accidents that happened...]]>http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A574-2005Feb5.html?nav=rss_business/columns/autos/clickandclackhttp://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A574-2005Feb5.html?nav=rss_business/columns/autos/clickandclackSat, 23 Apr 2005 13:25:48 GMT I have purchased a 2003 Toyota Prius hybrid (with 29,500 miles), and the dealer is urging me to buy extended insurance that covers "everything" (parts and labor) to 100,000 miles. It costs $1,200, and I wish I could determine whether that's...]]>http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A27302-2005Jan21.html?nav=rss_business/columns/autos/clickandclackhttp://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A27302-2005Jan21.html?nav=rss_business/columns/autos/clickandclackSat, 23 Apr 2005 13:25:48 GMThttp://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A10168-2005Jan14.html?nav=rss_business/columns/autos/clickandclackhttp://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A10168-2005Jan14.html?nav=rss_business/columns/autos/clickandclackSat, 23 Apr 2005 13:25:48 GMT I have been trying to buy a new Toyota Prius. Recently, two Southeast Florida dealers have told me they're in short supply. They both say they'll put me on the waiting list if I give them a deposit of $1,000 and agree to pay $5,000 above...]]>http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A57943-2005Jan7.html?nav=rss_business/columns/autos/clickandclackhttp://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A57943-2005Jan7.html?nav=rss_business/columns/autos/clickandclackSat, 23 Apr 2005 13:25:48 GMT My husband and I recently moved from Connecticut to Colorado and are considering buying a new car. We have a 2000 BMW 528i, which I have loved, but because we are now in a place with a lot more snow and in a county with dirt and gravel...]]>http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A38023-2004Dec30.html?nav=rss_business/columns/autos/clickandclackhttp://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A38023-2004Dec30.html?nav=rss_business/columns/autos/clickandclackSat, 23 Apr 2005 13:25:48 GMT My 19-year-old son works for a rental-car company. Recently when he put the top down on a Chrysler Sebring convertible, the rear window shattered as the roof came down in back, breaking into hundreds of pieces and falling into the back seat....]]>http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A23757-2004Dec23.html?nav=rss_business/columns/autos/clickandclackhttp://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A23757-2004Dec23.html?nav=rss_business/columns/autos/clickandclackSat, 23 Apr 2005 13:25:48 GMT At my last oil-and-filter change, the service department at the local Subaru dealer did the "free 25-point inspection" and came back with the following diagnosis: (1) Replace valve cover gkt $320 (2) Rear oil seal $620 (3) Frt cam seal $450...]]>http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A9388-2004Dec17.html?nav=rss_business/columns/autos/clickandclackhttp://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A9388-2004Dec17.html?nav=rss_business/columns/autos/clickandclackSat, 23 Apr 2005 13:25:48 GMT My beautiful 1993 Chevy Caprice Classic four-door sedan with only 28,000 miles on it -- and no dents or scratches -- is now a pile of junk. While parked in front of my home, the engine began to smolder, then burst into flames. Within 10...]]>http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A56534-2004Dec10.html?nav=rss_business/columns/autos/clickandclackhttp://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A56534-2004Dec10.html?nav=rss_business/columns/autos/clickandclackSat, 23 Apr 2005 13:25:48 GMT I have a 2003 Windstar with about 16,000 miles. Last Saturday, my wife took my car. As she approached a stop sign, the brakes failed her. The pedal went to the floor. She was not going very fast and was able to bring the car to a stop...]]>http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A34121-2004Dec3.html?nav=rss_business/columns/autos/clickandclackhttp://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A34121-2004Dec3.html?nav=rss_business/columns/autos/clickandclackSat, 23 Apr 2005 13:25:48 GMT I know you guys don't like big SUVs, so you'll be glad to hear that we are downsizing from an SUV to a wagon. We are having trouble finding a wagon we like. We want something sporty, with some power. Consumer Reports recommends only the...]]>http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A15146-2004Nov26.html?nav=rss_business/columns/autos/clickandclackhttp://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A15146-2004Nov26.html?nav=rss_business/columns/autos/clickandclackSat, 23 Apr 2005 13:25:48 GMT It's getting to be that time of year again -- time to wonder what to get my male relatives for Christmas. I'm sure I'm not the only female confronted with this dilemma every year. A couple of these guys are like you -- interested in cars...]]>http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A63331-2004Nov19.html?nav=rss_business/columns/autos/clickandclackhttp://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A63331-2004Nov19.html?nav=rss_business/columns/autos/clickandclackSat, 23 Apr 2005 13:25:48 GMT When do you put money into a high-mileage car? I have a 1991 Toyota Previa that has 401,000 miles. The car is still in fairly good shape, provided you don't need an air conditioner or working front struts. My question is, How do you decide...]]>