The Car Doctor

Buying advice and expert solutions for your car troubles from AAA "car doctor" John Paul.

CAR DOCTOR RADIO

Catch John Paul live Saturday mornings on WROL AM 950 at 9 a.m., or listen afterward here on Ustream.

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ASK JOHN A QUESTION

Can't find that part you're looking for? Looking for tips on the latest models? E-mail John your car questions.

Search for answers

Chances are John has already solved your problem. Search our archives of columns and chats.

Popular tips from the Car Doctor

We've picked out some of John's most popular tips, as seen each week in The Boston Sunday Globe and Boston.com.

A six-wheel Smart car that heats pizzas

Why does this look like it was designed by Hasbro?
– joeydarmy

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More Cars discussions

About John

John Paul is public affairs manager for AAA Southern New England and a columnist for Boston.com. A certified mechanic, Paul tests dozens of new cars each year and also hosts a radio show on AM 950 and 550.

BLOG

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I’m considering a new full sized pickup truck but the choices are dizzying. Of the five most popular makes, is there one that you like better than the other?

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Do you know if there as an exterior trunk lock that could be exposed and used with a key to open my Volvo's trunk?

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My friend (who in fact sold me the truck) states that GM pick-up truck fuel pumps usually fail after 125-135,000 miles.

Is it worth putting $2,000 into a 9-year-old car?

Q. I have a 2003 Chevrolet Impala with 112,000 miles on it. The dealer advises it will soon need a steering rack with an estimated cost over $2000.

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Q. I have a 2003 Honda Civic hybrid and I have been told the car needs its hybrid battery replaced.

What should I do with a car that hasn’t run for a year?

Q. I've owned a 1966 Corvette for over 30 years. Although I don't drive it a lot, I always started the engine and drove it for a couple of miles at least once every two months.

Help, my car is leaking!

Q. You had a recent article about someone that had a problem with water leaking in the car soaking the rugs. I am having a similar issue with my 2002 Lincoln Town Car.

Can leaves stop an engine from running?

Q. My car was running terribly so I brought it to the dealership and was told that problem was caused by the air intake plugged with pollen.

MORE ADVICE

About Pete

Peter DeMarco writes about the rules of the road we all should know but really don't. His column, "Who taught YOU to drive?" appears every other week on Boston.com and in the Boston Globe's regional editions.

Cars

THE CAR DOCTOR