John Paul from the NE Auto Show: Nov. 7, 2006

protegeking: i have a problem with bad mileage can u help me?
John_Paul: poor gas mileage can be a result of tune up or computer issues. Start with a complete check up of the car including the computer. This should help with the basics and at least rule out what is good
John_Paul: The Car Doctor is in - From the AAA at The Boston Auto Show Bostondotcom: Welcome to the chat with John Paul, AAA Car Doctor. He is chatting live from the 2006 New England Auto Show, so submit your questions about the show or upcoming vehicles now!

Brooke: Basically the reason that I ask is because I have a 2000 outback and I feel that I might need an upgrade. My friend recently backed up and slammed into another car. Although there was no damage at first I think that there is a rattling but it sounds quite superfical.
John_Paul: Subarus are as safe as other cars and even safer since all wheel drive may keep you out of trouble. The rattles and other noises may be because of poor repair .

ford: I own a 2002 ford taurus and it shakes everytime I speed up, which is a problem on the highway. Do you have any idea what could be wrong?
John_Paul: If it is shaking at highway speeds it may be due to a worn, damaged or out of balanced tire. My first stop would be a tire store for a road test.

outdoors: Jeep is looking pretty good this upcoming year. What are you takes on the Patriot and the four-door wranglers - the unlimited and the rubicons?
John_Paul: The Patriot is an on road Jeep--with limited off road use. The 4-door Wrangler style is not for everyone. The rubicon has the look and the ability to go off road

vw: My 2000 jetta passenger car door won't open from the outside. It just happened all of the sudden. Any tips?
John_Paul: The door panel will need to come off to see what is going on. More than likely one of the control rods fell off

luxury: What does the Mercedes M6 have to make it so expensive. It's over $100,000!
John_Paul: I'm guessing you mean the M6 BMW? If that is the case is, it is fast handles well and looks good. Do you need to spend 106,000 on a car? only if you have it

max: What do you see as the most popular truck, sedan, convertible, SUV and CUV of 2007? name: is the new Lincoln MXK basically a high priced Mazda CX?
John_Paul: The CUV is all the rage this year. The Ford Edge and the GMC are looking good. Trucks the F150 and Super Duty are popular, but the new Tundra looks very good. SUV take a look at the Chrysler Aspen
John_Paul: There is a lot of platform sharing with Mazda and Volvo. They are related but have a different feel.

name: When I get my pickup to 70-80mph there is a slight vibration, could htis be un-balanced wheel or whould I notice the vibration sooner?
John_Paul: Sounds like a tire balance problem. Start there and inspect all the tires for wear and other problems.

name: Any suggestion on rustproofing a rusty truck?
John_Paul: The problem is real rustproofing seals in moisture and may speed rust. Try one of the rust "convertors" This stuff converts the rust into something else and then you can paint it and try to get it to last a bit longer---Rust never Sleeps

carbabe: what is the theme for this year? last year the show seemed to feature a lot of convertible.
John_Paul: The Crossover is the new big thing as are the hardtop convertible. Hard top convertible from Mazda, VW Volvo and Pontiac all entered the market this year

gobig: do you think we will see a difference in people going back to trucks and SUVs as soon as gas prices drop? Will people move away from the Hybrids?
John_Paul: People have already started to shift back to trucks and SUV's (sales are up) Hybrids are still doing okay as long as sales people don't oversell the capabilities. Electronics are bringing better economy to trucks but when the time comes diesels may be the next economical engine to power sedans and SUV and CUVs

J__Mancini: Are there any truly cost efficient hybrids out there? I've heard of large costs with changing batteries and maintainence. Any suggestions for new models?
John_Paul: The payback on mileage will take a 3-5 years or longer in some cases. But these cars are very clean and very kind to the air we breathe. If you buy a hybrid don't do it just on mielage do it on the whole package. My favs are the Prius and the Ford Escape
John_Paul: Remember to read my column on Boston.com and in the Thursday Globe and you can always email me ---jpaul@aaasne.com with all your car questions. And of course you can tune in to the Car Doctor Radio Program Saturday morning for 8-10 on am1150 WTTT

nascar: I just recently went to the auto show and saw the toyota racecar. pretty cool. how do you think it will do? whats the engine on that thing based from?
John_Paul: The engine is typical NASCAR pushrod V-8 with a carb. The key to winning is drivers, spotters and a great crew. Sponsers don't hurt
John_Paul: My hour is up thanks for the thoughtful questions Bostondotcom: Thank you for joining the chat with John Paul. Please visit http://www.boston.com/cars/autoshow_2006/ for more on the 2006 New England Auto Show