Q. Many people I talk with feel gas/electric hybrid cars are the best solution to dealing with high gas prices. But there are plenty of foreign and domestic cars that deliver pretty high fuel economy. Are hybrids the answer? --J.S., Chicago

A. Not for all. Gas/electric hybrids are great for keeping fuel bills down, especially if you live in congested areas with much stop-and-go traffic. But a study by auto data firm Edmunds.com says hybrids generally aren't best for budget-minded auto buyers. Edmunds says one must look at "total ownership costs," which make Chevrolet's subcompact (but roomy) Aveo four-door hatchback the top best new-car value, based on $5-per-gallon gas. The Honda Civic hybrid ranked No. 10 and the Toyota Prius hybrid -- top-selling hybrid in America -- placed a distant 26th on the study's list. While hybrids get better fuel economy than non-hybrids, they cost more. The Aveo lists at $10,235 and gets an EPA-estimated 24 mpg city/34 highway with a manual transmission, and 23/32 with an automatic. The also-roomy Prius comes only with an automatic and delivers 48 city and 45 highway. It costs $20,950 but sometimes sells for more because of strong demand. Look at your driving situation and do the math to see how long you must keep the Prius, or any hybrid, to come out ahead. Edmunds says at least half of all auto buys aren't based on financial considerations and that many buy a hybrid because of its environmentally friendly image or other reasons not related to economics.

Q. I notice you sometimes use the Cars of Particular Interest Collectible (CPI) Vehicle Value Guide when giving auto valuations in your AutoTimes classic car articles. Where can I get a copy of that publication? Also, what's the value of my 1976 Pontiac Grand Prix with a 400-cubic-inch V-8? --D.P., Oak Forest

A. The guide is published bi-monthly by National Auto Research Division, Hearst Business Media Corp, 2620 Barrett Road, Gainesville, Ga., 30507-7901. A subscription is $50 per year. You also can check prices with the popular Old Cars Price Guide, which costs $4.98 per issue and is published six times yearly. It's sold with auto magazines at outlets such as large book stores. Prices in those publications often are similar, but not always. For instance, the CPI guide puts a 1976-77 Grand Prix in above-average condition at $5,000, and the Old Cars Price Guide values it at $5,950 to $6,440, with higher-line SJ and LJ models getting higher valuations. There also are other old car price guides, but space prohibits listing them all.

Q. What will be the price of the sensational 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1? I hear it will be the fastest, but most expensive, Corvette ever built. --G.W., Chicago

A. General Motors announced that the ZR1's sticker price will be $105,000, including shipping and a $1,700 gas-guzzler tax when it goes on sale "this summer." That makes it by far the most costly new 'Vette in history. A fully optioned version will cost about $117,000. The car reportedly does 0-60 mph in merely 3.4 seconds and can hit 205 mph. Estimated fuel economy is 14 mpg in the city and 20 on highways. GM says only 2,000 ZR1s will be produced annually, so good luck finding a dealer who doesn't charge more than list price for one because it will be in huge demand. Don't be surprised if you see a fair number of ZR1s bought by private individuals who will attempt to sell them with a few miles on the odometer for much more than list price in auto enthusiast publications such as AutoWeek. Happens every time with such desirable cars.

Car question? Send it to Dan Jedlicka, Chicago Sun-Times, 350 N. Orleans, Chicago 60654, or e-mail djedlicka@suntimes.com. Include name and hometown, and be sure to include a self-addressed, stamped envelope to ensure a personal reply.