Q. How can my son's 2001 Chevrolet Malibu V-6 get better fuel economy than the more sophisticated four-cylinder 2008 Malibu? —K.T., Chicago area

A. The new Malibu gets better EPA-estimated economy. The 2001 Malibu is smaller and lighter by 400 pounds, which translates to good fuel economy, although it had a 3.1-liter, 170-horsepower V-6. Also, the 2008 EPA fuel economy ratings are from stricter testing procedures and thus are lower, compared to previous years. The 2001 Malibu got an EPA-estimated 20 mpg city, 29 highway. The new Malibu four-cylinder with 169 horsepower gets an EPA-estimated 22 and 30.

Q. Couldn't the government make the 100-mpg Smart car happen here in America? —N.R., Chicago area

A. The small Smart two-seater gets 33 mpg city, 41 highway with its 1-liter engine. The government could impose stiff taxes on anything but small engines, as in Europe, but driving conditions there are much different than those here.

Q. I've had no problems with my one-owner, garage-kept 1997 Cadillac Seville STS with 137,123 miles, but lately the "stop-engine low-pressure" warning light comes on a few times a week when I slow down or stop at a light. —W.S., Tinley Park

A. Your car might have a warning sending light that gives a false reading. But low oil pressure can cause significant — and very costly — engine damage, so it's best not to take a chance. Have the oil pressure checked with a mechanical gauge to make sure there is no problem other than a malfunctioning light.

Q. The wheels seem to bind and stop on my 2004 Buick Rainier all-wheel-drive SUV when I turn left or right, except when I give it some gas. And I hear a noise when I do that. I've spent about $800 at a Buick dealership, but with no luck. —R.N., Chicago

A. The problem might be caused by the steering system. Elmwood Park's Caira Automotive advises checking the major engine belt and its tensioner.

Q. My son's 1982 Corvette is only used during summer months. But the car's battery goes dead every two weeks — although I run the engine once a month when it's stored. A new battery doesn't help, and the electrical system has been checked and found to be OK. I've made sure lights under the hood and glove compartment, besides the entry lights, go off to make sure they're not slowly draining the battery over a period of time if left on. —P.F., Chicago

A. Something is causing a slow battery drain. You've looked in all the obvious places, but the car is rather old, so the drain could be coming from such things as a defective alarm system for an older radio. The same thing happened with an old car I owned, only the battery went dead if I didn't drive the car every two days. Sure enough, the problem was caused by a slow electrical drain from a defective radio alarm system.

Q. Do women generally buy different types of cars than men? —C.W., Western Springs

A. Studies show that men and women have different preferences in the types of cars they drive. In fact, a lot more autos draw a large level of interest from men than cars that attract a high level of interest from women. Women have stronger levels of interest in safety features and generally aren't early adopters of newer technology in cars, as are men. Jack Nerad, an editor at Kelley Blue Book, says women have a more practical approach to car shopping than men, and that their purchases are based more on safety than, say, on 0-60 mph times.