Q. My 1999 Ford Escort has been driven 120,000 miles and runs fine. The purpose of a car is to get you from Point A to Point B, so I've often wondered about the difference between my car and autos that cost more than $45,000. What does a car such as a Corvette, BMW or Lotus have that my Escort lacks? -- D.P., Bolingbrook

A. For starters, they have superior ride, handling, steering, braking, safety and overall performance. So do less-costly modern cars. As with many folks, you probably have driven only mediocre "transportation" cars, such as your Escort. You thus understandably lack perspective about autos -- especially if you have little or no interest in them. Ignorance is bliss. But make sure your car is roadworthy because it wasn't expensive to begin with and has many components that probably have worn to a dangerous level by now.

Q. I bought a Jeep Wrangler in March last year and have noticed its engine has consumed oil since the day I bought it. The Jeep has been driven 17,000 miles, and my dealer has changed its oil every 3,000 miles. I've never had a car that uses oil and thus had the dealer do an oil consumption test. It said everything is normal -- that there's no problem unless oil consumption is "excessive." A Chrysler representative I consulted agreed, saying I shouldn't be concerned unless the Jeep uses more than one quart every 1,000 miles. Any advice would be appreciated. -- F.B., Chicago area

A. No need to panic. First, I assume your Jeep has no oil leaks because you didn't mention any -- and it's really too new to have such leaks. I agree that your Jeep isn't using an excessive amount of oil. In fact, it's not unusual for many late-model cars to use up to a quart of oil every 1,000 miles. Modern engines consume more oil than older ones because they use thinner oil and have higher under-hood temperatures because of emissions controls and such, which increase oil consumption, notes Elmwood Park's Caira Automotive.

Q. I'm strongly considering trading in my 2004 Jeep Liberty for a four-door Jeep Wrangler Rubicon next spring. I've read a lot about its amazing off-road abilities, but heard negative comments regarding its "underpowered" engine. Are there plans to beef up its horsepower anytime soon? -- S.S., Elmhurst

A. The Wrangler Rubicon has a fairly new 3.8-liter V-6 with 202 horsepower and 239 foot-pounds of torque that replaces an ancient inline six-cylinder with less power and torque. I found when testing the Wrangler Rubicon (Jan. 5 AutoTimes) that the V-6 provides "lively acceleration in town and decent 65-75 mph passing. I thus doubt plans exist to modify the engine to any significant degree anytime soon.

Q. My mechanic is retiring and I consequently need another one familiar with classic cars for my 1965 pony (Ford Mustang). I've had the car since 1975 and am particular about who works on it. -- J.W., Rogers Park

A. Your car is essentially a 1960s Ford Falcon economy model with a sexy body. It thus is a picture of mechanical simplicity, especially compared with older, complicated foreign classics and regular late-model cars with complex computer controls. However, I'm also a classic car owner and understand your concern about a mechanic who will take special care with your car. I've supplied the names of several good ones, and you also might ask Mustang owners at the many old-car shows held in the Chicago area each summer if they belong to a Mustang club, which has members who will know where to find the best Mustang mechanics -- if you really feel they're necessary.

Have a car question? Send it to Dan Jedlicka, Chicago Sun- Times, 350 N. Orleans, Chicago 60654, or e-mail djedlicka@sun times.com. Include your name and hometown and a self-addressed, stamped envelope to ensure a personal reply.