Q. I'm renting a car during my vacation and wonder if I should pay for rental car insurance. --E.H., Chicago

A. Call your insurance agent and the credit-card company you probably will use to pay for the rental car. The coverage and deductibles you have on your car usually apply when you rent an auto. But if you've dropped comprehensive or collision to reduce costs, you won't be covered if your rental car is stolen or damaged and you thus might want to buy the collision damage waiver from the rental company. Waivers relieve renters of financial responsibility if their rental car is damaged or stolen. Insurance benefits offered by credit-card companies differ by the company and/or the bank that issues the card, besides by the level of credit card used.

CHEVROLET IMPALA BRINGS BACK MEMORIES 

Q. It can't be said that you "can't go home again" when it comes to the Chevrolet Impala. I'm a grandparent who got her first Impala in 1957 and last week, some 50 years later, bought a new 2007 Impala I just love. Too bad more people don't know about this car. --A.K., Chicago area

A. I'm glad you rediscovered the Impala, introduced for 1958 as the top-line Chevy. But you've got lots of company because it was Chevy's top-volume car last year, with 289,868 produced.

SKY RED LINE VS. SOLSTICE GXP 

Q. I enjoyed the article on the turbocharged Pontiac Solstice GXP (May 21 AutoTimes), but I have a turbo Saturn Sky Red Line, which I feel has more definitive lines and distinct accents. --E.K., Palos Park

A. They're mechanically identical, but differ in styling, features and price. However, the costlier, more upscale Sky is glitzier.

COMPLICATED HYBRIDS 

Q. I'm wary about complicated hybrid cars and am considering a diesel-powered model. --E.N., Evanston

A. Diesel cars and trucks provide 20 to 40 percent better fuel economy than comparable gasoline vehicles, and a diesel provides solid performance. Fuel prices vary, but as of this writing the new "clean" ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel costs 41 cents less per gallon than regular gasoline, or a national average of $2.80, says the U.S. Energy Information Administration.