Q: I'm looking into buying a used SUV for my 17-year-old son. He's very interested in the Nissan Xterra. He's a responsible young man and doesn't have an adventurous nature. We'd like the vehicle to be safe and about three years old and to last him through his college years. --J.L., Myrtle Beach, S.C.

A: Not adventurous? I've often seen Xterras being driven hard over rough off-road terrain in TV commercials -- the "Professional Driver at Wheel'' kind. The Xterra is a genuine truck, not a car-based crossover, and is aimed at the "active lifestyle" set. It's powerful, with a youthful attitude and rugged build and personality. One drawback is a choppy ride on bumpy roads, but it should be long-lived. The Xterra debuted in 1999, but look for 2005 and later models, which got bolder styling, more power and a longer wheelbase. A 2005 rear-drive Xterra has retail values of $20,000 to $22,100 (wholesale: $17,900-$20,000). Anti-lock disc brakes are standard, and some versions had an optional anti-skid system and optional front side and side curtain air bags. The 2005 four-wheel-drive version is valued at 22,250-$24,250 (wholesale $20,150-$22,150). Find one that hasn't been beaten to death in backwoods driving.

Q: You wrote in your Oct. 17 AutoTimes letters column that AMG is the outfit that modifies Germany's Mercedes-Benz standard models to make them faster and better-handling. But what does "AMG" stand for? --E.A., Chicago

A: More frequently mentioned over the past few years, the abbreviation "AMG'' stands for Hans-Werner Aufrecht (A), and his partner Erhard Melcher (M), who founded AMG in 1967, and Aufrecht's birthplace of Grossaspach (G). Both worked for Mercedes and described themselves as "engineering, design and testing specialists in the development of racing engines.'' Aufrecht sold his majority shares in AMG in 1999, and the company was incorporated into the former DaimlerChrysler AG (now just Daimler), producers of Mercedes models. An integral part of the Mercedes-Benz operation, with 750 employees, AMG has become synonymous with factory developed high-performance Mercedes vehicles.

Q: What do you think of the 2008 Saturn Outlook mid-size SUV? I'm searching for something that looks nice and that I can haul things in for around the house. --C.G., Hickory Hills

A: I give the Outlook high marks. The 2008 model has new standard and available features. It's roomy, and is the first Saturn SUV with eight-passenger seating. It shares a car-like platform with the highly rated Buick Enclave and GMC Acadia. Also refined, it drives much like a car, although the Enclave looks sleeker than either the Outlook or Acadia.

Q: A friend has a 1968 Buick Sportwagon with a 400-cubic-inch V-8, automatic transmission and only 28,000 miles. But the main problem, as I see it, is that it's been sitting in a garage without being started in about 15 years. I'm sure the tires and battery would have to be replaced, and the gas tank, fuel lines and carburetor cleaned. What other problems might it have, such as leaking seals and gaskets? What would be a fair price? I can't find anything to compare it with on the Internet. --J.O., Des Plaines

A: Most 1968 vehicles rusted out here long ago, thanks to poor rust protection and salted winter roads. Any vehicle sitting that long will call for all the things you mention, and probably a lot more. This big, heavy, 340-horsepower station wagon sounds like a restoration project for someone who, say, fondly recalls riding in one as a child or teenager. It's valued at $1,920 by the Old Cars Price Guide.

Q: I've had endless problems with my 2000 Pontiac Sunfire, which I bought new. For instance, a power window has been fixed six times. I can't afford a new car, but am one repair away from trading in this headache! --T.S., Chicago

A: There's no excuse for so many power window fixes, especially in such a basically simple small car. Perhaps a large part of your problem has been inept mechanics. At this stage, I'd trade in the Sunfire for a new economy car. The auto market is slumping, so it's a good time to look for deals. You shouldn't have to look hard.