Q: My 2002 Buick once used one quart of oil every 3,500 miles but now uses one quart every 1,500 miles. I'm afraid the situation will worsen. There's no oil leaks on my driveway and no black smoke from the exhaust because of oil being burned. --K.S., Chicago area

A: I assume your car racks up typical mileage of 10,000-15,000 annually, which means it's been driven at least 80,000 miles. Much driving probably has been done in this area's stop-and-go traffic, which is murder on engine life and oil use and condition. However, using one quart every 1,500 miles isn't unusual for General Motors cars, says Elmwood Park's Caira Automotive, which recommends oil changes here every 3,000 miles. Old oil gets contaminated and won't last as long, and you probably never changed it every 3,000 miles because you said it once was good for 3,500 miles. However, have the Buick checked for an internal engine leak, which often won't leave drips on your driveway or cause black exhaust smoke.

Q: Will an Aston Martin be used again in the next James Bond movie? --J.F., Chicago

A: Aston Martin says its new flagship DBS model will be driven by James Bond (Daniel Craig) in the next "007" film. Astons have been used in Bond movies almost since the first one, with the "Goldfinger'' movie making the car famous in America.

Q: If gasoline prices continue to rise, can we count on hybrid vehicles having good resale value? --W.E., Downers Grove

A: Not necessarily. Several hybrid models losing resale value are the Toyota Camry Hybrid, Lexus GS 450h and Lexus RX 400h, says Jack Nerad of the veteran Kelley Blue Book, which provides new and used vehicle information. "Over the last few years, as gas prices rose, hybrids captured the spotlight," Nerad said. "But in many instances, manufacturers created hybrid versions of well-known (gasoline vehicles), yet some offered only modest fuel economy and mpg versus conventionally powered sister models." This caused a softening of values of models in that category. Kelly Blue Book predicts that, over time, hybrid versions of existing gas models won't maintain their value as well as in the recent past, partly because more hybrids will enter the market and become available as used vehicles.

Q: I've always been an Audi fan and recently read your review of the S5 (Dec. 8 AutoTimes), which I'm comparing with the BMW 335i. I've driven both and like both. Have you done a comparison of the two. Your thoughts? --M.J., San Angelo, Texas

A: I found the BMW 335i to be very impressive with its turbocharged 300-horsepower engine, but the more stylish 354-horsepower S5 just knocked me out. Both come as two-door coupes, although the 335i also offers a more convenient four-door model. All-wheel drive is standard on the S5 and available for the 335i sedan (the 335xi AWD). The $50,500 S5 is costlier than the $40,800 335i rear-drive coupe or same-priced all-wheel-drive sedan, and the BMW has better fuel economy. It also probably will have higher resale value, although Audi is gaining ground. Bottom line? I'd opt for the Audi, although would be happy with the BMW. It's your money -- one car just has to grab you more than the other.

Q: I plan to buy the new Mercedes-Benz C300 Luxury sedan, but wonder if I should get it with the available all-wheel-drive system. What's the advantage of such a system? Also, I plan to bring my own financing. Is the sticker price the final price, or will the dealer lower the price? Does a Mercedes hold its value longer than a Lexus? --P.D., Chicago area

A: All-wheel drive provides better traction than the car's standard rear-drive setup, but adds to the price and lowers fuel economy. Check if Mercedes has a special financing deal of the redesigned C-Class (Aug. 25 AutoTimes) before you use you own financing. It's unlikely that a dealer wouldn't lower the sticker price. If it doesn't, try another. As for resale, used model prices vary, but the Automobile Red Book says a 2006 Mercedes C350 Luxury model has an average resale value of $28,650, while a comparable 2006 Lexus ES 330's average resale value is $28,000.

Q: I bought a 2006 Dodge Charger in May 2005 and have paid $503 monthly. The car looks good and has only been driven 26,000 miles. I want to trade down to a more economical car with a monthly payment of around $300, but the dealer says I owe more than my car is worth. Suggestions? --L.W., Chicago

A: You didn't mention the length of the loan on your car, which has average mileage, or the loan's interest rate. Pay off the car and sell it privately. I wouldn't recommend trading it in to a dealer and using the money you get from it for buying a more economical car from the same outfit. Depending on the Charger model (excluding the 425-horsepower SRT8 Hemi version), the average retail price ranges from $18,550 to $24,800, with a wholesale price of $15,350 to $21,600.

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.