Q. I want a classic 1977 to 1981 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am but wonder what I should pay for a nice one. I've searched for a few months and found the average price is $10,000 to $35,000. I don't want to spend more than $12,500. --V.M., Chicago area.

A. You need not spend more than that amount. The most desirable Trans Ams are 1970-73 models, but they're beyond $20,000. Nearly all Trans Ams you're considering are "just used cars," partly because federal emissions laws adversely affected power output. An exception is the 1980 Trans Am Indianapolis 500 pace car replica, valued at $12,125 in excellent shape. Turbocharged Trans Ams from 1980 and 1981 also are above-average and valued at $9,600-$10,275 in top shape. But finding a good one will be tough because many Trans Ams had young owners who abused them by driving like idiots before dumping them. Thus, find one that was "adult-owned."

Q. Chevrolet sells a compact vehicle with the name "HHR." What do those letters stand for? --J.W., Naperville

A. The HHR could be classified as either a compact station wagon or crossover vehicle. "HHR" stands for "Heritage High Roof" styling inspired by the 1949 Chevrolet Suburban SUV, which had a high roof.

Q. The speedometer needle of my 1998 honda Civic bounces up and down when it's cold outside but works normally after I drive 10 to 15 minutes. I've changed the speed sensor and speedometer unit, but the problem remains. --J.F., Schaumburg

A. The drive gear for the speed sensor could be loose and slipping from its shaft when it's cold and not turning at the correct speed, thus adversely affecting the speedometer. When things warm up, expansion causes things to tighten up and that allows normal speedometer operation, says Larry Claypool of Frankfort's Vair Shop auto facility. Take the car to a Honda dealer because it's unlikely your Honda is the only one with that problem. The dealer's technicians, who work on Hondas all day long, probably are familiar with the problem.

Q. I understand that Japanese cars are very good, but I don't want a car from a Japanese automaker. I don't have the same feeling toward South Korea and have a 2006 Kia Spectra5 that I like a lot. Your opinion of it? --D.W., Chicago

A. Your front-drive Spectra5 compact four-door model isn't changed much for 2008 and is based on the Elantra from Kia's corporate South Korean parent, Hyundai. It has good room and comfort and many standard features for a low price, including front- and curtain-side air bags. It also has Hyundai's long warranty. The Spectra5 isn't sporty but delivers good fuel economy.

Q. My parents, who are in their late 60s, want a car and have asked me, their son, to help them pick a vehicle they will be happy with. Any particular features I should recommend to them? --H.A., Chicago

A. Much depends on what shape they're in. For instance, I know a driver in his early 70s who competes in fast classic sports car races -- and wins. Not all older folks are in such good shape. The American Automobile Association notes that everyone ages differently, but says 43 percent of drivers more than 55 years old suffer from at least one of nine driving-related difficulties commonly caused by aging. It thus says that drivers with hip or leg pain, decreased leg strength or limited knee range of motion should look for vehicles with six-way adjustable power seats and seat heights that come between the driver's mid-thigh and lower buttocks. Both of those features can make it easier for them to enter and leave a vehicle. Also, the AAA says drivers with arthritic hands, painful or stiff fingers or diminished fine motor skills would benefit from four-door models, thick steering wheels, keyless entry and ignition, power mirrors and seats and larger dashboard controls with buttons.

Q. I own a 1992 Toyota Corolla driven 148,000 miles that is garaged, runs good and has no rust. I've been using Valvoline 10W-30 motor oil since I bought it nearly 10 years ago. I drive only about 3,000 miles a year. It gets 35 mpg in the summer and 30 in the winter. Am I using the proper oil? I usually change it abut twice a year and it looks pretty clean. --E.R., Former Chicagoan

A. Stick with what you're doing. While Valvoline is a good oil, other name brand oils are equally suitable for your purposes. The fact that the oil is clean is a really good sign. No wonder the car has hit nearly 150,000 miles. Still, that's a lot of miles, so make sure the car's other components -- brakes, suspension, etc. -- are in good condition.

Q. I notice you tend to object to high trunk/cargo openings in your vehicle reviews. Are you really short or tall? I'm 5 feet 6 inches tall and have owned vehicles ranging from economy and full-size cars to minivans and SUVs and have had no problems loading shopping bags, golf clubs and other objects. --T.C., Oak Brook

A. l'm 6 feet tall, but height really isn't an issue here. Maybe all your vehicles' cargo areas had low, wide openings. Ever see people struggle to quickly remove luggage in airport departure areas or women with small children having difficulty loading shopping bags in busy grocery store parking lots? The lower and wider the trunk/cargo opening, the easier it is to load and unload various objects. A nicely sized and shaped trunk/cargo area that doesn't have hinges eating some of its space also helps. And a pull-down strap, handle or indent on the inside of a trunk lid can make manually closing the lid easier, without getting hands dirty on the outside of it, especially during the type of winter we've experienced.

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.