Q. I have a 2006 Ford Escape and the transmission is shot. Is it worth spending $2500 to have a used transmission installed? The Escape has 135,000 original miles, has been well maintained and runs good. Recently my mechanic who suggested the transmission has replaced the wheel bearings, front struts, and brakes. We also had some bodywork done. It has been a good winter vehicle, and I live in an area that gets lots of snow. I am debating what to do, please advise.
A. Right now the car has little value since you cannot drive it. Perhaps as little as $500-$1000. If you spend $2500 having a used transmission installed, the current value based on similar vehicles for sale is $5-$6000. So based on that and the work you have put into it, I would say yes, it makes sense to replace the transmission.
Q. I have written to you before and you have always been very helpful and still thankful in this day and age you answer readers’ emails. My question this time is about hybrid vehicles. I’m looking to buy a new vehicle and was wondering if there is one you can recommend. I do not want to spend too much money, but I am looking for a new vehicle.
A. There are many make and models of hybrids in just about every body configuration (sedans, small SUV and even wagons). Hybrids typically sell at a premium, so it really makes sense to let how you drive to dictate if it makes sense to spend the extra money on a hybrid to get better fuel mileage. If you only drive say 5-6000 miles a year owning a hybrid even though it gets more miles per gallon might not make sense of you have to pay $5000 or more to get one. If a hybrid is what you are looking for, start with a vehicle that works for your needs and budget and then ask if it comes in a hybrid. As for hybrids the Toyota Prius is always a good choice as well as the Kia Niro. If a traditional sedan is what you are looking for the Toyota Camry and Hyundai Sonata hybrids are quite good. For a small SUV the Toyota RAV4 and Kia Sportage are solid choices.
Q. Dear Doctor, our city streets have been installed given lots of speed humps in the past few months. Some drivers nearly stop at each hump, while I just drive at the posted speed limit. Am I right or are the “stoppers” right?
A. Speed bumps/humps are designed to slow traffic. Driving over some aggressive speed bumps at higher speeds can actually damage your car. My advice is to slow down, maybe not to a complete stop but certainly slower than the posted speed limit. Keep in mind these speed humps are designed to help keep the streets safe for all roadway users.
Car Doctor: ‘I have to start thinking about a new car for next year’
Q. I have a 2007 Ford Edge SEL with 169,000 miles. Recently my car has developed a very loud humming sound. The sound gets louder the faster I go. The sound is prevalent while driving straight and veering to the left on the highway. The sound goes away totally only when I veer to the right on the highway. Would you have an idea what the issue could be? My local mechanic is grasping at straws as to what the issue(s) could be. With the amount of mileage on the car I do not want to invest huge sums of money in repairs. I only use the car locally.
A. From your description the issue is a badly worn tire or most likely a worn right front wheel bearing. When turning left you are putting more pressure on the right bearing, causing it to make more noise. As a general rule if the noise is louder when veering left, the faulty bearing is on the right side. The reason is when you turn left, the weight of the car shifts to the right side due to centrifugal force. This is sometimes referred to the loaded wheel principle. I would start with a careful visual inspection of the wheel bearings. Any movement in the bearing or is an indication of wear. If the wheel bearings seem to look okay, rotate the tires and see if the noise moves. If the noise moves to the rear the tire is the issue.
Q. I have a 2025 Toyota Camry LE Hybrid while my Mazda is in the body shop. Before I call the rental company, I thought I would check you. At low and various speeds the steering wheel pulls away from me to the left and hear a short-lasting grinding like a brake locking up. I think I should call them and turn it in for another rental. I cannot wait to get my old Mazda back. I think this 2025 Camry Hybrid is a lemon.
A. From your description it sounds like the lane departure/warning and correction system is either kicking in early or out of calibration. Look in the menu on the dash or a button that indicates lane departure warning and try shutting it off. If the sensation goes away, then the issue is the one of two issues. The system could be too sensitive, or it is possible it could be the way you drive. If you tend to hug the center line or even the white fog line, the system is trying to get you more centered on the road.
Q. I bought an old Dodge Caravan that say “flex-fuel” on the car what does that mean?
A. Flex Fuel, or sometimes referred to as FFV vehicles, are designed to operate on various types of gasoline. They can run on regular pump gas, E-15 which is 15 percent ethanol and even E85 which is 85 percent ethanol. Also you can mix E10, E15 and E85 and the fuel system will adapt as needed. What you may notice is the higher ethanol content the lower the miles per gallon.
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