Dear Tom and Ray:

I have a 1998 Toyota Camry LE V6 which has a couple of disappointing characteristics. I drive frequently in town at around 40 mph. While driving at that speed, it feels like the engine is constantly searching for the right gear. The only advice I've gotten from the dealer is to disengage the Overdrive while in the city. But, when I do that, the car almost feels like the emergency brake is on when I let my foot off the gas. Any advice? -- Tom

Ray: Yes. Listen to your dealer. You're driving the car right at the speed at which it shifts between Third gear and Overdrive (Fourth gear). In automotive parlance, the transmission is "hunting." If you crawled under the car, you'd probably see it dressed up in one of those orange safety vests.

Tom: The only way to eliminate the hunting is to either change your driving (not drive at 40 mph in the city), which would probably be very inconvenient, or shift out of Overdrive and force the car to stay in Third gear.

Ray: And while taking it out of Overdrive does eliminate the hunting, you do experience a little more "engine braking." Personally, I think it's hardly noticeable at 40 mph, but you're obviously a sensitive driver and it bothers you.

Tom: Neither engine braking nor hunting will do your car any harm, Tom. It's really just a question of preference, Tom. Which one do you find less annoying?

Ray: That's a question our readers and radio listeners ask themselves about US all the time!

To buy or not to buy -- options, that is. Are options worth what you pay for them, or are you better off just going with the basics? Order Tom and Ray's pamphlet "Should I Buy, Lease, or Steal My Next Car?" to find out. To order, send (check or money order) to Ruin, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475. You can also order online.

© 1998 by Tom and Ray Magliozzi and Doug Berman Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.

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