Dear Tom and Ray:

I am a student in Austin, Texas. After I graduate, my boyfriend and I are heading to Portland, Ore., in his 1993 Saturn SL2. Here's where you come in. Brett (that's the boyfriend) is a rugged, outdoorsy type, dying to take the most interesting route and trek around in the mountains. I am the nervous nature appreciator, very concerned that his 1.9-liter engine (isn't that the same size as, say, a Weed Eater?) won't pull us up and down mountainous terrain. We had the car checked out, and they pronounced the brakes and clutch A-OK. Still, I'm concerned. What do you think? Can we make it up and down mountains? A response from you would bring tears of joy to my eyes. -- Elizabeth

Tom: Well, we're quite accustomed to our responses bringing tears to our readers' eyes, Elizabeth. So don't think that threat scares us.

Ray: Of course you can make it up the mountains, Elizabeth; 1.9 liters is not very big, but it's big enough to get a small car like a Saturn just about anywhere.

Tom: And besides, Brett is a rugged, outdoorsy type. So if you happen to break down and get stranded, he'll be able to kill a bear and feed you for a few weeks until the St. Bernards arrive with the brandy flasks.

Ray: You'd be smart to have the car thoroughly checked out, Elizabeth (not just the brakes and clutch). And moreover, pack a Triple-A card, a credit card and your sense of humor. You'll probably need all three.

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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