A few things you'll never hear your mom say.
Shannon Murphy Seattle, Washington - Chrysler Concorde
An engine question. New Mom, car was given to her by parents. Has two problems, an oil leak (she adds about a quart every three weeks) and a crushed manifold hose. Was told each would cost $200 to fix--money is tight, can she fix just one? No, given the rate of the leak, and that the hose is causing the car to run rough, she needs to fix both, ASAP. Try to borrow money from Mom and Dad.
Suzanne Chicago, Illinois - 1991 Saab 900
starting/electrical... car is behaving like a sullen teenager. When she tries to start it, the car grumbles, goes 'huh!' and then *sigh*. She might have to try 2 or 3 times before it will start. Also, occasionally hears a 'tsk' click sound when it won't start. The guys think it's a bad lock out switch or the starter motor. Eventually it won't start at all, so get it fixed.
Simon Frost Scottsdale, Arizona - 2004 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
A question about brakes/rotors/calipers/suspension. When he brakes at 55 mph or higher, car shimmies. Tom and Ray say it's a classic case of warped disc rotors. They were right!
Temeka Bedford Minneapolis, Minnesota - 1998 Dodge Caravan
transmission/engine question. When car gets hot, accelerator pedal sinks to floor, RPMs jump to 4000 and car won't accelerate. Also, engine oil light comes on when she's idling and when car is warm. Guys think it's two problems. Oil light may just be a bad sensor, but likely it's more serious. Other problem is slipping transmission. She's lucky they're happening at the same time, so she can dump the car rather than spend 2k on a tranny and then have to spend another 2k on an engine.
Tim Cincinatti, Ohio - 2000 Nissan Altima
A heat/cooling/AC question. Whenever turns AC on while driving, makes a kissing sound, like laying a big fat one on someone's cheek. Ray says it's likely the AC compressor, or AC clutch.
Lisa Jolley Raleigh, North Carolina - 1996 Toyota Camry
A body/window question. They have an infant, and a suction cup window shade. Her husband took the car in to get serviced, and when he came home, one of the suction cups had fallen into the door. She thinks mechanics did it. Should they take it back? Guys say it's worth a shot--suggest she bring baked goods (a pecan pie), and be non-confrontational. Requires removing door panel, but would likely only take them a few minutes. If they refuse, husband may be able to do it himself.
William Weldon Rocky Mount, North Carolina - 1996 Chevrolet Blazer
A transmission/engine mount question. His mother loaned the Blazer to him after he totaled his car. 175,000 miles on it. When the engine is cold and he shifts, the engine jumps--feels like it's gonna jump out of the car. Mom says he did it. Guys say it's a broken motor mount, or broken motor mounts. He may or may not have caused it, but he should pay to fix it, in case he needs to borrow car from Mom again.
Corinna Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania -
A buying question. She has never owned a car, but thinks it's time to buy one. She's in grad school, and tried biking, but had an accident that landed her in the hospital. Needs something safe, and she wants to sit high. Guys suggest a Honda Element, so she can have all wheel drive, or a Subaru. Also recommend a Nissan Cube or Kia Soul, but those are front-wheel drive.
Don Johnstown, Pennsylvania - 1998 Dodge Caravan
driving/safety/children question. He discovered that his 2 year old son really enjoys it when he drives really fast on hilly roads, and attains 'Negative G.' Can see ahead, so he knows no cars are coming, but is he teaching his son reckless driving habits? Guys say he probably passed on a reckless behavior gene, even before he started doing this, and is doing it as much for his own enjoyment as the kid's. Probably not worth worrying about.