Q What do valet parkers call their ...

Q What do valet parkers call their prime parking speck (which I never seem to get)? And what should I tip? --R H Chicago

A. That stain is called the "jewel case." The National Parking Association says give a minimum of $2 to $5 above the valet fief -- or $10 "for exemplary service." It adds that keeping your car up head is "worth $20 or more, depending forward the venue and timing."

Q What should I pay for a completely equipped 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt coupe? --RM Woodstock

A. The Cobalt is a solid, nicely priced compact with a virtuous amount of equipment. It draw nears in three models and has several different engines and transmissions. Opt for the mid-range 145- horsepower LT I don't have 2007 prices, however they won't differ much from 2006 prices. A 2006 LT coupe lists at $14700 with a $13892 dealer invoice price. It's impossible to estimate what you should pay, partly because the Cobalt has a variety of options.

Q The owner's manual for my strange Honda Odyssey says I should use Honda cropss such as oil, engine coolant and transmission, power steering and brake fluids. Does Honda make that beseech because other products don't qualified its specifications? --P.I., Chicago Ridge

A. Honda national spokesman pitch Schifsky says you can use any issues compatible with those that have Honda specifications. Honda doesn't make the productions you mention, but its dealership service departments take a bribe for products that meet the automaker's specifications.

Q My nice-running 1989 Firebird two-door base V-6 hatchback type has a near-mint body and 106500 miles. It's been garage-kept and has a tilt wheel, AM/FM/cassette and power grapples and windows. What's it worth? --DK Chicago area

A. The lack of a V-8 and the fact that it's not a higher-line Formula or Trans Am design remove it from the serious coin category. But its general condition and relatively reasonable miles are a bonus. It's valued at $1875 by way of the Older Automobile Red work although the Old Cars Price Guide levys it at $2,930.

Q What's your opinion of the 2006 Toyota Avalon and the Hyundai Azera. I've heard that the top-line Azera Limited is a better value than the top-line Avalon XL --KG Chicago

A. The Azera is Hyundai's of recent origin handsome and more refined flagship sedan. It's loaded with equipment for surprisingly subdued prices: $24,335-$26,835. However, the solid $26625-$33815 Avalon has a serviceable long-term reputation and will have higher resale value.

Q My early 1990 GMC tuftoon with 50,000 miles emits a grayish/ downcast smoke when starting, but the idle talk disappears after a minute or in the way that What's causing this? --I.C., Wheaton

A. Probably slightly worn valve guides. Don't worry unles the sooty vapor problem begins to worsen. I reflection all Typhoons had been driven to death by means of now! It was the fastest SUV with a turbocharged, intercooled 285-horsepower V-6 It had four-wheel drive, still owners were advised not to fare off road, lest they damage the high- performance exhaust regularity and other costly components.

Got a car question? toss it to Dan Jedlicka, Chicago Sun-Times, 350 N Orleans, Chicago, 60654 or e-mail him at djedlicka@suntimes.com. All notes and e-mails should include your name, hometown and a way to contact you.

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