Q. I bought a new Honda Odyssey last December. I ended up driving my 10 year-old CR-V most of the time and only put about 2,500 miles on the Odyssey, but the engine oil had been there for seven months or longer. Should I follow the maintenance “minder” on the Odyssey (it advises 50% oil life left”) or go ahead and change the oil?

A. The oil change interval recommended on your Honda is to change the oil every 7,500 miles or at least once per year under normal driving conditions. Honda engines, even under their severe service recommendation, still use the once per year standard. Would it hurt to change the oil now? No. Is it necessary “by the book”?  No. But, if this were my Honda, I would change the oil at least twice per year.

Q. Like one of your previous readers, I am considering buying a 2001 Jaguar XK8. It has 21k miles and is in immaculate condition. Purchasing a pre-owned model is the only way I can afford one of these beautiful cars. As you can tell, I love the looks but am hesitant on the reliability of this car. I have read as many good reviews as very bad. The general reputations of the original Jaguars speak volumes on why not to own them. Can you tell me about the reliability of this model and if it is going to be high maintenance? Also, what is the “real” mpg to be expected? I see everything from 15 to 18 mpg in the city listed for this car, but I know that the method of measuring fuel economy has changed since 2001.

A. The overall quality of Jaguar cars has improved over the years, but as with any luxury sports car, repairs and general maintenance can be very expensive. As a general rule regarding fuel economy, deduct 10-15 percent from the old EPA fuel economy number.

Q. I have a 2000 Ford Windstar on which the right directional signal, parking and cornering lights do not work. All of the bulbs are working.  According to the manual, they are all on one circuit and the fuse is fine. Is there a solution?

A. There is always a solution! Once upon a time, cars were simple and lighting used switches, power and ground circuits. The only tool necessary was a keen eye and a test light. In the last decade, that has all changed. Although wiring could be a problem, the circuit in the Windstar uses a rear electronic module to trigger the ground circuit of the lights. This part, as well as the lighting, can be checked with a Ford compatible scan tool.