Q. Each time I start my 2005 Buick Le Sabre, I hear the fuel pump running for ten to fifteen seconds. Occasionally, I hear the pump after stepping on the accelerator following a stop when driving. Is this a concern? Can the fuel pump be tested?

A. The fuel pump will get noisy as it starts to wear. Some fuel pumps will start to hum and buzz just before they fail; however, I have seen cars that have lasted 100,000 miles or more after developing strange sounds. A technician could test the fuel pump pressure, volume and electrical load. If the electrical load is high or the fuel pump volume or pressure is below specification, it may be time to think about a replacement.

Q. I have a 2005 Chevy Cobalt with 55,000 miles. The problem is that after driving for a while, the door chime starts going off (like when you leave you keys in the car and open the door) and the power steering notice comes across information screen. Then, the speedometer goes back and forth from 20 mph to 60 mph and the RPM starts doing the same thing, to a lesser degree. The transmission starts downshifting and banging and eventually the car will die. A few hours later the car will be fine and is drivable, but this will occur repeatedly. The dealer is convinced that it is a problem with the electronic ignition, but they have been unable to solve the problem. Any suggestions?

A. There have been problems with the electronic power steering systems in some General Motors cars. In fact, there is a recall of 1.3 million Cobalts and yours may be one of them. Since your car is suffering from several symptoms, in addition to the power steering warning, I would have the dealership check for problems with circuit power and grounds. I have seen several cases where the main 60 ampere fuse becomes corroded and causes several of the same symptoms.

Q. We need to buy or lease a minivan in the next month. The lease for our current SUV has expired, and we have a third child on the way. After putting $2,000 down, most lease deals right now seem to be at about $400 a month, which fits our budget. Is there a particular minivan you would suggest?

A. In my opinion, the best minivan is still the Honda Odyssey. The Honda offers the best combination of dependability, value and safety. Chrysler, the company that re-invented the minivan in 1984, still has a very good product with some unique features, such as their “stow and go” seating. I also wouldn’t rule out the Kia Sedona. The Sedona has a great warranty, five star safety rating and a more than competitive price. If you want something a bit unique looking, check out the Ford Flex—it offers seating for up to 7, is available with all-wheel-drive and has a new, more powerful six-cylinder engine.

Q. About five years ago, I convinced my wife to buy a convertible so we purchased a 1991 Corvette. The 5.7L engine, with 55,000 miles, recently developed two “nuisance” oil leaks; one at the back the other at the front of the engine.  The rear engine leak was caused by a brittle distributor gasket. The front leak is located around the harmonic balancer. After removing the bolts, retaining the pulley and the balancer, I noticed oil dripping from the crank threads. I proceeded to remove the balancer, but to my surprise there was no indication of oil leaking, neither from the timing chain cover nor from the front oil seal. I’m not a mechanic by trade, just a car enthusiast. How does this happen? I believe the oil leak is from the balancer key slot. This slot is an unsealed area, which goes directly into the engine.  I don’t know of any gaskets used for this. What prevents oil from passing through this key slot within the balancer?

A. This question had me a bit baffled so I asked two of our AAA Approved Auto Repair field representatives, and we came up with same conclusion. The only possibility is that oil is working its way between the harmonic balancer and the crankshaft. If this is the case, replacing the balancer should solve stop the leak.

Q. I’m considering a convertible and have looked at a few and would like your opinion. I’m looking at the Mustang, Mini-Cooper, Volkswagen Beetle (the Eos seems pricey) and the Sebring. What do you like and why?

A. The Mini-Cooper is fun to drive, but small. The Beetle is the cutest of the cars you are looking at and the Sebring the most boring. The Mustang has been updated for 2010 and the V-6 engine should have sufficient power for most people (although the 2011 six-cylinder promises 300 horsepower and 31 miles per gallon). The Mustang also has room for four adults and a decent trunk, making it my pick. If rear seat room isn’t a priority, the Mini Cooper is a winner.