Q. We are selling or trading in our 1998 V70 Volvo wagon and want to replace it with another wagon that has similar cargo space—but not an SUV.  We are looking for a change and are not interested in another Volvo. We have been looking online at used Audi, BMW and Mercedes Benz models between the years of 2005 and 2007. We need the wagon in part for the cargo space, given all that we need to routinely haul or pick up. Which of these cars would you suggest?

A. Wagons, once a common vehicle of the suburbs, have been replaced by SUVs and minivans, and as you point out, there are a limited variety of these vehicles available. Of the three cars you are looking at, they all have their strengths and weaknesses. The Audi, with its all-wheel-drive, is a great winter performer and has the nicest interior. The BMW feels more like a sports sedan, although the cargo space is a bit tighter. The Mercedes Benz has a solid feel and with 4matic, it is a good year-round car. The bottom line? All three vehicles are good choices. When buying a used luxury car, I am most concerned with overall condition and how easy it is to get the car serviced.

Q. I own a 2006 BMW 530 Sport Wagon with only 15,000 miles on it. In the past year, I had to get the car repaired for damaged sway bar linkage. In 2009, it was the right side that was damaged; in May 2010, it was the left side that needed repair. The repair order states that they repaired/replaced damaged linkage assembly. But I’ve asked local mechanics, and also in online forums, and not one BMW owner has had anything comparable. I am not a “pot hole” seeker and the car is in mint condition—regular maintenance is always performed on time and the car is also under warranty until the end of 2011. Do you think there is something inherently wrong with the car?

A. There is certainly a difference between a damaged part and a worn out part—if the part was damaged, it must have been by some outside force. Generally, sway bar links are replaced as sets, although when a car is under warranty, it is not unusual to only replace the part that is worn out. My suspicion is that the two parts just didn’t wear out at the same time.

Q. The “check engine” light came on in my 2002 Chevrolet Prism. I have checked with the vehicle owner’s manual and I believe this may have to do with the emission controls system. Will this be an expensive repair?

A. The check engine light is on because there is a fault with the engine management system. The cause could be as simple as a loose gas cap, or something more complex and expensive. At this point, the best thing to do is to take your vehicle to a repair shop. They will scan the computer system and read any current fault codes. You can expect to pay at least one hour’s worth of labor to get a basic diagnostic check. You may also find that some shops and auto-parts stores will offer a complimentary inspection. Generally, this is simply involves reading a code and not actually pinpointing the problem.

Q. I own a 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix GT with 38,000 miles on it. I bought this car in 2006 as a new “left over.” I have always heard suspension noises and have brought it to various GM dealerships (Pontiac, Cadillac and Chevy) in the past. At my last service with Cadillac, they replaced the steering shaft, however, I am still hearing the clunks, rattles and squeaks.

A. This has been a common complaint with this model. It is generally remedied with a replacement of the intermediate steering shaft, but in other cases, the bearing kit for the steering rack stub shaft needs replacing.

Q. I purchased a 2010 Toyota Prius about six months ago. The car is okay, but I’m quite disappointed with the mileage. I was promised 50 miles per gallon and I’m not getting anywhere close to that mileage. In most cases, the car barely gets 38 miles per gallon. With the combination of brake recalls, Toyota’s bad press and the poor mileage, I feel like I was lied to. What should I do?

A. The first thing you should do is see if there is anything wrong with the car and also have the brake update completed. I recently drove a 2010 Prius and averaged 55 miles per gallon in mostly highway driving. The secret to hybrid driving is to take it “easy” on the gas and then coast. I have driven hybrids since they first came out and with just a slight modification in driving habits, I’ve been able to meet or beat the EPA estimates. In my opinion, the Prius is a great car with plenty of versatility and comfort for four adults. The Prius will never be as fun to drive as a sports car, but it is fun to drive by gas stations.