Q. I am in the market for a classic car. I see auctions on television all the time and the cars look fantastic. What do you think about buying from an auction and how about internet and telephone bidding? 

A. I have been to a couple of auctions and will be going to another soon. What I have found is the cars range from 100 percent restored to others that are daily drivers. The cars that worry me are the cars that look extra clean. An engine that is spotless, has new paint, but no evidence of a rebuild or even refresh of gaskets and seals. I have also seen some very questionable body repairs. Buying in person and scouting the cars will certainly help with questions. Buying online you are going by pictures. Honest sellers will show you the car’s faults but also documentation of repairs. My suggestions are do your research, know what you are looking for and become an “expert” with a few vehicles that interest you. Have a budget and stick to it. Keep in mind almost every car, unless perfect is going to need some repairs. Also do not forget about added charges, such as buyer’s premium and transportation costs. Finally buy a vehicle to enjoy, not as an investment. Send me a picture of your new car when you get it. 

Q. My 2012 Honda CR-V now has 124,000 miles. The headlights are cloudy and already resurfaced once. To replace the headlight assemblies is quite expensive. This has been a great car, and I have put very little money into it, just routine maintenance. I have really only had one major repair and that was only a wheel bearing. It is 12 years old, and the chances of future major repairs are certainly possible. I really love my CRV and don’t want to have to buy a new vehicle. What would John do? 

A. It is always cheaper to fix an old car than buy a new one, but repairs and even major repairs are certainly possible at nearly 13 years old. Buying a new car should give you more reliability, possibly better fuel economy and the latest safety features that your current car lacks. If this CR-V is a secondary vehicle in your household, I would probably keep it and repair it as issues come up. If this is the only vehicle in your household, I think I would start thinking about a new car. You are in a particularly good position, since you don’t need a new car immediately and you can take your time and find the perfect next car. 

Q. I listen to your radio show, and I have heard you say it is a car program and not a political program. But I have a car question that is also political. With the new administration threatening tariffs on imported vehicles, should I buy a new Hyundai now? 

A. I have heard the arbitrary 200 percent tariffs on vehicles built in Mexico. I also heard the president inviting Chinese car companies to build factories in the United States to avoid tariffs. Hyundai builds Tucson, Santa Fe and Santa Cruz vehicles in Alabama, so based on the invitation to build factories here in the United States I do not believe you will see a tariff. You are correct, I would rather answer questions about gas prices, oil engines and transmissions.

Q. I own a 2019 Honda Pilot with 67,000 miles on it. Can you recommend a qualified mechanic to replace the timing belt in my area?

A. This is a bit early for timing belt replacement unless the vehicle is regularly driven in extremely high temperatures above 110 °F (43 °C), or in very low temperatures below -20 degrees. I would wait until the car maintenance reminder displays indicator number 4 which is to replace the timing belt, spark plugs, check the valve adjustments and inspect the water pump. The typical mileage is much closer to 110,000 miles. Also check with the dealer, some Pilots were recalled for premature timing belt failure. As for an independent shop, go to aaa/com/repair for an AAA Approved repair shop in your area. The typical cost for service 4 is about seven hours of labor plus parts.

Q. I have a 2021 Mitsubishi Mirage and when the gas light is blinking and gas is getting low, approximately how many miles do I have left till empty? 

A. Typically, in most vehicles when the low fuel light comes on you have between 35-50 miles until you run out of fuel. A flashing low fuel light may be less, perhaps even 10 miles until the car stops running. I would not make a habit of driving with the low fuel light on. The fuel pump is cooled by gasoline in the fuel tank, driving with very little fuel allows the fuel pump to get hot and shortens its life.