Q. Can you help us to select an all-wheel-drive car, preferably a used model? Is there a sedan that you would recommend? We are researching to buy for our college-aged daughter. We want something that will handle well in inclement weather as well as in good weather driving conditions.

A. It is very easy to recommend a Subaru; all recent models have all-wheel-drive. They perform well year round are fairly economical to drive and maintain. The only caution I have is some model years require premium fuel. If you are looking for a new “bargain”, take a look at the Suzuki SX4. It handles well in winter and has decent power, although the fuel economy (highway mileage is in the low 20’s), could be better. With a great warranty and a retail price of under $17,000 it is worth a look.

Chilly messages

Q. I own a 2006 VW Passat and on cold mornings (below 25 degrees); the message center says that there is a “Parking Brake Fault” and that I need to see a dealer. If I set the parking brake then release it, the fault message goes off. Also on extremely cold mornings (below 10), a message pops up and says “Stop-Coolant Low.” I have checked the level and it’s fine. After driving for a short time and turning the engine off, the message will not reappear. Is this a sensor issue? Should I have a VW service tech look into the problem?

A. There is a technical service bulletin that describes this issue with the electronic parking brake. The fix is to have the cars computer re-programmed. This is an update that only the dealer can perform. Regarding the coolant light, the engine could in fact be low on coolant or it could be a problem with the coolant level sensor.

Cruise control quit

Q. I have a 1997 Buick Rivera. Couldyou tell me the main causes for the cruise control to go out?

A. There is a specific repair procedure that a technician would use to fix an inoperative cruise control, although there are items you can check. The first place to start is to check the fuses, wiring and all the electrical connections. Once you have looked at these items a computer scanner is needed to look for fault codes. Once you have the faulty code you should able to determine what component has failed.

Special fluid ‘services’

Q. I was in for a 30,000 mile service with my Toyota when the service advisor told me that I should have the power steering and brake fluids drained and replaced. They quoted a price of around $129 for each service. Is that really necessary with only 30,000 miles on my vehicle?

A. Brake fluid will attract dirt and moisture and it is a good idea to change it from time to time. The power steering fluid is not quite as critical and in most cases it never needs to be changed, although if it is very dirty it can’t hurt.

VW model confusion

Q. Is VW delaying the release of the 2009 Passat and Passat wagon with the V6 and 4motion? When I go to the VW Web site or any dealer sites, the only model they mention is the “Komfort,” which only has the 2.0 liter turbo 4-cylinder and no all-wheel drive. Do you have any information on these cars?

A. According to Steve Keyes, the General Manager of Public Relations for Volkswagen, there would be no 4motion Passat for the coming year. The new CC-four door coupe, is available with Volkswagen’s 4motion all-wheel drive system. Perhaps this is a way to further separate Volkswagen from its upscale cousin, Audi.

projocars@projo.com