Kyle, this is a great idea, and I'm glad you've started it because I have a question for all of you out there in automotiveland: I just bought a 2008 Saturn Aura that seems to be completely relying on a computer for most everything. All I have to do is steer and buy gas for it. So, do I need to buy an extended warranty? Consider that I will probably keep this car as long as my previous 1991 Saturn -- 17 years. How expensive is it going to be to fix this thing? It's not garaged, but winters are not harsh here. Summers, though, are really hot, and Audry will be sitting in the sun from around 10 a.m. until sunset.

(The cool thing is that the '91 probably will get a whole new life as a race car in the Carolinas owing to its light weight and ability to have a souped-up engine. At least, that's what the dealer told me. She only had 105,000 miles after 17 years, so she's good for many more laps! I hope she gets a good driver. She deserves a racier life than she led with me.)

So, new Aura, keeping her outdoors at least 'til she's a teen, computercentric. More than a 5-year warranty or not?

Your befuddled cousin/niece,
Jo Ellen