Dear Motor Medics,
I will be ready to purchase a new car soon and will need to sell the one I have. I’d like to know how I can get the best resale value for my car and how to go about finding out how much that number should be.
Thank you, Darlene in McCook Nebraska

Dear Darlene,
When you want to get the best resale value at the time of sale you should start at the time of purchase. Along the way keep all records of anything done to the car to show the care you have given it. A well cared for vehicle will bring more than a neglected one. Follow the severe service maintenance recommendations in the owner’s manual and when things break, have them fixed. If you have done none of these things or just a few you can still get good value for your car. A clean car will usually bring more money faster than a dirty one and often people buy on impulse because of looks alone. A complete professional detail is usually in the $100 range. Once it’s clean and ready to sell set your price. Selling it privately will usually bring the most money. To get a good estimate of what you should ask, check the local papers and car lots for similar mileage and condition vehicles. This will give you a real-world estimate for the location you are in as prices can vary between markets.
Take care, The Motor Medics.

Dear Motor Medics,
How often should I replace the shocks and struts on my vehicles? Is there a time or mileage limit to follow and is that a rule or can they be checked? My current 5-year-old minivan has never had them replaced, has 110,000 miles, and I plan on keeping it another 3 years or so.
Thank you, Scott in Fort Morgan Colorado

Dear Scott,
Shocks and struts play a vital role in the ride comfort and safety of your vehicle keeping your tires in contact with the road and smoothing the ride. When they start to fail you may feel more bounce in the suspension or even feel the chassis bottom out over hard bumps. Usually before you feel the bounce braking distance and handling will be decreased. As they age the compressed gas/oil mixture that is used internally will begin to leak, first the gas which goes unseen and next the oil which can usually be detected leaking down the body of the units. Any sign of leakage or excessive bounce indicates that it is time for replacement. Mileage wise at about 50,000 miles or so they will start to lose performance. If you were to drive a vehicle with new units then drive yours, you would probably see a noticeable difference. This difference can mean shorter stopping times, better handling, and a smoother ride. For your vehicle with 110,000 miles and five years it is time for replacement.
Take care, the Motor Medics