Car Doctor

Q. I have a 2014 Toyota Camry with the four-cylinder engine, and it has about 61,000 miles on it. The car runs fine but the transmission fluid and coolant have not been changed. I now drive about 5000 miles per year, should I have that done now?

A . Toyota is pretty liberal with the maintenance requirements of this vehicle. The fluids should be checked periodically for both level and condition and service, as necessary. The coolant service is listed at 100,000 miles and the transmission does not have a specific interval. Since you are now only driving 5000 miles per year it could take another seven years to reach 100,000 miles. If this were my nearly 8-yearold car I would change the coolant in the next year based on time, not mileage. Based on Toyota’s recommendation, unless there is a transmission leak or other issue, I see no reason to change the fluid.

Q . I am looking for an older, antique daily driver. A car that is sort of cool, less than $40,000 and maybe a bit unique but something I can drive, go to car shows and be practical. I was thinking of a classic pickup truck or Chevy El Camino, but I could use a little more space for my husband and dog. Any suggestions?

A . I was recently at a few car shows and two cars that I saw and really liked were a Ford Falcon wagon and a Chevy Nova wagon. I stock trim they are pretty nice cars but what I really like about them is how easily upgradable they are. Both cars can be easily adapted to more modern brakes, engines, and transmissions. I recently saw a fully upgraded Falcon wagon in country squire trim with an engine and transmission out of a Mustang and disc brakes with air conditioning. The owner purchased the car for $35,000.