Featured Question
Q. I have a 1996 Town Car, 88,000 miles. The body and interior are near perfect, but the brake
lines have corroded, as has the engine pan. The dealer estimates $2,615 to replace all brake lines, pull
the engine and replace the pan. I have looked, and the corrosion is obvious. His diagnosis appears fully
valid. There are no other problems that I know of. Should I spend the money, or junk the car? I enjoy the car,
but if we junk it, I would not replace it.
A. Sounds like without spending the money on repairs, you're out of a ride! If you spend the
money you have a fully serviceable and useful car with relatively low miles at your disposal. If not, you
have about $2,615 worth of cab money or rental bucks if you choose to drive somewhere for a weekend.
For me? I'd do the brakes, fix it up and continue to enjoy it. It's a shame you didn't participate in the
Cash for Clunkers program, as it would have been worth $4500 more than it is now in actual cash value.
Perhaps as much as $7,000? Who knows! But as I always say, "If my aunt wore pants, she'd be my uncle" so
the point is moot. Fix the brakes. See you at the drive-in.
About Paul
When Paul Brian was 15 years old,
he asked a question that would fashion a great deal of the rest of his
life. The question was, "Sir, I really don't understand what your team seems to be doing--could you explain it
for me?" The answer came from a man who was willing to take the time to answer the inquiry of a young man with
a genuine interest in racing and cars. The answer came from automotive legend Carroll Shelby sitting on the
pit wall of the 1966 Sebring 12-Hour race. From that day on, Paul and Shelby became friends and Shelby's stature
as a business and racing icon helped Paul Brian through the rest of his life--even to today.
"I'll never forget that day and what it meant to me," said Paul. "I suppose that's why, when people started
writing and calling with their questions about what type of vehicle they should buy, I felt a responsibility to
help them through the process. The natural outgrowth of that was the "Ask Paul" feature that we now have on
DriveChicago.com. I don't profess to know the correct answer, nor even think that there's a single best answer
to the question of what a customer should or shouldn't buy, but I know enough to help them down the path of
making a sound, sensible decision."
Over the past 11 years, Paul has guided countless callers on his Drive Chicago radio show, as well. The show,
heard weekly at 8 a.m. on WLS AM890 in Chicago, is an audible version of what you'll find in print and online.
"There's a great deal of satisfaction I get when I hear back from someone who has asked for my advice and acted
on it with favorable results," said Brian. "The absolute best is when they write to let me know that it's their
second time looking for advice because the first time was so successful. I love that!"