. I read that buying a car remains a hassle for women, according to a recent poll conducted by CarMax, a large used-car retailer. It said the poll shows no improvement in women's biggest gripes from previous years in which the poll was conducted. Any tips for women to make car buying easier? -- M.S., Chicago area

A. Research vehicle types, makes, models, options, features and prices. Find a car retailer and salesperson you like and trust by asking friends and family for referrals. But remember that they want a fair profit. Get a fair offer on a trade-in separately from your car purchase. Publications such as the Automobile Red Book contain average retail, wholesale and finance amounts for cars and trucks. They're often in auto magazine sections of large bookstores. Beware of extraneous, unexplained fees. Walk away if unhappy with a car buying experience.

Q. I'm interested in buying a 2006 Acura RSX. Can you tell me about that car and is there any auto that is better? -- N.C., Morton Grove

A. The front-drive RSX is a slick, sporty two-door hatchback coupe that is Acura's above-average entry model. The April 4, 2005, AutoTimes has a complete review. Rivals include the rear-drive Ford Mustang and front-drive Mini Cooper, Scion tC and Mitsubishi Eclipse. Take all for a test drive.

Q. I'd like a Honda Accord Hybrid or Acura TL. Which represents the most "bang for the buck." I'm especially looking for a "whisper quiet" interior. -- D.T. Elwood

A. Only a full-size luxury car -- not the autos you mention -- provides the quiet interior you want. The Accord gasoline/electric Hybrid and Acura TL gasoline engine model are two different types of cars because of their powertrains and thus can't be directly compared. The TL is more fun, but the Accord Hybrid has higher fuel economy.

Q. I'm thinking about buying a 2006 Ford Taurus with 22,556 miles. It looks brand new, but I don't know much about the Taurus. Also, what is a Ford Focus? -- C.S., Chicago area

A. The mid-size Taurus is in the process of being replaced by the more modern Ford Fusion. But the Taurus long has been very decent and once was the top-selling auto in America. The drawback here is the high mileage for a 2006 model. Have a mechanic check the Taurus before you buy it. The compact Focus is smaller than the Taurus, but more fun to drive.

Q. I'm told by some people that 87 octane gasoline at a BP Amoco station is the same as 89 octane gas anywhere else. Is that true? -- A.A., Chicago