Q: I'm at that stage in life where I'd like a midlife-crisis car, but I'm also eminently practical. I'm passing on my Volvo XC with 100,000-plus miles to my teen and am looking at something for myself. Safety is foremost, but fun is a close second. I'd love a wagon with all-wheel drive (safety), manual transmission (fun) and a diesel engine (fuel). I'm willing to pay in the $40,000 range for my version of a dream machine. Can you steer me to what seems like an impossible goal?

—David Ader, Westport, Conn.

A: The car that best fits your description exists, but isn't sold yet in the U.S. Subaru says it will bring its diesel-powered Outback wagon to the States, but hasn't said exactly when. You would have to wait at least a year.

If you are flexible, there are other sporty wagons on the market, such as the Audi A4Avant, BMW 328i and Cadillac CTS. These are all gasoline-powered, and only the BMW comes with a stick shift. But these models are still stylish and desirable enough to fill the midlife-crisis void.

Q: My 1998 two-door Ford Explorer with manual transmission has 142,000 miles, and I am seeking a replacement with a truck-style chassis and ride, a manual transmission and a high SUV-like platform for visibility. Any suggestions other than a horse?

—Martin Cooper, Irvine, Calif.
A: It keeps getting harder to find "real" trucks on the SUV market. But you can still get two of my favorites, the Nissan Xterra and Jeep Wrangler Unlimited, with manual transmissions and the ride and feel of a light truck. Both are far from the growing herd of crossovers that look like trucks but have softly-sprung chassis designed more for comfort than for hauling heavy cargo.

Q: I just got hit with a huge bill to repair a transfer case on a 2005 Grand Jeep Cherokee. It only has 42,000 miles, doesn't pull a trailer and is pampered. Do you have any idea why this problem would occur with such a gently used vehicle?

—Don Wozniak, East Grand Rapids, Mich.
A: Many Grand Cherokee drivers have reported problems with transfer cases, transmissions and other drive-train parts. There was a recall related to problems with the vehicle's automatic transmission, but I am not aware of recalls specific to the transfer case. Still, you should explain the problem in a letter to Chrysler's Jeep division. I know it sounds old-fashioned, but the company may help if you are persistent—and exceedingly patient.

Q: I have two cars that I drive: a 1999 Toyota Avalon with 55,000 miles and a 2004 Camry with 24,000 miles. I prefer the Avalon, but am not sure which car to keep or what to buy if I get rid of both. I drive to the desert once a month and to nearby Orange County occasionally. Other than that I just drive around town.

—Linda Feldman, Torrance, Calif.
A: Keeping your current car is almost always a better economic choice than trading it in for a new one. Based strictly on mileage you would be better off keeping the Camry because it has fewer than half the miles of the Avalon. However, if you prefer the Avalon you should keep it. The car should still give you many years of reliable service and probably will be more comfortable on the longer desert drives. The last time I took a long ride in a Camry, I felt like I'd never stand up straight again.