Q: I bought a new Lexus LS 400 in 1997 with beautiful antique pewter paint. Three or four years ago, the clear coat near the windshield on the driver's side of the hood began to peel. The car has always been garaged, rarely sits in the sun for long periods during the day and it has been washed with diligence. The car is way out of warranty. Do you think I'm whistling Dixie to try to get the dealer to do something?

—Margo Kenney, Santa Barbara

A: Paint on modern cars, especially those with clear-coat finishes, is remarkably thin and in time the clear coat often wears, peels and flakes off. Abrasives in many wax and polishing products slowly wear away at the clear coat and can destroy it after many years. It can't hurt to ask your dealer about it, but you'll probably end up having to go to a specialist body shop.

Q: My wife and I recently took a taxi in Amsterdam and were very impressed with the new Kia Cee'd with the glass roof.

We had plenty of luggage and it all fit. Do you think that this car will ever be offered for sale in the U. S.? I would be interested in perhaps buying the diesel six-speed version.

—Hellmut Walter, Salem, S.C.

A: Consumer preferences would probably have to change significantly in the U.S. before Kia would offer a small vehicle like the Cee'd.

A version with a diesel engine and six-speed transmission represents an even less-likely niche among American drivers, who generally prefer larger, less-engaging machinery.

However, such vehicles could suddenly become more common as car makers try to meet stricter fuel-economy requirements.

Q: I'm in the market for a hybrid (I think). I've Googled the pros and cons and I need more intel.

What's the best approach? Are hybrids here to stay?

—Barbara LeNoble, Atlanta

A: Hybrids are here to stay—at least for the next decade or so.

The biggest challenge in shopping for one is deciding whether to wait for the next technological advance or buy what is currently available.

You can go for a basic car like a Honda Civic hybrid, something bigger like a Toyota Prius V or Highlander hybrid, or even something more luxurious like a Porsche Cayenne hybrid.

In any case, you will get better fuel economy with a hybrid, but pay a higher sticker price when compared with a conventional vehicle.

—Email mecar@wsj.com