Q: I bought a used car from a Butler lot Feb. 12. I paid $1,700. I was told it was a good car. Within three weeks, the car started smoking and now it's not running. The head gasket is leaking. I can't get in touch with the car dealer now. He won't answer my calls. Can I get my money back?

C. HEMPHILL
Homestead

A: It's been years since I've received a question like yours Charlestina -- then three in as many days.

In most cases, when you buy a used car, you buy its problems. The best way to protect yourself is before you sign that contract, have the car checked by a mechanic you trust. A few dollars now can save you $1,700 three weeks down the road.

In some cases, Charlestina, there is help. It's up to the Pennsylvania attorney general's office to say for sure if you qualify.

In Pennsylvania, there is something known as the "as is" warranty, which gives buyers of used cars some protection, but that protection is limited and very specific.

The idea behind the "as is" warranty is that if you buy a used car "as is" from the dealer, you still have a right to assume it's roadworthy for a reasonable period of time. That's is generally thought to be about a month.

Again, this protection is very specific. To qualify, your car must have one of the following conditions: a bent, cracked or twisted frame; a cracked head or engine block, unable to pass inspection; a transmission or differential so damaged or deteriorated it must be replaced; or flood damage.

Although used car dealers might argue they didn't know, it can be argued back they should have known. They are the experts.

If you think your car qualifies under the "as is" warranty, file a complaint with the attorney general's Office of Consumer Protection at 1-800-441-2555 or online at www.attorneygeneral.gov. The dealer could be responsible for fixing your car or giving you a different car of similar value.

If your car is a dud for reasons other than the specific ones listed, keep trying to work with your dealer.

I did talk to the owner of the lot where you bought your car, Charlestina. He indicated that he was willing to work with you.

Q: Could you please give us the address and phone number of the place that takes your name off of mailing lists? I keep getting all kinds of letters in the mail advertising products I have no interest in.

S. MARTIN
Hempfield

A: Things have changed at the Direct Marketing Association. That's the organization in charge of getting your name off mailing lists around the country. For the first time, there is a fee involved.

To sign up by mail, the Direct Marketing Association asks you to send a check or money order for $1, payable to the DMA Mail Preference Service, P.O. Box 282, Carmel, NY 10512.

You are asked to include your name, address and phone number.

Simply state that you would like your name removed from all mailing lists as soon as possible.

This is not a cure-all, but it should greatly reduce the amount of unsolicited mail that you receive. You will continue to get mail from companies with whom you do business. To get off those kinds of mailing lists, the DMA suggests you write to those companies individually and ask to be removed from all mailing lists.

Lists are updated quarterly, so it could take a few months to see a drop in the amount of mail in your mailbox.