Welcome to the AskPatty Blog Carnival, where we provide a refreshing assortment of female friendly news and interesting automotive tidbits from around the blogosphere. Now that gas prices are up over $4 a gallon, we've been bombarded with stories suggesting ways to save gas and money. Have you got something to share? Email Ask Patty at info@askpatty.com or use the form at the end to include your own blog bits in next week's carnival!


Many high-end automobiles come equipped with custom-fitted luggage. Maybe you don't want something quite so fancy? Check out this set we found at autoblog.com,  a new Spinner line from Samsonite, which is fitted with four spinning wheels -- one at each corner, like a car. Fancy stuff for the fashionable auto-minded traveler.

Back in April when Consumer Reports selected their favorite drop-tops, a reader asked: "With 75% of VW Beetle convertible buyers [being] women and 68% Camry Solara convertible buyers women, it would have been nice to hear what your women testers thought of these cars." So CR asked three female Cars staffers which convertibles they'd most like to see in their driveways. Check out their responses here.

Terica Devoreh-Spratt is a service advisor with Hawthorne Auto Clinic in Portland, Oregon. She uses her 10 years of technical knowledge and customer service skills to explain repairs and estimates to the shop's customers.   "The one thing that we wish customers knew is how difficult it is to work on vehicles and how highly skilled technicians have to be," says Terica. "Even a preconceived "easy" problem can be challenging and time consuming...it may be less stressful to the customers if they understand the repair process and why repairs are so expensive." Learn more in her autoshop Q&A.


AlphaWoman asks: "Should you buy a rental car??? Of course, the popular answer (or perhaps unanimous), would be an immediate "no." They have the reputation of being driven to the ground, beaten up, abused, and banged around, and overall, treated poorly." However, she read an article on MSN Autos, (entitled nonetheless, "Should You Buy a Rental Car" http://editorial.autos.msn.com/article.aspx?cp-doc...), which spurred her to share more information about what she says has become a stereotypical misconception for many of these vehicles.

What kind of car are you? Take this quick survey and answer a handful of easy questions to find out what kind of car best fits your personality. According to my answers, I'm an American classic -- fast, strong, and bold. Supposedly, I'm not snobby or pretentious, but have what it takes to give anyone a run for their money. Do you agree with the vehicle it chooses for you?

Here's the stuff we really love to find: An auto repair franchise with an ambience like an upscale spa. Established in 1982 to give Houston-area car owners a pleasant, professional and clean automotive service experience, Christian Brothers Automotive shops offer hardwood floors, leather couches, artwork and decorative lighting. With more than 50 auto repair shops across the country, Franchisetalk.net says they are on track to grow to 175 locations in the next five to seven years. I hope they build one near me!

DCH Paramus Honda has launched its Certified Female Friendly website  reinforcing their commitment to the Ask Patty Dealer Program. Are you shopping for a new Honda in the Paramus, New Jersey, area? Their website incorporates a time-saving narrated credit application and online pre-approval process, allowing you the opportunity to get pre-approved for a loan before visiting the dealership!


Planning a summer vacation road trip? In addition to watching the road, are you also watching what you eat?   The Queen of Lean has posted a feature on calorie-conscious road trip eating tips, so that with a little planning, you can save money, eat nutritiously and create some nice family memories on your road trip.  I'll bet Bossy would have appreciated some of these tips when she was planning her excellent road trip!