I'm seeing a lot more used car ads for cars that are less than 10 years old with normal mileage that say "a/c compressor replaced" or "a/c not working" or similar language to indicate problems with the a/c system. Are a/c problems becoming more common on cars these days? Could it be the new R134a refrigerant? I've read that R134 A/C systems in most cars after about 5 years have high failure rates because they run at a higher pressure and are not as cold as the old R12. It seems like more domestic makes have problems than imports regarding air conditioning, from the ads I read. I remember driving 80's GM cars with R12 that would freeze you out and last a long time. What are some late model cars with good or problematic air conditioning? I'm basically after a reliable low mileage peppy/good torque for around town midsize sub $3000 car with an ice cold A/C system. Should I stick to cars with the old R12 system or ones with brand new a/c systems installed? I've usually found good luck with 1986-1991 GM A-Body (Pontiac 6000, Olds Ciera, Buick Century) and 1986-1991 H-Body cars like the Olds 88 and Buick Lesabre. Thanks in advance for your advice/opinions.

Out of nowhere, while driving (as reported, not my car) engine starts stumbling at idle. If you keep the RPM up, it smooths out. Error code P031: Cylinder 1 Misfire Details; 2.4 DOHC, Less than 1/8th tank gas, Temperature has been mid 30s', but now is in the mid 40s', 60k miles, Plugs changed in the last year (AFAIK), Orginal cables & coil. This didn't happen after sitting overnight so I ruled out condensation since it was driven for over 15 minutes when it was noticed. The plug cables are less than 6 inches in length as the coil is right there. I'm wondering about condensation [b]within[/b] the gas tank, but if that was the case, why just one cylinder misfiring, why not all? I didn't check for spark since the 'boots' are overly long with the plug sitting well below and center of the intake manifold. My thoughts other than condensation from the fuel tank; 1. Bad plug (s), 2. Bad cable(s), 3. Bad coil, or 4. Bad injector. Ideas?? Thanks in advance.