# General Discussion **URL:** https://community.cartalk.com/c/general-discussion/8.md?page=224 [Latest](https://community.cartalk.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://community.cartalk.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://community.cartalk.com/tags.md) **Page:** 225 --- ## [Huge (59 Volkswagen) Bug Weighs In At 3 Tons! Custom Fabrication](https://community.cartalk.com/t/huge-59-volkswagen-bug-weighs-in-at-3-tons-custom-fabrication/94154)
**Author:** [@common-sense-answer](https://community.cartalk.com/u/common-sense-answer)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [July 31, 2016, 4:53pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/huge-59-volkswagen-bug-weighs-in-at-3-tons-custom-fabrication/94154 "2016-07-31T16:53:21Z")
Check this out! What an undertaking! I saw it in USA Today, today, in a story by Chris Woodyard. Link below: Some of you guys are looking for a "project car." This guy made one. This is truly a head-turner! "if y… --- ## [Need advice on suing the insurance company](https://community.cartalk.com/t/need-advice-on-suing-the-insurance-company/94114)
**Author:** [@Roger124](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Roger124)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [July 29, 2016, 10:33pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/need-advice-on-suing-the-insurance-company/94114 "2016-07-29T22:33:36Z")
I was in a small accident a few days ago. My insurance company said that I was not at fault and would notify the other insurance company that they won't pay for the repair of the other car. I have liability but none on… --- ## [VW saves the world](https://community.cartalk.com/t/vw-saves-the-world/94009)
**Author:** [@jtsanders](https://community.cartalk.com/u/jtsanders)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [July 29, 2016, 9:43pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/vw-saves-the-world/94009 "2016-07-29T21:43:17Z")
... From VW. At least they claim to have done it with minor modifications to their offending diesel vehicles. The fix involves reprogramming the emissions system and adding a larger catalytic converter. The EPA/NHTSA has… --- ## [What about the Nissan Frontier MSRP $18,000?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/what-about-the-nissan-frontier-msrp-18-000/92157)
**Author:** [@Rod-Knox](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Rod-Knox)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [July 29, 2016, 5:43am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/what-about-the-nissan-frontier-msrp-18-000/92157 "2016-07-29T05:43:45Z")
I mostly ignore new car ads on television and when the Frontier was mentioned on one of the NPR programs I took a look and found that Nissan offers a somewhat bare bones pickup at a ~reasonble~ price. http://www.nissan… --- ## [Crossover AUV towing AWD va Fwd](https://community.cartalk.com/t/crossover-auv-towing-awd-va-fwd/94096)
**Author:** [@bauto5](https://community.cartalk.com/u/bauto5)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [July 29, 2016, 3:04am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/crossover-auv-towing-awd-va-fwd/94096 "2016-07-29T03:04:55Z")
Considering purchasing a crossover SUV with 5000 towing capacity. Will be towing boat package with total weight of 3000 lbs. is AWD or Fwd better for towing? --- ## [What car should I buy to replace bad boy Sportwagen TDI?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/what-car-should-i-buy-to-replace-bad-boy-sportwagen-tdi/94112)
**Author:** [@Path5550](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Path5550)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [July 28, 2016, 10:52pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/what-car-should-i-buy-to-replace-bad-boy-sportwagen-tdi/94112 "2016-07-28T22:52:52Z")
wrote: It looks like I will be getting rid of my 2011 Jetta Sportwagen TDI when the VW Settlement is final. But I don't know what car to get next. Any suggestions? I love the Sportwagen TDI because: 2. It's a station w… --- ## [The new format](https://community.cartalk.com/t/the-new-format/94087)
**Author:** [@the\_same\_mountainbike](https://community.cartalk.com/u/the_same_mountainbike)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [July 28, 2016, 1:53pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/the-new-format/94087 "2016-07-28T13:53:06Z")
It took me some time to learn and get used to it, but now that I am I wanted to comment that I like the new format much better. The one thing I'd like to see is dates added. --- ## [Lights on the dashboard](https://community.cartalk.com/t/lights-on-the-dashboard/94110)
**Author:** [@Dawneed24](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Dawneed24)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [July 28, 2016, 12:31pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/lights-on-the-dashboard/94110 "2016-07-28T12:31:40Z")
Last night while driving my battery light and bake light came on and stayed on. Nothing seems wrong at least not yet ( but they are warning lights) any thoughts on what it could be? --- ## [Self teaching auto mechanics](https://community.cartalk.com/t/self-teaching-auto-mechanics/93794)
**Author:** [@smc85](https://community.cartalk.com/u/smc85)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [July 27, 2016, 3:17am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/self-teaching-auto-mechanics/93794 "2016-07-27T03:17:01Z")
Hello everyone new here was wondering if I can get some advice and tips on self teaching myself how to work on cars nothing against schools just I'm already paying for welding school and would like to learn mechanics as … --- ## [Got to wondering, do all "V" configuration engines these days use push rods and rocker arms?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/got-to-wondering-do-all-v-configuration-engines-these-days-use-push-rods-and-rocker-arms/93798)
**Author:** [@George\_San\_Jose1](https://community.cartalk.com/u/George_San_Jose1)\ **Replies:** 64\ **Last updated:** [July 27, 2016, 2:02am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/got-to-wondering-do-all-v-configuration-engines-these-days-use-push-rods-and-rocker-arms/93798 "2016-07-27T02:02:18Z")
You know, V6's and V8's. Or do some of these use overhead cams that push directly down on the valves, like is done w/most modern in-line 4's? --- ## [Experiences with the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/experiences-with-the-mitsubishi-outlander-sport/93259)
**Author:** [@cwatkin](https://community.cartalk.com/u/cwatkin)\ **Replies:** 38\ **Last updated:** [July 27, 2016, 12:15am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/experiences-with-the-mitsubishi-outlander-sport/93259 "2016-07-27T00:15:11Z")
My GF seems to really have the hots for this vehicle now. She saw a blue one on the highway recently and it looks like a sized up version of her Mirage. I know they are likely a very different vehicle but the appearanc… --- ## [KM or mph?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/km-or-mph/94019)
**Author:** [@Cavell](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Cavell)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [July 25, 2016, 11:29pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/km-or-mph/94019 "2016-07-25T23:29:23Z")
Canadian driver of American car was ticketed for going 100mph in mpls yesterday. He thought speedo on American rental car was set for km vs mph. He was stopped in 55 mph zone near downtown. He was initially confused abou… --- ## [As considering price, design, performance, zero-to-60, maximum speed and else, Which brand is best?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/as-considering-price-design-performance-zero-to-60-maximum-speed-and-else-which-brand-is-best/93940)
**Author:** [@GetiingBentley](https://community.cartalk.com/u/GetiingBentley)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [July 24, 2016, 12:48am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/as-considering-price-design-performance-zero-to-60-maximum-speed-and-else-which-brand-is-best/93940 "2016-07-24T00:48:45Z")
'Could somebody please compare price, design, performance, zero-to-60, maximum speed, reverse logistics, comfortability of the cars and advise which brand is the best? --- ## [Scary... Car VIN / Owner - Website I discovered By Chance](https://community.cartalk.com/t/scary-car-vin-owner-website-i-discovered-by-chance/93775)
**Author:** [@common-sense-answer](https://community.cartalk.com/u/common-sense-answer)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [July 23, 2016, 9:23pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/scary-car-vin-owner-website-i-discovered-by-chance/93775 "2016-07-23T21:23:49Z")
I found a site by chance, that takes the VIN you input and if the car is owned by the original new car purchaser, gives you the model-year, make, model, owner's name, address, and phone number! Put in an owner's name a… --- ## [Bought a non-working '02 Liberty, where to start?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/bought-a-non-working-02-liberty-where-to-start/93781)
**Author:** [@tenpin3000](https://community.cartalk.com/u/tenpin3000)\ **Replies:** 62\ **Last updated:** [July 23, 2016, 4:52pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/bought-a-non-working-02-liberty-where-to-start/93781 "2016-07-23T16:52:01Z")
The car doesn't start, makes a click thats it. When I had it towed to my place, I noticed oil was leaking from the bottom. My tow truck guy thinks the motor's completey blown, I'm hoping it's just the starter and the oil… --- ## [Chrysler 300](https://community.cartalk.com/t/chrysler-300/93823)
**Author:** [@Erobinson](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Erobinson)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [July 23, 2016, 1:39am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/chrysler-300/93823 "2016-07-23T01:39:16Z")
Hey i found a 2013 chrysler 300 it has 106,000 miles is that Good Or Bad ? Im looking into buying it. --- ## [Seat belt phobia](https://community.cartalk.com/t/seat-belt-phobia/93938)
**Author:** [@Marnet](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Marnet)\ **Replies:** 41\ **Last updated:** [July 22, 2016, 8:42pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/seat-belt-phobia/93938 "2016-07-22T20:42:38Z")
I have a friend who won't wear a seatbelt because he knew someone who was in a wreck and burned to death when unable to release the seatbelt. I do not nag at him, figuring any argument is a no win situation. But I wou… --- ## [Collision/insurance question](https://community.cartalk.com/t/collision-insurance-question/93828)
**Author:** [@Ghostwriter66](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Ghostwriter66)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [July 22, 2016, 7:54pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/collision-insurance-question/93828 "2016-07-22T19:54:52Z")
First time poster, long time listener. So, I needed your opinion on my accident question. My 2004 Chevy impala was involved in a fender bender. Long story short, I clipped someone off as they were speeding down the stree… --- ## [2002 Lexus ES300 Door won't open w/o unlocking first (Drivers side)](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2002-lexus-es300-door-wont-open-w-o-unlocking-first-drivers-side/93802)
**Author:** [@Joisey\_Jeff](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Joisey_Jeff)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [July 22, 2016, 6:15am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2002-lexus-es300-door-wont-open-w-o-unlocking-first-drivers-side/93802 "2016-07-22T06:15:29Z")
most times I try and open the drivers door I have to use the unlock switch to open it. There are times when it opens w/o having to do so. Anyone encounter this its and have a remedy? --- ## [2009 Tacoma - drive shaft "yoke"](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2009-tacoma-drive-shaft-yoke/93465)
**Author:** [@CEPHAS100](https://community.cartalk.com/u/CEPHAS100)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [July 21, 2016, 6:00pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2009-tacoma-drive-shaft-yoke/93465 "2016-07-21T18:00:27Z")
My 09 Tacoma 91000 miles- symptom: when idling with foot on the brake, on occasion, experiences engine pause/subtle forward sensation; otherwise drives superb. Service shop said the issue is remedied by replacing the dr… --- ## [Car maintenance/longetivity driving route optimization - distance vs time](https://community.cartalk.com/t/car-maintenance-longetivity-driving-route-optimization-distance-vs-time/93900)
**Author:** [@daluu](https://community.cartalk.com/u/daluu)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [July 21, 2016, 12:51am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/car-maintenance-longetivity-driving-route-optimization-distance-vs-time/93900 "2016-07-21T00:51:50Z")
This thought just came to mind recently. Wonder if there are studies or opinions on this matter: For some journey from A to B, there are multiple routes 1, 2, etc. and one route is shorter distance than the other but n… --- ## [Car Talk is looking for pictures!](https://community.cartalk.com/t/car-talk-is-looking-for-pictures/93904)
**Author:** [@jrweblackey](https://community.cartalk.com/u/jrweblackey)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [July 19, 2016, 2:42pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/car-talk-is-looking-for-pictures/93904 "2016-07-19T14:42:28Z")
Hi all! The web lackeys are working on a little feature about the giant signs that populate the sides of highways, for eventual publication on cartalk.com Like this giant muffler shop guy with an arm-sized hot dog. O… --- ## [Recommend me a car please!](https://community.cartalk.com/t/recommend-me-a-car-please/93817)
**Author:** [@dkqkffhs](https://community.cartalk.com/u/dkqkffhs)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [July 19, 2016, 12:40am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/recommend-me-a-car-please/93817 "2016-07-19T00:40:24Z")
I will add more info if I can think of more, but for now, here are some preferences and information, Budget is from high 30k to mid 40k Prefer sedan over SUV, but it is not a major deal breaker If sedan, prefer mid si… --- ## [Battery drain](https://community.cartalk.com/t/battery-drain/93821)
**Author:** [@Hawkeye22](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Hawkeye22)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [July 17, 2016, 6:54pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/battery-drain/93821 "2016-07-17T18:54:47Z")
After 06 mustang sits for about 7days, battery has to be jumped. What is causing this. I know it is not battery. --- ## [Any 2000 Prius still on the road?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/any-2000-prius-still-on-the-road/93739)
**Author:** [@Tom777](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Tom777)\ **Replies:** 128\ **Last updated:** [July 14, 2016, 1:29am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/any-2000-prius-still-on-the-road/93739 "2016-07-14T01:29:33Z")
Mileage? original battery or replacement (cost?) ? --- ## [2002 Lexus ES300 VSC and TRAC Off lights on](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2002-lexus-es300-vsc-and-trac-off-lights-on/93800)
**Author:** [@Joisey\_Jeff](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Joisey_Jeff)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [July 14, 2016, 12:25am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2002-lexus-es300-vsc-and-trac-off-lights-on/93800 "2016-07-14T00:25:55Z")
This is a new phenomenon for me and from what I have read it could be the emissions system, gas cap or Catalytic. Clearing the codes only brings the lights back on when I put the car in drive or reverse. I know I can rep… --- ## [Headlight performance ratings](https://community.cartalk.com/t/headlight-performance-ratings/93810)
**Author:** [@shanonia](https://community.cartalk.com/u/shanonia)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [July 13, 2016, 6:41pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/headlight-performance-ratings/93810 "2016-07-13T18:41:26Z")
NBC News on TV just reported on the IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) ratings of headlight performance of many popular SUVs. Only a few such vehicles were in the top rank; most were in the lowest. This is … --- ## [Do I need winter tires for my new subaru?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/do-i-need-winter-tires-for-my-new-subaru/93771)
**Author:** [@Squeakykitty](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Squeakykitty)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [July 13, 2016, 3:37am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/do-i-need-winter-tires-for-my-new-subaru/93771 "2016-07-13T03:37:18Z")
Ok, I am starting early. But I am doing my research and often it is easier to find bargains in this arena in July than in October when everyone up here is thinking snow tires (northern Vermont). For my last 2 cars I ha… --- ## [Can the air conditioner be TURNED OFF? 2013 Lexus RX350](https://community.cartalk.com/t/can-the-air-conditioner-be-turned-off-2013-lexus-rx350/93785)
**Author:** [@Robert-Gift](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Robert-Gift)\ **Replies:** 52\ **Last updated:** [July 12, 2016, 12:47pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/can-the-air-conditioner-be-turned-off-2013-lexus-rx350/93785 "2016-07-12T12:47:41Z")
If I turn the fan on low to bring outside air in, the air conditioner turns on if the outside air is warmer than temperature setting. If I set the temperature higher so no air conditioner, then it heats the air. Can't … --- ## [$1,420 Lexus "Prepaid Maintenence" worth it? 2016 RX350](https://community.cartalk.com/t/1-420-lexus-prepaid-maintenence-worth-it-2016-rx350/93772)
**Author:** [@Robert-Gift](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Robert-Gift)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [July 11, 2016, 6:06am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/1-420-lexus-prepaid-maintenence-worth-it-2016-rx350/93772 "2016-07-11T06:06:12Z")
Woman wants to buy the 5 year/50,000 mile maintenance. Lexus says it saves about 15% over paying services separately as needed. Prepaid will cover the 30,000-mile $799 service. She says it also covers 5,000-mile tire rot… [Previous page](https://community.cartalk.com/c/general-discussion/8.md?page=223) [Next page](https://community.cartalk.com/c/general-discussion/8.md?page=225)