# General Discussion **URL:** https://community.cartalk.com/c/general-discussion/8.md?page=243 [Latest](https://community.cartalk.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://community.cartalk.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://community.cartalk.com/tags.md) **Page:** 244 --- ## [Insist on written estimate b4 towing car to shop?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/insist-on-written-estimate-b4-towing-car-to-shop/91237)
**Author:** [@tomjay](https://community.cartalk.com/u/tomjay)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [September 23, 2015, 6:45am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/insist-on-written-estimate-b4-towing-car-to-shop/91237 "2015-09-23T06:45:28Z")
A few days ago, I stopped by a repair shop and talked to the owner about fixing my car. He gave me a verbal repair estimate, but was reluctant to provide a written estimate. I didn't push the issue, but it made me thi… --- ## [How long could one drive around with a failing clutch?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/how-long-could-one-drive-around-with-a-failing-clutch/91217)
**Author:** [@Ed\_Frugal](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Ed_Frugal)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [September 22, 2015, 4:39pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/how-long-could-one-drive-around-with-a-failing-clutch/91217 "2015-09-22T16:39:40Z")
My own recent problem plus the post FoDaddy made in the "My First Car" thread got me to wondering. How long could someone drive around with a failing / slipping clutch? Does the clutch start slipping long before the av… --- ## [My First Car](https://community.cartalk.com/t/my-first-car/91215)
**Author:** [@Docnick](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Docnick)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [September 22, 2015, 8:28am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/my-first-car/91215 "2015-09-22T08:28:08Z")
I picked up a book in the library recently called. "My First Car" and it described the first cars owned by various celebrities, including Carrol Shelby Dan Gurney, etc. We may have had this topic before but I would r… --- ## [DIY aerodynamics](https://community.cartalk.com/t/diy-aerodynamics/91213)
**Author:** [@circuitsmith](https://community.cartalk.com/u/circuitsmith)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [September 22, 2015, 4:38am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/diy-aerodynamics/91213 "2015-09-22T04:38:38Z")
Julian Edgar changed the underside of a 1999 Prius from this: to this, with a fitted sheet of ABS plastic: He claims a 10% increase in MPG at highway speeds. --- ## [A Joke at my own Expense](https://community.cartalk.com/t/a-joke-at-my-own-expense/91104)
**Author:** [@irlandes](https://community.cartalk.com/u/irlandes)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [September 21, 2015, 5:42pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/a-joke-at-my-own-expense/91104 "2015-09-21T17:42:43Z")
When I pulled the car in the yard, my wife shut the metal gate behind me. She said, "Look!" And, there was a piece of metal lying on the ground beside the gate. It was 1-5/8 inches long, a moderately shiny gray color, ex… --- ## [Why is mixing hydraulic fluid/power steering fluid with oil to be recycled/disposed of bad?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/why-is-mixing-hydraulic-fluid-power-steering-fluid-with-oil-to-be-recycled-disposed-of-bad/91192)
**Author:** [@cwatkin](https://community.cartalk.com/u/cwatkin)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [September 21, 2015, 2:22am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/why-is-mixing-hydraulic-fluid-power-steering-fluid-with-oil-to-be-recycled-disposed-of-bad/91192 "2015-09-21T02:22:34Z")
I recently saw someone mention that one should NEVER mix hydraulic fluid or power steering fluid with motor oil to be recycled and was curious why this was so bad. They made a big point to say never to do this but didn'… --- ## [Dan Gurney patents a new type of ICE](https://community.cartalk.com/t/dan-gurney-patents-a-new-type-of-ice/91165)
**Author:** [@VDCdriver](https://community.cartalk.com/u/VDCdriver)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [September 20, 2015, 6:04pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/dan-gurney-patents-a-new-type-of-ice/91165 "2015-09-20T18:04:01Z")
Although Gurney apparently developed this new type of ICE technology for motorcycles, he states that it could also be applied to cars. It should be interesting to see if any automakers purchase his new technology. h… --- ## [ID this sedan!](https://community.cartalk.com/t/id-this-sedan/91163)
**Author:** [@mbs](https://community.cartalk.com/u/mbs)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [September 20, 2015, 9:09am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/id-this-sedan/91163 "2015-09-20T09:09:21Z")
Can you ID this sedan from its rear end? What's the make, model, year? --- ## [Toyota RAV4 original clutch after 250,000 miles](https://community.cartalk.com/t/toyota-rav4-original-clutch-after-250-000-miles/91166)
**Author:** [@mdewguy](https://community.cartalk.com/u/mdewguy)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [September 20, 2015, 7:32am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/toyota-rav4-original-clutch-after-250-000-miles/91166 "2015-09-20T07:32:57Z")
Hi all! OK- so I had a 2002 RAV4 and finally had to put her down after 250,000 miles and still using the original clutch which worked fine. From listening to Cartalk- and my mechanic- this seems unusual. I would chalk th… --- ## [Need Your suggestion regarding used van dealer in NY](https://community.cartalk.com/t/need-your-suggestion-regarding-used-van-dealer-in-ny/91211)
**Author:** [@johnfiore](https://community.cartalk.com/u/johnfiore)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [September 18, 2015, 6:19pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/need-your-suggestion-regarding-used-van-dealer-in-ny/91211 "2015-09-18T18:19:23Z")
Hi, I am looking to buy used van for business and home purposes and finding reliable dealer. I have found someone in Spencerport but if you share some more dealers then i would have more options to look upon. --- ## [The age old question what car for the kid?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/the-age-old-question-what-car-for-the-kid/91194)
**Author:** [@sulla](https://community.cartalk.com/u/sulla)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [September 17, 2015, 5:18pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/the-age-old-question-what-car-for-the-kid/91194 "2015-09-17T17:18:43Z")
Looking for something used in the 4 door sedan range for our 18 year old to drive to work and in a year to college (at home). No more than say $5K-$8K at most. Looking for safety and maybe mileage. What say you all? … --- ## [Alternative to Toyota Matrix](https://community.cartalk.com/t/alternative-to-toyota-matrix/91155)
**Author:** [@mondello20](https://community.cartalk.com/u/mondello20)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [September 17, 2015, 1:45pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/alternative-to-toyota-matrix/91155 "2015-09-17T13:45:14Z")
I am considering buying a hatchback to replace a beat-up VW Beetle and I really like the Matrix, which,however, is now out of production. Newish (2010 and onward) Matrixes are really rare where I live (NorCal) and I am o… --- ## [How to find out at which auction the car was sold?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/how-to-find-out-at-which-auction-the-car-was-sold/91185)
**Author:** [@mikler](https://community.cartalk.com/u/mikler)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [September 16, 2015, 11:09pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/how-to-find-out-at-which-auction-the-car-was-sold/91185 "2015-09-16T23:09:47Z")
Hi, I got a record on a CarFax that says that the car was sold at an auction "auto auction pacific northwest region". Which is not a real auction but rather a general description. I would like to know at which auction it… --- ## [Abandoned Salvage Yards](https://community.cartalk.com/t/abandoned-salvage-yards/91164)
**Author:** [@meaneyedcatz](https://community.cartalk.com/u/meaneyedcatz)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [September 16, 2015, 10:55pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/abandoned-salvage-yards/91164 "2015-09-16T22:55:01Z")
Does anybody here know of any abandoned salvage/junk yards in Missouri or Illinois? One of my favorite hobbies is photography. One of my favorite subjects are cars and/or trucks that have been sitting in the weeds for … --- ## [Another reason to drive a manual transmission](https://community.cartalk.com/t/another-reason-to-drive-a-manual-transmission/91100)
**Author:** [@RandomTroll](https://community.cartalk.com/u/RandomTroll)\ **Replies:** 60\ **Last updated:** [September 16, 2015, 6:41pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/another-reason-to-drive-a-manual-transmission/91100 "2015-09-16T18:41:40Z")
'A woman who tried to steal an unsuspecting grocery shopper’s sedan would have succeeded if not for one major obstacle — she didn’t know how to drive a car with a manual transmission.' http://www.abqjournal.com/639483/… --- ## ["Recycling facility record" WTF?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/recycling-facility-record-wtf/91172)
**Author:** [@olivianewtonjohn](https://community.cartalk.com/u/olivianewtonjohn)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [September 16, 2015, 5:54pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/recycling-facility-record-wtf/91172 "2015-09-16T17:54:23Z")
So I found a very clean "unicorn" of a car. 30K 1996 lexus driven by an older lady. On the phone they sound legit, everything sounds good (I even typed number into facebook and story of wanting to pass car down from gran… --- ## [Acceleration trouble](https://community.cartalk.com/t/acceleration-trouble/91182)
**Author:** [@RowdyRhino](https://community.cartalk.com/u/RowdyRhino)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [September 16, 2015, 6:48am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/acceleration-trouble/91182 "2015-09-16T06:48:43Z")
As you accelerate its increases power somewhat gradually then at a certain point the car goes into a type of boost almost. What is happening at this point? --- ## [Which truck to buy to haul 2500, 3500 or dually](https://community.cartalk.com/t/which-truck-to-buy-to-haul-2500-3500-or-dually/91152)
**Author:** [@Kpritch](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Kpritch)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [September 15, 2015, 9:39am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/which-truck-to-buy-to-haul-2500-3500-or-dually/91152 "2015-09-15T09:39:37Z")
Hi! I am going to buy a truck to haul a 4 horse trailer that is (loaded) 15-17k lbs. I will be hauling cross country and over mountains. I also have an option to get (fully loaded) a 13k lbs trailer. Does this make a dif… --- ## [Why do folks put bumper stickers on their car?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/why-do-folks-put-bumper-stickers-on-their-car/91125)
**Author:** [@George\_San\_Jose1](https://community.cartalk.com/u/George_San_Jose1)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [September 15, 2015, 4:57am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/why-do-folks-put-bumper-stickers-on-their-car/91125 "2015-09-15T04:57:41Z")
I recently was invited to lunch by a co-worker, and he drove. On the way to the restaurant I'm hearing loud obscenities directed in our direction. He says "never mind, it's just my bumper stickers". Turns out he has … --- ## [Buy a new car for family](https://community.cartalk.com/t/buy-a-new-car-for-family/91162)
**Author:** [@sub\_fam\_man](https://community.cartalk.com/u/sub_fam_man)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [September 15, 2015, 4:46am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/buy-a-new-car-for-family/91162 "2015-09-15T04:46:31Z")
I am trying to get a new car for the family - I almost closed in on subaru outback and signed some papers on the dealership. But with the $29k price tag and wife concerned that she is not comfortable to drive a new car (… --- ## [2013 VW Routan Engine Failed & New Engine Already Has Issues](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2013-vw-routan-engine-failed-new-engine-already-has-issues/91133)
**Author:** [@Deb84102](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Deb84102)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [September 14, 2015, 10:06pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2013-vw-routan-engine-failed-new-engine-already-has-issues/91133 "2015-09-14T22:06:10Z")
I bought a very lightly used 2013 Routan as a VW certified pre-owned vehicle about 4 months ago. The check engine light went on, and it turned out that there was catastrophic engine failure (the 4th for the same make and… --- ## [On This Day in Motoring 13th Sept](https://community.cartalk.com/t/on-this-day-in-motoring-13th-sept/91157)
**Author:** [@365DaysofMotoring](https://community.cartalk.com/u/365DaysofMotoring)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [September 14, 2015, 5:51am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/on-this-day-in-motoring-13th-sept/91157 "2015-09-14T05:51:50Z")
38 Years ago today - 13th September: Oldsmobile 88 and 98 models, the first diesel cars manufactured in the US, were introduced. A major selling point of the two models was their fuel efficiency, which GM claimed to be 4… --- ## [Audi trans](https://community.cartalk.com/t/audi-trans/91149)
**Author:** [@Cavell](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Cavell)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [September 13, 2015, 10:54pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/audi-trans/91149 "2015-09-13T22:54:23Z")
97 A8. Seller says it is leaking. But it drives fine. Pan has "standpipe" design. U remove fill plug and add fluid thru bottom with U shaped tube. With motor running the trans is circulating about 2 qts. If u shut off mo… --- ## [Fiat/Chrysler Wants GM](https://community.cartalk.com/t/fiat-chrysler-wants-gm/91106)
**Author:** [@Marnet](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Marnet)\ **Replies:** 63\ **Last updated:** [September 13, 2015, 4:13pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/fiat-chrysler-wants-gm/91106 "2015-09-13T16:13:25Z")
http://mobile.reuters.com/article/businessNews/idUSKCN0R60OK20150906 According to this news article, Fiat would like to add GM to its ownership. --- ## [Electric Cars And Oil Prices](https://community.cartalk.com/t/electric-cars-and-oil-prices/90959)
**Author:** [@Ed\_Frugal](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Ed_Frugal)\ **Replies:** 202\ **Last updated:** [September 13, 2015, 4:07pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/electric-cars-and-oil-prices/90959 "2015-09-13T16:07:02Z")
Has anyone else noticed that every time electric cars seem to be on the verge of becoming widely available, the price of oil drops precipitously? So we've got the Tesla, the Nissan Leaf, electric versions of Ford Focus … --- ## [Best remedy for cleaning glass?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/best-remedy-for-cleaning-glass/91109)
**Author:** [@old\_544](https://community.cartalk.com/u/old_544)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [September 13, 2015, 1:12am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/best-remedy-for-cleaning-glass/91109 "2015-09-13T01:12:40Z")
Age old question(s), and age old source of consternation and frustration. What's the best solution for cleaning glass, leaving it streak free (especially the interior side of the windshield) and with the longest lastin… --- ## [Video advertisement prevents scrolling through the posts?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/video-advertisement-prevents-scrolling-through-the-posts/90950)
**Author:** [@George\_San\_Jose1](https://community.cartalk.com/u/George_San_Jose1)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [September 12, 2015, 6:26am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/video-advertisement-prevents-scrolling-through-the-posts/90950 "2015-09-12T06:26:53Z")
Is anyone else having this same problem where a video advertisement on a Car Talk Forums page prevents you from scrolling through the posts? --- ## [Bike Rack For Car](https://community.cartalk.com/t/bike-rack-for-car/91117)
**Author:** [@Marnet](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Marnet)\ **Replies:** 40\ **Last updated:** [September 11, 2015, 7:14am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/bike-rack-for-car/91117 "2015-09-11T07:14:41Z")
I want to resurrect my trusty bicycle and start riding again, making use of the extensive bike trail network in the area.Any suggestions for whether to have a hitch with rack installed on the car or go with one of those … --- ## [Driverless Cars Hacked](https://community.cartalk.com/t/driverless-cars-hacked/91131)
**Author:** [@MikeInNH](https://community.cartalk.com/u/MikeInNH)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [September 9, 2015, 10:15pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/driverless-cars-hacked/91131 "2015-09-09T22:15:20Z")
This may be a problem for Google Cars... and others. http://www.msn.com/en-us/news/technology/hackers-can-trick-driverless-cars-with-a-handheld-laser/ar-AAe5nlC?li=BBieYpp --- ## [Show isn't streaming](https://community.cartalk.com/t/show-isnt-streaming/91122)
**Author:** [@harleycodr](https://community.cartalk.com/u/harleycodr)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [September 9, 2015, 9:38pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/show-isnt-streaming/91122 "2015-09-09T21:38:09Z")
I haven't been able to listen to the show's streaming feed this week - I get a server error. Anyone else? [Previous page](https://community.cartalk.com/c/general-discussion/8.md?page=242) [Next page](https://community.cartalk.com/c/general-discussion/8.md?page=244)