# General Discussion **URL:** https://community.cartalk.com/c/general-discussion/8.md?page=244 [Latest](https://community.cartalk.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://community.cartalk.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://community.cartalk.com/tags.md) **Page:** 245 --- ## [Increasing Mercury Marquis towing capacity](https://community.cartalk.com/t/increasing-mercury-marquis-towing-capacity/91108)
**Author:** [@Pleasureway](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Pleasureway)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [September 9, 2015, 7:05pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/increasing-mercury-marquis-towing-capacity/91108 "2015-09-09T19:05:05Z")
Car Talk I have a 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis that only has 67,000 miles on it. The owner’s manual states that the maximum loaded trailer towing weight is 2000 pounds. I would like to have a towing hitch installed and b… --- ## [The future of cars according to the Washington Post](https://community.cartalk.com/t/the-future-of-cars-according-to-the-washington-post/91089)
**Author:** [@bing](https://community.cartalk.com/u/bing)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [September 9, 2015, 3:26am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/the-future-of-cars-according-to-the-washington-post/91089 "2015-09-09T03:26:41Z")
I found this article depressing but after reading it, I really think it says more about the blinders of DC to the rest of the country. Maybe not but it just seems like they see everything according to how it is in DC or… --- ## [$295 For The Air In The Tires (Not A Typo)](https://community.cartalk.com/t/295-for-the-air-in-the-tires-not-a-typo/91068)
**Author:** [@Ed\_Frugal](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Ed_Frugal)\ **Replies:** 101\ **Last updated:** [September 9, 2015, 12:39am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/295-for-the-air-in-the-tires-not-a-typo/91068 "2015-09-09T00:39:22Z")
Walking thru a mall today, saw a new car displayed (think it was a Kia Forte) This narrow paper was displayed next to the Monroney Sticker. I took a picture of it because I didn't think anyone would believe this. Since … --- ## [Towing company damaged my rear differential](https://community.cartalk.com/t/towing-company-damaged-my-rear-differential/91102)
**Author:** [@TAM3D](https://community.cartalk.com/u/TAM3D)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [September 8, 2015, 3:32am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/towing-company-damaged-my-rear-differential/91102 "2015-09-08T03:32:24Z")
I recently had my lifted chevy silverado 1500 towed to a brake shop to have the brakes bled because I recently swapped out a broken steel braided brake line. However when I got the truck back from the brake shop I notice… --- ## [Replacing Tires](https://community.cartalk.com/t/replacing-tires/91022)
**Author:** [@JazzAzz](https://community.cartalk.com/u/JazzAzz)\ **Replies:** 41\ **Last updated:** [September 7, 2015, 4:55am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/replacing-tires/91022 "2015-09-07T04:55:40Z")
I keep hearing about replacing tires due to them aging out, and we are going on a trip, just 700+ miles soon, and the tires on my Wife's 97 Chevy Monte Carlo (Not the originals) look beautiful, probably still 15,000\>20,0… --- ## [Small car show fun](https://community.cartalk.com/t/small-car-show-fun/91086)
**Author:** [@Marnet](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Marnet)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [September 6, 2015, 9:12pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/small-car-show-fun/91086 "2015-09-06T21:12:42Z")
For many years there has been a small local car show several times a year that meets at a fast food restaurant near where I live. Only a few dozen cars typically are on display as opposed to other area car shows with hu… --- ## [Towing with a 2003 BMW X3 3L](https://community.cartalk.com/t/towing-with-a-2003-bmw-x3-3l/91092)
**Author:** [@veenstra](https://community.cartalk.com/u/veenstra)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [September 6, 2015, 4:22pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/towing-with-a-2003-bmw-x3-3l/91092 "2015-09-06T16:22:16Z")
I just towed my new 3000 pound fiberglass travel trailer (a Casita with 300 pound tongue weight). I experienced extremely poor acceleration and frequent shifting between 4th and 5th gear...even on roads with almost no in… --- ## [Tranny fluid on ground](https://community.cartalk.com/t/tranny-fluid-on-ground/91074)
**Author:** [@Deb62](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Deb62)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [September 6, 2015, 2:03am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/tranny-fluid-on-ground/91074 "2015-09-06T02:03:34Z")
I have a back up vehicle which my son uses occasionally. It's '1994 Mercury tracer. All the transmission fluid appears to be on the ground. Would that mean the transmission is no good! We haven't driven it but once th… --- ## [The new AWD Tesla Model S](https://community.cartalk.com/t/the-new-awd-tesla-model-s/91014)
**Author:** [@VDCdriver](https://community.cartalk.com/u/VDCdriver)\ **Replies:** 66\ **Last updated:** [September 4, 2015, 1:58pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/the-new-awd-tesla-model-s/91014 "2015-09-04T13:58:57Z")
..."broke the scale" in Consumer Reports' testing: http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-08-27/tesla-with-insane-mode-busts-curve-on-consumer-reports-ratings-idu1hfk0?cmpid=BBD082615\_BIZ --- ## [Miss Lube Rack 1955](https://community.cartalk.com/t/miss-lube-rack-1955/91067)
**Author:** [@Caddyman](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Caddyman)\ **Replies:** 47\ **Last updated:** [September 4, 2015, 7:34am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/miss-lube-rack-1955/91067 "2015-09-04T07:34:48Z")
This is for the lube rack crew, the grease monkeys...Can you guess who the pin-up is? Today, she is a prominent California politician.. https://www.google.com/search?q=miss+lube+rack+1955&biw=1024&bih=546&tbm=isch&img… --- ## [Hybrid or Gas Fuzzy Math](https://community.cartalk.com/t/hybrid-or-gas-fuzzy-math/91056)
**Author:** [@insightful](https://community.cartalk.com/u/insightful)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [September 4, 2015, 3:52am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/hybrid-or-gas-fuzzy-math/91056 "2015-09-04T03:52:50Z")
The CarTalk.com home page today has an article "HYBRID OR GAS?" which calculates that the break-even between a Prius C and a Yaris is 53,600 mi. Using the same EPA averages (50 mpg Prius C and 32 mpg Yaris), I calculate … --- ## [Random Thoughts On Car Advertising That Annoys Me](https://community.cartalk.com/t/random-thoughts-on-car-advertising-that-annoys-me/90768)
**Author:** [@Ed\_Frugal](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Ed_Frugal)\ **Replies:** 263\ **Last updated:** [September 4, 2015, 12:55am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/random-thoughts-on-car-advertising-that-annoys-me/90768 "2015-09-04T00:55:14Z")
I'm going to break this up into bite sized posts. These tidbits have been annoying me, how say you all? First, I keep hearing these radio ads inviting me to come into my local "Nissan store". Store? You mean Nissan d… --- ## [No rear window wiper on some new cars - why?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/no-rear-window-wiper-on-some-new-cars-why/91030)
**Author:** [@vklip](https://community.cartalk.com/u/vklip)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [September 2, 2015, 4:20am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/no-rear-window-wiper-on-some-new-cars-why/91030 "2015-09-02T04:20:59Z")
I have noticed that on a number of new model cars there is no windshield wiper. Why? And, what is the driver to do if there is a heavy snow? I find it hard to believe that the heater wires in the window and the car he… --- ## [Subaru Weight Limit/Should I trek a cast iron wood stove cross country?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/subaru-weight-limit-should-i-trek-a-cast-iron-wood-stove-cross-country/91044)
**Author:** [@jliz](https://community.cartalk.com/u/jliz)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [September 2, 2015, 2:25am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/subaru-weight-limit-should-i-trek-a-cast-iron-wood-stove-cross-country/91044 "2015-09-02T02:25:43Z")
Hello! I'm currently in New Hampshire, about to drive back across the country to Oregon. Here's the question, my partner found a free wood stove made of cast iron, weighing 425 pounds. She wants to take it with us in the… --- ## [Which Honda Civic to trade-in: 2009 or 2012?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/which-honda-civic-to-trade-in-2009-or-2012/91050)
**Author:** [@Shannon123e](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Shannon123e)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [September 1, 2015, 6:13pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/which-honda-civic-to-trade-in-2009-or-2012/91050 "2015-09-01T18:13:26Z")
We are big Honda fans and both of our cars are Civics: one is a 2009 (80k miles) and other a 2012 (30k miles). Both are LX sedans and in relatively good shape, but we are looking to trade-in one and get a CR-V. So, we ne… --- ## [Diminished Value Claim](https://community.cartalk.com/t/diminished-value-claim/91051)
**Author:** [@tomo](https://community.cartalk.com/u/tomo)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [September 1, 2015, 7:23am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/diminished-value-claim/91051 "2015-09-01T07:23:17Z")
I'm looking for a bit of advice and what to expect with this situation. I rear ended on freeway by a guy who drove a contracting company car. Relevant information 2015 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Limited MSRP $32,600 less… --- ## [Consider an AWD vehicle](https://community.cartalk.com/t/consider-an-awd-vehicle/90978)
**Author:** [@circuitsmith](https://community.cartalk.com/u/circuitsmith)\ **Replies:** 38\ **Last updated:** [September 1, 2015, 2:25am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/consider-an-awd-vehicle/90978 "2015-09-01T02:25:06Z")
with a gas engine driving a generator, with electronic distribution to four electric motors, one for each wheel. What it won't have: A large battery as with a hybrid. The trade off is no regeneration. No central transmis… --- ## [How long dose it take for a shop to replace a rear bumber?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/how-long-dose-it-take-for-a-shop-to-replace-a-rear-bumber/91039)
**Author:** [@tomo](https://community.cartalk.com/u/tomo)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [September 1, 2015, 1:48am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/how-long-dose-it-take-for-a-shop-to-replace-a-rear-bumber/91039 "2015-09-01T01:48:16Z")
Am I overreacting or this is just normal? I Brought my car in Monday for a minor rear bumper repair. I called in Tuesday to check and they told that they found more problem and the bumper have to be replaced, so they hav… --- ## [Help with out of state car registration](https://community.cartalk.com/t/help-with-out-of-state-car-registration/90988)
**Author:** [@jGoldsmith](https://community.cartalk.com/u/jGoldsmith)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [August 31, 2015, 6:06am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/help-with-out-of-state-car-registration/90988 "2015-08-31T06:06:18Z")
Hello, I'm kind of in a pickle right now and not sure what to do. Here is the story. I was living in California and I am planning on moving to Washington. Before leaving to head to Washington my car had finally hit … --- ## [Diesel vs. Gas VW Sportwagon](https://community.cartalk.com/t/diesel-vs-gas-vw-sportwagon/91025)
**Author:** [@snowflaque](https://community.cartalk.com/u/snowflaque)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [August 30, 2015, 9:51pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/diesel-vs-gas-vw-sportwagon/91025 "2015-08-30T21:51:28Z")
All, I know that Diesels are the preferred engine for the GOLF Sportwagon, which I am considering buying. The 2015 upcharge for a diesel is $3,000..seems unlikely to payback on fuel savings alone..maybe with higher res… --- ## [Can only have one set of tires - use all seasons or winter tires year round?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/can-only-have-one-set-of-tires-use-all-seasons-or-winter-tires-year-round/90990)
**Author:** [@Richrr](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Richrr)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [August 30, 2015, 4:02pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/can-only-have-one-set-of-tires-use-all-seasons-or-winter-tires-year-round/90990 "2015-08-30T16:02:01Z")
I have always owned a dedicated set of winter tires for each car, and swapped them each fall and spring. My son lives in a small apartment, and has no place to store an extra set. A storage unit costs $500 per year. So h… --- ## [2002 passat 95k vs 2004 saab 95 123k](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2002-passat-95k-vs-2004-saab-95-123k/91016)
**Author:** [@Thelz](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Thelz)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [August 30, 2015, 4:59am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2002-passat-95k-vs-2004-saab-95-123k/91016 "2015-08-30T04:59:54Z")
I am a student loking to buy a car asap.i have found two that i think are my best so far but do not know what to pick. I would like something cheap to maintain, reliable and safe. What do yo think? --- ## [Lugnut](https://community.cartalk.com/t/lugnut/91000)
**Author:** [@system](https://community.cartalk.com/u/system)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [August 29, 2015, 6:23am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/lugnut/91000 "2015-08-29T06:23:01Z")
thinking about buying a 1/2 electric impact wrench. if I buy a set of 1/2 in drive sae and metric set of 7 sockets would that be enough to fit most size lugnuts. --- ## [Pat Goss sez no peeking!](https://community.cartalk.com/t/pat-goss-sez-no-peeking/90805)
**Author:** [@circuitsmith](https://community.cartalk.com/u/circuitsmith)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [August 29, 2015, 3:29am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/pat-goss-sez-no-peeking/90805 "2015-08-29T03:29:11Z")
Pat "Grouchy" Goss wants to protect us DIY'ers from ourselves and our "silly code readers". http://www.motorweek.org/features/goss\_garage/self-diagnosis I know, I know, this is directed towards the typical automotive… --- ## [I found 0W-20 synthetic oil in Mexico](https://community.cartalk.com/t/i-found-0w-20-synthetic-oil-in-mexico/91012)
**Author:** [@irlandes](https://community.cartalk.com/u/irlandes)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [August 29, 2015, 12:23am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/i-found-0w-20-synthetic-oil-in-mexico/91012 "2015-08-29T00:23:46Z")
I have written in the past about the peculiarity of the Mexican culture that makes people think they need 20W-50 oil in their late model cars. Yesterday, we drove into Tehuacan, second biggest city in the state of Pueb… --- ## [Talk about not paying attention - breastfeeding while driving on I-5](https://community.cartalk.com/t/talk-about-not-paying-attention-breastfeeding-while-driving-on-i-5/91017)
**Author:** [@252525](https://community.cartalk.com/u/252525)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [August 28, 2015, 6:08pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/talk-about-not-paying-attention-breastfeeding-while-driving-on-i-5/91017 "2015-08-28T18:08:04Z")
A state trooper ticketed a woman for a child restraint violation after he discovered she was breastfeeding her 1-year-old while driving on the highway. Here is the whole article by Jason Rantz, KIRO Radio host Momm… --- ## [Mazda 6 vs. Audi A4 Repair? Cost to own?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/mazda-6-vs-audi-a4-repair-cost-to-own/91006)
**Author:** [@jianelli](https://community.cartalk.com/u/jianelli)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [August 28, 2015, 2:29am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/mazda-6-vs-audi-a4-repair-cost-to-own/91006 "2015-08-28T02:29:15Z")
Hi, I need to replace my 2000 Saab with 250k and am looking at either an Audi A4, 2006/7 with 80K OR a 2009 Mazda 6, 75k. Both 6 sp manual sedans, the audi has leather which i like... I was wondering if anyone can c… --- ## [Cow Horn?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/cow-horn/91003)
**Author:** [@chese79](https://community.cartalk.com/u/chese79)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [August 27, 2015, 10:15pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/cow-horn/91003 "2015-08-27T22:15:59Z")
There was a recent link on the car talk fb page about car features you don't see anymore. http://bestride.com/blog/if-you-remember-these-10-car-features-youre-old/20062/ I was hoping to find a "cow horn" as one of them. … --- ## [Jump starting cars](https://community.cartalk.com/t/jump-starting-cars/90987)
**Author:** [@johnbarry](https://community.cartalk.com/u/johnbarry)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [August 27, 2015, 2:20am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/jump-starting-cars/90987 "2015-08-27T02:20:04Z")
What are the risks of jump starting modern cars with all the electronic gizmos and computers? A family friend asked me to jump start her car and I was afraid to do it fearing damage to either car. --- ## [New Vehicle](https://community.cartalk.com/t/new-vehicle/90975)
**Author:** [@system](https://community.cartalk.com/u/system)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [August 26, 2015, 8:59pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/new-vehicle/90975 "2015-08-26T20:59:46Z")
I could use some help in finding a new vehicle to replace my 2005 Ford Freestar. I need something that will fit my 48x35x32 dog crate, would love to have AWD at a price that doesn't put me back in the poor house. I have … [Previous page](https://community.cartalk.com/c/general-discussion/8.md?page=243) [Next page](https://community.cartalk.com/c/general-discussion/8.md?page=245)