# General Discussion **URL:** https://community.cartalk.com/c/general-discussion/8.md?page=309 [Latest](https://community.cartalk.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://community.cartalk.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://community.cartalk.com/tags.md) **Page:** 310 --- ## [New car option for mobility challenged with AWD](https://community.cartalk.com/t/new-car-option-for-mobility-challenged-with-awd/80441)
**Author:** [@Ifdeluxe](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Ifdeluxe)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [August 5, 2013, 8:03am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/new-car-option-for-mobility-challenged-with-awd/80441 "2013-08-05T08:03:07Z")
New or used car purchase option help? Requirements - power passenger seat low enough for mobility challenged short senior (left-sided weakness), AWD, cargo room for wheelchair, budget not to exceed 30k. Currently in mazd… --- ## [2003 BMW 3 Series Wagon 325xi sport - Used Car Info?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2003-bmw-3-series-wagon-325xi-sport-used-car-info/80660)
**Author:** [@maximusrex](https://community.cartalk.com/u/maximusrex)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [August 4, 2013, 11:54pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2003-bmw-3-series-wagon-325xi-sport-used-car-info/80660 "2013-08-04T23:54:42Z")
I'm in the market for a used wagon, with about a 10K budget. Being able to take the car on road trips and going camping, etc. is key, so we'll need something with a strong engine, but also a reliable everyday vehicle… --- ## [2002 harley davidson f150 gas pedal vibration](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2002-harley-davidson-f150-gas-pedal-vibration/80689)
**Author:** [@jbooth44](https://community.cartalk.com/u/jbooth44)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [August 4, 2013, 7:44am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2002-harley-davidson-f150-gas-pedal-vibration/80689 "2013-08-04T07:44:38Z")
ok i have a harley f150 supercharged with 112000 miles.. i notice that when i get on the gas good and get the rpm around 4200 i get a vibration in the gas pedal while it's in that rpm range .. it just does it at that rpm… --- ## [Returning from abroad](https://community.cartalk.com/t/returning-from-abroad/80651)
**Author:** [@mausdk](https://community.cartalk.com/u/mausdk)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [August 4, 2013, 6:25am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/returning-from-abroad/80651 "2013-08-04T06:25:19Z")
My husband and I are returning to the US from abroad. Our final destination will be Atlanta, GA. We will be landing in Washington DC where we lived before moving abroad. We still have Maryland driver licenses. We want to… --- ## [The 2014 Subaru Forester and car seat safety](https://community.cartalk.com/t/the-2014-subaru-forester-and-car-seat-safety/80632)
**Author:** [@MNT](https://community.cartalk.com/u/MNT)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [August 3, 2013, 10:26am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/the-2014-subaru-forester-and-car-seat-safety/80632 "2013-08-03T10:26:45Z")
My husband and I were about to buy a 2014 Subaru Forester, because of its great visibility and safety ratings, as well as handling in the snow and relatively good mileage. (We live in New England and have a toddler.) I… --- ## [How can I get my 16 year old son to drive more slowly?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/how-can-i-get-my-16-year-old-son-to-drive-more-slowly/80436)
**Author:** [@George\_Dedham](https://community.cartalk.com/u/George_Dedham)\ **Replies:** 52\ **Last updated:** [August 2, 2013, 3:56pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/how-can-i-get-my-16-year-old-son-to-drive-more-slowly/80436 "2013-08-02T15:56:57Z")
I am teaching my 16 year old son to drive. I am nearly constantly telling him to slow down. I am frightened when he drives alone he will drive way too fast. How can I get him to slow down, especially when I am not in th… --- ## [Tachs and CVT](https://community.cartalk.com/t/tachs-and-cvt/80484)
**Author:** [@MACT](https://community.cartalk.com/u/MACT)\ **Replies:** 45\ **Last updated:** [August 2, 2013, 3:32pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/tachs-and-cvt/80484 "2013-08-02T15:32:47Z")
This may reflect my general ignorance of mechanics, but why does my CVT-equipped car have a tachometer? Isn't the whole point of CVT that it should keep the engine rpms as close to optimal as possible and therefore make … --- ## [Another look at P0420 cat efficiency](https://community.cartalk.com/t/another-look-at-p0420-cat-efficiency/80596)
**Author:** [@irlandes](https://community.cartalk.com/u/irlandes)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [August 2, 2013, 3:04am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/another-look-at-p0420-cat-efficiency/80596 "2013-08-02T03:04:47Z")
Back in 2011, my P0420 code, cat efficiency issues, came on after a 17 mile downhill run with engine braking. I found a Youtube video by radio personality Scott Kilmer which said to put lacquer thinner in the gas tank. … --- ## [Another Snake in the Car Story](https://community.cartalk.com/t/another-snake-in-the-car-story/80636)
**Author:** [@Virginia540](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Virginia540)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [August 2, 2013, 2:23am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/another-snake-in-the-car-story/80636 "2013-08-02T02:23:30Z")
I live in rural Virginia. I bought a 1997 Honda Civic from a friend about 2 months ago for $1500. When he was cleaning it out, he noticed a "black snake" crawl into the under carriage. After a few weeks with now snake si… --- ## [Seeking Ideas: Driving Instruction](https://community.cartalk.com/t/seeking-ideas-driving-instruction/80666)
**Author:** [@Yosho](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Yosho)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [August 1, 2013, 10:36pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/seeking-ideas-driving-instruction/80666 "2013-08-01T22:36:07Z")
Can anyone recommend a good driving instructor in Los Angeles? ...preferably for one on one instruction. My wife and I moved to LA 5 years ago from New York, and she still doesn't drive or have a license. I made the m… --- ## [Timing belt - mileage](https://community.cartalk.com/t/timing-belt-mileage/76671)
**Author:** [@mymercon](https://community.cartalk.com/u/mymercon)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [August 1, 2013, 9:59pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/timing-belt-mileage/76671 "2013-08-01T21:59:48Z")
I recently had the timing belt changed on my 2004 Nissan Frontier at the dealership. Since then, I've noticed my mileage has decreased by 3-4 mpg. Could there be any connection between the belt changing and the reduced… --- ## [Replacement vehicle for the Honda Element](https://community.cartalk.com/t/replacement-vehicle-for-the-honda-element/80628)
**Author:** [@RonRaab-Long](https://community.cartalk.com/u/RonRaab-Long)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [August 1, 2013, 10:58am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/replacement-vehicle-for-the-honda-element/80628 "2013-08-01T10:58:26Z")
My son and my sister-in-law both drive Honda Elements. While they aren't to my taste, you have to admit that it was one of the most practical cars on the road - especially for pack rats and those that needed to carry a … --- ## [Do mechanics ever just replace the power steering boot?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/do-mechanics-ever-just-replace-the-power-steering-boot/80658)
**Author:** [@Feasle](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Feasle)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [August 1, 2013, 4:09am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/do-mechanics-ever-just-replace-the-power-steering-boot/80658 "2013-08-01T04:09:00Z")
Hi, I have a 2003 PT Cruiser and the power steering in leaking on the left hand side when I have the wheel cranked (most noticeable when parallel parking). From what I can see it is leaking out from the end of the boot.… --- ## [Safe napping while another drives](https://community.cartalk.com/t/safe-napping-while-another-drives/80634)
**Author:** [@cobbett](https://community.cartalk.com/u/cobbett)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [July 31, 2013, 1:23am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/safe-napping-while-another-drives/80634 "2013-07-31T01:23:32Z")
Naps in the tilt-back shot-gun seat while another person continues driving are not satisfactory for me. Better would be a removable or storable seat or two that would allow a small single mattress on the floor. But tha… --- ## [A Few Road Trip Observations](https://community.cartalk.com/t/a-few-road-trip-observations/80506)
**Author:** [@asemaster](https://community.cartalk.com/u/asemaster)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [July 30, 2013, 6:23pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/a-few-road-trip-observations/80506 "2013-07-30T18:23:03Z")
I'm away from home right now, family had to make an unplanned road trip for a funeral. A few thoughts... I certainly believe that air conditioning is a luxury and not a necessity. I spent many vacations on vinyl seats … --- ## [HELP! Which used van should I buy?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/help-which-used-van-should-i-buy/80525)
**Author:** [@PowerDwarf](https://community.cartalk.com/u/PowerDwarf)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [July 30, 2013, 12:00pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/help-which-used-van-should-i-buy/80525 "2013-07-30T12:00:58Z")
I am an acupuncturist and do trade shows & events, so I bought a Mazda3 for the massage table, folding table, chairs, etc. Great little car, 40mpg, blah blah blah. But now I am doing SCA (Society for Creative Anachronism… --- ## [2009 Camry Hybrid displays battery symbol pointing to circle symbol. Meaning?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2009-camry-hybrid-displays-battery-symbol-pointing-to-circle-symbol-meaning/80612)
**Author:** [@Robert-Gift](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Robert-Gift)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [July 30, 2013, 4:52am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2009-camry-hybrid-displays-battery-symbol-pointing-to-circle-symbol-meaning/80612 "2013-07-30T04:52:37Z")
111,416 miles In the odometer window, (O) \<- \[^ ^\] an arrow points left from a car battery symbol to a circular symbol = motor? Meaning? Thank you --- ## [Keep the ford maverick or sell it?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/keep-the-ford-maverick-or-sell-it/80589)
**Author:** [@mashori](https://community.cartalk.com/u/mashori)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [July 30, 2013, 3:19am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/keep-the-ford-maverick-or-sell-it/80589 "2013-07-30T03:19:15Z")
I have a question about what I should do with the 2 cars I have ... I want to do what's most environmentally safe and what's gonna save me the most money in the long run.... I have a 1971 ford maverick...it has always be… --- ## [2011 MINI Cooper Clubman vs 2003 Honda Insight](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2011-mini-cooper-clubman-vs-2003-honda-insight/80544)
**Author:** [@Chibi](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Chibi)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [July 28, 2013, 11:23pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2011-mini-cooper-clubman-vs-2003-honda-insight/80544 "2013-07-28T23:23:33Z")
Help! My daughter has a 2011 MINI Cooper Clubman that she can no longer afford because she's going back to college and will be cutting her work hours. She's looking to sell it or possibly trade it in for a reliable used … --- ## [Shifting from first to second in Ghia](https://community.cartalk.com/t/shifting-from-first-to-second-in-ghia/80592)
**Author:** [@Jerseyboy](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Jerseyboy)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [July 28, 2013, 9:20pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/shifting-from-first-to-second-in-ghia/80592 "2013-07-28T21:20:18Z")
Just bought a Karmann Ghia after owning a Beetle for several years. I like the car but have a problem. Having a difficult time smoothly shifting from first to second when turning left. No problems other times, just on l… --- ## [Please help me learn about this car/motorcycle!](https://community.cartalk.com/t/please-help-me-learn-about-this-car-motorcycle/80487)
**Author:** [@Kitty239](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Kitty239)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [July 28, 2013, 10:26am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/please-help-me-learn-about-this-car-motorcycle/80487 "2013-07-28T10:26:06Z")
Hi, everyone. I wanted to ask does know what a 1970s Carabella looks like? Does anyone know if it is a car or a motorcycle? I've found no information on the thing so far. --- ## [New car recommendations](https://community.cartalk.com/t/new-car-recommendations/80515)
**Author:** [@TinaS](https://community.cartalk.com/u/TinaS)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [July 28, 2013, 9:47am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/new-car-recommendations/80515 "2013-07-28T09:47:25Z")
My husband just totaled my 2000 Acura TL. I drove that car for 13 years, and it had almost 200,000 miles on it. I loved that car! Just the right amount of pick up and speed. I'm in the market for a brand new car, and… --- ## [Altitude affects on mileage](https://community.cartalk.com/t/altitude-affects-on-mileage/80569)
**Author:** [@seniors\_discount](https://community.cartalk.com/u/seniors_discount)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [July 28, 2013, 5:21am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/altitude-affects-on-mileage/80569 "2013-07-28T05:21:13Z")
We have a a higher elevation area to drive to here. When we drive up there the mileage increases dramatically. I have tried it 3 times to confirm it is not my imagination. Any ideas of how to make our 2007 Durango think … --- ## [16.5" rims on my motorhome](https://community.cartalk.com/t/16-5-rims-on-my-motorhome/80564)
**Author:** [@youngomar](https://community.cartalk.com/u/youngomar)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [July 28, 2013, 5:06am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/16-5-rims-on-my-motorhome/80564 "2013-07-28T05:06:19Z")
I have a 1973 GMC motorhome- the one with the 455 olds engine and front wheel drive. It's time for me to buy new tires and that means 7 of them. My rims are original, and that means 16.5 inch rims. So I have a couple of … --- ## [Pickup Trucks and Transmissions](https://community.cartalk.com/t/pickup-trucks-and-transmissions/80538)
**Author:** [@TuckP](https://community.cartalk.com/u/TuckP)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [July 28, 2013, 4:32am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/pickup-trucks-and-transmissions/80538 "2013-07-28T04:32:32Z")
Hi folks, hoping for some more good advice... Owned several truck/SUV's back in the '80's and '90's, all but one had a manual transmission and worked great. The last one was a '95 Chevy Blazer with an auto and I was alwa… --- ## [Buying a Used Honda Odyssey or other vehicle that seats a lot](https://community.cartalk.com/t/buying-a-used-honda-odyssey-or-other-vehicle-that-seats-a-lot/80554)
**Author:** [@EW1](https://community.cartalk.com/u/EW1)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [July 27, 2013, 8:47pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/buying-a-used-honda-odyssey-or-other-vehicle-that-seats-a-lot/80554 "2013-07-27T20:47:10Z")
Hi all, My 2001 Honda Odyssey is on its last legs/wheels. I'm looking to get another one and wondering if anyone has recommendations as to what years are good. Yes, I've checked Consumer Reports and I know Honda is g… --- ## [Why is displacement-specific output such a big deal?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/why-is-displacement-specific-output-such-a-big-deal/80548)
**Author:** [@meanjoe75fan](https://community.cartalk.com/u/meanjoe75fan)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [July 27, 2013, 3:49pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/why-is-displacement-specific-output-such-a-big-deal/80548 "2013-07-27T15:49:52Z")
Recently had a discussion with a friend on the merits of OHV vs sidevalve in a lawnmower application, me taking the "flathead" side. "Look," I said, "it costs more, opens up the chance of eating a valve, and lends itse… --- ## [Rent or drive my own?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/rent-or-drive-my-own/80471)
**Author:** [@gened](https://community.cartalk.com/u/gened)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [July 27, 2013, 6:24am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/rent-or-drive-my-own/80471 "2013-07-27T06:24:23Z")
We're going on a 6 week/6,000 mile roadtrip. I'm trying to decide between driving my '05 Hyundai XG 350 (84K) or renting a car for the trip. Whaddya think? --- ## [Driver charged over car with no steering wheel](https://community.cartalk.com/t/driver-charged-over-car-with-no-steering-wheel/80535)
**Author:** [@Whitey](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Whitey)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [July 26, 2013, 9:09pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/driver-charged-over-car-with-no-steering-wheel/80535 "2013-07-26T21:09:02Z")
I don't really have a question, I just thought some of you would get a kick out of this: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-07-23/driver-charged-over-car-with-no-steering-wheel/4837680 Maybe you have stories of similar or… --- ## [Why are some people so tight when it comes to car maintainance and repair?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/why-are-some-people-so-tight-when-it-comes-to-car-maintainance-and-repair/80280)
**Author:** [@WheresRick](https://community.cartalk.com/u/WheresRick)\ **Replies:** 87\ **Last updated:** [July 26, 2013, 8:50pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/why-are-some-people-so-tight-when-it-comes-to-car-maintainance-and-repair/80280 "2013-07-26T20:50:08Z")
I work with a guy that has a late model dodge truck with 20'' wheels. It needs new tires, and it will cost him about 900 bucks for a decent set, he is crying the blues and trying to find some cheap Chinese tires instead… [Previous page](https://community.cartalk.com/c/general-discussion/8.md?page=308) [Next page](https://community.cartalk.com/c/general-discussion/8.md?page=310)