# General Discussion **URL:** https://community.cartalk.com/c/general-discussion/8.md?page=312 [Latest](https://community.cartalk.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://community.cartalk.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://community.cartalk.com/tags.md) **Page:** 313 --- ## [Stripped Oil Pan Bolt! Who is responsible, me or the mechanic?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/stripped-oil-pan-bolt-who-is-responsible-me-or-the-mechanic/80142)
**Author:** [@mateo](https://community.cartalk.com/u/mateo)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [July 5, 2013, 12:08am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/stripped-oil-pan-bolt-who-is-responsible-me-or-the-mechanic/80142 "2013-07-05T00:08:53Z")
Hello to all you fine people, Since I purchased my vehicle I have taken it to dealership for it's regular maintanance and oil changes. During my latest visit I was informed that my oil plug is stripped and the oil pan w… --- ## [Should I continue my education with an AA degree after earning two autotech certs from my school?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/should-i-continue-my-education-with-an-aa-degree-after-earning-two-autotech-certs-from-my-school/79906)
**Author:** [@AlexTH](https://community.cartalk.com/u/AlexTH)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [July 4, 2013, 10:19pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/should-i-continue-my-education-with-an-aa-degree-after-earning-two-autotech-certs-from-my-school/79906 "2013-07-04T22:19:11Z")
Hi. I'm a current tech's apprentice at a small shop and I hold two certs (the only two the school offers) from my local community college' autotech program. I want to become a master BMW technician and I'm thinking about… --- ## [Gas mileage in the cars of the past. Some things don't seem to have improved much!](https://community.cartalk.com/t/gas-mileage-in-the-cars-of-the-past-some-things-dont-seem-to-have-improved-much/80043)
**Author:** [@cwatkin](https://community.cartalk.com/u/cwatkin)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [July 4, 2013, 9:57pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/gas-mileage-in-the-cars-of-the-past-some-things-dont-seem-to-have-improved-much/80043 "2013-07-04T21:57:26Z")
Now, I am not talking about the Caprices, Crown Vics, the big trucks, and the like, but the little economy cars. Having recently purchased a 1994 Geo Metro for mileage, I am amazed that an old cheap car is getting 52-55… --- ## [PEV charging linearity?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/pev-charging-linearity/80019)
**Author:** [@longprime](https://community.cartalk.com/u/longprime)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [July 4, 2013, 8:18pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/pev-charging-linearity/80019 "2013-07-04T20:18:09Z")
PEV: Is the charging linear or nonlinear? --- ## [BMW diesel?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/bmw-diesel/80100)
**Author:** [@Fast\_mom](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Fast_mom)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [July 4, 2013, 6:31pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/bmw-diesel/80100 "2013-07-04T18:31:55Z")
So, looking at the Bimmer 3 series wagon. Diesel is coming out in October. Is it worth the wait/cost? What about performance? I have a passat wagon and the turbo lag is killing me. Any thoughts? --- ## [Why don't we use push button shifters again?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/why-dont-we-use-push-button-shifters-again/80065)
**Author:** [@WheresRick](https://community.cartalk.com/u/WheresRick)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [July 4, 2013, 4:43am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/why-dont-we-use-push-button-shifters-again/80065 "2013-07-04T04:43:50Z")
I drive internationals at work and they have push button shifters, most new vehicles use electronic shifters anyways, why don't we just go back to buttons. Most vehicles don't have a cable going tho the transmission any… --- ## [2007 Ford Fusion](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2007-ford-fusion/80166)
**Author:** [@darrwell](https://community.cartalk.com/u/darrwell)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [July 4, 2013, 4:29am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2007-ford-fusion/80166 "2013-07-04T04:29:05Z")
I have two issues with my 2007 Fusion. First: I cannot open the driver side door from the inside. Second: recently I am not able to remove my key from the ignition after putting it in park and turning off the engine. I t… --- ## [Turbo on cars](https://community.cartalk.com/t/turbo-on-cars/80109)
**Author:** [@Harland](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Harland)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [July 4, 2013, 3:40am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/turbo-on-cars/80109 "2013-07-04T03:40:06Z")
Was not really sure on the right place to post it, as it is not really a maintenance question just a question I have for a car I am looking and a general question because I have not yet worked deep on a car equipped with… --- ## [Gas price update](https://community.cartalk.com/t/gas-price-update/80063)
**Author:** [@Cavell](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Cavell)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [July 3, 2013, 8:47pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/gas-price-update/80063 "2013-07-03T20:47:16Z")
Unleaded is 3.39 today. It was $4 1 month ago due to production issues. I see E85 is 2.39 which is nice. Not praising or cursing E85, just listing price. In mpls. --- ## [Forum suggestion](https://community.cartalk.com/t/forum-suggestion/80115)
**Author:** [@shadowfax](https://community.cartalk.com/u/shadowfax)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [July 3, 2013, 7:06pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/forum-suggestion/80115 "2013-07-03T19:06:24Z")
To be blunt, this is an automotive repair help site first and foremost. It's not a social networking site, or Digg, or Reddit. If you want to have facebook and twitter buttons that no one will ever use, that's fine, but … --- ## [2001 Cadillac Deville Acting Up](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2001-cadillac-deville-acting-up/80147)
**Author:** [@cwatkin](https://community.cartalk.com/u/cwatkin)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [July 3, 2013, 5:37am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2001-cadillac-deville-acting-up/80147 "2013-07-03T05:37:01Z")
My neighbor has a 2001 Cadillac Deville with the 4.6 Northstar motor and everything is computerized. Her car decided to take off on its own today and she had to hit the brakes to keep it from running away. Everything w… --- ## [Speaking of outrageous rants....which were the worst, ...or best!](https://community.cartalk.com/t/speaking-of-outrageous-rants-which-were-the-worst-or-best/79970)
**Author:** [@wesw](https://community.cartalk.com/u/wesw)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [July 3, 2013, 5:35am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/speaking-of-outrageous-rants-which-were-the-worst-or-best/79970 "2013-07-03T05:35:41Z")
I was tip toeing thru the tulips of past car talk discussions last night and discovered an amazingly self righteous and self important rant by a fellow called turek2, I think. he was apparently the boyfriend of a w… --- ## [Anybody have a metric socket wrench?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/anybody-have-a-metric-socket-wrench/80049)
**Author:** [@Mayday](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Mayday)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [July 2, 2013, 6:08am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/anybody-have-a-metric-socket-wrench/80049 "2013-07-02T06:08:25Z")
I'm not talking sockets- I've got metric ones in 1/4", 3/8" and 1/2" drive- but that's the point- there are all fraction of an inch drive. Where the metric system rules are you getting a 4mm, 8 mm drive or whatever? I've… --- ## [Evaporative Emission System Leak](https://community.cartalk.com/t/evaporative-emission-system-leak/79915)
**Author:** [@cmatthies](https://community.cartalk.com/u/cmatthies)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [July 2, 2013, 4:55am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/evaporative-emission-system-leak/79915 "2013-07-02T04:55:46Z")
2009 Impala, 50000 miles, runs good, however service engine light is on with a DTC showing P0455, "Evaporative Emission System Leak Detected, Gross Leak/No Flow". Are there obvious things I should search out or has ther… --- ## [Locking problem](https://community.cartalk.com/t/locking-problem/80097)
**Author:** [@Yaki](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Yaki)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [June 30, 2013, 11:14pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/locking-problem/80097 "2013-06-30T23:14:47Z")
We have a 1998 Chrysler Town and Country that recently decided to lock itself as soon as you turn the key off. Have you ever heard of this problem? The dealer was no help. Thanks Yaki --- ## [What new vehicle has the most problems?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/what-new-vehicle-has-the-most-problems/79957)
**Author:** [@jtsanders](https://community.cartalk.com/u/jtsanders)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [June 30, 2013, 3:29am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/what-new-vehicle-has-the-most-problems/79957 "2013-06-30T03:29:09Z")
Yes, it's JD Power Initial Quality Study time again, and there are lots of surprises! The Ford C-Max is the Queen of the Prom. With an average of 222 problems per 100 CUVs, it almost doubles the industry average of 113… --- ## [Hail to the Chief!](https://community.cartalk.com/t/hail-to-the-chief/74771)
**Author:** [@kmccune](https://community.cartalk.com/u/kmccune)\ **Replies:** 1633\ **Last updated:** [June 30, 2013, 2:27am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/hail-to-the-chief/74771 "2013-06-30T02:27:37Z")
If you were King or Queen of the Earth,for say at least a year and had absolute power-what would you change,automotive or otherwise? (The list can be as long as you like)-Kevin --- ## [90 octane ethanol free VS regular 87 octane](https://community.cartalk.com/t/90-octane-ethanol-free-vs-regular-87-octane/80012)
**Author:** [@patrickmc5](https://community.cartalk.com/u/patrickmc5)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [June 29, 2013, 9:23pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/90-octane-ethanol-free-vs-regular-87-octane/80012 "2013-06-29T21:23:40Z")
My father-in-law just introduced me to a site where you can see locations of gas pumps in the U.S. that provide ethanol free gas. After taking a look around my area, I found that there is a station close by that provides… --- ## [2005 chevy impala](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2005-chevy-impala/80059)
**Author:** [@rockymycowboy](https://community.cartalk.com/u/rockymycowboy)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [June 29, 2013, 7:26pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2005-chevy-impala/80059 "2013-06-29T19:26:24Z")
I recently bought a 2005 Chey Impala, with around 225,000 miles on it. I have no idea of the history of the car, as I bought it at a sheriffs auction, as is where is. It seems to run great, gets around 30 miles a gallon,… --- ## [Electronic throttle](https://community.cartalk.com/t/electronic-throttle/79830)
**Author:** [@Marnet](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Marnet)\ **Replies:** 43\ **Last updated:** [June 29, 2013, 7:05pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/electronic-throttle/79830 "2013-06-29T19:05:41Z")
My 2007 Chevy Impala with the 6-cyl engine is, overall, a nice car. One thing I just do not like about it, though, is the electronic throttle. There is a quite annoying lag between acceleration on the gas pedal and res… --- ## ["Alas,poor Yorick"](https://community.cartalk.com/t/alas-poor-yorick/80050)
**Author:** [@kmccune](https://community.cartalk.com/u/kmccune)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [June 29, 2013, 3:59pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/alas-poor-yorick/80050 "2013-06-29T15:59:50Z")
My poor old craftsman riding mower(AYP) whose broad back I have rode often, will probaly need replacing soon.What do you gearhead Guys recommend and are there any changes you would like to see in cheaper production mowe… --- ## [Convertible Top Issue](https://community.cartalk.com/t/convertible-top-issue/80042)
**Author:** [@fidalgo](https://community.cartalk.com/u/fidalgo)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [June 28, 2013, 6:37pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/convertible-top-issue/80042 "2013-06-28T18:37:07Z")
I have a 2002 Mustang convertible and the top is stuck in the down position and will not close. Any suggestions? --- ## [How Stale?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/how-stale/80037)
**Author:** [@system](https://community.cartalk.com/u/system)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [June 28, 2013, 1:38pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/how-stale/80037 "2013-06-28T13:38:55Z")
I have been unable to use a boat with 40 gallons of two-year-old gas - Recommendations before it does get used? Thanks, Jim --- ## [Can a 2008-2010 Honda or Toyota make it 250,000 miles without significant maintenance costs?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/can-a-2008-2010-honda-or-toyota-make-it-250-000-miles-without-significant-maintenance-costs/79902)
**Author:** [@calivalley](https://community.cartalk.com/u/calivalley)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [June 28, 2013, 6:19am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/can-a-2008-2010-honda-or-toyota-make-it-250-000-miles-without-significant-maintenance-costs/79902 "2013-06-28T06:19:21Z")
Hello. I am fairly clueless about cars and apologize in advance if this is one of those irritating newbie questions. At issue--we just had our third child and need a van until the oldest leaves for college, in roughly … --- ## [Basic transportation at an affordable price can be produced](https://community.cartalk.com/t/basic-transportation-at-an-affordable-price-can-be-produced/79914)
**Author:** [@Rod-Knox](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Rod-Knox)\ **Replies:** 102\ **Last updated:** [June 28, 2013, 5:25am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/basic-transportation-at-an-affordable-price-can-be-produced/79914 "2013-06-28T05:25:40Z")
But would the 'chicken little" government allow it? And would the driving public accept it? http://mobiusmotors.com/vehicles/mobius\_one.html Who knows? But it seems that someone is making an effort to build and mark… --- ## [Lambrecht Chevrolet, Pierce, Neb. Auction](https://community.cartalk.com/t/lambrecht-chevrolet-pierce-neb-auction/80036)
**Author:** [@Caddyman](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Caddyman)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [June 27, 2013, 9:47pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/lambrecht-chevrolet-pierce-neb-auction/80036 "2013-06-27T21:47:34Z")
On Sept 28-29 of this year, 500 cars belonging to the Lambrecht family who ran a small Chevy dealership for over 50 years will be auctioned off including 50 brand new, unsold, zero mile cars and trucks..How about a 1964 … --- ## [Idling time at the intersection](https://community.cartalk.com/t/idling-time-at-the-intersection/80018)
**Author:** [@longprime](https://community.cartalk.com/u/longprime)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [June 27, 2013, 4:35am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/idling-time-at-the-intersection/80018 "2013-06-27T04:35:56Z")
So, I have a intersection that is a sensored 6 way,. In heavy traffic, I had to wait a bit over 60secs before I get the green. The question: What is the expected wait time where it is better to kill the ICE vs keeping … --- ## [First car purchase](https://community.cartalk.com/t/first-car-purchase/79903)
**Author:** [@crufm](https://community.cartalk.com/u/crufm)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [June 26, 2013, 8:33pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/first-car-purchase/79903 "2013-06-26T20:33:57Z")
1 of 1 Hello all,my hand-me-down died and it's time for me to make my first vehicle purchase. I will be financing. I have about $2000 for a down payment and would like to keep monthly payments below $300. I'll be using… --- ## [Now that tom and ray have retired, will this site last?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/now-that-tom-and-ray-have-retired-will-this-site-last/79988)
**Author:** [@wesw](https://community.cartalk.com/u/wesw)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [June 26, 2013, 2:47pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/now-that-tom-and-ray-have-retired-will-this-site-last/79988 "2013-06-26T14:47:55Z")
this is an amazing site, chock full of intelligent, interesting people. it would be a shame if it shut down. I learn a lot and can shoot the breeze with good people, and hopefully help some people. does anyone know the f… --- ## [On car safety, size and age](https://community.cartalk.com/t/on-car-safety-size-and-age/79865)
**Author:** [@galant](https://community.cartalk.com/u/galant)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [June 26, 2013, 11:09am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/on-car-safety-size-and-age/79865 "2013-06-26T11:09:21Z")
Our 2000 Minivan (Dodge Caravan) is getting really old. Has 156K miles on it and has needed many repairs along the way. Currently the paint on the roof and hood are gone (primer mixed with just metal). The electrical swi… [Previous page](https://community.cartalk.com/c/general-discussion/8.md?page=311) [Next page](https://community.cartalk.com/c/general-discussion/8.md?page=313)