# General Discussion **URL:** https://community.cartalk.com/c/general-discussion/8.md?page=339 [Latest](https://community.cartalk.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://community.cartalk.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://community.cartalk.com/tags.md) **Page:** 340 --- ## [Buy or fix](https://community.cartalk.com/t/buy-or-fix/75272)
**Author:** [@tilly](https://community.cartalk.com/u/tilly)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [November 2, 2012, 3:52am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/buy-or-fix/75272 "2012-11-02T03:52:26Z")
Hello Car Talk Community! After many years of the odometer working overtime, my Toyota RAV4 finally succumbed to transmission failure. She has 265K miles. I can either (1) have a salvaged transmission put in OR (2) b… --- ## [Lada Niva](https://community.cartalk.com/t/lada-niva/75296)
**Author:** [@portlandrebel](https://community.cartalk.com/u/portlandrebel)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [November 2, 2012, 3:44am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/lada-niva/75296 "2012-11-02T03:44:01Z")
I know there are a lot of haters and lovers of the Soviet made cars out there, try to limit your opinions on the cars as a whole or the difficulties of bringing one into the states, I'm looking for advise from people who… --- ## [Factory Car Alarm goes off without any apparent reason](https://community.cartalk.com/t/factory-car-alarm-goes-off-without-any-apparent-reason/73877)
**Author:** [@Alarmed](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Alarmed)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [November 1, 2012, 4:30pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/factory-car-alarm-goes-off-without-any-apparent-reason/73877 "2012-11-01T16:30:37Z")
I have a 2007 Ford Taurus, the factory car alarm goes off without any apparent reason. It had been a garaged car but has been sitting outside for about the last 10 months. It started doing this in May so I thought it mig… --- ## [Need a safe,cheap vehicle for heavy equipment](https://community.cartalk.com/t/need-a-safe-cheap-vehicle-for-heavy-equipment/75233)
**Author:** [@Henrythedj](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Henrythedj)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [November 1, 2012, 3:14pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/need-a-safe-cheap-vehicle-for-heavy-equipment/75233 "2012-11-01T15:14:10Z")
I recently totaled my Chevy suburban (200k+ miles, '97) that I used for my mobile DJ business. I have about 800lbs of equipment that I take with me to most gigs, including fragile lighting equipment (so extra 'under'/pro… --- ## [Studless Snow Tires from Costco](https://community.cartalk.com/t/studless-snow-tires-from-costco/75278)
**Author:** [@VictorianAK](https://community.cartalk.com/u/VictorianAK)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [November 1, 2012, 11:26am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/studless-snow-tires-from-costco/75278 "2012-11-01T11:26:59Z")
I am in Alaska. Costco has the most affordable option - but they no longer sell studded tires. Do the studless tires really work? Worth the money? Do they perform as well as studs? I have an AWD - this is the first w… --- ## [Need help choosing a car](https://community.cartalk.com/t/need-help-choosing-a-car/75263)
**Author:** [@sooop](https://community.cartalk.com/u/sooop)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [November 1, 2012, 1:59am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/need-help-choosing-a-car/75263 "2012-11-01T01:59:18Z")
Hi folks, I've been a regular listener for a long time, but this is my first time in the forums, so please forgive me if I'm violating any protocol. I'm in a bit of a pickle. I need to buy a new (used) car and I'm havi… --- ## [Short and Green](https://community.cartalk.com/t/short-and-green/75253)
**Author:** [@marscar](https://community.cartalk.com/u/marscar)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [November 1, 2012, 12:38am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/short-and-green/75253 "2012-11-01T00:38:25Z")
I am opening a discussion again that was posted two years ago. Only, I am shortening the topic, so to speak. It was previously posted by someone about 5'1". I am 4'10.5" inches (having shrunk in last few years) and am fi… --- ## [What to do when you still owe money and need to sell or trade the car in for another](https://community.cartalk.com/t/what-to-do-when-you-still-owe-money-and-need-to-sell-or-trade-the-car-in-for-another/75277)
**Author:** [@victoriambh](https://community.cartalk.com/u/victoriambh)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [October 31, 2012, 10:03pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/what-to-do-when-you-still-owe-money-and-need-to-sell-or-trade-the-car-in-for-another/75277 "2012-10-31T22:03:40Z")
My daughter's (used) car broke down - a Cadillac. Repairs look to be substantial and expensive, and she still owes thousands on it. It is no longer covered by the dealer because a year has just passed. Have you been thro… --- ## [Suggestion for those in Sandy's path](https://community.cartalk.com/t/suggestion-for-those-in-sandys-path/75234)
**Author:** [@keith](https://community.cartalk.com/u/keith)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [October 31, 2012, 6:51am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/suggestion-for-those-in-sandys-path/75234 "2012-10-31T06:51:45Z")
I've seen a lot of good suggestions and warnings for Hurricane Sandy, but one I have not seen is to turn the temp controls in your Refrigerator and Freezer(s) to thier lowest setting before the power goes out, preferably… --- ## [Tires suggested for a 2009 Camry Hybrid?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/tires-suggested-for-a-2009-camry-hybrid/74971)
**Author:** [@Robert-Gift](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Robert-Gift)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [October 30, 2012, 3:58pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/tires-suggested-for-a-2009-camry-hybrid/74971 "2012-10-30T15:58:43Z")
Seeking less rolling resistance to save fuel. Do some tires produce less road noise inside the vehicle? Best tire for the money? Where is best place to buy? This vehicle is driven by volunteers transporting blood to hosp… --- ## [100-year-old driver hits 11 people in Los Angeles](https://community.cartalk.com/t/100-year-old-driver-hits-11-people-in-los-angeles/74373)
**Author:** [@Whitey](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Whitey)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [October 30, 2012, 3:23pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/100-year-old-driver-hits-11-people-in-los-angeles/74373 "2012-10-30T15:23:53Z")
(CNN) -- A 100-year-old man is apologetic after barreling into a crowd of mostly school kids in Los Angeles and sending 11 people to the hospital. “I’m sorry,” Preston Carter told CNN affiliate KTLA. “I lost control of t… --- ## [1995 Subaru Legacy LS not working](https://community.cartalk.com/t/1995-subaru-legacy-ls-not-working/75239)
**Author:** [@hisservant](https://community.cartalk.com/u/hisservant)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [October 30, 2012, 11:14am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/1995-subaru-legacy-ls-not-working/75239 "2012-10-30T11:14:58Z")
Ok. I replace my alternator on my 1995 Subaru Legacy Ls. Everything went great. Last thing I did was to connect the positive cable on the battery. When I did it sparked alittle. Well when I got into the car to start it n… --- ## [C7 engine is sweet](https://community.cartalk.com/t/c7-engine-is-sweet/75241)
**Author:** [@jtsanders](https://community.cartalk.com/u/jtsanders)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [October 30, 2012, 2:58am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/c7-engine-is-sweet/75241 "2012-10-30T02:58:44Z")
GM released information about the 7th generation Corvette's engine. It's a direct injected 6.2L V8 with overhead valves (still!), and it's promised to hit 60 in less than 4 seconds. This is the base C7, BTW. Sweet! H… --- ## [Older car with 11,000 miles or newer car with 52,000?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/older-car-with-11-000-miles-or-newer-car-with-52-000/75207)
**Author:** [@beccaboo527](https://community.cartalk.com/u/beccaboo527)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [October 29, 2012, 6:10pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/older-car-with-11-000-miles-or-newer-car-with-52-000/75207 "2012-10-29T18:10:06Z")
I'm trying to decide if I should buy a 2006 Toyota corolla with 11,200 miles, or 2010 Toyota corolla with about 52,000 miles. Asking price is the exact same, $12,000. As far as looks, the 2010 is a better looking car wit… --- ## [Trip report 5000 miles last month, 2002 Sienna with 190,000](https://community.cartalk.com/t/trip-report-5000-miles-last-month-2002-sienna-with-190-000/75223)
**Author:** [@irlandes](https://community.cartalk.com/u/irlandes)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [October 29, 2012, 8:13am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/trip-report-5000-miles-last-month-2002-sienna-with-190-000/75223 "2012-10-29T08:13:28Z")
Not a question, but a trip report. Last month, I returned to the States for my annual visit. This is with the 2002 Sienna with around 190,000 miles on it. History on this board includes a brake computer problem, but a… --- ## [Car Talk Tribute](https://community.cartalk.com/t/car-talk-tribute/75222)
**Author:** [@shea48](https://community.cartalk.com/u/shea48)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [October 29, 2012, 7:17am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/car-talk-tribute/75222 "2012-10-29T07:17:18Z")
Thanks Tom and Ray for 35 years of auto advice and laughter! The following is a tribute to a classic show: http://thejesuitpost.org/site/2012/10/car-talk-a-tappet-bros-tribute/ Enjoy! --- ## [Gas Gauge (or Tank) Issue](https://community.cartalk.com/t/gas-gauge-or-tank-issue/75211)
**Author:** [@Diaonline](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Diaonline)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [October 29, 2012, 4:43am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/gas-gauge-or-tank-issue/75211 "2012-10-29T04:43:10Z")
I have a 2004 Nissan 350Z. During the first few years of the car, I always had a gas gauge that read correctly. Then, I had a recall notice about the gas tank. I took it in and got the part fixed. Now, my gas gauge does … --- ## [Neutral Safety Switch? Transmission Interlock Switch?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/neutral-safety-switch-transmission-interlock-switch/75219)
**Author:** [@speedracer69](https://community.cartalk.com/u/speedracer69)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [October 29, 2012, 4:27am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/neutral-safety-switch-transmission-interlock-switch/75219 "2012-10-29T04:27:26Z")
I just have a general question about the difference between a "neutral safety switch" and a "transmission interlock switch". Can anyone explain the difference between the two? Also what is the mechanism that locks up you… --- ## [Voltage regulator](https://community.cartalk.com/t/voltage-regulator/75208)
**Author:** [@konne](https://community.cartalk.com/u/konne)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [October 29, 2012, 3:25am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/voltage-regulator/75208 "2012-10-29T03:25:01Z")
Is there an AC voltage regulator that can regulate the voltage to 115 v AC from a 5000 watt generator turning at between 500 and 4000 rpm's ? --- ## [2005 Ford Focus uncomfortable front seats](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2005-ford-focus-uncomfortable-front-seats/75204)
**Author:** [@Windowsill](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Windowsill)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [October 29, 2012, 1:31am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2005-ford-focus-uncomfortable-front-seats/75204 "2012-10-29T01:31:49Z")
I have a 2005 Ford Focus hatchback. I have found the front seats to be very uncomfortable after an hour or two of driving. It seems the seat is very small around my back. There seems to be too much support on the side… --- ## [Which old car to keep? Civic or LeSabre?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/which-old-car-to-keep-civic-or-lesabre/75199)
**Author:** [@KatM](https://community.cartalk.com/u/KatM)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [October 29, 2012, 1:03am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/which-old-car-to-keep-civic-or-lesabre/75199 "2012-10-29T01:03:39Z")
I am torn over whether to keep my 1997 Honda Civic with 150,000 miles, still in basically good shape though the paint job is a disaster and it's getting slightly worse mileage than it used to (I recently had a tune-up an… --- ## [2012 Nissan Murano](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2012-nissan-murano/75151)
**Author:** [@Ralori](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Ralori)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [October 28, 2012, 11:55pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2012-nissan-murano/75151 "2012-10-28T23:55:01Z")
Just purchased my 1st SUV - 2012 Nissan Murano. Rides good, handles great. Seats a little firm. Problem: when the radio is on (not really very loud), can't hear the click of the turn signal -- it's set at a very low vo… --- ## [Newer car with more miles OR Older car with fewer miles?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/newer-car-with-more-miles-or-older-car-with-fewer-miles/73532)
**Author:** [@UsedEconobox\_2\_UsedBMW](https://community.cartalk.com/u/UsedEconobox_2_UsedBMW)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [October 28, 2012, 9:26pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/newer-car-with-more-miles-or-older-car-with-fewer-miles/73532 "2012-10-28T21:26:57Z")
What is better for same price? 1) Newer car with more miles 2) Older car with less miles Assuming they are the same price. ex. 2007 with 115k miles for 13k vs 2004 with 90k miles for 13k --- ## [Serpentine Belt Proper Tension on 190D 2.5](https://community.cartalk.com/t/serpentine-belt-proper-tension-on-190d-2-5/75194)
**Author:** [@OldDieseler](https://community.cartalk.com/u/OldDieseler)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [October 28, 2012, 5:39pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/serpentine-belt-proper-tension-on-190d-2-5/75194 "2012-10-28T17:39:27Z")
How do I know if my belt is a little loose? My tach and a/c die intermittantly and I'm thinking the belt might be slipping. It seems old and it flaps a at the top at idle but not when reved higher. Can this be adjust… --- ## [Trade-in My Lease or Buy It?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/trade-in-my-lease-or-buy-it/75116)
**Author:** [@RubySM](https://community.cartalk.com/u/RubySM)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [October 27, 2012, 9:56pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/trade-in-my-lease-or-buy-it/75116 "2012-10-27T21:56:24Z")
In 2010 I leased a basic model Prius for $351 per month for 36 months (total paid at end of lease term: $12,636). The lease payoff amount is $17,539. Ultimately I'd like to purchase and not lease my next vehicle and I'm … --- ## [Lifter noise at cold startup? 2006 Dodge GC - anyone?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/lifter-noise-at-cold-startup-2006-dodge-gc-anyone/75124)
**Author:** [@Personage](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Personage)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [October 27, 2012, 5:44pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/lifter-noise-at-cold-startup-2006-dodge-gc-anyone/75124 "2012-10-27T17:44:51Z")
Sometimes I'll walk my wife out to the garage in the morning when she is leaving for work. When she starts up her 2006 Dodge Grand Caravan FWD sto n go I hear a clicking noise for about 2 seconds. To me it sounds like … --- ## [Pumping ABS brakes](https://community.cartalk.com/t/pumping-abs-brakes/75148)
**Author:** [@notaperfectpilot](https://community.cartalk.com/u/notaperfectpilot)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [October 27, 2012, 5:10pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/pumping-abs-brakes/75148 "2012-10-27T17:10:23Z")
I just completed my driver training. They mention some where in there, that you should never pump ABS brakes. They say that you should firmly press on the brake pedal and not pump them, as, that could cause them to fail.… --- ## [Tire size calculation](https://community.cartalk.com/t/tire-size-calculation/75142)
**Author:** [@wormy](https://community.cartalk.com/u/wormy)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [October 27, 2012, 4:17pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/tire-size-calculation/75142 "2012-10-27T16:17:27Z")
my 2000 nissan frontier xe comes standard with p215/65/r/15 tires the tires presently on it are p215/70/r/15 . what percentage factor do i use to calculate the difference in speed ? just purchased vehicle and i am moving… --- ## [Brake fluid in oil....will it burn?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/brake-fluid-in-oil-will-it-burn/75177)
**Author:** [@the\_same\_mountainbike](https://community.cartalk.com/u/the_same_mountainbike)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [October 27, 2012, 4:23am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/brake-fluid-in-oil-will-it-burn/75177 "2012-10-27T04:23:04Z")
Our dump facility uses used motor oil to heat their facility. I was thinking of just dumping a little brake fluid into my used oil containers to bring to the dump. Brake fluid will allegedly burn, albiet slowly. Anybody … --- ## [UPDATE - The modern equivalent of the CRX-Si](https://community.cartalk.com/t/update-the-modern-equivalent-of-the-crx-si/74294)
**Author:** [@LFFG](https://community.cartalk.com/u/LFFG)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [October 27, 2012, 1:47am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/update-the-modern-equivalent-of-the-crx-si/74294 "2012-10-27T01:47:31Z")
A while ago I started this (now closed) thread http://community.cartalk.com/discussion/2279146/is-there-a-modern-equivalent-for-the-crx-si/p1 which documented my quest to find a modern equivalent of my 1990 CRX Si. Ther… [Previous page](https://community.cartalk.com/c/general-discussion/8.md?page=338) [Next page](https://community.cartalk.com/c/general-discussion/8.md?page=340)