# General Discussion **URL:** https://community.cartalk.com/c/general-discussion/8.md?page=344 [Latest](https://community.cartalk.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://community.cartalk.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://community.cartalk.com/tags.md) **Page:** 345 --- ## [I finally found a use for my car jack](https://community.cartalk.com/t/i-finally-found-a-use-for-my-car-jack/74292)
**Author:** [@jtsanders](https://community.cartalk.com/u/jtsanders)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [September 4, 2012, 10:49pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/i-finally-found-a-use-for-my-car-jack/74292 "2012-09-04T22:49:27Z")
Those OEM scissor jacks aren't worth much in my book. I have a Michelin hydraulic jack at home that beats the OEM jack hands down. I've never even opened the jack door in the trunk. Until today. Our sink garbage disp… --- ## [3 Final candidates--which should I choose?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/3-final-candidates-which-should-i-choose/74376)
**Author:** [@talman](https://community.cartalk.com/u/talman)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [September 4, 2012, 10:45pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/3-final-candidates-which-should-i-choose/74376 "2012-09-04T22:45:34Z")
I have three vehicles I'm looking at that are pretty similar in price, would appreciate feedback on which I should choose: 1) 2007 Toyota Camry LE V6 with Leather, 80k, +$750 2) 2005 Lexus ES 330 fully loaded, 96k 3)… --- ## [Will you sell your soul for a gallon of gas?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/will-you-sell-your-soul-for-a-gallon-of-gas/74367)
**Author:** [@jtsanders](https://community.cartalk.com/u/jtsanders)\ **Replies:** 45\ **Last updated:** [September 4, 2012, 9:05am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/will-you-sell-your-soul-for-a-gallon-of-gas/74367 "2012-09-04T09:05:16Z")
Look at this thing: http://content.usatoday.com/communities/driveon/post/2012/08/buick-says-encore-is-best-on-gas-among-us-makers/1#.UD6TGcFlTjY Is that the ugliest SUV you've ever seen? Akerson really hit Buick wit… --- ## [Thoughts/Opinions on a 2012 Volvo S60](https://community.cartalk.com/t/thoughts-opinions-on-a-2012-volvo-s60/74408)
**Author:** [@optimamark](https://community.cartalk.com/u/optimamark)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [September 4, 2012, 8:22am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/thoughts-opinions-on-a-2012-volvo-s60/74408 "2012-09-04T08:22:43Z")
Test drove the 2012 S60 with leather, blind spot recognition, city safe, sunroof, nav. I liked the car and the way it handled. I would be purchasing a 2012 with about a 5K discount off MSRP -- for sale price about 35K.… --- ## [How does the electrical system work?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/how-does-the-electrical-system-work/74358)
**Author:** [@MLucas](https://community.cartalk.com/u/MLucas)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [September 4, 2012, 4:06am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/how-does-the-electrical-system-work/74358 "2012-09-04T04:06:52Z")
I participate in an online forum for the Mitsubishi I MiEV electric car. There is a debate raging about how the 12V side of the electrical system works. My side is that all accessories like the radio and headlights run… --- ## [Which rig to buy](https://community.cartalk.com/t/which-rig-to-buy/74370)
**Author:** [@badbearing](https://community.cartalk.com/u/badbearing)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [September 3, 2012, 8:38pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/which-rig-to-buy/74370 "2012-09-03T20:38:55Z")
I have a choice. 1997 Toyota Tacoma 140000 miles 4cyl 4x4 matching topper clean $5750 or 1997 Subaru Legacy Outback 120000 miles Auto clean $3900 Please give me your input. Thanks --- ## [Why has fuel economy of new cars dropped?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/why-has-fuel-economy-of-new-cars-dropped/74359)
**Author:** [@Mark\_Peifer](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Mark_Peifer)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [September 1, 2012, 9:08pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/why-has-fuel-economy-of-new-cars-dropped/74359 "2012-09-01T21:08:07Z")
I have a 2004 2door manual transmission Honda Civic that I drive mostly highway and some city, and in the summer (it likes the heat) I routinely get 40-45 mpg. In the not too distant future, we need to replace our older… --- ## [Short driver needs seat belt advice](https://community.cartalk.com/t/short-driver-needs-seat-belt-advice/74323)
**Author:** [@PenguinsFan](https://community.cartalk.com/u/PenguinsFan)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [August 31, 2012, 9:03pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/short-driver-needs-seat-belt-advice/74323 "2012-08-31T21:03:53Z")
I am a 4'9" driver (yes, that's as tall as I'm gonna get). I struggle with seat belts, even the adjustable belts in my Civic. I have seen seat belt 'adjustors' for sale online, but question their effectiveness and safe… --- ## [Best Car for My Needs - Seeking Comfort, Economy, and Style in a Daily Commuter Car](https://community.cartalk.com/t/best-car-for-my-needs-seeking-comfort-economy-and-style-in-a-daily-commuter-car/74330)
**Author:** [@optimamark](https://community.cartalk.com/u/optimamark)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [August 31, 2012, 1:29am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/best-car-for-my-needs-seeking-comfort-economy-and-style-in-a-daily-commuter-car/74330 "2012-08-31T01:29:53Z")
I have a 2012 Hyundai Veloster 6-speed. I bought the car last September for the mpg, and it has been great. I have put 25K trouble-free miles on it commuting 6 days a week to my job, and I average 40 on the hwy and com… --- ## [Safe car for transporting kids?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/safe-car-for-transporting-kids/74065)
**Author:** [@Portland\_Rachie](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Portland_Rachie)\ **Replies:** 38\ **Last updated:** [August 31, 2012, 12:57am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/safe-car-for-transporting-kids/74065 "2012-08-31T00:57:53Z")
My husband wants to purchase a 1983 BMW 528e with low mileage to replace his 1973 BMW Bavaria because he will begin dropping our kids (5 years and 2 years) off at school in the fall. I always hear Tom and Ray tell their… --- ## [Branching out beyond Honda/Acura--need some opinions on urgent used car purchase](https://community.cartalk.com/t/branching-out-beyond-honda-acura-need-some-opinions-on-urgent-used-car-purchase/74319)
**Author:** [@talman](https://community.cartalk.com/u/talman)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [August 31, 2012, 12:53am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/branching-out-beyond-honda-acura-need-some-opinions-on-urgent-used-car-purchase/74319 "2012-08-31T00:53:47Z")
Glad I found this resource--hoping for some feedback on what I should be looking at. Current situation: 1999 Acura TL with 195k miles on it. Transmission is starting to slip badly during up-shifts. Local repair guy … --- ## [Questions about VW CC and Toyota Camry SE and Camry Hybrid](https://community.cartalk.com/t/questions-about-vw-cc-and-toyota-camry-se-and-camry-hybrid/74345)
**Author:** [@optimamark](https://community.cartalk.com/u/optimamark)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [August 31, 2012, 12:40am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/questions-about-vw-cc-and-toyota-camry-se-and-camry-hybrid/74345 "2012-08-31T00:40:18Z")
I am looking for a new car that can be my daily commuter car. I drive a combination of highway and city each day, M-F, for 115 miles roundtrip- about 70 of those are highway miles. Roads are bad (rough surfaces) and dr… --- ## [Winter SUVs...specifically Colorado?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/winter-suvs-specifically-colorado/74307)
**Author:** [@rwsmith](https://community.cartalk.com/u/rwsmith)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [August 30, 2012, 4:53pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/winter-suvs-specifically-colorado/74307 "2012-08-30T16:53:55Z")
Good afternoon, We're in the market for a 2013 SUV/Crossover (small to midsize) with a decent ability to handle winters at varying elevations. Most of the time however, driving will be on surface streets and highways … --- ## [GM developing an in-car app to alert drivers of pedestrians](https://community.cartalk.com/t/gm-developing-an-in-car-app-to-alert-drivers-of-pedestrians/73990)
**Author:** [@bscar2](https://community.cartalk.com/u/bscar2)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [August 30, 2012, 2:53am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/gm-developing-an-in-car-app-to-alert-drivers-of-pedestrians/73990 "2012-08-30T02:53:51Z")
Using Wi-Fi Direct, a peer-to-peer wireless standard that's like a medium-range Bluetooth, a car would be able to detect a smartphone directly and alert the driver in time to avoid kneecapping the pedestrian. Too bad … --- ## [Engine Fan](https://community.cartalk.com/t/engine-fan/74314)
**Author:** [@Netter](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Netter)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [August 30, 2012, 2:52am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/engine-fan/74314 "2012-08-30T02:52:47Z")
I have a question. Is it possible for the engine fan to start running on my honda civic while the car is turned off and has been off for hours? My husband claims that it was so hot in the garage last night that the fan o… --- ## [Good Price on Grand Prix](https://community.cartalk.com/t/good-price-on-grand-prix/74336)
**Author:** [@brookg](https://community.cartalk.com/u/brookg)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [August 30, 2012, 2:49am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/good-price-on-grand-prix/74336 "2012-08-30T02:49:14Z")
I want to sell my 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix with 100,000 miles on it. The body is in rough shape. Missing trim, dented door, lighter doesn't work, needs a windshield. I have kept the mechanics up though replaced brakes,… --- ## [Perfect Car for an Extreme Commute](https://community.cartalk.com/t/perfect-car-for-an-extreme-commute/74334)
**Author:** [@Epplyjr](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Epplyjr)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [August 30, 2012, 1:01am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/perfect-car-for-an-extreme-commute/74334 "2012-08-30T01:01:44Z")
I have somewhat of an extreme daily commute and I'm looking for the perfect car to accommodate my unique drive. Here are the details: 1. Distance: ~100 miles (50 each way)/day. 2. Speed: Most of the driving is on the f… --- ## [$3500 for car repairs. Repair or move on?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/3500-for-car-repairs-repair-or-move-on/74280)
**Author:** [@golfbug](https://community.cartalk.com/u/golfbug)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [August 30, 2012, 12:52am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/3500-for-car-repairs-repair-or-move-on/74280 "2012-08-30T00:52:33Z")
2003 vw jettawagon 1.8L turbo (85k miles!) - timing belt snapped... $3500 to fix (includes parts and labor). bluebook is 6k. Wife loves the vw and wants to save $ by not making new payments for a used/new car. I'd ra… --- ## [Almost totaled -- what to do when cost of repairs are just shy of car value](https://community.cartalk.com/t/almost-totaled-what-to-do-when-cost-of-repairs-are-just-shy-of-car-value/74347)
**Author:** [@fitsd](https://community.cartalk.com/u/fitsd)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [August 30, 2012, 12:41am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/almost-totaled-what-to-do-when-cost-of-repairs-are-just-shy-of-car-value/74347 "2012-08-30T00:41:40Z")
A friend was driving my car (2008 honda fit) and was hit by a teenager (who thankfully has taken responsibility). The repairs, we just found out, total $8,400 (damage to the front end and major damage to the axle). The c… --- ## [This has always puzzled me](https://community.cartalk.com/t/this-has-always-puzzled-me/74337)
**Author:** [@VDCdriver](https://community.cartalk.com/u/VDCdriver)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [August 29, 2012, 6:14pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/this-has-always-puzzled-me/74337 "2012-08-29T18:14:13Z")
I realize that this is very far from being an important issue, but--all the same--it is something that has always puzzled me when I watch movies from the '40s, '50s, and '60s: Why do they always seem to show drivers en… --- ## [Considering a Chevy Impala](https://community.cartalk.com/t/considering-a-chevy-impala/74278)
**Author:** [@Rusty](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Rusty)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [August 29, 2012, 1:09pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/considering-a-chevy-impala/74278 "2012-08-29T13:09:15Z")
Hey guys...Im looking up to you all for all your thoughts on a 2003 Impala I am considering buying from a family friend with 147k miles. I would like to know any positive and/or negative reviews about the Impala...this h… --- ## [Sell Lotus](https://community.cartalk.com/t/sell-lotus/74340)
**Author:** [@zakalex](https://community.cartalk.com/u/zakalex)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [August 28, 2012, 11:11pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/sell-lotus/74340 "2012-08-28T23:11:25Z")
I have a 1971 Lotus Europa bought 29 years ago. It was driven for less than a year and then the husband took it apart for some reason and got it a very pricey new paint job. It's now yellow. However, it's never been p… --- ## [Is there a vehicle you can stand up to drive?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/is-there-a-vehicle-you-can-stand-up-to-drive/74287)
**Author:** [@Vertical](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Vertical)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [August 28, 2012, 6:39am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/is-there-a-vehicle-you-can-stand-up-to-drive/74287 "2012-08-28T06:39:53Z")
I have a back problem that prevents me from sitting for more than a few minutes. I love to drive, but this puts severe limits on how and where I can go. Is there any vehicle that one can drive while standing up? Or, i… --- ## [Click or Clack](https://community.cartalk.com/t/click-or-clack/74311)
**Author:** [@Risti](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Risti)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [August 27, 2012, 3:31pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/click-or-clack/74311 "2012-08-27T15:31:01Z")
"Click or Clack" was the clue for one of the five letter words in the New York Times crossword puzzle on Thursday 16 August 2012. "Tom, Ray, Thomas, Raymond" did not fit. As the week progresses I come up with fewer and f… --- ## [Break in oil in new Hondas](https://community.cartalk.com/t/break-in-oil-in-new-hondas/74268)
**Author:** [@MosesRRed](https://community.cartalk.com/u/MosesRRed)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [August 27, 2012, 1:52am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/break-in-oil-in-new-hondas/74268 "2012-08-27T01:52:17Z")
Does anybody know the chemical makeup? In other words, what is the special additive that Honda puts in new cars for the break in oil? I know that some on here from reading the forums, don't believe they put anything th… --- ## [Fuse Anomaly with Igloo Cooler and Tire Inflation Question](https://community.cartalk.com/t/fuse-anomaly-with-igloo-cooler-and-tire-inflation-question/74269)
**Author:** [@gulliverg](https://community.cartalk.com/u/gulliverg)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [August 26, 2012, 6:02pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/fuse-anomaly-with-igloo-cooler-and-tire-inflation-question/74269 "2012-08-26T18:02:23Z")
I have an Igloo Cooler which plugs into my vehicle's cigarette lighter outlet, which is governed by a 20 amp fuse. The cooler has performed superbly over the years, until this year when it immediately blew the 20 amp fus… --- ## [Mystery](https://community.cartalk.com/t/mystery/74189)
**Author:** [@spider-man](https://community.cartalk.com/u/spider-man)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [August 26, 2012, 4:27pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/mystery/74189 "2012-08-26T16:27:45Z")
was at the mall setting in the car the other day.and a fellow came out.took gas cap off his car and pour a bottle of rubbing alcohol in the tank.i have never seen that before why would anyone pour rubbing alcohol in gas… --- ## [Unsolveable problem?! please help](https://community.cartalk.com/t/unsolveable-problem-please-help/74257)
**Author:** [@Christina](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Christina)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [August 26, 2012, 4:00pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/unsolveable-problem-please-help/74257 "2012-08-26T16:00:10Z")
I have a 2006 volkswagen passat 3.6 litre v6- have had this car about a year now, 60,000 miles, no problems until recently. Last week I started noticing that when I am driving, with my foot on the gas, it would intermit… --- ## [Honda Accord 2012 smelly trunk?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/honda-accord-2012-smelly-trunk/74258)
**Author:** [@cat6](https://community.cartalk.com/u/cat6)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [August 26, 2012, 3:03pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/honda-accord-2012-smelly-trunk/74258 "2012-08-26T15:03:41Z")
Hello, So about a year ago I bought a new Honda Accord...The trunk smells like new tennis shoes and has not lessened in a year. I cannot circulate the air or the smell will travel up into the car...anyone know what the … --- ## [Wearing glasses while driving a hazard?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/wearing-glasses-while-driving-a-hazard/74139)
**Author:** [@Gordon\_D](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Gordon_D)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [August 26, 2012, 8:51am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/wearing-glasses-while-driving-a-hazard/74139 "2012-08-26T08:51:02Z")
In 25 years of driving I never even came close to an accident, but in the two years since I had to get glasses to pass the DMV test, it's occurred to me that I've had a bunch of close calls since getting them, mainly not… [Previous page](https://community.cartalk.com/c/general-discussion/8.md?page=343) [Next page](https://community.cartalk.com/c/general-discussion/8.md?page=345)