# General Discussion **URL:** https://community.cartalk.com/c/general-discussion/8.md?page=354 [Latest](https://community.cartalk.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://community.cartalk.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://community.cartalk.com/tags.md) **Page:** 355 --- ## [Charging batteries in electric cars](https://community.cartalk.com/t/charging-batteries-in-electric-cars/72563)
**Author:** [@konne](https://community.cartalk.com/u/konne)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [May 25, 2012, 10:24pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/charging-batteries-in-electric-cars/72563 "2012-05-25T22:24:49Z")
I have read many discussions that the electric car will never be financially viable. What if someone devices the means of charging the battery while driving. How many kwh's would it take to continually charge the battery… --- ## [Aliens pay more](https://community.cartalk.com/t/aliens-pay-more/72627)
**Author:** [@jtsanders](https://community.cartalk.com/u/jtsanders)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [May 25, 2012, 7:23pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/aliens-pay-more/72627 "2012-05-25T19:23:56Z")
It seems that EZ pass is a great way to get out-of-state travelers to pay more than in state travelers. If you drive in the Northeast US on vacation this summer, you might consider paying cash instead of paying the ext… --- ## [It's just surface rust](https://community.cartalk.com/t/its-just-surface-rust/72605)
**Author:** [@marchioa](https://community.cartalk.com/u/marchioa)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [May 25, 2012, 5:49pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/its-just-surface-rust/72605 "2012-05-25T17:49:54Z")
I'm looking at a new-to-me 2009 GMC sierra 1500. Everything looks good but my current 2004 vehicle has no where near the amount of rust I can easily see on the frame of this truck. No rust on the body and all wires I c… --- ## [Rental SUV Vs. Acura MDX 2010 (36000 Miles)](https://community.cartalk.com/t/rental-suv-vs-acura-mdx-2010-36000-miles/72562)
**Author:** [@vnvdem](https://community.cartalk.com/u/vnvdem)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [May 24, 2012, 11:54pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/rental-suv-vs-acura-mdx-2010-36000-miles/72562 "2012-05-24T23:54:12Z")
Hi, I am planning a longest road trip, I ever drove. So need some suggestions. From Dallas - Washington DC. I have Acura MDX (2010). Should I take my own car or rent? I was more keen towards taking my own, but few my fr… --- ## [More gas-saving devices](https://community.cartalk.com/t/more-gas-saving-devices/72501)
**Author:** [@Robert-Gift](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Robert-Gift)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [May 23, 2012, 7:40pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/more-gas-saving-devices/72501 "2012-05-23T19:40:54Z")
thedenverchannel.com/news/31082709/detail.html --- ## [Yellow Jacket Hive on Gas Cover](https://community.cartalk.com/t/yellow-jacket-hive-on-gas-cover/72567)
**Author:** [@Tripps](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Tripps)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [May 23, 2012, 2:17pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/yellow-jacket-hive-on-gas-cover/72567 "2012-05-23T14:17:46Z")
OK - yesterday afternoon I stopped at a gas station to put gas in my mother's 2000 Chevy Cavalier. When I opened the flap to get to the gas cover, I noticed that a small yellow jacket hive about the size of quarter, wit… --- ## [Where are my new message alerts?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/where-are-my-new-message-alerts/72491)
**Author:** [@jtsanders](https://community.cartalk.com/u/jtsanders)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [May 23, 2012, 5:21am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/where-are-my-new-message-alerts/72491 "2012-05-23T05:21:04Z")
Has anyone else experienced this? No messages posted today carry the new message alert (yellow highlight). Web Lackeys... Czarina... Please explain if there is a problem or this is an "undocumented feature". --- ## [Should you buy a car that is being discontinued?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/should-you-buy-a-car-that-is-being-discontinued/72492)
**Author:** [@MarionTrink](https://community.cartalk.com/u/MarionTrink)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [May 23, 2012, 5:20am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/should-you-buy-a-car-that-is-being-discontinued/72492 "2012-05-23T05:20:08Z")
I am looking at the Scion Xb and Xd but understand they are both going to be discontinued. As I usually keep a car 6-8 years does it make sense to buy a car that is being discontinued? Will I have problems getting part… --- ## [The best all purpose cheap car?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/the-best-all-purpose-cheap-car/72187)
**Author:** [@TheTricoleur](https://community.cartalk.com/u/TheTricoleur)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [May 23, 2012, 3:49am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/the-best-all-purpose-cheap-car/72187 "2012-05-23T03:49:56Z")
I'm a guy in Brooklyn looking to buy a vehicle. No idea what to get. This is the first car I will be purchasing. I've driven two other cars for a total of about 5 years. I'm in a band and often need at least a wagon to… --- ## [Performance Chips](https://community.cartalk.com/t/performance-chips/72591)
**Author:** [@jdb0722](https://community.cartalk.com/u/jdb0722)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [May 23, 2012, 3:33am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/performance-chips/72591 "2012-05-23T03:33:30Z")
Does those performance chips really work or is it a scam? If they do work, which are recommended? Superchips, Gforce, Jet Line, etc etc etc??? --- ## [G Diesel](https://community.cartalk.com/t/g-diesel/72560)
**Author:** [@fuego555](https://community.cartalk.com/u/fuego555)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [May 23, 2012, 12:07am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/g-diesel/72560 "2012-05-23T00:07:58Z")
I pulled into a Sinclair station to fill my Duramax diesel. Their price was about $.20 cheaper than the other places in town. As I was pumping the fuel I saw 2 stcikers on the pump. One was the normal stciker about the f… --- ## [Dodge Stratus gas gauge bouncing around](https://community.cartalk.com/t/dodge-stratus-gas-gauge-bouncing-around/72585)
**Author:** [@spartanchix](https://community.cartalk.com/u/spartanchix)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [May 22, 2012, 8:19pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/dodge-stratus-gas-gauge-bouncing-around/72585 "2012-05-22T20:19:42Z")
I have a 99 Dodge Stratus w/ +191K miles. Recently the gas light would come on and the needle would drop down to "E" then go back up to where it started...regardless of how much gas is in the tank. Once the tank drops … --- ## [My new car has Vehicle Sentry Protection. Is this worth having?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/my-new-car-has-vehicle-sentry-protection-is-this-worth-having/72565)
**Author:** [@dekindy](https://community.cartalk.com/u/dekindy)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [May 22, 2012, 6:45pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/my-new-car-has-vehicle-sentry-protection-is-this-worth-having/72565 "2012-05-22T18:45:39Z")
I looked it up and it is supposed to be a permanent traceable ID Code etched in each major window of the vehicle, which would be my newly purchased 2012 Chevrolet Malibu which they charged me $299 for the Vehicle Sentry … --- ## [How to create a shut off switch.... Plz help quickly](https://community.cartalk.com/t/how-to-create-a-shut-off-switch-plz-help-quickly/72561)
**Author:** [@Tillthen](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Tillthen)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [May 22, 2012, 9:03am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/how-to-create-a-shut-off-switch-plz-help-quickly/72561 "2012-05-22T09:03:40Z")
I was recently contacted by some folks that used to be good friends of my wife and myself... we made amends but I told them that I would like to break the news to my wife. I love surprise her so, my thought is this... … --- ## [Starlings nesting under the hood](https://community.cartalk.com/t/starlings-nesting-under-the-hood/72164)
**Author:** [@athinton](https://community.cartalk.com/u/athinton)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [May 22, 2012, 7:23am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/starlings-nesting-under-the-hood/72164 "2012-05-22T07:23:47Z")
I have a 1994 F-350 crew cab pickup. I've recently moved from one part of Eastern Oregon to another, and with the move, came the starlings starting to make nests under the hood. At my previous residence, we had to worry … --- ## [How can I read those digital gauges on a bright day](https://community.cartalk.com/t/how-can-i-read-those-digital-gauges-on-a-bright-day/72488)
**Author:** [@Geo\_in\_MO](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Geo_in_MO)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [May 21, 2012, 11:57pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/how-can-i-read-those-digital-gauges-on-a-bright-day/72488 "2012-05-21T23:57:40Z")
My problem must certainly affect most everyone who drives. The issue is primarily about digital gauges but there is also difficulty with some of the analog gauges. The problem is this: on a bright day it is impossible… --- ## [Volvo V70 rear inside light](https://community.cartalk.com/t/volvo-v70-rear-inside-light/72552)
**Author:** [@wdn](https://community.cartalk.com/u/wdn)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [May 21, 2012, 7:44pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/volvo-v70-rear-inside-light/72552 "2012-05-21T19:44:08Z")
Recently the inside rear overhead light in my 1998 Volvo V70 went out. Fuses are okay and the light bulb has been changed but still no light. Could this be a bad switch? --- ## [Help me pick my next wagon!](https://community.cartalk.com/t/help-me-pick-my-next-wagon/72480)
**Author:** [@chiguy](https://community.cartalk.com/u/chiguy)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [May 21, 2012, 5:09am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/help-me-pick-my-next-wagon/72480 "2012-05-21T05:09:17Z")
My beloved old 1990 Subaru Legacy wagon is sadly falling apart around her still strong engine, so I'm thinking I'm going to retire her soon and get another car, so I thought I'd ask around and see what you all thought ab… --- ## [Safety message from boss covers airbag - help!](https://community.cartalk.com/t/safety-message-from-boss-covers-airbag-help/72518)
**Author:** [@John20165](https://community.cartalk.com/u/John20165)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [May 21, 2012, 1:03am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/safety-message-from-boss-covers-airbag-help/72518 "2012-05-21T01:03:16Z")
My company owns a fleet of sprinter vans. The boss wants to remind everyone about some safety points, and printed vinyl stickers. He wants the stickers placed over top of the passenger airbag. Does anyone know of a la… --- ## [Need a car to get to roller derby practice](https://community.cartalk.com/t/need-a-car-to-get-to-roller-derby-practice/72486)
**Author:** [@Meg\_Rockey](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Meg_Rockey)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [May 20, 2012, 11:27pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/need-a-car-to-get-to-roller-derby-practice/72486 "2012-05-20T23:27:40Z")
I am a 37 year old New Yorker who has never owned a car. I recently started reverse commuting to Long Island (30 miles away) 2-3 times a week using ZipCars to transport friends and gear. I would like to purchase a use… --- ## [Must Porsche Cayenne SUV use premium gasoline at 5,200 ft?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/must-porsche-cayenne-suv-use-premium-gasoline-at-5-200-ft/72457)
**Author:** [@Robert-Gift](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Robert-Gift)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [May 20, 2012, 4:00pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/must-porsche-cayenne-suv-use-premium-gasoline-at-5-200-ft/72457 "2012-05-20T16:00:49Z")
Woman complains abouthe cost of premium gasoline and her gasoline consumption. I suggested that she GENTLY accelerate, not "floor it" as it sounds that she does. At Denver's altitude, can she use regular? Denver's octane… --- ## [BMW Engine Hesitation](https://community.cartalk.com/t/bmw-engine-hesitation/72507)
**Author:** [@Miss\_Mel](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Miss_Mel)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [May 20, 2012, 3:43am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/bmw-engine-hesitation/72507 "2012-05-20T03:43:56Z")
Hi! My name is Melanie and I have a 2004 325ci. The car will hesitate when first started and not move. It's as if the car is in neutral when I step on the gas as the engine revs and then all of the sudden it jumps into g… --- ## [Can a choke cable be legally used to set engine throttle to a certain position?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/can-a-choke-cable-be-legally-used-to-set-engine-throttle-to-a-certain-position/72494)
**Author:** [@Robert-Gift](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Robert-Gift)\ **Replies:** 57\ **Last updated:** [May 20, 2012, 1:51am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/can-a-choke-cable-be-legally-used-to-set-engine-throttle-to-a-certain-position/72494 "2012-05-20T01:51:42Z")
On long drives I'd like to use cruise control. Attempting to maintain set speed, it tooften advances the throttle too much, causing the transmission to down-shift and making the.ngine rev . I'd rather have just one throt… --- ## [Ditch to Prius?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/ditch-to-prius/72513)
**Author:** [@bbryantfnp](https://community.cartalk.com/u/bbryantfnp)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [May 19, 2012, 11:25pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/ditch-to-prius/72513 "2012-05-19T23:25:44Z")
I have a 2007 Prius which I have loved into the ground. Gas engine knock-Yes. Undercarriage noise-absolutely. Gas engine burning oil-Yes. 166000 miles. Interior basically well lived in. I'm the quintessential rural to ci… --- ## [Mini cooper countryman](https://community.cartalk.com/t/mini-cooper-countryman/72520)
**Author:** [@marishka](https://community.cartalk.com/u/marishka)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [May 19, 2012, 7:11pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/mini-cooper-countryman/72520 "2012-05-19T19:11:42Z")
What is the general opinion of the Mini Countryman? I am looking for a new car. Thanks --- ## [Interesting story on electric cars](https://community.cartalk.com/t/interesting-story-on-electric-cars/72260)
**Author:** [@jtsanders](https://community.cartalk.com/u/jtsanders)\ **Replies:** 101\ **Last updated:** [May 19, 2012, 7:46am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/interesting-story-on-electric-cars/72260 "2012-05-19T07:46:31Z")
I saw an interesting documentary on Independent Lens earlier this week. It was essentially the story of 3 businessmen and their adventures with electric cars. One was an entrepreneur that puts batteries and electric mo… --- ## [Slick](https://community.cartalk.com/t/slick/72499)
**Author:** [@kmccune](https://community.cartalk.com/u/kmccune)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [May 19, 2012, 6:37am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/slick/72499 "2012-05-19T06:37:21Z")
When did motor oil start getting this good? -Kevin --- ## [Need Bimmer advice](https://community.cartalk.com/t/need-bimmer-advice/72470)
**Author:** [@live4rush](https://community.cartalk.com/u/live4rush)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [May 19, 2012, 4:14am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/need-bimmer-advice/72470 "2012-05-19T04:14:12Z")
I have two options to buy a car 07 bmw 328i @61k with sport pkg 07 bmw 335i @73k with sport pkg, nav Both are more of less same price. Now I am in a dilemma of which one to go for. Any advice is much appreciated. --- ## [My Dad suggests I go back to school to learn how to either repair appliances or Cars](https://community.cartalk.com/t/my-dad-suggests-i-go-back-to-school-to-learn-how-to-either-repair-appliances-or-cars/72426)
**Author:** [@katidid79](https://community.cartalk.com/u/katidid79)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [May 18, 2012, 10:58pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/my-dad-suggests-i-go-back-to-school-to-learn-how-to-either-repair-appliances-or-cars/72426 "2012-05-18T22:58:04Z")
I've always been pretty good with being able to take things apart and put them back together as well fixing things once I figure out how to properly fix them. I've also considered going back to school to either a) get a… --- ## [What kind of car?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/what-kind-of-car/72448)
**Author:** [@taylartot](https://community.cartalk.com/u/taylartot)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [May 18, 2012, 5:21pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/what-kind-of-car/72448 "2012-05-18T17:21:45Z")
I am trying to find out what type of car would be best for me to get. Currently I drive a gas guzzler which only gets 11 mpg and that is my main reason for looking around. Each day I drive 60 miles, mainly highway driv… [Previous page](https://community.cartalk.com/c/general-discussion/8.md?page=353) [Next page](https://community.cartalk.com/c/general-discussion/8.md?page=355)