# General Discussion

**URL:** https://community.cartalk.com/c/general-discussion/8.md?page=357

[Latest](https://community.cartalk.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://community.cartalk.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://community.cartalk.com/tags.md)

**Page:** 358

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## [1989 Dodge Raider](https://community.cartalk.com/t/1989-dodge-raider/72071)

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**Author:** [@badbearing](https://community.cartalk.com/u/badbearing)\
**Replies:** 5\
**Last updated:** [April 24, 2012, 11:56pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/1989-dodge-raider/72071 "2012-04-24T23:56:24Z")

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Anybody have any input on a 1989 Dodge Raider 6 cylinder 4x4 5 Speed. 140,000 miles on it is all i know right now. Body looks good They want $1000 obo Any input would be good Thanks

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## [Car Cricket - Not Sure How to Make Him Happy & Comfortable without Making Him a Pet](https://community.cartalk.com/t/car-cricket-not-sure-how-to-make-him-happy-comfortable-without-making-him-a-pet/71705)

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**Author:** [@Incog](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Incog)\
**Replies:** 6\
**Last updated:** [April 24, 2012, 11:10pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/car-cricket-not-sure-how-to-make-him-happy-comfortable-without-making-him-a-pet/71705 "2012-04-24T23:10:01Z")

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I'm hoping that an entomologist or Dr. Kieran Lindsey can help me with my cricket conundrum. Since I moved to Long Beach, CA, in August of 2010, there has been a cricket wintering in my Honda Fit (or 2 different crickets…

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## [What the h\*\*\*\*\* is a DNA kit](https://community.cartalk.com/t/what-the-h-is-a-dna-kit/69256)

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**Author:** [@Thomi\_Q](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Thomi_Q)\
**Replies:** 13\
**Last updated:** [April 24, 2012, 6:19am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/what-the-h-is-a-dna-kit/69256 "2012-04-24T06:19:02Z")

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I bought a 2007 GMC 2500 last summer and there was a little box labeled DNA kit in the glove box. Actually showed it to my mechanics who scratched their heads and were clueless. It contains liquid of some kind. I (and…

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## [1992 Subaru](https://community.cartalk.com/t/1992-subaru/72073)

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**Author:** [@badbearing](https://community.cartalk.com/u/badbearing)\
**Replies:** 5\
**Last updated:** [April 24, 2012, 5:04am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/1992-subaru/72073 "2012-04-24T05:04:44Z")

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1992 Subaru Loyale Wagon. 4wd. 119,000 miles. Runs fine. Everything works I just called on this vehicle. The guy sounds good and honest. Is this a good buy provided it is what he says it is. He wants $1200

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## [Concepts: Camshaft vs. Crackshaft Position Sensor?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/concepts-camshaft-vs-crackshaft-position-sensor/72042)

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**Author:** [@UsedEconobox\_2\_UsedBMW](https://community.cartalk.com/u/UsedEconobox_2_UsedBMW)\
**Replies:** 2\
**Last updated:** [April 24, 2012, 2:03am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/concepts-camshaft-vs-crackshaft-position-sensor/72042 "2012-04-24T02:03:23Z")

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I am just diving back into cars after many years. Trying to fill in gaps of conceptual knowledge. I understand that these 2 sensors are part of a fuel injection system. It is no longer purely mechanical with lifters, r…

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## [Diesel SUVs'](https://community.cartalk.com/t/diesel-suvs/71930)

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**Author:** [@Ouiser59](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Ouiser59)\
**Replies:** 15\
**Last updated:** [April 23, 2012, 3:01pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/diesel-suvs/71930 "2012-04-23T15:01:34Z")

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I am looking to purchase either an Audi Q7 TDI or BMW X5 diesel engine SUV. I would like to hear from current owners what they think of these vehicles and how safe they are to drive. I live in Central Alabama so 4WD i…

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## [2004 Audi A4 for $6500 Is it worth it?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2004-audi-a4-for-6500-is-it-worth-it/71986)

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**Author:** [@live4rush](https://community.cartalk.com/u/live4rush)\
**Replies:** 8\
**Last updated:** [April 21, 2012, 10:25pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2004-audi-a4-for-6500-is-it-worth-it/71986 "2012-04-21T22:25:58Z")

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Hi, I am looking to buy at an audi a4 that was driven 112K miles and has Premium pkg, cold weather pkg installed.There is no previous maintenance history available on this vehicle except for a recent one time service w…

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## [Manual Acura TSX Sportwagon](https://community.cartalk.com/t/manual-acura-tsx-sportwagon/71966)

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**Author:** [@stationwagonlover](https://community.cartalk.com/u/stationwagonlover)\
**Replies:** 12\
**Last updated:** [April 21, 2012, 10:20pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/manual-acura-tsx-sportwagon/71966 "2012-04-21T22:20:31Z")

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I want a station wagon for the cargo capacity and the fact that it drives like a car--and I love the TSX Sportwagon. But I also must have a manual--I just can't drive those fussy automatics! Will Acura ever add a manua…

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## [Nabbed by infamous speed trap camera](https://community.cartalk.com/t/nabbed-by-infamous-speed-trap-camera/71802)

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**Author:** [@circuitsmith](https://community.cartalk.com/u/circuitsmith)\
**Replies:** 29\
**Last updated:** [April 21, 2012, 5:50pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/nabbed-by-infamous-speed-trap-camera/71802 "2012-04-21T17:50:38Z")

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They got me! 36 in a 25mph zone,but: It's about a 1/2 mile stretch down a steep hill through the woods. Few houses or intersections. I hadn't gone through there in about a year. Now I know it's there. Fool me once... h…

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## [Which decade did spark plugs become 100k items? What causes this?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/which-decade-did-spark-plugs-become-100k-items-what-causes-this/72016)

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**Author:** [@UsedEconobox\_2\_UsedBMW](https://community.cartalk.com/u/UsedEconobox_2_UsedBMW)\
**Replies:** 14\
**Last updated:** [April 21, 2012, 5:12pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/which-decade-did-spark-plugs-become-100k-items-what-causes-this/72016 "2012-04-21T17:12:29Z")

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1960s-80s.. Used to be every 20k ? In the 80s, I used to replace the spark plug in my motorcycle every few months, it seemed. What has changed to allow plugs to last 100k ?? Clearly, a paradigm shift. Is it the adven…

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## [Buying a used car](https://community.cartalk.com/t/buying-a-used-car/71990)

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**Author:** [@DenverD](https://community.cartalk.com/u/DenverD)\
**Replies:** 8\
**Last updated:** [April 21, 2012, 12:06am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/buying-a-used-car/71990 "2012-04-21T00:06:09Z")

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I'd like to buy a 2009-2011 used small suv (I currently drive a 98 rav 4 which I love :slight\_smile: I'm interested in saftey first and gas milage second. I live in Colo.... any suggestions? ps, I'm a terrible driver so …

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## [Carmd](https://community.cartalk.com/t/carmd/72006)

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**Author:** [@byoc](https://community.cartalk.com/u/byoc)\
**Replies:** 7\
**Last updated:** [April 20, 2012, 10:59am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/carmd/72006 "2012-04-20T10:59:00Z")

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i've seen numerous commercials about this thing called car md. it's a device you can plug into your car and it can diagnose problems. it also has a website connected to it that tells you about your problem and what it …

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## [Hybrid Cars powered by compressed air](https://community.cartalk.com/t/hybrid-cars-powered-by-compressed-air/71877)

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**Author:** [@BiggDan](https://community.cartalk.com/u/BiggDan)\
**Replies:** 41\
**Last updated:** [April 19, 2012, 12:18am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/hybrid-cars-powered-by-compressed-air/71877 "2012-04-19T00:18:14Z")

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I heard about a car transmission that included a compressed air capability to aid in getting the car moving initially, accelerating, etc., saving gas. This story was around about the same time that hybrid cars were firs…

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## [Model Names](https://community.cartalk.com/t/model-names/71814)

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**Author:** [@pilf](https://community.cartalk.com/u/pilf)\
**Replies:** 40\
**Last updated:** [April 18, 2012, 8:43pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/model-names/71814 "2012-04-18T20:43:48Z")

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Am I the only one who is irritated and baffled by the proliferation of models designated by initials and numbers? Examples abound: all Lexus models, all Acura models, Lincoln MKZ, Volkswagen Eos Chrysler 300, Honda CR-V…

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## [Automotive Engineering Jobs: Where are they now?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/automotive-engineering-jobs-where-are-they-now/71727)

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**Author:** [@mooglinux](https://community.cartalk.com/u/mooglinux)\
**Replies:** 19\
**Last updated:** [April 18, 2012, 9:12am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/automotive-engineering-jobs-where-are-they-now/71727 "2012-04-18T09:12:40Z")

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I am in college pursuing a degree in mechanical engineering. Since starting college I have become obsessed with watching and rewatching every episode of Top Gear, which has set my interest in the mechanical workings of c…

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## [To Shop Or Not To Shop](https://community.cartalk.com/t/to-shop-or-not-to-shop/71883)

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**Author:** [@Tino8787](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Tino8787)\
**Replies:** 8\
**Last updated:** [April 17, 2012, 7:01am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/to-shop-or-not-to-shop/71883 "2012-04-17T07:01:44Z")

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Hi All, Just thought I'd bounce a question off ya. I was given some pretty bad news about my car today. I have a 1999 Buick LeSabre, and just had it worked on. My mechanic, who is a family member and someone I trust, tol…

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## [2007 Subaru Outback Limited auto with 85k or 2004 Honda CRV manual with 56k?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2007-subaru-outback-limited-auto-with-85k-or-2004-honda-crv-manual-with-56k/71947)

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**Author:** [@megnh1](https://community.cartalk.com/u/megnh1)\
**Replies:** 0\
**Last updated:** [April 16, 2012, 11:05pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2007-subaru-outback-limited-auto-with-85k-or-2004-honda-crv-manual-with-56k/71947 "2012-04-16T23:05:18Z")

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I'm looking for a used vehicle, awd preferred. I'm a little concerned about Subaru repairs, though this car will have head gasket, timing belt and water pump replaced. No service records, though. The CRV has maintenance …

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## [Removing a seat in the vehicle](https://community.cartalk.com/t/removing-a-seat-in-the-vehicle/71856)

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**Author:** [@sjd181](https://community.cartalk.com/u/sjd181)\
**Replies:** 5\
**Last updated:** [April 16, 2012, 4:32pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/removing-a-seat-in-the-vehicle/71856 "2012-04-16T16:32:13Z")

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I want to fit an infant car seat (rear-facing) in the back seat of my extended-cab full size pickup. The best place for this seat would be in the rear middle, however my truck (2004 Chevy Silverado Extended Cab) has a be…

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## [Explorer vs Sebring JXI](https://community.cartalk.com/t/explorer-vs-sebring-jxi/71889)

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**Author:** [@ehumphrey](https://community.cartalk.com/u/ehumphrey)\
**Replies:** 12\
**Last updated:** [April 14, 2012, 10:51am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/explorer-vs-sebring-jxi/71889 "2012-04-14T10:51:13Z")

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I have a '98 Ford Explorer which my husband and I bought new. After 14 years, 175,000 miles, two kids and countless dogs, it still runs fairly well but I'm tired of it. It also needs a new clutch, the heater doesn't alwa…

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## [Moving to South Dakota from Louisiana](https://community.cartalk.com/t/moving-to-south-dakota-from-louisiana/71886)

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**Author:** [@dennyman100](https://community.cartalk.com/u/dennyman100)\
**Replies:** 13\
**Last updated:** [April 14, 2012, 7:09am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/moving-to-south-dakota-from-louisiana/71886 "2012-04-14T07:09:11Z")

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Hello all, I will be moving from hot and sunny Louisiana to South Dakota to attend a graduate program. As most might figure there is very little snow in the south, and when there is everything closes down in a hurry. …

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## [Natural gas stations coming soon](https://community.cartalk.com/t/natural-gas-stations-coming-soon/71468)

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**Author:** [@jtsanders](https://community.cartalk.com/u/jtsanders)\
**Replies:** 103\
**Last updated:** [April 14, 2012, 3:09am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/natural-gas-stations-coming-soon/71468 "2012-04-14T03:09:21Z")

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I heard a news piece on the radio tonight about natural gas as a transportation fuel. Navistar will start building a medium truck that runs on natural gas; heavy truck production will begin next year. The fuel cost is …

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## [Rubber](https://community.cartalk.com/t/rubber/71857)

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**Author:** [@kmccune](https://community.cartalk.com/u/kmccune)\
**Replies:** 12\
**Last updated:** [April 13, 2012, 1:08pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/rubber/71857 "2012-04-13T13:08:14Z")

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why do things made of rubber disintergrate so fast now?,Kevin.

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## [New-car Sticker Price vs. Actual Sale Price? (It's IRS time.)](https://community.cartalk.com/t/new-car-sticker-price-vs-actual-sale-price-its-irs-time/71769)

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**Author:** [@disturbing\_the\_peace](https://community.cartalk.com/u/disturbing_the_peace)\
**Replies:** 20\
**Last updated:** [April 12, 2012, 9:12pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/new-car-sticker-price-vs-actual-sale-price-its-irs-time/71769 "2012-04-12T21:12:27Z")

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Question: Is there a rule of thumb for the amount a dealer will actually sell for below the sticker price? I think I'm looking for a guideline that meets IRS fair-market-value definition My hope is that people here kn…

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## [Can a 1991 Chevy G20 van run on veg oil or biodiesel?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/can-a-1991-chevy-g20-van-run-on-veg-oil-or-biodiesel/71785)

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**Author:** [@eclinder79](https://community.cartalk.com/u/eclinder79)\
**Replies:** 17\
**Last updated:** [April 11, 2012, 11:11pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/can-a-1991-chevy-g20-van-run-on-veg-oil-or-biodiesel/71785 "2012-04-11T23:11:39Z")

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I am thinking of buying a 1991 Chevy G20 van w/ 134K miles. It's in great condition and has a V8 engine. My only hesitation is the gas-guzzler issue w/ 14 miles to the gallon. Ugg. I am wondering if it's possible to g…

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## [Extended Warranty](https://community.cartalk.com/t/extended-warranty/71844)

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**Author:** [@fe123](https://community.cartalk.com/u/fe123)\
**Replies:** 8\
**Last updated:** [April 10, 2012, 11:46pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/extended-warranty/71844 "2012-04-10T23:46:04Z")

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Hi there! Is there anyway I can claim credit on an extended warranty for a car that was totalled 2 years back? I only recently realized I can do this. I lost the car in Nov 2009 @ 32 K mileage. It was purchased brand new…

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## [Nitrogen tire fill](https://community.cartalk.com/t/nitrogen-tire-fill/71647)

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**Author:** [@dognose](https://community.cartalk.com/u/dognose)\
**Replies:** 41\
**Last updated:** [April 10, 2012, 10:28pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/nitrogen-tire-fill/71647 "2012-04-10T22:28:18Z")

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whats'up with this nitrogen tire fill idea that my dealer gave me a brochure about? Do you need to buy different tires then I have on my car now? Is this a good idea to change to using nitrogen instead of compressed air? …

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## [Aftermarket chassis reinforcement/stiffening braces and bars, worthwhile or useless?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/aftermarket-chassis-reinforcement-stiffening-braces-and-bars-worthwhile-or-useless/71804)

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**Author:** [@mareakin](https://community.cartalk.com/u/mareakin)\
**Replies:** 16\
**Last updated:** [April 10, 2012, 2:48am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/aftermarket-chassis-reinforcement-stiffening-braces-and-bars-worthwhile-or-useless/71804 "2012-04-10T02:48:43Z")

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Ultra Racing (here: http://www.ultraracing.com.my/ ) makes a bunch of products that supposedly stiffens (reduces flex) the chassis. They sell various chassis braces and strut bars and sway bars that bolts onto various pa…

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## [Trading Camaro?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/trading-camaro/71833)

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**Author:** [@LeBlanc](https://community.cartalk.com/u/LeBlanc)\
**Replies:** 5\
**Last updated:** [April 9, 2012, 7:48am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/trading-camaro/71833 "2012-04-09T07:48:02Z")

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I am considering trading my 2012 Camaro RS vert for a sedan with some style. I looked at the Kia Optima SX GTD (34K). Would I be happy with this car? How does it ride? drive? what about value? The dealer has it dis…

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## [The truth about air intakes and filters](https://community.cartalk.com/t/the-truth-about-air-intakes-and-filters/71520)

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**Author:** [@circuitsmith](https://community.cartalk.com/u/circuitsmith)\
**Replies:** 21\
**Last updated:** [April 9, 2012, 6:30am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/the-truth-about-air-intakes-and-filters/71520 "2012-04-09T06:30:52Z")

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These reports, based on fairly well controlled measurements: http://home.roadrunner.com/~jbplock/ISO5011/SPICER.htm http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/pdfs/Air\_Filter\_Effects\_02\_26\_2009.pdf Show: Aftermarket "high f…

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## [Driving a clutch with ONE foot?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/driving-a-clutch-with-one-foot/71790)

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**Author:** [@zammsmom](https://community.cartalk.com/u/zammsmom)\
**Replies:** 29\
**Last updated:** [April 9, 2012, 1:24am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/driving-a-clutch-with-one-foot/71790 "2012-04-09T01:24:02Z")

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I have a friend on Facebook who swears she learned to drive a manual transmission with ONE foot and drove that way for 21 years. Here's the convo: HER: "I used only my right foot when I had a stick shift. I drove a s…

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