# General Discussion **URL:** https://community.cartalk.com/c/general-discussion/8.md?page=361 [Latest](https://community.cartalk.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://community.cartalk.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://community.cartalk.com/tags.md) **Page:** 362 --- ## [Fuel - shall I be concerned if I don't drive much?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/fuel-shall-i-be-concerned-if-i-dont-drive-much/70893)
**Author:** [@VTBimmer](https://community.cartalk.com/u/VTBimmer)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [March 3, 2012, 9:14am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/fuel-shall-i-be-concerned-if-i-dont-drive-much/70893 "2012-03-03T09:14:37Z")
I tend to drive only five to ten-miles per week. I do occasionally try to drive for 20 - 30-minutes to "boil the water out of the oil" but my concern is about the gasoline. I've read about the issues with funky old f… --- ## [Truck or SUV for towing a horse trailer](https://community.cartalk.com/t/truck-or-suv-for-towing-a-horse-trailer/71100)
**Author:** [@Wanda](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Wanda)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [March 3, 2012, 3:53am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/truck-or-suv-for-towing-a-horse-trailer/71100 "2012-03-03T03:53:22Z")
I will be buying a truck (or maybe an SUV) sometime in the next 6 months... I will be using it mostly for towing a horse trailer. The current trailers I have access to are actually stock trailers. I'm estimating I need s… --- ## [FR9 Racing Engine](https://community.cartalk.com/t/fr9-racing-engine/71198)
**Author:** [@Caddyman](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Caddyman)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [March 2, 2012, 9:16pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/fr9-racing-engine/71198 "2012-03-02T21:16:20Z")
I was looking at the "new" Ford purpose-built NASCAR racing engine called the FR9..It's a design that uses technology that's between 50 and 20 years old..A 355 cubic inch pushrod, two valves per cylinder, carbureted engi… --- ## [Purchasing a used car for a teen](https://community.cartalk.com/t/purchasing-a-used-car-for-a-teen/71043)
**Author:** [@BLacc](https://community.cartalk.com/u/BLacc)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [March 2, 2012, 9:48am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/purchasing-a-used-car-for-a-teen/71043 "2012-03-02T09:48:01Z")
Hi, I'm in the market for a car for my teenage daughter. Does anyone have any tips to follow when searching for a used, cheap and safe car? Thanks --- ## [Gift for car fixer-upper?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/gift-for-car-fixer-upper/71112)
**Author:** [@AnneG](https://community.cartalk.com/u/AnneG)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [February 29, 2012, 6:58am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/gift-for-car-fixer-upper/71112 "2012-02-29T06:58:14Z")
Hi, I’m hoping someone out there may have some suggestions for me. I’m trying to think of a good gift for my father-in-law for his 70th birthday. He is very blessed with good health and loving family and has few want… --- ## [Hydrogen in gas engine](https://community.cartalk.com/t/hydrogen-in-gas-engine/71148)
**Author:** [@Sparky-7](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Sparky-7)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [February 29, 2012, 4:40am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/hydrogen-in-gas-engine/71148 "2012-02-29T04:40:08Z")
What would happen if I ran about 3 lpm of hydrogen gas into the intake manifold of my 4 cylinder Nissan ?? Advertisement says it will get better gas mileage, 45 to 60% better, have a cleaner engine and the motor will las… --- ## [GM Posts Record Profits](https://community.cartalk.com/t/gm-posts-record-profits/70973)
**Author:** [@MikeInNH](https://community.cartalk.com/u/MikeInNH)\ **Replies:** 77\ **Last updated:** [February 29, 2012, 4:34am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/gm-posts-record-profits/70973 "2012-02-29T04:34:27Z")
Have they paid back the US for the gift/loan?? Lets see if they finally decide to shore up the pension plan that according to them is their biggest pay-out each year. http://bottomline.msnbc.msn.com/\_news/2012/02/16/… --- ## [Need a new commuter radio](https://community.cartalk.com/t/need-a-new-commuter-radio/69870)
**Author:** [@StuLesley](https://community.cartalk.com/u/StuLesley)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [February 29, 2012, 12:52am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/need-a-new-commuter-radio/69870 "2012-02-29T00:52:57Z")
My son has inherited our 2001 Saturn SL1 (\> 140,000 miles) and I would like to get him a good commuter radio for Xmas (yes, I have waited too long but an IOU would work for under the tree as long as it's specific). He h… --- ## [Leased car in accident](https://community.cartalk.com/t/leased-car-in-accident/71185)
**Author:** [@wingracer1](https://community.cartalk.com/u/wingracer1)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [February 29, 2012, 12:00am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/leased-car-in-accident/71185 "2012-02-29T00:00:43Z")
I leased a 2011 Honda Accord-LX four-cylinder in August. Last week, a car ran a red light...and long story short, my car needs a new radiator, fender, hood, headlights, and various other parts located in the front of the… --- ## [What sporty car is the most reliable and still capable in snow & ice?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/what-sporty-car-is-the-most-reliable-and-still-capable-in-snow-ice/71168)
**Author:** [@JohnSmithNot1882](https://community.cartalk.com/u/JohnSmithNot1882)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [February 28, 2012, 7:47am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/what-sporty-car-is-the-most-reliable-and-still-capable-in-snow-ice/71168 "2012-02-28T07:47:01Z")
I am thinking about buying a new car next summer and it has to be manual. I do not know how to drive a manual car, but I am fairly certain I can learn. I cannot spend more than $40,000 and I prefer to keep my purchase … --- ## [Recently retired with 2 cars](https://community.cartalk.com/t/recently-retired-with-2-cars/71065)
**Author:** [@stuestes](https://community.cartalk.com/u/stuestes)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [February 28, 2012, 6:52am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/recently-retired-with-2-cars/71065 "2012-02-28T06:52:52Z")
We have a 2007 Chevy HHR with 46,000 miles that gets about 32 mpg highway, and a 2010 Chrysler Town & Country with 40,000 miles that gets about 22 mpg highway. The HHR was bought new and the van was bought used with 36,0… --- ## [Locking your car doors - for accident safety?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/locking-your-car-doors-for-accident-safety/71093)
**Author:** [@kayakdiver](https://community.cartalk.com/u/kayakdiver)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [February 28, 2012, 6:39am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/locking-your-car-doors-for-accident-safety/71093 "2012-02-28T06:39:58Z")
I have an ongoing dispute with my wife. She insists that we should lock the car doors after we get inside because she believes this will help prevent them from opening should an accident occur. I maintain that the lockin… --- ## [1969 Checker Marathon Wagon - Seeking General Advice](https://community.cartalk.com/t/1969-checker-marathon-wagon-seeking-general-advice/71012)
**Author:** [@DMon](https://community.cartalk.com/u/DMon)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [February 28, 2012, 4:35am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/1969-checker-marathon-wagon-seeking-general-advice/71012 "2012-02-28T04:35:04Z")
When I turned 16 my father offered to by my first car. He suggested a Mustang. I chose a 1969 Checker Marathon. Long story short... we restored it to "like new" (mechanical and exterior) Everything, except for the interi… --- ## [Extended Vehicle Warranty Plans](https://community.cartalk.com/t/extended-vehicle-warranty-plans/71030)
**Author:** [@katidid79](https://community.cartalk.com/u/katidid79)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [February 27, 2012, 11:43pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/extended-vehicle-warranty-plans/71030 "2012-02-27T23:43:01Z")
My insurance company is always sending me E-mails concerning extended vehicle protection. It doesn't really go into detail about what it covers other than the claim is that "It saves the consumer money in costly vehicle… --- ## [2012 Patriot or Compass - should I buy even though they are being discontinued by Fiat?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2012-patriot-or-compass-should-i-buy-even-though-they-are-being-discontinued-by-fiat/71128)
**Author:** [@beatlefan](https://community.cartalk.com/u/beatlefan)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [February 27, 2012, 11:06pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2012-patriot-or-compass-should-i-buy-even-though-they-are-being-discontinued-by-fiat/71128 "2012-02-27T23:06:24Z")
I have a 2003 Subaru Forester and want to get a new car. I need a small SUV reasonably priced with good maint. record. The Patriot and Compass look good to me, but I hear they are being discontinued. Is it wise to pur… --- ## [Economical commuter, with a tolerable slushbox?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/economical-commuter-with-a-tolerable-slushbox/70775)
**Author:** [@dustboy](https://community.cartalk.com/u/dustboy)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [February 27, 2012, 6:16pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/economical-commuter-with-a-tolerable-slushbox/70775 "2012-02-27T18:16:23Z")
My daily commute is about 30 minutes, and my work requires me to drive a lot. I occasionally need to carry our baby, dog and bulky items. For the really big stuff I have a truck. I think a fun little econo-hatchback is… --- ## [Please forward to the Department of Automotive Archaeology](https://community.cartalk.com/t/please-forward-to-the-department-of-automotive-archaeology/70820)
**Author:** [@daveincamas](https://community.cartalk.com/u/daveincamas)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [February 26, 2012, 9:42pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/please-forward-to-the-department-of-automotive-archaeology/70820 "2012-02-26T21:42:00Z")
Dear Tom & Ray, I am pleased to inform you that your Department of Automotive Archaeology has been selected to participate in/lead the archaeological study and excavation of what appears to be an exciting automotive ar… --- ## [Export!](https://community.cartalk.com/t/export/71096)
**Author:** [@Tale\_happy](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Tale_happy)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [February 25, 2012, 9:20pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/export/71096 "2012-02-25T21:20:58Z")
Just found this show WOW now here is something we should export to the UK you guys are brilliant. Question: Does any body no if the European Ford Transit (not the connect) is coming to the US, wikipedia says that it will… --- ## [Used car mileage](https://community.cartalk.com/t/used-car-mileage/71070)
**Author:** [@Loyals\_Daughter](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Loyals_Daughter)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [February 25, 2012, 6:54am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/used-car-mileage/71070 "2012-02-25T06:54:28Z")
I'm looking to buy a used vehicle -- probably a 2-3 year old Honda CRV or Element (currently own a 99 CRV w/ 170K miles). I'd like to find one with low mileage, but most seem to have 50K or more. Is there a rule of thumb… --- ## [Stability Control Topic on the Daily Calendar](https://community.cartalk.com/t/stability-control-topic-on-the-daily-calendar/70957)
**Author:** [@Steeringguy](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Steeringguy)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [February 25, 2012, 6:05am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/stability-control-topic-on-the-daily-calendar/70957 "2012-02-25T06:05:14Z")
My wife bought me the Car Talk daily calendar for Christmas and today's (15Feb12) topic is Stability Control. I agree Stability Control is a great thing (particularly on my 2WD pickup) and it should be promoted. I ques… --- ## [Are traffic ticket fines too much money now?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/are-traffic-ticket-fines-too-much-money-now/70907)
**Author:** [@George\_San\_Jose1](https://community.cartalk.com/u/George_San_Jose1)\ **Replies:** 43\ **Last updated:** [February 24, 2012, 11:03pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/are-traffic-ticket-fines-too-much-money-now/70907 "2012-02-24T23:03:33Z")
Traffic tickets here in California have become very expensive. The cities and counties have become starved of funds from this never-ending recession, and they are going after people's money in the traffic court now it a… --- ## [Customer parts](https://community.cartalk.com/t/customer-parts/71117)
**Author:** [@Dino8609](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Dino8609)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [February 24, 2012, 9:24pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/customer-parts/71117 "2012-02-24T21:24:47Z")
For all those people arguing about customer supplied parts: from a technician's point of view...some technicians get paid on "flat rate", meaning that they have a certain hourly wage and however many labor hours they tu… --- ## [Unreliable Cars of 2009](https://community.cartalk.com/t/unreliable-cars-of-2009/71000)
**Author:** [@jtsanders](https://community.cartalk.com/u/jtsanders)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [February 23, 2012, 4:57am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/unreliable-cars-of-2009/71000 "2012-02-23T04:57:24Z")
JD Power's list of shame is out! Some newcomers are shocking, and others are notable by their absence. As you may know, JD Power's dependability rating counts the number of problems per hundred cars. They don't classi… --- ## [Do any newer vehicles exist that are NOT SUVs, vans, or minivans that seat 7 or more people?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/do-any-newer-vehicles-exist-that-are-not-suvs-vans-or-minivans-that-seat-7-or-more-people/71072)
**Author:** [@AnneMarie](https://community.cartalk.com/u/AnneMarie)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [February 23, 2012, 3:33am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/do-any-newer-vehicles-exist-that-are-not-suvs-vans-or-minivans-that-seat-7-or-more-people/71072 "2012-02-23T03:33:47Z")
I am looking for a family vehicle for 2 adults and potentially four children that is not an SUV, van, or minivan. Are there any station wagons that are being made today with a third row that faces forward? --- ## [What's the best car for frequent travel](https://community.cartalk.com/t/whats-the-best-car-for-frequent-travel/71039)
**Author:** [@Aburns710](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Aburns710)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [February 22, 2012, 10:48pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/whats-the-best-car-for-frequent-travel/71039 "2012-02-22T22:48:02Z")
I recently got a new job that requires 80% travel with an average of 150miles per day driving. I need to get a used car that is safe, has good mileage, and won't break the bank. Any suggestions?? --- ## [Mass Media Targets Jeep](https://community.cartalk.com/t/mass-media-targets-jeep/71021)
**Author:** [@mark9207](https://community.cartalk.com/u/mark9207)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [February 22, 2012, 9:37am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/mass-media-targets-jeep/71021 "2012-02-22T09:37:06Z")
Anybody who has been around a Jeep, or pretty much anything 4WD with a solid front axle, knows about the "death wobble" and has probably experienced it on many occasions. Looks like this TV station has found out about i… --- ## [Good/Reputable Dealers in Albany/Eastern New York Area](https://community.cartalk.com/t/good-reputable-dealers-in-albany-eastern-new-york-area/70972)
**Author:** [@hrossi](https://community.cartalk.com/u/hrossi)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [February 22, 2012, 6:28am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/good-reputable-dealers-in-albany-eastern-new-york-area/70972 "2012-02-22T06:28:22Z")
I was wondering if any of you would have thoughts about dealers in the Albany, NY area. Are there certain dealers that have a reputation behind the scenes of unethical practices? Are there dealers that are considered to… --- ## [2001 GLS Beetle](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2001-gls-beetle/71032)
**Author:** [@Chalex](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Chalex)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [February 21, 2012, 7:30pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2001-gls-beetle/71032 "2012-02-21T19:30:23Z")
Hi Car Talk Community, I saw a 2001 GLS Beetle 5 speed. It has 133,000k miles on it with no major problems. I don't know much about VW's track record on how good the cars are. MPG's, reliability, cost of repair, etc...… --- ## [Towing with a 2007 Dodge Grand Caravan](https://community.cartalk.com/t/towing-with-a-2007-dodge-grand-caravan/70923)
**Author:** [@lizzie4](https://community.cartalk.com/u/lizzie4)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [February 20, 2012, 7:35pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/towing-with-a-2007-dodge-grand-caravan/70923 "2012-02-20T19:35:16Z")
my husband and I are planning a longer trip with two children (and maybe 3 dogs) for summer 2013. After much discussion, my husband now wants to use our 2007 Grand Caravan (with the drop down seats) to tow a pop up camp… --- ## [Am I entitled to dealer's advertising "mistake?"](https://community.cartalk.com/t/am-i-entitled-to-dealers-advertising-mistake/70971)
**Author:** [@paoreilly](https://community.cartalk.com/u/paoreilly)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [February 20, 2012, 3:24pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/am-i-entitled-to-dealers-advertising-mistake/70971 "2012-02-20T15:24:04Z")
Hello all, I found a listing online for a used hybrid car, let's say roughly 20K. I contacted the dealer and they said come on in for a test drive. Now I've checked the dealer's website, which lists the same car for a … [Previous page](https://community.cartalk.com/c/general-discussion/8.md?page=360) [Next page](https://community.cartalk.com/c/general-discussion/8.md?page=362)