# General Discussion **URL:** https://community.cartalk.com/c/general-discussion/8.md?page=370 [Latest](https://community.cartalk.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://community.cartalk.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://community.cartalk.com/tags.md) **Page:** 371 --- ## [Buying a repossessed vehicle at auction - good idea or not?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/buying-a-repossessed-vehicle-at-auction-good-idea-or-not/69354)
**Author:** [@amyc](https://community.cartalk.com/u/amyc)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [November 10, 2011, 5:47pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/buying-a-repossessed-vehicle-at-auction-good-idea-or-not/69354 "2011-11-10T17:47:57Z")
We need to replace a vehicle, but don't have much to spend. We thought about going to an auction and buying a repossessed vehicle. Can you really get a good deal on a good vehicle? Are there other options for buying r… --- ## [Driving at elevation](https://community.cartalk.com/t/driving-at-elevation/69257)
**Author:** [@castaway081](https://community.cartalk.com/u/castaway081)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [November 10, 2011, 12:42pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/driving-at-elevation/69257 "2011-11-10T12:42:34Z")
I have a two part question about driving at higher elevations. One, despite having diminished hp, does a car experience better or worse gas mileage? If the air is less dense, wouldn't there be less air resistance? Two… --- ## [Manufacturing after-market parts and other car hobby pasttimes](https://community.cartalk.com/t/manufacturing-after-market-parts-and-other-car-hobby-pasttimes/69337)
**Author:** [@TychoBarney](https://community.cartalk.com/u/TychoBarney)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [November 9, 2011, 5:54pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/manufacturing-after-market-parts-and-other-car-hobby-pasttimes/69337 "2011-11-09T17:54:15Z")
So I own an old Mercedes 300D that I drive just a few miles a day to work and back. I love this old thing because it comes from those heydays before car computers where the components were simpler and could be understood… --- ## [Small SUV $20-30k range](https://community.cartalk.com/t/small-suv-20-30k-range/69332)
**Author:** [@Uhtred](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Uhtred)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [November 9, 2011, 2:19am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/small-suv-20-30k-range/69332 "2011-11-09T02:19:28Z")
My wife has a 2006 X3 with a month left on warranty. Our BMW service dept has been nothing but headaches and high bills, so we are looking to sell and move her into a different vehicle. Our neighborhood mechanic prefers … --- ## [Outside opinions on makes and models](https://community.cartalk.com/t/outside-opinions-on-makes-and-models/31217)
**Author:** [@kungfumovies81](https://community.cartalk.com/u/kungfumovies81)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [November 9, 2011, 2:01am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/outside-opinions-on-makes-and-models/31217 "2011-11-09T02:01:10Z")
Hi again folks. Today's question focuses on buying a cheap used car. So far on the affordable and available list are the following two: \*1990 Toyota Corolla Wagon, 3spd Auto. 111k \*1992 Plymouth Colt Vista Wagon, 5… --- ## [Is there a "modern" equivalent for the CRX Si?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/is-there-a-modern-equivalent-for-the-crx-si/66799)
**Author:** [@LFFG](https://community.cartalk.com/u/LFFG)\ **Replies:** 64\ **Last updated:** [November 8, 2011, 11:20pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/is-there-a-modern-equivalent-for-the-crx-si/66799 "2011-11-08T23:20:16Z")
My 1990 Honda CRX Si is one of the best purchases I have ever made. Over 150 thousand "E-Ticket" miles and still going. However, like myself it is beginning to show it's age and therefor I am prepared to replace it. Que… --- ## [Too many miles?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/too-many-miles/68861)
**Author:** [@hope](https://community.cartalk.com/u/hope)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [November 8, 2011, 8:02pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/too-many-miles/68861 "2011-11-08T20:02:20Z")
I'm looking for a car to buy and I really like the lexus rx models. I am planning to drive this car through college so for at least six years...I found a 2004 Lexus RX 330 SUV with 119,516 miles on it. It was taken reall… --- ## [Reliable/Safe Vehicle for Family in Snow](https://community.cartalk.com/t/reliable-safe-vehicle-for-family-in-snow/69313)
**Author:** [@carquestions7](https://community.cartalk.com/u/carquestions7)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [November 8, 2011, 5:36pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/reliable-safe-vehicle-for-family-in-snow/69313 "2011-11-08T17:36:06Z")
Any recommendations for a vehicle that could fit 7 passengers that is safe and reliable especially in snowy conditions?? --- ## [New tranny vs. new timing belt?!?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/new-tranny-vs-new-timing-belt/69288)
**Author:** [@hope](https://community.cartalk.com/u/hope)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [November 8, 2011, 2:05pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/new-tranny-vs-new-timing-belt/69288 "2011-11-08T14:05:38Z")
Ok...so I am looking for a car to buy and I did lost of research and asking questions. I found two and have no idea which is probably better-one has a new timing belt while the other has a new transmission...so.. 2006 Hy… --- ## [Chevrolet Lovers Only ! Happy 100th Birthday, Chevrolet!](https://community.cartalk.com/t/chevrolet-lovers-only-happy-100th-birthday-chevrolet/69184)
**Author:** [@common-sense-answer](https://community.cartalk.com/u/common-sense-answer)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [November 8, 2011, 10:49am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/chevrolet-lovers-only-happy-100th-birthday-chevrolet/69184 "2011-11-08T10:49:46Z")
Happy Thoughts: I took a trip down memory lane and I realized that I have a major attachment to Chevrolet. It was an early relationship. Then we broke up. Now we're back together, again. When I was quite young, my fa… --- ## [Car Strategies](https://community.cartalk.com/t/car-strategies/34018)
**Author:** [@yester64](https://community.cartalk.com/u/yester64)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [November 8, 2011, 7:57am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/car-strategies/34018 "2011-11-08T07:57:30Z")
I have a silly question and there is perhaps not even a straight answer to it. But, what is the best strategie when buying a car. Buying new or used? Milagewise, 100K better sell? Or drive it till it falls … --- ## [How much can a mechanic tell?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/how-much-can-a-mechanic-tell/69270)
**Author:** [@blueinbuffalo](https://community.cartalk.com/u/blueinbuffalo)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [November 8, 2011, 1:55am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/how-much-can-a-mechanic-tell/69270 "2011-11-08T01:55:09Z")
So the wife and I are looking at buying a used Audi A4 Avant. Low miles, has the options we want and good price. Problem is that Carfax says that car was involved in a front end collision a few years back. Says that the … --- ## [Buying a used honda odyssey](https://community.cartalk.com/t/buying-a-used-honda-odyssey/69287)
**Author:** [@itcostshowmuch](https://community.cartalk.com/u/itcostshowmuch)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [November 8, 2011, 12:25am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/buying-a-used-honda-odyssey/69287 "2011-11-08T00:25:22Z")
I want to buy a used honda odyssey. I was thinking a 2009 or younger. Is there any year I should stay away from? What is the maximum amount of miles it should have? I'm hoping to buy it and at least have a couple yea… --- ## [1993 Escort 4dr LX 5spd 169k miles. What is a fair price to ask?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/1993-escort-4dr-lx-5spd-169k-miles-what-is-a-fair-price-to-ask/69300)
**Author:** [@frank438](https://community.cartalk.com/u/frank438)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [November 8, 2011, 12:20am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/1993-escort-4dr-lx-5spd-169k-miles-what-is-a-fair-price-to-ask/69300 "2011-11-08T00:20:13Z")
I am looking to sell my car soon. It's been a daily driver for 5 years since I bought it, and been a good car. I like the person I want to sell it to, and they would fix the issues it has. NADA and KBB seem a little o… --- ## [Paying the Mechanic - for a correct diagnosis or parts and labor?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/paying-the-mechanic-for-a-correct-diagnosis-or-parts-and-labor/69272)
**Author:** [@tpaine76](https://community.cartalk.com/u/tpaine76)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [November 7, 2011, 6:13pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/paying-the-mechanic-for-a-correct-diagnosis-or-parts-and-labor/69272 "2011-11-07T18:13:48Z")
This is a recurring question that I have never resolved. It came up when I had chronic problems with diagnosing a CEL that coded as an engine misfire on my 02 Subaru OB. The dealer's service center kept recommending, an… --- ## [Trade-In Karma?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/trade-in-karma/69274)
**Author:** [@Mobile\_Chicane](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Mobile_Chicane)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [November 7, 2011, 1:54pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/trade-in-karma/69274 "2011-11-07T13:54:28Z")
We are considering a new vehicle purchase and would use our current vehicle for trade in. One of the main reason to move to a new vehicle is after taking it to the dealer a few months ago for servicing and the investigat… --- ## [Repair 1999 Honda Odyssey or move on?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/repair-1999-honda-odyssey-or-move-on/69172)
**Author:** [@Rjh](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Rjh)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [November 7, 2011, 2:58am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/repair-1999-honda-odyssey-or-move-on/69172 "2011-11-07T02:58:47Z")
My 1999 Honda Odyssey - 161,000 miles (I'm the original owner)- now needs a new catalytic converter, 4 new tires, and the rear defroster has stopped working. I have maintained this car according to the owner's manual sc… --- ## [Snow tires vs tire chains](https://community.cartalk.com/t/snow-tires-vs-tire-chains/68893)
**Author:** [@trinkystar](https://community.cartalk.com/u/trinkystar)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [November 6, 2011, 11:04pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/snow-tires-vs-tire-chains/68893 "2011-11-06T23:04:31Z")
I recently relocated from Seattle WA to central Connecticut and am not very skilled in winter driving. I was wondering if there is a difference between putting chains on my tires vs purchasing winter tires - which would… --- ## [Toyota Yaris Reviews](https://community.cartalk.com/t/toyota-yaris-reviews/68827)
**Author:** [@trametta](https://community.cartalk.com/u/trametta)\ **Replies:** 44\ **Last updated:** [November 6, 2011, 9:09pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/toyota-yaris-reviews/68827 "2011-11-06T21:09:52Z")
Hello! I'm looking into buying a new car in the near future, and wondering what people think of the Toyota Yaris! Good? Bad? Thanks! --- ## [Computer kill switch](https://community.cartalk.com/t/computer-kill-switch/68112)
**Author:** [@Frazzleman](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Frazzleman)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [November 6, 2011, 7:43pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/computer-kill-switch/68112 "2011-11-06T19:43:48Z")
My friends in the conspiracy theory community have told me that there is a kill switch in cars with computers, that the govt can turn on with microwaves and stop the cars engine from running (sort of like opening up the … --- ## [Diesel electric power for large motor homes and long haul trucks](https://community.cartalk.com/t/diesel-electric-power-for-large-motor-homes-and-long-haul-trucks/69122)
**Author:** [@bobolinq](https://community.cartalk.com/u/bobolinq)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [November 6, 2011, 7:14pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/diesel-electric-power-for-large-motor-homes-and-long-haul-trucks/69122 "2011-11-06T19:14:24Z")
if the DE system works so efficiently on locomotives why not on the aforementioned type vehicles. --- ## [1987 Acura Legend](https://community.cartalk.com/t/1987-acura-legend/69216)
**Author:** [@Action\_Jackson1](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Action_Jackson1)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [November 6, 2011, 4:50pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/1987-acura-legend/69216 "2011-11-06T16:50:04Z")
I have recently Inherited my dad's old 87 Acura Legend sedan. It's a great car with a bunch of problems. Only the Catalytic Converter and the muffler have been replaced. The clutch is beginning to go, the paint is sun-fa… --- ## [Do you believe different people have different luck with different brands?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/do-you-believe-different-people-have-different-luck-with-different-brands/69050)
**Author:** [@oblivion](https://community.cartalk.com/u/oblivion)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [November 5, 2011, 4:51pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/do-you-believe-different-people-have-different-luck-with-different-brands/69050 "2011-11-05T16:51:15Z")
All of the automakers, domestic and foreign have had their share of gems and lemons. I've never had much luck with Fords personally, with the exception of an old van I had that was the soul of reliability. GMs I've had… --- ## [Cheap Gasoline--is it really cheap...or?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/cheap-gasoline-is-it-really-cheap-or/69213)
**Author:** [@estarkie](https://community.cartalk.com/u/estarkie)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [November 5, 2011, 4:33pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/cheap-gasoline-is-it-really-cheap-or/69213 "2011-11-05T16:33:48Z")
Over the last year I have been driving between Oregon and California once a month to help my mom who is 89 and broke her leg by falling. Since it's a 600 mile drive I get to test the highway mileage on my 2002 Subaru. St… --- ## [Sports Car, Sporty Car or Family Car?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/sports-car-sporty-car-or-family-car/69159)
**Author:** [@Deus](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Deus)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [November 5, 2011, 2:38am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/sports-car-sporty-car-or-family-car/69159 "2011-11-05T02:38:47Z")
How many people really know if their vehicle is a sports car, sporty car or family vehicle? Example: is a 2007 to 2011 Chevrolet Corvette a sports car, sporty car or family vehicle? Can a truck be classified as a sports … --- ## [Friction rubs car makers the wrong way!](https://community.cartalk.com/t/friction-rubs-car-makers-the-wrong-way/69072)
**Author:** [@common-sense-answer](https://community.cartalk.com/u/common-sense-answer)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [November 5, 2011, 1:18am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/friction-rubs-car-makers-the-wrong-way/69072 "2011-11-05T01:18:01Z")
An interesting article, "Rubbing out friction in push for mileage," by Paul Stenquist/ New York Times, and published in The Detroit News, tells about the ongoing battle against friction in cars. It also tells about progr… --- ## [Coasting down mountain roads](https://community.cartalk.com/t/coasting-down-mountain-roads/68923)
**Author:** [@Dewey](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Dewey)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [November 4, 2011, 11:35pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/coasting-down-mountain-roads/68923 "2011-11-04T23:35:52Z")
I live in western Washington (the state, not DC), and we have some pretty long hills when going over the pass. I used to have a standard transmission, and when I'd have a long downhill stretch on the interstate, I'd put… --- ## [Hughes Net](https://community.cartalk.com/t/hughes-net/68672)
**Author:** [@keith](https://community.cartalk.com/u/keith)\ **Replies:** 41\ **Last updated:** [November 4, 2011, 9:34pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/hughes-net/68672 "2011-11-04T21:34:25Z")
Does anyone here use Hughes Net for internet only, no TV? I've been with them for many years, but the service has deteriorated to the point that I'm considering going back to dial up. Anyone else having similar experie… --- ## [Restoring a Deep Cycle Battery with EDTA](https://community.cartalk.com/t/restoring-a-deep-cycle-battery-with-edta/69156)
**Author:** [@Caddyman](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Caddyman)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [November 4, 2011, 4:53pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/restoring-a-deep-cycle-battery-with-edta/69156 "2011-11-04T16:53:16Z")
Has anyone tried using a chemical compound called "EDTA" to remove sulfation from abused lead-acid batteries?? There are those who claim a sulfated battery can be "restored" by using this chemical..But I am skeptical th… --- ## [Looking for an SUV](https://community.cartalk.com/t/looking-for-an-suv/69161)
**Author:** [@heidichristine25](https://community.cartalk.com/u/heidichristine25)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [November 3, 2011, 11:19pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/looking-for-an-suv/69161 "2011-11-03T23:19:43Z")
My husband and I need a new SUV since ours was totaled in a car wreck. Our budget says we cannot spend over 11,000, so we are in the used car search. We have looked into Ford Escapes, Toyota Rav-4s, and Mazda Tributes. A… [Previous page](https://community.cartalk.com/c/general-discussion/8.md?page=369) [Next page](https://community.cartalk.com/c/general-discussion/8.md?page=371)