# General Discussion **URL:** https://community.cartalk.com/c/general-discussion/8.md?page=374 [Latest](https://community.cartalk.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://community.cartalk.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://community.cartalk.com/tags.md) **Page:** 375 --- ## [New tires](https://community.cartalk.com/t/new-tires/68665)
**Author:** [@ranch7](https://community.cartalk.com/u/ranch7)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [October 16, 2011, 12:18pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/new-tires/68665 "2011-10-16T12:18:09Z")
I own a 2003 Cadillac DeVille that I bought used 3 years ago that had Toyo tires. There is about 50 to 60 percent tread left and I want to buy new tires as I plan my yearly trip to Arizona for the winter. I like the Coop… --- ## [Goodbye Wankel, hello Skyactiv?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/goodbye-wankel-hello-skyactiv/68645)
**Author:** [@bscar](https://community.cartalk.com/u/bscar)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [October 16, 2011, 11:55am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/goodbye-wankel-hello-skyactiv/68645 "2011-10-16T11:55:30Z")
http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/11/mazda-tweet-confirms-next-gen-rotory-engine-with-skyactiv-tech/ Mazda has confirmed a new rotary engine for it's lineup using the Skyactiv technology in hopes of better fuel economy; … --- ## [Kudos to Pontiac/GM](https://community.cartalk.com/t/kudos-to-pontiac-gm/68634)
**Author:** [@bing](https://community.cartalk.com/u/bing)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [October 16, 2011, 3:04am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/kudos-to-pontiac-gm/68634 "2011-10-16T03:04:39Z")
Just got my 09 Pontiac G6 back with with 78,700 miles on it. One of the cats was shot. The dealer replaced it at zero cost under the 80,000 mile emissions warranty. No questions, no problems, just had to wait a day … --- ## [Getting rid of Spiders!](https://community.cartalk.com/t/getting-rid-of-spiders/29816)
**Author:** [@Mary\_Frances](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Mary_Frances)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [October 15, 2011, 3:54pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/getting-rid-of-spiders/29816 "2011-10-15T15:54:15Z")
I live in Florida - St. Pete area - park outside -windows up and I have Spiders! 1/2 - 1" across - I've nearly wrecked the car a couple of times, Help me - How can I get them out! --- ## [Car Talk Coming to Detroit?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/car-talk-coming-to-detroit/68650)
**Author:** [@hanleythomas](https://community.cartalk.com/u/hanleythomas)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [October 15, 2011, 1:56pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/car-talk-coming-to-detroit/68650 "2011-10-15T13:56:44Z")
As an ex-pat Bostonian now living in Grand Rapids, Michigan, I was thrilled to hear that Tom and Ray are coming to Detroit to do a show, perhaps part of the Fall Fund Drive? Is it true? When and where? How much do I have… --- ## [Weird Coincidence or Foul Play?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/weird-coincidence-or-foul-play/68536)
**Author:** [@befuddled\_bob](https://community.cartalk.com/u/befuddled_bob)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [October 15, 2011, 11:04am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/weird-coincidence-or-foul-play/68536 "2011-10-15T11:04:43Z")
In the last five days I have had the fuel pump replaced in both familiy cars. First it was the 1997 F-150 with 260,000 miles and then the 2000 Dodge Grand Caravan with 160,000 miles. In both instance the cars were runn… --- ## [California slaps red tags on wrecks](https://community.cartalk.com/t/california-slaps-red-tags-on-wrecks/68516)
**Author:** [@bscar](https://community.cartalk.com/u/bscar)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [October 14, 2011, 8:00pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/california-slaps-red-tags-on-wrecks/68516 "2011-10-14T20:00:48Z")
http://www.autonews.com/article/20111003/RETAIL07/310039945/1400 A new California law requiring dealers to label salvaged vehicles with red warning stickers is shaping up as a test for consumer advocates who want to ma… --- ## [Car title transfer question](https://community.cartalk.com/t/car-title-transfer-question/68618)
**Author:** [@Lizzieb\_23](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Lizzieb_23)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [October 14, 2011, 3:42pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/car-title-transfer-question/68618 "2011-10-14T15:42:39Z")
I'm hoping someone here can give me a hint on how to get out of this jam! So I bought a car (cash) from this nice Indian fellow who was in a rush to leave the country since his work visa had expired. He filled out the ti… --- ## [Good to be back](https://community.cartalk.com/t/good-to-be-back/68559)
**Author:** [@bing](https://community.cartalk.com/u/bing)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [October 14, 2011, 2:24pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/good-to-be-back/68559 "2011-10-14T14:24:26Z")
Feels good to be back. I'll behave now. I've been locked out since Saturday for some reason and looks like a bunch of the regulars are not responding too. They reset my username/password for me now so I can get in aga… --- ## [Tom & Ray move to Alaska](https://community.cartalk.com/t/tom-ray-move-to-alaska/68623)
**Author:** [@BillsMom](https://community.cartalk.com/u/BillsMom)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [October 14, 2011, 1:43pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/tom-ray-move-to-alaska/68623 "2011-10-14T13:43:02Z")
Dear Tom & Ray, I thought you might like to know (if you didn't already) that you have been immortalized in print. Author Dana Stabenow has moved you to Alaska to help out Kate Shugak in her book Though Not Dead (not r… --- ## [Help! Want to buy an used car with $2500, trouble finding reliable car. Looking for Advice](https://community.cartalk.com/t/help-want-to-buy-an-used-car-with-2500-trouble-finding-reliable-car-looking-for-advice/68564)
**Author:** [@arius33](https://community.cartalk.com/u/arius33)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [October 14, 2011, 12:02pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/help-want-to-buy-an-used-car-with-2500-trouble-finding-reliable-car-looking-for-advice/68564 "2011-10-14T12:02:24Z")
Hi. I am a student with not a lot of money. That being said I know that without a lot of money I am usually looking at older cars with high miles. Two things I would like to avoid. High Miles (will just eat my money)… --- ## [Comment About Rough Roads](https://community.cartalk.com/t/comment-about-rough-roads/68512)
**Author:** [@ok4450](https://community.cartalk.com/u/ok4450)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [October 14, 2011, 5:24am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/comment-about-rough-roads/68512 "2011-10-14T05:24:16Z")
As some of you know I've been pretty critical of the roads in OK and a study by the DOT a while back stated that OK had the 3rd worst roads in the U.S. After having to go and change a couple of prematurely worn out suspe… --- ## [Solar powered vw battery charger](https://community.cartalk.com/t/solar-powered-vw-battery-charger/68591)
**Author:** [@thomasmichael](https://community.cartalk.com/u/thomasmichael)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [October 14, 2011, 4:40am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/solar-powered-vw-battery-charger/68591 "2011-10-14T04:40:37Z")
I got a 2002 VW solar powered battery charger at a yard sale. Supposedly, VW plugged these devices into the cigarette lighter when shipping cars from Germany. Anyone know if this thing would work on a 1998 Ford Ranger or… --- ## [Finding previous owner](https://community.cartalk.com/t/finding-previous-owner/52723)
**Author:** [@mdfloyd2000](https://community.cartalk.com/u/mdfloyd2000)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [October 14, 2011, 12:50am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/finding-previous-owner/52723 "2011-10-14T00:50:57Z")
When looking for a used car, I always ask for the previous owner's contact information. And it never fails that the dealer gives me a spiel about how they bought the car at auction down in Florida. Is there anyway arou… --- ## [Ever since RAY mentioned loose heat shields... Now when a poster submits a "clunk" or a "grinding"](https://community.cartalk.com/t/ever-since-ray-mentioned-loose-heat-shields-now-when-a-poster-submits-a-clunk-or-a-grinding/68560)
**Author:** [@binkman](https://community.cartalk.com/u/binkman)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [October 13, 2011, 6:21pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/ever-since-ray-mentioned-loose-heat-shields-now-when-a-poster-submits-a-clunk-or-a-grinding/68560 "2011-10-13T18:21:16Z")
noise symptom. Somebody always chimes in with the "loose heat shield" .. Not every darned car produced with a heat shield is loose!! Have you ever tried to take one off? Secondly a mechanic would have to be blind not… --- ## [D.C. police jailing motorists for expired tags](https://community.cartalk.com/t/d-c-police-jailing-motorists-for-expired-tags/68531)
**Author:** [@bscar](https://community.cartalk.com/u/bscar)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [October 12, 2011, 10:17am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/d-c-police-jailing-motorists-for-expired-tags/68531 "2011-10-12T10:17:03Z")
http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/07/d-c-police-jailing-motorists-for-expired-tags-aaa-up-in-arms/ Police in Washington, D.C. typically issue a $100 citation for vehicles with tags that are expired past 30 days, though t… --- ## [Two questions](https://community.cartalk.com/t/two-questions/68514)
**Author:** [@houstonrice](https://community.cartalk.com/u/houstonrice)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [October 12, 2011, 1:25am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/two-questions/68514 "2011-10-12T01:25:14Z")
I have traveled road trips galore in the past, and I have visited many popular places in the United States. I want your suggestions on road trips that I can do, from Houston, that cover other scenic spots and gorgeous la… --- ## [Does a convertible get better gas mileage when the top is up?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/does-a-convertible-get-better-gas-mileage-when-the-top-is-up/65828)
**Author:** [@Robert-Gift](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Robert-Gift)\ **Replies:** 46\ **Last updated:** [October 11, 2011, 10:41pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/does-a-convertible-get-better-gas-mileage-when-the-top-is-up/65828 "2011-10-11T22:41:14Z")
More aerodynamically smooth when the top is up? Thank you. --- ## [How best to restore a car's interior?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/how-best-to-restore-a-cars-interior/68539)
**Author:** [@AntonioKat](https://community.cartalk.com/u/AntonioKat)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [October 11, 2011, 6:33pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/how-best-to-restore-a-cars-interior/68539 "2011-10-11T18:33:07Z")
I just got a 1997 Cavalier coupe with a pretty dirty interior. It's not horrendous, but still nowhere near as clean as I'd like it to be. I'd like to restore the interior(trunk included) to as close to new as possible wh… --- ## [Unload 2002 VW Passat or 2001 Corolla when we buy new family car?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/unload-2002-vw-passat-or-2001-corolla-when-we-buy-new-family-car/68468)
**Author:** [@michellew](https://community.cartalk.com/u/michellew)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [October 11, 2011, 1:30pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/unload-2002-vw-passat-or-2001-corolla-when-we-buy-new-family-car/68468 "2011-10-11T13:30:31Z")
We have a 2002 VW Passat with some body damage (minor, just scrapes) but in excellent mechanical condition (around 94k mi) and a 2001 Corolla with about 120k miles. The Passat is a 1.8T fully tricked out with leather, a… --- ## [Buying a used SUV](https://community.cartalk.com/t/buying-a-used-suv/68500)
**Author:** [@Bull3017](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Bull3017)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [October 11, 2011, 1:01am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/buying-a-used-suv/68500 "2011-10-11T01:01:26Z")
I'm thinking of buying an SUV for some camping and some off roading. I already have a Honda Accord and since I'm in southern California, gas is expensive so I'd like to keep my gas prices down by keeping it. Instead of… --- ## [Goodbye Escape hybrid](https://community.cartalk.com/t/goodbye-escape-hybrid/68517)
**Author:** [@bscar](https://community.cartalk.com/u/bscar)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [October 10, 2011, 11:01pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/goodbye-escape-hybrid/68517 "2011-10-10T23:01:08Z")
http://www.autonews.com/article/20111004/OEM04/111009962/1254 http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/04/2013-ford-escape-to-be-four-cylinder-only-two-ecoboost-options/ They're ditching the hybrid and V6 options for the 2013 E… --- ## [Using up snow blower mixture](https://community.cartalk.com/t/using-up-snow-blower-mixture/68493)
**Author:** [@Meem](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Meem)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [October 10, 2011, 9:27pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/using-up-snow-blower-mixture/68493 "2011-10-10T21:27:03Z")
I have, left over from last winter, roughly a half gallon of a mixture of gas and "2 cycle oil", which I did not need to use in our snow blower. I am told by the snow blower salespeople that I cannot use this old stuff … --- ## [Speed Governors](https://community.cartalk.com/t/speed-governors/68505)
**Author:** [@JFistere](https://community.cartalk.com/u/JFistere)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [October 10, 2011, 8:56pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/speed-governors/68505 "2011-10-10T20:56:32Z")
We were in France last year and the rental agency couldn't provide the car we wanted (a Volvo) so they offered us a Mercedes. Needless to say, we accepted the offer. The best thing about the car was that in addition to… --- ## [Is It Time To Say Goodbye](https://community.cartalk.com/t/is-it-time-to-say-goodbye/68529)
**Author:** [@clueless301](https://community.cartalk.com/u/clueless301)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [October 10, 2011, 7:50pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/is-it-time-to-say-goodbye/68529 "2011-10-10T19:50:16Z")
My 2004 Hyundai Elantra GT just needed $1200 for a new battery, alternator, and then started over the course of six weeks. Now, the check engine light is on and it's going to be $185 just to scan the codes, which means … --- ## [When to change heater and radiator hoses](https://community.cartalk.com/t/when-to-change-heater-and-radiator-hoses/68524)
**Author:** [@Tigerdoc](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Tigerdoc)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [October 10, 2011, 7:10pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/when-to-change-heater-and-radiator-hoses/68524 "2011-10-10T19:10:13Z")
I drive a 2002 Ford Ranger and am wondering at what mileage should I change the heater and radiator hoses. The truck lives in Phoenix, AZ and is driven almost daily. --- ## [World's oldest running car up for auction](https://community.cartalk.com/t/worlds-oldest-running-car-up-for-auction/68228)
**Author:** [@bscar](https://community.cartalk.com/u/bscar)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [October 10, 2011, 4:56pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/worlds-oldest-running-car-up-for-auction/68228 "2011-10-10T16:56:04Z")
http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/25/worlds-oldest-running-car-up-for-auction/ 127 years old and still going....wow top speed of 38mph and could go 20 miles on a single tank of water Leno's next car? --- ## [Stop-sale issued for VW Jetta and Golf TDI](https://community.cartalk.com/t/stop-sale-issued-for-vw-jetta-and-golf-tdi/68519)
**Author:** [@bscar](https://community.cartalk.com/u/bscar)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [October 10, 2011, 2:52pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/stop-sale-issued-for-vw-jetta-and-golf-tdi/68519 "2011-10-10T14:52:07Z")
http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/05/stop-sale-issued-for-volkswagen-jetta-and-golf-tdi-diesel-models/ In a written communication attributed to Volkswagen, the problem stems from the fact that the fuel injector pulse rat… --- ## [Mazda releases pricing for their Skyactiv 3 model](https://community.cartalk.com/t/mazda-releases-pricing-for-their-skyactiv-3-model/68518)
**Author:** [@bscar](https://community.cartalk.com/u/bscar)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [October 10, 2011, 2:41pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/mazda-releases-pricing-for-their-skyactiv-3-model/68518 "2011-10-10T14:41:04Z")
http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/05/2012-mazda3-priced-from-18-450-with-skyactiv/ $18,450 for the sedan and $18.950 for the hatch. 40mpg and 39mpg highway, respectively, while giving 155 horses under the hood. And, it o… --- ## [How to keep mud & dust off rear window](https://community.cartalk.com/t/how-to-keep-mud-dust-off-rear-window/68482)
**Author:** [@danjorgesen](https://community.cartalk.com/u/danjorgesen)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [October 10, 2011, 1:22pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/how-to-keep-mud-dust-off-rear-window/68482 "2011-10-10T13:22:08Z")
Own a 2007 Pontiac Vibe (Toyota Matrix). Anyway, do a lot of driving on gravel roads, and the rear window is always covered in mud or dust. Any type of deflector available to alleviate this ? [Previous page](https://community.cartalk.com/c/general-discussion/8.md?page=373) [Next page](https://community.cartalk.com/c/general-discussion/8.md?page=375)