# General Discussion **URL:** https://community.cartalk.com/c/general-discussion/8.md?page=383 [Latest](https://community.cartalk.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://community.cartalk.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://community.cartalk.com/tags.md) **Page:** 384 --- ## [That's a BIG engine!](https://community.cartalk.com/t/thats-a-big-engine/66671)
**Author:** [@bscar](https://community.cartalk.com/u/bscar)\ **Replies:** 38\ **Last updated:** [August 10, 2011, 12:25am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/thats-a-big-engine/66671 "2011-08-10T00:25:34Z")
\[image\] Shipping goods from China to the U.S. is big business. And when we say big, we're talking 1,300-foot-long ships that weigh 170,974 tons. The cargo ships in question can carry 11,000 20-foot shipping containers at… --- ## ["Imagine if voters could apply CAFE standards to government . . . " (by Scott Burgess/Detroit News)](https://community.cartalk.com/t/imagine-if-voters-could-apply-cafe-standards-to-government-by-scott-burgess-detroit-news/66716)
**Author:** [@common-sense-answer](https://community.cartalk.com/u/common-sense-answer)\ **Replies:** 72\ **Last updated:** [August 9, 2011, 10:53pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/imagine-if-voters-could-apply-cafe-standards-to-government-by-scott-burgess-detroit-news/66716 "2011-08-09T22:53:38Z")
"Imagine if voters could apply CAFE standards to government, forcing it to double its efficiency by 2025. " (by Scott Burgess/Detroit News) I thought some of you would enjoy a witty little story while we wait for all o… --- ## [Rising Rubber Prices + Bad Economy = More Used Tires Sold + Increased Risk](https://community.cartalk.com/t/rising-rubber-prices-bad-economy-more-used-tires-sold-increased-risk/66917)
**Author:** [@common-sense-answer](https://community.cartalk.com/u/common-sense-answer)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [August 9, 2011, 10:32pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/rising-rubber-prices-bad-economy-more-used-tires-sold-increased-risk/66917 "2011-08-09T22:32:46Z")
Rising Rubber Prices + Bad Economy = More Used Tires Sold + Increased Risk Here's a link to a recent article: http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20110807/AUTO01/108070306/1148/Used-tire-market-rolls-along-with-rising-r… --- ## [Question](https://community.cartalk.com/t/question/66465)
**Author:** [@bjy14](https://community.cartalk.com/u/bjy14)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [August 9, 2011, 10:18pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/question/66465 "2011-08-09T22:18:53Z")
I am in the market for a new/used vehicle. I am a recent college grad and am currently in Graduate School. I work full time and am 25 years old. I am not a picky driver or a car crazy person. Here are my criteria: 1. Go… --- ## [VW Reliability](https://community.cartalk.com/t/vw-reliability/49241)
**Author:** [@jmoon35](https://community.cartalk.com/u/jmoon35)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [August 9, 2011, 9:35pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/vw-reliability/49241 "2011-08-09T21:35:49Z")
Any machanics or VW owners have an opinion on the newer VW 2008-2010 as far as major problems. I am interested in a new CC and I love the car, but I am being scared off by VW reliability history. Any advise would be grea… --- ## [Fiat USA sees earnings boost on loaded 500 purchases](https://community.cartalk.com/t/fiat-usa-sees-earnings-boost-on-loaded-500-purchases/66956)
**Author:** [@bscar](https://community.cartalk.com/u/bscar)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [August 9, 2011, 4:24pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/fiat-usa-sees-earnings-boost-on-loaded-500-purchases/66956 "2011-08-09T16:24:46Z")
Fiat's return to the States after a 28-year absence has sent sales of its too-cute 2012 Fiat 500 soaring. Even better for Fiat, more than half of U.S. buyers are shelling out the dough to put higher-end 500s in their dri… --- ## [When 54.5 equals 40](https://community.cartalk.com/t/when-54-5-equals-40/66957)
**Author:** [@bscar](https://community.cartalk.com/u/bscar)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [August 9, 2011, 3:28pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/when-54-5-equals-40/66957 "2011-08-09T15:28:29Z")
WASHINGTON -- When is 54.5 mpg actually about 40 mpg? When it's the corporate average fuel economy standard for the 2025 model year. Thanks to federal incentives for fuel-efficient and low-emissions technologies, autom… --- ## [Stickshift enthusiasts](https://community.cartalk.com/t/stickshift-enthusiasts/66948)
**Author:** [@circuitsmith](https://community.cartalk.com/u/circuitsmith)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [August 9, 2011, 2:14am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/stickshift-enthusiasts/66948 "2011-08-09T02:14:29Z")
Not just ordinary people: --- ## [Best used minivan](https://community.cartalk.com/t/best-used-minivan/66700)
**Author:** [@TinaMu](https://community.cartalk.com/u/TinaMu)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [August 9, 2011, 12:04am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/best-used-minivan/66700 "2011-08-09T00:04:06Z")
I'm looking for a used minivan for about $10,000. In that price range I find the 2004 Odyssey Ex-L with 101,000 miles or a 2005 Town and Country Limited Edition with 85,000 miles and pretty comparable options (actually … --- ## [A good car story worth sharing](https://community.cartalk.com/t/a-good-car-story-worth-sharing/66931)
**Author:** [@bruceplotkin](https://community.cartalk.com/u/bruceplotkin)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [August 8, 2011, 11:49pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/a-good-car-story-worth-sharing/66931 "2011-08-08T23:49:47Z")
Last month I was headed up to the north shore of Mass. from home base in Ct. in my '96 328i convertible on the hottest weekend of the year. Made a stop at Logan to pick up a friend, whose plane was running late. With the… --- ## [GM launches Family Link for teen drivers](https://community.cartalk.com/t/gm-launches-family-link-for-teen-drivers/66953)
**Author:** [@bscar](https://community.cartalk.com/u/bscar)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [August 8, 2011, 11:47pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/gm-launches-family-link-for-teen-drivers/66953 "2011-08-08T23:47:19Z")
Your children use the Internet for social media, Wikipediaing (yep, we just made that up) their homework and drowning in the misery that is a teenager's life. You, on the other hand, use the Internet for work... and soci… --- ## [CAN i return a new car purchase if the dealer lied to me?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/can-i-return-a-new-car-purchase-if-the-dealer-lied-to-me/66869)
**Author:** [@Kutt3280](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Kutt3280)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [August 8, 2011, 10:32pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/can-i-return-a-new-car-purchase-if-the-dealer-lied-to-me/66869 "2011-08-08T22:32:26Z")
My friend purchased a new car and I used to sell cars so he asked me to help him out via phone with the F&I guy at the dealer. The F&I guy lied to me and told me the MSRP was $21,200 and they sold it to them for invoice… --- ## [Someone builds a 25 seater motorbike](https://community.cartalk.com/t/someone-builds-a-25-seater-motorbike/66955)
**Author:** [@bscar](https://community.cartalk.com/u/bscar)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [August 8, 2011, 9:34pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/someone-builds-a-25-seater-motorbike/66955 "2011-08-08T21:34:07Z")
\[image\] Colin Furze, the English loon responsible for the fire-breathing moped, has released yet another cracked creation. Furze, 31, who makes his money as a plumber, built a 72-foot-long moped that seats 25, videotap… --- ## [Black Widow Spiders](https://community.cartalk.com/t/black-widow-spiders/66932)
**Author:** [@Lindy565](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Lindy565)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [August 8, 2011, 5:14pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/black-widow-spiders/66932 "2011-08-08T17:14:18Z")
I have several black widow spiders in my detached garage where I park my car. The guy who maintains my yard said, "Ooo, those spiders are going to get into your car." Is he correct? I keep my windows closed. --- ## [1939 Pontiac Ghost Car commands $308,000 at auction](https://community.cartalk.com/t/1939-pontiac-ghost-car-commands-308-000-at-auction/66958)
**Author:** [@bscar](https://community.cartalk.com/u/bscar)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [August 8, 2011, 5:08pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/1939-pontiac-ghost-car-commands-308-000-at-auction/66958 "2011-08-08T17:08:33Z")
\[image\] For the 1939 World's Fair, Pontiac built a Deluxe Six bodied in Plexiglass. Part of the Previews of Progress pavilion in which General Motors' Futurama showed off what was to come in the world of autos, the 'invi… --- ## [Hackers prove they can break into subaru outback via texting](https://community.cartalk.com/t/hackers-prove-they-can-break-into-subaru-outback-via-texting/66951)
**Author:** [@bscar](https://community.cartalk.com/u/bscar)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [August 8, 2011, 5:05pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/hackers-prove-they-can-break-into-subaru-outback-via-texting/66951 "2011-08-08T17:05:36Z")
Texting and driving is a dangerous practice, we can all agree on that. But would you be surprised to learn that texting might cause you trouble even when your vehicle is locked up tight? As more and more daily items tap … --- ## [Lanes with no signs](https://community.cartalk.com/t/lanes-with-no-signs/66885)
**Author:** [@Tysontoni](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Tysontoni)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [August 8, 2011, 10:18am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/lanes-with-no-signs/66885 "2011-08-08T10:18:33Z")
There is a lane (I will call this lane A, since there are no signs) with a traffic light. After the traffic light is green lane A continues forward, but another lane (I will call A1) opens on the left of lane A (these t… --- ## [Use own car or rent for a long road trip](https://community.cartalk.com/t/use-own-car-or-rent-for-a-long-road-trip/60684)
**Author:** [@ljlev1](https://community.cartalk.com/u/ljlev1)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [August 8, 2011, 10:16am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/use-own-car-or-rent-for-a-long-road-trip/60684 "2011-08-08T10:16:02Z")
I own a 2007 MB ML320 cdi (diesel) get around 25 mpg have 66k on the odometer. We will take a 5-6000 mile 3 week road trip this summer. Should we rent an suv/crossover at around $1200 or drive our suv. --- ## [What's a good used car for my disabled wife to buy?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/whats-a-good-used-car-for-my-disabled-wife-to-buy/66936)
**Author:** [@lionstar](https://community.cartalk.com/u/lionstar)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [August 8, 2011, 3:54am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/whats-a-good-used-car-for-my-disabled-wife-to-buy/66936 "2011-08-08T03:54:50Z")
My wife is a large woman with heart arrhythmia and a bad hip. The Mercury Gran Marquis she drives has become more difficult for her to get into. Does anybody have any suggestions for a recent used car with large doors (p… --- ## [Car Talk Discussion Title Problems : Undefined!](https://community.cartalk.com/t/car-talk-discussion-title-problems-undefined/66919)
**Author:** [@common-sense-answer](https://community.cartalk.com/u/common-sense-answer)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [August 7, 2011, 9:04pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/car-talk-discussion-title-problems-undefined/66919 "2011-08-07T21:04:26Z")
Car Talk Discussion Title Problems : Undefined !! There's a problem when giving a new discussion a title. The title defaults to "Undefined !!" CSA --- ## [3.8 eng just quits multiple times](https://community.cartalk.com/t/3-8-eng-just-quits-multiple-times/66911)
**Author:** [@airowh](https://community.cartalk.com/u/airowh)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [August 7, 2011, 6:42pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/3-8-eng-just-quits-multiple-times/66911 "2011-08-07T18:42:53Z")
2000 Buick 3.8. stop for gas, red light, etc. engine quits. 1st repair shop said fuel pump bad. Replace filter pressure okay. car starts later, quits multiple times. 2nd repair shop, car quits while there. Mechanic comes… --- ## [Vacation Blues](https://community.cartalk.com/t/vacation-blues/66906)
**Author:** [@lwg1226](https://community.cartalk.com/u/lwg1226)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [August 7, 2011, 6:28pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/vacation-blues/66906 "2011-08-07T18:28:06Z")
Today I was driving my 2005 Honda CRV when suddenly the car starting reving up while slowly stopping. It would not move after that. Car still reved up while stepping on the gas. Had to be towed to a mechanic. They could … --- ## [2006 Civic Hybrid - How Many Miles These Little Hybrids May Go?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2006-civic-hybrid-how-many-miles-these-little-hybrids-may-go/66873)
**Author:** [@jimster](https://community.cartalk.com/u/jimster)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [August 7, 2011, 4:38pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2006-civic-hybrid-how-many-miles-these-little-hybrids-may-go/66873 "2011-08-07T16:38:43Z")
I'm driving a 2006 Civic Hybrid with 90k that I purchased new along with an extended warranty to 120k. The car has been serviced by the dealer since new, runs like a charm and drives like a BMW. My daily commute is app… --- ## [Auto Insurance for Unused Car in NYS](https://community.cartalk.com/t/auto-insurance-for-unused-car-in-nys/66894)
**Author:** [@hrossi](https://community.cartalk.com/u/hrossi)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [August 7, 2011, 1:31pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/auto-insurance-for-unused-car-in-nys/66894 "2011-08-07T13:31:40Z")
My brother and I inherited a PT Cruiser as apart of my mother's estate and plan to sell it. It is now locked in the garage of her unoccupied residence. Can anyone tell me about what we need to keep for insurance in ord… --- ## [Touch up paint](https://community.cartalk.com/t/touch-up-paint/66835)
**Author:** [@jet918](https://community.cartalk.com/u/jet918)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [August 7, 2011, 12:18pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/touch-up-paint/66835 "2011-08-07T12:18:53Z")
where can I go to get touch paint in spray cans for BMW --- ## [Used car purchase](https://community.cartalk.com/t/used-car-purchase/66903)
**Author:** [@suzan](https://community.cartalk.com/u/suzan)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [August 7, 2011, 1:40am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/used-car-purchase/66903 "2011-08-07T01:40:16Z")
Does anyone have any clues as to where to buy a reliable used beater in the DC area? --- ## [He's marrying her and one of the cars has to go](https://community.cartalk.com/t/hes-marrying-her-and-one-of-the-cars-has-to-go/66753)
**Author:** [@MsPriss](https://community.cartalk.com/u/MsPriss)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [August 6, 2011, 9:37pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/hes-marrying-her-and-one-of-the-cars-has-to-go/66753 "2011-08-06T21:37:20Z")
I'm getting married in 2 months and I drive a 2008 Nissan Versa SL and he drives a 2007 Ford pickup truck. F150 I believe. We would like to sell one of the cars to not have that payment. He was given a Prius for a compan… --- ## [Anyone believe this runaway SUV story?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/anyone-believe-this-runaway-suv-story/66888)
**Author:** [@Robert-Gift](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Robert-Gift)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [August 6, 2011, 6:09pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/anyone-believe-this-runaway-suv-story/66888 "2011-08-06T18:09:23Z")
http://www.aol.com/video/driver-gets-taken-for-a-very-wild-ride/1094049755001/?a\_dgi=aolshare\_facebook SUV driver apparently claims that he could not get his Expedition out of cruise control. He could not shift into NE… --- ## [Site acting wonky?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/site-acting-wonky/66881)
**Author:** [@cigroller](https://community.cartalk.com/u/cigroller)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [August 6, 2011, 3:01am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/site-acting-wonky/66881 "2011-08-06T03:01:48Z")
Is the site acting wonky for everyone or is it just me? Freezing up, weird little gray error boxes, lost gateways...stuff like that. Firefox of Chrome - it doesn't matter. If its just me then I have a problem. If its… --- ## [Switching to neutral while driving downhill on automatic?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/switching-to-neutral-while-driving-downhill-on-automatic/66862)
**Author:** [@mgirshin](https://community.cartalk.com/u/mgirshin)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [August 5, 2011, 1:09pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/switching-to-neutral-while-driving-downhill-on-automatic/66862 "2011-08-05T13:09:33Z")
I tried to call to ask this question: is it good practice to shift to neutral, while driving downhill on automatic transmission? the owner manual does not recommend, would like to know why. it makes sense to save gas, wh… [Previous page](https://community.cartalk.com/c/general-discussion/8.md?page=382) [Next page](https://community.cartalk.com/c/general-discussion/8.md?page=384)