# General Discussion **URL:** https://community.cartalk.com/c/general-discussion/8.md?page=385 [Latest](https://community.cartalk.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://community.cartalk.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://community.cartalk.com/tags.md) **Page:** 386 --- ## [Older cars and trucks](https://community.cartalk.com/t/older-cars-and-trucks/66719)
**Author:** [@oldbodyman](https://community.cartalk.com/u/oldbodyman)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [July 31, 2011, 5:16am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/older-cars-and-trucks/66719 "2011-07-31T05:16:57Z")
Hi all I don't want to start a war, but I would like to know why some of you answer questions about should I buy a old car, keep a old car. Its always it will be a repair nightmare or a safety problem. I am not taking ab… --- ## [200,000 miles on the odometer, and still on the original clutch!](https://community.cartalk.com/t/200-000-miles-on-the-odometer-and-still-on-the-original-clutch/62363)
**Author:** [@Whitey](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Whitey)\ **Replies:** 46\ **Last updated:** [July 31, 2011, 2:21am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/200-000-miles-on-the-odometer-and-still-on-the-original-clutch/62363 "2011-07-31T02:21:19Z")
No question here, just celebrating a happy occasion. The odometer in my '98 Civic finally made it to the 200,000 mile mark, and I'm still driving with the original clutch. So much for Tom and Ray's theory that the … --- ## [Radio antennas](https://community.cartalk.com/t/radio-antennas/66707)
**Author:** [@Davewise](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Davewise)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [July 30, 2011, 2:11pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/radio-antennas/66707 "2011-07-30T14:11:10Z")
Is the height of an antenna the difference or is there a big difference in quality? --- ## [New model car](https://community.cartalk.com/t/new-model-car/66627)
**Author:** [@abxxx](https://community.cartalk.com/u/abxxx)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [July 29, 2011, 10:58pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/new-model-car/66627 "2011-07-29T22:58:27Z")
The 2012 Chevrolet Sonic will be in the showrooms October or November 2011. The Sonic, which is made in the United States, will replace the Chevrolet Aveo. This is the first year of the Sonic’s production. My question is… --- ## [Toyota tries to 1-up Volvo](https://community.cartalk.com/t/toyota-tries-to-1-up-volvo/66672)
**Author:** [@bscar](https://community.cartalk.com/u/bscar)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [July 29, 2011, 10:38pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/toyota-tries-to-1-up-volvo/66672 "2011-07-29T22:38:06Z")
According to The Detroit News, Toyota is working on a new pre-crash system that will actually take control and steer the vehicle to minimize impact in the event of an unavoidable collision. The system combines super-sens… --- ## [2005 Nissan Altima air conditioner](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2005-nissan-altima-air-conditioner/66695)
**Author:** [@magartne](https://community.cartalk.com/u/magartne)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [July 29, 2011, 6:19pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2005-nissan-altima-air-conditioner/66695 "2011-07-29T18:19:46Z")
I have a 2005 Nissan Altima and when I turn my air conditioning on my car starts rattling and shaking on the passenger side as well has makes some noises. When I turn the air conditioner off the noises and the shakes goe… --- ## [2005 Nissan Altima Starter](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2005-nissan-altima-starter/66693)
**Author:** [@magartne](https://community.cartalk.com/u/magartne)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [July 29, 2011, 6:14pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2005-nissan-altima-starter/66693 "2011-07-29T18:14:15Z")
I have a 2005 Nissan Altima and for a little over a year now every once in a while when I turn the key it sounds as if I am over turning my key when I go to start my car. As I told the machanic no am not actually over tu… --- ## [Differences in American vs. Foreign Sheetmetal](https://community.cartalk.com/t/differences-in-american-vs-foreign-sheetmetal/66628)
**Author:** [@ClassicFan62](https://community.cartalk.com/u/ClassicFan62)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [July 29, 2011, 2:08pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/differences-in-american-vs-foreign-sheetmetal/66628 "2011-07-29T14:08:35Z")
I recently read a comment on Toyota's website from a reader who claimed that the sheetmetal on Japanese vehicles (including those assembled in America under their parent Japanese company's moniker) was more pliable and m… --- ## [Who needs spark plugs?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/who-needs-spark-plugs/66640)
**Author:** [@jtsanders](https://community.cartalk.com/u/jtsanders)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [July 29, 2011, 2:00am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/who-needs-spark-plugs/66640 "2011-07-29T02:00:02Z")
Check out this news item. What do you tink? OKAZAKI, Japan – Automakers are now one step closer to replacing spark plugs for internal combustion engines with laser igniters for cleaner, more efficient and more economi… --- ## [Dissatisfied with 08 Accord](https://community.cartalk.com/t/dissatisfied-with-08-accord/66580)
**Author:** [@sgmartin18](https://community.cartalk.com/u/sgmartin18)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [July 29, 2011, 1:16am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/dissatisfied-with-08-accord/66580 "2011-07-29T01:16:55Z")
Bought an 08 Accord brand new after driving a 98 Acura CL for 10 years. Needed a 4 door car and really couldn't afford to go with a new Acura and I was thinking gas mileage at the time. So, I went with the 4 cylinder. … --- ## [Trade in vs. sell privately?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/trade-in-vs-sell-privately/66620)
**Author:** [@Siena1383](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Siena1383)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [July 29, 2011, 1:14am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/trade-in-vs-sell-privately/66620 "2011-07-29T01:14:26Z")
I have a 1999 Honda Civic in good, but not excellent, condition. I'm looking for a new car. Some dealers seem more interested in appraising my car for trade-in than they do in selling me a new one. What's with this? … --- ## [Volvo City Safety System gets thumbs up from NHTSA, IIHS](https://community.cartalk.com/t/volvo-city-safety-system-gets-thumbs-up-from-nhtsa-iihs/66468)
**Author:** [@bscar](https://community.cartalk.com/u/bscar)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [July 29, 2011, 12:35am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/volvo-city-safety-system-gets-thumbs-up-from-nhtsa-iihs/66468 "2011-07-29T00:35:13Z")
http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/20/volvo-city-safety-system-gets-thumbs-up-from-nhtsa-iihs-w-vide/ Volvo just got a major thumbs up in the safety department. Both the National Highway Traffic Safety Institute and Insuran… --- ## [What to say when a car dealer asks if you're paying cash or financing?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/what-to-say-when-a-car-dealer-asks-if-youre-paying-cash-or-financing/66644)
**Author:** [@Siena1383](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Siena1383)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [July 29, 2011, 12:30am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/what-to-say-when-a-car-dealer-asks-if-youre-paying-cash-or-financing/66644 "2011-07-29T00:30:49Z")
I've gone into a few dealerships to look at new cars where practically the first question the salesman asks is whether I'll be financing or paying cash. This happened before I got to even sit down, before I got to see an… --- ## [Kids safer with grandparents driving than parents](https://community.cartalk.com/t/kids-safer-with-grandparents-driving-than-parents/66674)
**Author:** [@bscar](https://community.cartalk.com/u/bscar)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [July 29, 2011, 12:15am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/kids-safer-with-grandparents-driving-than-parents/66674 "2011-07-29T00:15:11Z")
According to a new study, children who ride with their grandparents are half as likely to be injured in an accident as those who ride with their parents. The news comes from research organized by Dr. Fred Henretig, an em… --- ## [Used-vehicle prices in August to exceed those in January, NADA guide predicts](https://community.cartalk.com/t/used-vehicle-prices-in-august-to-exceed-those-in-january-nada-guide-predicts/66668)
**Author:** [@bscar](https://community.cartalk.com/u/bscar)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [July 28, 2011, 11:26pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/used-vehicle-prices-in-august-to-exceed-those-in-january-nada-guide-predicts/66668 "2011-07-28T23:26:03Z")
Wholesale prices of late-model, fuel-efficient used cars peaked in June but will be higher in August than they were in January, predicts the senior analyst at NADA Used Car Guide. Jonathan Banks says prices of some pop… --- ## [2011 Subaru AC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2011-subaru-ac/64551)
**Author:** [@Addygirl](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Addygirl)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [July 28, 2011, 11:04pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2011-subaru-ac/64551 "2011-07-28T23:04:06Z")
I got a new 2011 Subaru Legacy a few months ago and now that the weather is starting to get warm again I am finding that the AC really sucks!! Even on the highest settings it doesn't get above a cool breeze in the car. I… --- ## [Ford rims that just cracked](https://community.cartalk.com/t/ford-rims-that-just-cracked/66623)
**Author:** [@eileen255](https://community.cartalk.com/u/eileen255)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [July 28, 2011, 5:47pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/ford-rims-that-just-cracked/66623 "2011-07-28T17:47:45Z")
My husband has a diesel 2005 F350 Harley-Davidson edition pickup. He has had to replace all the rims with a dealer- suggested less expensive type after replacing one of them to the tune of $1,400.00, and then another on… --- ## [Recommendation of a good window tinter in Cambridge, MA?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/recommendation-of-a-good-window-tinter-in-cambridge-ma/66653)
**Author:** [@TwoGrants](https://community.cartalk.com/u/TwoGrants)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [July 28, 2011, 3:33pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/recommendation-of-a-good-window-tinter-in-cambridge-ma/66653 "2011-07-28T15:33:48Z")
Our recent heatwave has me thinking I need to tint the windows of my Honda Fit. Has anyone have a good experience with someone in the Cambridge, MA area that they would recommend? Thank you! --- ## [Should I buy an Audi?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/should-i-buy-an-audi/51520)
**Author:** [@lmullineaux](https://community.cartalk.com/u/lmullineaux)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [July 28, 2011, 3:26pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/should-i-buy-an-audi/51520 "2011-07-28T15:26:52Z")
Daer Ray and Tom, I have always wanted to own an Audi but have been concerned about reliability. I currently drive a very reliable 2002 Honda CRV. It is comfortable and spacious, but it isn't a pretty car and the roa… --- ## [Ethanol Subsidy Lives On](https://community.cartalk.com/t/ethanol-subsidy-lives-on/65479)
**Author:** [@jtsanders](https://community.cartalk.com/u/jtsanders)\ **Replies:** 66\ **Last updated:** [July 28, 2011, 2:56pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/ethanol-subsidy-lives-on/65479 "2011-07-28T14:56:42Z")
... and you're gonna pay for it! $0.45 per gallon of ethanol used in gasoline, to be exact. There was a vote yesterday on an amendment introduced by Sens. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., and Tom Coburn, R-Okla. to eliminat… --- ## [Cigarette lighter to AC 3 prong plug converter?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/cigarette-lighter-to-ac-3-prong-plug-converter/66629)
**Author:** [@sue0gallo](https://community.cartalk.com/u/sue0gallo)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [July 28, 2011, 2:52am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/cigarette-lighter-to-ac-3-prong-plug-converter/66629 "2011-07-28T02:52:17Z")
I know nothing about electricity except that the car battery provides different power than the plugs in my house. I need to take a looooong car trip with my 4 year old and was wondering whether purchasing a general ciga… --- ## [Suggest an old car for me](https://community.cartalk.com/t/suggest-an-old-car-for-me/66618)
**Author:** [@yeti\_burglar](https://community.cartalk.com/u/yeti_burglar)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [July 27, 2011, 11:40pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/suggest-an-old-car-for-me/66618 "2011-07-27T23:40:49Z")
I've had trouble with my 2007 Ford Taurus. I have become fed up with the fact that modern cars have too much under the hood to go wrong which causes a diagnosis for somewhat vague problems nearly impossible. without ge… --- ## [2004 Acura MDX 100k miles; to tow a trailer or not?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2004-acura-mdx-100k-miles-to-tow-a-trailer-or-not/66607)
**Author:** [@marchioa](https://community.cartalk.com/u/marchioa)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [July 27, 2011, 4:59pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2004-acura-mdx-100k-miles-to-tow-a-trailer-or-not/66607 "2011-07-27T16:59:26Z")
We're relocating about 2,000 miles shortly. I'm contemplating towing a 6'x12' cargo trailer with the MDX. We have no problems now, but this trailer is 1,920 lbs empty and the MDX's towing limit is 4,500 lbs. I'm afrai… --- ## [Unauthorized drivers](https://community.cartalk.com/t/unauthorized-drivers/66450)
**Author:** [@jb295](https://community.cartalk.com/u/jb295)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [July 27, 2011, 8:22am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/unauthorized-drivers/66450 "2011-07-27T08:22:28Z")
looking for some ideas. I want to get my car painted at a local high school. Quality is good and prices are great. The problem is, the shop teacher lets the students drive the cars. I dont want high schoolers driving my … --- ## [Car Recommendations for Living on a Dirt Road and MN Winters](https://community.cartalk.com/t/car-recommendations-for-living-on-a-dirt-road-and-mn-winters/66539)
**Author:** [@cajoyce](https://community.cartalk.com/u/cajoyce)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [July 27, 2011, 4:01am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/car-recommendations-for-living-on-a-dirt-road-and-mn-winters/66539 "2011-07-27T04:01:18Z")
What cars can you recommend for living on a dirt road and Minnesota winters? In our current van, the doors won't work with the dirt & dust build-up. We opted for manual doors to avoid any malfunctions! My husband has … --- ## [Hill-holder](https://community.cartalk.com/t/hill-holder/66023)
**Author:** [@abxxx](https://community.cartalk.com/u/abxxx)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [July 27, 2011, 3:38am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/hill-holder/66023 "2011-07-27T03:38:40Z")
Can anyone tell me which cars today have a hill-holder (or automatic brake lock when you put your foot on the brake)? Thank you. abxxx --- ## [Where are cars coming off leases sold?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/where-are-cars-coming-off-leases-sold/66584)
**Author:** [@ellesbels](https://community.cartalk.com/u/ellesbels)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [July 27, 2011, 2:59am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/where-are-cars-coming-off-leases-sold/66584 "2011-07-27T02:59:41Z")
Several years ago, there was a website for cars for sale coming off BofA leases. There were huge lots of these vehicles and you could call and get a review done and buy the cars by phone. Then you had 3 days to change yo… --- ## [Air conditioning and starting a car](https://community.cartalk.com/t/air-conditioning-and-starting-a-car/66543)
**Author:** [@mgoede](https://community.cartalk.com/u/mgoede)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [July 27, 2011, 12:54am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/air-conditioning-and-starting-a-car/66543 "2011-07-27T00:54:06Z")
I heard somewhere that it is bad for the air conditioner to be on when turning on the car and that one should turn it off before starting it. Is this true? --- ## [Air condition not working](https://community.cartalk.com/t/air-condition-not-working/66528)
**Author:** [@sherri301](https://community.cartalk.com/u/sherri301)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [July 26, 2011, 11:11pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/air-condition-not-working/66528 "2011-07-26T23:11:36Z")
I have a 2006 Saturn Ion 3. The air conditioner had been less cold for about a week and yesterday it stopped working completely. I tried filling the Freon, but it was not low. What are some other causes? Thank you in … --- ## [Are Temp. Gauges Reliable?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/are-temp-gauges-reliable/66454)
**Author:** [@Ed\_Chambers](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Ed_Chambers)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [July 26, 2011, 10:15pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/are-temp-gauges-reliable/66454 "2011-07-26T22:15:01Z")
In the past dozen years or so, I've noticed that the coolant temperature gauge on cars I've owned (Honda, Acura, Mercedes) never varies, even slightly, once the engine is warmed up. This seems to be true even when condi… [Previous page](https://community.cartalk.com/c/general-discussion/8.md?page=384) [Next page](https://community.cartalk.com/c/general-discussion/8.md?page=386)