# General Discussion **URL:** https://community.cartalk.com/c/general-discussion/8.md?page=390 [Latest](https://community.cartalk.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://community.cartalk.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://community.cartalk.com/tags.md) **Page:** 391 --- ## [NEED PROFESSIONAL HELP! should I buy a used 2000 VW beetle?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/need-professional-help-should-i-buy-a-used-2000-vw-beetle/65723)
**Author:** [@JennyO](https://community.cartalk.com/u/JennyO)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [June 26, 2011, 11:55pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/need-professional-help-should-i-buy-a-used-2000-vw-beetle/65723 "2011-06-26T23:55:04Z")
I am considering buying a used 2000 VW new beetle (88k miles, $3200) not the turbo, or the convertible. The seller says that the head gasket has just been replaced, and that the mechanic said the engine will make the kno… --- ## [Jeep Grand Cherokee help!](https://community.cartalk.com/t/jeep-grand-cherokee-help/65751)
**Author:** [@woofwoof11](https://community.cartalk.com/u/woofwoof11)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [June 26, 2011, 11:27pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/jeep-grand-cherokee-help/65751 "2011-06-26T23:27:37Z")
My 2002 jeep grand Cherokee Laredo 4x4 is shifting hard from first to second. It has 120,000 miles on it. Should I do a filter and fluid change or just work with the bands?? Any suggestions would be grand!!! --- ## [Auto safety](https://community.cartalk.com/t/auto-safety/65671)
**Author:** [@Jim209](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Jim209)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [June 26, 2011, 7:20pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/auto-safety/65671 "2011-06-26T19:20:45Z")
Need help in finding THE safest auto for transporting grandchildren \[ 1& 4\] in car seats. Presently using Grd. Cherokee 2001 which is subject of recent requests for recall due to gas tank fires caused by rear end collisi… --- ## [2001 VW Passat Wagon Question regarding a smell](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2001-vw-passat-wagon-question-regarding-a-smell/65728)
**Author:** [@Boris](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Boris)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [June 26, 2011, 3:08pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2001-vw-passat-wagon-question-regarding-a-smell/65728 "2011-06-26T15:08:48Z")
When I drive, every once in a while, I get a smell like burning rubber that last for about 2 minutes and goes away....what's the symptom? Is my exhaust system starting to go? Many thanks! --- ## [Duramax Question](https://community.cartalk.com/t/duramax-question/65685)
**Author:** [@mkehler](https://community.cartalk.com/u/mkehler)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [June 26, 2011, 1:28am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/duramax-question/65685 "2011-06-26T01:28:08Z")
I have a 2001 Duramax with 78K miles all stock, would like to know if anyone could recommend the best cold air intake, tuner programmer and exhaust cat back or turbo back. I would like to get better fuel mileage and pow… --- ## [GMC shift lever movement](https://community.cartalk.com/t/gmc-shift-lever-movement/65704)
**Author:** [@pweslay](https://community.cartalk.com/u/pweslay)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [June 25, 2011, 7:30pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/gmc-shift-lever-movement/65704 "2011-06-25T19:30:36Z")
I have a 99' GMC 1500 Sierra SLT w/5.3 Vortec V-8 w/460,000 miles (yup !!) I bought the p/u w/59,000 miles, and the gear-selection lever on the column has always been hard to move when selecting gears. Does anyone out t… --- ## [New car break-in](https://community.cartalk.com/t/new-car-break-in/65589)
**Author:** [@jqjetta](https://community.cartalk.com/u/jqjetta)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [June 25, 2011, 1:50pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/new-car-break-in/65589 "2011-06-25T13:50:02Z")
Due to a ton of scheduling problems, delivery dates, etc, I'm picking up a new VW Jetta sportswagen TDI 6 speed just two days before a big road-trip (Maryland to St. Louis to Kansas City to Minneapolis to Scranton PA and… --- ## [I can not believe all of the Toyota apologists!](https://community.cartalk.com/t/i-can-not-believe-all-of-the-toyota-apologists/43696)
**Author:** [@AL5000](https://community.cartalk.com/u/AL5000)\ **Replies:** 57\ **Last updated:** [June 25, 2011, 2:32am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/i-can-not-believe-all-of-the-toyota-apologists/43696 "2011-06-25T02:32:19Z")
Come on people. How can anyone defend Toyota, claiming they acted quickly and with great concern for th eir customers? This whole thing has been a whitewash. 2 days ago tehey did not know what was causing the problem… --- ## [Car brake warning light](https://community.cartalk.com/t/car-brake-warning-light/65681)
**Author:** [@mwkarrick](https://community.cartalk.com/u/mwkarrick)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [June 25, 2011, 2:32am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/car-brake-warning-light/65681 "2011-06-25T02:32:00Z")
I have a 2001 Saturn l200. About a week ago, my brake warning light came on. So I check the brake fluid and it was fine. The car still stops fine when I come to a stop. --- ## [Do I have legal standing on repair at local Toyota dealer?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/do-i-have-legal-standing-on-repair-at-local-toyota-dealer/65613)
**Author:** [@jjgs262](https://community.cartalk.com/u/jjgs262)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [June 25, 2011, 1:47am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/do-i-have-legal-standing-on-repair-at-local-toyota-dealer/65613 "2011-06-25T01:47:10Z")
I would like ask the public if there is any legal standing on car repair which was outright fraud - in my opinion. A friend of my wife has 92 Toyota Avalon with 230K miles. She went to local Toyota dealer because of o… --- ## [FYI - you can still buy a dwell/tachometer but it isn't easy](https://community.cartalk.com/t/fyi-you-can-still-buy-a-dwell-tachometer-but-it-isnt-easy/65668)
**Author:** [@UncleTurbo](https://community.cartalk.com/u/UncleTurbo)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [June 25, 2011, 1:31am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/fyi-you-can-still-buy-a-dwell-tachometer-but-it-isnt-easy/65668 "2011-06-25T01:31:55Z")
My old dwell meter and tach fell apart years ago and with modern electronic controls on today's cars I had no need to replace it. A few years ago I replaced the Holley 4 bbl carb on my ski boat. I just couldn't get it … --- ## [Which car mag subscription should I gift?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/which-car-mag-subscription-should-i-gift/65566)
**Author:** [@aliwat](https://community.cartalk.com/u/aliwat)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [June 24, 2011, 10:57pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/which-car-mag-subscription-should-i-gift/65566 "2011-06-24T22:57:30Z")
Hi, everybody. I'm trying to figure out which car magazine subscription I should gift to my significant other, whose birthday is next month. He likes to read occasional car mags if he's waiting at the library or in the… --- ## [Curious about Tachometer Indicator and Horse Power](https://community.cartalk.com/t/curious-about-tachometer-indicator-and-horse-power/65598)
**Author:** [@somenamehere](https://community.cartalk.com/u/somenamehere)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [June 24, 2011, 10:03pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/curious-about-tachometer-indicator-and-horse-power/65598 "2011-06-24T22:03:36Z")
Hello all: I am trying to understand the relationship between RPM and Horse Power (HP). In my '97 Lexus ES 300 (200 HP), while going at 70 my RPM showed 29/3000. On my '04 Acura MDX (265 HP), while going at 70 my RPM s… --- ## [Restoring 66 Mustang from Barn - To Bug Bomb or Not to Bug Bomb - that is my question](https://community.cartalk.com/t/restoring-66-mustang-from-barn-to-bug-bomb-or-not-to-bug-bomb-that-is-my-question/65588)
**Author:** [@Frustrated\_with\_GM](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Frustrated_with_GM)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [June 24, 2011, 9:40pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/restoring-66-mustang-from-barn-to-bug-bomb-or-not-to-bug-bomb-that-is-my-question/65588 "2011-06-24T21:40:23Z")
My 1966 Mustang Convertable has been sitting in a Barn for the last 10 years. I now have some money saved to get it running again and put on a new top as the old one was in shreds. This Barn has Black Widow Spiders in… --- ## [Rear ended Airbags not deployed in car that caused accident](https://community.cartalk.com/t/rear-ended-airbags-not-deployed-in-car-that-caused-accident/65629)
**Author:** [@sccubsfan](https://community.cartalk.com/u/sccubsfan)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [June 24, 2011, 5:16pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/rear-ended-airbags-not-deployed-in-car-that-caused-accident/65629 "2011-06-24T17:16:28Z")
We drive a 2008 Equinox and were rear end by a 2002 PT cruiser, damage to our car is considerable (bumper, lift gate, spoiler, muffler, and possible frame damage). the PT cruiser was worse, The wife was amazed that the P… --- ## [Fuel Efficiency in an Autoamtic vs Manual](https://community.cartalk.com/t/fuel-efficiency-in-an-autoamtic-vs-manual/65575)
**Author:** [@mrpolecat](https://community.cartalk.com/u/mrpolecat)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [June 24, 2011, 12:16pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/fuel-efficiency-in-an-autoamtic-vs-manual/65575 "2011-06-24T12:16:27Z")
I recently purchased my first automatic after driving stick for 20 some years. I always shifted into neutral when going down hills and drifting to a stop to reduce drag and increase efficiency. Is this safe to do in an… --- ## [Using cruise control 24/7](https://community.cartalk.com/t/using-cruise-control-24-7/65578)
**Author:** [@koz](https://community.cartalk.com/u/koz)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [June 23, 2011, 7:16pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/using-cruise-control-24-7/65578 "2011-06-23T19:16:58Z")
We just got a new car and my husband isn't used to the speed and power - he's worried about driving too fast and getting a ticket (which he's never had), so he uses the cruise control almost everywhere - even side street… --- ## [Automatic Transmission Fluid for 2002 VW Beetle 2.0L 4 Speed Automatic](https://community.cartalk.com/t/automatic-transmission-fluid-for-2002-vw-beetle-2-0l-4-speed-automatic/65630)
**Author:** [@bobbyg](https://community.cartalk.com/u/bobbyg)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [June 22, 2011, 7:07pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/automatic-transmission-fluid-for-2002-vw-beetle-2-0l-4-speed-automatic/65630 "2011-06-22T19:07:46Z")
What kind of transmission fluid does my 2002 VW Beetle 2.0L 4 speed automatic use? Thanks in advance. bobbyg --- ## [Short-term car insurance for out-of-state car purchase](https://community.cartalk.com/t/short-term-car-insurance-for-out-of-state-car-purchase/65595)
**Author:** [@rear\_wheel\_drive](https://community.cartalk.com/u/rear_wheel_drive)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [June 22, 2011, 12:26pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/short-term-car-insurance-for-out-of-state-car-purchase/65595 "2011-06-22T12:26:00Z")
I'm considering buying a gently used car from out-of-state. Is it possible to purchase 1-3 day short-term car insurance for the purpose of driving it back? If so, who are some providers? Thanks --- ## [Transmission](https://community.cartalk.com/t/transmission/65623)
**Author:** [@nickr1932](https://community.cartalk.com/u/nickr1932)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [June 22, 2011, 12:18pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/transmission/65623 "2011-06-22T12:18:44Z")
96 Eldorado Code 502( speed sensor fault ) Speedometer not working and vehicle running in low range. I replaced the speed sensor on the right side transaxil. No change, what else can I try? --- ## [Recent Discussions issue](https://community.cartalk.com/t/recent-discussions-issue/65612)
**Author:** [@shadowfax](https://community.cartalk.com/u/shadowfax)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [June 22, 2011, 12:37am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/recent-discussions-issue/65612 "2011-06-22T00:37:48Z")
We used to be able to see multiple pages of recent discussion topics. Now the page option seems to have disappeared. Was this intentional? --- ## [Which one would you buy?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/which-one-would-you-buy/65580)
**Author:** [@dwagnfly](https://community.cartalk.com/u/dwagnfly)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [June 21, 2011, 4:58pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/which-one-would-you-buy/65580 "2011-06-21T16:58:17Z")
My daughter has narrowed her choice of cars (to purchase) down to a 2000 Ford Escort ZX2 (2dr) with 90,000 miles which has had the engine replaced for $2000. And a 2002 Nissan Maxima with 150,000 miles, a salvage title a… --- ## [Vehicle stability assist on 2011 honda](https://community.cartalk.com/t/vehicle-stability-assist-on-2011-honda/65529)
**Author:** [@jake](https://community.cartalk.com/u/jake)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [June 21, 2011, 3:37am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/vehicle-stability-assist-on-2011-honda/65529 "2011-06-21T03:37:28Z")
On my wifes Honda CRV she has noticed better fuel mileage when the VSA is disabled. The book says not to drive it in this mode but with $4.00 gas she prefers to save $$$$$. Why didn't they engineer this feature to be use… --- ## [New car dilemma](https://community.cartalk.com/t/new-car-dilemma/65443)
**Author:** [@GIFFORD](https://community.cartalk.com/u/GIFFORD)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [June 21, 2011, 2:26am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/new-car-dilemma/65443 "2011-06-21T02:26:58Z")
I just purchased an '11 Rogue. I love the car. I spend 4 hours a day behind the wheel for work and purchased this car to replace my '04 Element with 176K. The Honda runs great and always has. My wife has taken on the Ele… --- ## [What would cause a driver side window to break when closing the door?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/what-would-cause-a-driver-side-window-to-break-when-closing-the-door/65533)
**Author:** [@sbrecker](https://community.cartalk.com/u/sbrecker)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [June 20, 2011, 7:56pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/what-would-cause-a-driver-side-window-to-break-when-closing-the-door/65533 "2011-06-20T19:56:38Z")
I have a 2000 Chrysler 300M. Recently I got in the car and shut the door normally, not a hard slam or anything, and the driver side window just shattered to pieces. After having the glass replaced I had my mechanic che… --- ## [What do we take on the road trip? VW GTI vs. Hyundai Elantra](https://community.cartalk.com/t/what-do-we-take-on-the-road-trip-vw-gti-vs-hyundai-elantra/65448)
**Author:** [@skl0317](https://community.cartalk.com/u/skl0317)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [June 20, 2011, 1:53pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/what-do-we-take-on-the-road-trip-vw-gti-vs-hyundai-elantra/65448 "2011-06-20T13:53:15Z")
My sister and I are going camping in Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons, driving from Chicago. We are having an argument as to the best car for the trip. Here are the options: '07 Hyundai Elantra with 65K miles. Automati… --- ## [A few ? on winding up selling the Denali I won](https://community.cartalk.com/t/a-few-on-winding-up-selling-the-denali-i-won/65238)
**Author:** [@disturbing\_the\_peace](https://community.cartalk.com/u/disturbing_the_peace)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [June 19, 2011, 8:58pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/a-few-on-winding-up-selling-the-denali-i-won/65238 "2011-06-19T20:58:02Z")
'Tis I again, Czarina and gentlemen. I'm going to the dealer who has the car this week to do whatever paperwork. My buying dealer will pick up from there the next day to transport to his own premises. Please recall th… --- ## [San Francisco -- buying simple used car for 1 year](https://community.cartalk.com/t/san-francisco-buying-simple-used-car-for-1-year/65561)
**Author:** [@fij](https://community.cartalk.com/u/fij)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [June 19, 2011, 8:16pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/san-francisco-buying-simple-used-car-for-1-year/65561 "2011-06-19T20:16:23Z")
Hi, We (my wife, our 15m daughter and me) will live in San Francisco for a year. I will work and my wife will be at home with our daughter. All we need is a car (with 4+1 wheels) that does not need repair, can be used … --- ## [Becca's dad's 18 mpg on a Datsun?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/beccas-dads-18-mpg-on-a-datsun/65532)
**Author:** [@RickEvans033050](https://community.cartalk.com/u/RickEvans033050)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [June 19, 2011, 6:43pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/beccas-dads-18-mpg-on-a-datsun/65532 "2011-06-19T18:43:52Z")
What kind of a Datsun was he driving? Or Becca's dad a lead foot. After suffering 12 mpg for five years with my dumb first car purchase, a 1971 Ford Maverick V8m I wised up and bought a 1977 Datsun B210. It's 32 mpg fue… --- ## [Windows up or Windows down?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/windows-up-or-windows-down/65449)
**Author:** [@nwquiz](https://community.cartalk.com/u/nwquiz)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [June 19, 2011, 6:40pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/windows-up-or-windows-down/65449 "2011-06-19T18:40:19Z")
ok i always thought windows up with A/C on was better than windows down. The guys at mythbusters have said they have busted this myth watch this http://www.bing.com/videos/watch/video/a-c-vs-windows-minimyth/p0kq7cu I… [Previous page](https://community.cartalk.com/c/general-discussion/8.md?page=389) [Next page](https://community.cartalk.com/c/general-discussion/8.md?page=391)