# General Discussion **URL:** https://community.cartalk.com/c/general-discussion/8.md?page=393 [Latest](https://community.cartalk.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://community.cartalk.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://community.cartalk.com/tags.md) **Page:** 394 --- ## [Smoothing inside of 1 1/4 in. Outback trailer hitch?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/smoothing-inside-of-1-1-4-in-outback-trailer-hitch/65180)
**Author:** [@mountainwalker](https://community.cartalk.com/u/mountainwalker)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [June 3, 2011, 1:42pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/smoothing-inside-of-1-1-4-in-outback-trailer-hitch/65180 "2011-06-03T13:42:50Z")
So I was installing a Thule Ridgeline 4-Bike Hitch Carrier on our 2003 VDC Outback H6 3L 1 1/4 in. hitch receiver ("Draw-Tite" brand that came with the car rated to 300 lbs) and couldn't slide the Thule Ridgeline Hitch f… --- ## [Help an archaeologist pick out a 4x4 suv](https://community.cartalk.com/t/help-an-archaeologist-pick-out-a-4x4-suv/65156)
**Author:** [@nyersa](https://community.cartalk.com/u/nyersa)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [June 3, 2011, 3:46am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/help-an-archaeologist-pick-out-a-4x4-suv/65156 "2011-06-03T03:46:47Z")
Hi there, I am looking for some advice on picking out an suv for my work in the field. I work in remote, hard to access locations (lots of desert work) with rough roads (think abandoned logging roads and worse) and I n… --- ## [During winter storage should the tires remain directly on the concrete or on a piece of wood?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/during-winter-storage-should-the-tires-remain-directly-on-the-concrete-or-on-a-piece-of-wood/65151)
**Author:** [@uppacker](https://community.cartalk.com/u/uppacker)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [June 2, 2011, 11:31pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/during-winter-storage-should-the-tires-remain-directly-on-the-concrete-or-on-a-piece-of-wood/65151 "2011-06-02T23:31:30Z")
When my friend, Jim, stores his vehicles for the winter he parks them so each tire is on a piece of plywood so the tires are not directly on the concrete. When I store my car for the winter I park so that the tires are … --- ## [Which wagon should I buy?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/which-wagon-should-i-buy/65146)
**Author:** [@switters](https://community.cartalk.com/u/switters)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [June 2, 2011, 2:58pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/which-wagon-should-i-buy/65146 "2011-06-02T14:58:46Z")
We've been happily driving a 1992 Honda Accord LX Wagon for 10 years (bought it used in 2002). It's finally dead. Time for a new wagon. Why a wagon? We need the cargo space, and my thought is something like a Subar… --- ## [2001 Subaru Outback Slimited Sedan](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2001-subaru-outback-slimited-sedan/65143)
**Author:** [@mvanwink](https://community.cartalk.com/u/mvanwink)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [June 2, 2011, 10:55am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2001-subaru-outback-slimited-sedan/65143 "2011-06-02T10:55:01Z")
I recently saw 2001 Subaru Outback Limited Sedan for sale. It has 211,000 miles on it, and costs $4440. The ad says everything works well. I know Subarus are good cars but is the mileage too high to bother buying? I don'… --- ## [How the Indy 500 changed the way we drive](https://community.cartalk.com/t/how-the-indy-500-changed-the-way-we-drive/65025)
**Author:** [@bscar](https://community.cartalk.com/u/bscar)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [June 2, 2011, 12:48am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/how-the-indy-500-changed-the-way-we-drive/65025 "2011-06-02T00:48:27Z")
http://www.popularmechanics.com/cars/news/15-ways-the-indy-500-changed-how-you-drive?src=rss&utm\_source=feedburner&utm\_medium=feed&utm\_campaign=Feed%3A+pm%2Fautomotive%2Fnew\_cars+%28Automotive%3A+New+Cars%2C+Trucks+%26+M… --- ## [Continue with an Aveo, or abandon (tiny) ship?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/continue-with-an-aveo-or-abandon-tiny-ship/58295)
**Author:** [@wmaki01](https://community.cartalk.com/u/wmaki01)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [June 1, 2011, 11:26pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/continue-with-an-aveo-or-abandon-tiny-ship/58295 "2011-06-01T23:26:36Z")
So, my wife and I are the proud owners of a 2005 Chevy Aveo with about 75,000 miles on it. It's paid off, and has been a decently reliable ride thus far. The issue is that the problems with this inexpensive little … --- ## [What's the word for...?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/whats-the-word-for/65036)
**Author:** [@oscarplato](https://community.cartalk.com/u/oscarplato)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [June 1, 2011, 11:22pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/whats-the-word-for/65036 "2011-06-01T23:22:25Z")
I'm betting that the car industry has a word for those chrome-outlined stabs of gold that were on the sides of cars in the fifties and sixties. On Impalas they looked like checkmarks. On the 1958 Ford Fairlane it was mor… --- ## [Lightning storms and car keys](https://community.cartalk.com/t/lightning-storms-and-car-keys/65021)
**Author:** [@Hotstuff](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Hotstuff)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [June 1, 2011, 10:10pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/lightning-storms-and-car-keys/65021 "2011-06-01T22:10:21Z")
We just went through a horrendously powerful lightning storm last night, probably 2 hours and very intense including a strike about a 1/2 mile away. Today my car keys (Toyota Corolla) won't work! Both sets. Plus my wife'… --- ## [What car to buy](https://community.cartalk.com/t/what-car-to-buy/65085)
**Author:** [@judy](https://community.cartalk.com/u/judy)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [June 1, 2011, 9:13pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/what-car-to-buy/65085 "2011-06-01T21:13:49Z")
I am looking for a new car. I currently drive a Honda Van and my last two cars have been Accords. I have bad knees and am tall so I am looking for a comfortable car where I can sit up high like I do in the van. A car tha… --- ## [Car MD](https://community.cartalk.com/t/car-md/65097)
**Author:** [@Mann](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Mann)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [June 1, 2011, 8:30pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/car-md/65097 "2011-06-01T20:30:44Z")
Has anyone purchased the diagnostic tool Car MD ? If so what are your thoughts positive or negative --- ## [Airbag warning light](https://community.cartalk.com/t/airbag-warning-light/65083)
**Author:** [@platypus](https://community.cartalk.com/u/platypus)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [June 1, 2011, 7:45pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/airbag-warning-light/65083 "2011-06-01T19:45:46Z")
I have a 2005 toyota corolla with 96,000 miles on it. Yesterday my airbag srs warning light came on. The manual says to drive it to a dealer. Can this wait a day or 2 to take to my mechanic? Does this mean the airbag wil… --- ## [Tires wearing out before time](https://community.cartalk.com/t/tires-wearing-out-before-time/64839)
**Author:** [@colombe44](https://community.cartalk.com/u/colombe44)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [June 1, 2011, 12:28pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/tires-wearing-out-before-time/64839 "2011-06-01T12:28:49Z")
Just had to have my Michelin 60K mile tires replaced after 33K miles. (205/65R15-94V) Alignment is fine, tires were rotated every 6K miles, even wear. My question is why? Could the fact that my car idles fast have anyth… --- ## [Can anyone in southern New Hampsire point me in the right direction?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/can-anyone-in-southern-new-hampsire-point-me-in-the-right-direction/65033)
**Author:** [@mak67](https://community.cartalk.com/u/mak67)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [May 31, 2011, 7:56pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/can-anyone-in-southern-new-hampsire-point-me-in-the-right-direction/65033 "2011-05-31T19:56:33Z")
I have always been interested in cars and car repair, and would like to expand my VERY limited knowledge by taking a few courses in the subject, like in an evening adult education program. Does anyone know if there is a … --- ## [Checking out a used car](https://community.cartalk.com/t/checking-out-a-used-car/65081)
**Author:** [@driver001](https://community.cartalk.com/u/driver001)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [May 31, 2011, 6:52pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/checking-out-a-used-car/65081 "2011-05-31T18:52:48Z")
It is certainly good advice to have a mechanic "check out" a used car before you buy it. But what should he actually do? He can take the wheels off and look at the brakes, he can inspect the shocks, tires and muffler, bu… --- ## [Backing out on a car deal](https://community.cartalk.com/t/backing-out-on-a-car-deal/64901)
**Author:** [@am0316](https://community.cartalk.com/u/am0316)\ **Replies:** 40\ **Last updated:** [May 31, 2011, 5:52pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/backing-out-on-a-car-deal/64901 "2011-05-31T17:52:20Z")
If I purchased a used car from a dealership in Texas on Saturday evening, I paid cash, did not take possession of the car I am supposed to get it on Tuesday, but now I need to back out of the deal do I have any way to do… --- ## [Reset check engine light on 2002 Passat](https://community.cartalk.com/t/reset-check-engine-light-on-2002-passat/65058)
**Author:** [@lynmckie](https://community.cartalk.com/u/lynmckie)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [May 31, 2011, 2:54pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/reset-check-engine-light-on-2002-passat/65058 "2011-05-31T14:54:30Z")
I have a 2002 Passat and was wondering if someone can tell me how to reset my check engine light. I need to get it inspected and it won't pass inspection until the check engine light is not on. Last year I took it to a… --- ## [Car suggestions- Please](https://community.cartalk.com/t/car-suggestions-please/65077)
**Author:** [@AmyP](https://community.cartalk.com/u/AmyP)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [May 31, 2011, 1:37am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/car-suggestions-please/65077 "2011-05-31T01:37:53Z")
I work in sales, travel about 200-300 miles/day, 5 days a week. Currently driving a 2003 Acura TLs with about 225K on it, in good working order, but know it is time to start looking for replacement and am looking for s… --- ## [A truly freakish accident](https://community.cartalk.com/t/a-truly-freakish-accident/64965)
**Author:** [@VDCdriver](https://community.cartalk.com/u/VDCdriver)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [May 30, 2011, 8:17pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/a-truly-freakish-accident/64965 "2011-05-30T20:17:23Z")
This is something that I could never have imagined, but as the old saying goes, "Truth can be stranger than fiction": http://www.mycentraljersey.com/article/20110525/NJNEWS10/305250023/Hunterdon-driver-struck-by-brake-… --- ## [Ford key panel code](https://community.cartalk.com/t/ford-key-panel-code/65069)
**Author:** [@Edpowers](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Edpowers)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [May 30, 2011, 1:41am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/ford-key-panel-code/65069 "2011-05-30T01:41:55Z")
I'm certain my 2006 Ford Freestyle has been entered - twice - with no damage - I know the doors were locked - once about a year ago my Garmin was taken. This weekend I opened the doors with the fob and found our two fla… --- ## [2007 Escape Hybrid](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2007-escape-hybrid/65060)
**Author:** [@kayaker2](https://community.cartalk.com/u/kayaker2)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [May 29, 2011, 8:15pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2007-escape-hybrid/65060 "2011-05-29T20:15:06Z")
Bought car...drove about 100 miles. Shut if off and then it would not start. Three ford dealerships later..same problem. When it wont start, it doesn't do anything..no sound, no whirl. You can let it sit for awhile an… --- ## [About the Gal with the jeep on Sat's May 29th show. Who replaced the TPS a couple of times?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/about-the-gal-with-the-jeep-on-sats-may-29th-show-who-replaced-the-tps-a-couple-of-times/65053)
**Author:** [@binkman](https://community.cartalk.com/u/binkman)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [May 29, 2011, 4:35pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/about-the-gal-with-the-jeep-on-sats-may-29th-show-who-replaced-the-tps-a-couple-of-times/65053 "2011-05-29T16:35:53Z")
I have a 91' with the same layout. I replaced the TPS twice. One was defective the other was a pain in the butt to figure out but I did get a good lead on how they work. For one thing these sensors are made of plastic… --- ## [Any advice for me? I need a car!](https://community.cartalk.com/t/any-advice-for-me-i-need-a-car/64969)
**Author:** [@Honey](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Honey)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [May 29, 2011, 11:33am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/any-advice-for-me-i-need-a-car/64969 "2011-05-29T11:33:06Z")
Does anyone have any suggestions for me? I have to replace my 1997 Camry (totaled in a crash) and the insurance co. will give me only $3000. Can I find a good used car for this amount? I'm an older wo… --- ## [I just want car that fits...help!](https://community.cartalk.com/t/i-just-want-car-that-fits-help/65007)
**Author:** [@kazootie](https://community.cartalk.com/u/kazootie)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [May 29, 2011, 3:19am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/i-just-want-car-that-fits-help/65007 "2011-05-29T03:19:47Z")
I sat in 8-10-12 new cars the other day. None fits! All I want is to extend my legs and still be able to reach the steering wheel --but all of the cockpits I tried out would not allow that. Often the driver's seat wou… --- ## [Give us your feedback on user rankings!](https://community.cartalk.com/t/give-us-your-feedback-on-user-rankings/64554)
**Author:** [@cdaquila](https://community.cartalk.com/u/cdaquila)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [May 29, 2011, 1:44am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/give-us-your-feedback-on-user-rankings/64554 "2011-05-29T01:44:53Z")
Hi everyone, A question for all of you. I have seen some discussion about the issue in another thread, but I think it warrants some feedback. We think it's important to recognize our top posters, but the question is ho… --- ## [Need VERY short-term basic auto liability policy](https://community.cartalk.com/t/need-very-short-term-basic-auto-liability-policy/64801)
**Author:** [@disturbing\_the\_peace](https://community.cartalk.com/u/disturbing_the_peace)\ **Replies:** 45\ **Last updated:** [May 28, 2011, 3:40pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/need-very-short-term-basic-auto-liability-policy/64801 "2011-05-28T15:40:35Z")
I won an Acadia Denali and am selling to the dealer. The car-giving people insist that the car be registered (they're covering the costs) which requires me to have insurance for the few minutes or hour I'll have title. … --- ## [Safe Cars for Short Daughter?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/safe-cars-for-short-daughter/64981)
**Author:** [@LynnC](https://community.cartalk.com/u/LynnC)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [May 28, 2011, 2:58pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/safe-cars-for-short-daughter/64981 "2011-05-28T14:58:30Z")
My 16 year old is 4'10 and just passed her drivers test. I'm looking for recommendations for a car with an emphasis on safety because she sits about half a foot from the steering wheel! Any thoughts on what might fit … --- ## [How to buy a new (used) car](https://community.cartalk.com/t/how-to-buy-a-new-used-car/65020)
**Author:** [@thardwick](https://community.cartalk.com/u/thardwick)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [May 28, 2011, 2:37pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/how-to-buy-a-new-used-car/65020 "2011-05-28T14:37:23Z")
I am thinking of getting a new car (have my eye on a used Honda Odessy), but have never bought a car before. Any tips on how to buy a car/negotiate a price? --- ## [Acura advertising](https://community.cartalk.com/t/acura-advertising/65005)
**Author:** [@rowensby3](https://community.cartalk.com/u/rowensby3)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [May 28, 2011, 1:31am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/acura-advertising/65005 "2011-05-28T01:31:46Z")
With all of the talk of distracted driving, what about aggressive driving? I commute 75 miles / day in the Chicago area and I am amazed at the reckless moves by some drivers. Contributing to this problem, Acura has even … --- ## [Replacing 1990 Eagle Talon with 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse GT, 2001 Toyota Celica GT-S?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/replacing-1990-eagle-talon-with-2001-mitsubishi-eclipse-gt-2001-toyota-celica-gt-s/65016)
**Author:** [@ligallagher](https://community.cartalk.com/u/ligallagher)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [May 27, 2011, 11:37pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/replacing-1990-eagle-talon-with-2001-mitsubishi-eclipse-gt-2001-toyota-celica-gt-s/65016 "2011-05-27T23:37:56Z")
My 1990 Eagle Talon (love of my life) got rear-ended on the inner-state by a double semi-truck. The driver was doing his paperwork. I'm looking to replace it after much agony over maybe repairing Eagle. Just wanted som… [Previous page](https://community.cartalk.com/c/general-discussion/8.md?page=392) [Next page](https://community.cartalk.com/c/general-discussion/8.md?page=394)