# General Discussion

**URL:** https://community.cartalk.com/c/general-discussion/8.md?page=397

[Latest](https://community.cartalk.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://community.cartalk.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://community.cartalk.com/tags.md)

**Page:** 398

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## [Shifting gears with automatic transmission](https://community.cartalk.com/t/shifting-gears-with-automatic-transmission/64399)

<div class="topic-metadata">

**Author:** [@lek](https://community.cartalk.com/u/lek)\
**Replies:** 11\
**Last updated:** [May 8, 2011, 11:35pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/shifting-gears-with-automatic-transmission/64399 "2011-05-08T23:35:41Z")

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I have driven a manual for 35 years. I'm looking for a replacement car and there are mostly auto trans car for sale. Can I drive an automatic transmission like a manual and not damage the thing?

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## [Savage Car Talk](https://community.cartalk.com/t/savage-car-talk/64444)

<div class="topic-metadata">

**Author:** [@savagecartalk](https://community.cartalk.com/u/savagecartalk)\
**Replies:** 5\
**Last updated:** [May 8, 2011, 1:52pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/savage-car-talk/64444 "2011-05-08T13:52:39Z")

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Has anyone on this forum checked out Savagecartalk.tumblr.com? It's a super funny mash up of Tom and Ray answering callers to the Dan Savage Podcast.

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## [Used car w/ rebuilt title - it's been in an accident - is it OK?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/used-car-w-rebuilt-title-its-been-in-an-accident-is-it-ok/63998)

<div class="topic-metadata">

**Author:** [@Karin123](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Karin123)\
**Replies:** 10\
**Last updated:** [May 8, 2011, 4:54am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/used-car-w-rebuilt-title-its-been-in-an-accident-is-it-ok/63998 "2011-05-08T04:54:48Z")

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I am looking for a used car and most I am finding have "rebuilt titles." They been in some type of accident and repaired. I've asked about the type of accident and the damage on both cars does not sound like it involved …

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## [Cars with aluminum/carbon fiber or other non rusting bodies](https://community.cartalk.com/t/cars-with-aluminum-carbon-fiber-or-other-non-rusting-bodies/48594)

<div class="topic-metadata">

**Author:** [@lothaine](https://community.cartalk.com/u/lothaine)\
**Replies:** 57\
**Last updated:** [May 8, 2011, 3:52am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/cars-with-aluminum-carbon-fiber-or-other-non-rusting-bodies/48594 "2011-05-08T03:52:09Z")

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Hi, Does anybody know what consumer grade cars are made with aluminum frames and carbon fiber (or fiberglass) bodies? The only one I know of is the Lotus Elise. Thanks, Bobby

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## [Interior mold ordor](https://community.cartalk.com/t/interior-mold-ordor/58413)

<div class="topic-metadata">

**Author:** [@mghess](https://community.cartalk.com/u/mghess)\
**Replies:** 5\
**Last updated:** [May 7, 2011, 6:21pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/interior-mold-ordor/58413 "2011-05-07T18:21:24Z")

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I have a 2004 Dodge Dakota I bought used. Every time I turn the heater / defroster on I smell a mold odor. I am very alergic to mold and develope a nasty sinus headache and runny nose very quickly. Question: is thei…

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## [Later Model Buick Roadmaster](https://community.cartalk.com/t/later-model-buick-roadmaster/64433)

<div class="topic-metadata">

**Author:** [@markthecarp](https://community.cartalk.com/u/markthecarp)\
**Replies:** 10\
**Last updated:** [May 7, 2011, 5:56pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/later-model-buick-roadmaster/64433 "2011-05-07T17:56:45Z")

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Yesterday I saw a later model (probably) 'full-sized' car with a logo on the trunk that said "Roadmaster". I wonder what it was. It could have been anything made from the 70's on. It was clean (obviously garaged) b…

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## [Modified Wiper Sizes](https://community.cartalk.com/t/modified-wiper-sizes/64415)

<div class="topic-metadata">

**Author:** [@mb5191](https://community.cartalk.com/u/mb5191)\
**Replies:** 6\
**Last updated:** [May 6, 2011, 7:55pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/modified-wiper-sizes/64415 "2011-05-06T19:55:31Z")

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So, for whatever reason, I've been thinking a lot about wipers. Just today, I thought: What would happen if I put larger blades on my car to increase the wipers' surface area? So I stole the drivers side blade from our 2…

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## [Birds Love my Car](https://community.cartalk.com/t/birds-love-my-car/64327)

<div class="topic-metadata">

**Author:** [@Charl](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Charl)\
**Replies:** 6\
**Last updated:** [May 6, 2011, 7:28pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/birds-love-my-car/64327 "2011-05-06T19:28:03Z")

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We have a cardinal which is making its way from our Maxima to our Honda Civic to our RV and then to our Suzuki - Didn't know one bird could have so much poop. I think it may be a couple - one male and one female - they …

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## [Why don't hatchbacks have clam shell openings like in the old days?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/why-dont-hatchbacks-have-clam-shell-openings-like-in-the-old-days/64377)

<div class="topic-metadata">

**Author:** [@skrome](https://community.cartalk.com/u/skrome)\
**Replies:** 23\
**Last updated:** [May 6, 2011, 12:57am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/why-dont-hatchbacks-have-clam-shell-openings-like-in-the-old-days/64377 "2011-05-06T00:57:45Z")

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I know the honda element has one but are there any others? They are so convenient to haul long items.

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## [Buying a used fuel effiecent car](https://community.cartalk.com/t/buying-a-used-fuel-effiecent-car/64182)

<div class="topic-metadata">

**Author:** [@barnandshed](https://community.cartalk.com/u/barnandshed)\
**Replies:** 19\
**Last updated:** [May 6, 2011, 12:44am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/buying-a-used-fuel-effiecent-car/64182 "2011-05-06T00:44:40Z")

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I define cheap. A new car to me has a 100,000 miles. Usually i buy cars like a buick witht the 3800 engine. Are smaller cars built to take high miles? Which ones would be the best. Ford Focus, Chevy Prizm, Toyota etc. or…

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## [One down, a few hundred more to go](https://community.cartalk.com/t/one-down-a-few-hundred-more-to-go/31323)

<div class="topic-metadata">

**Author:** [@VDCdriver](https://community.cartalk.com/u/VDCdriver)\
**Replies:** 21\
**Last updated:** [May 4, 2011, 4:20pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/one-down-a-few-hundred-more-to-go/31323 "2011-05-04T16:20:30Z")

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It appears that the Federal Trade Commission has put the maker of the "Hydro-Assist Fuel Cell" out of business, so at least one of the hucksters out there will be stopped from cheating the gullible. Take a look at…

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## [Which car to sell - '96 Subaru Impreza or '98 Volvo S70](https://community.cartalk.com/t/which-car-to-sell-96-subaru-impreza-or-98-volvo-s70/64354)

<div class="topic-metadata">

**Author:** [@bnewton](https://community.cartalk.com/u/bnewton)\
**Replies:** 5\
**Last updated:** [May 4, 2011, 3:28pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/which-car-to-sell-96-subaru-impreza-or-98-volvo-s70/64354 "2011-05-04T15:28:01Z")

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We barely need one car let alone two, so we're downsizing: Volvo has around 150,000 miles, way better shape cosmetically, more spacious interior. Subaru has around 120,000, lots of dents and scratches. But, AWD and a 5…

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## [What color am I](https://community.cartalk.com/t/what-color-am-i/64349)

<div class="topic-metadata">

**Author:** [@bugger1965](https://community.cartalk.com/u/bugger1965)\
**Replies:** 5\
**Last updated:** [May 4, 2011, 2:51am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/what-color-am-i/64349 "2011-05-04T02:51:33Z")

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I bought a 1965 VW bug to restore. It was painted a beautiful blue color by a previous owner. Everyone loves the color as do I. Someone once mentioned that it was the color used for 1968 Chevy Malibu. any ideas how I can…

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## [Miss the "stars"](https://community.cartalk.com/t/miss-the-stars/64346)

<div class="topic-metadata">

**Author:** [@UncleTurbo](https://community.cartalk.com/u/UncleTurbo)\
**Replies:** 5\
**Last updated:** [May 4, 2011, 12:24am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/miss-the-stars/64346 "2011-05-04T00:24:00Z")

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A feature of the old format was "stars" that could rate the comments. Miss that feature on the new format, or if it exists can't find out how to use it.

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## [Store my 2010 Honda CRV or ship across the country?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/store-my-2010-honda-crv-or-ship-across-the-country/64358)

<div class="topic-metadata">

**Author:** [@ELM5](https://community.cartalk.com/u/ELM5)\
**Replies:** 4\
**Last updated:** [May 3, 2011, 9:47pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/store-my-2010-honda-crv-or-ship-across-the-country/64358 "2011-05-03T21:47:02Z")

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My husband is deploying to Afghanistan in September. We are currently stationed in California, but all of my family is from the east coast so I'll be moving back when he deploys. I won't need a car (I'll be living in the…

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## [Buying a car with no credit advice](https://community.cartalk.com/t/buying-a-car-with-no-credit-advice/64115)

<div class="topic-metadata">

**Author:** [@pshelbyy](https://community.cartalk.com/u/pshelbyy)\
**Replies:** 18\
**Last updated:** [May 3, 2011, 7:12pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/buying-a-car-with-no-credit-advice/64115 "2011-05-03T19:12:04Z")

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Hi, so im only 19 and in need of a car. i want to buy a used car around 6 or 7 thousand. i do not have credit or anyone to cosign.. i was wondering if i would have any chance of buying a car of that price if i put a down…

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## [What should I offer for this car?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/what-should-i-offer-for-this-car/64244)

<div class="topic-metadata">

**Author:** [@carnovicerm](https://community.cartalk.com/u/carnovicerm)\
**Replies:** 7\
**Last updated:** [May 3, 2011, 5:59pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/what-should-i-offer-for-this-car/64244 "2011-05-03T17:59:01Z")

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I'm interested in buying a 2004 Mazda 3 with 76000 miles on it. I test drove it, liked it, and now want to put an offer together. The car is listed for $9983. I've checked NADA, Edmunds, KBB and they're all over t…

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## [Another "what should I buy" question:)](https://community.cartalk.com/t/another-what-should-i-buy-question/64270)

<div class="topic-metadata">

**Author:** [@carbass123](https://community.cartalk.com/u/carbass123)\
**Replies:** 12\
**Last updated:** [May 3, 2011, 5:49pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/another-what-should-i-buy-question/64270 "2011-05-03T17:49:32Z")

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I had 2001 Volvo S80 until a year ago that I loved, but alas things were starting to go wrong, it was cosmetically getting a little long-in-the-tooth, and the zinger was the transmission went, which would have cost in th…

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## [Couple suggestions](https://community.cartalk.com/t/couple-suggestions/64332)

<div class="topic-metadata">

**Author:** [@bscar](https://community.cartalk.com/u/bscar)\
**Replies:** 0\
**Last updated:** [May 3, 2011, 12:12am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/couple-suggestions/64332 "2011-05-03T00:12:16Z")

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I've already mentioned the "View new posts" and "mark forums read" buttons in a couple other threads. I've found the "flag post/user" button is missing; so we can report spammers or bad posts. A "Quote" button next to a …

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## [Car Talk Community Read Only for Housekeeping](https://community.cartalk.com/t/car-talk-community-read-only-for-housekeeping/64319)

<div class="topic-metadata">

**Author:** [@dmayer](https://community.cartalk.com/u/dmayer)\
**Replies:** 0\
**Last updated:** [May 2, 2011, 2:24pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/car-talk-community-read-only-for-housekeeping/64319 "2011-05-02T14:24:06Z")

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It's moving day! As we announced last week, we are closing the Car Talk Community to new comments today, while we complete the transition to the new forum software. We are copying all the old discussions, usernames, and …

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## [Does there exist a manual wagon with adaptive cruise control?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/does-there-exist-a-manual-wagon-with-adaptive-cruise-control/64303)

<div class="topic-metadata">

**Author:** [@ewilhelm](https://community.cartalk.com/u/ewilhelm)\
**Replies:** 1\
**Last updated:** [May 2, 2011, 10:53am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/does-there-exist-a-manual-wagon-with-adaptive-cruise-control/64303 "2011-05-02T10:53:58Z")

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I want to choose the gear, but I want a computer to control the following distance on the highway. So, my ideal car would be a 5-door wagon with manual transmission and adaptive cruise control. Even better would be the…

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## [Logistics of buying from private seller](https://community.cartalk.com/t/logistics-of-buying-from-private-seller/64292)

<div class="topic-metadata">

**Author:** [@yinyang](https://community.cartalk.com/u/yinyang)\
**Replies:** 5\
**Last updated:** [May 2, 2011, 4:41am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/logistics-of-buying-from-private-seller/64292 "2011-05-02T04:41:25Z")

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I found a car on craigslist I think I want to buy. I talked to the seller on the phone. He's an hour away from me. (In our area, that's considered a lot.) Problem: I want to bring it to my mechanic to check it out. …

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## [Replacement auto for our Subaru Legacy](https://community.cartalk.com/t/replacement-auto-for-our-subaru-legacy/64250)

<div class="topic-metadata">

**Author:** [@tedanne449](https://community.cartalk.com/u/tedanne449)\
**Replies:** 8\
**Last updated:** [May 1, 2011, 9:30pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/replacement-auto-for-our-subaru-legacy/64250 "2011-05-01T21:30:34Z")

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We have a 1995 Subaru Legacy which is coming to it last days. What would be a comparable auto to replace our Legacy. We need a vehicle that can carry a canoe and camping gear.

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## [Laser Spark Plugs](https://community.cartalk.com/t/laser-spark-plugs/64066)

<div class="topic-metadata">

**Author:** [@Kevingets](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Kevingets)\
**Replies:** 15\
**Last updated:** [May 1, 2011, 9:00pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/laser-spark-plugs/64066 "2011-05-01T21:00:05Z")

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http://new...od/?hpt=T2

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## [What to drive in Wisconsin](https://community.cartalk.com/t/what-to-drive-in-wisconsin/64184)

<div class="topic-metadata">

**Author:** [@NJCS21](https://community.cartalk.com/u/NJCS21)\
**Replies:** 16\
**Last updated:** [May 1, 2011, 12:22am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/what-to-drive-in-wisconsin/64184 "2011-05-01T00:22:09Z")

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Our son is taking a job in Wisconsin and will be communing 40 miles each day. What kind of car does he need?

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## [The less important effect of the earthquake in Japan](https://community.cartalk.com/t/the-less-important-effect-of-the-earthquake-in-japan/64110)

<div class="topic-metadata">

**Author:** [@eljae35](https://community.cartalk.com/u/eljae35)\
**Replies:** 31\
**Last updated:** [April 30, 2011, 9:22pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/the-less-important-effect-of-the-earthquake-in-japan/64110 "2011-04-30T21:22:07Z")

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The devastating effects of the earthquake in Japan are very real. We are just hoping we can check with you on whether or not what we are hearing from car salesmen about other effects are real. We went shopping yesterda…

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## [Car Talk Community Upgrade Notice](https://community.cartalk.com/t/car-talk-community-upgrade-notice/64131)

<div class="topic-metadata">

**Author:** [@Car\_Talk](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Car_Talk)\
**Replies:** 1\
**Last updated:** [April 29, 2011, 2:43pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/car-talk-community-upgrade-notice/64131 "2011-04-29T14:43:37Z")

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Dear Car Talk Community Member, Since you're a registered member of the Car Talk Community, we want you to know about an important upgrade we're making to our discussion forums. In the coming weeks, we'll be adding …

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## [Audi A4 or Infiniti G37x?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/audi-a4-or-infiniti-g37x/63909)

<div class="topic-metadata">

**Author:** [@Twilight](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Twilight)\
**Replies:** 14\
**Last updated:** [April 29, 2011, 7:15am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/audi-a4-or-infiniti-g37x/63909 "2011-04-29T07:15:07Z")

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I've narrowed my new car search down to an Infiniti G37x w/ Premium, Nav, and Sport or an Audi A4 Premium Plus w/ Nav, Sport, premium audio, and STASIS chip (only chip upgrade that won't void the warranty). The MSRPs ar…

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## [Opinion of Lexus CT 200H](https://community.cartalk.com/t/opinion-of-lexus-ct-200h/63861)

<div class="topic-metadata">

**Author:** [@newcarreadyinPA](https://community.cartalk.com/u/newcarreadyinPA)\
**Replies:** 10\
**Last updated:** [April 28, 2011, 8:33pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/opinion-of-lexus-ct-200h/63861 "2011-04-28T20:33:17Z")

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I'm thinking of a new car and have become enamored with the Lexus CT 200H hybrid - partly ofr the gas economy and partly because I'm just at a point in my life where I want a little luxury in a car. What do you guys thi…

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## [1/4 tank of gas](https://community.cartalk.com/t/1-4-tank-of-gas/64051)

<div class="topic-metadata">

**Author:** [@kcshriner](https://community.cartalk.com/u/kcshriner)\
**Replies:** 22\
**Last updated:** [April 28, 2011, 8:27pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/1-4-tank-of-gas/64051 "2011-04-28T20:27:29Z")

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Last night one of our local T.V. news outlets was reporting on the high cost of gas and the anchor added "And be sure to not let your tank drop below 1/4 full on a regular basis to prevent costly engine damage." Can this…

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