# General Discussion **URL:** https://community.cartalk.com/c/general-discussion/8.md?page=409 [Latest](https://community.cartalk.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://community.cartalk.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://community.cartalk.com/tags.md) **Page:** 410 --- ## [Engine Lifetime Mileage](https://community.cartalk.com/t/engine-lifetime-mileage/60874)
**Author:** [@jmeier](https://community.cartalk.com/u/jmeier)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [February 5, 2011, 6:15pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/engine-lifetime-mileage/60874 "2011-02-05T18:15:11Z")
Will an 8 cylinder engine last longer than a 6 or 4 cylinder engine? I have 200,000 miles on my Durango and was going to replace it with something that gets better gas mileage. --- ## [1984 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ60](https://community.cartalk.com/t/1984-toyota-land-cruiser-fj60/52030)
**Author:** [@AjaxFrits21](https://community.cartalk.com/u/AjaxFrits21)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [February 5, 2011, 5:52pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/1984-toyota-land-cruiser-fj60/52030 "2011-02-05T17:52:45Z")
I recently tripped, slipped, busted my lip and fell in love with my neighbor's light blue 1984 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ60. I asked him about and he said he was selling it for $4750 OBO and that it was currently on craigsli… --- ## [Good used car w/AWD that fits 2 car seats in back plus an actual person?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/good-used-car-w-awd-that-fits-2-car-seats-in-back-plus-an-actual-person/60088)
**Author:** [@arwm2011](https://community.cartalk.com/u/arwm2011)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [February 5, 2011, 12:44am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/good-used-car-w-awd-that-fits-2-car-seats-in-back-plus-an-actual-person/60088 "2011-02-05T00:44:04Z")
hey, we are moving to vermont. planned to get a used Forester. many folks around here in oregon have told us back seat is super narrow. with our 2 kids back there it would be unreasonable to try to fit anyone els… --- ## [Split Cycle Engine: True or Hoax?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/split-cycle-engine-true-or-hoax/60209)
**Author:** [@irlandes](https://community.cartalk.com/u/irlandes)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [February 4, 2011, 8:43pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/split-cycle-engine-true-or-hoax/60209 "2011-02-04T20:43:31Z")
http://www...in-in-mpg/ This is a so-called Scuderi split cycle engine, which claims 135 hp per liter, and much higher efficiency than normal engine. Two cylinders work together. One compresses air which is passed … --- ## [NASA Says: Cars Are #1 Climate Change Cause](https://community.cartalk.com/t/nasa-says-cars-are-1-climate-change-cause/60876)
**Author:** [@Cars\_Cause\_Cancer](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Cars_Cause_Cancer)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [February 4, 2011, 7:13pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/nasa-says-cars-are-1-climate-change-cause/60876 "2011-02-04T19:13:27Z")
If there was any doubt of the disastrous effect of cars on our health and the well-being of the planet, the rocket scientists have removed it. NASA has determined that automobiles are the largest net contributor t… --- ## [2007 Ford Focus or sometthing else? $7000 year 2007](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2007-ford-focus-or-sometthing-else-7000-year-2007/60853)
**Author:** [@evigusano](https://community.cartalk.com/u/evigusano)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [February 4, 2011, 2:22pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2007-ford-focus-or-sometthing-else-7000-year-2007/60853 "2011-02-04T14:22:12Z")
We have to buy a new car, we have $7000. We need a 2007 car (so that we can get a loan). We have been doing some research and came back with good feedback for the Ford FOcus 2007. Is that a good car? Can I get somethi… --- ## [Advice re: 4WD](https://community.cartalk.com/t/advice-re-4wd/60785)
**Author:** [@Donutman](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Donutman)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [February 4, 2011, 3:54am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/advice-re-4wd/60785 "2011-02-04T03:54:08Z")
I, a man, am not ashamed to admit that I really like my 2002 Solara with a 4 cyl. It gets great mileage, handles and performs reasonably well for what I bought it for (6 mile daily commute), and has been very reliable. … --- ## [AWD question](https://community.cartalk.com/t/awd-question/60813)
**Author:** [@Karpoff](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Karpoff)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [February 4, 2011, 12:31am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/awd-question/60813 "2011-02-04T00:31:15Z")
Subaru and Audi say that their AWD systems are better than others because theirs are built from the ground up, whereas others' AWD systems are add-ons to front-wheel or rear-wheel drive systems. I have driven a Subaru f… --- ## [Hybrid vs. "regular" for highway commute](https://community.cartalk.com/t/hybrid-vs-regular-for-highway-commute/60777)
**Author:** [@aprilmay13](https://community.cartalk.com/u/aprilmay13)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [February 3, 2011, 1:57am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/hybrid-vs-regular-for-highway-commute/60777 "2011-02-03T01:57:55Z")
I have a 35 mile (70 round trip) commute to work, all highway. I do some in town driving as well, but mainly the commuting. The price of gas is getting higher and I was thinking of getting a hybrid, but wonder if that… --- ## [Need dog-friendly vehicle](https://community.cartalk.com/t/need-dog-friendly-vehicle/60754)
**Author:** [@3Doghouse](https://community.cartalk.com/u/3Doghouse)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [February 3, 2011, 12:39am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/need-dog-friendly-vehicle/60754 "2011-02-03T00:39:53Z")
As my handle says, I have 3 dogs. I need a vehicle that will hold 2 medium size dog crates. I do not care about style or status, am only concerned with getting a practical reliable vehicle. I am unfortunately on a budget… --- ## [Flush dodge](https://community.cartalk.com/t/flush-dodge/60767)
**Author:** [@circuitsmith](https://community.cartalk.com/u/circuitsmith)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [February 1, 2011, 11:01pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/flush-dodge/60767 "2011-02-01T23:01:50Z")
Took my 2006 Toyota Matrix with 23k on the odo to a dealer today for an ECM replacement on recall. About 30 min after they took in to the bays the service writer comes over and tells tells me the transmission fluid … --- ## [Column shift cars](https://community.cartalk.com/t/column-shift-cars/60775)
**Author:** [@kautz59](https://community.cartalk.com/u/kautz59)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [February 1, 2011, 9:37pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/column-shift-cars/60775 "2011-02-01T21:37:43Z")
i've had a shift on the column for more years then you are old. and i don't think this is the time to start something new. is there a colum shift car out there somewhere to buy. what make and year and where? --- ## [HELP - Need new wheels](https://community.cartalk.com/t/help-need-new-wheels/60690)
**Author:** [@smilperos](https://community.cartalk.com/u/smilperos)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [February 1, 2011, 6:57pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/help-need-new-wheels/60690 "2011-02-01T18:57:51Z")
Help - my car is on it's last leg - or wheel as the case may be. It's a Corolla SR5 manual that I bought it 1987 I still love it but it's time to move on. I saw a Civic Coupe but I am not in love - I thought it had poo… --- ## [Trade-In Value](https://community.cartalk.com/t/trade-in-value/60732)
**Author:** [@Rngrs3910](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Rngrs3910)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [February 1, 2011, 5:20pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/trade-in-value/60732 "2011-02-01T17:20:17Z")
I've been considering trading in my 2006 Ford Explorer for something a little easier on the gas and on the wallet. I swung by a local dealership to look at potential replacements and started talking to the salesman about… --- ## [Used cars to avoid](https://community.cartalk.com/t/used-cars-to-avoid/60680)
**Author:** [@waterboy](https://community.cartalk.com/u/waterboy)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [February 1, 2011, 2:54pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/used-cars-to-avoid/60680 "2011-02-01T14:54:48Z")
Over time there are posts with replies as these transmissions are notoriously bad, this engine is prone to sludge, head gaskets are a common failure point etc. I have looked for a site but can't find one that describes p… --- ## [My New Favorite Mechanic's Tool - Procrastination](https://community.cartalk.com/t/my-new-favorite-mechanics-tool-procrastination/60711)
**Author:** [@common-sense-answer](https://community.cartalk.com/u/common-sense-answer)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [February 1, 2011, 2:06pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/my-new-favorite-mechanics-tool-procrastination/60711 "2011-02-01T14:06:38Z")
I'm not talking about putting somethings off forever, but there is something to be said for waiting and monitoring (observing) a mechanical failure. I've got two recent examples that employed this tool successfully.… --- ## [Green vehicles obtaining numerous automobile of the year honors](https://community.cartalk.com/t/green-vehicles-obtaining-numerous-automobile-of-the-year-honors/60749)
**Author:** [@janinaP](https://community.cartalk.com/u/janinaP)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [February 1, 2011, 6:04am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/green-vehicles-obtaining-numerous-automobile-of-the-year-honors/60749 "2011-02-01T06:04:48Z")
Each year, numerous agencies, foundations, and publications hand out automotive awards. Automobile of the year awards are especially prized. There appears to be little objective criteria in what makes a car of the year, … --- ## [Thought on buying a car](https://community.cartalk.com/t/thought-on-buying-a-car/60725)
**Author:** [@yester64](https://community.cartalk.com/u/yester64)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [February 1, 2011, 3:39am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/thought-on-buying-a-car/60725 "2011-02-01T03:39:44Z")
Hi, two questions. 1) If you don't want to pay the big price of a new car, what would be the next best buy. A car from a dealer that is 1 year old to get a better price? 2) There are so many SUV's out there, that i a… --- ## [Need rental car help](https://community.cartalk.com/t/need-rental-car-help/60714)
**Author:** [@SteveP](https://community.cartalk.com/u/SteveP)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [January 31, 2011, 9:16pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/need-rental-car-help/60714 "2011-01-31T21:16:57Z")
Hi; I'm not knowledgeable about cars (I live in Manhattan and don't own one) and have a choice of rental cars for driving around Corsica this summer - either a BMW Series 1 or a Ford Focus. By far the most important fact… --- ## [Smelly airconditioner](https://community.cartalk.com/t/smelly-airconditioner/60717)
**Author:** [@ejbaldwin80](https://community.cartalk.com/u/ejbaldwin80)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [January 31, 2011, 7:25pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/smelly-airconditioner/60717 "2011-01-31T19:25:12Z")
Why does the ac smell like dirty feet when I first turn it on? --- ## [Lizards and my car](https://community.cartalk.com/t/lizards-and-my-car/60606)
**Author:** [@Brenna](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Brenna)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [January 31, 2011, 6:25pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/lizards-and-my-car/60606 "2011-01-31T18:25:35Z")
Lizards live in my garage and I fear that one day, when I am driving, one of them will pop into view inside of my car causing me to wreck the car or have a heart attack. Exterminators have told me that if I get rid of … --- ## [Which octane?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/which-octane/60672)
**Author:** [@jp020752](https://community.cartalk.com/u/jp020752)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [January 31, 2011, 4:44am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/which-octane/60672 "2011-01-31T04:44:54Z")
I have 2 cars (non turbo) that both "recommend" high octane fuel (91 or higher). With the price of gas now I've been using regular gas (87). Both cars seem to handle it fine. There's no knocking or noticeable lose of… --- ## [Miller Cycle Engines for Better Efficiency](https://community.cartalk.com/t/miller-cycle-engines-for-better-efficiency/60655)
**Author:** [@americar](https://community.cartalk.com/u/americar)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [January 30, 2011, 8:38pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/miller-cycle-engines-for-better-efficiency/60655 "2011-01-30T20:38:53Z")
Hybrid vehicle such as the Prius use a Atkinsons Cycle engine which is a key component of the high gas mileage. If a Atkinsons engine is supercharger, it becomes a Miller Cycle engine. Does anybody remember the Mazda Mi… --- ## [Buying a car on line](https://community.cartalk.com/t/buying-a-car-on-line/60632)
**Author:** [@ldspiker](https://community.cartalk.com/u/ldspiker)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [January 30, 2011, 6:08pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/buying-a-car-on-line/60632 "2011-01-30T18:08:48Z")
Ii am thinking about buying a used BMW Z4 on ebbay or auto trader. What can I do to make sure I am not buying a lemon etc. Buying local I can have my mechanic check the car over, but not so with an on line purshase. Is t… --- ## [Subaru Baja - auto or manual](https://community.cartalk.com/t/subaru-baja-auto-or-manual/60466)
**Author:** [@dgaige](https://community.cartalk.com/u/dgaige)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [January 30, 2011, 4:45pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/subaru-baja-auto-or-manual/60466 "2011-01-30T16:45:41Z")
I am planning to buy a used Subaru Baja to satisfy my desire for a small comfortable vehicle to occasionaly haul stuff in. I'd like to find a manual, but my wife thinks it should be an automatic. Is there really any re… --- ## [New car for expectant daughter](https://community.cartalk.com/t/new-car-for-expectant-daughter/60622)
**Author:** [@jwdumbauld](https://community.cartalk.com/u/jwdumbauld)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [January 30, 2011, 3:06pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/new-car-for-expectant-daughter/60622 "2011-01-30T15:06:24Z")
We are looking to buy my daughter a new "suv" for my expectant daughter. She has been driving a Jeep Grand Cherokee, has over 120k miles...time for a safer car. She will be carting around 2 dogs and a new child. I like… --- ## [Tank Dipstick Math](https://community.cartalk.com/t/tank-dipstick-math/60372)
**Author:** [@muffdiver](https://community.cartalk.com/u/muffdiver)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [January 30, 2011, 4:06am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/tank-dipstick-math/60372 "2011-01-30T04:06:00Z")
For all the discussion on tank volume dipstick depth, a simple google search turned up a no math no sweat calculator. http://www.greertank.com/tankcalc.htm gives you all the info by entering 2 numbers and shows volume at… --- ## [Nissan Altima Shattered Sunroof](https://community.cartalk.com/t/nissan-altima-shattered-sunroof/60610)
**Author:** [@LeftWingLock](https://community.cartalk.com/u/LeftWingLock)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [January 29, 2011, 11:44pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/nissan-altima-shattered-sunroof/60610 "2011-01-29T23:44:39Z")
I apologize in advance for kind of a long story but here we go. I have a 2009 Nissan Altima with just over 13000 miles on it. Last week as I was driving to work at about 65 mph I heard what sounded like a shotgun bl… --- ## [Best car for a teenager to learn stick shift and basic repair](https://community.cartalk.com/t/best-car-for-a-teenager-to-learn-stick-shift-and-basic-repair/60449)
**Author:** [@hgutierrez](https://community.cartalk.com/u/hgutierrez)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [January 29, 2011, 9:13pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/best-car-for-a-teenager-to-learn-stick-shift-and-basic-repair/60449 "2011-01-29T21:13:12Z")
I have two boys, one 18 years old and the other 16. They only know how to drive automatic and to put gas in the tank (with my money of course) and I want them to learn how to drive stick shift and some basic car mainte… --- ## [Safest way to add weight to 2wd pickup?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/safest-way-to-add-weight-to-2wd-pickup/60403)
**Author:** [@mleich](https://community.cartalk.com/u/mleich)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [January 29, 2011, 5:29pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/safest-way-to-add-weight-to-2wd-pickup/60403 "2011-01-29T17:29:48Z")
My co-worker has a 2wd Mazda B2300 pickup truck (clone to Ford Ranger) and has added concrete blocks to the bed for traction. I know that this is good for traction in the snow, but these blocks will become projectiles a… [Previous page](https://community.cartalk.com/c/general-discussion/8.md?page=408) [Next page](https://community.cartalk.com/c/general-discussion/8.md?page=410)