# General Discussion **URL:** https://community.cartalk.com/c/general-discussion/8.md?page=416 [Latest](https://community.cartalk.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://community.cartalk.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://community.cartalk.com/tags.md) **Page:** 417 --- ## [BMW Engines](https://community.cartalk.com/t/bmw-engines/57991)
**Author:** [@SunnyAl](https://community.cartalk.com/u/SunnyAl)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [December 4, 2010, 2:11am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/bmw-engines/57991 "2010-12-04T02:11:20Z")
What is the general opinion of buying a new BMW that does NOT have an oil dipstick? I can not understand why BMW would not have this in their engines. --- ## [In front-wheel drive, does parking brake securear wheels?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/in-front-wheel-drive-does-parking-brake-securear-wheels/58220)
**Author:** [@Robert-Gift](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Robert-Gift)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [December 3, 2010, 11:31pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/in-front-wheel-drive-does-parking-brake-securear-wheels/58220 "2010-12-03T23:31:41Z")
Does using the parking brake cause the vehicle to have FOUR wheels locked instead of justhe frontwo?. Thank you. --- ## [How to Choose a car to buy](https://community.cartalk.com/t/how-to-choose-a-car-to-buy/49469)
**Author:** [@bigles](https://community.cartalk.com/u/bigles)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [December 3, 2010, 11:04pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/how-to-choose-a-car-to-buy/49469 "2010-12-03T23:04:08Z")
I have a 2007 Saab 93 arc convertible. This is my 3rd- 3 years lease with Saab. I don't really like this particular car I have right now. I did have the better model last time and am still sorry I didn't buy that one. … --- ## [Now's the time for a road trip](https://community.cartalk.com/t/nows-the-time-for-a-road-trip/58240)
**Author:** [@ken\_green](https://community.cartalk.com/u/ken_green)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [December 3, 2010, 5:12pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/nows-the-time-for-a-road-trip/58240 "2010-12-03T17:12:31Z")
Red Rock Balloon Rally, Dec. 3,4,& 5 2010, Gallup New Mexico . ( every year the first weekenf in December ) Limited to only 200 hot air balloons, not as monsterous as the Albuquerque balloon fiesta. YOU get to get up… --- ## [Emergency brake](https://community.cartalk.com/t/emergency-brake/58181)
**Author:** [@ed\_church](https://community.cartalk.com/u/ed_church)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [December 2, 2010, 12:02am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/emergency-brake/58181 "2010-12-02T00:02:52Z")
Does not using the emergency brake when your car is regularly parked on an incline cause any potential long term damage? --- ## [Is there a best month to purchase a used car?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/is-there-a-best-month-to-purchase-a-used-car/58128)
**Author:** [@trishran](https://community.cartalk.com/u/trishran)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [December 1, 2010, 4:44pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/is-there-a-best-month-to-purchase-a-used-car/58128 "2010-12-01T16:44:59Z")
My husband & I own a single car that's circling the drain. We can manage to get where we need by mass transit, but with difficulty, and will need a vehicle when we remodel our living room. We intend to buy a used c… --- ## [E-bay Bids](https://community.cartalk.com/t/e-bay-bids/58116)
**Author:** [@SunnyAl](https://community.cartalk.com/u/SunnyAl)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [December 1, 2010, 2:50pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/e-bay-bids/58116 "2010-12-01T14:50:00Z")
Is E-bay an meaningful measure of the car's demand and price? --- ## [Used SUV Recommendation](https://community.cartalk.com/t/used-suv-recommendation/58153)
**Author:** [@bruce.larabee](https://community.cartalk.com/u/bruce.larabee)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [December 1, 2010, 3:10am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/used-suv-recommendation/58153 "2010-12-01T03:10:34Z")
I have driven a 1996 Toyota Land Cruiser for the past 11 years and recently sold it. I am in the market for a low mileage used SUV. My budget is $30,000. What make and models should I consider? --- ## [Xenon Headlampgs](https://community.cartalk.com/t/xenon-headlampgs/58002)
**Author:** [@SunnyAl](https://community.cartalk.com/u/SunnyAl)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [December 1, 2010, 1:45am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/xenon-headlampgs/58002 "2010-12-01T01:45:42Z")
Is the $900 option charge for Xenon headlamps on the BMW worth the expense? What is involved in maintaining them? --- ## [Most popular car in Our Fair City](https://community.cartalk.com/t/most-popular-car-in-our-fair-city/57960)
**Author:** [@garandman](https://community.cartalk.com/u/garandman)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [December 1, 2010, 12:03am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/most-popular-car-in-our-fair-city/57960 "2010-12-01T00:03:42Z")
I was driving out of Cambridge yesterday when I saw a fender-bender between 3 Honda Civics and a CR-V. And I thought "How Cambridge is that?" But while there is general consensus that it used to be a Volvo 240 wagon… --- ## [Buying cars from rental agencies](https://community.cartalk.com/t/buying-cars-from-rental-agencies/53380)
**Author:** [@kd1234](https://community.cartalk.com/u/kd1234)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [November 30, 2010, 7:55pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/buying-cars-from-rental-agencies/53380 "2010-11-30T19:55:11Z")
I stopped to avoid a red light photo and got rear ended. My beloved 05 Prius is totaled and I really need to get another car to continue my courier job. Would it be prudent to buy from a rental company? --- ## [Phycological problem during driving](https://community.cartalk.com/t/phycological-problem-during-driving/58121)
**Author:** [@bo2016](https://community.cartalk.com/u/bo2016)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [November 30, 2010, 5:11pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/phycological-problem-during-driving/58121 "2010-11-30T17:11:21Z")
Hi, I had a pretty bad car accident 4 years ago and since then I've been very nervous when driving on highways. For the past 4 years, I've been very afraid of the right side of the road especially when it is g… --- ## [High pitch squeal/humming when car starts first time in the AM](https://community.cartalk.com/t/high-pitch-squeal-humming-when-car-starts-first-time-in-the-am/58095)
**Author:** [@jrwboise](https://community.cartalk.com/u/jrwboise)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [November 30, 2010, 1:03am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/high-pitch-squeal-humming-when-car-starts-first-time-in-the-am/58095 "2010-11-30T01:03:09Z")
My truck has justs started to make this high pitch squeal/humming when it starts for the first time in the mornsing. It usually does it when the temp in in the teens or lower. I checked the oil levels, coolant. It does n… --- ## [Should we be lured by](https://community.cartalk.com/t/should-we-be-lured-by/58036)
**Author:** [@RMT1995](https://community.cartalk.com/u/RMT1995)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [November 29, 2010, 11:20pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/should-we-be-lured-by/58036 "2010-11-29T23:20:53Z")
My husband and I want to buy a 2011 Sonata. We learned that a hybrid is coming out (no one knows when). It's been a long time since we bought a new car, and I'm rusty. I don't mind negotiating, but I do like to know w… --- ## [Broken-hearted in Brooklyn](https://community.cartalk.com/t/broken-hearted-in-brooklyn/58086)
**Author:** [@greenlass](https://community.cartalk.com/u/greenlass)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [November 29, 2010, 10:56pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/broken-hearted-in-brooklyn/58086 "2010-11-29T22:56:17Z")
Until it was stolen last month,I'd had my '95 honda civic hatchback VX (std trans)for 15 years. It had 110k on it, and was very well-maintained. Perfect in every way for me, my dog, and my art. It's been stolen (and reco… --- ## [Which car will you choose?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/which-car-will-you-choose/58073)
**Author:** [@westlake16](https://community.cartalk.com/u/westlake16)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [November 29, 2010, 10:26pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/which-car-will-you-choose/58073 "2010-11-29T22:26:44Z")
The first one: 2007 Infinity G35 Journey with most of the options (sunroof, navigation system, heated seats, homelink, etc.), 27500 miles, one owner, still have the rest of the warranty till 2012 or 60000 miles, ask… --- ## [Going to Rome](https://community.cartalk.com/t/going-to-rome/58000)
**Author:** [@Kerekesh](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Kerekesh)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [November 29, 2010, 10:19pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/going-to-rome/58000 "2010-11-29T22:19:57Z")
I am heading to Rome with my family next summer for a three year assignment. Currently I drive a Honda Odyssey (we have three children, all in car seats.) What would anyone suggest re taking the Odyssey to Rome (it has… --- ## [Snow tires and chains](https://community.cartalk.com/t/snow-tires-and-chains/57994)
**Author:** [@QuitoJones](https://community.cartalk.com/u/QuitoJones)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [November 29, 2010, 3:38pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/snow-tires-and-chains/57994 "2010-11-29T15:38:12Z")
Experts advise installing 4 snow tires on a front-wheel drive car. Why can I get by with chains on only 2 wheels? Does an ABS system impact the need for 4 (as opposed to 2) snow tires? Quito --- ## [A naive question about automotive ugliness](https://community.cartalk.com/t/a-naive-question-about-automotive-ugliness/57431)
**Author:** [@makemp](https://community.cartalk.com/u/makemp)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [November 27, 2010, 3:36am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/a-naive-question-about-automotive-ugliness/57431 "2010-11-27T03:36:50Z")
The discussion about ugly car models under a different thread prompts me to ask this more general question. Doubtless the answer is plain to those of you who take a much greater interest in things automotive, but for me… --- ## [Tire hit car on expressway](https://community.cartalk.com/t/tire-hit-car-on-expressway/57983)
**Author:** [@nynt352](https://community.cartalk.com/u/nynt352)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [November 26, 2010, 7:10pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/tire-hit-car-on-expressway/57983 "2010-11-26T19:10:19Z")
Was on the expressway and I saw a tire in the air cominging at me. I speeded up to maybe not get hie. It hit my driver's side rear window and back wind shield and smashed the glass. Am I responsible? --- ## [Need advice about what car to buy](https://community.cartalk.com/t/need-advice-about-what-car-to-buy/57731)
**Author:** [@faith4today](https://community.cartalk.com/u/faith4today)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [November 26, 2010, 1:35am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/need-advice-about-what-car-to-buy/57731 "2010-11-26T01:35:06Z")
I want to buy a small camping trailer - looking for a Vintage Airstream :slight\_smile: - and see America. Would be hauling up to 3500 lb. Will be buying used. Toyota RAV4 V6? other suggestions? Need reliable. What yea… --- ## [Epic roadtrip](https://community.cartalk.com/t/epic-roadtrip/57972)
**Author:** [@s\_tepicroadtrip](https://community.cartalk.com/u/s_tepicroadtrip)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [November 25, 2010, 11:17pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/epic-roadtrip/57972 "2010-11-25T23:17:39Z")
My friend and I live in Copenhagen in Denmark and are going on an epic 6 month road trip around the United States. We are looking for a minivan that we can take the seats out of or a small truck with a bed topper so we c… --- ## [Should I Replace This Audi?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/should-i-replace-this-audi/57955)
**Author:** [@Hodgessouth](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Hodgessouth)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [November 25, 2010, 9:59pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/should-i-replace-this-audi/57955 "2010-11-25T21:59:23Z")
I have a 2002 Audi A6 Avant 3.0 with 143K miles. I love driving this car, but it costs a lot to keep it running. Of immediate concern, I just spent almost $2K replacing a catalytic converter. This car has 3 catalytic … --- ## [All wheel drive with a stick](https://community.cartalk.com/t/all-wheel-drive-with-a-stick/55990)
**Author:** [@peterstwcedu1](https://community.cartalk.com/u/peterstwcedu1)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [November 25, 2010, 9:55pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/all-wheel-drive-with-a-stick/55990 "2010-11-25T21:55:19Z")
Hi there, is it possible to have all wheel drive and a manual transmission? I was told by the Mercedes dealer that it is not? --- ## [Hyundai Genesis in Snow?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/hyundai-genesis-in-snow/57957)
**Author:** [@clobdell](https://community.cartalk.com/u/clobdell)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [November 25, 2010, 6:20pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/hyundai-genesis-in-snow/57957 "2010-11-25T18:20:28Z")
We're considering leasing a 2011 Hyundai Genesis (3.6 for those of you playing at home). We live in Chicago, though, and haven't had a RWD vehicle in 10+ years. The vehicle's weight distribution is 52/48 and it weighs … --- ## [Corvettes](https://community.cartalk.com/t/corvettes/57951)
**Author:** [@jeffgordonfn1](https://community.cartalk.com/u/jeffgordonfn1)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [November 25, 2010, 4:12pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/corvettes/57951 "2010-11-25T16:12:05Z")
what were the years that corvettes had the big block motors --- ## [Fastest car for 10k or less](https://community.cartalk.com/t/fastest-car-for-10k-or-less/57197)
**Author:** [@ben7697](https://community.cartalk.com/u/ben7697)\ **Replies:** 45\ **Last updated:** [November 25, 2010, 3:30pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/fastest-car-for-10k-or-less/57197 "2010-11-25T15:30:15Z")
i was just curious as to what would be the fastest yet most reliable car i could get for 10k or less? And if possible car that is decently priced to add a turbo, body kit, exhaust, etc. --- ## [SUVs? a regional phenomena](https://community.cartalk.com/t/suvs-a-regional-phenomena/55293)
**Author:** [@Rod-Knox](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Rod-Knox)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [November 25, 2010, 3:09pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/suvs-a-regional-phenomena/55293 "2010-11-25T15:09:16Z")
What is the basis for the highly emotional conflicts regarding SUVs? It appears to be quite regional. Although I see the Escalades and Navigators are somewhat exagerated exercises in conspicuous consumption the more rati… --- ## [Hyundai-Kia overtakes Toyota in Eurpoe](https://community.cartalk.com/t/hyundai-kia-overtakes-toyota-in-eurpoe/57941)
**Author:** [@bscar](https://community.cartalk.com/u/bscar)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [November 25, 2010, 7:14am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/hyundai-kia-overtakes-toyota-in-eurpoe/57941 "2010-11-25T07:14:59Z")
http://www…-in-europ/ European car buyers have a favorite Asian automaker, and its name is no longer Toyota. Hyundai and Kia have tag-teamed to best the longtime Japanese automaker, with a four percent overall rise i… --- ## [Noxious Fumes](https://community.cartalk.com/t/noxious-fumes/57790)
**Author:** [@Dan\_McGuire](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Dan_McGuire)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [November 24, 2010, 10:51pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/noxious-fumes/57790 "2010-11-24T22:51:51Z")
My first question is: Who selected that awful tomato-red background for you site? My real question though, is: From time to time I've read in the news of someone who became sick or even died due to a faulty exhaust sys… [Previous page](https://community.cartalk.com/c/general-discussion/8.md?page=415) [Next page](https://community.cartalk.com/c/general-discussion/8.md?page=417)