# General Discussion **URL:** https://community.cartalk.com/c/general-discussion/8.md?page=421 [Latest](https://community.cartalk.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://community.cartalk.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://community.cartalk.com/tags.md) **Page:** 422 --- ## [Which car to buy?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/which-car-to-buy/56314)
**Author:** [@amhof59](https://community.cartalk.com/u/amhof59)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [October 14, 2010, 2:35am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/which-car-to-buy/56314 "2010-10-14T02:35:25Z")
I am hoping your replies will help narrow my decision on a new car. I am torn between buying a Honda Accord or a Subaru Legacy. Any thoughts? --- ## [Volvo XC70 1999/ TRANS OIL COOLER](https://community.cartalk.com/t/volvo-xc70-1999-trans-oil-cooler/56307)
**Author:** [@ODONOVJ](https://community.cartalk.com/u/ODONOVJ)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [October 13, 2010, 11:01pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/volvo-xc70-1999-trans-oil-cooler/56307 "2010-10-13T23:01:39Z")
I am looking to install a trans oil cooler in my volvo xc 70 station wagon. Having read the owners manual it states that there is one in most if not all of the models. First thing is can you send me map of some sort wher… --- ## [Car clock](https://community.cartalk.com/t/car-clock/56313)
**Author:** [@abxxx](https://community.cartalk.com/u/abxxx)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [October 13, 2010, 9:25pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/car-clock/56313 "2010-10-13T21:25:10Z")
I have a Honda Civic automobile. Assume that I need a new battery and that it takes exactly five minutes from the time the old battery is taken out until the new battery is installed. During that five minute period will … --- ## [GM's Junk Credit Rating ? A Query](https://community.cartalk.com/t/gms-junk-credit-rating-a-query/56315)
**Author:** [@James\_B\_Bleeker](https://community.cartalk.com/u/James_B_Bleeker)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [October 13, 2010, 12:14pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/gms-junk-credit-rating-a-query/56315 "2010-10-13T12:14:30Z")
Why do you think Fitch and S&P gave GM a credit rating that is 3 notches into junk? --- ## [GM's Bailout of 2008-2009: A Query](https://community.cartalk.com/t/gms-bailout-of-2008-2009-a-query/56316)
**Author:** [@James\_B\_Bleeker](https://community.cartalk.com/u/James_B_Bleeker)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [October 13, 2010, 12:11pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/gms-bailout-of-2008-2009-a-query/56316 "2010-10-13T12:11:40Z")
When account is taken of: (1) General Motors had a 2009 Car Reliability GPA of 1.43, a D by letter grade and 15 among auto manufacturers with significant U.S. sales, (2) GM's reliability standing had fallen fro… --- ## [GM's Bankrupcy 2009 - Interesting Queries](https://community.cartalk.com/t/gms-bankrupcy-2009-interesting-queries/56317)
**Author:** [@James\_B\_Bleeker](https://community.cartalk.com/u/James_B_Bleeker)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [October 13, 2010, 12:10pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/gms-bankrupcy-2009-interesting-queries/56317 "2010-10-13T12:10:48Z")
When account is taken of: (1) General Motors' share of Consumer Reports' worst-car list dipped from 43% in 1992 to 41% in 2010, (2) At this rate of dipping, GM's quality will match that of the industry's leader… --- ## [When will 2012 Focus or C-max be on sale?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/when-will-2012-focus-or-c-max-be-on-sale/56295)
**Author:** [@ayready](https://community.cartalk.com/u/ayready)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [October 13, 2010, 11:42am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/when-will-2012-focus-or-c-max-be-on-sale/56295 "2010-10-13T11:42:15Z")
Anybody knows when the 2012 Ford Focus or C-max will be on the dealer's lot? I am looking forward to buy one of them but can only wait to the end of Jan. 2011. --- ## [Speeding Ticket](https://community.cartalk.com/t/speeding-ticket/55826)
**Author:** [@venkatesh](https://community.cartalk.com/u/venkatesh)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [October 12, 2010, 8:11pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/speeding-ticket/55826 "2010-10-12T20:11:32Z")
Can you go 5 over the speed limit and not get a ticket? --- ## [Downshifting](https://community.cartalk.com/t/downshifting/56202)
**Author:** [@tobyspinks](https://community.cartalk.com/u/tobyspinks)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [October 12, 2010, 6:23am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/downshifting/56202 "2010-10-12T06:23:33Z")
I have a manual transmission that's front wheel drive. Does downshifting damage the car? --- ## [Rodent died in car](https://community.cartalk.com/t/rodent-died-in-car/56238)
**Author:** [@Lanidg](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Lanidg)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [October 11, 2010, 7:15pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/rodent-died-in-car/56238 "2010-10-11T19:15:17Z")
A rodent died under the rear car seats of my Subaru Forester. We did not find it for 2 months. How do I get the smell out of my car? I have tried shampooing the carpets, Febreze, etc. HELP! --- ## [Shopping for another car](https://community.cartalk.com/t/shopping-for-another-car/56216)
**Author:** [@carshopper2](https://community.cartalk.com/u/carshopper2)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [October 11, 2010, 6:39pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/shopping-for-another-car/56216 "2010-10-11T18:39:04Z")
My 91 Plymouth Acclaim finally died a couple weeks ago. I got all of $50 from a salvage yard for it. Now I am looking for another car for about $10,000 or less. Two cars I am looking at are a 2003 Buick Century with 5157… --- ## [Driving down a steep grade](https://community.cartalk.com/t/driving-down-a-steep-grade/55859)
**Author:** [@mtcate](https://community.cartalk.com/u/mtcate)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [October 11, 2010, 6:20pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/driving-down-a-steep-grade/55859 "2010-10-11T18:20:40Z")
I have a commute to /from work that takes me from 2000' to 5300' in about ten miles. I have been putting my 4Runner into D3 on the way down to save the brakes. Is this the best thing to do? --- ## [URGENT- new car has 254 km.! Opinions needed please](https://community.cartalk.com/t/urgent-new-car-has-254-km-opinions-needed-please/49834)
**Author:** [@violet0019](https://community.cartalk.com/u/violet0019)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [October 10, 2010, 12:57pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/urgent-new-car-has-254-km-opinions-needed-please/49834 "2010-10-10T12:57:42Z")
URGENT: I would greatly appreciate any opinions and comments please. I put a deposit down on a "new" Cube 2009. I asked how many kilometres were on it - just like that. The Manager, who was very pleasant, and polit… --- ## [Volkwagon dilema](https://community.cartalk.com/t/volkwagon-dilema/56166)
**Author:** [@katherine510](https://community.cartalk.com/u/katherine510)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [October 10, 2010, 2:39am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/volkwagon-dilema/56166 "2010-10-10T02:39:37Z")
Hi there, I'm looking to buy my first car. It does not have to be beautiful, just functional, but I've fallen in love with the 1970 Bug and a 1999 Cabrio convertible...are either of these reliable cars? Is there reason… --- ## [Reasonable Life Expectancy for My Ford Escape](https://community.cartalk.com/t/reasonable-life-expectancy-for-my-ford-escape/56154)
**Author:** [@odyssey49](https://community.cartalk.com/u/odyssey49)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [October 10, 2010, 2:27am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/reasonable-life-expectancy-for-my-ford-escape/56154 "2010-10-10T02:27:45Z")
I have a 2004 Ford Escape XLT with 87,000 miles on it that's running fine and looks OK. I'd like to keep it since it is paid for and I'm nearing retirement. What's a reasonable long-life mileage expectancy if I continu… --- ## [Tom Lehrer Lyric -- Alma](https://community.cartalk.com/t/tom-lehrer-lyric-alma/56157)
**Author:** [@GeneralE](https://community.cartalk.com/u/GeneralE)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [October 9, 2010, 6:47pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/tom-lehrer-lyric-alma/56157 "2010-10-09T18:47:26Z")
It wasn't until I heard the rebroadcast of the show that I caught the reference to Tom Lehrer's song "Alma" during the discussion with the woman from Gustavus. For those unfamiliar with Mr. Lehrer, he is arguably th… --- ## [Bmw 325ic m-technic 1991](https://community.cartalk.com/t/bmw-325ic-m-technic-1991/54317)
**Author:** [@aaroneus](https://community.cartalk.com/u/aaroneus)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [October 9, 2010, 5:27pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/bmw-325ic-m-technic-1991/54317 "2010-10-09T17:27:21Z")
Just got a sweet ride hoping for some advice.Its a 1991 325ic m-technic,its got 112,00 miles and has been really well taken care of.I would like to do the same.Also want to make it my own.Would like to add some horse pow… --- ## [Small Car](https://community.cartalk.com/t/small-car/56075)
**Author:** [@SimmonsMBA](https://community.cartalk.com/u/SimmonsMBA)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [October 9, 2010, 3:40pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/small-car/56075 "2010-10-09T15:40:50Z")
Hi, I'm an MBA student doing some research on small cars. I'm wondering what you think a consumer should look for in buying a small car (4/5 passenger and less than 15K base new). Any makes/models you particularly r… --- ## [GM's Bankrupcy 2009 - Interesting Queries](https://community.cartalk.com/t/gms-bankrupcy-2009-interesting-queries/56131)
**Author:** [@James\_B\_Bleeker](https://community.cartalk.com/u/James_B_Bleeker)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [October 9, 2010, 10:49am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/gms-bankrupcy-2009-interesting-queries/56131 "2010-10-09T10:49:30Z")
When account is taken of: (1) General Motors' share of Consumer Reports' worst-car list has declined only 2 percentage points from 1992 to 2010 (from 43% to 41%), (2) At this rate of improvement the reliability… --- ## [Subaru Outback? Or is there a better car](https://community.cartalk.com/t/subaru-outback-or-is-there-a-better-car/48316)
**Author:** [@aitchball](https://community.cartalk.com/u/aitchball)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [October 8, 2010, 10:50pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/subaru-outback-or-is-there-a-better-car/48316 "2010-10-08T22:50:17Z")
My wife is looking for a new vehicle, and her requirements are: - AWD or 4WD - Higher clearance than a normal sedan - Not a minivan - Cargo space (so probably a wagon) - Not a big SUV - Heated seats I… --- ## [Please help identify make and possibly model of this car](https://community.cartalk.com/t/please-help-identify-make-and-possibly-model-of-this-car/54460)
**Author:** [@DewiMalibu](https://community.cartalk.com/u/DewiMalibu)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [October 8, 2010, 4:37pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/please-help-identify-make-and-possibly-model-of-this-car/54460 "2010-10-08T16:37:26Z")
Sorry if this was wrong thread. I am curious on the make and possibly model of this car: http://pic...directlink Please let me know and thanks in advance! --- ## [Site Highjacketed by poster zhouyun and ads for Coach Outlet](https://community.cartalk.com/t/site-highjacketed-by-poster-zhouyun-and-ads-for-coach-outlet/56098)
**Author:** [@UncleTurbo](https://community.cartalk.com/u/UncleTurbo)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [October 8, 2010, 1:31pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/site-highjacketed-by-poster-zhouyun-and-ads-for-coach-outlet/56098 "2010-10-08T13:31:45Z")
Car Talk site manager's to the rescue please! A troll has taken over the site. --- ## [GM's Quality Improvement ? A Nearly Provocative Query](https://community.cartalk.com/t/gms-quality-improvement-a-nearly-provocative-query/56099)
**Author:** [@James\_B\_Bleeker](https://community.cartalk.com/u/James_B_Bleeker)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [October 8, 2010, 8:24am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/gms-quality-improvement-a-nearly-provocative-query/56099 "2010-10-08T08:24:40Z")
Background: (1) Ford Motor Company's Share of Consumer Reports' Used-Cars-to-Avoid list declined from 23% in 1992 to 10% in 2010. At this rate of reliability improvement at the lower end of the spectrum, Ford's flee… --- ## [Automatic transmission or manual](https://community.cartalk.com/t/automatic-transmission-or-manual/55899)
**Author:** [@cforke](https://community.cartalk.com/u/cforke)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [October 7, 2010, 10:31pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/automatic-transmission-or-manual/55899 "2010-10-07T22:31:51Z")
I anticipate buying a Subaru Impreza Outback Sport and will be driving in the mountains a lot. Should I get the automatic or manual transmission? --- ## [Choose a Subaru](https://community.cartalk.com/t/choose-a-subaru/55796)
**Author:** [@ayready](https://community.cartalk.com/u/ayready)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [October 7, 2010, 3:08pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/choose-a-subaru/55796 "2010-10-07T15:08:03Z")
I am moving to Boston with my wife and an 3 months old infant. We want to buy a car that is safe, reliable and within our budget (25k). We looked around and decided to buy a subaru. However, we can't decide which model t… --- ## [Do I need that extra payment protection?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/do-i-need-that-extra-payment-protection/56049)
**Author:** [@Samwise](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Samwise)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [October 7, 2010, 2:00pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/do-i-need-that-extra-payment-protection/56049 "2010-10-07T14:00:18Z")
Hi, I have bought a new (used) car and I think at the moment when the loan was being set. I signed up for the disability protection program wherein it says that it will cover for a certain amt for a certain time. Wh… --- ## [Which hatchback should I pick?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/which-hatchback-should-i-pick/56008)
**Author:** [@ayready](https://community.cartalk.com/u/ayready)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [October 7, 2010, 1:40am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/which-hatchback-should-i-pick/56008 "2010-10-07T01:40:47Z")
I am moving to Boston with my wife and an 3 months old infant. After rethinking, we plan to buy a hatchback now. We will buy a Van later when we have our 2nd child. We want a hatchback for the cargo space and back windsc… --- ## [When is it time to get rid of the car?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/when-is-it-time-to-get-rid-of-the-car/56040)
**Author:** [@apgevs](https://community.cartalk.com/u/apgevs)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [October 7, 2010, 12:19am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/when-is-it-time-to-get-rid-of-the-car/56040 "2010-10-07T00:19:39Z")
We have a 2002 Audi A4. It has 106K miles on it, but over the past year we?ve spent more on repairing it than we would have spent on a monthly payment for a new car We had a $2K repair in October 2009 where we had to … --- ## [New Car](https://community.cartalk.com/t/new-car/55892)
**Author:** [@Jonrosenbergnyc](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Jonrosenbergnyc)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [October 6, 2010, 10:38pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/new-car/55892 "2010-10-06T22:38:35Z")
Hey Guys, We've just sold out 2002 Subaru Outback Limited (with over 100K miles, we wanted to get something newer). We looked at the new Outback (which got bigger in every direction), and read reviews about shaky steer… --- ## [GM Bailout of 2008-2009: A Provocative Query](https://community.cartalk.com/t/gm-bailout-of-2008-2009-a-provocative-query/55889)
**Author:** [@James\_B\_Bleeker](https://community.cartalk.com/u/James_B_Bleeker)\ **Replies:** 86\ **Last updated:** [October 6, 2010, 3:52pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/gm-bailout-of-2008-2009-a-provocative-query/55889 "2010-10-06T15:52:35Z")
When account is taken of: (1) General Motors had a 2009 Car Reliability GPA of 1.43, a D by letter grade and 15th among car manufacturers with significant sales in the U.S., (2) GM's reliability standing had … [Previous page](https://community.cartalk.com/c/general-discussion/8.md?page=420) [Next page](https://community.cartalk.com/c/general-discussion/8.md?page=422)