# General Discussion **URL:** https://community.cartalk.com/c/general-discussion/8.md?page=423 [Latest](https://community.cartalk.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://community.cartalk.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://community.cartalk.com/tags.md) **Page:** 424 --- ## [Long Term Reliability: Pre-Owned BMW 328i vs. Pre-Owned Audi A4](https://community.cartalk.com/t/long-term-reliability-pre-owned-bmw-328i-vs-pre-owned-audi-a4/54111)
**Author:** [@OleMiss](https://community.cartalk.com/u/OleMiss)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [September 24, 2010, 1:09pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/long-term-reliability-pre-owned-bmw-328i-vs-pre-owned-audi-a4/54111 "2010-09-24T13:09:45Z")
I currently have a 1999 Volkswagen Passat with 210,000 miles (purchased at 30,000 miles). While I guess I can't complain at getting 180k miles out of the car, there have been lots of repairs, glitches, and electronic is… --- ## [Disabling automatic door unlocking](https://community.cartalk.com/t/disabling-automatic-door-unlocking/55464)
**Author:** [@fla.recumbent](https://community.cartalk.com/u/fla.recumbent)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [September 22, 2010, 11:30pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/disabling-automatic-door-unlocking/55464 "2010-09-22T23:30:56Z")
I just bought a 2011 Camry LE. The doors automatically unlock when you put the car in park. I've tried the instructions in the manual, but no luck. Please help. Thx! --- ## [Should I cover my new car?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/should-i-cover-my-new-car/55406)
**Author:** [@birdermom](https://community.cartalk.com/u/birdermom)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [September 22, 2010, 7:49pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/should-i-cover-my-new-car/55406 "2010-09-22T19:49:15Z")
I just bought a new Prius and we do not have a garage or covered parking. The car sits under trees in which birds often reside so poop is abundant as well as other tree droppings. I would like to buy a cover to protect t… --- ## [Toyota Avalon feul mileage](https://community.cartalk.com/t/toyota-avalon-feul-mileage/55440)
**Author:** [@4136rdm](https://community.cartalk.com/u/4136rdm)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [September 22, 2010, 3:51pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/toyota-avalon-feul-mileage/55440 "2010-09-22T15:51:35Z")
I have a 2005 Toyota Avalon and have just purchesed a certified used 2010 Toyota Avalon Limited. the advertised gas mileage on the 2005 was 22 city and 31 highway. My experience is that I have gotten this mileage just… --- ## [How far can you really drive in a Volt?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/how-far-can-you-really-drive-in-a-volt/55433)
**Author:** [@StrongDreamsWaitHere](https://community.cartalk.com/u/StrongDreamsWaitHere)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [September 22, 2010, 2:12pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/how-far-can-you-really-drive-in-a-volt/55433 "2010-09-22T14:12:35Z")
I haven't found the answer to these questions on line but I'll bet someone here knows. So, all the hype says you can drive a Volt about 40 miles on pure electric and 300 miles on gas (the extended range motor). (1) Is … --- ## [Need to buy a car to fit our son who is 6'10'](https://community.cartalk.com/t/need-to-buy-a-car-to-fit-our-son-who-is-610/55302)
**Author:** [@TOO\_TALL](https://community.cartalk.com/u/TOO_TALL)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [September 22, 2010, 3:55am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/need-to-buy-a-car-to-fit-our-son-who-is-610/55302 "2010-09-22T03:55:50Z")
Our son is 17 - 6'10" and still growing - long basketball legs. College is pending so we cannot afford $$$, so thinking used car. We need some ideas! What cars fit tall people. --- ## [What's a better used car](https://community.cartalk.com/t/whats-a-better-used-car/55188)
**Author:** [@psimone](https://community.cartalk.com/u/psimone)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [September 21, 2010, 6:48am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/whats-a-better-used-car/55188 "2010-09-21T06:48:49Z")
Is it better to by an older, better quality used car,or a newer "cheaper brand" car when they are comparable in price? For example, is a 2008 VW Jetta a better buy than a 2005 Volvo S40 AWD? - Opinions and arguments over… --- ## [Classic Car Info Wanted](https://community.cartalk.com/t/classic-car-info-wanted/55242)
**Author:** [@TheMusicTurtle](https://community.cartalk.com/u/TheMusicTurtle)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [September 21, 2010, 12:52am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/classic-car-info-wanted/55242 "2010-09-21T00:52:26Z")
I love old cars - Fords from the early 50's, Buick's from the 30's - and I've always wanted to own a classic car. Problem is, I don't know the first thing about classic car restoration, buying, problems, etc. I am look… --- ## [Extended Warranties](https://community.cartalk.com/t/extended-warranties/55270)
**Author:** [@duribe56](https://community.cartalk.com/u/duribe56)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [September 20, 2010, 8:54pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/extended-warranties/55270 "2010-09-20T20:54:47Z")
I have been hounded (really) with letters and emails about extended warranties. I have a 2004 Chevy Tahoe 2WD that runs great, it does have 126200 miles which, I guess is alot. My question is, is it worth it to get a e… --- ## [Car for teenage daughter](https://community.cartalk.com/t/car-for-teenage-daughter/55353)
**Author:** [@lisse1](https://community.cartalk.com/u/lisse1)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [September 20, 2010, 4:41pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/car-for-teenage-daughter/55353 "2010-09-20T16:41:35Z")
We are looking for a car for our daughter. We love the Mini Cooper Clubman. It rates high in safety but it is small. What are your thoughts on this car? --- ## [Seat comfort on long trips](https://community.cartalk.com/t/seat-comfort-on-long-trips/55281)
**Author:** [@bfogcolo](https://community.cartalk.com/u/bfogcolo)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [September 20, 2010, 1:20am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/seat-comfort-on-long-trips/55281 "2010-09-20T01:20:16Z")
What car to buy if you don't want your butt to get sore after about an hour in a car? I'm 6'2", not overweight, and have driven at 2006 Subaru Forester and a 2008 Prius. After an hour, my butt gets sore. It doesn't ha… --- ## [Mileage](https://community.cartalk.com/t/mileage/55295)
**Author:** [@fhvetter](https://community.cartalk.com/u/fhvetter)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [September 19, 2010, 9:54pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/mileage/55295 "2010-09-19T21:54:26Z")
why did the car miles per tank full, on my 2004 taurusSE has gone, from 310 miles to 256 miles? --- ## [1983 Chevy Citation](https://community.cartalk.com/t/1983-chevy-citation/55309)
**Author:** [@wilsonaaronm08](https://community.cartalk.com/u/wilsonaaronm08)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [September 19, 2010, 4:46pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/1983-chevy-citation/55309 "2010-09-19T16:46:06Z")
An '83 Citation popped up for sale near me for $500. I really need something to replace my dying Dodge Neon. I heard these have brake problems, and that's about it. Is that something that is fixable? I know this is … --- ## [2010 Traverse drifts backwards](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2010-traverse-drifts-backwards/55320)
**Author:** [@timmytoast](https://community.cartalk.com/u/timmytoast)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [September 19, 2010, 3:26pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2010-traverse-drifts-backwards/55320 "2010-09-19T15:26:30Z")
I just purchased a used 2010 Chevy Traverse. On even slight inclines it drifts backwards. It's like driving a standard shift vehicle, even though it's an automatic. what's up? --- ## [Which Car to Buy?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/which-car-to-buy/55232)
**Author:** [@daniel24](https://community.cartalk.com/u/daniel24)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [September 17, 2010, 11:33pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/which-car-to-buy/55232 "2010-09-17T23:33:32Z")
I'm debating whether to buy a 2007 Pontiac G6 4v (30k miles), a 2008 Dodge Caliber (31k miles) or a Chevy HHR LT (36k miles), all around the same price range. Which is a better car? --- ## [Sell 2001 Maxima or 2002 Camry?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/sell-2001-maxima-or-2002-camry/55223)
**Author:** [@Zathrus](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Zathrus)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [September 17, 2010, 9:18pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/sell-2001-maxima-or-2002-camry/55223 "2010-09-17T21:18:40Z")
We are in a position to sell one of our cars, but unsure which one to sell: 2001 Nissan Maxima SE, 80k miles. Has sunroof and ABS (standard). Gets about 19 mpg in city driving. Has a couple of quirks (steering wheel… --- ## [Rubicon '07 Bumpsteer or DW?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/rubicon-07-bumpsteer-or-dw/55025)
**Author:** [@kingfstcat](https://community.cartalk.com/u/kingfstcat)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [September 17, 2010, 9:18pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/rubicon-07-bumpsteer-or-dw/55025 "2010-09-17T21:18:37Z")
Love our Jeep Rubicon 07. In the last two weeks however, I (the female in the family!) have been driving at about 45 mph on one of our pretty bumpy roads and have experienced what I can only describe as an out of contro… --- ## [Downshift to accelerate](https://community.cartalk.com/t/downshift-to-accelerate/55191)
**Author:** [@paperclip-9](https://community.cartalk.com/u/paperclip-9)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [September 17, 2010, 2:40pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/downshift-to-accelerate/55191 "2010-09-17T14:40:36Z")
I have an automatic transmission and I was just wondering why it is necessary for the engine to downshift when I want to accelerate to pass someone on the freeway. Why can't the engine just stay in the same gear while re… --- ## [Strange sound Subaru](https://community.cartalk.com/t/strange-sound-subaru/55115)
**Author:** [@atkins](https://community.cartalk.com/u/atkins)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [September 17, 2010, 12:59pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/strange-sound-subaru/55115 "2010-09-17T12:59:25Z")
My 2003 Subaru makes a whistling sound when driving on the highwat, over 60 mph, and in strong wind. It seems to come from the ide mirror area. What could be the cause?? --- ## [DO RWD cars have cv joints?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/do-rwd-cars-have-cv-joints/55192)
**Author:** [@paperclip-9](https://community.cartalk.com/u/paperclip-9)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [September 17, 2010, 12:52pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/do-rwd-cars-have-cv-joints/55192 "2010-09-17T12:52:26Z")
I was just wondering what kind of connection is used between the driveshaft and the wheel in rear wheel drive cars? Are they CV joints? I have a Toyota 4runner rear wheel drive SUV and I also have a rear wheel drive Lexu… --- ## [Factory-installed navigation versus aftermarket navigation](https://community.cartalk.com/t/factory-installed-navigation-versus-aftermarket-navigation/55057)
**Author:** [@birdermom](https://community.cartalk.com/u/birdermom)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [September 17, 2010, 10:06am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/factory-installed-navigation-versus-aftermarket-navigation/55057 "2010-09-17T10:06:17Z")
We are considering buying a new Prius and have heard lukewarm reviews of Toyota navigation systems. Is it better to buy an aftermarket system or pay the extra $ for the factory-installed system? What are the pros and con… --- ## [Lets hear it for the dealership!](https://community.cartalk.com/t/lets-hear-it-for-the-dealership/51265)
**Author:** [@oldgold](https://community.cartalk.com/u/oldgold)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [September 17, 2010, 4:39am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/lets-hear-it-for-the-dealership/51265 "2010-09-17T04:39:42Z")
I have a 1996 Chevrolet Lumina. I've had a transmission replaced; intake gasket installed; and new radiator. My latest problem was the car stalling and backfiring. I sought suggestions from local mechanics and CAR TALK a… --- ## [What is the true value](https://community.cartalk.com/t/what-is-the-true-value/55207)
**Author:** [@talan7](https://community.cartalk.com/u/talan7)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [September 17, 2010, 2:15am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/what-is-the-true-value/55207 "2010-09-17T02:15:47Z")
I own a 2004 Mazda RX8 with 130,000 miles. I recently replaced the motor and flywheel at 128,000 miles. How do I now calculate the value as I might want to trade it in. I put over 5 grand into her. It's a rotary engine, … --- ## [Conundrum](https://community.cartalk.com/t/conundrum/55198)
**Author:** [@elmasfregon](https://community.cartalk.com/u/elmasfregon)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [September 17, 2010, 12:19am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/conundrum/55198 "2010-09-17T00:19:34Z")
All things being equal, what would you recommend? 2006 Subaru Impreza 2.5i Station Wagon / $13K / 39K miles / Certified Pre-Owned /Carfax 1 owner or 2007 Subaru Impreza Sedan $12K / 49K miles / Certified Pre-Own… --- ## [Tree sap on car](https://community.cartalk.com/t/tree-sap-on-car/52466)
**Author:** [@rjohnst99](https://community.cartalk.com/u/rjohnst99)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [September 17, 2010, 12:07am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/tree-sap-on-car/52466 "2010-09-17T00:07:33Z")
Hi, I have a Nissan Altima 2000. There is a maple tree near my parking spot. A bunch of helicopter leaves landed on my car from the tree. They had sap on them, which is nearly impossible to remove from my car - it's a… --- ## [Yikes! Spilled Diesel Fuel in Car - How do we Remove the Smell?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/yikes-spilled-diesel-fuel-in-car-how-do-we-remove-the-smell/55203)
**Author:** [@BethJenne](https://community.cartalk.com/u/BethJenne)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [September 16, 2010, 5:18pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/yikes-spilled-diesel-fuel-in-car-how-do-we-remove-the-smell/55203 "2010-09-16T17:18:06Z")
Help. We accidently (obviously!) spilled a few tablespoons of diesel fuel in the back of our car. It is in the carpeting and the cloth seats. It happened about a week ago. At that time we removed everything that we could… --- ## [Insurance in Texas](https://community.cartalk.com/t/insurance-in-texas/54760)
**Author:** [@houstonrice](https://community.cartalk.com/u/houstonrice)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [September 16, 2010, 1:10pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/insurance-in-texas/54760 "2010-09-16T13:10:10Z")
I'm paying 100 $ a month for a liability+collision from Geico. Deductibles are 500$ for the collision. I got my license in January this year. I dont particularly enjoy paying 100$ a month for the insurance. I… --- ## [Denver Dealerships](https://community.cartalk.com/t/denver-dealerships/55183)
**Author:** [@thatbrianlee](https://community.cartalk.com/u/thatbrianlee)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [September 16, 2010, 12:54am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/denver-dealerships/55183 "2010-09-16T00:54:23Z")
I was wondering if anyone had any good recommendations for a Honda/Subaru/Toyota dealerships in the Denver area. --- ## [Move a 10 year old car to California?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/move-a-10-year-old-car-to-california/55157)
**Author:** [@peetucket](https://community.cartalk.com/u/peetucket)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [September 16, 2010, 12:20am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/move-a-10-year-old-car-to-california/55157 "2010-09-16T00:20:05Z")
Howdy, We are moving to Palo Alto, CA from Cape Cod at the end of the year and I'm planning to take my 2000 Mercury Mystique. It runs great, and I bought it brand new in 1999 with CA emissions (I can see the future… --- ## [Looking for a car that's practical, yet fast](https://community.cartalk.com/t/looking-for-a-car-thats-practical-yet-fast/52482)
**Author:** [@SneakerCat](https://community.cartalk.com/u/SneakerCat)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [September 15, 2010, 11:25pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/looking-for-a-car-thats-practical-yet-fast/52482 "2010-09-15T23:25:19Z")
I have an '03 Honda Civic Si. It has a lowered suspension (the original owner did this, not me). I now live in Washington state, and I think I need something with a higher clearance, something that'll do well on Forest S… [Previous page](https://community.cartalk.com/c/general-discussion/8.md?page=422) [Next page](https://community.cartalk.com/c/general-discussion/8.md?page=424)