# General Discussion **URL:** https://community.cartalk.com/c/general-discussion/8.md?page=432 [Latest](https://community.cartalk.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://community.cartalk.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://community.cartalk.com/tags.md) **Page:** 433 --- ## [Easiest and chepest cars to work on](https://community.cartalk.com/t/easiest-and-chepest-cars-to-work-on/52081)
**Author:** [@halffast58](https://community.cartalk.com/u/halffast58)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [July 19, 2010, 3:53pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/easiest-and-chepest-cars-to-work-on/52081 "2010-07-19T15:53:02Z")
what are easiest and chepest cars to work on --- ## [1993 GMC Intake](https://community.cartalk.com/t/1993-gmc-intake/52060)
**Author:** [@treoff](https://community.cartalk.com/u/treoff)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [July 19, 2010, 3:28pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/1993-gmc-intake/52060 "2010-07-19T15:28:00Z")
I was changing the air filter on a 1993 GMC Sierra Pickup with the 4.3 engine and noticed a pipe connecting the heat shielding from the exhaust manifold to the air intake plumbing. It seems like it is routing hot air fro… --- ## [2009 Audi A4 Avant vs 2007-2009 Lexus RX 350](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2009-audi-a4-avant-vs-2007-2009-lexus-rx-350/51703)
**Author:** [@jctmoore](https://community.cartalk.com/u/jctmoore)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [July 18, 2010, 11:48pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2009-audi-a4-avant-vs-2007-2009-lexus-rx-350/51703 "2010-07-18T23:48:07Z")
I'm due for a new car and have narrowed it down to 2 - the newer A4 avant and a lexus Rx350. I generally prefer the feel of a wagon - drives like a car, low to the ground, fairly easy to park but still with a lot of room… --- ## [Acura TL ride quality](https://community.cartalk.com/t/acura-tl-ride-quality/51928)
**Author:** [@mikecupertino](https://community.cartalk.com/u/mikecupertino)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [July 17, 2010, 3:02am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/acura-tl-ride-quality/51928 "2010-07-17T03:02:27Z")
Hello, We have an Acura 2004 TL. On longer trips, my wife drives and I recline the passenger seat way back; this allows me to arrive at our destination less tired. Apparently because of the sports suspension, t… --- ## [Engine's roar](https://community.cartalk.com/t/engines-roar/51553)
**Author:** [@bronco\_guy](https://community.cartalk.com/u/bronco_guy)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [July 17, 2010, 2:36am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/engines-roar/51553 "2010-07-17T02:36:16Z")
We all know a four does not sound like an eight, but why doesn't a four cylinder engine at 4000 rpm sound like a V8 at 2000 rpm. (Both engines should be firing the same number of detonations per minute) --- ## [A New Car](https://community.cartalk.com/t/a-new-car/51904)
**Author:** [@MarinaB](https://community.cartalk.com/u/MarinaB)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [July 17, 2010, 2:08am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/a-new-car/51904 "2010-07-17T02:08:36Z")
Hey guys. So I am in need of my first car. I want something that will definitely last me and I don't want to pay too much for it since I am just using it to get to work and possibly driving to school. I was just wonderin… --- ## [Speed bumps](https://community.cartalk.com/t/speed-bumps/51888)
**Author:** [@ssnoozin](https://community.cartalk.com/u/ssnoozin)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [July 16, 2010, 6:43pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/speed-bumps/51888 "2010-07-16T18:43:00Z")
Is it better to drive over speed bumps and railroad tracks at an angle or straight on? --- ## [Selling a Saturn Vue airbag module](https://community.cartalk.com/t/selling-a-saturn-vue-airbag-module/51901)
**Author:** [@LoveMutt](https://community.cartalk.com/u/LoveMutt)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [July 16, 2010, 1:52pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/selling-a-saturn-vue-airbag-module/51901 "2010-07-16T13:52:44Z")
I was too confident that I knew why my horn stopped on my 04 Saturn Vue and prematurely bought an $800 airbag module that I don't need. I'm wondering if you have any recommendations for selling this brand new part? I don… --- ## [A woman after my own heart](https://community.cartalk.com/t/a-woman-after-my-own-heart/51898)
**Author:** [@cigroller](https://community.cartalk.com/u/cigroller)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [July 16, 2010, 12:49am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/a-woman-after-my-own-heart/51898 "2010-07-16T00:49:23Z")
Everyone should be so good with their cars... http://www...index.html --- ## [Egr valve](https://community.cartalk.com/t/egr-valve/51892)
**Author:** [@billybobdog](https://community.cartalk.com/u/billybobdog)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [July 15, 2010, 11:25pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/egr-valve/51892 "2010-07-15T23:25:16Z")
what is an egr valve and is that different from an egr modulator? --- ## [Can I change gearing ratios to improve gas mileage?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/can-i-change-gearing-ratios-to-improve-gas-mileage/51821)
**Author:** [@biniszkiewicz](https://community.cartalk.com/u/biniszkiewicz)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [July 15, 2010, 3:46pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/can-i-change-gearing-ratios-to-improve-gas-mileage/51821 "2010-07-15T15:46:46Z")
I have a diesel ram truck, manual transmission. Love it. But the gearing is short. At 75mph, the engine spins at 2500rpm, and the redline is 3200rpm. Wouldn't I get better gas mileage with taller gearing? Is this somethi… --- ## [Wanted: Perry Mason](https://community.cartalk.com/t/wanted-perry-mason/51869)
**Author:** [@system](https://community.cartalk.com/u/system)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [July 15, 2010, 5:28am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/wanted-perry-mason/51869 "2010-07-15T05:28:38Z")
Hi. My daughter was in an accident (not her fault) and is needing physical therapy. The insurance company is not offering much. We don't have money to hire a lawyer outright but I don't want to go to one of those tv huck… --- ## [Used car questions](https://community.cartalk.com/t/used-car-questions/51809)
**Author:** [@benclausen](https://community.cartalk.com/u/benclausen)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [July 15, 2010, 12:59am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/used-car-questions/51809 "2010-07-15T00:59:47Z")
I'm in the market to buy a used car and I have a few questions. My first priority is reliability and my second is price. How old a car is too old to be reasonably reliable? Is the mileage on the car a better indicator of… --- ## [Gas mileage, 4W drive, and CVT](https://community.cartalk.com/t/gas-mileage-4w-drive-and-cvt/51697)
**Author:** [@unpaved\_drive](https://community.cartalk.com/u/unpaved_drive)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [July 14, 2010, 7:18pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/gas-mileage-4w-drive-and-cvt/51697 "2010-07-14T19:18:00Z")
MY 99 Outback is dying, and I need a new car. I live off road, so need clearance, and I coach a highschool XC ski racing team, so I need the all wheel drive and antilock brakes for the snow and ice. I would like better… --- ## [How do you know if you are buying ethanol-free gas?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/how-do-you-know-if-you-are-buying-ethanol-free-gas/51781)
**Author:** [@spiska22](https://community.cartalk.com/u/spiska22)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [July 14, 2010, 5:16am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/how-do-you-know-if-you-are-buying-ethanol-free-gas/51781 "2010-07-14T05:16:08Z")
I assume there are regulations. If there is no disclaimer sticker on the pump informing you there is up to x% ethanol, is it ethanol-free? Are there major brands that are ethanol-free? I've seen a few stations advertise … --- ## [Trade a Mercedes for a Prius?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/trade-a-mercedes-for-a-prius/51784)
**Author:** [@mizzredd](https://community.cartalk.com/u/mizzredd)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [July 13, 2010, 11:58pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/trade-a-mercedes-for-a-prius/51784 "2010-07-13T23:58:39Z")
We own 2006 ML350 with 80,000 mils. Owe more than 2008 Prius that we are considering. Situation: Mercedes cost $ 5000 2yrs ago with freakish thing (some rod, I don't know, fell into something--never, ever happens) (Took … --- ## [Car names](https://community.cartalk.com/t/car-names/51669)
**Author:** [@larrymilton](https://community.cartalk.com/u/larrymilton)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [July 13, 2010, 7:07pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/car-names/51669 "2010-07-13T19:07:00Z")
The automotive community has known for a long time that the naming of a vehicle can make or break it in the public's eye and heart. After seeing the Acura LEGEND and Suzuki VOLUSIA get renamed to numbers, I read now tha… --- ## [2001 Kia Optima Sedan vs. 1999 Subaru Legacy Outback Wagon](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2001-kia-optima-sedan-vs-1999-subaru-legacy-outback-wagon/51755)
**Author:** [@M\_Nagura](https://community.cartalk.com/u/M_Nagura)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [July 13, 2010, 3:14pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2001-kia-optima-sedan-vs-1999-subaru-legacy-outback-wagon/51755 "2010-07-13T15:14:20Z")
I have the opportunity to purchase a 2001 Kia Optima LX 4cyl, 92,000 mi, check engine light remains on; price is $2250 but I think I can purchase it for $1500-1750. I have read forums and they concern me, but I am in ne… --- ## [Best Vehicle to Tow a Small Travel Trailer](https://community.cartalk.com/t/best-vehicle-to-tow-a-small-travel-trailer/51670)
**Author:** [@reminthorn](https://community.cartalk.com/u/reminthorn)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [July 13, 2010, 11:56am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/best-vehicle-to-tow-a-small-travel-trailer/51670 "2010-07-13T11:56:32Z")
We're shopping for a vehicle to tow a micro travel trailer (max. weight 2,500 lbs/300 lb tongue weight). We want to balance safety, gas mileage when towing and gas mileage not towing. We'll probably only be towing 10% … --- ## [Spot light](https://community.cartalk.com/t/spot-light/51611)
**Author:** [@47andholding](https://community.cartalk.com/u/47andholding)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [July 13, 2010, 2:07am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/spot-light/51611 "2010-07-13T02:07:41Z")
I drive at night when I need to see a patient and so many do not have lights on. What kind of spot light, that won't cost me my first born, would you recommend? --- ## [What does it mean exactly to stall a manual car?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/what-does-it-mean-exactly-to-stall-a-manual-car/51663)
**Author:** [@paperclip-9](https://community.cartalk.com/u/paperclip-9)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [July 13, 2010, 1:47am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/what-does-it-mean-exactly-to-stall-a-manual-car/51663 "2010-07-13T01:47:47Z")
I never quite understood the concept of stalling a manual car. According to my google searches, a stall can be caused "by not timing the release of the clutch and pressing the gas pedal correctly. You need to give it jus… --- ## [Kickdown Cable](https://community.cartalk.com/t/kickdown-cable/51662)
**Author:** [@paperclip-9](https://community.cartalk.com/u/paperclip-9)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [July 12, 2010, 9:11pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/kickdown-cable/51662 "2010-07-12T21:11:48Z")
Can someone please explain to me what a kickdown cable is and why cars need such a device? How is this cable linked to the transmission. Also is this found on all cars? I hear of some people having their kickdown cables … --- ## [Anyone for E15 Gasoline?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/anyone-for-e15-gasoline/51623)
**Author:** [@jtsanders](https://community.cartalk.com/u/jtsanders)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [July 11, 2010, 10:29pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/anyone-for-e15-gasoline/51623 "2010-07-11T22:29:09Z")
I read last week that certain Corn State Legislators in DC want to mandate an increase from E10 to E15 to utilize idle ethanol refining equipment. It seems that there was more capacity built recently than is actually ne… --- ## [Good dog car](https://community.cartalk.com/t/good-dog-car/51506)
**Author:** [@akitalover](https://community.cartalk.com/u/akitalover)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [July 11, 2010, 6:47pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/good-dog-car/51506 "2010-07-11T18:47:01Z")
I have 2 Nordic dogs (akitas) and need a large furry dog, vomit friendly car that elderly canines can assess.. Our current ?dogmobile? is one I purchased new in 1991, a 2 door Accord. It needs $1000 to pass inspection.… --- ## [Car Make Questions](https://community.cartalk.com/t/car-make-questions/51631)
**Author:** [@rturner1988](https://community.cartalk.com/u/rturner1988)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [July 11, 2010, 1:37pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/car-make-questions/51631 "2010-07-11T13:37:53Z")
I'm on a website looking for prices of fuel filters, oil filters & spark plugs. The only problem is this web page I'm on doesnt seem to have my car. My car is a Ford Focus 1.4 CL. On there list they have Ford Focus LE, L… --- ## [Buying and E85 car](https://community.cartalk.com/t/buying-and-e85-car/51602)
**Author:** [@jvijayak](https://community.cartalk.com/u/jvijayak)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [July 11, 2010, 6:06am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/buying-and-e85-car/51602 "2010-07-11T06:06:30Z")
I have come across some cars that run on E85 ethanol/gas mixture (2006,2007 chevy Malibus and Chevy Impalas). Can all these cars run on regular gasoline also? Is every car that runs on E85 automatically a flex fuel vehic… --- ## [Small suv](https://community.cartalk.com/t/small-suv/51029)
**Author:** [@cheryl1](https://community.cartalk.com/u/cheryl1)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [July 11, 2010, 3:34am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/small-suv/51029 "2010-07-11T03:34:33Z")
I need a very small SUV to get up to my road close to Mission Ridge and need a recommendation for used model and years you think is good. Must be reliable and decent on fuel. I have heard good things about the Chevy trac… --- ## [Bluegrass song?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/bluegrass-song/51607)
**Author:** [@banjobll](https://community.cartalk.com/u/banjobll)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [July 11, 2010, 1:08am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/bluegrass-song/51607 "2010-07-11T01:08:08Z")
Anybody know the name of the song currently being played on the show? it includes the words "I can see the right way now" thanks Bill --- ## [How to tie down trunk lid](https://community.cartalk.com/t/how-to-tie-down-trunk-lid/51563)
**Author:** [@carfriend](https://community.cartalk.com/u/carfriend)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [July 10, 2010, 10:18pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/how-to-tie-down-trunk-lid/51563 "2010-07-10T22:18:20Z")
If I were to transport something that was sticking out of the trunk of my 09 Camry, is there a way to tie the trunk lid down so it doesn't bounce up and down while driving? I can't find anything to loop a rope through. --- ## [Proper Way to Drive Down a Steep Hill](https://community.cartalk.com/t/proper-way-to-drive-down-a-steep-hill/51478)
**Author:** [@paperclip-9](https://community.cartalk.com/u/paperclip-9)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [July 10, 2010, 2:12am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/proper-way-to-drive-down-a-steep-hill/51478 "2010-07-10T02:12:48Z")
I was listening to the show last week and I just wanted an explanation on one of the callers questions. The caller was saying she was driving down a hill with her manual car accidentally in neutral and by the time she ha… [Previous page](https://community.cartalk.com/c/general-discussion/8.md?page=431) [Next page](https://community.cartalk.com/c/general-discussion/8.md?page=433)