# General Discussion **URL:** https://community.cartalk.com/c/general-discussion/8.md?page=433 [Latest](https://community.cartalk.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://community.cartalk.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://community.cartalk.com/tags.md) **Page:** 434 --- ## [10 'most American' cars](https://community.cartalk.com/t/10-most-american-cars/50814)
**Author:** [@Whitey](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Whitey)\ **Replies:** 59\ **Last updated:** [July 9, 2010, 10:28pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/10-most-american-cars/50814 "2010-07-09T22:28:49Z")
"These are the top ten American-made vehicles, according to Cars.com, which ranks them according to how many American-made parts they use and where they're built." http://mon...n&hpt=Sbin They are: 1. Toyo… --- ## [Corn popping in car](https://community.cartalk.com/t/corn-popping-in-car/51500)
**Author:** [@terrymclaren](https://community.cartalk.com/u/terrymclaren)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [July 9, 2010, 2:38am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/corn-popping-in-car/51500 "2010-07-09T02:38:40Z")
Have you ever heard of any popping corn in a hot enclosed car? If so, what method did they use? --- ## [Is it safe to put 3 carseats in a Prius?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/is-it-safe-to-put-3-carseats-in-a-prius/51453)
**Author:** [@1plustwins](https://community.cartalk.com/u/1plustwins)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [July 8, 2010, 11:42pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/is-it-safe-to-put-3-carseats-in-a-prius/51453 "2010-07-08T23:42:40Z")
We have 10 month old twins, a 3 year old son, and a 2007 Prius. I understand that I can fit 3 Sunshine Radian carseats in the back seat. However, when I contacted our local, professional carseat installer, he mentioned t… --- ## [Old spark plugs](https://community.cartalk.com/t/old-spark-plugs/51294)
**Author:** [@richie\_m098](https://community.cartalk.com/u/richie_m098)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [July 8, 2010, 11:10pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/old-spark-plugs/51294 "2010-07-08T23:10:15Z")
My mom was cleaning out some of my dad's old stuff. He passed away in 99, anyway she gave me 2 boxes of brand new spark plugs. Thay are real old and in the orig. boxes. Wright spark plug sise 7/8 18. W hat do thay fit an… --- ## [More mpg by eliminating belt driven units?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/more-mpg-by-eliminating-belt-driven-units/51462)
**Author:** [@ken\_green](https://community.cartalk.com/u/ken_green)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [July 8, 2010, 10:18pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/more-mpg-by-eliminating-belt-driven-units/51462 "2010-07-08T22:18:16Z")
I must wonder to the automotive industry who is constantly seeking more MPG, what if you eliminate the un-neccessary belt driven units and have them just electric motor driven ? Would this result in sufficiently more mpg… --- ## [Semi-automatic transmission question](https://community.cartalk.com/t/semi-automatic-transmission-question/51471)
**Author:** [@paperclip-9](https://community.cartalk.com/u/paperclip-9)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [July 8, 2010, 4:45am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/semi-automatic-transmission-question/51471 "2010-07-08T04:45:57Z")
I was just wondering how the different kinds of "semi-automatic" transmissions differ and how they work. Do semi-automatic transmissions uses clutches or torque converters? I looked on Wikipedia under the semi-automatic … --- ## [Viability of GM (Government Motors)](https://community.cartalk.com/t/viability-of-gm-government-motors/31054)
**Author:** [@Docnick](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Docnick)\ **Replies:** 54\ **Last updated:** [June 6, 2009, 2:08am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/viability-of-gm-government-motors/31054 "2009-06-06T02:08:04Z")
It looks like GM will soon be owned by the UAW(17.5%) and the rest by the government. There is no precedent of this anywhere, I believe, other than Renault and Volkswagen, but they did not have Union ownership. What are … --- ## [Stories Wanted for NPR's All Things Considered](https://community.cartalk.com/t/stories-wanted-for-nprs-all-things-considered/37409)
**Author:** [@Tom\_and\_Ray](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Tom_and_Ray)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [October 12, 2009, 5:21pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/stories-wanted-for-nprs-all-things-considered/37409 "2009-10-12T17:21:09Z")
Dear Car Talk Community Time Kill Specialists, We thought we'd pass along this note from our pal at NPR, Producer Art Silverman. He's looking for folks to lend a hand with a story, for All Things Considered. Share your… --- ## [Roadtrip Question](https://community.cartalk.com/t/roadtrip-question/51420)
**Author:** [@mishyharman](https://community.cartalk.com/u/mishyharman)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [July 7, 2010, 7:01pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/roadtrip-question/51420 "2010-07-07T19:01:10Z")
I am about to embark on a 2 month long adventure covering many miles out from San Francisco to Boston. I want to buy a used car that has the following features: 1) Is dependable and won't break down on me 2) Has h… --- ## [Portland OR might have been called Boston OR](https://community.cartalk.com/t/portland-or-might-have-been-called-boston-or/51411)
**Author:** [@royscott](https://community.cartalk.com/u/royscott)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [July 7, 2010, 1:33pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/portland-or-might-have-been-called-boston-or/51411 "2010-07-07T13:33:51Z")
It all began in 1843 when Tennessee drifter William Overton and Massachusetts lawyer Asa Lovejoy beached their canoe on the banks of the Willamette River .... Overton \[sold\] his half of the claim to Francis W. Pettygrove… --- ## [When to sell an old car](https://community.cartalk.com/t/when-to-sell-an-old-car/51346)
**Author:** [@Shooks1](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Shooks1)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [July 7, 2010, 12:51am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/when-to-sell-an-old-car/51346 "2010-07-07T00:51:20Z")
I need help please deciding whether to keep a Subaru Impreza Outback Wagon with 215,000 miles. Retail value is about $2,400 in Gainesville, Fl. It needs three wheel bearings replaced at about $1,200 total. Going t… --- ## [Want To Buy The Highest Quality Car ? Buy A GM Or Ford Pickup (Some Of You Already Knew This)](https://community.cartalk.com/t/want-to-buy-the-highest-quality-car-buy-a-gm-or-ford-pickup-some-of-you-already-knew-this/51365)
**Author:** [@common-sense-answer](https://community.cartalk.com/u/common-sense-answer)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [July 7, 2010, 12:15am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/want-to-buy-the-highest-quality-car-buy-a-gm-or-ford-pickup-some-of-you-already-knew-this/51365 "2010-07-07T00:15:10Z")
According to the latest J.D. Powers and Associates "initial quality rankings" release, these pickups were on top of the heap of other cars and trucks. 2010 pickup truck owners reported 95 problems per 100 vehicles, … --- ## [Used Car Purchase Advice](https://community.cartalk.com/t/used-car-purchase-advice/51360)
**Author:** [@Joseph\_E\_Meehan](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Joseph_E_Meehan)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [July 6, 2010, 7:54pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/used-car-purchase-advice/51360 "2010-07-06T19:54:42Z")
When buying a used car, one of the best pieces of advice I can think of is to take a look at the owner's manual. If the manual looks like it has never been opened or is no where to be found, pass on that car. I… --- ## [Can't find a car](https://community.cartalk.com/t/cant-find-a-car/51312)
**Author:** [@lauracooper35](https://community.cartalk.com/u/lauracooper35)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [July 6, 2010, 2:13am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/cant-find-a-car/51312 "2010-07-06T02:13:25Z")
I'm a new driver so i want a crossover type of car it has to be able to fit four tennagers in it plus cargo it would like it to be yellow with cloth seats and i can't seem to find one that fits my needs any suggestions??… --- ## [Moving things](https://community.cartalk.com/t/moving-things/51252)
**Author:** [@dramdavies](https://community.cartalk.com/u/dramdavies)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [July 5, 2010, 11:11pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/moving-things/51252 "2010-07-05T23:11:00Z")
I have a 2006 Saturn ion and have to move from California to Pennsylvania, but I have a lot of books. Approximately how much weight can I load into a Saturn without ruining the suspension? Adrian --- ## [Improve mileage?!](https://community.cartalk.com/t/improve-mileage/51335)
**Author:** [@Zsnark](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Zsnark)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [July 5, 2010, 11:06pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/improve-mileage/51335 "2010-07-05T23:06:22Z")
I have an '06 Malibu Maxx SS. I get lousy mileage 'cause I got the warmed up LZ9 engine. Looking under this car, which I love dearly, I see a really restrictive exhaust system. Will a free flow system help significant… --- ## [Used car choices](https://community.cartalk.com/t/used-car-choices/51295)
**Author:** [@blue\_skies](https://community.cartalk.com/u/blue_skies)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [July 5, 2010, 6:39pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/used-car-choices/51295 "2010-07-05T18:39:33Z")
Hi. I'm moving to LA (from London) and need to buy my first vehicle. I won't be commuting, but it will get regular use in the city and on freeways. I want something solid, reliable, under 60k mileage, and not too bi… --- ## [What is reciprocating mass?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/what-is-reciprocating-mass/51195)
**Author:** [@paperclip-9](https://community.cartalk.com/u/paperclip-9)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [July 5, 2010, 1:31pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/what-is-reciprocating-mass/51195 "2010-07-05T13:31:49Z")
What is reciprocating mass and how does it have an effect on engine performance. Do V8s have lower reciprocating mass of V10s? Ideally, are carmakers aiming for lower reciprocating masses of engines? If we have a lower o… --- ## [Buying a New Car](https://community.cartalk.com/t/buying-a-new-car/51237)
**Author:** [@FrankCoz](https://community.cartalk.com/u/FrankCoz)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [July 5, 2010, 5:56am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/buying-a-new-car/51237 "2010-07-05T05:56:08Z")
My wife and I are soon going to be in the market for a new car. We are seriously considering buying a hybrid. We both like the Ford Fusion. We are also considering a Toyota Camry since it has excellent gas mileage. W… --- ## [Should I Buy This Used Car?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/should-i-buy-this-used-car/51243)
**Author:** [@jeffsherman001](https://community.cartalk.com/u/jeffsherman001)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [July 5, 2010, 5:55am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/should-i-buy-this-used-car/51243 "2010-07-05T05:55:51Z")
A '99 Saturn in good condition with 74,000 miles. I have been told by a couple of dealers that parts will be available for quite a few years. What are your views? --- ## [Prius Radio Static](https://community.cartalk.com/t/prius-radio-static/51236)
**Author:** [@Tyger55](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Tyger55)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [July 5, 2010, 12:02am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/prius-radio-static/51236 "2010-07-05T00:02:44Z")
My new 2010 Prius's radio gets more static than I would expect. I had it replaced immediately after I recognized this problem and the replacement has the identical problem. Is this a cheap radio or does it have somethi… --- ## [When buying a gently used car, do i have to worry the reason of owner selling](https://community.cartalk.com/t/when-buying-a-gently-used-car-do-i-have-to-worry-the-reason-of-owner-selling/51283)
**Author:** [@hwderm](https://community.cartalk.com/u/hwderm)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [July 4, 2010, 9:01pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/when-buying-a-gently-used-car-do-i-have-to-worry-the-reason-of-owner-selling/51283 "2010-07-04T21:01:02Z")
Dear Car talk community, I am looking for a gently used car, mechanically reliable, good safety features, no need for fancy, will be mainly used for 10 mile/day local driving. My concern is that unless there is so… --- ## [Recommendation for a used car](https://community.cartalk.com/t/recommendation-for-a-used-car/51006)
**Author:** [@hwderm](https://community.cartalk.com/u/hwderm)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [July 4, 2010, 3:49pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/recommendation-for-a-used-car/51006 "2010-07-04T15:49:33Z")
Dear Car talk community, I have a 1991 Olds Toronato, lately it has been giving me problems (stalls very often). maybe forced to look for replacement. The car will be used for daily 10 miles/day local driving.… --- ## [Price for a used 2010 Subaru Forester with 10 miles?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/price-for-a-used-2010-subaru-forester-with-10-miles/51256)
**Author:** [@chloepear](https://community.cartalk.com/u/chloepear)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [July 4, 2010, 12:48am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/price-for-a-used-2010-subaru-forester-with-10-miles/51256 "2010-07-04T00:48:42Z")
A local dealer has some 20-odd 2010 Subaru Forester in the trim line I want (2.5X Premium) that they are selling as used, even though each car has only 5 to 20 miles on it. I assume this is because they are trying to cle… --- ## [Driver Training](https://community.cartalk.com/t/driver-training/51143)
**Author:** [@sincout](https://community.cartalk.com/u/sincout)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [July 3, 2010, 3:55pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/driver-training/51143 "2010-07-03T15:55:26Z")
Do you know of any driver education training or videos that would help us improve the skills of our hotel drivers in Central America? They have all been driving for many years but have no background on how to anticipate … --- ## [Using a Prius to inflate an air mattress](https://community.cartalk.com/t/using-a-prius-to-inflate-an-air-mattress/50825)
**Author:** [@AJSSVS](https://community.cartalk.com/u/AJSSVS)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [July 3, 2010, 3:54pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/using-a-prius-to-inflate-an-air-mattress/50825 "2010-07-03T15:54:03Z")
I plan on going tent camping and want to know if I can use my 2007 Prius in some way to power my small air pump. It's made to clip onto the battery terminals of a regular car battery, but the Prius isn't a regular car. --- ## [Tom, is this your car?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/tom-is-this-your-car/51212)
**Author:** [@des.sommers](https://community.cartalk.com/u/des.sommers)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [July 3, 2010, 1:36pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/tom-is-this-your-car/51212 "2010-07-03T13:36:46Z")
Tom & Ray, I live in the small town of Kent, Connecticut. Every year our local library raffles off a car. They used to be new cars, but last year it was some older spiffy Porshe. This year it's: "CAR RAFFLE ? The… --- ## [I just got rear-ended, what do I do?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/i-just-got-rear-ended-what-do-i-do/51183)
**Author:** [@rzpytel](https://community.cartalk.com/u/rzpytel)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [July 3, 2010, 7:42am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/i-just-got-rear-ended-what-do-i-do/51183 "2010-07-03T07:42:56Z")
I was just rear-ended at a stoplight. The guy didn't hit me that hard, and there isn't really any visible damage (my bumper has some dings, but I live in the city and don't know if they are from this accident or just pa… --- ## [Vin locations](https://community.cartalk.com/t/vin-locations/51208)
**Author:** [@blackchevy1982](https://community.cartalk.com/u/blackchevy1982)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [July 3, 2010, 3:55am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/vin-locations/51208 "2010-07-03T03:55:17Z")
I have recently bought a 1982 chevy k10 and it wad broke down but I fixed it and when I went to register it I found that my VIN had been taken off the dash it had been repainted befor so there was no sticker in the door … --- ## [Are New Volvo's Duds](https://community.cartalk.com/t/are-new-volvos-duds/51102)
**Author:** [@system](https://community.cartalk.com/u/system)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [July 3, 2010, 1:11am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/are-new-volvos-duds/51102 "2010-07-03T01:11:19Z")
My family has been long time drivers of 240 wagons. We have loved them and they've been great cars. Two years ago we decided to upgrade to a 2000 V70 wagon with 160,000 miles. This is a single owner car and we have al… [Previous page](https://community.cartalk.com/c/general-discussion/8.md?page=432) [Next page](https://community.cartalk.com/c/general-discussion/8.md?page=434)