# General Discussion **URL:** https://community.cartalk.com/c/general-discussion/8.md?page=435 [Latest](https://community.cartalk.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://community.cartalk.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://community.cartalk.com/tags.md) **Page:** 436 --- ## [What used vehicle for mountain roads and long commutes?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/what-used-vehicle-for-mountain-roads-and-long-commutes/50712)
**Author:** [@bethyfry](https://community.cartalk.com/u/bethyfry)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [June 23, 2010, 12:35pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/what-used-vehicle-for-mountain-roads-and-long-commutes/50712 "2010-06-23T12:35:01Z")
We need to buy a vehicle for our family (2 kids and 2 dogs)with four doors. We live up a steep 1 mile mountain road that gets snow half the year. We're thinking about a toyota 4 runner. Any suggestions for a vehicle with… --- ## [Mystery Motoring Malady - A serious Problem](https://community.cartalk.com/t/mystery-motoring-malady-a-serious-problem/50738)
**Author:** [@ajgordon](https://community.cartalk.com/u/ajgordon)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [June 23, 2010, 2:25am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/mystery-motoring-malady-a-serious-problem/50738 "2010-06-23T02:25:07Z")
You should know that she is highly sensitive to many stimuli. For example, she has hyperacusis (very sensitive hearing), is a super-smeller, and is affected by changes in barometric pressure ("It will rain in the … --- ## [Mystery Motoring Malady - A serious Problem](https://community.cartalk.com/t/mystery-motoring-malady-a-serious-problem/50737)
**Author:** [@ajgordon](https://community.cartalk.com/u/ajgordon)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [June 23, 2010, 2:24am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/mystery-motoring-malady-a-serious-problem/50737 "2010-06-23T02:24:22Z")
You should know that she is highly sensitive to many stimuli. For example, she has hyperacusis (very sensitive hearing), is a super-smeller, and is affected by changes in barometric pressure ("It will rain in the … --- ## [New Truck Safety](https://community.cartalk.com/t/new-truck-safety/50642)
**Author:** [@taylormoore](https://community.cartalk.com/u/taylormoore)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [June 22, 2010, 11:46pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/new-truck-safety/50642 "2010-06-22T23:46:36Z")
I was in a near faltal accident in our pick up truck. We were hit almost head on by a bigger king cab pick up truck. We are looking for a new vehiclle that would keep us safe again. Any suggestions on a pick up truck? --- ## [Study Finds No Benefit To Chicago Red Light Cameras](https://community.cartalk.com/t/study-finds-no-benefit-to-chicago-red-light-cameras/50501)
**Author:** [@twotone](https://community.cartalk.com/u/twotone)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [June 22, 2010, 3:20pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/study-finds-no-benefit-to-chicago-red-light-cameras/50501 "2010-06-22T15:20:57Z")
Conclusions Accidents in Chicago fell between 2001 and 2008. In contrast, accidents at intersections with RLCs in our study actually increased. This result throws doubt on the city?s claims of significant accident redu… --- ## [Malibu Mileage](https://community.cartalk.com/t/malibu-mileage/50587)
**Author:** [@spokes8882](https://community.cartalk.com/u/spokes8882)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [June 21, 2010, 3:59pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/malibu-mileage/50587 "2010-06-21T15:59:32Z")
I just recently bought a new 2010 4 cylinder Malibu. It's rated for 33 MPG highway and I travel about 800-1000 miles a week. I change my oil at about 5000 miles and keep the air in my tires at the recommended pressure. I… --- ## [Saab: Not Dead Yet](https://community.cartalk.com/t/saab-not-dead-yet/50555)
**Author:** [@VDCdriver](https://community.cartalk.com/u/VDCdriver)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [June 21, 2010, 2:17am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/saab-not-dead-yet/50555 "2010-06-21T02:17:53Z")
In the latest issue of Bloomberg Business Week, there is an interesting and comprehensive article regarding Saab and its new owner, Spyker of The Netherlands. Among the interesting bits of info: Spyker's CEO himse… --- ## [Downshifting](https://community.cartalk.com/t/downshifting/50572)
**Author:** [@danaaclawson](https://community.cartalk.com/u/danaaclawson)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [June 20, 2010, 10:20pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/downshifting/50572 "2010-06-20T22:20:19Z")
Hello all knowing Car Talk community, I need your help with a current debate I am having. I just bought a manual car and my wife is telling me that I should always downshift, regardless of how short the distance is betwe… --- ## [Chinese Give New Meaning To "Compact Car". That's Going To Leave A Mark!](https://community.cartalk.com/t/chinese-give-new-meaning-to-compact-car-thats-going-to-leave-a-mark/50597)
**Author:** [@common-sense-answer](https://community.cartalk.com/u/common-sense-answer)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [June 20, 2010, 4:03pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/chinese-give-new-meaning-to-compact-car-thats-going-to-leave-a-mark/50597 "2010-06-20T16:03:51Z")
Have you guys watched the video of the Chinese car, a Chery Amulet, being crash tested ? It's worth a look. The article by Jim Motovalli is interesting, too. The link is right on Car Talk, but here it is for y… --- ## [Windshield issues](https://community.cartalk.com/t/windshield-issues/50548)
**Author:** [@tinatalker](https://community.cartalk.com/u/tinatalker)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [June 20, 2010, 12:08am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/windshield-issues/50548 "2010-06-20T00:08:47Z")
HOW do pine needles and small leaves get under wiper blades when the car is parked, and WHY are the always right in your line of site! This has happened with every car I've owned. --- ## [For 20 years the shame has been unbearable](https://community.cartalk.com/t/for-20-years-the-shame-has-been-unbearable/50538)
**Author:** [@fattymoon](https://community.cartalk.com/u/fattymoon)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [June 19, 2010, 8:50pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/for-20-years-the-shame-has-been-unbearable/50538 "2010-06-19T20:50:35Z")
I was on this board in the early 90s as Fattymoon. Apparently those posts are consigned to the nether regions, so I must reiterate. Very short version - I wrote a poem about teaching my wife to drive a 1991 Mazda Mi… --- ## [To Buy or Not to Buy: 2000 Toyota Sienna](https://community.cartalk.com/t/to-buy-or-not-to-buy-2000-toyota-sienna/45517)
**Author:** [@chris2ent](https://community.cartalk.com/u/chris2ent)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [June 19, 2010, 12:51pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/to-buy-or-not-to-buy-2000-toyota-sienna/45517 "2010-06-19T12:51:59Z")
I have a friend who has a 2000 Toyota Sienna XLE for sale. It has 110,000 miles on it and has had 3 owners, counting him. He does not know if the vehicle was ever taken care of in re the famous "Oil Sludge" problem this … --- ## [A good new car for my elderly aunt and uncle](https://community.cartalk.com/t/a-good-new-car-for-my-elderly-aunt-and-uncle/50109)
**Author:** [@dgillman](https://community.cartalk.com/u/dgillman)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [June 18, 2010, 11:43pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/a-good-new-car-for-my-elderly-aunt-and-uncle/50109 "2010-06-18T23:43:07Z")
My aunt and uncle, both 87, want to buy a new car. They like their Acura but it's a little hard for my aunt to get in and out of. What's a car of similar comfort and reliability that's easier for a small, frail old lad… --- ## [Teen's first car](https://community.cartalk.com/t/teens-first-car/50478)
**Author:** [@xcsamm](https://community.cartalk.com/u/xcsamm)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [June 18, 2010, 7:51pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/teens-first-car/50478 "2010-06-18T19:51:50Z")
I'm 16, looking for a first car (used). It's gotta have an airbag and ABS. looking to spend between $3000-5000. I want something kinda cool, if not a sports car something a little out of the ordinary, or different. like … --- ## [Upgraded exhaust](https://community.cartalk.com/t/upgraded-exhaust/50382)
**Author:** [@david\_sutherlin](https://community.cartalk.com/u/david_sutherlin)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [June 18, 2010, 6:54pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/upgraded-exhaust/50382 "2010-06-18T18:54:47Z")
Hey Tom and Ray, I would like to upgrade my toyota tacoma exhaust system. If I use the flowmaster 50 series muffler, and an Eastern free flow catalytic converter, do you think I will get any better torque, and HP, or… --- ## [Repair or New for newlyweds](https://community.cartalk.com/t/repair-or-new-for-newlyweds/50413)
**Author:** [@recycler](https://community.cartalk.com/u/recycler)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [June 18, 2010, 12:55pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/repair-or-new-for-newlyweds/50413 "2010-06-18T12:55:44Z")
Need some advice on upgrading or repairing our vehicles: Situation: Wife and I own a 2000 Grand Am with 135k miles and a 2001 Ford Ranger with 130k. No loans on either vehicle. We've been married a little under… --- ## [New car advice](https://community.cartalk.com/t/new-car-advice/50387)
**Author:** [@sadiegirl](https://community.cartalk.com/u/sadiegirl)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [June 18, 2010, 4:38am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/new-car-advice/50387 "2010-06-18T04:38:47Z")
I'm very interested in the Miata but find it a bit small. I owned three RX7s back in the day and loved them. RX8 seems to get mixed reviews. More functional space is a plus but expense and needing to "baby it" seem to… --- ## [Droping a gear vs. lots of breaking on an 8 mile 8% downgrade](https://community.cartalk.com/t/droping-a-gear-vs-lots-of-breaking-on-an-8-mile-8-downgrade/50126)
**Author:** [@mfiner](https://community.cartalk.com/u/mfiner)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [June 18, 2010, 3:03am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/droping-a-gear-vs-lots-of-breaking-on-an-8-mile-8-downgrade/50126 "2010-06-18T03:03:54Z")
I travel up to the Colorado high country with my Ford F150 (usually loaded with tools and materials). Heading west on Interstate 70 coming down from the Eisenhower Tunnel is an 8 mile stretch with a consistent 8% downgra… --- ## [8 Presidents later, and we still don't have oil independence!](https://community.cartalk.com/t/8-presidents-later-and-we-still-dont-have-oil-independence/50493)
**Author:** [@Whitey](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Whitey)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [June 18, 2010, 1:41am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/8-presidents-later-and-we-still-dont-have-oil-independence/50493 "2010-06-18T01:41:52Z")
Before I saw this, I had no idea that of the last 8 U.S. Presidents, the one who did the most for the environment was....NIXON! --- ## [Gas Mileage vs Transmission wear](https://community.cartalk.com/t/gas-mileage-vs-transmission-wear/50412)
**Author:** [@theodoyle57](https://community.cartalk.com/u/theodoyle57)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [June 18, 2010, 12:42am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/gas-mileage-vs-transmission-wear/50412 "2010-06-18T00:42:19Z")
For an automatic transmission vehicle is the increased MPG and gas savings resulting from coasting in neutral down hills worthwhile, or does it cause more problems than it is worth in transmission wear and tear as a resu… --- ## [Used car check out](https://community.cartalk.com/t/used-car-check-out/50444)
**Author:** [@Jon1490](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Jon1490)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [June 17, 2010, 2:17pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/used-car-check-out/50444 "2010-06-17T14:17:45Z")
Tom & Ray say always have a mechanic check out a used car before you buy it. What should I have the mechanic check? It's a van conversion, 2003 Roadtrek 190 with only 35,000 miles. That's a Chevy Express 3500 v… --- ## [Is airconditioning an extra burden on starter](https://community.cartalk.com/t/is-airconditioning-an-extra-burden-on-starter/50191)
**Author:** [@MidNite](https://community.cartalk.com/u/MidNite)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [June 17, 2010, 1:43pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/is-airconditioning-an-extra-burden-on-starter/50191 "2010-06-17T13:43:39Z")
Dear Car Talk, My stepdad has a rule that the AC should be turned off everytime you turn the car off. That way when the car is started next time, the starter has less work to do, therefore saving wear on the part.… --- ## [Finally upgrading? Looking for input](https://community.cartalk.com/t/finally-upgrading-looking-for-input/50405)
**Author:** [@eraser1998](https://community.cartalk.com/u/eraser1998)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [June 17, 2010, 12:27pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/finally-upgrading-looking-for-input/50405 "2010-06-17T12:27:33Z")
After much discussion and debate, we're finally thinking about upgrading one of our vehicles. Currently running a 97 Taurus and 98 Camry, both in good shape, but both are also high mileage, lacking in modern safety feat… --- ## [Fuel mileage on my 2009 Malibu Ltz](https://community.cartalk.com/t/fuel-mileage-on-my-2009-malibu-ltz/50449)
**Author:** [@lauralinks1](https://community.cartalk.com/u/lauralinks1)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [June 17, 2010, 5:41am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/fuel-mileage-on-my-2009-malibu-ltz/50449 "2010-06-17T05:41:15Z")
I to bought a 2009 with only 7000 miles on the car and mine is a 4 as well but seems to be really lacking in power and fuel economy is not what they said I should be getting I drive mainly highway to town but is seems li… --- ## [Toyota acceleration](https://community.cartalk.com/t/toyota-acceleration/47733)
**Author:** [@rockstar07](https://community.cartalk.com/u/rockstar07)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [June 17, 2010, 12:47am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/toyota-acceleration/47733 "2010-06-17T00:47:57Z")
I've read recently that some insurance companies are going after Toyota for accidents caused by unintended acceleration. How would the insurance companies prove that was the cause? Fairly frequently I read about car… --- ## [What is the best car for me](https://community.cartalk.com/t/what-is-the-best-car-for-me/50225)
**Author:** [@jstowl](https://community.cartalk.com/u/jstowl)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [June 17, 2010, 12:38am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/what-is-the-best-car-for-me/50225 "2010-06-17T00:38:46Z")
I am in sales and have a car allowance. I drive 50,000 miles/yr and cannot afford the time to have my car in the shop. I want a convertible and it has to be a comfortable ride. I am thinking an older model BMW 3 serie… --- ## [Pinstripe (ing)](https://community.cartalk.com/t/pinstripe-ing/50371)
**Author:** [@golfnut1](https://community.cartalk.com/u/golfnut1)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [June 16, 2010, 1:11pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/pinstripe-ing/50371 "2010-06-16T13:11:40Z")
I want to have a pinstripe(s) added to my 2010 Ford Fusion. The problem is finding an image of a simple, classy pattern on-line for the ending and begining of the stripes. I don't want the same old same old, but nothing… --- ## [New Car Advice](https://community.cartalk.com/t/new-car-advice/50370)
**Author:** [@matthewmooney](https://community.cartalk.com/u/matthewmooney)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [June 16, 2010, 5:27am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/new-car-advice/50370 "2010-06-16T05:27:26Z")
I'm an outdoors person (cycling, hiking, camping, etc). I currently drive a 2003 Saturn VUE. It's been a great vehicle, but someday I'll need to get something new. My only complaint with my VUE is that the 2003 will not … --- ## [18 years old, first car, what do I look for?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/18-years-old-first-car-what-do-i-look-for/50260)
**Author:** [@stevendjc](https://community.cartalk.com/u/stevendjc)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [June 15, 2010, 11:13pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/18-years-old-first-car-what-do-i-look-for/50260 "2010-06-15T23:13:03Z")
Eighteen years old Living on my own Full time job Will only drive to college/work What I want to do is potentially find the BEST new car that I could possibly get, and then buy that same make/model that's abou… --- ## [Car Found but Stripped?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/car-found-but-stripped/50299)
**Author:** [@seachi](https://community.cartalk.com/u/seachi)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [June 15, 2010, 10:27pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/car-found-but-stripped/50299 "2010-06-15T22:27:11Z")
My parents' 96 Integra was stolen last week and they received a call from the police today saying that the car was found and is now in a towing yard. Apparently everything was stripped from the car...engine, tires, bumpe… [Previous page](https://community.cartalk.com/c/general-discussion/8.md?page=434) [Next page](https://community.cartalk.com/c/general-discussion/8.md?page=436)