# General Discussion **URL:** https://community.cartalk.com/c/general-discussion/8.md?page=438 [Latest](https://community.cartalk.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://community.cartalk.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://community.cartalk.com/tags.md) **Page:** 439 --- ## [What safe American car should i get?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/what-safe-american-car-should-i-get/48960)
**Author:** [@cottermt](https://community.cartalk.com/u/cottermt)\ **Replies:** 60\ **Last updated:** [May 24, 2010, 5:47pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/what-safe-american-car-should-i-get/48960 "2010-05-24T17:47:02Z")
Hi, im 15 years old and my parents are thinking of getting me a used car for my birthday in oct. The conditions are that the car has got to be from and American company and a fantastic crash rating. Also my parent think … --- ## [Mileage](https://community.cartalk.com/t/mileage/49306)
**Author:** [@fixitbeginner](https://community.cartalk.com/u/fixitbeginner)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [May 24, 2010, 4:22pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/mileage/49306 "2010-05-24T16:22:54Z")
If the addition of Ethanol Alcohol to gas actually deceases mileage then why do we use it, especially since the White House is calling for better mileage? Also when car makers give EPA for a car are the using 100% gas or… --- ## [Pay for on car advertising](https://community.cartalk.com/t/pay-for-on-car-advertising/49202)
**Author:** [@stinkeybum](https://community.cartalk.com/u/stinkeybum)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [May 24, 2010, 11:59am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/pay-for-on-car-advertising/49202 "2010-05-24T11:59:42Z")
I see these cars with ads on them and wonder how to contact companies who pay you to do it? On line all I can find are agencies who charge you to be put on waiting lists. Seems like there should be a more direct connecti… --- ## [Tow bar](https://community.cartalk.com/t/tow-bar/49232)
**Author:** [@Arch\_Drafter](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Arch_Drafter)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [May 23, 2010, 2:53pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/tow-bar/49232 "2010-05-23T14:53:39Z")
I have a 2006 Saturn Ion. I would like to know if it is possible \[Safe?\] to put on a tow hitch \[for a utility trailer\]? I would include stiffer shocks if this is possible. --- ## [2009 Ford Escape Shifting](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2009-ford-escape-shifting/49237)
**Author:** [@Ruby20](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Ruby20)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [May 23, 2010, 11:36am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2009-ford-escape-shifting/49237 "2010-05-23T11:36:39Z")
I bought a new 2009 escape with a 6 cylinder engine and 6 speed transmission. At first it would hesitate starting from stop. This was thrilling while making a left turn across traffic bearing down on me. Once moving, i… --- ## [If your parents named you after their cars, what would your name be?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/if-your-parents-named-you-after-their-cars-what-would-your-name-be/48922)
**Author:** [@GSN\_fan](https://community.cartalk.com/u/GSN_fan)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [May 22, 2010, 2:38am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/if-your-parents-named-you-after-their-cars-what-would-your-name-be/48922 "2010-05-22T02:38:42Z")
I was thinking of this question while listening to the segment about Tara and her husband who wants to name their child after their VW Westfalia. It's a good thing there are so many names to do with vans (Savannah, Ivan)… --- ## [Which car? Volvo V50 R, Audi A4, Subaru Outback? Other ideas?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/which-car-volvo-v50-r-audi-a4-subaru-outback-other-ideas/49062)
**Author:** [@berkeleygal](https://community.cartalk.com/u/berkeleygal)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [May 22, 2010, 2:36am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/which-car-volvo-v50-r-audi-a4-subaru-outback-other-ideas/49062 "2010-05-22T02:36:26Z")
I need to get a new car ASAP to drive back and forth from CA to NY to care for my sick parents. I am taking our two very large and aging dogs with me. I am leaving my family and 2002 Legacy. I will probably make the trip… --- ## [Tiguan - now, later, never?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/tiguan-now-later-never/48726)
**Author:** [@Halloran](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Halloran)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [May 21, 2010, 9:57pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/tiguan-now-later-never/48726 "2010-05-21T21:57:24Z")
I'm shopping for a small AWD/4WD vehicle, and I fell for the 2010 Tiguan Wolfsburg. Here's my question: Should I nab one now in May while pickings are slim or wait a few months for the 2011 models? What is more likel… --- ## [Wimpy Timing Belts by Design](https://community.cartalk.com/t/wimpy-timing-belts-by-design/48829)
**Author:** [@common-sense-answer](https://community.cartalk.com/u/common-sense-answer)\ **Replies:** 58\ **Last updated:** [May 21, 2010, 9:19pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/wimpy-timing-belts-by-design/48829 "2010-05-21T21:19:25Z")
We have lots of timing belt discussions involving timing belts and surprised, shocked, upset, and distraught car owners. The timing belt change intervals range generally from 60,000 miles to 120,000 miles. A pe… --- ## [Can you adjust power steering tension?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/can-you-adjust-power-steering-tension/48999)
**Author:** [@jcolman1](https://community.cartalk.com/u/jcolman1)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [May 21, 2010, 8:30pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/can-you-adjust-power-steering-tension/48999 "2010-05-21T20:30:54Z")
My sister has carpal tunnel syndrome and has been looking for a car that she can steer with little force. I have a 2004 honda civic that I'd like to sell her, but she says the steering is too stiff. as I understand… --- ## [Looking for advice--motorcycle engine work](https://community.cartalk.com/t/looking-for-advice-motorcycle-engine-work/48818)
**Author:** [@meanjoe75fan](https://community.cartalk.com/u/meanjoe75fan)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [May 21, 2010, 4:51pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/looking-for-advice-motorcycle-engine-work/48818 "2010-05-21T16:51:54Z")
So, I know this isn't car repair, but I thought there might be a bit of commonality--as well as the chance a fellow rider+wrencher could help me. I've got a good "top end" and a (presumed) good "bottom end" for an o… --- ## ["Gearing Down" with a CVT Transmission](https://community.cartalk.com/t/gearing-down-with-a-cvt-transmission/49119)
**Author:** [@Limara](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Limara)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [May 21, 2010, 4:09pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/gearing-down-with-a-cvt-transmission/49119 "2010-05-21T16:09:47Z")
I have a 2010 Nissan Versa Hatchback with a CVT Transmission. When my boyfriend drives it, he shifts it into neutral when slowing to a stop. He thinks it's easier on the transmission by doing this because it's not work… --- ## [Durable bumpers](https://community.cartalk.com/t/durable-bumpers/48815)
**Author:** [@jhutchster](https://community.cartalk.com/u/jhutchster)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [May 21, 2010, 3:36am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/durable-bumpers/48815 "2010-05-21T03:36:24Z")
I live in the city where parking is a game of bumper cars. Although the 'bumpers' on new cars look nice, they scratch, pit and peel after a year or two of city parking. Is there a low mpg car with a more durable bumper? --- ## [Help! How do I sell a car I was stupid enough to buy](https://community.cartalk.com/t/help-how-do-i-sell-a-car-i-was-stupid-enough-to-buy/49051)
**Author:** [@Suzanne607](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Suzanne607)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [May 21, 2010, 3:35am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/help-how-do-i-sell-a-car-i-was-stupid-enough-to-buy/49051 "2010-05-21T03:35:12Z")
Help! I need some advice. When my son was in high school we bought him a 92' Mitsubishi 3000GT( Mitsubishi Piece of Junk)is a better name. We paid $1000,the first week we had it we had to put in a new clutch and with all… --- ## [Driving with a broken lug nut stem](https://community.cartalk.com/t/driving-with-a-broken-lug-nut-stem/49104)
**Author:** [@loramer](https://community.cartalk.com/u/loramer)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [May 21, 2010, 2:02am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/driving-with-a-broken-lug-nut-stem/49104 "2010-05-21T02:02:42Z")
I took my 2004 Honda CRV to have the tires rotated and the technician broke one of the lug stems. He claimed that the nut had been put on improperly and was stripped. I took the car to my mechanic, who was the last… --- ## [Miles per gallon](https://community.cartalk.com/t/miles-per-gallon/49009)
**Author:** [@new\_guy](https://community.cartalk.com/u/new_guy)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [May 20, 2010, 8:01pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/miles-per-gallon/49009 "2010-05-20T20:01:53Z")
i have a 2008 honda accord 4cyl 190 hp my mpg is about 20 miles per gallon. i keep the presure in my tires about 35psi the spec is 32psi --- ## [Synthetic transmission fluids](https://community.cartalk.com/t/synthetic-transmission-fluids/49083)
**Author:** [@nitram](https://community.cartalk.com/u/nitram)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [May 20, 2010, 12:30am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/synthetic-transmission-fluids/49083 "2010-05-20T00:30:24Z")
Toyota T-100, 108,000 miles. Have done several drain/refill using conventional fluids, and want to know of any potential problems/benefits with switching to Mobil synthetic trans fluid. --- ## [Gas Mileage Drop](https://community.cartalk.com/t/gas-mileage-drop/48995)
**Author:** [@lefty51](https://community.cartalk.com/u/lefty51)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [May 19, 2010, 3:16pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/gas-mileage-drop/48995 "2010-05-19T15:16:40Z")
KI track the mileage on my vehicle every time I fill up. Since sometime last year when I found it impossible to buy pure gasoline, my mileage went from 22 MPG down to 19 on a consistent basis. All my maintenance is kept … --- ## [Running Red Lights](https://community.cartalk.com/t/running-red-lights/48852)
**Author:** [@Baxter\_s\_Dad](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Baxter_s_Dad)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [May 19, 2010, 2:06am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/running-red-lights/48852 "2010-05-19T02:06:02Z")
Here's why you want to look both ways before going through a green light at an intersection. http://www...qvXbIenivk --- ## [Used car advice - Miles or Years](https://community.cartalk.com/t/used-car-advice-miles-or-years/47851)
**Author:** [@jjl22ljj](https://community.cartalk.com/u/jjl22ljj)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [May 18, 2010, 10:07pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/used-car-advice-miles-or-years/47851 "2010-05-18T22:07:38Z")
I'm considering purchasing a AWD Sienna minivan and am evaluating two choices and wanted to get folks advice on which to pursue. Car1 is a 2005 with 45K miles. Car2 is a 2007 with 88K miles. Otherwise they are basical… --- ## [Wait for 2011 Hyundai Sonata Limited Turbo?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/wait-for-2011-hyundai-sonata-limited-turbo/48872)
**Author:** [@tmccallster](https://community.cartalk.com/u/tmccallster)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [May 18, 2010, 4:22am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/wait-for-2011-hyundai-sonata-limited-turbo/48872 "2010-05-18T04:22:44Z")
I am planning on purchasing a 2011 Hyundai Sonata Limited and am debating about waiting for the Turbo that is supposed to come out later this year. We want an affordable car that is comfortable on long trips, handles we… --- ## [Rumble strips and light bulbs](https://community.cartalk.com/t/rumble-strips-and-light-bulbs/48705)
**Author:** [@tchronister](https://community.cartalk.com/u/tchronister)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [May 17, 2010, 7:32pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/rumble-strips-and-light-bulbs/48705 "2010-05-17T19:32:01Z")
Dear Tom and Ray, Please settle this arguement between my husband and myself before it drives me nuts!!! I often drive over rumble strips because our 3 year old grandson loves the sound. My husband says this will cau… --- ## [How to Drive in the Mountains?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/how-to-drive-in-the-mountains/48925)
**Author:** [@Arancio](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Arancio)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [May 17, 2010, 7:16pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/how-to-drive-in-the-mountains/48925 "2010-05-17T19:16:35Z")
I plan on a road trip from Ohio to Idaho starting the Memorial Day weekend. We will travel over the continental divid in WY. Why do I ask? The last time two years ago I did the trip my friend basicly said I do not know h… --- ## [Flat Towing a 2010 Subaru Forester 2.5X](https://community.cartalk.com/t/flat-towing-a-2010-subaru-forester-2-5x/48740)
**Author:** [@Michael\_Meades](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Michael_Meades)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [May 17, 2010, 2:36pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/flat-towing-a-2010-subaru-forester-2-5x/48740 "2010-05-17T14:36:48Z")
Can a 2010 Subaru Forester 2.5X premium with a manual transmission be flat towed behind a motorhome? If so, with the transmission in neutral, will the odometer still record miles? --- ## [Mileage with Manual vs. Automatic](https://community.cartalk.com/t/mileage-with-manual-vs-automatic/48804)
**Author:** [@amclaren](https://community.cartalk.com/u/amclaren)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [May 16, 2010, 12:35am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/mileage-with-manual-vs-automatic/48804 "2010-05-16T00:35:40Z")
Hi! My parents raised me to be open-minded about many things, but to hold fast to this one truth: you get better mileage with a stick than you do an automatic. My 1998 Toyota Corolla LE (manual) with 170,00+ is still … --- ## [Web Design](https://community.cartalk.com/t/web-design/48887)
**Author:** [@romeoschica](https://community.cartalk.com/u/romeoschica)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [May 15, 2010, 6:10pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/web-design/48887 "2010-05-15T18:10:22Z")
My car has been overtaken by spiders!!! I thought I had them taken care of after all the babies hatched, my husband removed what he could, our friend was using the car so he had it detailed and a week later I open the d… --- ## [Hybrid Cars](https://community.cartalk.com/t/hybrid-cars/48869)
**Author:** [@dcalhoun](https://community.cartalk.com/u/dcalhoun)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [May 15, 2010, 10:57am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/hybrid-cars/48869 "2010-05-15T10:57:47Z")
So I want to buy a hybrid--Prius, Ford Fusion or Honda. Which is my best choice and why? --- ## [Am I crazy?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/am-i-crazy/48228)
**Author:** [@Mopar2ya](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Mopar2ya)\ **Replies:** 54\ **Last updated:** [May 15, 2010, 1:09am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/am-i-crazy/48228 "2010-05-15T01:09:57Z")
My first Grandson will be born in North Carolina in July, my wife and I will be driving out to spend time with the little guy. I want to drive my daily driver that I use about 70 miles every day, Everyone says I'm nuts … --- ## [28 electrocuted in India on bus on way to wedding](https://community.cartalk.com/t/28-electrocuted-in-india-on-bus-on-way-to-wedding/48840)
**Author:** [@carttalkq](https://community.cartalk.com/u/carttalkq)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [May 14, 2010, 6:24pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/28-electrocuted-in-india-on-bus-on-way-to-wedding/48840 "2010-05-14T18:24:20Z")
News below (per CNN). Please answer only if you know your circuit theory (sorry). "As passengers began stepping down while holding the steel railings, the current passed to the ground to cause a jolting electric sh… --- ## [Pakistan: Taking the Lead in Safe Driving](https://community.cartalk.com/t/pakistan-taking-the-lead-in-safe-driving/48794)
**Author:** [@Old\_Putz](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Old_Putz)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [May 13, 2010, 7:41pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/pakistan-taking-the-lead-in-safe-driving/48794 "2010-05-13T19:41:27Z")
Say what you will about this small third world country- when it comes to safe driving, they lead the world in progressive thinking. Their official, government-sanctioned approach is "step on the gas and get the heck out… [Previous page](https://community.cartalk.com/c/general-discussion/8.md?page=437) [Next page](https://community.cartalk.com/c/general-discussion/8.md?page=439)