# General Discussion **URL:** https://community.cartalk.com/c/general-discussion/8.md?page=445 [Latest](https://community.cartalk.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://community.cartalk.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://community.cartalk.com/tags.md) **Page:** 446 --- ## [1993 BMW- sporadic non-start](https://community.cartalk.com/t/1993-bmw-sporadic-non-start/46418)
**Author:** [@mw1952](https://community.cartalk.com/u/mw1952)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [March 22, 2010, 2:17am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/1993-bmw-sporadic-non-start/46418 "2010-03-22T02:17:29Z")
Our BMW has the E36 body style and the M50 engine. Infrequently, while driving, the car will sputter and die. When the car cools off, it will start again. It appears to be temperature related and electrical in nature. … --- ## [Squirrel and wire damage](https://community.cartalk.com/t/squirrel-and-wire-damage/46363)
**Author:** [@Jeannep](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Jeannep)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [March 21, 2010, 6:28pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/squirrel-and-wire-damage/46363 "2010-03-21T18:28:10Z")
Help My two year old car was beset by wiring and engine problems caused by a young squirrel which happened in the afternoon just once and not at night. Is there something about newer cars that makes this happen or is i… --- ## [Why a "STOP" button?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/why-a-stop-button/46105)
**Author:** [@DoctorPinto](https://community.cartalk.com/u/DoctorPinto)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [March 21, 2010, 12:10pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/why-a-stop-button/46105 "2010-03-21T12:10:16Z")
Who was the genius who came up with the idea of a STOP/START button instead of using an ignition key? I would NEVER buy a car that had one of those. In a panic situation, you really need a mechanical way of shutting th… --- ## [Sudden Acceleration Options](https://community.cartalk.com/t/sudden-acceleration-options/46321)
**Author:** [@dajudge](https://community.cartalk.com/u/dajudge)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [March 21, 2010, 2:04am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/sudden-acceleration-options/46321 "2010-03-21T02:04:58Z")
My wife and I are having a discussion. She believes it's a good idea to shift into neutral in the event her Avalon accelerates suddenly. I agree in principle, but she has chosen to practice the maneuver repeatedly while … --- ## [Safe load on Highlander bumper?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/safe-load-on-highlander-bumper/46310)
**Author:** [@powerdogvt](https://community.cartalk.com/u/powerdogvt)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [March 20, 2010, 3:18pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/safe-load-on-highlander-bumper/46310 "2010-03-20T15:18:42Z")
I plan to build a pair of loading ramps, about 5 ft. long, so I can roll a handtruck into the back of an 07 Highlander. I'd use the aluminum kit of end-pieces they sell, and add hardwood boards. The maximum total w… --- ## [Best way to slow down on big hills!](https://community.cartalk.com/t/best-way-to-slow-down-on-big-hills/46307)
**Author:** [@chitown616](https://community.cartalk.com/u/chitown616)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [March 19, 2010, 11:49pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/best-way-to-slow-down-on-big-hills/46307 "2010-03-19T23:49:50Z")
Hello Car Talk! I would like to get your opinion on the way my fiance likes to slow down. We live in canyon country in northern Arizona, and instead of braking on many downhill sections of road she chooses to shif… --- ## [Cheapest to Run Second/Third/Tenth hand Car?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/cheapest-to-run-second-third-tenth-hand-car/46300)
**Author:** [@lisali](https://community.cartalk.com/u/lisali)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [March 19, 2010, 6:37pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/cheapest-to-run-second-third-tenth-hand-car/46300 "2010-03-19T18:37:49Z")
I am looking for a second car for our geezerly family... we have a geezerly Oldsmobile (Really this car needs something... A drop kit?... But then this is Ohio...) but I teach and I am not comfortable leaving my elderly … --- ## [What used car to buy?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/what-used-car-to-buy/46241)
**Author:** [@sisterstella](https://community.cartalk.com/u/sisterstella)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [March 19, 2010, 1:19pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/what-used-car-to-buy/46241 "2010-03-19T13:19:56Z")
Driving through Mexico. Want a car I could sleep in if needed. Am looking at Subaru Forrester. 1998-2003. Is there a year that has held up better than other years. What other small SUV's would you recommend. Don't … --- ## [Mercedes Emergency Services](https://community.cartalk.com/t/mercedes-emergency-services/46288)
**Author:** [@Sully911](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Sully911)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [March 19, 2010, 2:24am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/mercedes-emergency-services/46288 "2010-03-19T02:24:42Z")
Has anyone had experience using the 'SOS' button in their Mercedes for emergency services? How did it go? --- ## [Non-US and still love the show](https://community.cartalk.com/t/non-us-and-still-love-the-show/45888)
**Author:** [@Miracus](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Miracus)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [March 19, 2010, 1:00am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/non-us-and-still-love-the-show/45888 "2010-03-19T01:00:28Z")
Hey all. I love cartalk, and can listen to the show again and again. But i live in Denmark, Europe. But, being a non-US listener i was just wondering how many users in here are from another country than USA. … --- ## [Minivan, suv, crossover?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/minivan-suv-crossover/46214)
**Author:** [@Cristianai](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Cristianai)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [March 18, 2010, 10:13pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/minivan-suv-crossover/46214 "2010-03-18T22:13:21Z")
I would love to get a minivan, but I live on a very steep driveway to a busy road in connecticut. Unfortunately, I think I should have 4 wheel drive, which limits my possibilites for minivans. Does anyone have sugg… --- ## [I Licked My Finger And I'm Holding It Up In The Spring Used Car Air](https://community.cartalk.com/t/i-licked-my-finger-and-im-holding-it-up-in-the-spring-used-car-air/45915)
**Author:** [@common-sense-answer](https://community.cartalk.com/u/common-sense-answer)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [March 17, 2010, 3:48pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/i-licked-my-finger-and-im-holding-it-up-in-the-spring-used-car-air/45915 "2010-03-17T15:48:31Z")
I'm trying to see if the winds are favorable for the used car shopper right now. My wife racks up 5,000 miles on her sled every 50 - 60 days and it won't keep-on keep'n-on forever. Poor economic conditions have rece… --- ## [Laptop OBD-II Code Scanner](https://community.cartalk.com/t/laptop-obd-ii-code-scanner/46205)
**Author:** [@Caddyman](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Caddyman)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [March 17, 2010, 6:27am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/laptop-obd-ii-code-scanner/46205 "2010-03-17T06:27:06Z")
Looking for a $25 code reader? http://cgi...20ab20b8e6 --- ## [Just for fun](https://community.cartalk.com/t/just-for-fun/39552)
**Author:** [@mcparadise](https://community.cartalk.com/u/mcparadise)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [March 17, 2010, 1:03am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/just-for-fun/39552 "2010-03-17T01:03:34Z")
The December issue of Harper's magazine contains the following in their "Harper's Index:" Number of U.S. states that have banned texting while driving: 27 Number of these states that offer traffic updates via T… --- ## [New Car With Throttle Cable](https://community.cartalk.com/t/new-car-with-throttle-cable/46067)
**Author:** [@americar](https://community.cartalk.com/u/americar)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [March 17, 2010, 12:56am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/new-car-with-throttle-cable/46067 "2010-03-17T00:56:31Z")
Just wondering if there are cars still manufactured with old school throttle cable control? --- ## [Advice Please](https://community.cartalk.com/t/advice-please/46166)
**Author:** [@eli02us](https://community.cartalk.com/u/eli02us)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [March 16, 2010, 9:54pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/advice-please/46166 "2010-03-16T21:54:16Z")
Okay here is the deal: My father owned a 1970 Mercedes 220D for many years. It was a great car! It had the big grill and he even added the large round fog lights. Finally after thirty plus years it was time to se… --- ## [Defibrillators & Hybrid Cars](https://community.cartalk.com/t/defibrillators-hybrid-cars/46182)
**Author:** [@btruax](https://community.cartalk.com/u/btruax)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [March 16, 2010, 7:41pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/defibrillators-hybrid-cars/46182 "2010-03-16T19:41:34Z")
My husband has a defibrillator implant & we were wondering what effect a hybrid car would have on it. --- ## [Cars for the big and tall](https://community.cartalk.com/t/cars-for-the-big-and-tall/45291)
**Author:** [@dartos](https://community.cartalk.com/u/dartos)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [March 16, 2010, 6:08pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/cars-for-the-big-and-tall/45291 "2010-03-16T18:08:13Z")
Looking for a car that fits me , 6'5" 330#. Some of you suggested some cars, but none fit. I bit the bullet and went to the Chicago Auto Show a few weeks ago. Sat in 49 cars . I did not try pickups. Most cars have a co… --- ## [Should I trade in my new 09 matrix awd Toyota](https://community.cartalk.com/t/should-i-trade-in-my-new-09-matrix-awd-toyota/46156)
**Author:** [@Valeriejean](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Valeriejean)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [March 16, 2010, 2:42pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/should-i-trade-in-my-new-09-matrix-awd-toyota/46156 "2010-03-16T14:42:52Z")
I am sure many people have asked this question. I had my car recalled. And repaired so they claim. I have NOT had any problem. Thank goodness. But still feel an uneasiness I would like to know if it would be wise to tr… --- ## [Shift to neutral, maybe not](https://community.cartalk.com/t/shift-to-neutral-maybe-not/45070)
**Author:** [@Don355](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Don355)\ **Replies:** 48\ **Last updated:** [March 16, 2010, 2:28pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/shift-to-neutral-maybe-not/45070 "2010-03-16T14:28:08Z")
That advice they're giving about shifting your out of control Toyota into neutral may not work. The following is testimony by Rhonda Smith before congress: I merged over into the second lane. Not going into passing … --- ## [Volvo SC70](https://community.cartalk.com/t/volvo-sc70/46159)
**Author:** [@trdon9](https://community.cartalk.com/u/trdon9)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [March 15, 2010, 11:55pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/volvo-sc70/46159 "2010-03-15T23:55:48Z")
I am trying to get a Kelley Blue Book value for a 2001 Volvo SC70 Cross Country Wagon that is advertised on Craigslist. I can't get that model to come up in anyway that I try to enter it and wonder if there is indeed, su… --- ## [1987 Suburban](https://community.cartalk.com/t/1987-suburban/46096)
**Author:** [@hbachelder](https://community.cartalk.com/u/hbachelder)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [March 15, 2010, 6:52pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/1987-suburban/46096 "2010-03-15T18:52:38Z")
We currently have a 1991 Chrysler Town & Country - we need to replace this vehicle in the next few months. A friend has a 1987 Suburban for sale cheap. One owner, an elderly couple who took great care of the car. It ha… --- ## [Used Manual Transmission Car for College Junior](https://community.cartalk.com/t/used-manual-transmission-car-for-college-junior/46054)
**Author:** [@JZ27513](https://community.cartalk.com/u/JZ27513)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [March 15, 2010, 2:13am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/used-manual-transmission-car-for-college-junior/46054 "2010-03-15T02:13:18Z")
I am thinking to get a used car for my daughter, a 19 year old junior with computer science major for her summer job. She can drive stick. Here is dilemma, I would hope to get her truck, but haven?t seen anything beside… --- ## [Purchasing a 2002 Ford Focus SVT](https://community.cartalk.com/t/purchasing-a-2002-ford-focus-svt/46072)
**Author:** [@airpolice40](https://community.cartalk.com/u/airpolice40)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [March 15, 2010, 12:52am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/purchasing-a-2002-ford-focus-svt/46072 "2010-03-15T00:52:21Z")
Hi Guy's, Im thinking of purchasing a 2002 Ford Focus SVT with 85,000 miles. Owned by an older gentleman. Original owner. What are your thoughts on this? --- ## [Coasting Down Hills](https://community.cartalk.com/t/coasting-down-hills/46014)
**Author:** [@Bob857](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Bob857)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [March 14, 2010, 11:38pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/coasting-down-hills/46014 "2010-03-14T23:38:22Z")
I live in a rural area. On my way home I go down a 1/2 mile long, moderately sloped hill. Most days I put my manual transmission car in neutral and coast down the hill. What puzzles me is that if I hit the top of the … --- ## [2001 chevy cavalier](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2001-chevy-cavalier/46079)
**Author:** [@arnold9055](https://community.cartalk.com/u/arnold9055)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [March 14, 2010, 6:54pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2001-chevy-cavalier/46079 "2010-03-14T18:54:29Z")
can a 2001 chevy cavalier 2.2 liter haul a small motor boat? --- ## [Toyota Sticky Accelerators and the Life Saving Shim](https://community.cartalk.com/t/toyota-sticky-accelerators-and-the-life-saving-shim/46044)
**Author:** [@J.Allen](https://community.cartalk.com/u/J.Allen)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [March 14, 2010, 5:38pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/toyota-sticky-accelerators-and-the-life-saving-shim/46044 "2010-03-14T17:38:05Z")
The Great Shim Sham In recent months Toyota has recalled more than two million vehicles in this country for allegedly having sticky accelerators. The deaths of some nineteen persons over the past decade have… --- ## [Purchasing a 2002 Ford Focus SVT](https://community.cartalk.com/t/purchasing-a-2002-ford-focus-svt/46071)
**Author:** [@airpolice40](https://community.cartalk.com/u/airpolice40)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [March 14, 2010, 3:37pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/purchasing-a-2002-ford-focus-svt/46071 "2010-03-14T15:37:12Z")
Hi Guy's, Im thinking of purchasing a 2002 Ford Focus SVT. Owned by an older gentleman. Original owner. What are your thoughts on this? --- ## [Jump-starting with booster car running?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/jump-starting-with-booster-car-running/45385)
**Author:** [@IsaacF](https://community.cartalk.com/u/IsaacF)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [March 14, 2010, 1:21pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/jump-starting-with-booster-car-running/45385 "2010-03-14T13:21:34Z")
Like any good truck owner, I feel that I should always carry jumper cables, because I never know when I might run across a damsel in distress or come face to face with my own stupidity in the form of leaving the headligh… --- ## [Seafoam=Good Stuff?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/seafoam-good-stuff/45629)
**Author:** [@mb5191](https://community.cartalk.com/u/mb5191)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [March 14, 2010, 1:12pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/seafoam-good-stuff/45629 "2010-03-14T13:12:44Z")
I walked into the auto store the other day and I was completely shocked by how many different fuel additives that promise to optimize efficiency, fuel economy, and even reseal head gaskets! But there was always one that … [Previous page](https://community.cartalk.com/c/general-discussion/8.md?page=444) [Next page](https://community.cartalk.com/c/general-discussion/8.md?page=446)