# General Discussion **URL:** https://community.cartalk.com/c/general-discussion/8.md?page=450 [Latest](https://community.cartalk.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://community.cartalk.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://community.cartalk.com/tags.md) **Page:** 451 --- ## [Help me pick a family car](https://community.cartalk.com/t/help-me-pick-a-family-car/44366)
**Author:** [@cabrilo](https://community.cartalk.com/u/cabrilo)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [February 13, 2010, 8:46pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/help-me-pick-a-family-car/44366 "2010-02-13T20:46:16Z")
We currently own: 2004 VW GTI 2006 Jeep Wrangler Both are two door, and we have 8 month old son and are planing on another baby next year. We are keeping the GTI, and would like to trade in the Jeep for a family ve… --- ## [Replace a Focus Wagon](https://community.cartalk.com/t/replace-a-focus-wagon/44336)
**Author:** [@notanun](https://community.cartalk.com/u/notanun)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [February 13, 2010, 7:48pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/replace-a-focus-wagon/44336 "2010-02-13T19:48:44Z")
A number of years ago, on the show, the Ford Focus was referred to as the perfect car for a Nun. While I am not a Nun, I am very much like one. I have had a Ford Focus wagon for 8 years and have loved it. It has been a… --- ## ["Smokie & the Bandit: Theme & Variations (Part 1)"](https://community.cartalk.com/t/smokie-the-bandit-theme-variations-part-1/44406)
**Author:** [@jonslate](https://community.cartalk.com/u/jonslate)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [February 13, 2010, 7:31pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/smokie-the-bandit-theme-variations-part-1/44406 "2010-02-13T19:31:36Z")
I've always liked combinations of things more than individual items. So, as my 1st installment of "Smokie & the Bandit: Theme & Variations (Part 1)," I thought I'd as the Car Authority a question. If you could combi… --- ## [Towing capacities of the ToyotaTacoma](https://community.cartalk.com/t/towing-capacities-of-the-toyotatacoma/44337)
**Author:** [@Wayne\_McDowell](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Wayne_McDowell)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [February 13, 2010, 4:11pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/towing-capacities-of-the-toyotatacoma/44337 "2010-02-13T16:11:10Z")
My boat and trailer weigh 2,200lbs. I'm wanting to downsize from a 3/4 ton to a smaller truck like the Toyota Tacoma with a 4cylinder. The towing capacity is listed at 3,500 lbs. When I include two people (together=23… --- ## [How is saw dust for traction?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/how-is-saw-dust-for-traction/43912)
**Author:** [@Robert-Gift](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Robert-Gift)\ **Replies:** 59\ **Last updated:** [February 12, 2010, 10:56pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/how-is-saw-dust-for-traction/43912 "2010-02-12T22:56:31Z")
Rather than carry heavy kitty litter, would dry, lightweight saw dust similarly aid traction as well as kitty litter? Thanks. --- ## [Baltimore /DC Massive Snow Fall Driving Etiquette](https://community.cartalk.com/t/baltimore-dc-massive-snow-fall-driving-etiquette/44230)
**Author:** [@americar](https://community.cartalk.com/u/americar)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [February 12, 2010, 2:37pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/baltimore-dc-massive-snow-fall-driving-etiquette/44230 "2010-02-12T14:37:46Z")
1) with all the lanes not being open, drive in a single file, and do not pass, because You don't know when suddenly two lanes turn into one. 2) Treat all on ramps getting on to highways as stop signs. There may n… --- ## [Speed required to bend a frame?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/speed-required-to-bend-a-frame/43447)
**Author:** [@Selkie](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Selkie)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [February 12, 2010, 2:18am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/speed-required-to-bend-a-frame/43447 "2010-02-12T02:18:13Z")
My husband recently slid into an ancient VW bug going about 5 mph tops (he was pulling out of a stop sign and the car in front of him suddenly stopped in the intersection)in our tiny Renault Twingo. Now the driver is cla… --- ## [Gas mileage and high altitude](https://community.cartalk.com/t/gas-mileage-and-high-altitude/44238)
**Author:** [@LivingHighinCO](https://community.cartalk.com/u/LivingHighinCO)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [February 11, 2010, 7:31am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/gas-mileage-and-high-altitude/44238 "2010-02-11T07:31:47Z")
My 2007 AWD Saturn Vue has been loosing gas mileage this past year, except when we drive in the mountains of Colorado. The difference can be as much as 6 mpg. What could be the cause of this difference in gas mileage b… --- ## [Car Trade Advice](https://community.cartalk.com/t/car-trade-advice/44226)
**Author:** [@tdogg110](https://community.cartalk.com/u/tdogg110)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [February 11, 2010, 2:49am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/car-trade-advice/44226 "2010-02-11T02:49:30Z")
I have an 08 Chevy Equinox with 16,000 miles on it. In the 2 years I've had it I've had constant problems, and it seems like I'm taking it to the shop constantly. It all gets repaired for free on warranty, but it is a … --- ## [Vibration](https://community.cartalk.com/t/vibration/44258)
**Author:** [@Mauricio](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Mauricio)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [February 11, 2010, 1:53am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/vibration/44258 "2010-02-11T01:53:40Z")
I have a new 2010 Mazda 3 Hatchback. When I'm driving and I lower the rear windows I get a thumping sound of air. I can feel it at speeds as low as 30 and the faster I go the stronger it get If I'm going 65 or 70 mph. th… --- ## [Finding a previously owned car of mine](https://community.cartalk.com/t/finding-a-previously-owned-car-of-mine/44243)
**Author:** [@woodyvo](https://community.cartalk.com/u/woodyvo)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [February 11, 2010, 12:43am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/finding-a-previously-owned-car-of-mine/44243 "2010-02-11T00:43:43Z")
i'm trying to find records of a 1969 austin healy sprite that i owned from about 1974 to 1976/7. the "VIN" i have is an old one so there are less than 17 numbers (HANU974092G) Any ideas how to go about this? (it WAS regi… --- ## [Rear diff](https://community.cartalk.com/t/rear-diff/44058)
**Author:** [@brif1996](https://community.cartalk.com/u/brif1996)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [February 10, 2010, 10:44pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/rear-diff/44058 "2010-02-10T22:44:57Z")
1997 subaru outback the rear wheels do not pull "spin" only the front, can any one give me any advice --- ## [What a think?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/what-a-think/44211)
**Author:** [@zynboy](https://community.cartalk.com/u/zynboy)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [February 10, 2010, 4:51pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/what-a-think/44211 "2010-02-10T16:51:50Z")
Hi, im "Distance Courier" which means i drive about 250 to 300 miles a day. I need a reliable vehicle with great gas mileage. I currently have a 2008 Madza Tribute. It is the worst car i have ever bought. i bought it… --- ## [Old Buick Skylark](https://community.cartalk.com/t/old-buick-skylark/44176)
**Author:** [@Monty236](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Monty236)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [February 10, 2010, 4:42pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/old-buick-skylark/44176 "2010-02-10T16:42:28Z")
OK. I own a 1971 Buick Skylark, stored in my garage west of Boston. It needs some work... a few hundred dollars and a lot of elbow grease will get it running again, I am sure. I?d like to sell it and make a few buck… --- ## [Mystery Roaside Metal Strip](https://community.cartalk.com/t/mystery-roaside-metal-strip/44200)
**Author:** [@ZACK44](https://community.cartalk.com/u/ZACK44)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [February 10, 2010, 3:23am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/mystery-roaside-metal-strip/44200 "2010-02-10T03:23:48Z")
Any idea what this roadside metal strip is? Must be realated to cars or trucks. Size: Spring steel 7 1/4" x 1/8" wide x 1/32" thick. Have found by curbs and gravel shoulders everywhere in U.S. --- ## [Remove vomit stench from seat](https://community.cartalk.com/t/remove-vomit-stench-from-seat/44165)
**Author:** [@erini\_orsaris](https://community.cartalk.com/u/erini_orsaris)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [February 9, 2010, 11:10pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/remove-vomit-stench-from-seat/44165 "2010-02-09T23:10:05Z")
hi guys! love your show. this is my problem:i have a 2007 toyota camry, cloth seats, that i keep immaculate. there was an "accident" in my car. cleaned it THOROUGHLY. but i have a stench on 1 of the seats that i cannot … --- ## [Buying used GM's](https://community.cartalk.com/t/buying-used-gms/44013)
**Author:** [@mmclaughlin4](https://community.cartalk.com/u/mmclaughlin4)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [February 9, 2010, 10:54pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/buying-used-gms/44013 "2010-02-09T22:54:18Z")
Is it a bad idea to buy a 2006 Pontiac due to the changes at GM? Is it a bad idea to buy any old GM car now? --- ## [Old low milage or less old more miles](https://community.cartalk.com/t/old-low-milage-or-less-old-more-miles/44187)
**Author:** [@dwhite](https://community.cartalk.com/u/dwhite)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [February 9, 2010, 8:46pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/old-low-milage-or-less-old-more-miles/44187 "2010-02-09T20:46:19Z")
which should I buy??? 1994 Lumina - 98000 mi or 2001 Venture - 138000? --- ## [Used car for Senior Citizen](https://community.cartalk.com/t/used-car-for-senior-citizen/44053)
**Author:** [@mlfrankel](https://community.cartalk.com/u/mlfrankel)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [February 9, 2010, 4:49am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/used-car-for-senior-citizen/44053 "2010-02-09T04:49:21Z")
I bought a new VW Beetle convertible in 1978 hoping it would be my last car purchase. Now at age 73 it's a race between car rust and my own aging process. Not sure who is going to win and I need a plan. Can you recommend… --- ## [Toyota Tundra Nav System](https://community.cartalk.com/t/toyota-tundra-nav-system/44094)
**Author:** [@leland49](https://community.cartalk.com/u/leland49)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [February 9, 2010, 2:41am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/toyota-tundra-nav-system/44094 "2010-02-09T02:41:00Z")
I use my Toyota Tundra to pull a horse trailer. For safety reasons, I use my parking lights when I'm hauling the trailer. When I turn the parking lights on, the screen on the Nav system goes to night mode, which is har… --- ## [What's a fair used car price, when EVERY car is listed $1,000s above its blue book value?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/whats-a-fair-used-car-price-when-every-car-is-listed-1-000s-above-its-blue-book-value/44059)
**Author:** [@fwerner1](https://community.cartalk.com/u/fwerner1)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [February 9, 2010, 1:34am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/whats-a-fair-used-car-price-when-every-car-is-listed-1-000s-above-its-blue-book-value/44059 "2010-02-09T01:34:05Z")
I'm struggling to find a used car I can afford, and I'm at a loss to figure out when I'm looking at a good value and when I'm getting ripped off. Every car I'm finding, whether at dealerships or sold by individuals on cr… --- ## [Head Lights, Theirs](https://community.cartalk.com/t/head-lights-theirs/42448)
**Author:** [@mckervey](https://community.cartalk.com/u/mckervey)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [February 8, 2010, 7:09pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/head-lights-theirs/42448 "2010-02-08T19:09:11Z")
I know that I'm past my vision prime but am I the only guy that is being blinded by head lights both on coming and in the rear view? I thought there was some not to exceed number of lumins or candle powers allowable in h… --- ## [Gasoline](https://community.cartalk.com/t/gasoline/44057)
**Author:** [@CONFUINC](https://community.cartalk.com/u/CONFUINC)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [February 8, 2010, 5:35pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/gasoline/44057 "2010-02-08T17:35:03Z")
Dear Tom and Ray, I have been using high octane fuel but wondering if it is safe to replace it with regular fuel. I have a 2003, BMW, 325, with 97000 miles. Thank you in advance. --- ## [Transferring title of out-of-state vehicle](https://community.cartalk.com/t/transferring-title-of-out-of-state-vehicle/44091)
**Author:** [@kb0001](https://community.cartalk.com/u/kb0001)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [February 8, 2010, 5:29pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/transferring-title-of-out-of-state-vehicle/44091 "2010-02-08T17:29:26Z")
It looks like my wife and I are going to be inheriting a vehicle from a relative who lives in Florida (we live several states away). Does anyone know how these transfers work? Will we have to transfer it in Florida… --- ## [Dealer vs. Independent repair shop](https://community.cartalk.com/t/dealer-vs-independent-repair-shop/44075)
**Author:** [@special.k](https://community.cartalk.com/u/special.k)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [February 8, 2010, 4:50am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/dealer-vs-independent-repair-shop/44075 "2010-02-08T04:50:41Z")
I recently acquired my fathers 1987 Mercedes 420 SEL and was wondering is it necessary to take any routine maintenance or repair issues to a Mercedes dealer or can most independent repair shops handle a car of this type … --- ## [Please help. my 99 jeep grand cherokee l. jerks](https://community.cartalk.com/t/please-help-my-99-jeep-grand-cherokee-l-jerks/44078)
**Author:** [@chico12342](https://community.cartalk.com/u/chico12342)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [February 8, 2010, 4:15am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/please-help-my-99-jeep-grand-cherokee-l-jerks/44078 "2010-02-08T04:15:12Z")
please help. my 99 jeep grand cherokee l. jerks when i step on the gas or when i get off the gas. what could this be? it has the 4.0l. --- ## [Safety of old cars](https://community.cartalk.com/t/safety-of-old-cars/43890)
**Author:** [@ruchanski](https://community.cartalk.com/u/ruchanski)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [February 7, 2010, 9:17pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/safety-of-old-cars/43890 "2010-02-07T21:17:17Z")
Is a 1972 Datsun 240Z - in good condition - a safe car to drive? Does the absence of airbags, power-steering, anti-lock brakes, etc., make any car of this era NOT roadworthy? --- ## [How long can I park my car without staring it?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/how-long-can-i-park-my-car-without-staring-it/44014)
**Author:** [@athyna](https://community.cartalk.com/u/athyna)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [February 7, 2010, 5:31pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/how-long-can-i-park-my-car-without-staring-it/44014 "2010-02-07T17:31:54Z")
Hello - I am going to a vacation for 3 weeks. It's exciting, however, I heard it's not good to park my car without staring it for 3 weeks... My car is Acura Integra 2001, and I live around Boston. It would be great… --- ## [Salvage title vehicle](https://community.cartalk.com/t/salvage-title-vehicle/43751)
**Author:** [@jarrettlf](https://community.cartalk.com/u/jarrettlf)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [February 7, 2010, 4:23pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/salvage-title-vehicle/43751 "2010-02-07T16:23:34Z")
what is a car that was wrecked then fixed well worth compared to a vehicle with a clean title?Is there any kind of general rule people go by on this? --- ## [S500 vs Monte Carlo](https://community.cartalk.com/t/s500-vs-monte-carlo/43895)
**Author:** [@chicitylove](https://community.cartalk.com/u/chicitylove)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [February 7, 2010, 6:16am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/s500-vs-monte-carlo/43895 "2010-02-07T06:16:18Z")
I need help on this one.At a car lot sits to car that I have always been into. One is a 96 S500 mercedes benz ( 2 door coupe) and the other one is a 06 monte carlo. S500 sits at a little under 100,000mi with a 10,900 pri… [Previous page](https://community.cartalk.com/c/general-discussion/8.md?page=449) [Next page](https://community.cartalk.com/c/general-discussion/8.md?page=451)