# General Discussion **URL:** https://community.cartalk.com/c/general-discussion/8.md?page=480 [Latest](https://community.cartalk.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://community.cartalk.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://community.cartalk.com/tags.md) **Page:** 481 --- ## [Help! College daughter's 1st car choices focuses on "cute!"](https://community.cartalk.com/t/help-college-daughters-1st-car-choices-focuses-on-cute/31215)
**Author:** [@bbrunelle](https://community.cartalk.com/u/bbrunelle)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [June 14, 2009, 9:44pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/help-college-daughters-1st-car-choices-focuses-on-cute/31215 "2009-06-14T21:44:02Z")
My husband & I are trying to help our daughter find a reliable good-looking 1st car (obviously used). Since we are a VW family, that's all she wants to look at because she thinks they're "cute" and "fun t drive". Even … --- ## [New Car - Should I go on a road trip?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/new-car-should-i-go-on-a-road-trip/31735)
**Author:** [@sbhushan](https://community.cartalk.com/u/sbhushan)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [June 14, 2009, 9:30pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/new-car-should-i-go-on-a-road-trip/31735 "2009-06-14T21:30:12Z")
We just purchased a new Acura TSX - my question is - is it advisable to take the car on a 2000 mile road trip next month? If yes, any special precautions I should note. Thanks! --- ## [What car should I buy?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/what-car-should-i-buy/31855)
**Author:** [@halal37](https://community.cartalk.com/u/halal37)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [June 14, 2009, 9:26pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/what-car-should-i-buy/31855 "2009-06-14T21:26:48Z")
I have never had the money to buy a car but that will soon change. So I am basically a novice driver. I also have depth perception issues; only use one eye at a time. I currently live in a very large city but intend t… --- ## [The Cars that MADE Detroit ... and US](https://community.cartalk.com/t/the-cars-that-made-detroit-and-us/28739)
**Author:** [@oldsfan](https://community.cartalk.com/u/oldsfan)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [June 14, 2009, 7:16pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/the-cars-that-made-detroit-and-us/28739 "2009-06-14T19:16:59Z")
Since one of the internet discussions currently is what cars ruined Detroit, I thought I would take a different approach -- since I am very happy with the American cars I own -- and have owned, have had great dealer serv… --- ## [Gasoline](https://community.cartalk.com/t/gasoline/31870)
**Author:** [@silverwolfe](https://community.cartalk.com/u/silverwolfe)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [June 14, 2009, 6:17pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/gasoline/31870 "2009-06-14T18:17:42Z")
I recently read that cars that operate at high altitudes (Colorado) can use gasoline with 85 octnae versus the 87 that the manual recommends is this true? If so does using 87 hurt or help the engine? I regularly fill up … --- ## [New micro-turbine hybrid car](https://community.cartalk.com/t/new-micro-turbine-hybrid-car/31759)
**Author:** [@circuitsmith](https://community.cartalk.com/u/circuitsmith)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [June 14, 2009, 3:01pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/new-micro-turbine-hybrid-car/31759 "2009-06-14T15:01:41Z")
Capstone turbine unveils a little Ford powered with their turbine plus electric: http://www...asp?id=512 I've invested in CPST for a few years. It paid off today. --- ## [Highlander vs Outback](https://community.cartalk.com/t/highlander-vs-outback/31820)
**Author:** [@Oofies](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Oofies)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [June 14, 2009, 12:27pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/highlander-vs-outback/31820 "2009-06-14T12:27:15Z")
I am considering a new highlander or a new outback. I live in rural wv and drive in the unplowed snow in the winter, and some very fun curvy roads in the summer. I also routinely have 4 (sometimes 5, but not with the o… --- ## [2 questions: towing capacity and hitch carrier](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2-questions-towing-capacity-and-hitch-carrier/31856)
**Author:** [@uralcrazy](https://community.cartalk.com/u/uralcrazy)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [June 14, 2009, 8:04am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2-questions-towing-capacity-and-hitch-carrier/31856 "2009-06-14T08:04:45Z")
Am I able to tow a 700 lb motorcycle with my 1993 volvo 960 wagon? If so, is there a hitch carrier (not a trailer) that will fit a Ural motorcycle with sidecar? --- ## [Clunkers For "Beer Bikes" Program In The U.SA.?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/clunkers-for-beer-bikes-program-in-the-u-sa/31819)
**Author:** [@common-sense-answer](https://community.cartalk.com/u/common-sense-answer)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [June 14, 2009, 1:46am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/clunkers-for-beer-bikes-program-in-the-u-sa/31819 "2009-06-14T01:46:39Z")
Amsterdam has "Beer Bikes" and "Karaoke Bikes" that can carry 10 to 22 participating passengers. The passengers are powered by 30 liters of beer and in turn power the bike. A designated driver operates the zero pollution… --- ## [The Best 70's Car Ever](https://community.cartalk.com/t/the-best-70s-car-ever/31768)
**Author:** [@drid1067](https://community.cartalk.com/u/drid1067)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [June 13, 2009, 5:17pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/the-best-70s-car-ever/31768 "2009-06-13T17:17:03Z")
So my son is 18, 6'4" with side-burns...yes he's a 70's freak. He's an artist, and could walk right onto the set of Starsky and Hutch as their hip artist buddy. We need to buy him a car, so if it matches his persona an… --- ## [Research question](https://community.cartalk.com/t/research-question/31790)
**Author:** [@nhoene](https://community.cartalk.com/u/nhoene)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [June 13, 2009, 12:56pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/research-question/31790 "2009-06-13T12:56:32Z")
I am researching this question for a book I am writing. Question: A few years ago there was an urban legend offering instructions on what to do if you are kidnapped and thrown in the trunk of a car. It said to kick or… --- ## [New Prius vs Old Prius](https://community.cartalk.com/t/new-prius-vs-old-prius/31789)
**Author:** [@Numantius](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Numantius)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [June 13, 2009, 11:26am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/new-prius-vs-old-prius/31789 "2009-06-13T11:26:30Z")
I'm looking to buy a fuel efficient car. While comparing the 2009 Prius to the 2010 Prius (the one with the new Chick adds) on the Toyota web site, I noticed that the newer model claims better milage, with a larger (1.8… --- ## [Rear wheel drive in snow country](https://community.cartalk.com/t/rear-wheel-drive-in-snow-country/31697)
**Author:** [@bobdog64](https://community.cartalk.com/u/bobdog64)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [June 13, 2009, 4:03am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/rear-wheel-drive-in-snow-country/31697 "2009-06-13T04:03:38Z")
So I'm moving from Phoenix, AZ to Rochester, NY and am wondering about my rear wheel drive car and it's abilities in the snow. I love my 96 BMW 318ti but I don't want to be slipping all over the road. Not having lived … --- ## [California Cars](https://community.cartalk.com/t/california-cars/31540)
**Author:** [@rweaks](https://community.cartalk.com/u/rweaks)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [June 12, 2009, 10:53pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/california-cars/31540 "2009-06-12T22:53:45Z")
I am looking at buying a pre-owned 1999 Ford Explorer XLT with 4.0 liter V6. I have a '98 and love it, but Old Green is pretty worn out. The '99 was brought inland from southern California. My question is: Are there … --- ## [Help me choose between the Matrix, Vibe or XD](https://community.cartalk.com/t/help-me-choose-between-the-matrix-vibe-or-xd/31688)
**Author:** [@Sunshy](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Sunshy)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [June 12, 2009, 3:43pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/help-me-choose-between-the-matrix-vibe-or-xd/31688 "2009-06-12T15:43:15Z")
Hello, great forum! I'm looking to buy either a new car or a car that is a few years old. I'm trying to decide between these three cars. Is it true that the vibe is a matrix with a different exterior? If so I'm assuming … --- ## [Buying salvage cars](https://community.cartalk.com/t/buying-salvage-cars/31501)
**Author:** [@alexv6](https://community.cartalk.com/u/alexv6)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [June 11, 2009, 9:18pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/buying-salvage-cars/31501 "2009-06-11T21:18:16Z")
i was looking around and i saw the car that suits me but the thing its repaired and looks normal but.... the title is salvage. I had it inspected and everything is good so what might be the risks of buying it? its a 2007… --- ## [2009 Vibe Mileage - Help?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2009-vibe-mileage-help/31739)
**Author:** [@laurelfrye](https://community.cartalk.com/u/laurelfrye)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [June 11, 2009, 6:53pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2009-vibe-mileage-help/31739 "2009-06-11T18:53:24Z")
I am looking at purchasing a 2009 Pontiac Vibe FWD, 2.4L. I know the 1.8L seem to consistently get above 30 mpg. I have no experience with the 2.4 and would love to have some "real world" information. General comments an… --- ## [Self recharging car](https://community.cartalk.com/t/self-recharging-car/31339)
**Author:** [@rhartmz6](https://community.cartalk.com/u/rhartmz6)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [June 11, 2009, 2:01pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/self-recharging-car/31339 "2009-06-11T14:01:26Z")
why can't an electric car charge its own batteries while driving to increasesupplement its range - either through a powered generator or by using the rotation of the wheelsaxle to turn a generator - or how about a hybrid… --- ## [Air car](https://community.cartalk.com/t/air-car/31665)
**Author:** [@mario\_gm](https://community.cartalk.com/u/mario_gm)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [June 11, 2009, 2:19am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/air-car/31665 "2009-06-11T02:19:51Z")
can u guys check out this link and tell me what u think? www.aircars.tk --- ## [What is this?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/what-is-this/31654)
**Author:** [@skolbagem](https://community.cartalk.com/u/skolbagem)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [June 10, 2009, 11:42pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/what-is-this/31654 "2009-06-10T23:42:36Z")
I want this van for my first vehicle but i'm not sure exactly what it is. I think its maybe a 1989 Chevy G20 but I'm not sure. Can anyone help? http://www...bucephalus --- ## [Suggestions please: new Crossover SUV or 2006 Lexus RX400H?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/suggestions-please-new-crossover-suv-or-2006-lexus-rx400h/31644)
**Author:** [@mtusk43](https://community.cartalk.com/u/mtusk43)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [June 10, 2009, 9:22pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/suggestions-please-new-crossover-suv-or-2006-lexus-rx400h/31644 "2009-06-10T21:22:42Z")
I am ready to replace my 2001 Toyota Avalon, which has 102,000 miles and NO options. My budget is $26-30K. I like the idea of buying a new hybrid SUV but am not in love with boxy look (plus my husband owns Honda Pilot). … --- ## [Hybrid Backup](https://community.cartalk.com/t/hybrid-backup/31072)
**Author:** [@Schilke](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Schilke)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [June 10, 2009, 5:22pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/hybrid-backup/31072 "2009-06-10T17:22:50Z")
I'm considering a hybrid, and the salesman doesn't know the answer. If the hybrid runs out of gas, will the electric motor continue to function and get me to a repair facility? --- ## [Toyota prius roof rack](https://community.cartalk.com/t/toyota-prius-roof-rack/31289)
**Author:** [@susan510](https://community.cartalk.com/u/susan510)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [June 10, 2009, 5:11pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/toyota-prius-roof-rack/31289 "2009-06-10T17:11:22Z")
toyota does not make a factor rack for the Prius--any ideas on someone who makes one that will fit? --- ## [Hybrid Drivetrains](https://community.cartalk.com/t/hybrid-drivetrains/31558)
**Author:** [@Caddyman](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Caddyman)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [June 10, 2009, 4:53pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/hybrid-drivetrains/31558 "2009-06-10T16:53:51Z")
Do electric driven hybrids have transmissions or are they direct drive from the electric motor? --- ## [Another "find." Any opinions?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/another-find-any-opinions/31608)
**Author:** [@kungfumovies81](https://community.cartalk.com/u/kungfumovies81)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [June 9, 2009, 4:09pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/another-find-any-opinions/31608 "2009-06-09T16:09:26Z")
Hi. I've just come across a 1995 Ford Aspire hatchback, 5spd manual, with under 100K, clean title, smogged.. yadda yadda. Offered at $1995. With a little research I found that this car gets an average of about 35mpg!!… --- ## [Truck Canopies or Toppers](https://community.cartalk.com/t/truck-canopies-or-toppers/31564)
**Author:** [@Joel\_D\_Funk](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Joel_D_Funk)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [June 9, 2009, 4:01pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/truck-canopies-or-toppers/31564 "2009-06-09T16:01:06Z")
I have an ext. cab truck with a 6'6" box and I want to purchase a new canopie for it. I also pull a travel trailer for vacations and weekends. Would a cab high topper help the air flow over the trailer better, or would a… --- ## [Shifting](https://community.cartalk.com/t/shifting/31580)
**Author:** [@alexv6](https://community.cartalk.com/u/alexv6)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [June 9, 2009, 12:27pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/shifting/31580 "2009-06-09T12:27:15Z")
My cousin drives a 2001 Honda accord ex-l and when he back out of anythink like a parking space driveway etc. He'll go from reverse to drive without fully stopping can this be harmful to the transmission? It automatic. O… --- ## [1996 Ford Crown Victoria - Inoperative Courtesy Lights](https://community.cartalk.com/t/1996-ford-crown-victoria-inoperative-courtesy-lights/31231)
**Author:** [@Marky-B](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Marky-B)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [June 9, 2009, 5:33am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/1996-ford-crown-victoria-inoperative-courtesy-lights/31231 "2009-06-09T05:33:08Z")
I just bought a 1996 Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor and when I open the doors, the dome light/courtesy lights don't come on. These lights will work if I turn them on by the switch that is located in the fixture (… --- ## [TIre Safety](https://community.cartalk.com/t/tire-safety/31406)
**Author:** [@DHBeeler](https://community.cartalk.com/u/DHBeeler)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [June 8, 2009, 5:04pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/tire-safety/31406 "2009-06-08T17:04:53Z")
Tires have a temperature rating - A, B, etc. Are there any recommendations regarding maximum speed at which to drive a given tire temperature rating at varying ambient temperature? I live in Kuwait. Our fleet has 4x4's w… --- ## [True cost of buying a car](https://community.cartalk.com/t/true-cost-of-buying-a-car/30584)
**Author:** [@Joseph\_E\_Meehan](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Joseph_E_Meehan)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [June 8, 2009, 3:26pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/true-cost-of-buying-a-car/30584 "2009-06-08T15:26:42Z")
Have you ever considered the true cost of buying a car? For now lets ignore maintenance and repairs and insurance. You go to a dealer and pick out a car. Then you ask about how much the new car is going… [Previous page](https://community.cartalk.com/c/general-discussion/8.md?page=479) [Next page](https://community.cartalk.com/c/general-discussion/8.md?page=481)