# General Discussion **URL:** https://community.cartalk.com/c/general-discussion/8.md?page=481 [Latest](https://community.cartalk.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://community.cartalk.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://community.cartalk.com/tags.md) **Page:** 482 --- ## ['72 vw bus safety](https://community.cartalk.com/t/72-vw-bus-safety/31566)
**Author:** [@system](https://community.cartalk.com/u/system)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [June 8, 2009, 3:08pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/72-vw-bus-safety/31566 "2009-06-08T15:08:52Z")
Hi, I want a camper bus for camping/road trips, but I have a very limited budget. I test drove a volkswagen camper bus today and felt like it was a death trap, and a full body workout to drive. Are these vehicles gen… --- ## [What's up with radio static in hybrids?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/whats-up-with-radio-static-in-hybrids/31471)
**Author:** [@hcbsailor](https://community.cartalk.com/u/hcbsailor)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [June 8, 2009, 4:33am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/whats-up-with-radio-static-in-hybrids/31471 "2009-06-08T04:33:50Z")
I never expected THIS issue! My 2010 Honda Insight has LOUSY radio reception. Both the dealership and Honda customer service are acting surprised but I'm finding posts out on the web on this topic making me think I shoul… --- ## [Air temperature setting](https://community.cartalk.com/t/air-temperature-setting/31527)
**Author:** [@aloha5900](https://community.cartalk.com/u/aloha5900)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [June 7, 2009, 11:55pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/air-temperature-setting/31527 "2009-06-07T23:55:16Z")
Please settle an issue at our house. When the air/heat fan setting is off, I set the temperature to blue (cold)if it's hot oustide, red (hot) if it's cold outside. My husband says it doesn't make any difference if the … --- ## [Hatchback fuel efficiency](https://community.cartalk.com/t/hatchback-fuel-efficiency/31335)
**Author:** [@melindaf](https://community.cartalk.com/u/melindaf)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [June 6, 2009, 9:50pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/hatchback-fuel-efficiency/31335 "2009-06-06T21:50:25Z")
i am looking at buying a new car and the small hatchbacks appeal to me and seem to get good gas mileage. but sedans LOOK more aerodynamic. are they? is a hatchback usu. lighter? Does a lower weight minimize the "drag"… --- ## [Electric cars in early 1900s](https://community.cartalk.com/t/electric-cars-in-early-1900s/31237)
**Author:** [@fgoodwin](https://community.cartalk.com/u/fgoodwin)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [June 6, 2009, 6:11pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/electric-cars-in-early-1900s/31237 "2009-06-06T18:11:00Z")
Has anyone seen the Disney classic, "Follow Me Boys!"? Its a 1966 movie about a single guy who quits a band to settle down in a small town. He spends the rest of his life as Scoutmaster to a bunch of unruly boys in… --- ## [First time used car buyer](https://community.cartalk.com/t/first-time-used-car-buyer/31457)
**Author:** [@bernabeetle](https://community.cartalk.com/u/bernabeetle)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [June 5, 2009, 11:44pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/first-time-used-car-buyer/31457 "2009-06-05T23:44:54Z")
Hi, I am wondering if it is advisable to buy a car that has been previously leased if it has had no accidents? Also, if I ask a dealer for a CarFax report on a car, and they give me a AutoCheck report, is that legitimate… --- ## [Sending unit](https://community.cartalk.com/t/sending-unit/30653)
**Author:** [@Cowboy1](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Cowboy1)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [June 4, 2009, 2:47am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/sending-unit/30653 "2009-06-04T02:47:43Z")
2002 Buick LeSabre. How do you know if the sending unit is going out. I have noticed my fuel guage acting weird as in showing full when I know I have a quarter of a tank or less and have noticed decreased MPG and a rough… --- ## [94 Year Old Needs Comfortable Passenger Seat for Altima 2006](https://community.cartalk.com/t/94-year-old-needs-comfortable-passenger-seat-for-altima-2006/31381)
**Author:** [@MMMFXC](https://community.cartalk.com/u/MMMFXC)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [June 3, 2009, 6:53pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/94-year-old-needs-comfortable-passenger-seat-for-altima-2006/31381 "2009-06-03T18:53:47Z")
I have a Nissan Altima SL 2006 ...when my 94 year old Mom rides in the front seat she finds it most uncomfortable to sit in. I am looking to purchase a SUPERIOR QUALITY seat cushion that provides lumbar back and SEA… --- ## [Going down hill!](https://community.cartalk.com/t/going-down-hill/30641)
**Author:** [@rfigueroa](https://community.cartalk.com/u/rfigueroa)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [June 3, 2009, 9:59am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/going-down-hill/30641 "2009-06-03T09:59:54Z")
What do you do when your vehicle loses power and you are going down hill really fast? --- ## [How wide is an average suv?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/how-wide-is-an-average-suv/31297)
**Author:** [@Christi](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Christi)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [June 3, 2009, 5:22am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/how-wide-is-an-average-suv/31297 "2009-06-03T05:22:15Z")
How wide is an average suv of today vs. an average suv in 1992? My HOA wants us to put both of our cars in our garage but they won't fit! We have to pull on in and then get out and pull the other one in. I'm hoping th… --- ## [Automatic shifters](https://community.cartalk.com/t/automatic-shifters/24309)
**Author:** [@brookdale](https://community.cartalk.com/u/brookdale)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [June 2, 2009, 5:44pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/automatic-shifters/24309 "2009-06-02T17:44:24Z")
why do most cars with automatic transmissions have lower gears since we only use them for pulling things we do not pull? would it not be easier for only 2 foward gears, low and high! and who pulls with a car anyway? --- ## [Opinions of '92 Mercury Tracer Wagon](https://community.cartalk.com/t/opinions-of-92-mercury-tracer-wagon/31284)
**Author:** [@kungfumovies81](https://community.cartalk.com/u/kungfumovies81)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [June 2, 2009, 5:46am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/opinions-of-92-mercury-tracer-wagon/31284 "2009-06-02T05:46:00Z")
Back for more opinion on cheap cars: I found a '92 Mercury Tracer Wagon, Automatic, with 143K. $1500. Is has had some recent work. Nothing major.(Brakes/rotors/calipers/engine mounts/starter renewed). I don't know… --- ## [New technology](https://community.cartalk.com/t/new-technology/31248)
**Author:** [@henryl](https://community.cartalk.com/u/henryl)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [June 2, 2009, 12:50am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/new-technology/31248 "2009-06-02T00:50:35Z")
I drive a 4 cyl 2008 Camry. This is my third Camry, and I've never noticed this phenomena before. When accelerating from a stop, as soon as equilibrium is reached, whether it be 40mph or 55mph; the tachometer drops to … --- ## [Fit VS Matrix](https://community.cartalk.com/t/fit-vs-matrix/31261)
**Author:** [@blazeferncliff](https://community.cartalk.com/u/blazeferncliff)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [June 1, 2009, 11:42pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/fit-vs-matrix/31261 "2009-06-01T23:42:17Z")
I am very suprised that the 2 brothers do not recommend any Hondas. Is the Matrix really better than the Honda Fit? --- ## [Which would you buy? subaru outback or honda CRV?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/which-would-you-buy-subaru-outback-or-honda-crv/31141)
**Author:** [@Tealeaf10](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Tealeaf10)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [June 1, 2009, 7:12pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/which-would-you-buy-subaru-outback-or-honda-crv/31141 "2009-06-01T19:12:35Z")
We are trying to decide between these two and can't seem to make a decision. There is a 2000 cash back on subaru right now, which isn't a lot, but it's something. We are looking at the outback SE or the CRV LX version. … --- ## [Need advice on buying 1987 Nissan Pickup](https://community.cartalk.com/t/need-advice-on-buying-1987-nissan-pickup/31195)
**Author:** [@cory\_larousse](https://community.cartalk.com/u/cory_larousse)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [June 1, 2009, 3:36am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/need-advice-on-buying-1987-nissan-pickup/31195 "2009-06-01T03:36:43Z")
i'd been looking for a small pickup for about 2 months; didn't want to pay more than $3500. i don't know if it's just the area i live (southern new mexico) but it's been slim pickings. finally found a 1987 Nissan pi… --- ## [Car for a disabled person](https://community.cartalk.com/t/car-for-a-disabled-person/31213)
**Author:** [@gerardine](https://community.cartalk.com/u/gerardine)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [May 31, 2009, 7:42pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/car-for-a-disabled-person/31213 "2009-05-31T19:42:19Z")
Hello, I need advise to find a suitable car. Currently have a Honda CRV. Great for me because it has gears on the steering wheel and is the correct height for me to transfer from my wheelchair. The problem it's old… --- ## [Sedan Safety- mid vs small](https://community.cartalk.com/t/sedan-safety-mid-vs-small/31133)
**Author:** [@Oofies](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Oofies)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [May 31, 2009, 11:08am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/sedan-safety-mid-vs-small/31133 "2009-05-31T11:08:24Z")
I have decided to purchase a different vehicle from my 1995 honda civic due to safety concerns for my kids. Since I am upgrading to a newer vehicle due to safety- is there alot of difference between the safety of a sma… --- ## [Car with gear shift on the steering column](https://community.cartalk.com/t/car-with-gear-shift-on-the-steering-column/30598)
**Author:** [@ineziad](https://community.cartalk.com/u/ineziad)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [May 31, 2009, 10:49am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/car-with-gear-shift-on-the-steering-column/30598 "2009-05-31T10:49:07Z")
My mother needs a new-to-her car. Due to arthritis, she has a hard time with the shifter on the floor - aren't there any "3 on the tree" any longer? Other than this issue, my mother is active -- works full-time as a te… --- ## [Advice](https://community.cartalk.com/t/advice/31179)
**Author:** [@lavidaloca](https://community.cartalk.com/u/lavidaloca)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [May 30, 2009, 11:34pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/advice/31179 "2009-05-30T23:34:24Z")
I own a 05 Prius and will not be driving it for a year starting June 15,200. Should i disconnect the battery? How is it done? I don't know a thing about cars. --- ## [Are we getting shafted with this trade in?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/are-we-getting-shafted-with-this-trade-in/31155)
**Author:** [@Tealeaf10](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Tealeaf10)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [May 29, 2009, 11:30pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/are-we-getting-shafted-with-this-trade-in/31155 "2009-05-29T23:30:58Z")
woops I accidentally posted this in the the repair forum.... so I am going to repost it here. I hope that is ok to do. I appreciate everyone's input from my earlier question... thank you all ! So we are in ne… --- ## [Ethanol worth it?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/ethanol-worth-it/23480)
**Author:** [@cddetelich](https://community.cartalk.com/u/cddetelich)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [May 29, 2009, 10:22pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/ethanol-worth-it/23480 "2009-05-29T22:22:37Z")
Concerning 90/10 ethanol blend. Gasoline has a BTU value of approximately 125,000 BTU's/gallon. Ethanol has a value of approx. 75,000 BTU's/gallon, so a 90/10 blend produces less heat than a 100% gasoline, so fuel mileag… --- ## [Replacement headlight bulbs](https://community.cartalk.com/t/replacement-headlight-bulbs/31137)
**Author:** [@cagardner](https://community.cartalk.com/u/cagardner)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [May 29, 2009, 6:09pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/replacement-headlight-bulbs/31137 "2009-05-29T18:09:22Z")
What is a good replacement headlight bulb. Bought a 2004 Pontiac Sunfire for my daughter, and the headlights are not that bright. There is alot to choose from online. She drives home from work at night on back roads, no … --- ## [Photograph VIN to get key to car](https://community.cartalk.com/t/photograph-vin-to-get-key-to-car/30437)
**Author:** [@BFslv50](https://community.cartalk.com/u/BFslv50)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [May 29, 2009, 2:27am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/photograph-vin-to-get-key-to-car/30437 "2009-05-29T02:27:39Z")
True or Urban Myth? Thieves can take a cell phone photo of the VIN on your dash, call a local dealer claiming a lost key, use the VIN to get a replacement immediately for a small fee, come back and drive your car away. --- ## [Re-importing car into the United States](https://community.cartalk.com/t/re-importing-car-into-the-united-states/31086)
**Author:** [@chargerbrown](https://community.cartalk.com/u/chargerbrown)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [May 29, 2009, 2:03am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/re-importing-car-into-the-united-states/31086 "2009-05-29T02:03:01Z")
About 12 years ago we exported our 1984 Pontiac Fiero overseas. Now we want to import it back to California. Is there anything special we have to do to get it through customs? --- ## [1995Honda vs newer Camry safety](https://community.cartalk.com/t/1995honda-vs-newer-camry-safety/31089)
**Author:** [@Oofies](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Oofies)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [May 28, 2009, 11:49pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/1995honda-vs-newer-camry-safety/31089 "2009-05-28T23:49:35Z")
I have a great little 95 honda civic that I need to do some repairs on (exhaust, check passenger airbag light is on etc) I transport small children in this car. Would the safety of an newer (2008, 2009, etc) Camry be … --- ## [Cars for seniors](https://community.cartalk.com/t/cars-for-seniors/30894)
**Author:** [@joaney](https://community.cartalk.com/u/joaney)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [May 28, 2009, 11:27pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/cars-for-seniors/30894 "2009-05-28T23:27:11Z")
I am a woman in a 70+ body with a 50 yr.old attitude.I am driving a 2007 Nissan Qwest.I no longer need a car this size but I like sitting at the height it offers.I want a smaller,safe car ,SUV,crossover.I want good rear … --- ## [Vent about your commute](https://community.cartalk.com/t/vent-about-your-commute/30535)
**Author:** [@Tom\_and\_Ray](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Tom_and_Ray)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [May 28, 2009, 7:53pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/vent-about-your-commute/30535 "2009-05-28T19:53:22Z")
This past week, a new nonprofit called Transportation for America launched a web site devoted to first-person accounts of lousy commutes. (The New York Times wrote about it, right here.) We thought that sharing stor… --- ## [New Or Used ... hrmmmmm](https://community.cartalk.com/t/new-or-used-hrmmmmm/30969)
**Author:** [@416Driver](https://community.cartalk.com/u/416Driver)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [May 28, 2009, 1:29am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/new-or-used-hrmmmmm/30969 "2009-05-28T01:29:47Z")
I am in the market for a new car. I recently got a new job, and am making some pretty good coin. I am still living with the parents right now, so lucky for me my day-to-day bills aren't very high at all. I am in the m… --- ## [Suitable car for local driving in a suburb](https://community.cartalk.com/t/suitable-car-for-local-driving-in-a-suburb/30967)
**Author:** [@kashisingh](https://community.cartalk.com/u/kashisingh)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [May 27, 2009, 11:55pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/suitable-car-for-local-driving-in-a-suburb/30967 "2009-05-27T23:55:26Z")
I am planning to buy either new Camry-Auto Tranmission or new Corolla Auto Transmission for local driving in a suburb. Which one is better? [Previous page](https://community.cartalk.com/c/general-discussion/8.md?page=480) [Next page](https://community.cartalk.com/c/general-discussion/8.md?page=482)