# General Discussion **URL:** https://community.cartalk.com/c/general-discussion/8.md?page=482 [Latest](https://community.cartalk.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://community.cartalk.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://community.cartalk.com/tags.md) **Page:** 483 --- ## [Help us choose a new (used) car!](https://community.cartalk.com/t/help-us-choose-a-new-used-car/30844)
**Author:** [@beatricestudio](https://community.cartalk.com/u/beatricestudio)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [May 27, 2009, 7:47pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/help-us-choose-a-new-used-car/30844 "2009-05-27T19:47:46Z")
Disclaimer: I am a car snob. I have a thing against most American cars, and while I appreciate the practicality and longevity of Hondas, Toyotas, etc., well, they're mostly just... boring. Right now, my husband and… --- ## [42 Speed Bumps](https://community.cartalk.com/t/42-speed-bumps/29944)
**Author:** [@Speed\_Bumper](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Speed_Bumper)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [May 27, 2009, 2:46pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/42-speed-bumps/29944 "2009-05-27T14:46:26Z")
I drive over a total of 42 speed bumps each work day--21 when I enter the ramp at work and 21 when I leave the ramp. I drive a 2001 Saturn SL (standard transmission)and a 2005 Subaru Legacy Outback. When I am in a hurr… --- ## ["let there be lights](https://community.cartalk.com/t/let-there-be-lights/30602)
**Author:** [@Mustanman](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Mustanman)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [May 27, 2009, 5:50am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/let-there-be-lights/30602 "2009-05-27T05:50:18Z")
I've been driving with those "old fashioned" sealed-beam headlights for 50 years, and they've worked just fine even on our darkest, rainiest nights. I could replace them in 10 minutes for five bucks! When a headlight w… --- ## [Backyard Mechanic](https://community.cartalk.com/t/backyard-mechanic/30683)
**Author:** [@gramfinn](https://community.cartalk.com/u/gramfinn)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [May 27, 2009, 5:21am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/backyard-mechanic/30683 "2009-05-27T05:21:35Z")
A recommended backyard mechanic ruined my car and now wants to be paid in full before releasing it to me. Is this legal? --- ## [Is your Car a Certified Clunker?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/is-your-car-a-certified-clunker/30862)
**Author:** [@jtsanders](https://community.cartalk.com/u/jtsanders)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [May 27, 2009, 5:18am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/is-your-car-a-certified-clunker/30862 "2009-05-27T05:18:42Z")
The US Congress is considering a bill that would pay you to trade in your clunker for $3500 to $4500, depending on the mileage improvement for your new car. The EPA city mileage must be less than 18 MPG to be a clunker.… --- ## [Insane depriciation?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/insane-depriciation/30494)
**Author:** [@dalewb](https://community.cartalk.com/u/dalewb)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [May 26, 2009, 10:08pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/insane-depriciation/30494 "2009-05-26T22:08:41Z")
I bought a 2005 Scion xA less than a year ago for a great deal at $9100. There were hundreds of them for sale across the country, most priced around $11-13K. Recently, I've begun thinking about swapping up to the xD, w… --- ## [Owning a Mini - costly? Worth it?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/owning-a-mini-costly-worth-it/27928)
**Author:** [@SubaruDave](https://community.cartalk.com/u/SubaruDave)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [May 26, 2009, 1:50am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/owning-a-mini-costly-worth-it/27928 "2009-05-26T01:50:54Z")
I'm looking for a commuter car and found a great deal on a 2004 Mini Cooper. It's got just over 60K miles on it. Believe it or not, it's priced close to some Civics and Corollas I'm looking at... I've heard th… --- ## [Rave: Hubcap spinners](https://community.cartalk.com/t/rave-hubcap-spinners/30939)
**Author:** [@totallytempo](https://community.cartalk.com/u/totallytempo)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [May 26, 2009, 1:23am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/rave-hubcap-spinners/30939 "2009-05-26T01:23:56Z")
Well I drive a old piece of junk. Not powerful and not cool my 17 year old Ford Tempo just can't cut it with the big boys who cruise down my towns strip with their Aston's and Ferrari's Then one day I was bored and … --- ## [Riding the brake](https://community.cartalk.com/t/riding-the-brake/30890)
**Author:** [@tracy308](https://community.cartalk.com/u/tracy308)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [May 26, 2009, 12:06am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/riding-the-brake/30890 "2009-05-26T00:06:59Z")
I have a friend that borrows my 97 plymouth van he not only rides the brake and gas pedal at the same time but also even though its auto trans just has to shift from Drive to 2nd and often times fails to remember to to s… --- ## [Emergency brake](https://community.cartalk.com/t/emergency-brake/30944)
**Author:** [@4melva](https://community.cartalk.com/u/4melva)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [May 25, 2009, 11:58pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/emergency-brake/30944 "2009-05-25T23:58:04Z")
I drove 50 to 80 mph for 30 min with the emergency brake -- do i need to go get anything checked out or should i be ok? --- ## [First-time Car Buyer](https://community.cartalk.com/t/first-time-car-buyer/30930)
**Author:** [@tamzdance](https://community.cartalk.com/u/tamzdance)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [May 25, 2009, 11:57am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/first-time-car-buyer/30930 "2009-05-25T11:57:42Z")
So, I'm seventeen years old, have very little money to spend, and need to buy a used car between now and the end of summer. Are there any suggestions on what year range or model or make that I should be looking out for? … --- ## [Being sued for car accident that occurred 3 years ago](https://community.cartalk.com/t/being-sued-for-car-accident-that-occurred-3-years-ago/30913)
**Author:** [@chienpoo](https://community.cartalk.com/u/chienpoo)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [May 25, 2009, 11:24am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/being-sued-for-car-accident-that-occurred-3-years-ago/30913 "2009-05-25T11:24:12Z")
three years ago i was working as a Van driver for a company and was involved in a car accident while driving clients, anyway as i was switching lanes, another driver sped up and i bump the side of her car. it was later… --- ## [Take the car or take the train?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/take-the-car-or-take-the-train/30898)
**Author:** [@Lizzie\_Angus](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Lizzie_Angus)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [May 25, 2009, 9:17am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/take-the-car-or-take-the-train/30898 "2009-05-25T09:17:09Z")
Hi, new here and I have a question! My husband and I are planning on taking a day trip from Maine to Boston this summer. We have two choices for transportation: our '08 Hyundai Sonata or the Downeaster Amtrak train. It w… --- ## [European station wagon](https://community.cartalk.com/t/european-station-wagon/30914)
**Author:** [@kmryan](https://community.cartalk.com/u/kmryan)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [May 25, 2009, 2:10am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/european-station-wagon/30914 "2009-05-25T02:10:04Z")
looking for European wagon for under 15,000 what do you recommend? Looking for comfort over performance with reliability if possible --- ## [6'6" with newborn twins and the Subaru is too small](https://community.cartalk.com/t/66-with-newborn-twins-and-the-subaru-is-too-small/30895)
**Author:** [@carsonbrain](https://community.cartalk.com/u/carsonbrain)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [May 24, 2009, 9:50pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/66-with-newborn-twins-and-the-subaru-is-too-small/30895 "2009-05-24T21:50:14Z")
My brother and his wife are two weeks into life with twins. He is 6'6" and she is 6' tall. They have a new Subaru wagon that they have painfully discovered the new family barely fits into. She has to drive as my broth… --- ## [Too many kids for the Car](https://community.cartalk.com/t/too-many-kids-for-the-car/30824)
**Author:** [@74heaven](https://community.cartalk.com/u/74heaven)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [May 24, 2009, 8:59pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/too-many-kids-for-the-car/30824 "2009-05-24T20:59:36Z")
My family (7 kids ages 1-6, 2 sets of twins, my wife and I ) have outgrown our 2003 MPV. I have a 05 E-150 in my sights, only problem is the lack of a third row seat (and saftey restraints) Can this van be outfitted f… --- ## [Trade-In and or Down Payment?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/trade-in-and-or-down-payment/30851)
**Author:** [@groggory](https://community.cartalk.com/u/groggory)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [May 24, 2009, 2:27pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/trade-in-and-or-down-payment/30851 "2009-05-24T14:27:24Z")
I have a 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee ltd. about 59600 miles. Appears the trade-in value is between $8200 and $8500. Car is in very good condition and there's no pay out left. I own it outright. I'm ready to unload the … --- ## [US Route 2 in Montana, Idaho and Washington](https://community.cartalk.com/t/us-route-2-in-montana-idaho-and-washington/30818)
**Author:** [@ggrakerdink](https://community.cartalk.com/u/ggrakerdink)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [May 23, 2009, 9:06pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/us-route-2-in-montana-idaho-and-washington/30818 "2009-05-23T21:06:06Z")
I am about to deliver, from NW Ohio to Seattle, Wash., a '98 Dodge Caravan (94K miles) which had been handicapped modified with a lowered floor pan to accomidate a wheelchair ramp, etc. I want to make this a pleasure tr… --- ## [Rear end gear ratio](https://community.cartalk.com/t/rear-end-gear-ratio/30881)
**Author:** [@Redman](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Redman)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [May 23, 2009, 6:06pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/rear-end-gear-ratio/30881 "2009-05-23T18:06:48Z")
What is the highest(most economical) rear end gear ratio used in General Motors Trucks --- ## [Why is it so cheap](https://community.cartalk.com/t/why-is-it-so-cheap/30877)
**Author:** [@alexv6](https://community.cartalk.com/u/alexv6)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [May 23, 2009, 6:04pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/why-is-it-so-cheap/30877 "2009-05-23T18:04:45Z")
im thinking of getting a mid size suv and something that catches my eye is the new Hyundai santa fe limited. but the only problem is i looked at the prices compared to other cars and they all have the same features but w… --- ## [3 Good Choices, What to do?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/3-good-choices-what-to-do/30687)
**Author:** [@jdewar](https://community.cartalk.com/u/jdewar)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [May 23, 2009, 4:57pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/3-good-choices-what-to-do/30687 "2009-05-23T16:57:06Z")
So my girlfriend and I are looking for a used car for her to drive around, mainly for commuting, but also for road trips with the two of us. We have found 3 cars that we like all at the same price point and roughly the … --- ## [09 Sonata Price](https://community.cartalk.com/t/09-sonata-price/30817)
**Author:** [@guitarizt](https://community.cartalk.com/u/guitarizt)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [May 22, 2009, 11:18pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/09-sonata-price/30817 "2009-05-22T23:18:34Z")
A dealer near me lists three prices for the cheapest new 09 Sonata. It lists the msrp as 20,700; the retail price is 20,000; the sales price is 17,500. Hyundai has a 3k cash incentive for the Sonata. Do you think … --- ## [V-6 3.8 with Supercharger](https://community.cartalk.com/t/v-6-3-8-with-supercharger/30764)
**Author:** [@JohnMy](https://community.cartalk.com/u/JohnMy)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [May 22, 2009, 10:31pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/v-6-3-8-with-supercharger/30764 "2009-05-22T22:31:19Z")
Having now owned 3 Pont. Bonn. SSEi with the V-6, 3.8 L. Supercharged engine, I love this engine. I now own a 03 which is the last one! Does any car manufacturer still use this engine. My 03 won't last forever. Thanks. … --- ## [Looking for electric car engineers/designers for tv show!](https://community.cartalk.com/t/looking-for-electric-car-engineers-designers-for-tv-show/30802)
**Author:** [@Electric\_Car\_Show](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Electric_Car_Show)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [May 22, 2009, 9:25pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/looking-for-electric-car-engineers-designers-for-tv-show/30802 "2009-05-22T21:25:51Z")
I am working for a production company that is going to do a show based on independent electric car designers and engineers. If you or someone you know is interested, please write to ElectricCarShow@gmail.com and give a s… --- ## [Small Cars and Highway Driving](https://community.cartalk.com/t/small-cars-and-highway-driving/30417)
**Author:** [@RallyNorth](https://community.cartalk.com/u/RallyNorth)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [May 22, 2009, 1:33pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/small-cars-and-highway-driving/30417 "2009-05-22T13:33:46Z")
I am currently looking at a couple smaller cars to replace my aging Subaru, but am somewhat hesitant if I'm going to be going 2 hours on the highway for a commute. My question is to folks here that maybe have exper… --- ## [Volvo (1998} sx70](https://community.cartalk.com/t/volvo-1998-sx70/30730)
**Author:** [@donna\_belsky](https://community.cartalk.com/u/donna_belsky)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [May 21, 2009, 4:45pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/volvo-1998-sx70/30730 "2009-05-21T16:45:33Z")
At random times when accelerating the car loses power and the RPMs go from 2 or 3 to 0 when my foot is on the gas. Needless to say the car then stalls and I restart it immediately. My husband put a carberater cleaner in … --- ## [Reliable cars](https://community.cartalk.com/t/reliable-cars/30727)
**Author:** [@SimonH7125](https://community.cartalk.com/u/SimonH7125)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [May 21, 2009, 2:23pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/reliable-cars/30727 "2009-05-21T14:23:00Z")
I am looking out for a reliable car to go on a road trip around Europe this summer Holiday Can anyone recommend? Any advice would be useful --- ## [Buying truck](https://community.cartalk.com/t/buying-truck/30345)
**Author:** [@rsnyder97](https://community.cartalk.com/u/rsnyder97)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [May 21, 2009, 1:08pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/buying-truck/30345 "2009-05-21T13:08:09Z")
Hi everyone, I'm looking at a 2007 Dodge Ram 1500 Quad cab with a V8 5.7L HEMI, Automatic, 4x4 with 12,000 miles on it. Looks great, and seems to run good (I'm no mechanic). My only real reservation is I think it … --- ## [Can I mix 93 and 89 octane?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/can-i-mix-93-and-89-octane/30744)
**Author:** [@karen4984](https://community.cartalk.com/u/karen4984)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [May 21, 2009, 12:47pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/can-i-mix-93-and-89-octane/30744 "2009-05-21T12:47:04Z")
My 2009 Honda Civic Si says that a minimum of 91 octane fuel is required. However, the gas stations I have visited do not sell 91 octane. Can I mix the 93 and 89 octane fuels to get an average of 91 octane? (I realise… --- ## [Certified Driver Training Schools](https://community.cartalk.com/t/certified-driver-training-schools/30775)
**Author:** [@JohnMack](https://community.cartalk.com/u/JohnMack)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [May 21, 2009, 11:51am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/certified-driver-training-schools/30775 "2009-05-21T11:51:54Z")
Looking for comments, opinions, experiences, regarding the advantages or disadvantages of having teen drivers take lessons from driving schools. [Previous page](https://community.cartalk.com/c/general-discussion/8.md?page=481) [Next page](https://community.cartalk.com/c/general-discussion/8.md?page=483)