# General Discussion **URL:** https://community.cartalk.com/c/general-discussion/8.md?page=491 [Latest](https://community.cartalk.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://community.cartalk.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://community.cartalk.com/tags.md) **Page:** 492 --- ## [Green vs Safety & Cush](https://community.cartalk.com/t/green-vs-safety-cush/27027)
**Author:** [@Waffling](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Waffling)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [February 28, 2009, 4:38am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/green-vs-safety-cush/27027 "2009-02-28T04:38:08Z")
Shortly, we need to get a new car for me to commute roundtrip 30+ miles of freeway driving, regular city errand driving and some hauling of kids (at least a 5 seater). Other car is Honda Odyssey minivan. We'd be replac… --- ## [With a budget of $5000 - $7500, which car?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/with-a-budget-of-5000-7500-which-car/26722)
**Author:** [@HardToBePractical](https://community.cartalk.com/u/HardToBePractical)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [February 28, 2009, 3:38am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/with-a-budget-of-5000-7500-which-car/26722 "2009-02-28T03:38:47Z")
I will be buying a new-to-me car sometime in next few months. I will be living around the Maryland, DC, Virginia area, so it will be getting lots of commuter miles put on it. I'll be going to/from work everyday which w… --- ## [Pet Barrier for Honda Element?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/pet-barrier-for-honda-element/27077)
**Author:** [@Liza108](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Liza108)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [February 28, 2009, 3:06am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/pet-barrier-for-honda-element/27077 "2009-02-28T03:06:43Z")
Can anyone recommend a pet barrier that will work in the Honda Element? Thank you!! --- ## [Mongol Rally Help](https://community.cartalk.com/t/mongol-rally-help/26961)
**Author:** [@Cuddly](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Cuddly)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [February 28, 2009, 2:14am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/mongol-rally-help/26961 "2009-02-28T02:14:06Z")
Hey guys: Me and a friend are looking to participate in the Mongol Rally ( http://mongolrally.theadventurists.com/ ) sometime in the next 2-3 years. Basically, you buy a econobox (requirements: less than 10 years o… --- ## [Mazda CX-7](https://community.cartalk.com/t/mazda-cx-7/27059)
**Author:** [@ladybug2](https://community.cartalk.com/u/ladybug2)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [February 27, 2009, 10:05pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/mazda-cx-7/27059 "2009-02-27T22:05:59Z")
I was wanting to know if I do need to use premium gas in the Mazda CX-7. I have been told I can use regular and the engine would compensate. I have also been told not to use it that it would ruin the engine. Before I mak… --- ## [1999 Toyota Land Cruiser](https://community.cartalk.com/t/1999-toyota-land-cruiser/27056)
**Author:** [@44carman](https://community.cartalk.com/u/44carman)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [February 27, 2009, 8:41pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/1999-toyota-land-cruiser/27056 "2009-02-27T20:41:49Z")
I'm looking at a 99 Toyota Land Cruiser with 148,000 miles. Should I be concerned about the age and mileage? The car is in mint condition with new leather seats, new brakes and pads. two owners, all maintenance records. … --- ## [Overkill?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/overkill/26139)
**Author:** [@gpspirit7](https://community.cartalk.com/u/gpspirit7)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [February 27, 2009, 2:44am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/overkill/26139 "2009-02-27T02:44:26Z")
I may be alone in doing this, but I'd appreciate any feedback I can get. Apropos of Al Gore's admonition that a car idling more than 15 seconds is wasting gas, I routinely shut down for most traffic lights (in addit… --- ## [Remote Starters](https://community.cartalk.com/t/remote-starters/26970)
**Author:** [@Rayhey](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Rayhey)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [February 26, 2009, 4:03pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/remote-starters/26970 "2009-02-26T16:03:20Z")
A Ford dealer told me that using a non- Ford remote starter will cause the car to have problems.That will void the warranty . Is there any truth that having a aftermarket remote starter will cause problems??? --- ## [Subaru Seats - Pain in my](https://community.cartalk.com/t/subaru-seats-pain-in-my/26778)
**Author:** [@coloradocarguy](https://community.cartalk.com/u/coloradocarguy)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [February 25, 2009, 11:11pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/subaru-seats-pain-in-my/26778 "2009-02-25T23:11:56Z")
Just purchased a great used 2005 Subaru Outback Wagon. Love it - except the seats cause pain and cramping in my lower back. I've never had back problems and have daily changed the seat position (electric controls). There… --- ## [General](https://community.cartalk.com/t/general/26858)
**Author:** [@andy006](https://community.cartalk.com/u/andy006)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [February 24, 2009, 5:17pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/general/26858 "2009-02-24T17:17:57Z")
Iam currently in the hunt for a new car. Not necessarily BRAND new because the minute you drive it off the lot, you lose value. However it'll be fairly new...maybe 10,000K or less. So my question is this... which MAKE of… --- ## [Battery Tracking or Tracing](https://community.cartalk.com/t/battery-tracking-or-tracing/26896)
**Author:** [@MatildaHaywood](https://community.cartalk.com/u/MatildaHaywood)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [February 24, 2009, 5:45am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/battery-tracking-or-tracing/26896 "2009-02-24T05:45:05Z")
Does anyone know how to find out whether the battery that is in a car (new dealer demo) is the original battery that came with the car? Further, does anyone know whether the dealership, in this case, is responsible for… --- ## [Car ammeter installation](https://community.cartalk.com/t/car-ammeter-installation/26868)
**Author:** [@anmoore](https://community.cartalk.com/u/anmoore)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [February 24, 2009, 3:15am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/car-ammeter-installation/26868 "2009-02-24T03:15:44Z")
My nephew wants to install an ammeter from Sunpro in his Chevy Avero. I have been told that one shouldn't, because of the possibility of causing a fire due to heavy amperes. He now has installed oil pressure, oil temp, w… --- ## [Which is better?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/which-is-better/26900)
**Author:** [@andy006](https://community.cartalk.com/u/andy006)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [February 24, 2009, 12:10am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/which-is-better/26900 "2009-02-24T00:10:07Z")
So I posted a question earlier and it was pretty lengthy so here is a revised question to it. Which do you think is the best MAKE OF CAR? FORD or HONDA? It would be an Escape, Sport Trac or Fusion OR an Element or Ridgel… --- ## [When Is the New Design for the BMW 3-Series Due?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/when-is-the-new-design-for-the-bmw-3-series-due/26848)
**Author:** [@DesignQuestioningGuy](https://community.cartalk.com/u/DesignQuestioningGuy)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [February 23, 2009, 11:02pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/when-is-the-new-design-for-the-bmw-3-series-due/26848 "2009-02-23T23:02:48Z")
I'd like to buy a 2009 335iX, which received a "facelift" from the 2008 model. I have to finance on 60 months, so I don't want to have 24 months to go to pay it off and see a completely redesigned 3 all over town. Is t… --- ## [Stick shift paranoia](https://community.cartalk.com/t/stick-shift-paranoia/26254)
**Author:** [@gruntermen](https://community.cartalk.com/u/gruntermen)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [February 23, 2009, 8:15pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/stick-shift-paranoia/26254 "2009-02-23T20:15:38Z")
I recently purchased a 06 VW Passat with a 6 speed manual transmission. The Passat came with 36K miles on the odometer and was a certified used vehicle. I?ve always wanted a car with a stick and so far I love the vehic… --- ## [Ipod input to older radios](https://community.cartalk.com/t/ipod-input-to-older-radios/26863)
**Author:** [@mmooney3141](https://community.cartalk.com/u/mmooney3141)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [February 23, 2009, 3:12pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/ipod-input-to-older-radios/26863 "2009-02-23T15:12:35Z")
I have a 2004 Malibu maxx. The radio has a CD player and no aux jack. I have tried itrip to get the ipod signal into the radio, but it does not work well and the sound quality is poor. Is there a way to input the ipod… --- ## [2003 VW Beetle](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2003-vw-beetle/26841)
**Author:** [@lindyloo](https://community.cartalk.com/u/lindyloo)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [February 23, 2009, 2:40am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2003-vw-beetle/26841 "2009-02-23T02:40:04Z")
I have this awful chemical smell in my car and can't get rid of it. Has been suggested it is from rustproofing? Any ideas or any help getting rid of it? --- ## [Tire pressure](https://community.cartalk.com/t/tire-pressure/26819)
**Author:** [@Namber](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Namber)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [February 22, 2009, 7:31pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/tire-pressure/26819 "2009-02-22T19:31:59Z")
How on earth does the tire pressure indicator on the dashboard know the tires are low? --- ## [Best Backseat for elderly passengers](https://community.cartalk.com/t/best-backseat-for-elderly-passengers/26809)
**Author:** [@judyann](https://community.cartalk.com/u/judyann)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [February 22, 2009, 1:02pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/best-backseat-for-elderly-passengers/26809 "2009-02-22T13:02:08Z")
Planning to take my parents on a road trip and will rent a vehicle. What backseat offers the best views to outside scenery and decent comfort. Open to any type of model suggestion. Appreciate any thoughts. --- ## [1969 Chevy Sportsvan](https://community.cartalk.com/t/1969-chevy-sportsvan/26802)
**Author:** [@Tom\_Fish](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Tom_Fish)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [February 22, 2009, 8:11am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/1969-chevy-sportsvan/26802 "2009-02-22T08:11:11Z")
OK - back in grad school my husband and I bought a 1969 Chevy sportsvan for $200 and gave up our apartment-lease to sleep in it for about a month and a half along with my cat. We had good memories of the van - including… --- ## [Bargains on the Chrysler and Dodge car lots?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/bargains-on-the-chrysler-and-dodge-car-lots/26644)
**Author:** [@VDCdriver](https://community.cartalk.com/u/VDCdriver)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [February 21, 2009, 10:35pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/bargains-on-the-chrysler-and-dodge-car-lots/26644 "2009-02-21T22:35:48Z")
In case anyone did not see the coverage on today's news programs, Chrysler announced a new round of job cuts, and they also announced that the Dodge Durango, the Chrysler Pacifica, and the Chrysler PT Cruiser will be d… --- ## [Truck bed cover and gas milage](https://community.cartalk.com/t/truck-bed-cover-and-gas-milage/26746)
**Author:** [@ier619](https://community.cartalk.com/u/ier619)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [February 21, 2009, 8:16pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/truck-bed-cover-and-gas-milage/26746 "2009-02-21T20:16:56Z")
I have been thinking of getting a cover for the ned of my truck. However, I don't want it to affect my gas milage. Does anyone know if it will? Thanks. --- ## [Lowering a 2009 forester](https://community.cartalk.com/t/lowering-a-2009-forester/26752)
**Author:** [@tbluex](https://community.cartalk.com/u/tbluex)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [February 21, 2009, 7:14pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/lowering-a-2009-forester/26752 "2009-02-21T19:14:09Z")
what would be the best way to lower a 2009 forester? --- ## [2003 Taurus Indicator light has us stranded... Help!](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2003-taurus-indicator-light-has-us-stranded-help/26781)
**Author:** [@MamaMimi](https://community.cartalk.com/u/MamaMimi)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [February 21, 2009, 6:36pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2003-taurus-indicator-light-has-us-stranded-help/26781 "2009-02-21T18:36:57Z")
My boyfriend's 2003 Taurus just recently had to have some serious (and expensive!) work done on it. We had a brand new transmission put in last week and it cost us $2550. We picked up the car yesterday morning and all … --- ## [What to do with my current car and should I buy a new or used car?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/what-to-do-with-my-current-car-and-should-i-buy-a-new-or-used-car/26555)
**Author:** [@HeleneVecchione](https://community.cartalk.com/u/HeleneVecchione)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [February 21, 2009, 4:13pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/what-to-do-with-my-current-car-and-should-i-buy-a-new-or-used-car/26555 "2009-02-21T16:13:48Z")
I have a 2002 Honda Accord SE with 170,000 miles and a broken rear bumper. I still owe $4,500.00 dollars on my loan. I want to buy a new or used car for under $14,000.00. Should I repair the bumper? Should I trade in my… --- ## [Wheel application Cavalier](https://community.cartalk.com/t/wheel-application-cavalier/26720)
**Author:** [@FrankieZ24](https://community.cartalk.com/u/FrankieZ24)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [February 21, 2009, 12:25am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/wheel-application-cavalier/26720 "2009-02-21T00:25:23Z")
I have a 2000 Cavalier Z24 convertible. The convertible comes with 15inch wheels where as the 2 door hardtop comes with 16 inch wheels. Is there any reason why I can't mount my old hardtop wheels & tires on my convertibl… --- ## [Were can I find](https://community.cartalk.com/t/were-can-i-find/26700)
**Author:** [@Chrisraceing](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Chrisraceing)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [February 20, 2009, 6:19pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/were-can-i-find/26700 "2009-02-20T18:19:31Z")
A perfomance cam for a 2000 honda accord with an f23 in it. --- ## [Should I buy this car?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/should-i-buy-this-car/26682)
**Author:** [@carnewbie](https://community.cartalk.com/u/carnewbie)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [February 20, 2009, 3:13pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/should-i-buy-this-car/26682 "2009-02-20T15:13:21Z")
My flatmate is selling an old style 5 year Nissan Micra with low mileage but it's had its ECU replaced 14 months ago by the dealer. Not broken down since but I am worried about it breaking down again. Any advice? --- ## [Dealerships open on Sunday](https://community.cartalk.com/t/dealerships-open-on-sunday/26688)
**Author:** [@jsktkc](https://community.cartalk.com/u/jsktkc)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [February 20, 2009, 3:06am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/dealerships-open-on-sunday/26688 "2009-02-20T03:06:07Z")
Is there a list of auto dealers that are open on Sunday? By state, by county? I live in NJ and know that Manhattan dealerships are open, but it seems that dealers in the Nyack area are not. I'd really like to be able to … --- ## ["Ghost" signal lights!](https://community.cartalk.com/t/ghost-signal-lights/25937)
**Author:** [@newmotobiker07](https://community.cartalk.com/u/newmotobiker07)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [February 18, 2009, 10:47pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/ghost-signal-lights/25937 "2009-02-18T22:47:46Z")
Maybe its just me, and it often is! But is anyone having difficulty seeing the front end signal lights on some of the newer model vehicles? I have almost ran into a car in the middle of the intersection because I thought… [Previous page](https://community.cartalk.com/c/general-discussion/8.md?page=490) [Next page](https://community.cartalk.com/c/general-discussion/8.md?page=492)