# General Discussion **URL:** https://community.cartalk.com/c/general-discussion/8.md?page=493 [Latest](https://community.cartalk.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://community.cartalk.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://community.cartalk.com/tags.md) **Page:** 494 --- ## [New Car Talk Community Features](https://community.cartalk.com/t/new-car-talk-community-features/26299)
**Author:** [@CTC\_Cyberbabe](https://community.cartalk.com/u/CTC_Cyberbabe)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [February 10, 2009, 4:13pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/new-car-talk-community-features/26299 "2009-02-10T16:13:48Z")
Dear CTC Friends, I wanted to let you all know about a few improvements we're about to roll out to the Community. We very much value your feedback and aim to fine-tune the site to make it more user-friendly, informa… --- ## [Shifting in my 1992 Chevy S10 pickup](https://community.cartalk.com/t/shifting-in-my-1992-chevy-s10-pickup/26166)
**Author:** [@Bulldozer](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Bulldozer)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [February 10, 2009, 3:35am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/shifting-in-my-1992-chevy-s10-pickup/26166 "2009-02-10T03:35:36Z")
Lately when shifting to the lower gears in my 1992 S10 pickup (it has the 5 speed manual transmission) I notice that the engine strains for power. Once I'm done shifting, it doesn't stain for power anymore. Also when fir… --- ## [Headlights](https://community.cartalk.com/t/headlights/25270)
**Author:** [@abxxx](https://community.cartalk.com/u/abxxx)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [February 9, 2009, 11:33pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/headlights/25270 "2009-02-09T23:33:01Z")
With regard to the so-called "bright" headlights (such as Sylvania's Silver Star or Wagner's Bright Light or NAPA's Tru View), has there been any type of scientific tests to determine whether these lights are really brig… --- ## [Buying a used car advice](https://community.cartalk.com/t/buying-a-used-car-advice/26266)
**Author:** [@Joseph\_E\_Meehan](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Joseph_E_Meehan)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [February 9, 2009, 10:55pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/buying-a-used-car-advice/26266 "2009-02-09T22:55:57Z")
I suggest that anyone buying a used car ask to see the owner's manual. If you are handed the original owner's manual, good, but if you are handed an original owner's manual with a few oily finger prints all o… --- ## [Automatic transmissions: coasting and parking](https://community.cartalk.com/t/automatic-transmissions-coasting-and-parking/26003)
**Author:** [@jat1190](https://community.cartalk.com/u/jat1190)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [February 9, 2009, 4:09am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/automatic-transmissions-coasting-and-parking/26003 "2009-02-09T04:09:45Z")
I just got a car that has an automatic transmission and am getting used to driving an auto. Does it do damage to coast in neutral and put it in drive while moving at any speed? When parking, will putting the transmission… --- ## [Model year change: impact on value of a new car](https://community.cartalk.com/t/model-year-change-impact-on-value-of-a-new-car/26189)
**Author:** [@tedhahn](https://community.cartalk.com/u/tedhahn)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [February 8, 2009, 8:50pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/model-year-change-impact-on-value-of-a-new-car/26189 "2009-02-08T20:50:41Z")
How much does the value of a car drop when the model year changes. Example: Toyota is due to release the 2010 Camry HYBRID in April. If dealers still have 2009 Camry HYBRIDs on the lot at that time, what kind of discount… --- ## [Toyota Yaris](https://community.cartalk.com/t/toyota-yaris/26074)
**Author:** [@kctay1957](https://community.cartalk.com/u/kctay1957)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [February 8, 2009, 8:46pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/toyota-yaris/26074 "2009-02-08T20:46:17Z")
I have the opportunity to buy a Toyota Yaris with 24k miles for $10,000.00. Firstly, is this a good deal? And secondly, is this a good car? I know Toyotas are generally good vehicles, I just haven't heard much abo… --- ## [Toyota](https://community.cartalk.com/t/toyota/26205)
**Author:** [@SereneLady](https://community.cartalk.com/u/SereneLady)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [February 8, 2009, 2:13pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/toyota/26205 "2009-02-08T14:13:46Z")
Toyota Previa Blown Head Gasket v. Rebuilt Engine I purchased a used 1995 Toyota Previa without getting an independent inspection. My fault and enough said on that topic. Anyway, I now have a blown head gasket, after a… --- ## [Importing a kit car](https://community.cartalk.com/t/importing-a-kit-car/26184)
**Author:** [@blitzboy159](https://community.cartalk.com/u/blitzboy159)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [February 8, 2009, 3:47am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/importing-a-kit-car/26184 "2009-02-08T03:47:24Z")
Hi guys. My friends and I want to build and maybe modify a caterham kit car. We ran into difficulty when we searched how to obtain a kit, as these kits are sold only in the UK. Could anybody advise us on how to ship a… --- ## [Car Idle](https://community.cartalk.com/t/car-idle/26130)
**Author:** [@JulieMomOtter](https://community.cartalk.com/u/JulieMomOtter)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [February 7, 2009, 9:56pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/car-idle/26130 "2009-02-07T21:56:40Z")
How can I convince my son not to let his truck idle in the driveway? --- ## [Automotive Body Design & Development and New Materials Application Seminar](https://community.cartalk.com/t/automotive-body-design-development-and-new-materials-application-seminar/26057)
**Author:** [@youshi](https://community.cartalk.com/u/youshi)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [February 6, 2009, 7:30pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/automotive-body-design-development-and-new-materials-application-seminar/26057 "2009-02-06T19:30:51Z")
Automotive Body Design & Development and New Materials Application Seminar Time: April 22-23.2009 Venue: XXX Hotel, Pudong Shanghai(Pending) Organizers: Shanghai Youshi Business Consulting Co., Ltd. Chin… --- ## [Saturn dealerships closing](https://community.cartalk.com/t/saturn-dealerships-closing/25801)
**Author:** [@jsyamala](https://community.cartalk.com/u/jsyamala)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [February 6, 2009, 8:24am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/saturn-dealerships-closing/25801 "2009-02-06T08:24:26Z")
Does anyone know whether there will be issues with warranties if the Saturn dealerships close or are acquired by someone else? I have a Saturn and am considering buying another. Thanks, J --- ## [Sound system in my subaru](https://community.cartalk.com/t/sound-system-in-my-subaru/26041)
**Author:** [@andrewtom](https://community.cartalk.com/u/andrewtom)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [February 6, 2009, 12:01am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/sound-system-in-my-subaru/26041 "2009-02-06T00:01:16Z")
i was thinking of putting a subwoofer in my 1995 subaru impreza. right now i have a Panasonic CQ-RX100U as my stereo and was wondering if i could hook up a subwoofer to it and what kind of watts or Hz will work --- ## [Mazda & rx's site](https://community.cartalk.com/t/mazda-rxs-site/26061)
**Author:** [@bec20b](https://community.cartalk.com/u/bec20b)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [February 5, 2009, 12:34pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/mazda-rxs-site/26061 "2009-02-05T12:34:12Z")
http://fas.../index.php --- ## [Don from Ask Tom & Ray Wants A VW](https://community.cartalk.com/t/don-from-ask-tom-ray-wants-a-vw/26046)
**Author:** [@1981.911.SC](https://community.cartalk.com/u/1981.911.SC)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [February 5, 2009, 5:05am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/don-from-ask-tom-ray-wants-a-vw/26046 "2009-02-05T05:05:07Z")
Don I was suprised Tom and Ray didn't "dope slap" you. Those old VWs are truly TERRIBLE cars, slow, dangerous, no HEAT, loud, smelly, and I could go on. Remember they are 1930's technology. Do your self a favor, buy… --- ## [2.0L engines](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2-0l-engines/25995)
**Author:** [@papabear3761](https://community.cartalk.com/u/papabear3761)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [February 5, 2009, 3:52am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2-0l-engines/25995 "2009-02-05T03:52:28Z")
my daughter wants to buy a 2004 ford focus with 103,000 miles on a 4 cylinder 2.0L engine. that sounds like alot to me. but i'm mechanically challenged. is that alot? how many miles can she expect to get out of an en… --- ## [Keeping a 2002 RX300 eight more years or upgrading now](https://community.cartalk.com/t/keeping-a-2002-rx300-eight-more-years-or-upgrading-now/26001)
**Author:** [@Higtalk](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Higtalk)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [February 4, 2009, 1:24pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/keeping-a-2002-rx300-eight-more-years-or-upgrading-now/26001 "2009-02-04T13:24:51Z")
Someone please help me with this dilemma. My 2002 RX300 was used when purchased and is due for all the expensive maintenance - at least $1500 or more. Now with all the good car deals, would it be better to trade (this ca… --- ## [Certified Pre-owned Honda with creaky brakes - should she buy it?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/certified-pre-owned-honda-with-creaky-brakes-should-she-buy-it/26007)
**Author:** [@kghastie](https://community.cartalk.com/u/kghastie)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [February 4, 2009, 6:54am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/certified-pre-owned-honda-with-creaky-brakes-should-she-buy-it/26007 "2009-02-04T06:54:21Z")
So my fiancee is considering purchasing a 2006 Honda Accord EX-L (4 cyl) with 28,000 miles on it. Everything seems great about the car (it looked appearance-wise better kept than many of the 07s and 08s we looked a… --- ## [Tow or plow](https://community.cartalk.com/t/tow-or-plow/26000)
**Author:** [@joecode](https://community.cartalk.com/u/joecode)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [February 4, 2009, 3:53am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/tow-or-plow/26000 "2009-02-04T03:53:53Z")
which is worse on a car or truck I think plowing is awful for a tranny and towing is bad on brakes ive got money on this any input --- ## [Making a choice](https://community.cartalk.com/t/making-a-choice/24504)
**Author:** [@marenirene](https://community.cartalk.com/u/marenirene)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [February 4, 2009, 3:49am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/making-a-choice/24504 "2009-02-04T03:49:03Z")
Which is more long trip reliable for business: Saturn Relay, Ford Freestyle, Dodge Caravan, Ford Windstar? I currently drive a Volvo 240 '92 wagon, 360,000 miles and am beginning to worry about its dependability eve… --- ## [All wheel drive vs 4 wheel drive](https://community.cartalk.com/t/all-wheel-drive-vs-4-wheel-drive/25626)
**Author:** [@grady8](https://community.cartalk.com/u/grady8)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [February 4, 2009, 3:43am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/all-wheel-drive-vs-4-wheel-drive/25626 "2009-02-04T03:43:29Z")
I own a 2007 Tahoe with 4WD. I would like to downsize to a Chevy Traverse with AWD. I live in an area that receives a yearly snow fall of 100+ inches. The salesperson tells me that AWD is as effective in snow,(deep snow.… --- ## [Let's let the States make and enforce traffic laws](https://community.cartalk.com/t/lets-let-the-states-make-and-enforce-traffic-laws/25959)
**Author:** [@gschrams](https://community.cartalk.com/u/gschrams)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [February 3, 2009, 7:48pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/lets-let-the-states-make-and-enforce-traffic-laws/25959 "2009-02-03T19:48:45Z")
Our government in Washington is too busy and too far away to mess with our States' traffic laws. Keep it simple and keep it as close to home as possible.We will have a real problem if the D C boys try to get states to en… --- ## [2006 Caddy brake failure](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2006-caddy-brake-failure/25974)
**Author:** [@Caddy2006](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Caddy2006)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [February 3, 2009, 5:33pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2006-caddy-brake-failure/25974 "2009-02-03T17:33:19Z")
Has anyone, while parking, had their 2006 Cadillac lurch forward while their foot was on the brake. It really didn't slip off. Even if it did, I'm only five feet and couldn't possibly get it to full throttle. I hit a … --- ## [Rough Idle in Drive when stopped - 1995 Toyota Camry](https://community.cartalk.com/t/rough-idle-in-drive-when-stopped-1995-toyota-camry/25630)
**Author:** [@John\_Herman](https://community.cartalk.com/u/John_Herman)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [February 3, 2009, 12:50am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/rough-idle-in-drive-when-stopped-1995-toyota-camry/25630 "2009-02-03T00:50:02Z")
My Toyota Camry seems to idle rough when I come to a stop (i.e., at a traffic light). If I move automatic transmission to neutral, idle is not rough any longer. When I go back to drive, engine speed increases and seems… --- ## [Diesel cars](https://community.cartalk.com/t/diesel-cars/25824)
**Author:** [@Sleeman](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Sleeman)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [February 2, 2009, 8:58pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/diesel-cars/25824 "2009-02-02T20:58:24Z")
In most recent discussions of current and future fuel-efficient cars, I see very little mention of new diesel cars. But not long ago there was optimism about the potential, including reports of meeting California emissio… --- ## [1998 Toyota Camry ABS Question](https://community.cartalk.com/t/1998-toyota-camry-abs-question/25866)
**Author:** [@Rusty](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Rusty)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [February 1, 2009, 2:10pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/1998-toyota-camry-abs-question/25866 "2009-02-01T14:10:57Z")
I just acquired the car which used to be my mother's until her recent death. My question is regarding the ABS...the last 3 years, the ABS light has been on...checked the code and its a computer malfunction. Too expensive… --- ## [Charging batteries on EVs](https://community.cartalk.com/t/charging-batteries-on-evs/25838)
**Author:** [@Namber](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Namber)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [January 31, 2009, 10:03pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/charging-batteries-on-evs/25838 "2009-01-31T22:03:40Z")
How many HP engine does it take to turn the alternator to maintain the charge on the batteries on an EV? 100HP? 150HP. I don't understand why GM can't find a power plant for the Volt. --- ## [Wheelchair door](https://community.cartalk.com/t/wheelchair-door/25827)
**Author:** [@mmth42](https://community.cartalk.com/u/mmth42)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [January 31, 2009, 9:22pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/wheelchair-door/25827 "2009-01-31T21:22:46Z")
I used to have a 1997 Mercury minivan whose sliding door opened wide enough that I could put my wheelchair into the van w/o having to fold the wheelchair. Next, we bought a 2000 Mazda MPV, only to find that the rear door… --- ## [New mazda site](https://community.cartalk.com/t/new-mazda-site/25418)
**Author:** [@bec20b](https://community.cartalk.com/u/bec20b)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [January 31, 2009, 5:38am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/new-mazda-site/25418 "2009-01-31T05:38:44Z")
http://fas.../index.php --- ## [H1 power cells](https://community.cartalk.com/t/h1-power-cells/25244)
**Author:** [@mnbill](https://community.cartalk.com/u/mnbill)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [January 30, 2009, 5:03pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/h1-power-cells/25244 "2009-01-30T17:03:04Z")
Are these power cells really good for our cars, as advertised? I am not a scammer, but rather a person wanting to help in cleaning up our air by reducing bad emissions from my cars. [Previous page](https://community.cartalk.com/c/general-discussion/8.md?page=492) [Next page](https://community.cartalk.com/c/general-discussion/8.md?page=494)