# General Discussion **URL:** https://community.cartalk.com/c/general-discussion/8.md?page=495 [Latest](https://community.cartalk.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://community.cartalk.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://community.cartalk.com/tags.md) **Page:** 496 --- ## [Forward or Back?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/forward-or-back/25296)
**Author:** [@dschinker](https://community.cartalk.com/u/dschinker)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [January 23, 2009, 12:15am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/forward-or-back/25296 "2009-01-23T00:15:59Z")
For years, I have endured unsightly scratches on the sliding door of my 2001 Honda Odyssey minivan caused by frequent kid-caused collisions between door and garbage cans. I discovered TODAY that if I back into the garag… --- ## [Shifting techniques](https://community.cartalk.com/t/shifting-techniques/25301)
**Author:** [@jonesa](https://community.cartalk.com/u/jonesa)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [January 22, 2009, 9:59pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/shifting-techniques/25301 "2009-01-22T21:59:01Z")
My husband drove a standard for years. We have two automatic cars and he will shift from drive to reverse without coming to a complete stop, foot is not on the brake. The car seems to labor at this change in direction … --- ## [Auto incentives](https://community.cartalk.com/t/auto-incentives/24885)
**Author:** [@Lithoman353](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Lithoman353)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [January 22, 2009, 8:45pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/auto-incentives/24885 "2009-01-22T20:45:22Z")
I recently purchased a new truck that had a 2500. incentive on it. I did the paperwork on a Saturday,which was dated for the following monday. The very next day {Tuesday} GM added another 2500. incentive. I did not r… --- ## [1954 buick century conversion](https://community.cartalk.com/t/1954-buick-century-conversion/25269)
**Author:** [@larrygoodwin](https://community.cartalk.com/u/larrygoodwin)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [January 22, 2009, 5:31am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/1954-buick-century-conversion/25269 "2009-01-22T05:31:48Z")
I guess by now it is no secret I have a 1954 Buick Century w/322 nailhead. I also have a 396. Will they work for a guy with average means and knowledge? --- ## [Is it time for a new car](https://community.cartalk.com/t/is-it-time-for-a-new-car/25207)
**Author:** [@airiesgirl](https://community.cartalk.com/u/airiesgirl)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [January 21, 2009, 5:27pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/is-it-time-for-a-new-car/25207 "2009-01-21T17:27:11Z")
I have a 93 crown vic with less than 24,000 miles is it worth repairing, it needs a new brake and fuel lines due to extensive rust, the power windows no longer work and the air conditioner needs to be retrofited. I love … --- ## [Used car - reliable and good in bad weather](https://community.cartalk.com/t/used-car-reliable-and-good-in-bad-weather/25291)
**Author:** [@carquestions7](https://community.cartalk.com/u/carquestions7)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [January 21, 2009, 5:22pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/used-car-reliable-and-good-in-bad-weather/25291 "2009-01-21T17:22:44Z")
Hello, I am forced to buy a car to replace one totalled in a collision. I need a car that is safe, gets good mileage and is sturdy and reliable expecially during the many months of bad snowy, icy winter in the Chicagola… --- ## [Financing](https://community.cartalk.com/t/financing/25167)
**Author:** [@n733lk](https://community.cartalk.com/u/n733lk)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [January 20, 2009, 10:55pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/financing/25167 "2009-01-20T22:55:35Z")
Has anyone found aggressive financing options out there for a New car? Thanks. --- ## [Squeaky/moaning clutch in cold weather](https://community.cartalk.com/t/squeaky-moaning-clutch-in-cold-weather/24897)
**Author:** [@Walmartdude08](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Walmartdude08)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [January 20, 2009, 5:09pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/squeaky-moaning-clutch-in-cold-weather/24897 "2009-01-20T17:09:59Z")
Dear Readers: I have an '03 Chevy Cavalier 2DR 5spd, with about 68k on the ODO. On really cold mornings, from inside the vehicle, my clutch squeaks/moans. The moaning disappears as the car is driven. The sound is… --- ## [H1 powercells](https://community.cartalk.com/t/h1-powercells/25203)
**Author:** [@mnbill](https://community.cartalk.com/u/mnbill)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [January 20, 2009, 12:26am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/h1-powercells/25203 "2009-01-20T00:26:09Z")
These things are suppose to increase gas mileage, decrease exhause fumes and in general convert any car into a hybred. Has anyone tried one of these and what were your results. Are they as good as they sound? --- ## [Odor](https://community.cartalk.com/t/odor/25169)
**Author:** [@rdeaniii](https://community.cartalk.com/u/rdeaniii)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [January 19, 2009, 11:08pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/odor/25169 "2009-01-19T23:08:01Z")
This morning my car exhaust smell like paint thinner. What is it --- ## ['75 Caprice Classic - Ragtop](https://community.cartalk.com/t/75-caprice-classic-ragtop/25180)
**Author:** [@DropCaprice75](https://community.cartalk.com/u/DropCaprice75)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [January 19, 2009, 7:36pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/75-caprice-classic-ragtop/25180 "2009-01-19T19:36:53Z")
Im a young enthusiast looking for information on a good shop in NYC specializing in rebuilds and familiar with Chevy's. I'm looking for recommendations on where to get parts for my '75. Im absolutely in love. My on… --- ## [Sabertec Blade](https://community.cartalk.com/t/sabertec-blade/25162)
**Author:** [@Roadbanshee](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Roadbanshee)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [January 19, 2009, 3:43pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/sabertec-blade/25162 "2009-01-19T15:43:14Z")
Hi, Has anyone had any experience with the Sabertec Blade? It is an attachment to the car tailpipe which supposedly reduces air pollution and burns gas more efficiently...getting as much as 6 miles more per gallon. Cos… --- ## [Windsurfing auto](https://community.cartalk.com/t/windsurfing-auto/23859)
**Author:** [@peggy\_g](https://community.cartalk.com/u/peggy_g)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [January 19, 2009, 12:57pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/windsurfing-auto/23859 "2009-01-19T12:57:31Z")
I need to seat 2 adults and have AT LEAST 8' behind the seats to store lots of windsurfing gear. My current Ford Explorer is too small. Good gas mileage and reliability are important. If this auto could also be a long… --- ## [CARFAX and Autocheck reports](https://community.cartalk.com/t/carfax-and-autocheck-reports/25151)
**Author:** [@vincheck](https://community.cartalk.com/u/vincheck)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [January 19, 2009, 4:28am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/carfax-and-autocheck-reports/25151 "2009-01-19T04:28:36Z")
Has anyone done a detailed comparison of carfax reprots and autocheck reports ? or even carproof reports? there is a big difference in price, but what about value and information? CHEAP CARFAX: carfax.cogia.n… --- ## [Mechanic rescources](https://community.cartalk.com/t/mechanic-rescources/25155)
**Author:** [@metalmonkey](https://community.cartalk.com/u/metalmonkey)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [January 19, 2009, 3:31am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/mechanic-rescources/25155 "2009-01-19T03:31:30Z")
hey i got a guy come in and ask me to do this whole tech thing to show him how his car might turn out. so i stole my buddy's pc for a lil bit and messed on his CAD to make a car tht would look like his. it gave a basic i… --- ## [What is the right choice? Volvo or Land Rover](https://community.cartalk.com/t/what-is-the-right-choice-volvo-or-land-rover/24939)
**Author:** [@mcoker](https://community.cartalk.com/u/mcoker)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [January 17, 2009, 5:08pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/what-is-the-right-choice-volvo-or-land-rover/24939 "2009-01-17T17:08:32Z")
I currently drive a 2000 Volvo S40 with 125K miles. It is paid off and probably worth $2500 to $3000 based on wear and tear. My brother is offering to sell me his 2001 Land Rover Discovery Series II SE with 79K miles f… --- ## [Mot faliure](https://community.cartalk.com/t/mot-faliure/25046)
**Author:** [@johnpauldavid](https://community.cartalk.com/u/johnpauldavid)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [January 17, 2009, 5:03pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/mot-faliure/25046 "2009-01-17T17:03:37Z")
hi i have a 1997 renult megan saloon 1.6, it has failed an mot after i spent ?350 on it to hopefully get it through, it now seemes it need a new converter at a cost of about ?200 with labout? does anyone actully think it… --- ## [New Car?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/new-car/23918)
**Author:** [@Anna405](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Anna405)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [January 17, 2009, 12:43am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/new-car/23918 "2009-01-17T00:43:45Z")
I have the money to buy a new 5-speed 2008 Mustang GT. My 03 is fine, but it has 122,000 miles on it. The new car doesn't have the extras that I have put on my car though, like my magnaflows, K&N cold air intake, or the … --- ## [Insufficient heat from '95 Saturn SL1 heater](https://community.cartalk.com/t/insufficient-heat-from-95-saturn-sl1-heater/25039)
**Author:** [@tee-dub](https://community.cartalk.com/u/tee-dub)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [January 16, 2009, 10:59pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/insufficient-heat-from-95-saturn-sl1-heater/25039 "2009-01-16T22:59:36Z")
Our 1995 Saturn SL1 is not providing enough inside heat to the driver and passengers. Engine temperature gauge was reading low and I changed the thermostat. Gauge is now reading in the normal operating range. Blower fan… --- ## [Buy for love...or practicality?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/buy-for-love-or-practicality/24981)
**Author:** [@hmatzell](https://community.cartalk.com/u/hmatzell)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [January 16, 2009, 9:13pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/buy-for-love-or-practicality/24981 "2009-01-16T21:13:05Z")
I'm buying my first car (used) and I'm completely torn between the practical Corolla and the more fun Jetta. I drive 50 miles a day to and from work, so I obviously need something reliable and safe but since I spend so … --- ## [Leasing a custom car](https://community.cartalk.com/t/leasing-a-custom-car/24993)
**Author:** [@carmel](https://community.cartalk.com/u/carmel)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [January 16, 2009, 3:09pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/leasing-a-custom-car/24993 "2009-01-16T15:09:58Z")
My fiance wants to lease a car that will have to be ordered (he does not want to pay for the typical expensive options). The salesman told him that he would not guarantee any of the numbers! Most of all the interest ra… --- ## [All wheel drive](https://community.cartalk.com/t/all-wheel-drive/24920)
**Author:** [@Danzig](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Danzig)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [January 15, 2009, 10:53pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/all-wheel-drive/24920 "2009-01-15T22:53:27Z")
I have an AWD SUV and have no trouble on snow driving uphill, or starting out on a snow covered hill, but if I attempt to back up the same hill my wheels usually spin. Is this because of the gearing ratio in reverse, or … --- ## [Noon warm-up on bitterly cold day?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/noon-warm-up-on-bitterly-cold-day/24965)
**Author:** [@sdpounds](https://community.cartalk.com/u/sdpounds)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [January 15, 2009, 10:08pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/noon-warm-up-on-bitterly-cold-day/24965 "2009-01-15T22:08:13Z")
On very cold days (-5 F or below), some people in my office go out at noon to start or drive their cars, thinking the cars will be more likely to start again at 5 p.m. Does it help to warm a car up at mid-day or are you … --- ## [ABS: Pump or Hold?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/abs-pump-or-hold/24687)
**Author:** [@Walmartdude08](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Walmartdude08)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [January 15, 2009, 6:44pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/abs-pump-or-hold/24687 "2009-01-15T18:44:17Z")
Dear Readers: My '03 Cavalier 2DR 5 spd has ABS. I have read the owners manual and it says to HOLD the brake to the floor, because the ABS does the pumping action. My family says that ABS brakes are able to be "pu… --- ## [Clunk in rear of car over bumps?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/clunk-in-rear-of-car-over-bumps/24899)
**Author:** [@Walmartdude08](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Walmartdude08)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [January 15, 2009, 6:21am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/clunk-in-rear-of-car-over-bumps/24899 "2009-01-15T06:21:17Z")
Readers: I have the 2003 Cavalier 5spd with 68k on the ODO. When I go over dips and harsh bumps(with the radio off), I heard a clunking noise from the rear end. Could that just be the rebound of the car with not m… --- ## [Catalytic Converter in '02 Prizm](https://community.cartalk.com/t/catalytic-converter-in-02-prizm/24610)
**Author:** [@Prizmatic](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Prizmatic)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [January 15, 2009, 4:16am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/catalytic-converter-in-02-prizm/24610 "2009-01-15T04:16:51Z")
I currently own a '99 Chevy Prizm, and am considering purchasing an '02 Prizm. My question: will I have to replace the catalytic converter on the '02 like I (and many other owners of '99 Prizms) had to? --- ## [Why have these cars been on the lot for so long?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/why-have-these-cars-been-on-the-lot-for-so-long/24887)
**Author:** [@cooter](https://community.cartalk.com/u/cooter)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [January 15, 2009, 2:02am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/why-have-these-cars-been-on-the-lot-for-so-long/24887 "2009-01-15T02:02:48Z")
I have been searching for a used Ford Five Hundred (or Mercury Montego). While getting reports on specific VINs, I noticed quite a few of these being listed as entering dealer inventory/being put up for sale months ago (… --- ## [Premium vs regular](https://community.cartalk.com/t/premium-vs-regular/24918)
**Author:** [@ToyotaRay](https://community.cartalk.com/u/ToyotaRay)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [January 14, 2009, 8:20pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/premium-vs-regular/24918 "2009-01-14T20:20:44Z")
In the premium vs regular section of the Actual Car Information of this site, I found a brief reference to tier 1 and tier 2 gas, but only a general allusion to which stations offer what tier. Is there a difinitive sou… --- ## [1990 Mitsubishi Montero](https://community.cartalk.com/t/1990-mitsubishi-montero/24912)
**Author:** [@mycairo](https://community.cartalk.com/u/mycairo)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [January 14, 2009, 5:31pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/1990-mitsubishi-montero/24912 "2009-01-14T17:31:11Z")
First, a comment. I listen to Car Talk on my way to teach an ESL class which means I hear only about 25 minutes. The first Sat. in Dec. I heard one of you say "the oil begins to break down" which I disagree with. When I … --- ## [Trouble with frigid weather starting](https://community.cartalk.com/t/trouble-with-frigid-weather-starting/24863)
**Author:** [@ceejay](https://community.cartalk.com/u/ceejay)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [January 14, 2009, 1:51pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/trouble-with-frigid-weather-starting/24863 "2009-01-14T13:51:32Z")
Hi-I own a 1999 Subaru Forester standard transmission. We live in Minneapolis and this winter has been very cold. This morning, I started the car to warm it up and brush snow off it. I wasn't ready to drive, so I shut i… [Previous page](https://community.cartalk.com/c/general-discussion/8.md?page=494) [Next page](https://community.cartalk.com/c/general-discussion/8.md?page=496)