# General Discussion **URL:** https://community.cartalk.com/c/general-discussion/8.md?page=497 [Latest](https://community.cartalk.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://community.cartalk.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://community.cartalk.com/tags.md) **Page:** 498 --- ## [Is it worth it?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/is-it-worth-it/24228)
**Author:** [@radar7](https://community.cartalk.com/u/radar7)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [January 3, 2009, 1:50pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/is-it-worth-it/24228 "2009-01-03T13:50:50Z")
I own a 04 jeep wrangler I've never owed a 4x4 before, so my question. Should I invest in getting a limited slip or some type of posi locker for the rear end? I don't intend to go off road with it. But is the cost wor… --- ## [Hot Wax Blobs](https://community.cartalk.com/t/hot-wax-blobs/24110)
**Author:** [@joanneck](https://community.cartalk.com/u/joanneck)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [January 3, 2009, 4:21am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/hot-wax-blobs/24110 "2009-01-03T04:21:32Z")
Today I was grabbed by a $4 carwash sign. Getting home I find blobs of wax stuck on various places. Am I good in assuming it's inferior product and will just wear off?? If not, how can I remove without causing "issues… --- ## [Beach Vehical](https://community.cartalk.com/t/beach-vehical/24131)
**Author:** [@jcm3rd](https://community.cartalk.com/u/jcm3rd)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [January 3, 2009, 4:13am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/beach-vehical/24131 "2009-01-03T04:13:36Z")
What is the best vehical to drive on the beach in NJ --- ## [Mini Cooper Run Flat Tires and Performance](https://community.cartalk.com/t/mini-cooper-run-flat-tires-and-performance/24170)
**Author:** [@hdhatp](https://community.cartalk.com/u/hdhatp)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [January 2, 2009, 9:49pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/mini-cooper-run-flat-tires-and-performance/24170 "2009-01-02T21:49:21Z")
I submitted a question about the run flat tire. The road noise was excessive. I changed tires to Michelins instead of the Parrelli's, it is like a new car. Noise is down and the ride has improved significately. Also … --- ## [Looking to Buy a Beetle](https://community.cartalk.com/t/looking-to-buy-a-beetle/24135)
**Author:** [@kipolomew](https://community.cartalk.com/u/kipolomew)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [January 2, 2009, 3:39pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/looking-to-buy-a-beetle/24135 "2009-01-02T15:39:46Z")
Hey there! I'm looking at buying a 2002 Turbo S Beetle from a used car lot. The car looks beautiful, but I'm a little leery because the Turbo S was only around from 2002 to 2005. Can anyone tell me why they discon… --- ## [Valve cover](https://community.cartalk.com/t/valve-cover/24196)
**Author:** [@bedrock](https://community.cartalk.com/u/bedrock)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [January 2, 2009, 6:05am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/valve-cover/24196 "2009-01-02T06:05:12Z")
i have a 1997-nissan pickup,2.4 liter engine,i want to replace. the valve cover gasket,do i need to put anything on the gasket,to seal it.or not.i know back in the old days,you had to put a sealer on the gasket.i have ne… --- ## [Highway miles vs. city: wear ratio](https://community.cartalk.com/t/highway-miles-vs-city-wear-ratio/24183)
**Author:** [@jat1190](https://community.cartalk.com/u/jat1190)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [January 2, 2009, 3:02am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/highway-miles-vs-city-wear-ratio/24183 "2009-01-02T03:02:36Z")
I have a 98 Ford Ranger with 235,000 miles on it. It burns no oil and gets the same mileage as it did on mile 1. If you did not know the actual mileage you would think it had only 90,000 miles. I believe it runs well bec… --- ## [Engine explosion](https://community.cartalk.com/t/engine-explosion/24149)
**Author:** [@keith1](https://community.cartalk.com/u/keith1)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [January 1, 2009, 7:33pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/engine-explosion/24149 "2009-01-01T19:33:20Z")
What would cause an explosion while trying to start the engine after 1 revolution from a cold start? The 1996 Buick with a V-6 and 52,000 miles had not been started for 2 weeks and was setting outside. The oil filler cap… --- ## [Over Charged?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/over-charged/22591)
**Author:** [@0handicaper](https://community.cartalk.com/u/0handicaper)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [December 31, 2008, 6:39pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/over-charged/22591 "2008-12-31T18:39:23Z")
My new wife has a 2004 Highlander that just reached 65,000 miles. In 36 months of ownership she has racked up $4987.00 in service $$s at the dealership. This seems kind of high. Items such as 3 powersteering fluid cha… --- ## [Pay now or Pay later - When should i buy a new(er) car?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/pay-now-or-pay-later-when-should-i-buy-a-new-er-car/23926)
**Author:** [@Suckerpunch238](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Suckerpunch238)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [December 31, 2008, 1:36am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/pay-now-or-pay-later-when-should-i-buy-a-new-er-car/23926 "2008-12-31T01:36:03Z")
I have two cars: 2002 Ford Focus - 125k mi 2001 Ford Escape - 120k mi i'm not a big fan of Ford, but both cars are paid off. I'm wondering if i should sell the escape and get something newer with about 10-20… --- ## [Toasted engine](https://community.cartalk.com/t/toasted-engine/23995)
**Author:** [@whoglen](https://community.cartalk.com/u/whoglen)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [December 31, 2008, 12:14am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/toasted-engine/23995 "2008-12-31T00:14:02Z")
a friend recently had her oil changed at a fast oil change chain. 3 days later the engine blew. she isn't sure what course of action to take. any advice? thanks --- ## [Feedback on a vehicle](https://community.cartalk.com/t/feedback-on-a-vehicle/23909)
**Author:** [@Herself](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Herself)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [December 30, 2008, 1:27pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/feedback-on-a-vehicle/23909 "2008-12-30T13:27:29Z")
I am interested in opinions of the Subaru Tribeca. There does not seem to be much information out there. The Forester is better covered. Anyone know anything about it? --- ## [Seedometers](https://community.cartalk.com/t/seedometers/22883)
**Author:** [@Bbrady](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Bbrady)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [December 30, 2008, 3:58am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/seedometers/22883 "2008-12-30T03:58:18Z")
Why does the auto industry produce cars that can go up to 110 mph or more? Since there are no roads within the US that allows 80 mph or more, what is the sense? It seems it would save a lot of headaches being pulled ov… --- ## [Changes in the front-wheel drive Chrysler 300M](https://community.cartalk.com/t/changes-in-the-front-wheel-drive-chrysler-300m/24073)
**Author:** [@old\_fogey](https://community.cartalk.com/u/old_fogey)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [December 29, 2008, 10:41pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/changes-in-the-front-wheel-drive-chrysler-300m/24073 "2008-12-29T22:41:35Z")
Were any non-cosmetic changes made to the Chrysler 300M between 1999 and 2004? My 1999 with 210,000 miles gets better mileage (about 10% to 15%)and has a bit more power than my 2004 which has only 55,000 miles on it. I… --- ## [When to switch overdrive off and on](https://community.cartalk.com/t/when-to-switch-overdrive-off-and-on/23815)
**Author:** [@JamieFR](https://community.cartalk.com/u/JamieFR)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [December 29, 2008, 4:54am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/when-to-switch-overdrive-off-and-on/23815 "2008-12-29T04:54:56Z")
I searched and read some posts from some months ago but am still a bit confused. I have an overdrive switch on my gearshift (auto) and wondering when is the appropriate time to turn it on. It has been off since I acqui… --- ## [The Electric Car Solution](https://community.cartalk.com/t/the-electric-car-solution/23212)
**Author:** [@claude9](https://community.cartalk.com/u/claude9)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [December 29, 2008, 3:56am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/the-electric-car-solution/23212 "2008-12-29T03:56:53Z")
idea from TWIN TURBO In an effort to develop the ideal all electric vehicle that would not be limited by weight, occupancy, or trip distance the best solution may be the standardized interchan… --- ## [Older Japanese vs Newer American](https://community.cartalk.com/t/older-japanese-vs-newer-american/24018)
**Author:** [@earps9](https://community.cartalk.com/u/earps9)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [December 29, 2008, 12:46am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/older-japanese-vs-newer-american/24018 "2008-12-29T00:46:56Z")
I have two children ages 18 and 21 who will be in need of a car in the near future. We have been looking at used Toyota Corollas & Honda Civics (2000 to 2004 years). But I'm seeing that the prices on fairly new 2008 smal… --- ## [Vw passat warnings!](https://community.cartalk.com/t/vw-passat-warnings/23983)
**Author:** [@andy69red](https://community.cartalk.com/u/andy69red)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [December 28, 2008, 6:18pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/vw-passat-warnings/23983 "2008-12-28T18:18:02Z")
What deos it meen when the dash board pressents anaudible warning accompanied wit the message 'engine workshop', there was also an orange coil light lit but have now all disapeared. Cheers. --- ## [Should I get a new car or stay with my old one?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/should-i-get-a-new-car-or-stay-with-my-old-one/23979)
**Author:** [@buddylicious09](https://community.cartalk.com/u/buddylicious09)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [December 28, 2008, 10:43am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/should-i-get-a-new-car-or-stay-with-my-old-one/23979 "2008-12-28T10:43:16Z")
Well 10 years ago i bought van brand newand loved it. It has been very good to in the ten years but lately i've benn having problems that are really expensive, but i don't no if i should buy a new one. i am getting it fi… --- ## ['07 Toyota RAV4](https://community.cartalk.com/t/07-toyota-rav4/23849)
**Author:** [@roger1337](https://community.cartalk.com/u/roger1337)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [December 25, 2008, 4:46pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/07-toyota-rav4/23849 "2008-12-25T16:46:37Z")
The electronic 4-wheel drive kicks out at road speed and is unavailable in highway situations. Is there any way to force it to stay on? Say a highway covered with slush snow at a speed of 40 mph, or higher. --- ## [Interesting new auto/motorcycle technology](https://community.cartalk.com/t/interesting-new-auto-motorcycle-technology/23792)
**Author:** [@VDCdriver](https://community.cartalk.com/u/VDCdriver)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [December 25, 2008, 1:08pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/interesting-new-auto-motorcycle-technology/23792 "2008-12-25T13:08:07Z")
Although this vehicle is not for sale in the US, I think that its technology is really interesting. Take a look at: http://www....html?\_r=1 --- ## [Mercedes R class of Honda Pilot](https://community.cartalk.com/t/mercedes-r-class-of-honda-pilot/23774)
**Author:** [@ucladonna](https://community.cartalk.com/u/ucladonna)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [December 24, 2008, 11:02pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/mercedes-r-class-of-honda-pilot/23774 "2008-12-24T23:02:33Z")
Dear Click and Clack, 3 months before finding out I was pregnant, my husband and I bought a Toyota Prius. 9 months later our twin boys were born and we are out car shopping again. We like the crossovers and after some … --- ## [Title transfers in California](https://community.cartalk.com/t/title-transfers-in-california/23811)
**Author:** [@rootboy](https://community.cartalk.com/u/rootboy)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [December 24, 2008, 8:23pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/title-transfers-in-california/23811 "2008-12-24T20:23:54Z")
I have a 91 Saturn that I wish to give away (free). The car is not currently registered and probably will not pass CA smog certification without some work. Someone dearly wants to take the car off my hands, but how do … --- ## [Topping off a gas tank](https://community.cartalk.com/t/topping-off-a-gas-tank/23801)
**Author:** [@joej1j](https://community.cartalk.com/u/joej1j)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [December 24, 2008, 7:19pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/topping-off-a-gas-tank/23801 "2008-12-24T19:19:28Z")
TOPPING OFF GAS TANK. WHICH IS CORRECT. IF I FILL THE PENNY(S) TO NEXT NICKLE ETC. OR DOES IT MEAN TO CONTINUE TO FILL THE TANK AFTER THE HOSE CLICKS OFF. --- ## [Versa vs Accent vs](https://community.cartalk.com/t/versa-vs-accent-vs/23786)
**Author:** [@tomgpii](https://community.cartalk.com/u/tomgpii)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [December 23, 2008, 11:17pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/versa-vs-accent-vs/23786 "2008-12-23T23:17:55Z")
I am going to sue Nissan. They clam that the Nissan Versa 1.6 with $9,990 is the lowest msrp. However last time I checked the Hyundai Accent had an MSRP of $9,970. Is that false advertisement? Am I wrong? Are there… --- ## [Gas tax with upfront rebate](https://community.cartalk.com/t/gas-tax-with-upfront-rebate/23727)
**Author:** [@dpierce3](https://community.cartalk.com/u/dpierce3)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [December 22, 2008, 9:58pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/gas-tax-with-upfront-rebate/23727 "2008-12-22T21:58:46Z")
The 50cet/gal gas tax is not enough to give us parity and yet to much in this economy.I propose: $2000 tax rebate for every 1040 filed UPFRONT then $2/gal tax - based on average family usage of 1000 gal/yr - break even… --- ## [Help, Chains or No Chains?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/help-chains-or-no-chains/23555)
**Author:** [@Gemcat](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Gemcat)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [December 21, 2008, 11:03pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/help-chains-or-no-chains/23555 "2008-12-21T23:03:50Z")
My friend has a PT Cruiser and we attend college in the far north of California. We are heading down for Christmas break tomorrow and there is predicted to be snow. Her father, an old mechanic, says not to put chains o… --- ## [Honda Hydrogen project](https://community.cartalk.com/t/honda-hydrogen-project/23527)
**Author:** [@Namber](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Namber)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [December 21, 2008, 10:51pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/honda-hydrogen-project/23527 "2008-12-21T22:51:37Z")
Does anyone know how the Honda Hydrogen project is going in southern California? --- ## [Why would I work for Ford? Or....how does this work?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/why-would-i-work-for-ford-or-how-does-this-work/23531)
**Author:** [@Harvey\_Mushman](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Harvey_Mushman)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [December 21, 2008, 2:43am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/why-would-i-work-for-ford-or-how-does-this-work/23531 "2008-12-21T02:43:50Z")
First, thanks for the warm welcome...& those that check out my blog, I hope you find it minimally entertaining at best. Now, I've been out of work for almost 2 months & although I'm not in "panic mode" just yet, I do a… --- ## [Prius Alarm](https://community.cartalk.com/t/prius-alarm/23168)
**Author:** [@ScottF4](https://community.cartalk.com/u/ScottF4)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [December 20, 2008, 10:37pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/prius-alarm/23168 "2008-12-20T22:37:00Z")
My wife has ordered a Prius and would like an alarm. Rather then get the "Package 3" for about $1,500 which includes all sorts of unnecessary items, or the dealer installed alarm for $500, can she go to the local audio d… [Previous page](https://community.cartalk.com/c/general-discussion/8.md?page=496) [Next page](https://community.cartalk.com/c/general-discussion/8.md?page=498)