# General Discussion **URL:** https://community.cartalk.com/c/general-discussion/8.md?page=499 [Latest](https://community.cartalk.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://community.cartalk.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://community.cartalk.com/tags.md) **Page:** 500 --- ## [Road trip vs trade in value question](https://community.cartalk.com/t/road-trip-vs-trade-in-value-question/23081)
**Author:** [@Fontinalis](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Fontinalis)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [December 13, 2008, 3:54am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/road-trip-vs-trade-in-value-question/23081 "2008-12-13T03:54:34Z")
I may have to drive back and forth from Montreal to the Seattle area in the summer of 2009. It will be costly and I have to do some planning ahead. My question : Do I put an extra 4000 miles on my 2005 Subaru Imprez… --- ## [Required maintenance](https://community.cartalk.com/t/required-maintenance/23333)
**Author:** [@brightprius](https://community.cartalk.com/u/brightprius)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [December 12, 2008, 10:04pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/required-maintenance/23333 "2008-12-12T22:04:10Z")
Do I have to do the maintenance at 15,000 mile stated in Prius 2007 maintenance book? Dealership is charging $400. If I do not do it, will that render the basic warranty invalid? --- ## [Required maintenance](https://community.cartalk.com/t/required-maintenance/23331)
**Author:** [@brightprius](https://community.cartalk.com/u/brightprius)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [December 12, 2008, 10:04pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/required-maintenance/23331 "2008-12-12T22:04:04Z")
Do I have to do the maintenance at 15,000 mile stated in Prius 2007 maintenance book? Dealership is charging $400. If I do not do it, will that render the basic warranty invalid? --- ## [Fuel injection for "61 ranchero?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/fuel-injection-for-61-ranchero/23301)
**Author:** [@lilrd71](https://community.cartalk.com/u/lilrd71)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [December 12, 2008, 3:00am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/fuel-injection-for-61-ranchero/23301 "2008-12-12T03:00:06Z")
i have a 1961 ranchero and a complete 93 ford ranger 3.0 fuel injected w/ standard trans. how hard would it be or even possible to swap to the ranchero? --- ## [Propane conversions of gasoline engines?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/propane-conversions-of-gasoline-engines/23095)
**Author:** [@johnnybelize](https://community.cartalk.com/u/johnnybelize)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [December 12, 2008, 2:29am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/propane-conversions-of-gasoline-engines/23095 "2008-12-12T02:29:00Z")
I have a 2001 Ford F-150 that I like pretty well. It's low mileage and handy. What I don't like is the gas mileage; about 17 to a gallon. Question: Is converting a gasoline engine to propane an affordable and good w… --- ## [Nut job with a death wish!](https://community.cartalk.com/t/nut-job-with-a-death-wish/23085)
**Author:** [@system](https://community.cartalk.com/u/system)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [December 12, 2008, 1:31am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/nut-job-with-a-death-wish/23085 "2008-12-12T01:31:24Z")
So, as a retireing from the navy present i bought myself a 2001 V6 4x4 Ford ranger, bright yellow with step sides (the 'Edge'). and over the last 7 years it's been a good truck, but I really don't love it. What i think… --- ## [Shifting an automatic](https://community.cartalk.com/t/shifting-an-automatic/22115)
**Author:** [@williamlex](https://community.cartalk.com/u/williamlex)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [December 10, 2008, 4:13am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/shifting-an-automatic/22115 "2008-12-10T04:13:13Z")
I have a 2007 Honda Accord with automatic transmission and live in an area where there are a lot of hills. Is it okay to manually shift from D to 3 or 2 when the car is in motion to slow its speed going downhill or when… --- ## [Coasting in Neutral](https://community.cartalk.com/t/coasting-in-neutral/23090)
**Author:** [@afendrich](https://community.cartalk.com/u/afendrich)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [December 10, 2008, 3:32am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/coasting-in-neutral/23090 "2008-12-10T03:32:59Z")
My friend (as well as his little brother) are shifting into neutral and coasting when coming to stops. They do this usually when they are in speeds less than 45mph. For instance, when they are on the last stretch of ro… --- ## [Smart Car?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/smart-car/22061)
**Author:** [@9toes](https://community.cartalk.com/u/9toes)\ **Replies:** 46\ **Last updated:** [December 8, 2008, 4:00am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/smart-car/22061 "2008-12-08T04:00:58Z")
I have been trying to find a review of the Smart Car, but have had no luck. Has anyone had experience with this car? --- ## [Car Theft Prevention](https://community.cartalk.com/t/car-theft-prevention/23051)
**Author:** [@ms.taken](https://community.cartalk.com/u/ms.taken)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [December 7, 2008, 1:02am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/car-theft-prevention/23051 "2008-12-07T01:02:16Z")
My husband has a 1997 Nissan pickup. Car thefts in our city have risen dramatically recently. When parking in a risky area (even the YMCA!) would there be a fuse that he could remove that would prevent the car from bei… --- ## [First car for the niece](https://community.cartalk.com/t/first-car-for-the-niece/22988)
**Author:** [@oldbaldguy](https://community.cartalk.com/u/oldbaldguy)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [December 6, 2008, 10:58pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/first-car-for-the-niece/22988 "2008-12-06T22:58:17Z")
I have a 94 tracker. I used it for off roading. It has a full roll cage and 5 point harness. No air bags. What's peoples opinion of giving this to my niece for her first car. No big tires or lift. Biggest worry I have is… --- ## [Keeping Time](https://community.cartalk.com/t/keeping-time/23025)
**Author:** [@jakespap](https://community.cartalk.com/u/jakespap)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [December 6, 2008, 7:20pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/keeping-time/23025 "2008-12-06T19:20:10Z")
I no longer have this vehicle, but this question has been a mystery to anyone I asked, and I don't have an answer. I had a 1977 Chevy 1/2 ton pickup with automatic transmission and 4wd. It was equipped with an in-dash … --- ## [Existential car buying advice](https://community.cartalk.com/t/existential-car-buying-advice/22776)
**Author:** [@dan121](https://community.cartalk.com/u/dan121)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [December 6, 2008, 5:13pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/existential-car-buying-advice/22776 "2008-12-06T17:13:06Z")
By way of background, I'm 31 years old, married, no kids, and I have a 1997 Toyota Corolla CE with 150K miles on it. This is my first car; I bought it used in 2000 and it has served me well over the past 8 years. I prima… --- ## [Buying a new car from out of state](https://community.cartalk.com/t/buying-a-new-car-from-out-of-state/22620)
**Author:** [@al1515](https://community.cartalk.com/u/al1515)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [December 6, 2008, 2:10pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/buying-a-new-car-from-out-of-state/22620 "2008-12-06T14:10:00Z")
I am purchasing a brand new Acura from out-of-state because they no longer have this model in the trim that I like ('08 TL Type-S) where I live. I am planning on closing the deal with the Acura dealer by phone/fax/Fedex,… --- ## [Crittters chewing through fuel line](https://community.cartalk.com/t/crittters-chewing-through-fuel-line/22993)
**Author:** [@healyjean](https://community.cartalk.com/u/healyjean)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [December 6, 2008, 1:58am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/crittters-chewing-through-fuel-line/22993 "2008-12-06T01:58:16Z")
My 2009 Toyota Corolla has to have the fuel tank replaced because some critters chewed holes in the fuel line. What can I do to prevent this from happening again? --- ## [Should I buy a new car?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/should-i-buy-a-new-car/22986)
**Author:** [@jafairbanks](https://community.cartalk.com/u/jafairbanks)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [December 5, 2008, 9:27pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/should-i-buy-a-new-car/22986 "2008-12-05T21:27:11Z")
My volvo history: Love the car! - 1968 S140(?) (drove to 150k) - 1986 240 sedan (still driving and now 202K; pristine condition; mechanic tells me safe YET I'm gettin' nervous -- making more 1k trips...) - lookin… --- ## [ZAP Xebra truck](https://community.cartalk.com/t/zap-xebra-truck/22933)
**Author:** [@kim.hardesty](https://community.cartalk.com/u/kim.hardesty)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [December 5, 2008, 2:47pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/zap-xebra-truck/22933 "2008-12-05T14:47:11Z")
Are these vehicles low-maintenance? Do they trulhave a 40 mile range before recharging? Should I buy one? --- ## [Help Family of 5 Pick a New Car](https://community.cartalk.com/t/help-family-of-5-pick-a-new-car/22940)
**Author:** [@kmullings](https://community.cartalk.com/u/kmullings)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [December 5, 2008, 3:46am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/help-family-of-5-pick-a-new-car/22940 "2008-12-05T03:46:21Z")
A family of 5: 2 adults and 3 kids - Live in MA - Commute daily - Thinking of getting 2004 Toyota Sienna XLE AWD Any alternatives? We want to seat at least 7, have a 2000 Subaru Outback to trade. Thanks. --- ## [Stocking up on cars](https://community.cartalk.com/t/stocking-up-on-cars/22899)
**Author:** [@sbarrett](https://community.cartalk.com/u/sbarrett)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [December 4, 2008, 3:37am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/stocking-up-on-cars/22899 "2008-12-04T03:37:17Z")
Dear Tom & Ray et al., Would you discuss the in's and out's of "stocking up" on cars as a hedge against future inflation? For instance, I just bought a 2009 Honda Fit that I love and which is basically considered to … --- ## [2000 Saturn SL](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2000-saturn-sl/22675)
**Author:** [@spfitzgerald](https://community.cartalk.com/u/spfitzgerald)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [December 4, 2008, 1:43am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2000-saturn-sl/22675 "2008-12-04T01:43:44Z")
Did Saturn make a 2000 SL without power steering? Our Saturn SL is really difficult to turn. How would I be able to check to see if there is power steering? --- ## [Bail - em out but run them ourselves](https://community.cartalk.com/t/bail-em-out-but-run-them-ourselves/22549)
**Author:** [@Mytchell](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Mytchell)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [December 3, 2008, 10:39pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/bail-em-out-but-run-them-ourselves/22549 "2008-12-03T22:39:52Z")
Bailing out an inefficiently run company just because we need the jobs they provide is not going make them change practices. Remember what AEG did when they got their bailout money? A multi-million dollar, multi-country … --- ## [66 impala vin 164676J130581](https://community.cartalk.com/t/66-impala-vin-164676j130581/22862)
**Author:** [@mrnard](https://community.cartalk.com/u/mrnard)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [December 3, 2008, 5:40pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/66-impala-vin-164676j130581/22862 "2008-12-03T17:40:25Z")
volocars.com has the above vehicle for sale. How much should i offer for the car? thanks guys. --- ## [1995 Buick Century](https://community.cartalk.com/t/1995-buick-century/22878)
**Author:** [@tom\_lattin](https://community.cartalk.com/u/tom_lattin)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [December 3, 2008, 2:03pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/1995-buick-century/22878 "2008-12-03T14:03:16Z")
Hello to All! I have a 1995 Buick Century that I use to run around town with. For the past few months, I'll be driving along and out of nowhere the car stalls. If I try to start it without turning the key ignition to t… --- ## [Car rental vs. personal car on vacation](https://community.cartalk.com/t/car-rental-vs-personal-car-on-vacation/22829)
**Author:** [@VIKINGJIM](https://community.cartalk.com/u/VIKINGJIM)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [December 3, 2008, 3:32am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/car-rental-vs-personal-car-on-vacation/22829 "2008-12-03T03:32:25Z")
I WANT TO RENAT A CAR FOR A WEEK LONG VACATION AND MY WIFE DOES NOT. WE WILL PUT ABOUT 2000 MILES ON THE CAR. WE HAVE A 05 JETTA WITH ABOUT 80,0000 MILES. IT GETS ABOUT 25 MPG HWY. I CAN RENT A SIM. MPG CAR FOR 150.00 TO… --- ## [2000 Intrepid](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2000-intrepid/22838)
**Author:** [@txfan07](https://community.cartalk.com/u/txfan07)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [December 3, 2008, 2:42am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2000-intrepid/22838 "2008-12-03T02:42:16Z")
Just had valve intake repairs on 2000 Intrepid..after repairs car still had the same problem..now mechanic is saying needs new engine...does this sound right.? --- ## [Car accident - buy or fix?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/car-accident-buy-or-fix/22778)
**Author:** [@GKFHLA](https://community.cartalk.com/u/GKFHLA)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [December 2, 2008, 7:22pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/car-accident-buy-or-fix/22778 "2008-12-02T19:22:20Z")
I was in a car accident last week and there's structural damage to my car. I'm in a position where I have to decide whether to fix my car or purchase a new one. Note: my insurance covers the other party's damages, but … --- ## [That lilting car song this week](https://community.cartalk.com/t/that-lilting-car-song-this-week/22815)
**Author:** [@sri213](https://community.cartalk.com/u/sri213)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [December 2, 2008, 6:35pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/that-lilting-car-song-this-week/22815 "2008-12-02T18:35:56Z")
I listened, and listened again, and then again to that most lilting song in this weekend's re-broadcast, of the gentlemen stuck at a traffic light and cars lined up behind him going beep. What a beautiful little ditty -… --- ## [74-80 corvette](https://community.cartalk.com/t/74-80-corvette/22830)
**Author:** [@VIKINGJIM](https://community.cartalk.com/u/VIKINGJIM)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [December 2, 2008, 5:31pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/74-80-corvette/22830 "2008-12-02T17:31:17Z")
I'm pushing to big five-o and have always wanted a vette. I'm finally in a situation where I can have one and not have the wee little ones jumping in it a tossing fries down between the seats. I've never owned one. What … --- ## [Pedestrian crosswalk rant](https://community.cartalk.com/t/pedestrian-crosswalk-rant/22706)
**Author:** [@pbdavol](https://community.cartalk.com/u/pbdavol)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [December 1, 2008, 8:55pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/pedestrian-crosswalk-rant/22706 "2008-12-01T20:55:38Z")
How often have you had to wait for a pedestrian light pushed by thoughtless walkers who push the button and then, when they see a break in the traffic, rush across, leaving four lanes of cars stopped for no reason? Mor… --- ## [Overspray - damage to Clearcoat](https://community.cartalk.com/t/overspray-damage-to-clearcoat/22677)
**Author:** [@ABarkan](https://community.cartalk.com/u/ABarkan)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [November 30, 2008, 3:11pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/overspray-damage-to-clearcoat/22677 "2008-11-30T15:11:08Z")
I was parked at a shopping mall when they were painting the stairs. I did not realize until some time later that some of the paint oversparyed onto my car. How do I remove the overspray without damaging the clearcoat? [Previous page](https://community.cartalk.com/c/general-discussion/8.md?page=498) [Next page](https://community.cartalk.com/c/general-discussion/8.md?page=500)