# General Discussion **URL:** https://community.cartalk.com/c/general-discussion/8.md?page=500 [Latest](https://community.cartalk.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://community.cartalk.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://community.cartalk.com/tags.md) **Page:** 501 --- ## [Depressed college girl](https://community.cartalk.com/t/depressed-college-girl/22700)
**Author:** [@amyshine](https://community.cartalk.com/u/amyshine)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [November 30, 2008, 12:19am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/depressed-college-girl/22700 "2008-11-30T00:19:32Z")
I heard Leah this morning and couldn't help but be concerned. I knew someone who committed suicide because he thought he had to get a real job instead of be a river guide. After 13 years,much of that time off, I graduate… --- ## [The Big-3 Bailout - THEY JUST DON'T GET IT](https://community.cartalk.com/t/the-big-3-bailout-they-just-dont-get-it/22312)
**Author:** [@MikeInNH](https://community.cartalk.com/u/MikeInNH)\ **Replies:** 81\ **Last updated:** [November 28, 2008, 4:18pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/the-big-3-bailout-they-just-dont-get-it/22312 "2008-11-28T16:18:38Z")
I really don't want to see the Big-3 go under, but I have to say if they keep running the company the way they do then maybe they should. Yesterday Executives from the Big-3 went before congress to ask for $25B in l… --- ## [How much cleaniness can I expect or ask for from a mechanic?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/how-much-cleaniness-can-i-expect-or-ask-for-from-a-mechanic/22337)
**Author:** [@mercurysable97](https://community.cartalk.com/u/mercurysable97)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [November 28, 2008, 3:02pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/how-much-cleaniness-can-i-expect-or-ask-for-from-a-mechanic/22337 "2008-11-28T15:02:06Z")
My experience at different car shops has been: no floor mat protection, no seat cover, finger prints on the hood, or door or where ever the mechanic worked- I have a white car, and the smudges were always visible.… --- ## [Good cars for bad backs](https://community.cartalk.com/t/good-cars-for-bad-backs/22483)
**Author:** [@artstrim](https://community.cartalk.com/u/artstrim)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [November 28, 2008, 5:52am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/good-cars-for-bad-backs/22483 "2008-11-28T05:52:49Z")
I have a bad back and cars are generally terrible for it. Low seats, no matter how lush, kill me. I am looking for a low cost, high mileage, new or used car with high seats and good back support. --- ## [When to stop going back to garage to fix same problem?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/when-to-stop-going-back-to-garage-to-fix-same-problem/22440)
**Author:** [@mercurysable97](https://community.cartalk.com/u/mercurysable97)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [November 26, 2008, 1:37pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/when-to-stop-going-back-to-garage-to-fix-same-problem/22440 "2008-11-26T13:37:47Z")
a "check engine" light on, required a visit to the mechanic, here is a summary of times of visits to garage: 1. time : drop off car for a day to diagnose problem 2. time: pick up car next day because part has t… --- ## [Who's First at the pump](https://community.cartalk.com/t/whos-first-at-the-pump/19659)
**Author:** [@sycamorecreek](https://community.cartalk.com/u/sycamorecreek)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [November 25, 2008, 7:22pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/whos-first-at-the-pump/19659 "2008-11-25T19:22:06Z")
I've had this happen twice this past week. I arrive at a multi pump gas station, and pull to an open pump, only to have some (----) backing up to the pump. In the first case the A$$ sat in fron of me until I got my gas p… --- ## [Horn requirements](https://community.cartalk.com/t/horn-requirements/22490)
**Author:** [@goldilocks](https://community.cartalk.com/u/goldilocks)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [November 25, 2008, 10:02am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/horn-requirements/22490 "2008-11-25T10:02:25Z")
Does anyone know if an "add -on" horn is sufficient to pass the safty inspection in MA. The factory horn on my brother's car no longer works. --- ## [Road Trip](https://community.cartalk.com/t/road-trip/22405)
**Author:** [@pilkat](https://community.cartalk.com/u/pilkat)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [November 25, 2008, 3:53am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/road-trip/22405 "2008-11-25T03:53:20Z")
I am going on an extended road trip with my 86-year-old mother. We need a dependable, comfortable vehicle with good gas mileage and ample storage space. I'm looking at the Honda Element and the Toyota Rav4. Any suggestio… --- ## [Retractable Hardtop Trailer Hitch](https://community.cartalk.com/t/retractable-hardtop-trailer-hitch/22517)
**Author:** [@zaldodebenito](https://community.cartalk.com/u/zaldodebenito)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [November 25, 2008, 1:48am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/retractable-hardtop-trailer-hitch/22517 "2008-11-25T01:48:00Z")
Thinking about buying my last car and condsidering a retracctable hardtop, however I have a fishing boat about 1500 pound gross. Can anyone advise if any of the retractable hardtops can be fitted with a trailer hitch? --- ## [Mystery Car](https://community.cartalk.com/t/mystery-car/22486)
**Author:** [@jr00101abc](https://community.cartalk.com/u/jr00101abc)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [November 24, 2008, 11:30pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/mystery-car/22486 "2008-11-24T23:30:51Z")
For those of you car people, who like a good muscle car, high up on your list might be a car, that you don't know that much about; Believed widely to be a heavily modified 1979 Ford Falcon XB GT, the Mad Max V-8 Pursuit … --- ## [What do you expect from the big 3?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/what-do-you-expect-from-the-big-3/22409)
**Author:** [@dagosa](https://community.cartalk.com/u/dagosa)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [November 24, 2008, 10:16pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/what-do-you-expect-from-the-big-3/22409 "2008-11-24T22:16:03Z")
You want your hybrids and electric cars ? Be careful what you ask for. You're asking them to cut their own profits. Here is a quick primer on the auto dealership business. The service, collision and parts departme… --- ## [Kinda, Sorta, Like, Driver Information ... For Sure, Man!](https://community.cartalk.com/t/kinda-sorta-like-driver-information-for-sure-man/22488)
**Author:** [@common-sense-answer](https://community.cartalk.com/u/common-sense-answer)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [November 24, 2008, 6:58pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/kinda-sorta-like-driver-information-for-sure-man/22488 "2008-11-24T18:58:20Z")
Having just learned that some vehices are being produced, for the common good(?), that have oil pressure gauges, (which by thier very nature, must report variable readings ... It's a Gauge!)with gauges that are of no mor… --- ## [Mark up for parts](https://community.cartalk.com/t/mark-up-for-parts/22385)
**Author:** [@mercurysable97](https://community.cartalk.com/u/mercurysable97)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [November 24, 2008, 2:03am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/mark-up-for-parts/22385 "2008-11-24T02:03:19Z")
Is there a limit, so many % over wholesale price,what car repair shops can charge for parts,used in repairs, or can they charge whatever they want? --- ## [How to bring a Japanese car (right hand drive) and use it in the US](https://community.cartalk.com/t/how-to-bring-a-japanese-car-right-hand-drive-and-use-it-in-the-us/22453)
**Author:** [@derekm](https://community.cartalk.com/u/derekm)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [November 24, 2008, 1:02am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/how-to-bring-a-japanese-car-right-hand-drive-and-use-it-in-the-us/22453 "2008-11-24T01:02:48Z")
Hi there! I trust a group wisdom of all cartalk listeners.I inherited Honda Stepwagon in Japan and want to bring it tothe US for use for another 4-5 years. Any ideas.? --- ## [2008 Toyota Prius Hybrid](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2008-toyota-prius-hybrid/18371)
**Author:** [@LipGlossLover](https://community.cartalk.com/u/LipGlossLover)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [November 24, 2008, 12:46am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2008-toyota-prius-hybrid/18371 "2008-11-24T00:46:20Z")
Okay, so my roommate/best friend drives a red 2008 Toyota Prius Hybrid, and I drove it on Saturday to look at cars, and I found it to be one of the most confusing cars ever? Just everything about it confused me? Does any… --- ## [Chevy cavalier tranny](https://community.cartalk.com/t/chevy-cavalier-tranny/22461)
**Author:** [@minsicomm](https://community.cartalk.com/u/minsicomm)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [November 24, 2008, 12:11am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/chevy-cavalier-tranny/22461 "2008-11-24T00:11:53Z")
have a 1998 Chevy Cavalier 2.2IL with a manual transmission. I did some research and found out that specifically, it is the Getrag F23 5-speed manual transmission. I went in for an oil change, and it was discovered… --- ## [Honda crvvs subaru forester (new purchase)](https://community.cartalk.com/t/honda-crvvs-subaru-forester-new-purchase/20200)
**Author:** [@cb23bb](https://community.cartalk.com/u/cb23bb)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [November 23, 2008, 11:59pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/honda-crvvs-subaru-forester-new-purchase/20200 "2008-11-23T23:59:40Z")
We are in the market for a new small suv namely Honda CRV/Subaru Forester. Any recommendations please are most welcome. Thanks CB --- ## [Winter Vehicles - 4WD vs AWD](https://community.cartalk.com/t/winter-vehicles-4wd-vs-awd/22434)
**Author:** [@oregonpouey](https://community.cartalk.com/u/oregonpouey)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [November 23, 2008, 9:14pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/winter-vehicles-4wd-vs-awd/22434 "2008-11-23T21:14:58Z")
I am a ski bunny and travel to the Cascade mountains weekly. I am looking for a reliable and solid vehicle but do not know if I should be looking at the Subaru wagons with AWD or go back to a Toyota 4WD truck. Any sugges… --- ## [The CTC's new discussion areas](https://community.cartalk.com/t/the-ctcs-new-discussion-areas/22388)
**Author:** [@CTC\_Cyberbabe](https://community.cartalk.com/u/CTC_Cyberbabe)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [November 23, 2008, 8:12pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/the-ctcs-new-discussion-areas/22388 "2008-11-23T20:12:29Z")
Dear CTC friends, You might have noticed that the front page of the CTC looks a little different. Where there used to be Car Questions and Second Opinions, there are now three areas: Repair and Maintenance, The Show… --- ## [Can you identify this car?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/can-you-identify-this-car/21104)
**Author:** [@kaciejane](https://community.cartalk.com/u/kaciejane)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [November 23, 2008, 1:52pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/can-you-identify-this-car/21104 "2008-11-23T13:52:11Z")
Picture a late-model, boxy car with square taillights, metal tab power windows, door lock stems up next to the windows that can be pulled up and down by hand, a bench seat with a flip down arm rest up front and push-butt… --- ## [Keyless Entry](https://community.cartalk.com/t/keyless-entry/22394)
**Author:** [@MississippiSkies](https://community.cartalk.com/u/MississippiSkies)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [November 23, 2008, 5:09am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/keyless-entry/22394 "2008-11-23T05:09:30Z")
Do any cars other than Ford, Lincoln & Mercury have keyless entries? I'm not overly fond of these cars, but don't wish to hunt car keys all over the house. Do any other car companies have keyless entries? If not, is… --- ## [Corolla or Prius?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/corolla-or-prius/22153)
**Author:** [@nrosenb](https://community.cartalk.com/u/nrosenb)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [November 22, 2008, 10:49pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/corolla-or-prius/22153 "2008-11-22T22:49:23Z")
I drive a 94 Corolla automatic with 135K miles which needs ~$1200 in repairs - 2nd timing belt, CV joint (?), exhaust repair... Have never bought a new car, but used prices for \<30k mi. Corolla/Prius are so high, seems l… --- ## [Auto Industry](https://community.cartalk.com/t/auto-industry/22371)
**Author:** [@John\_T](https://community.cartalk.com/u/John_T)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [November 22, 2008, 1:53am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/auto-industry/22371 "2008-11-22T01:53:51Z")
I just read that "YUGO" will discontinue production. What a shame. --- ## [Private Sale Q](https://community.cartalk.com/t/private-sale-q/22339)
**Author:** [@otterhere](https://community.cartalk.com/u/otterhere)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [November 21, 2008, 9:23pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/private-sale-q/22339 "2008-11-21T21:23:49Z")
I've been told to write "sold as is" on the title when selling privately; can you really write on the title? Or is this some other document (either an official form or hand-written)? Never sold a car privately before, … --- ## [Speedometer or navigational device?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/speedometer-or-navigational-device/22229)
**Author:** [@Randy242424](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Randy242424)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [November 21, 2008, 6:24pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/speedometer-or-navigational-device/22229 "2008-11-21T18:24:56Z")
When my tomtom reads 55mph my speedometer on my new Tacoma reads 60mph. Which is correct? --- ## [Breaks for a 97 GMC Suburban Cost? (Michigan)](https://community.cartalk.com/t/breaks-for-a-97-gmc-suburban-cost-michigan/22328)
**Author:** [@40yrOldCarr](https://community.cartalk.com/u/40yrOldCarr)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [November 21, 2008, 4:24am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/breaks-for-a-97-gmc-suburban-cost-michigan/22328 "2008-11-21T04:24:40Z")
We have two quotes, very different from each other for all parts and labor. What gives? What should we realalisticaly expect to pay in Michigan? Thank you, Si --- ## [Why are Hazard lights so widely abused?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/why-are-hazard-lights-so-widely-abused/22278)
**Author:** [@roflcopter](https://community.cartalk.com/u/roflcopter)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [November 20, 2008, 6:02pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/why-are-hazard-lights-so-widely-abused/22278 "2008-11-20T18:02:24Z")
I thought they were called Hazard Lights for a reason. We've all seen it: 1. Driving down the highway with a couch strapped to the top of the car 2. Waiting in the motor lobby at the hotel to pick someone u… --- ## [Aluminum wheels - any value?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/aluminum-wheels-any-value/22164)
**Author:** [@mjh101](https://community.cartalk.com/u/mjh101)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [November 20, 2008, 4:50am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/aluminum-wheels-any-value/22164 "2008-11-20T04:50:15Z")
My husband had aluminum alloy wheels on his 1996 Cadillac Seville. In the past two years, after continuous leaking problems due to corrosion, the dealer "ground" them and attempted to seal them, it helped for a while, t… --- ## [Learning Trans & Engine Rebuild](https://community.cartalk.com/t/learning-trans-engine-rebuild/22263)
**Author:** [@admitted\_amateur](https://community.cartalk.com/u/admitted_amateur)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [November 20, 2008, 3:12am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/learning-trans-engine-rebuild/22263 "2008-11-20T03:12:22Z")
So my '97 Escort Wagon w/ 223k on it finally gave up the ghost. I don't yet know what it was, but it was loud and inside the engine and left no doubt. I knew it was coming. At about the same time a '97 Escort appe… --- ## [Reman engines](https://community.cartalk.com/t/reman-engines/22269)
**Author:** [@gjd521](https://community.cartalk.com/u/gjd521)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [November 20, 2008, 2:58am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/reman-engines/22269 "2008-11-20T02:58:06Z")
Looking to buy a reman engine for my wifes 2002 Prizm which will be installed by me. Anyone have experience with SearchParts.com for engines they are out of Jacksonville,FL.? I want to deal with a company that puts a gre… [Previous page](https://community.cartalk.com/c/general-discussion/8.md?page=499) [Next page](https://community.cartalk.com/c/general-discussion/8.md?page=501)