Topic 12 of 40: stupid car questions - don't be afraid to ask!
Sat, Oct 25, 1997 (13:19) |
Paul Terry Walhus (terry)
Here's the place to go ahead and ask that question that
you feel is too stupid to ask. Because no one is *allowed*
to ridicule you in this topic. Thas' the rule, babeee.
So ask any question here you please, no matter what.
Let's have some cartalk!
39 responses total.
Topic 12 of 40 [cars]: stupid car questions - don't be afraid to ask!
Response 1 of 39: Paul Terry Walhus (terry) * Sat, Oct 25, 1997 (13:22) * 11 lines
Should I keep buying Dodge Carvans, or is there a better
minivan I should switch to, there are several other minivans
vying for this market now: Ford, Chevy, Honda, etc. all have
competing minivans in the market that Dodge and Chrysler still
mostly own. Right now I drive an 89 Caravan with a 4 cyl.
Mitsubishi engine which I've had rebuilt. I bought it for $700
and put a couple of grand into the engine. I also got new tires
for it and it's lasted two years so far. But I'd like to get
a "grand caravan" so I could fit 4x8 sheets of plywood etc. in
it when I take the seats out.
Topic 12 of 40 [cars]: stupid car questions - don't be afraid to ask!
Response 2 of 39: Yves G. (yves) * Sat, Oct 25, 1997 (22:52) * 3 lines
If I would buy a mini-van, watever de brand, I would search for a v6. I think that a bigger motor would by more able to pull that weight, in the wind, and I sure that you dont buy that kind of vehicule to carry mashmallows(o:
Yves
Topic 12 of 40 [cars]: stupid car questions - don't be afraid to ask!
Response 3 of 39: El Sam Blob (Afor) * Sun, Oct 26, 1997 (09:52) * 5 lines
Do any of you know the Suzuki Super Carry or the Daihatsu HiJet?
They're rather common in Jamaica. They are vans about the size of Suzuki Swifts, with a choice of 850cc or 1000cc engines.
I'd buy one, but I can't afford a new one and I don't know if I can trust a used one, considering that Jamaicans generally drive vehicles into the ground.
Topic 12 of 40 [cars]: stupid car questions - don't be afraid to ask!
Response 4 of 39: Paul Terry Walhus (terry) * Mon, Oct 27, 1997 (08:48) * 2 lines
What's the scoop on the Suzuki and the Dhiatsu?
Topic 12 of 40 [cars]: stupid car questions - don't be afraid to ask!
Response 5 of 39: El Sam Blob (Afor) * Mon, Oct 27, 1997 (10:02) * 5 lines
The main scoop is that I WANT ONE! It has just the amount of carrying power I would need to carry my equipment from my workplace to the location wher it is to be used, thereby freeing me from the whims and fancies of the people who use the vans and drivers of my employers!
But I can't afford one! I bought my motorcycle when I thought I was going to be fired, but I can't carry equipment on it, especially not equipment as sensetive or as accurate as electronic load cells or proving rings! A small van like the HiJet or Super Carry would be ideal!
I don't think those vans are legal for use on U.S. roads. They are surely too small; about the same size as a Suzuki Swift, but without the 5-mph bumpers.
Topic 12 of 40 [cars]: stupid car questions - don't be afraid to ask!
Response 6 of 39: Paul Terry Walhus (terry) * Mon, Oct 27, 1997 (10:52) * 3 lines
Wow, the Honda must be the smallest of the US sold mini-vans wouldn't
you say?
Topic 12 of 40 [cars]: stupid car questions - don't be afraid to ask!
Response 7 of 39: El Sam Blob (Afor) * Mon, Oct 27, 1997 (13:13) * 1 lines
Don't know. How does it compare to the Toyota Previa?
Topic 12 of 40 [cars]: stupid car questions - don't be afraid to ask!
Response 8 of 39: Paul Terry Walhus (terry) * Mon, Oct 27, 1997 (13:37) * 2 lines
I haven't checked this one out.
Topic 12 of 40 [cars]: stupid car questions - don't be afraid to ask!
Response 9 of 39: Yves G. (yves) * Tue, Nov 25, 1997 (04:21) * 1 lines
I would like to have some comments on ABS in winter driving.
Topic 12 of 40 [cars]: stupid car questions - don't be afraid to ask!
Response 10 of 39: El Sam Blob (Afor) * Tue, Nov 25, 1997 (04:42) * 3 lines
According to Road & Track, ABS is a bit of a hinderance in slippery conditions. However, someone said in a letter (and the editors agreed) that putting the car in neutral (or declutching) dramatically lowers the stopping distances with ABS on slippery surfaces.
Please don't sue me if this is wrong, I am merely stating what I have read.
Topic 12 of 40 [cars]: stupid car questions - don't be afraid to ask!
Response 11 of 39: Frank Susca (Cafe) * Tue, Nov 25, 1997 (08:17) * 2 lines
Well, I drove a Ford Windstar to FL and back, with the V6. Drove like a Caddy and had plenty of space. The little sixes will surprise you, they're very well geared and feel effortless at all speeds. The Honda mini is competitive in all ways with the other products, while the Previa has been a slow seller due to price I think. Plus I've heard many say they look like "whales" in grey! My brother-in-law has a grand Caravan for about a year now; it *is* a Caddy in disguise IMO! Too much money, too much van!
The Integras' ABS saved my behind once in slushy icy stuff when someone stopped short in front of me on a parkway. A true bug-eyed white-knuckler, but the stomping on the pedal brought it down properly. Don't leave home without it.
Topic 12 of 40 [cars]: stupid car questions - don't be afraid to ask!
Response 12 of 39: Paul Terry Walhus (terry) * Tue, Nov 25, 1997 (09:37) * 3 lines
So you're saying the Windstar blows the Caravan away?
Could you go in to more detail on this?
Topic 12 of 40 [cars]: stupid car questions - don't be afraid to ask!
Response 13 of 39: Frank Susca (Cafe) * Tue, Nov 25, 1997 (10:06) * 2 lines
The Windstar was rented second trim level from top of the line, so it was about a $20K ride, give or take. The Grand Caravan is loaded and almost $28K out the door. The GC seems a little bulkier but is slightly more roomy and luxurious. Mileage was the same, though. The optional stuff on the GC was all luxo-oriented, nothing that would improve function. For my money the cheaper Windstar was quite impressive; my brother in law bought the GC so his wife could have the King of All Vans at school IMO, and bec
use at the time had the double side doors, which make sense. But currently, all the minivans are very close in comparison. Our neighbor just bought a Venture (after I gave them Edmunds info!) on price, and its a very nice vehicle also.
Topic 12 of 40 [cars]: stupid car questions - don't be afraid to ask!
Response 14 of 39: El Sam Blob (Afor) * Tue, Nov 25, 1997 (18:07) * 9 lines
What about the ordinary Caravan (not that Grand)? How does it compete?
I read that Toyota has come out with a new minivan (replacing the Previa?). It'll be interesting to see how that does.
I personally prefer the sliding doors, that's my only beef with the Odyssey; if I see it as an Accord wagon, then it's not so bad.
I already see the CR-V as the reincarnation of the Civic Wagon AWD...
BTW, in the CR-V / RAV4 battle, let me say one word... SIDEKICK!!!!
Topic 12 of 40 [cars]: stupid car questions - don't be afraid to ask!
Response 15 of 39: Frank Susca (Cafe) * Tue, Nov 25, 1997 (18:17) * 1 lines
If you drove either one Sam, you'd forget the Suzuki. I realize that the Samurai and its cousins have been in the islands a long time, but that's where they belong, relatively unstressed by cold and ice road conditions. the SideKick's a real lightweight, and it's finish doesn't stand a chance to the other two. The Samurai, of course, is a production beach buggy, not a bad one either.
Topic 12 of 40 [cars]: stupid car questions - don't be afraid to ask!
Response 16 of 39: El Sam Blob (Afor) * Tue, Nov 25, 1997 (18:31) * 5 lines
And the RAV4 and CR-V are better?
I guess I'm missing the wood for the trees. I am seeing front-drive car platforms being converted to 4WD and trying to catch up on a trend as opposed to a ground up small-SUV
Anyway, the Forester should clear the others out of the path; it is also passenger car-based, but will you please look at the passenger car on which it is based? The Legacy Outback itself should have RAV4 and CR-V on the run!
Topic 12 of 40 [cars]: stupid car questions - don't be afraid to ask!
Response 17 of 39: El Sam Blob (Afor) * Tue, Nov 25, 1997 (18:33) * 1 lines
When I say ground up, I meant designed for its purpose from the ground up.
Topic 12 of 40 [cars]: stupid car questions - don't be afraid to ask!
Response 18 of 39: Frank Susca (Cafe) * Wed, Nov 26, 1997 (09:50) * 1 lines
Yeah Subaru knew the market/purpose better, waited, and hit a homer IMO. The Honda & Toyota vehicles are slightly heavier, better finished, and more comfortable for the average owner for very little more money. I was concerned with the platforms also, esp. Toyotas' since its reputation wasn't the greatest. the AWD Celica was a mess. And Honda put an auto (on the column, yet) in a car with a small motor, just not right.
Topic 12 of 40 [cars]: stupid car questions - don't be afraid to ask!
Response 19 of 39: Frank Susca (Cafe) * Wed, Nov 26, 1997 (09:52) * 1 lines
By slightly heavier, etc., I was referring to the Suzi..
Topic 12 of 40 [cars]: stupid car questions - don't be afraid to ask!
Response 20 of 39: Stacey Vura (stacey) * Mon, Jan 26, 1998 (17:24) * 4 lines
buying a used car...
letting go of the 1990 Dodge Spirit with 112000 miles...
it's time.
any suggestions?
Topic 12 of 40 [cars]: stupid car questions - don't be afraid to ask!
Response 21 of 39: Paul Terry Walhus (terry) * Mon, Jan 26, 1998 (17:55) * 4 lines
What are your requirements and what cars do you like
that you know about. Just trying to get a little background
information, before the real experts here kick in!
Topic 12 of 40 [cars]: stupid car questions - don't be afraid to ask!
Response 22 of 39: Stacey Vura (stacey) * Mon, Jan 26, 1998 (18:13) * 8 lines
*smile*
Hondas --- last a long time, retain value well, dependable.
Toyotas --- ditto
Subarus --- 4WD, high mileage life, expensive repairs
that's really all I've looked at so far. I'm a little burnt out on American cars as it seems I drive them to 100,000 and then they lose it! My '82 Pontiac Phoenix made it to 116,000 and the transmission fell out!
I'd really like something dependable in the snow (hell, something dependable in general!) and a car that I can 'expect' 180,000 miles out of without rebuilding the car/engine.
Oh, and I want to spend under $5000.00!
(sad but true)
Topic 12 of 40 [cars]: stupid car questions - don't be afraid to ask!
Response 23 of 39: Frank Susca (Cafe) * Tue, Jan 27, 1998 (07:53) * 2 lines
Under 5Gs forget anything less than about 3 years old. Especially the Honda/Toyotas, they command top dollars no matter what. Look for front wheel drive econo-cars, they handle well in bad weather. You might find a 3-4 year old Civic or Corolla if you look patiently. Subaru? Expensive repair? With regular maintenance this isn't a problem. A good heavy generally reliable car is a VW Jetta, about 4 years old. Many people overlook em. The other end of the spectrum might be "old-lady" cars, like buick Century
and Olds Cutlasses. Though bigger they generally have easy maintenance, comfort, and reasonable drivability for the money.
Topic 12 of 40 [cars]: stupid car questions - don't be afraid to ask!
Response 24 of 39: Paul Terry Walhus (terry) * Tue, Jan 27, 1998 (12:31) * 60 lines
Some cars rated as reliable from Consumer Reports are:
Plymouth Colt 1989, 1991, 1992, both wagon and sedan
Dodge Colt 1989, 1991, 1992, both wagon and sedan
Dodge Dakota pickup 2WD 1988
Eagle Summit (1989, 1991 1992, except wagon)
Geo Prizm 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994
Geo Tracker 1992, 1993, 1994
Honda Accord 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994
Mazda 323 1990, 1991, 1992
Mazda 626 (1989, 1990, manual transmission)
Mazda 626 1991,
Mazda MX6 (1988, 1989, 1990 manual transmission)
Mazda MX5-Miata 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994
Mitsubishi Galant 4 1989, 1991, 1992
Nissan Pickup 2WD, 1988, 1989, 1991, 1992, 1993
Nissan Pathfinder 1988, 1989, (1990, 1991 1992, 1993 manual transmission)
Toyota Corolla 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993
Toyota pickup 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994
Toyota Tercel 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994
Volvo 240 1988, 1989
Volvo 740 1988, 1989, 1990, 1992,
Volvo 850 1993
Volvo 940 1991, 1994
Also might get one of the above with a run out engine and do a swap with one
of those 32,000 mile Japanese engines. Replace water pump, alternator,
starter, radiator, fuel pump, clutch, automatic transmission (maybe also
breaks and shocks) with rebuilt parts if these are not on the replacement
engine. (That way you know you have a reliable vehicle)
When you check a car, look for lots of oil underneath, especially if
blowing back onto frame, or see drops of oil waiting to fall off.
Does the steering wheel pull to one side
Does car pull to one side when breaks applied rather hard
Does the car make "sanding paper noise" when using breaks
Is there water moisture on the dip stick (cracks in engine)
Buy from a rich part of town, they usually have keep the car up.
Buy a clean looking car, probably maintained well
turn on all door locks and door handles, especially if electric
turn on wiper
turn on heater
turn on air conditioning
Turn on lights
Check turn signals
If automatic, accelerate hard to see if crisp shift between gears, no
slipping, or noisy shifts
On standard transmission, test clutch by putting in a gear that engine runs
rather slowly, and with throttle down some, tap clutch lightly, if engine
speed continues increased after foot leaves clutch, needs clutch
Almost any unusual squeaking noise is bad
Check for water leak at water pump (if you can find it)
Get a cheap alternator tester that plugs into cigarette lighter $3
Does the amount of seat and pedal wear match with odometer, check for oil
change stickers, or other indications of regular maintenance. (ask)
Check tires for wear.
If buying from owner, ask about problems, they might tell the truth.
Topic 12 of 40 [cars]: stupid car questions - don't be afraid to ask!
Response 25 of 39: Stacey Vura (stacey) * Tue, Jan 27, 1998 (12:31) * 1 lines
thanks for the info!!
Topic 12 of 40 [cars]: stupid car questions - don't be afraid to ask!
Response 26 of 39: Frank Susca (Cafe) * Wed, Jan 28, 1998 (16:27) * 1 lines
Absolutely couldn't have done better myself, Terry!
Topic 12 of 40 [cars]: stupid car questions - don't be afraid to ask!
Response 27 of 39: Paul Terry Walhus (terry) * Wed, Jan 28, 1998 (18:11) * 3 lines
Also, check to make sure the title is clear of any liens or
funny stuff.
Topic 12 of 40 [cars]: stupid car questions - don't be afraid to ask!
Response 28 of 39: Paul Terry Walhus (terry) * Fri, Feb 27, 1998 (01:25) * 2 lines
What's the current status of this, Stacey?
Topic 12 of 40 [cars]: stupid car questions - don't be afraid to ask!
Response 29 of 39: Frank Susca (Cafe) * Fri, Feb 27, 1998 (07:14) * 1 lines
Where *is* Stacey?
Topic 12 of 40 [cars]: stupid car questions - don't be afraid to ask!
Response 30 of 39: Paul Terry Walhus (terry) * Fri, Feb 27, 1998 (19:20) * 2 lines
She's been around the last couple of days, I think she's catching up.
Topic 12 of 40 [cars]: stupid car questions - don't be afraid to ask!
Response 31 of 39: I'm ridin' my car (sprin5) * Fri, May 12, 2000 (13:46) * 1 lines
How's your car these days Stacey? Heard from Frank Susca?
Topic 12 of 40 [cars]: stupid car questions - don't be afraid to ask!
Response 32 of 39: Marcia (MarciaH) * Fri, May 12, 2000 (16:23) * 1 lines
Am I the only one to respond to your mass emailing? Stace is busy, I guess. Others can't find the off-ramp.
Topic 12 of 40 [cars]: stupid car questions - don't be afraid to ask!
Response 33 of 39: I'm ridin' my car (sprin5) * Sat, May 13, 2000 (08:21) * 13 lines
My "mass emailing" to about 100 folks has gotten these results:
NM 2 May 12 System Administrat (75) Undeliverable: http://www.spring.ne
NM 3 May 12 Mail Delivery Subs (88) Warning: could not send message for
NM 4 May 12 Mail Delivery Subs (88) Warning: could not send message for
NM 5 May 12 Mail Delivery Subs (88) Warning: could not send message for
NM 6 May 12 Mail Delivery Subs (88) Warning: could not send message for
NM 7 May 12 Mail Delivery Subs (88) Warning: could not send message for
NM 8 May 12 Mail Delivery Subs (88) Warning: could not send message for
NM 9 May 12 Mail Delivery Subs (88) Warning: could not send message for
NM 10 May 12 Mail Delivery Subs (87) Warning: could not send message for
NM 11 May 12 Mail Delivery Subs (88) Warning: could not send message for
Topic 12 of 40 [cars]: stupid car questions - don't be afraid to ask!
Response 34 of 39: Marcia (MarciaH) * Sat, May 13, 2000 (12:45) * 1 lines
How many actually went through - or would that entail time-intensive cross checking the out with the returned mail?
Topic 12 of 40 [cars]: stupid car questions - don't be afraid to ask!
Response 35 of 39: Marcia (MarciaH) * Sat, May 13, 2000 (12:47) * 1 lines
Looks like I am the only one who was concerned enough (or idle enough) to respond. Too bad...
Topic 12 of 40 [cars]: stupid car questions - don't be afraid to ask!
Response 36 of 39: KeyaKat (Keyacatalyst) * Mon, Aug 4, 2003 (07:05) * 1 lines
My fiancee' was driving to work yesterday and our car (1990 Toyota corrolla) just turned off on him. He was only going 35-45 mph. He had it towed back home power seems to be running through it, so we don't think it's the battery. it's cranks but the ignition won't turn over. Is it the starter? There is gas in the car. We have regular oil changes...and it didn't overheat. We just had our whole exhaust sytem replaced (4 weks ago) because while on base a force guard barrier ripped our whole system off of the car? AHHHHHH!!! what could the problem be now? PLEASEEEE some one help me..... This question might seem stupid but I'm stumped-don't laugh :)
Topic 12 of 40 [cars]: stupid car questions - don't be afraid to ask!
Response 37 of 39: Sam Blob (AlFor) * Tue, Aug 5, 2003 (05:59) * 3 lines
Everything just stopping abruptly sounds electrical to me. I doubt it's the starter if it cranks; besides, I don't think a starter problem would stop a moving car. Maybe a problem with the ignition system?
Anything I tell you is a guess, especially since I have never worked on a car (although I had worked on my motorcycle quite a bit...). Take the car to a mechanic.
Topic 12 of 40 [cars]: stupid car questions - don't be afraid to ask!
Response 38 of 39: Samarth Shah (jabberwocky) * Fri, Jan 7, 2005 (23:39) * 1 lines
RT-43 is used as the standard car size. Does anyone know what it means?
Topic 12 of 40 [cars]: stupid car questions - don't be afraid to ask!
Response 39 of 39: Rebecca (SafireDolfin) * Thu, Apr 14, 2005 (16:24) * 1 lines
I'm buying a car for the 1st time and me being who I am found a 1994 Jeep Wrangler. So far so good. Except it says the engine has been rebuilt. Do I need to worry about this? Why would someone rebuild an engine? And what questions should I ask the seller? I really want this car, I just don't want to regret it!!
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