My car lease is ending soon. I thought I wouldn't need a car for any longer than my lease terms. But now I do. What are my best options if I only need a car for a year or less? [more inside]
posted by frippsie on Nov 4, 2009 - 7 answers

While I was driving him home from the vet yesterday, the cat took a dump in his carrier, which was made of cloth. (He was in the front passenger seat.) [more inside]
posted by ignignokt on Nov 3, 2009 - 18 answers

I just moved to Northern Virginia for a new job- how likely is it that my car with out of state plates will be ticketed or towed? [more inside]
posted by T.D. Strange on Nov 1, 2009 - 12 answers

My 2004 Mazda3 hatchback with about 20,000 miles on it won't start. [more inside]
posted by misskaz on Nov 1, 2009 - 14 answers

Does buying used through an auto-broker make sense for me? [more inside]
posted by furtive on Oct 31, 2009 - 3 answers

I want to buy a ski roof rack for my late(st) model Honda Civic. Any suggestions? I'm concerned about any impact on the fit (seals) and finish (paint) on my car. How justified is this paranoia? Also I will likely eventually want to carry bikes or other cargo.
posted by Wood on Oct 30, 2009 - 4 answers

How easy is it to flood a car? I think I might have. Does it sound likely and what do I do next? [more inside]
posted by grablife365 on Oct 29, 2009 - 24 answers

Physics question - involving cars, air, momentum, force, etc... Basically - how can I calculate the side force from a crosswind on my car at any given speed? [more inside]
posted by krisak on Oct 29, 2009 - 24 answers

I cannot unlock the trunk on my car! [more inside]
posted by zerobyproxy on Oct 29, 2009 - 2 answers

What's the best way to carry cargo on extended road trip with a mid-size SUV? [more inside]
posted by RobotVoodooPower on Oct 28, 2009 - 12 answers

Where did all the xB control arms go? [more inside]
posted by FatherDagon on Oct 27, 2009 - 2 answers

What's this creaking sound my car is making and how long should I wait to get it fixed? [more inside]
posted by pised on Oct 26, 2009 - 12 answers

How should I keep my under-maintained 1999 Mazda Protégé running safely for just a few more months? [more inside]
posted by fermata on Oct 23, 2009 - 14 answers

What are ways to estimate what a car and car insurance would cost me if I moved to San Francisco? [more inside]
posted by scazza on Oct 20, 2009 - 6 answers

Automobile accident: Did the seat belt fail? What should we do? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Oct 20, 2009 - 10 answers

BMW 530I will not start. [more inside]
posted by slowtree on Oct 19, 2009 - 16 answers

I need to hire a car to drive from Bristol, UK and to drop off in Haarlem Netherlands. Avis says no, europecar says no, hertz are difficult to get hold of. Suggestions? Recommendations?
posted by gonzo_ID on Oct 19, 2009 - 12 answers

Should I hire a personal injury attorney after being rear ended? [more inside]
posted by zzztimbo on Oct 18, 2009 - 22 answers

Just over two weeks ago a young friend bought used car from a dealer who's 80 miles away. The car came with serious engine problems. The dealer says they'll take it back for a refund but won't return the full price she paid. They say they'll keep their costs, but won't even discuss on the phone the amount they'll return. How best can she get all her money back? [more inside]
posted by anadem on Oct 15, 2009 - 9 answers

Theoretical brake wear: Do brake pads wear out faster, slower, or at the same rate if you brake later and harder than normal? [more inside]
posted by Liver on Oct 15, 2009 - 17 answers

What's a good present to buy a 25 year old newly licensed driver? [more inside]
posted by kerning on Oct 15, 2009 - 26 answers

Why (in the UK, or anywhere else where this applies) is it illegal to drive without wearing a seatbelt, but legal for bus passengers to sit, or even stand without one? [more inside]
posted by Mwongozi on Oct 14, 2009 - 14 answers

What is the protocol for buying a new car in seemingly high demand and non-existent supply? When is a wait list really a wait list, and how do I actually get this car? [more inside]
posted by rabidsegue on Oct 12, 2009 - 17 answers

If I want to extend the life of the brakes on my car, how should I drive the hill close to my house? [more inside]
posted by SoulOnIce on Oct 11, 2009 - 25 answers

How do massive long-stay carparks (like those at airports), that have too many cars to keep track of individually, deal with the problem of cars that are never collected? [more inside]
posted by cdenman on Oct 9, 2009 - 10 answers

SUV backed over my tiny Miata, what should I do? [more inside]
posted by evilelf on Oct 8, 2009 - 28 answers

Can two road bicycles fit in a Toyota Matrix Wagon? I would fold the back seats down, lay them flat and take the front tires off.
posted by lonelyeconomist on Oct 8, 2009 - 7 answers

VolkswagenFilter: I'm going to be looking at a '99 VW Jetta (A4 body) in the next couple days and am wondering what, specifically, I should look for when I'm there. [more inside]
posted by dunkadunc on Oct 7, 2009 - 14 answers

How do I strap a walker to the top of a Pontiac Sunfire for a long distance trip? [more inside]
posted by klwatts on Oct 3, 2009 - 7 answers

Please educate me on car battery technology. [more inside]
posted by Solomon on Oct 2, 2009 - 14 answers

How can I get my elapsed time/"journey time" clock working again on my 2006 Outback? [more inside]
posted by icebourg on Oct 1, 2009 - 4 answers

I live in (urban) St. Louis city and 90% of my driving is 10 miles or less, non-highway. We've got a Honda Fit which satisfies our other needs (road trips, large loads, extra people). My Miata is nearing its end, and I'm shopping for a replacement. I believe I am a good candidate for an NEV (Neighborhood Electrical Vehicle), but I don't know where to start: what criteria I need to look at, the pros and cons of various vehicles, the overall costs, etc. Should I buy an NEV? How? [more inside]
posted by davebug on Oct 1, 2009 - 13 answers

What are some challenging, competitive games two people can play in a car (one being the driver)? [more inside]
posted by hamsterdam on Sep 30, 2009 - 28 answers

What's the best way to fix my driver's side mirror? [more inside]
posted by pemberkins on Sep 29, 2009 - 8 answers

I'm in the middle of negotiating with a dealer for a used car. I need to know what a good counter offer would be and how many offers I should be expected to make. [more inside]
posted by FairlyFarley on Sep 28, 2009 - 9 answers

Why won't my 99 chevy malibu start? [more inside]
posted by nadawi on Sep 27, 2009 - 10 answers

Car selling questions: (1) Is there any reason for me, as a seller, not to disclose the VIN in a car ad, say on Craigslist? A Carfax lookup would reflect favorably on this car, but I don't know if there are "car identity thief" issues here. I know dealers list VINs all the time. (2) What is considered a reasonable precaution if someone wants to take a test drive or have their mechanic inspect the car? I'm not sure what would stop a thief from asking for a test drive and then never coming back. This is an older model car so I don't have any loss/damage coverage, but I'm guessing I should until it's sold.
posted by crapmatic on Sep 24, 2009 - 9 answers

How do you easily remove old accumulated registration stickers from a license plate? [more inside]
posted by pantufla_milagrosa on Sep 23, 2009 - 18 answers

I am in California and I am about to buy a car last registered in Michigan. The car is here. In Michigan, the plates follow the owner and therefore the car won't come with any plates. Once I take it to the DMV and register it, will they give me some kind of window sticker or something so I can drive the car around before my CA plates arrive in the mail?
posted by twblalock on Sep 22, 2009 - 10 answers

Buying a used car from a dealer - what questions should I ask, what should I ask about, and what deals should I insist on so I don't get cheated? [more inside]
posted by KateHasQuestions on Sep 21, 2009 - 18 answers

Is tire pressure different if you measure with wheel off the car (as compared to when it is on the car and holding the weight of the car)?
posted by chefscotticus on Sep 18, 2009 - 67 answers

Are there any preventative measures, leaving aside driving the car every day, that will prevent my brakes from rusting like mad? [more inside]
posted by Cold Lurkey on Sep 16, 2009 - 12 answers

How should I go about selling a car with some mechanical issues? [more inside]
posted by pilibeen on Sep 16, 2009 - 6 answers

Best way to get duct tape residue off windows, and how to hold broken car windows up? [more inside]
posted by nmaster64 on Sep 16, 2009 - 14 answers

Front-wheel drive car. Back tires worn and will be replaced. Front tires okay for now. Where should the new tires go? [more inside]
posted by Opposite George on Sep 15, 2009 - 25 answers

Car scratch costs $500 to fix. Should I pay out of pocket or make an insurance claim? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Sep 15, 2009 - 12 answers

Why does the radio in our 95 Camry stop making sound? [more inside]
posted by JuiceBoxHero on Sep 14, 2009 - 4 answers

I am disappointed in my relationship with my 97 Honda Civic. Maybe you can give me some advice. YANMM. [more inside]
posted by bunny hugger on Sep 14, 2009 - 5 answers

How can I learn NYC's street repair status? [more inside]
posted by mhz on Sep 13, 2009 - 3 answers

My 1994 Jetta is sputtering and shutting off on startup. What could the problem be? [more inside]
posted by *lostatsea* on Sep 13, 2009 - 10 answers