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

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

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

Thinking about trading my 97 Accord for 1980 diesel benz. [more inside]
posted by toastchee on Oct 18, 2009 - 14 answers

Car was totaled, bank that gave auto loan charged off the loan account because the collateral is gone despite us continuing with full and on time payments. What are our options? [more inside]
posted by Nickel on Oct 11, 2009 - 4 answers

Car repair: I have a 2003 Kia Sedona. Due to a humming sound coming from the front end, we've taken it in to be diagnosed. It gets complicated . . . [more inside]
posted by Sassyfras on Oct 8, 2009 - 11 answers

How to put a bumpersticker on fiberglass so that it is easily (and instantaneously) removable and replacable? [more inside]
posted by Lucinda on Sep 21, 2009 - 5 answers

It's that time in my life where my family is outgrowing our vehicles, and we are looking for something larger. I'll be the main driver and I am pretty big (6'3" 230 lbs). So we want something both economical and comfortable. I looked at the Mazda5, but it is too tiny for carseats and me... So... Which 2009/2010 minivan/crossover should I choose? [more inside]
posted by fozzie33 on Sep 21, 2009 - 15 answers

What is this mechanical (automotive in this case) sound called? Does it have a name? [more inside]
posted by Jiff_and_theChoosyMuthers on Sep 18, 2009 - 19 answers

How can I tell if the crack in my car windshield has been repaired? You would think it would be obvious.. but apparently it's not. [more inside]
posted by snorlaxx on Sep 15, 2009 - 8 answers

What's a good place in or near the greater Seattle area, to park and photograph a car? I'm looking for somewhere which is a nice area or has a nice backdrop, has space to stop a car, and which is generally fairly deserted (so that camera etc. can be set up without constantly being the path of people/cars, and pictures can be taken without having to wait for people to leave the frame, etc). To make things harder, this would most convenient during the day on a weekend, but if a good place is most empty during office hours (or whatever), it might be worth the inconvenience.
posted by -harlequin- on Sep 2, 2009 - 12 answers

Could brake pads wear down from 50% worn to metal against metal after one 12 hour round trip to Yosemite? (See details) [more inside]
posted by stevyb on Sep 1, 2009 - 17 answers

I smashed my car's passenger side mirror against some scaffolding leading into my garage tonight. The mirror and plastic casing are still intact, but now dangling from a wire still attached to the car. I have to drive somewhere early tomorrow morning. What should I do until I can get to a garage? Duct tape it back in place? Will that damage my car's paint? Should I cut the wire and remove the mirror? TIA...
posted by Majorita on Aug 30, 2009 - 13 answers

Are there reasons I should avoid CarMax auto financing and go with my local bank? [more inside]
posted by crapmatic on Aug 24, 2009 - 13 answers

In a 2006 Renault Kangoo (french car) where you do you install the passenger area air filter (filter's AC, heater vent air etc). In french it's referred to as the "filtre d' habiacle". [more inside]
posted by upc_head on Aug 23, 2009 - 5 answers

Traffic noise. What percentage of it is caused by: 1) The internal combustion engine and associated systems (as opposed to an all electric vehicle) 2) Air turbulence of the vehicle moving through space, 3) Other mechanical issues.
posted by rhcclark on Aug 23, 2009 - 13 answers

How can I increase my chances of buying a new car below dealer cost? Would you get an additional discount if you paid cash in full? [more inside]
posted by MrMulan on Aug 20, 2009 - 13 answers

Is filing too many claims always a death knell for your insurance? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Aug 18, 2009 - 6 answers

Anyone know a good mechanic in or around Gurnee Illinois for a used car pre-sale checkup? [more inside]
posted by bobbyno on Aug 16, 2009 - 2 answers

I found out new information about someone on my auto insurance. To avoid compromising a potential future claim, do I need to inform my insurance company? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Aug 14, 2009 - 3 answers

I need to buy a new, used or certified used car real quickly. I could use some help deciding on a make and model that meets some specific criteria. [more inside]
posted by iamkimiam on Aug 7, 2009 - 13 answers

Trying to restore a 1951 factory prototype auto (US). Need to match some seat upholstery cloth (printed canvas - image here). Any textile folk that can help track down the manufacturer or a source for high quality reproduction? [more inside]
posted by skyscraper on Aug 4, 2009 - 4 answers

I am looking to buy a used car for cash from a local (CA) private party, not a dealer. What do I need to know? [more inside]
posted by exceptinsects on Aug 3, 2009 - 8 answers

I'm moving to the Upper Valley of New Hampshire in a month and need to buy a car for the first time. Help me choose the right one. [more inside]
posted by billtron on Jul 17, 2009 - 19 answers

I'm looking for a charity that will take a non-operational car, use it to train people in auto repair by fixing it, then sell it or give it to someone that needs a car. This is in the SF bay area. [more inside]
posted by EatenByAGrue on Jul 14, 2009 - 3 answers

[Auto Body Damage Filter] I need some advice on a minor fender bender I got into this weekend. Help me keep my 4th of Juplaya vacation from costing me an extra three thousand dollars! [more inside]
posted by sacrifix on Jul 8, 2009 - 9 answers

Car trouble: How loudly should I yell at my dealer's service department? [more inside]
posted by Eddie Mars on Jul 8, 2009 - 13 answers

Car repair filter....Car has been sitting for 18 months, anything special to do before I fire it up? [more inside]
posted by mikedelic on Jul 1, 2009 - 7 answers

Is it legal to accept $500 from a car insurance company, reimbursing me for a repair I'm not going to make? If it's legal, should I? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Jun 30, 2009 - 18 answers

We're planning to move from Oregon to Colorado. We also plan to buy a new car soon. Should we buy it in Oregon (no sales tax) or just wait til we get to Colorado? [more inside]
posted by diastematic on Jun 13, 2009 - 6 answers

We're moving to Canada in 3 months but we need a new car now. Buy? Lease? Here? There? [more inside]
posted by setanor on Jun 12, 2009 - 17 answers

Gmail, can you please stop automatically adding to my contacts list!? [more inside]
posted by wastelands on Jun 5, 2009 - 7 answers

Are there more car salespeople than automobile manufacturing people in the United States? [more inside]
posted by cinemafiend on Jun 1, 2009 - 5 answers

My car has 130K miles and I think I'm going to stop going to the dealership for repairs despite a great deal of trust in them; it is just too costly. I plan on going to an independent mechanic near my office, but it's one of those tire shop/muffler shop places who also seem to do other repairs/maintenance. Do these places actually fall into the category of an independent mechanic or are they simply rolling the dice when they are out of their area of expertise (like tires, brakes, or mufflers)? And second, where can I get the recommended maintenance *activities* for my vehicle based on mileage. I always followed my dealership's recommendations, so I need a better idea on what might be needed bringing it into an independent shop.
posted by teg4rvn on May 11, 2009 - 16 answers

My car stereo just got stolen - while my car was in my driveway. Should I report it to my insurance company? [more inside]
posted by agentmunroe on May 10, 2009 - 11 answers

Tricky car loan situation. I'm thinking about paying off the remainder of a car loan with my credit card. Is this a bad idea? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Apr 23, 2009 - 24 answers

I need advice on taking care of rust on a Volkswagen! [more inside]
posted by Brocktoon on Apr 18, 2009 - 11 answers

Car dealer forced me to sign an illegal FTC privacy notice - offering no opt out. Help me change his business method so he doesn't do this to others. [more inside]
posted by jimmyjimjim on Apr 8, 2009 - 28 answers

I am a professional spokesmodel trying to get into the 2009 autoshow circuit. I know that some of the major autos show spokesmodels come from either Productions-Plus or Gail and Rice, but does anyone know the best way to get an audition with these companies? Any info would GREATLY be appreciated. The season starts soon!
posted by zollypop on Mar 31, 2009 - 1 answer

I'm looking for a new car mechanic in Melbourne, Australia and/or tips for finding a reliable one in general... [more inside]
posted by Silentgoldfish on Mar 26, 2009 - 4 answers

Should I pay back an old defaulted car loan now that I have the money? I still have the vehicle but never drive it. How should I handle this? [more inside]
posted by Phoenix Ash on Mar 25, 2009 - 18 answers

Our SUV was probably totaled today. The police wrote the other party a ticket for running a red light, so blame shouldn't be an issue. Both airbags blew up front, which I think will likely total it without even factoring in the rest of the damage. However, I've never been involved with a totaled car situation, so I'm trying to get my act together to make sure I don't get screwed by the settlement. What do I need to know? [more inside]
posted by COD on Mar 10, 2009 - 19 answers

I'm a student, looking to take out a first time auto loan for a car. I want a used car, and would like to spend no more than $3,000. My credit is alright, not stellar, and I have student loans. What can I expect in this process, and how can I better my chances of getting a loan? [more inside]
posted by thatbrunette on Mar 1, 2009 - 13 answers

Every time I close my browser (Firefox) Google signs me out. How can I stay signed in? It's very annoying. Googling has not returned an answer to the question.
posted by wsg on Feb 21, 2009 - 24 answers

Do I need to report an accident to my insurance company within a certain time period to stay covered? [more inside]
posted by SammyIva on Feb 20, 2009 - 16 answers

What, if any, are the non-monetary benefits of bundling insurance policies (specifically auto and tenant)? [more inside]
posted by kitkatcathy on Feb 13, 2009 - 4 answers

I'm replacing the 6.5" door speakers on my 1999 Chevy S-10 (regular cab) and I have two questions. [more inside]
posted by carsonb on Feb 13, 2009 - 4 answers

My car won't start up on the first and sometimes second try, after a cold night. [more inside]
posted by Blazecock Pileon on Feb 9, 2009 - 16 answers

What years / models of Chevy Trucks / SUVs have interchangeable (for the most part) interior mechanicals, specifically seats? [more inside]
posted by SquidLips on Jan 12, 2009 - 6 answers

Why does my uncle's 1998 V6 Toyota 4-Runner misfire at highway speeds? Last month we drove from Los Angeles to Tucson and back, and at what seemed to be random points while we were driving the engine would buck repeatedly. Once it started, it would continue at all speeds, with the engine running particularly rough at low/idle RPM. We took it in to 3 different Toyota dealerships along the way, and to it's home dealership once we got back. They were all happy to service the vehicle, but none were able to fix it and two insisted they couldn't find any problems with the vehicle. [more inside]
posted by carsonb on Jan 12, 2009 - 10 answers