There is a mechanic in a city nearby who restores and sells (and maintains) first-generation Honda Insights. Most of the cars his shop produces have a salvage title. He offers exclusive repair and maintenance service to purchasers. I've done a lot of reading and talking to people about this car—a trusted coworker owns one of his restorations—and I'm pretty much convinced that I want what seems to be one of the most over-engineered, fuel-efficient, cool little cars ever made. So what am I missing? [more inside]
posted by carsonb on Apr 28, 2013 - 17 answers

I'm looking for hip-hop that's engineered for car systems. Heavy bass, melodic bass, brutal bass--what artists, albums or tracks sound amazing in a car with an amplified subwoofer setup? [more inside]
posted by flod on Apr 16, 2013 - 14 answers

There is a good chance that I will be the owner of a new car sometime soon (like the next few months or so). Looking for a good balance between fuel efficiency and inexpensive to repair (something I have not really thought about until recently, regrettably). You are not a car expert, likely, but what would you advise from what you know? Details, including what this car replaces, inside. [more inside]
posted by JoeXIII007 on Apr 11, 2013 - 24 answers

Every now and then, there will be a few weeks when I get electric shocks as I'm getting out of my cars. Normally they're just a little surprising, but the last few weeks I've been getting steadily stronger shocks that actually hurt / tingle for a while afterwards. What's going on? [more inside]
posted by sodium lights the horizon on Apr 11, 2013 - 12 answers

I'm evaluating my insurance coverage, and I'm confused a bit on auto insurance liability. It seems like a typical liability policy is $100k per person for bodily injury. From the tales of medical bills I've heard, it seems like a bad accident could pretty easily cause bills far exceeding that. Even if I increase it to $300k or $500k, if the actual costs are higher than that, it could pretty easily wipe out all my assets. What really happens in accident cases like that? Do they generally just settle for the insurance limits? [more inside]
posted by smackfu on Mar 28, 2013 - 7 answers

A few weeks ago I asked this question. Consider this a follow-up question. I have a 1993 Honda del Sol 5-speed Si that has a "mystery" problem of sometimes starting and sometimes not starting. It's always a cold-start problem. I put the key in the ignition, switch it to ON until the check engine light goes on, the fuel pump pressurizes, and the main relay clicks, and then crank it. Sometimes it will fire up right away. Other times the engine will turn over but not ignite. Once it is started, it will start up fine for the rest of the day. It only gives me trouble when the engine has gone completely cold and has been left untouched for upwards of four hours. A new issue has developed since I first posted my question. Even after getting the car started, sometimes just a few minutes later during a sharp acceleration (approaching 4000rpms or more) the engine stalls out. I have to pull the car over and start it up again. It always starts up fine after that and will usually not stall out again. I had this issue looked at by several mechanics, most of whom hadn't the slightest clue what it was or willingness to investigate. The last mechanic I took it to said it was a faulty ignition switch and replaced it . . . but that has done no good whatsoever. Also, just FYI, the spark plugs are relatively new. Any thoughts are appreciated!
posted by fignewton on Feb 28, 2013 - 10 answers

I am a Rhode Island resident. I'm in San Francisco, CA for several months, working. I've decided to buy a car from a friend here, and today I'm going over to give him the money (I've been driving it for a week or two, since he already bought a new car and we trust each other). [more inside]
posted by betsbillabong on Feb 26, 2013 - 6 answers

I'm approaching the dreaded moment that I need to buy a new (used) car. I hate the idea of negotiating with a salesperson. I love the idea of no-haggle. But I also hate the idea of getting a lemon. I've read loads of reviews of Carmax online, but they're so mixed, I don't know what to think. Can you offer insight? [more inside]
posted by Ms. Toad on Jan 23, 2013 - 19 answers

It's time for me to get a new car. I'm leaning towards a smaller car. What should I get? [more inside]
posted by reenum on Jan 21, 2013 - 55 answers

I'm looking for a good mechanic around Mount Pleasant or East Vancouver. I have a 1999 toyota corolla and honestly, it's getting to the point where I know something important is going to go. [more inside]
posted by concreteforest on Jan 11, 2013 - 3 answers

After a theft, how much DIY car repair is too much? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Dec 21, 2012 - 11 answers

Am I getting a fair price on 100K maintenance for my 1999 Avalon? [more inside]
posted by boognish on Dec 12, 2012 - 8 answers

Tips and advice for first time selling a used car? I am trying to figure out if I should fix up some cosmetic damage before selling my 2005 Honda Civic EX, as well as looking for general advice on selling on the private market. [more inside]
posted by Peemster on Nov 7, 2012 - 5 answers

I know very little about cars. So why won't mine start? [more inside]
posted by nurgle on Nov 4, 2012 - 12 answers

Car Wrap Filter: Do car wraps damage the paint underneath the wrap? [more inside]
posted by Flood on Oct 19, 2012 - 4 answers

Got rear-ended and am thoroughly unhappy with repair results. Any tips for negotiating with the insurance company re: how they're handling this? [more inside]
posted by kanuck on Oct 11, 2012 - 4 answers

Please help me reattach the power window switches to the inside of my car door. I need information about replacing a trim part on a Chrysler, and/or creative suggestions to mounting the switch unit. [more inside]
posted by Hoenikker on Aug 8, 2012 - 10 answers

Safety/severity questions with a bad tie rod. [more inside]
posted by wanderingchord on Aug 4, 2012 - 11 answers

My '95 Toyota Camry uses Dexron II transmission fluid as power steering fluid, but nobody sells Dexron II anymore... [more inside]
posted by Mercaptan on Jul 30, 2012 - 8 answers

How do I buy a car? [more inside]
posted by Sara C. on Jul 27, 2012 - 29 answers

My car is doing something kind of alarming, intermittently. I'd love to get some guesses as to whether I need to see a transmission specialist or not before I take it somewhere. [more inside]
posted by restless_nomad on Jul 24, 2012 - 12 answers

How exactly does one buy a car (first timer's edition)? [more inside]
posted by fishmasta on Jul 20, 2012 - 7 answers

Bought my used 01 Toyota Camry from a dealership over a year and a half ago. Today they inspected the brakes and told me all pads need to be replaced + new brake fluid + powersteering fluid flush + resurfacing the rotors, and new battery. I have been taking this vehicle to same dealership for routine oil changes which include multi-point inspections, and only the battery was an issue in the past. Am I wrong to think that after just over a year and a half I shouldn't need so much work done- should I complain and write a letter, or is this to be expected with a used vehicle? [more inside]
posted by biograd08 on Jul 14, 2012 - 20 answers

How can I obtain UK car insurance (just for a couple of weeks) with a US license while traveling. [more inside]
posted by zeoslap on Jul 3, 2012 - 18 answers

Corvette body shops in the Chicago, IL, USA area? [more inside]
posted by InsertNiftyNameHere on Jun 27, 2012 - 13 answers

Is it a bad idea to slightly accelerate on a steep uphill slope to keep a car with an automatic transmission stopped? [more inside]
posted by saeculorum on Jun 16, 2012 - 24 answers

The door on my crappy car got bent. It no longer makes a tight seal, and it is supposed to rain heavily for the next few days. Can I bend it back? [more inside]
posted by k8oglyph on Mar 13, 2012 - 7 answers

Help me determine the optimal time to trade in my car for a new one. [more inside]
posted by jalexc on Jan 30, 2012 - 7 answers

How do I convince the dealer to fix my car? Lonnnng explanation inside [more inside]
posted by clarkstonian on Jan 24, 2012 - 17 answers

Got in a car accident two years; car rental, uninsured. Complicated situation, car rental company wants $35K from me. What to do? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Jan 14, 2012 - 27 answers

What car would a well-to-do family drive in the year 1968? [more inside]
posted by foxinsocks on Jan 12, 2012 - 24 answers

I need a car for a daily 6-mile each way commute. There are no public transportation alternatives and carpooling is not an option. Cycling is also not much of an option. I'd like to buy the cheapest car possible ($5000 or less, preferably much less), use it for a couple of years and then sell it or just donate it to charity. [more inside]
posted by falameufilho on Jan 10, 2012 - 22 answers

Hey! So i am about to buy my very first vehicle and am pretty excited about the whole deal. My budget is no more than 5k and I am looking to get me a used small pickup truck. It seems like my best options are either a T100, Tacoma, frontier or a b2500. Are those considered reliable used pick ups? What kind of year/mileage y'all think 5k could bring? I am thinking a 2000 with about 120000 miles. Does that seems reasonable? The truck should be very reliable and could take some abuse, I don't really care about towing much because it will be used mainly for tools. I know VERY little about cars and mechanics and wouldn't even know the first thing to look out for when looking at a potential truck... I've been told to insist on a clean title, see that the engine and transmission are in good order, and pass it by a reliable mechanic. Anything else? Thank you for your time!
posted by Sentus on Jan 3, 2012 - 17 answers

2012 Beetle-filter - I just got one and I'm looking for ways to make it MORE retro looking. [more inside]
posted by rileyray3000 on Dec 5, 2011 - 10 answers

Someone broke into my car and stole all the seats! What to do now? [more inside]
posted by Fidel Cashflow on Dec 3, 2011 - 15 answers

We want to give a car to my broke brother. How can we do this safely? [more inside]
posted by my name is irl on Nov 17, 2011 - 24 answers

My car was rear ended last night and it's starting to look like the guy who hit me does not have a driver's license or insurance. So I'm not really sure what my next move is. [more inside]
posted by dhammond on Nov 13, 2011 - 20 answers

I know very little about car tires. Having problems finding a Blizzak-type winter tire, and retailer of same, for lady friend's older car. Advice gratefully accepted! [more inside]
posted by Alaska Jack on Nov 11, 2011 - 13 answers

I just had to replace my car's entire powertrain. What could've happened? How do I prevent it from happening AGAIN? [more inside]
posted by julthumbscrew on Nov 7, 2011 - 13 answers

As I was pulling away from the parking spot along the street this morning, my car ran over this gray light metal thing. I'm guessing that this cantaloupe-sized object fell off from the bottom of my car, but what is it and is this vital?? [more inside]
posted by of strange foe on Oct 18, 2011 - 10 answers

1. Best driver's education video we can watch online? 2. In one sentence - single most important thing you learned in driver education class? [more inside]
posted by cda on Aug 25, 2011 - 60 answers

If oil was vodka, my '05 Pontiac Vibe would be F. Scott Fitzgerald. Should we have the engine rebuilt or replaced? Automotive snowflakiness inside! [more inside]
posted by julthumbscrew on Aug 22, 2011 - 8 answers

Best way to get a loan for an 8-10 year old car? My bank won't finance anything over 7 years old, and I'm not sure I trust dealer financing. [more inside]
posted by tonyx3 on Aug 18, 2011 - 9 answers

Auto salvage around Cambridge, MA: I have a dead car, I would like to get rid of it and perhaps get a bit of cash. Do you have a specific recommendation? It's about the spammiest, unmanageably seedy topic that I've ever searched for and I would like personal recommendations. Everyone claims that they pay the most, I just want fast and easy to deal with-- any money is a bonus to having it over with. Hopefully today. Feel free to memail if you feel weird about public recommendations. Thanks!
posted by Mayor Curley on Aug 18, 2011 - 8 answers

Help a friend get legal ownership of a car he purchased in Illinois sans title [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Aug 8, 2011 - 3 answers

I have a question about car problems and the best course of action. On Tuesday my car made a thump/shuttering noise while driving and now Firestone says I need around $600 worth of repairs. 2004 Hyundai Elantra with around 56,000 miles. [more inside]
posted by andoatnp on Aug 3, 2011 - 10 answers

Leasefilter: Why does my dealer seem to be changing figures in my auto lease contract to make an error have a greater impact, and then compensating for the larger mistake, instead of just fixing the original error? [more inside]
posted by Naberius on Aug 3, 2011 - 12 answers

How easy is it to own and maintain a 70's-era MG Midget? [more inside]
posted by jayder on Jul 11, 2011 - 26 answers

I need to get rid of a car that is in pretty bad condition and has a gas leak. How can I get it off my property and out of my life? [more inside]
posted by devotion+doubt on Jun 26, 2011 - 14 answers

Simple scenario: I put parking receipt on dashboard, face up, and closed door. Air made receipt flip over. I didn't notice. Ding! That'll be $35. Any recourse? [more inside]
posted by Alaska Jack on May 18, 2011 - 11 answers