I bought a car!! It is a 1993 Honda Civic. I need to buy insurance. I will be driving my car about once a week, to buy groceries - otherwise I will be riding my bike around New Orleans, Louisiana. I don't know anything about car insurance. I am 34, have a perfect driving record. Can anyone help me figure out what kind of insurance I should get? [more inside]
posted by goneill on Dec 11, 2009 - 16 answers

My car's getting older, and I have recently moved to a new place with no garage. I'm worried about it starting in cold weather. More details inside! [more inside]
posted by Richat on Dec 11, 2009 - 13 answers

So I bought a car from out of state...please help me with the logistics! [more inside]
posted by HopperFan on Nov 15, 2009 - 6 answers

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 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

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

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

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

How do I read a 2002 VW Passat odometer? [more inside]
posted by KevinSkomsvold on Nov 29, 2008 - 18 answers

Online auto loans; too good to be true? [more inside]
posted by lekvar on Nov 8, 2008 - 7 answers

Should I replace the transmission or replace the car? [more inside]
posted by Nonce on Nov 8, 2008 - 11 answers

My car died far from home. What's the best way to get rid of it? [more inside]
posted by NortonDC on Nov 6, 2008 - 12 answers

My organisation has entasked me with installing a computer-based car booking system. We have roughly 14 cars. We currently use a huge whiteboard to manage this. But we imagine it could be easier to manage if people used a computer to query a database via an asset booking GUI. At least one of the computers ought to be a touchscreen installed somewhere central with a super easy GUI for those who are not so computer-literate. Access control an advantage (registered users, etc). Ability to leave messages about what's wrong with the cars - and equally see what others have reported - a wonderful thing. Also a real boon could be the ability to tell the system, I want a car from then to then - what's available? [more inside]
posted by dance on Oct 27, 2008 - 5 answers

Looking for a decent year-round convertible which can comfortably fit two adults and two children. [more inside]
posted by evilelf on Oct 25, 2008 - 15 answers

How can I set up a mobile singing booth in a friend's car? [more inside]
posted by sonicbloom on Oct 23, 2008 - 2 answers

How do I go about trading cars? [more inside]
posted by unclejeffy on Oct 17, 2008 - 3 answers

Canadian Auto Insurance Question: Nebulous limbo time between vehicles edition. "Everybody Knows" that there is a 14 day grace period to get your papers sorted out. Is there? [more inside]
posted by Acari on Oct 10, 2008 - 7 answers

I'm looking into tinting my car windows a) Should I do it myself or get a professional to do it? b) Can anyone recommend a good shop near Bristol, RI. c) Can cops tell if you tint the windows slightly more than the legal amount? [more inside]
posted by d(-_-)b on Sep 18, 2008 - 16 answers

What should I do if I'm not sure someone's after the fact claim about a car accident is actually related to the accident? [more inside]
posted by rbellon on Sep 17, 2008 - 5 answers

Did I get ripped off by my mechanic? [more inside]
posted by Brocktoon on Sep 4, 2008 - 17 answers

I want to use cheap gas in my 2006 Audi A4. Will this void my warranty? [more inside]
posted by rileyray3000 on Aug 22, 2008 - 14 answers

What is the most powerful car you can buy for around $25k? [more inside]
posted by Vindaloo on Aug 7, 2008 - 31 answers

Why blur license plates on TV shows? [more inside]
posted by fixedgear on Jul 30, 2008 - 16 answers

Yesterday I managed to rub my car against a steel pole with about umpteen layers of latex paint on it. It left a streak of latex on my car. How do I get the paint off without wrecking the clear-coat finish of my car? [more inside]
posted by dw on Jul 22, 2008 - 11 answers

Recommendations on an auto glass company in Minneapolis/St. Paul? [more inside]
posted by hootch on Jul 21, 2008 - 3 answers

I drive a 1992 Toyota Camry with just over 203,000 miles on it. As far as I know, the car is in good mechanical condition except that the rear struts are in fairly desperate need of replacement. How do you calculate the payback period for repairing an old but paid-off car, and how might you use this information to help decide whether to repair the car or buy a newer used car? [more inside]
posted by Juffo-Wup on Jul 18, 2008 - 20 answers

Do you have a mechanic to recommend near Arlington, MA? My beloved old Volvo has a bunch of little issues that need addressing. I'm in Arlington Heights, but I will go a bit out of my way if anyone has someone reliable, reasonable and fairly timely to recommend.
posted by Mayor Curley on Jul 13, 2008 - 6 answers

Car-repair-filter: Any mechanics got a trick for freeing a stuck brake piston? [more inside]
posted by sergeant sandwich on Jul 9, 2008 - 8 answers

How do we navigate auto insurance negotiation post accident? My partner was involved in a major auto accident this past week. We're now trying to figure out all the insurance craziness. [more inside]
posted by FlamingBore on Jul 5, 2008 - 4 answers

What happens to concept cars unveiled in Auto Shows? [more inside]
posted by seawallrunner on Jul 3, 2008 - 7 answers

This question is for my friend. He's looking to buy a more fuel efficient car (he gets 10-12 mpg from his Suburban—wants more like 20-25). He is looking at Volvo cars, specifically the 2000-2002 S60's, S70's, and C70's. Evidently the convertible models from the early 2000's weren't that safe. Looking to spend $11 grand or less. What information do you have about these Volvo models? What should he look out for? Are their similar convertibles to the C70 with similar MPG and better safety/maintenance records?
posted by Korou on Jun 7, 2008 - 7 answers

Some advice please on auto rental in the US please? [more inside]
posted by daveyt on Jun 3, 2008 - 11 answers

I have this fantasy of deckin out my car... fast and the furious style. I drive a '99 Chrysler 300M fully loaded (minus the sunroof). I was thinkin of getting some ground effects to give it a tougher look, but still maintain it's classy appeal, and some nice rims to complement the classier (yet aggressive look). Also for interiors, I was hoping there is some kind of heads up display to show engine stats, radio info and more, as well as a nice receiver. How much would I be looking to spend? Any tips,pointers, links, are literature would be great!
posted by FireStyle on Jun 2, 2008 - 6 answers

My car was repossessed and auctioned and now Honda wants the difference paid in full. If I could have made the payments I would have...are there any lawyers out there that can help answer my questions, worries and anxieties? [more inside]
posted by eve28 on May 27, 2008 - 14 answers

Please identify this part pulled from a car. [more inside]
posted by kaozity on May 4, 2008 - 11 answers

Selling my car in Oklahoma, but it's registered in Texas. Can I get some advice on what to do here? More details inside, and this sale could happen today! [more inside]
posted by jimmyhutch on May 1, 2008 - 1 answer

Is there a precursor to Moore's Law for internal combustion engines? If so, can you provide details, please?
posted by Exchequer on Apr 24, 2008 - 7 answers