Low-income housing exists, obviously, for, e.g., a mother of four children with any kind of job. But I'm a man, 53, no kids, unmarried, and work independent contractor jobs.
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posted by noelpratt2nd
on Mar 22, 2013 -
10 answers
I am contemplating getting rid of my car, as it is expensive to insure and there is car sharing available in my building, and I mostly use public transit these days anyway. But I don't really know how to actually do that.
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posted by jacquilynne
on Mar 21, 2013 -
11 answers
I am sorry to ask such a dumb question, but I have a very early flight from South Park Slope to LaGuardia, and googling car services so far is returning not great results. Is there a car service someone can recommend for an early pick up (our flight is at 5:30 a.m.)?
posted by Peemster
on Mar 19, 2013 -
13 answers
Thinking of buying a 2013 Ford Focus Automatic. Big Manufacturer incentives right now.
My one concern: lots of reports on car forums about transmission "shudder" that Ford appears to have blamed on programming alone for the last 2 years, but many owners say the reprogramming didn't solve things.
I cant tell for sure that the most recent cars coming off the line are affected. Seems hard to get reliable information.
Thoughts?
posted by dougiedd
on Mar 17, 2013 -
9 answers
There's a stop sign in front of my house, and people don't stop at it. Our neighborhood is working on various ways of solving this problem, and my contribution is to create signs to hang up on my wall right next to the stop sign. Last year in a fit of pique Mr. BlahLaLa made one that said SLOW DOWN, FU**ER! That actually had a big, positive impact, believe it or not, but when the novelty wore off, so did compliance. So, help me create a stack of posters I can use in rotation?
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posted by BlahLaLa
on Mar 15, 2013 -
52 answers
[Chicago Filter] My car needs new brakes, like, a year ago. (Seriously.) I need to find a good (reasonably priced, will get the job done) mechanic in Chicago because the Toyota dealership wants payment in first born children.
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posted by phunniemee
on Mar 12, 2013 -
14 answers
Looking for advice on buying a used vehicle in limited supply. More inside.
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posted by ngn01
on Mar 11, 2013 -
7 answers
My SO and I have a 1999 Lexus ES 300 with low miles (ca. 80K). We use it mostly on the weekend for errands. The car is in more or less good driving condition, but parking on the streets and Boston winters are taking their toll cosmetically. Dealership recommended $5100 in repairs on its recent checkup--nearly the value of the car--and we're wondering which repairs are worthwhile, which are overpriced and should be done elsewhere, and which can be skipped.
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posted by Calamity Jen
on Mar 5, 2013 -
20 answers
Is it my transmission, my clutch, or something else? Shifting into 2nd gear from 1st, constant acceleration (gas pedal) but the car stutters (surges forward, almost stalls, surges forward, almost stalls with concomitant spiking of RPM).
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posted by porpoise
on Mar 4, 2013 -
20 answers
Would it be cheaper to rent a car for 6 months or get a lease swap with short term car insurance in California?
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posted by pakoothefakoo
on Mar 2, 2013 -
5 answers
I am thinking about buying a new car in a few months, wondering about model, when to buy, and planning around a trip in June. Advice/Tips/Opinions/Tales/Fact or Fiction Appreciated! (Much more inside)
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posted by token-ring
on Mar 1, 2013 -
15 answers
I need a car. I'm poor. I've never bought a car before, and it's been a long time since anyone in my family has bought one. Need guidance. How do you buy a car?
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posted by royalsong
on Feb 28, 2013 -
15 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).
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posted by betsbillabong
on Feb 26, 2013 -
6 answers
I have a two-car garage with a LiftMaster automatic garage door opener that is misbehaving and it's driving me crazy. It seems to be randomly just opening the door long after it is closed and I can't figure out why. I've seen the other questions about garage door openers but was hoping for some advice specific to my situation.
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posted by misskaz
on Feb 22, 2013 -
14 answers
Hi all, longtime reader here, new poster. While dealing with multiple personal hardships (more inside), I had a lapse in insurance coverage for 10 days. This has snowballed into a major issue for me, and I may lose my driving privileges for 3 months, which means losing my job. Any and all advice/anecdata appreciated.
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posted by cardinality
on Feb 20, 2013 -
7 answers
I will need to park a car on or near Stanford campus this week this evening through Friday evening. I would prefer to park the car as close to Campus & Bowdoin as possible, preferably within a mile. Worst comes to worst I can use visitor parking ($12 a day), but I would prefer something cheaper or ideally free. Are there are any streets in Palo Alto without parking restrictions near the eastern side of campus, for example?
posted by dd42
on Feb 18, 2013 -
6 answers
I've had a particularly awful experience on Friday that made me pull over and cry for a few minutes. LA freeways are a nightmare, and I really need ideas on how to internally deal with assholes on the road, and repeated incidents of dangerous aggression. I don't know how everyone else does it!
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posted by Tequila Mockingbird
on Feb 16, 2013 -
46 answers
I've got a '98 Subaru Legacy Outback with 138k miles that I need to get rid of. It runs, but would need a fair amount of work done to continue running for long. It is safe to drive, but I wouldn't want to take it on a long trip. Trying to determine the best option: Selling, donating, or junking. In Philadelphia.
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posted by SpiffyRob
on Feb 15, 2013 -
15 answers
I would like to keep a plant (alive) in my car, possibly in a cup holder. Is there a plant that could handle my car's interior environment, isn't too fussy about watering, and is not covered in needles?
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posted by mnemonic
on Feb 13, 2013 -
12 answers
Why do anti-lock brake systems [seem to] work so much better than traction control systems on modern sedans?
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posted by Juffo-Wup
on Feb 8, 2013 -
15 answers
About six weeks I purchased a 5-speed 1993 Honda del Sol Si. Overall, I'm very pleased with the transaction. It's in great shape and runs very nicely.
However, ever since a few days after I bought it, I've had a very frustrating recurring problem.
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posted by fignewton
on Feb 5, 2013 -
26 answers
I have a 1995 Toyota Corolla Conquest who's factory standard radio has just died (I think). It made a slight noise last night and cut out, and is now just flashing 01:00 on the clock with no buttons responding at all. I thought maybe the fuse had blown so I checked the radio fuse, but it doesn't look to have blown (something I suspected as a time keeps flashing on the display and I thought a blown fuse wouldn't allow any electronics to work). Also the cigarette lighter still works and that is connected/part of the radio fuse.
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posted by sunshine arakhan
on Jan 31, 2013 -
9 answers
I want to get my driver's licence but I don't have a car. What are my options in Maryland? Are their provisions for this?
posted by josher71
on Jan 31, 2013 -
17 answers
I love my car. It is reliable, trustworthy, and it has carried me safely through at least one rather hairy situation. Best of all, it was cheap. When I touch the dashboard, I remember the thrill of the negotiation process, and even the salesman's sweaty palm as we shook hands on a price thousands of dollars lower than what my friend paid for the exact same model.
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posted by wolfdreams01
on Jan 30, 2013 -
21 answers
Hello Everyone,
So my car is currently impounded at a private tow lot in New York City as it has been for the past 5 weeks. I only received notification from the police department by mail in the past few days.
When I called up to the tow lot this morning and spoke with the general manager, he informed me that my car has already racked up almost $1400 (!) in storage fees at $27/day. (The police document said only $17/day). He also said that he had sent a package to me on 1/26, but I still haven't received it yet.
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posted by anonymous
on Jan 29, 2013 -
24 answers
Please help me think through this car battery problem. I have a new battery, but no car power. Details inside.
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posted by griseus
on Jan 24, 2013 -
14 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?
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posted by Ms. Toad
on Jan 23, 2013 -
19 answers
I've got 2 Mini Coopers that I love: 2006 automatic with 35k miles and sunroof that I own outright, 2011 manual with 17k miles and a Thule kayak rack that I owe about $7k on.
My older teens have moved out and I don't need to have both cars anymore, so I'm trying to figure out the quickest, most hassle-free way of having only one car. Because I work full-time and live with just my son, I really don't want to have people coming to my house as I try to sell a car on my own and I'm willing to lose a little cash if I can make some type of deal on the spot with a dealer. Again, I really do NOT want to do Craigslist and sell the car on my own.
I have a good relationship with the Mini dealer where I bought both cars. A friend suggested I bring in both cars, explain the situation, and see what they come up with.
Any other ideas about the easiest way to get me into one Mini? Ideas to make the cars more desirable to the dealer? What angles have I not considered?
posted by kinetic
on Jan 23, 2013 -
20 answers
I bought a new couch. It got delivered yesterday. The couch is damaged (though it's very minor). I'm going to call "the guy" today and "work something out." Please help me choose the best option.
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posted by phunniemee
on Jan 22, 2013 -
25 answers
It's time for me to get a new car. I'm leaning towards a smaller car. What should I get?
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posted by reenum
on Jan 21, 2013 -
55 answers
What resources are available to accurately assess a car or truck's performance in specific situations? I'm interested in knowing how different makes and models stack up in stop-and-go traffic or poorly-maintained roads, and it seems every review site ignores or spends little time on situations like these.
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posted by CancerMan
on Jan 18, 2013 -
7 answers
My car broke down on me. Needs a new alternator, battery and wiring. It costs $800 to fix. How can I come up with the money? I have $0 to my name, 1 maxed out credit card, and no way to take out a payday loan because I just started a job 4 days ago after a lengthy unemployment. I can't borrow the money or bum rides from friends/family. I'm required to drive for my job and I'm in danger of losing it. I've also just started making new friends after years without them and now I can't drive to meet anyone anywhere. I'm worried my life is going to fall apart. I have one thing that I can sell for maybe $150. Are there ways to come up with the money I'm missing? I'm freaking out. Thank you.
posted by Pericardium
on Jan 16, 2013 -
38 answers
We're planning a trip next year and will be staying (for free!) near Lovina on the North-central coast. We'd like to rent a car for the week and day-trip to see the other parts of the island. Is this realistic and/or advisable? How are the roads in reality?
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posted by scottatdrake
on Jan 16, 2013 -
8 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.
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posted by concreteforest
on Jan 11, 2013 -
3 answers
I've been on a cross country road trip for over 35 days, originally departing from Los Angeles. While driving back home, I got caught in a rain/thunderstorm in Louisiana and rear-ended the car in front of me. I only have liability insurance, so the other party is taken care of but I have to take care of my own busted car. I'm wondering if it's worth getting it fixed up or just getting a new car once I get back home.
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posted by xtine
on Jan 11, 2013 -
14 answers
It's a 1999 Honda Civic Hatchback. Apparently cars of this type and age have a tendency to develop a leak around the tail lights. This leak was fixed recently but the car either hasn't dried out from that yet or is damp *again.* The windows are perpetually fogged up and often need towelling and the seats (fabric) are suspiciously cool. How to dry it out and keep it that way? Thank you!
posted by srs airbag
on Jan 8, 2013 -
16 answers
Should I trade my rebuilt title vehicle for any other vehicle, just to get an increased trade in value?
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posted by NotSoSimple
on Dec 31, 2012 -
10 answers
What could be causing the sudden steering wheel vibration/shake and sudden pulling to the right with my 96' AWD Subaru Legacy?
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posted by pilibeen
on Dec 29, 2012 -
16 answers
The cheapest car, period. Don't care about safety, looks, frills, country of origin, or anything else except as to how it relates to cost.
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posted by Etrigan
on Dec 27, 2012 -
20 answers
Car-filter: how useful are dynamic / adaptive headlights (the ones that swivel when you turn)? Why do they appear to be going out of fashion?
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posted by meowzilla
on Dec 23, 2012 -
5 answers
