Calling those w/ more knowledge of cars than I... 1999 Toyota Camry with a well-documented Check Engine light problem. How can I convince people/mechanics that the problem is a low-percentage systemic design flaw and not something that needs replacing if there's never been a recall issued? [more inside]
posted by Lacking Subtlety on Nov 5, 2009 - 11 answers

Car rental insurance: what should I get? [more inside]
posted by cgs on Nov 2, 2009 - 15 answers

Is using cruise control all the time bad for my car in any way? [more inside]
posted by srrh on Oct 31, 2009 - 27 answers

Is there a way to calculate the relative cost of buying an older used car vs a later-model one? Taking into account depreciation, maintenance costs, etc. [more inside]
posted by lunasol on Oct 26, 2009 - 8 answers

I need to get a car, but I don't do much driving... so I don't want to spend a lot. That means I'm looking at the new Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Mazda 3 class of cars (all 2010). Of the group, the Mazda 3 is my favorite by far. Thing is, I don't really know much about cars + I'm a 26 year old guy = is the Mazda 3 a chicks car? [more inside]
posted by creative on Oct 24, 2009 - 70 answers

I'll be regularly flying in to ski near N. Lake Tahoe this winter. Which airport should I fly into and which rental agency should I use to be most assured of getting an AWD vehicle? [more inside]
posted by brain on Oct 23, 2009 - 4 answers

Headlights won't turn on, any ideas? [more inside]
posted by mattsweaters on Oct 21, 2009 - 15 answers

What is the probability that the worst will happen? My girlfriend lost her keys. What are the odds that someone will find all the right places to use these keys? [more inside]
posted by AlliKat75 on Oct 20, 2009 - 16 answers

Why would someone break into a bunch of cars but ignore valuables only to rifle through paperwork? [more inside]
posted by twiggy on Oct 19, 2009 - 28 answers

The headlights on my 2004 Dodge Durango randomly blink out for a few seconds while I'm driving. As you can imagine, this is a bit unnerving, not to mention dangerous, on a dark road at night. It is not consistent. It may happen a few times one night, then not again for a week. I do not have the automatic headlight feature. It does not seem to be connected to using the brakes, or turn signals, or anything like that. It's not even connected to moving as it has happened while the truck is not in motion. The 2nd generation Durango's do not have a headlight relay, which was my first thought on a part to check. The lights are apparently digitally controlled. I took it into the dealer and of course, the damn lights wouldn't act up there and the on board computer is not reporting any error codes, so the dealer didn't do anything but overcharge me for an oil change and tire rotation. I'm worried the lights will go out for good at a very inopportune time, like on one of our two trips in the next month. Has anybody had this problem, or have a guess as to where I should be looking for the cause?
posted by COD on Oct 16, 2009 - 8 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

Give me a brake!...I'd like to have a clue about brake rotors. I'm getting my brakes repaired today, and don't want to replace brake rotors if I don't need to. Thing is... I don't know squat about brake rotors so could be easily taken for a ride on the rotormobile. How can I ask the right questions to make sure I really need rotors if the mechanic recommends they be replaced?
posted by ecorrocio on Oct 15, 2009 - 10 answers

When I bought my car from out of state, the dealer never collected sales tax. Now I moved to that state and the state wants to collect! Help! [more inside]
posted by Tu13es on Oct 13, 2009 - 10 answers

Dating in San Francisco : will the women here expect me to have a car? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Oct 12, 2009 - 20 answers

Help me buy a (used) car for the first time! [more inside]
posted by Jsn7821 on Oct 9, 2009 - 4 answers

San Francisco Filter: What's the deal with the 'commercial vehicle' only area in the financial district? No one seems to notice or care. [more inside]
posted by sammich on Sep 28, 2009 - 2 answers

TO CAR OR NOT TO CAR (buy that is). Help me figure out when to replace our paid-for-but-aging-vehicles. What's the best way to time this unwanted expense over 5 years, especially with a young driver in the wings. [more inside]
posted by ecorrocio on Sep 24, 2009 - 7 answers

Why are there separate repair places for foreign cars? [more inside]
posted by madcaptenor on Sep 24, 2009 - 14 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

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

Anyone know of an aftermaket car stereo head unit that will play nicely with the iPhone 3gs? I looked at the previous question related to this, but didn't see any specific model recs...various google searches and Crutchfield have led me to believe that the 3rd gen iPhones are having charging issues with some (or all?) models of aftermarket stereos. I'd love to hear if anyone has any first hand experience lately with buying a new stereo for use with a newer iPhone. I probably would spend up to $400 for something cool. Thanks in advance.
posted by katocolon on Sep 3, 2009 - 4 answers

Is supermarket petrol bad for my car? [more inside]
posted by Lorc on Aug 30, 2009 - 14 answers

Is it worth it to buy a car for dating purposes? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Aug 17, 2009 - 85 answers

I see that trading two cars in for one is legal and done fairly often. Does anybody have experience and/or tips with this sort of thing? [more inside]
posted by Madamina on Aug 14, 2009 - 3 answers

In order to find it if it's worth scratching a new web development itch, I'm looking for some links to websites that relating to cars that offer the following functionality... [more inside]
posted by newformula on Aug 13, 2009 - 4 answers

Do I really need to use the emergency brake when parking my car? [more inside]
posted by Badmichelle on Aug 9, 2009 - 30 answers

[Autofilter] My brakes make a grinding sound when I first start driving. After I use the brakes several times, usually after 5-10 minutes of driving (sometimes more), they're back to normal. In addition to the grinding sound, it's much harder to push down on the brake- this also disappears after using my brakes enough. What's up? [more inside]
posted by spaltavian on Aug 9, 2009 - 17 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've been bitten by a racing game bug. What resources would you recommend for learning basic-to-intermediate race and rally car driving knowledge, knowing that they will only ever be used in video games? [more inside]
posted by lifeless on Aug 3, 2009 - 12 answers

Hypothetical Cash for Clunkers question - If I brought in a clunker, how much of the clunker must be there? [more inside]
posted by datacenter refugee on Jul 29, 2009 - 19 answers

Car care: (1) How often, generally speaking, should I change my spark plugs and plug wires? (2) When a vehicle gets a "tune up," what, exactly, does this mean? What gets tuned? Thanks!
posted by jackypaper on Jul 28, 2009 - 12 answers

I'm generally freaking out about buying a car (used, my first) and have a short laundry list of very general questions. [more inside]
posted by Shepherd on Jul 28, 2009 - 19 answers

Best second hand small car under AUD$20,000? Fuel efficient. Reliable. Low maintenance. 4 doors. No older than 4 years. Automatic. Suit young couple in Australia. [more inside]
posted by simplesharps on Jul 20, 2009 - 20 answers

How long do you think a ~$8000 car will last? [more inside]
posted by Rubbstone on Jul 20, 2009 - 28 answers

good research materials on the subject of electric cars, 3d modeling and/or entrepreneurship? [more inside]
posted by groovinkim on Jul 20, 2009 - 4 answers

Newbie car trade in advice sought. Looking to swap my newish Honda Civic for an older minivan (yay!) of roughly equivalent value. Dealer trade in? Sell separately? [more inside]
posted by malphigian on Jul 20, 2009 - 9 answers

Can I Still Get a Cash-Back Car Rebate After Buying a Car? [more inside]
posted by Elsie on Jul 18, 2009 - 4 answers

MeChanics, a moment, please! Could wheel bearing failure be caused by improperly replacing brakes/rotors on my car? [more inside]
posted by Jinkeez on Jul 15, 2009 - 9 answers

My boss wants me to research GPS units for him to use since he'll be traveling a lot more in the near future. Any recommendations? I really don't know what I should be looking for in a good GPS unit. [more inside]
posted by chiababe on Jul 14, 2009 - 18 answers

Decision procedure, method for getting rid of old car? [more inside]
posted by paultopia on Jul 13, 2009 - 10 answers

Road test in Toronto (G1 exit for those familiar with Ontario's graduated permits). I've never taken a road test before and want to know what specific little details they look for that people commonly forget. [more inside]
posted by thenormshow on Jul 12, 2009 - 13 answers

Do dealerships still loan out cars you're interested in buying for an hour or two? Years ago before I was of driving age, I went with my parents to a dealership to look at some cars. I can't recall if we were buying a new or used car, but the dealership let us take the car for a couple of hours. (Perhaps it was a used car and we took it to a secondary mechanic?) [more inside]
posted by IndigoRain on Jul 8, 2009 - 12 answers

Is there and GOOD and CHEAP way to replace a Prius battery? [more inside]
posted by SLC Mom on Jul 6, 2009 - 10 answers

What car is this anyone, please? [more inside]
posted by xmradio03 on Jul 3, 2009 - 10 answers

im looking for a new fangled device designed to measure tyre pressure for cars. you drive onto a ramp and somehow it reads the pressure. [more inside]
posted by freddymetz on Jul 2, 2009 - 19 answers

Foolproof way to prevent registration sticker theft? [more inside]
posted by oinopaponton on Jun 23, 2009 - 16 answers

Boobies, fast cars, and monkeys: Any movies with all three of these magical ingredients? [more inside]
posted by ferociouskitty on Jun 13, 2009 - 21 answers

UK second-hand car market: what would be the best choice for roughly £1,000 when longevity and reliability are the priorities? [more inside]
posted by thoughtless on Jun 11, 2009 - 10 answers

Would a Certified Pre-owned car sold by a dealer qualify as a 'new' car under the cash for clunkers legislation that was just passed by the house?
posted by zeoslap on Jun 10, 2009 - 7 answers

I don't drive and I need to figure out how. [more inside]
posted by FunkyHelix on Jun 10, 2009 - 16 answers