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.
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posted by JoeXIII007
on Apr 11, 2013 -
24 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
Does the Nike Fuel Band calculate total calories burned or calories over basal metabolic rate? I have a hard time believing that, at 6:44 PM, I have only burned 376 calories since 12 AM.
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posted by Punctual
on Apr 18, 2012 -
1 answer
My wife and I both have iPhones. We also own two cars. We each drive either of the cars, depending on where we are going and how many kids we're taking. Is there an app that lets us sync fuel records for both cars between both phones, no matter who does the fill-up? How do we synchronize our records?
posted by Pater Aletheias
on Apr 9, 2012 -
11 answers
IF, tomorrow, the world switched to blimps from jets for all but emergency travel, how much fuel would we save?
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posted by rileyray3000
on May 23, 2011 -
18 answers
My friend needs fuel for a
Crate & Barrel's Culinary Torch, SKU 447463
The torch was purchased at Crate & Barrel, fuel not included, so:
What kind of fuel should we get? We've heard propane. Is that correct, or should it be something else? And what sort of container does it need to be in?
Finally, where to buy it?
Thanks!
posted by world b free
on Nov 9, 2010 -
10 answers
Approximately how much of the productivity gains of the past 125 years has been a result of using fossil fuels?
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posted by TheOtherSide
on Jun 30, 2010 -
11 answers
My diesel-powered car doesn't want to start but once it does, it runs fine. What's up with that?
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posted by esereth
on Dec 8, 2009 -
15 answers
What could be some reasons why my gas mileage is very suddenly and dramatically craptastic?
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posted by desuetude
on Nov 22, 2009 -
19 answers
I am disappointed in my relationship with my 97 Honda Civic. Maybe you can give me some advice. YANMM.
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posted by bunny hugger
on Sep 14, 2009 -
5 answers
First time homebuyer - "its customary to purchase the unused fuel from the seller" urf?
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posted by SirStan
on Jun 22, 2009 -
39 answers
Legal and bureaucratic obstacles to converting a vehicle to alternative fuel in California? First hand experiences most welcome!
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posted by mosk
on Apr 2, 2009 -
8 answers
FreightTrainFilter: Living near train tracks in Greensboro, NC, I've noticed that there's an increase in the amount of double-stacked trailers that you would normally see being hauled by rigs on the interstate. Is this related simply to fuel costs, or are there other factors at work?
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posted by lifeofthunder
on Mar 2, 2009 -
6 answers
What percentage of U.S. power plants can run on either natural gas or residual fuel oil? Please cite source.
posted by zembla3
on Jan 16, 2009 -
4 answers
I know a couple of folks with gas stoves, and they have trouble with a sticky residue coating their walls and ceiling around the range. They describe it as inherent to cooking with gas. (It's really disgusting.) Yet other folks I know who cook with gas don't report any such problems. Is this a known problem? Any idea why it would affect some people, but not others? Different types of gas (natural vs. propane)? Badly-tuned stoves? Something they're cooking?
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posted by waldo
on Dec 31, 2008 -
33 answers
In a cheap ol' plastic BIC-type lighter there's a divider that separates the fuel chamber into two sections. Why does this exist?
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posted by toomanyplugs
on Nov 27, 2008 -
18 answers
How much jet fuel does it take to fly a 50lb box 100 miles vs. gasoline for driving the same box the same distance?
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posted by Caviar
on Nov 4, 2008 -
7 answers
Car help: why can't i fill up my tank? (hint: it has nothing to do with the economy)
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posted by speef
on Jul 31, 2008 -
13 answers
Help us pick a car! We're looking for a good used family car. We have two daughters, a 2 1/2 year old and a newborn and need a car that can accommodate an infant car carrier without putting the front passenger's knees in the glovebox.
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posted by Reverend John
on Jun 5, 2008 -
23 answers
What are the differences between vehicles that are ethanol (e85+) compatible and those that are not?
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posted by IronLizard
on May 8, 2008 -
14 answers
How can I get this diesel to start?
I have a 1996 Vandura van with a 6.5L diesel motor.
I stored it all winter...and with a quick jump it started. I drove it around and it did fine, but then right before I got it home it died. Now it won't start.
What am I doing wrong? Do I need to add something to the fuel? The batteries are fine and it cranks, but won't turn over.
posted by rocket_johnny
on Apr 14, 2008 -
8 answers
My car, which is rarely driven, is unexpectedly acting like it's full of gas and will not accept more. I have no recollection of filling it with gas, though I do recall that the last time I drove it, it was hope-i-make-it-home almost empty. Am I just super forgetful? Or is there another explanation?
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posted by FortyT-wo
on Mar 15, 2008 -
42 answers
I drive a 97 Cavalier that is otherwise in good condition, but I am having a terrible time with the injectors leaking gas.
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posted by blue shadows
on Feb 7, 2008 -
6 answers
OK, I know this is a little silly but it's really beginning to bug me. Is there a way to get the nozzle from a commercial gasoline dispenser out of my car without spilling a few drops of gasoline onto the car or the ground? I have tried shaking the nozzle every which way, i have tried fiddling with the hose, but nothing seems to work. Is spilling a little gas every time I fill up a law of nature, or am I missing something that everyone else knows somehow?
posted by ubiquity
on Jan 6, 2008 -
11 answers
My friend says the fuel injection in my 2002 Jetta wagon (non-diesel) suffers if I let the tank get less than 1/4 full. She also believes that "el cheapo" gasoline, from locally-owned non-chain stations, isn't as good, or is actively bad, for the car. Is there any truth to either of these claims?
posted by luriete
on Dec 7, 2007 -
29 answers
One malfunctioning fuel pump + one fuel pump with a broken positive terminal = ? How safe are electric motors immersed in gasoline, anyway?
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posted by IronLizard
on Dec 5, 2007 -
7 answers
In three cars I've driven, I get about 300 miles per tank of gas. But with all three cars, I can get up to 200 miles by the time I hit 1/2 tank. But invariably, by the time I near the 300 mile mark, I'm on E. Am I nuts or do gas seem to burn faster in the lower 1/2 of my tank? Is this mental or by design?
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posted by mathowie
on Apr 7, 2007 -
22 answers
"My first experience purchasing an alternative fuel (E85)", or "How can I get my $20ish back?" or, "why is this such a pain in the ass?"
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posted by bradn
on Feb 27, 2007 -
17 answers
