Author: Ray Magliozzi
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Car Talk: Second catalytic converter isn’t ‘extra’
Dear Car Talk: I have a 2004 Toyota Tacoma SR5 with about 85,000 miles. My check-engine light came on at about 75,000 miles, and it was a bad catalytic converter. The dealer said to let it go because they are so expensive to change. The light came on again as I was driving out of…
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Car Talk: In search of an older Subaru
Dear Car Talk: I want to buy a used Subaru for my winter adventures, most likely a 2000-’05 Outback or Forester with approximately 100,000 miles. (I know, I’m begging for trouble!) There is a small used-car dealer in the area who specializes in used Subarus. He is somehow associated with a locally renowned specialty Subaru…
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Car Talk: If only stopping global warming were this easy
Dear Car Talk: Why can’t I use carbon dioxide gas to fill my tires instead of air (78 percent nitrogen) or instead of 100 percent nitrogen? If EVERYONE in the world filled their tires with carbon dioxide, wouldn’t that take a LOT of carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere and slow global warming? Think of…
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Car Talk: Good maintenance follows a schedule
Dear Car Talk: I have a 1998 Toyota Tacoma pickup with 210,000 miles. I change the automatic fluid whenever the transmission “feels” like it needs it, which tends to be about the time I get to the recommended fluid-change interval. I also have a 2005 Lexus ES 330 with 188,000 miles. The owner’s manual suggests…
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Car Talk: When “normal” is still under warranty
Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save Dear Car Talk: I have a 2014 Ford Focus with a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission that shudders on takeoff and then smooths out past second gear. The dealer says this is normal, and we have…
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Car Talk: Can Ray help her car get its groove back?
Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save Dear Car Talk: I have a 1991 Honda Civic Wagon with almost 180,000 miles. It runs fine, except that it has an intermittent hesitation problem that is happening more frequently. It happens only at low…
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Car Talk: What is making his car go “bump”?
Dear Car Talk: I have a 2000 Nissan Maxima, and when I go over a speed bump it makes a “thump” sound when it lands back on the road. The sound comes from the rear, as if something heavy is loose in the back and that makes the sound when it lands after the vehicle…
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Car Talk: What to do when they stop making the car you love?
Dear Car Talk: OK, I’m an old geezer. A relic. An antique. And whatever else describes “mature individuals.” I still love my Mercury Grand Marquis. But, just like me, they don’t make them anymore. I love being able to take everything I own when I go on vacation, including the kitchen sink. I like the…
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Car Talk: Finding the right car for winter conditions
Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save Dear Car Talk: Is there a rule of thumb about what sort of vehicle is most stable on icy roads — maybe all-wheel drive versus two-wheel drive, or wide wheelbase versus narrow wheelbase? Last winter…