Car Advice?

[Gaolee]

For that matter, cars themselves are inefficient when you can take busses.
But having fun driving is inefficient. Curvy roads are inefficient. Burning rubber is inefficient.
Human existence is inefficient, so they must be eliminated.
Where do you stop?

Answer: You don't.

 

[Gaolee]

Now my wife needs a car too. A two $2K repair turned into such an expensive job that the mechanic just gave it back to us to trade in. This is no fun.

On the bright side, now we have twice as many opportunities to give you really bad advice.

 

[Mike N]

You could have worked at the shop I’ve been going to for the last 30+ years. Totally how they do it. Plus, the owner will talk your ear off about life stuff every time. Nothing to do with cars.

Shops like that seem to be few and far between these days. There's not many young guys getting into the trade and it's kinda sad. Keep going to them as long as they stay in business, but eventually they're going to retire and the new crew will take over.

There's a shop about 3 miles from my house that's made up of mostly guys my age (58) and they're always busy. I stop in occasionally for an alignment or a State Inspection (can't do either at my house) and these guys are laid back and honest....... they even offered me a part time job and while I was honored, I passed for now.

My old shop is a cluster....... one tech I worked with is still there and he's ready to bail, and after 25 year's it's sad that they don't respect him for his talent...... instead he's seen as an overpaid liability and the new corporate mentality is we can get anyone to change parts for slightly above minimum wage with a paltry incentive program.

That's all great and maybe anyone can hang parts, it's knowing what parts need to be replaced so you're not stuck with comebacks and a pissed off customer.

Unlike the AutoZone ads that show the counter jockey pulling a code and selling you a part, it's not like that on the real world. We used to see the Ford Windstar vans come in with lean codes and 4 shiny new AutoZone 02 sensors..... the problem was the intake manifold gaskets and the forward valve cover...... Ford had a TSB out with a part # for the updated kit to fix this issue, but AutoZone insisted on selling parts after the "free diagnosis" and it didn't fix the problem.

I ran into my High School auto shop teacher a few months ago and I thanked him for teaching us to never overlook the basics. You guys would be surprised at how one crappy ground or a vacuum leak can trigger a myriad of codes and drivability issues, yet there's still guys that shotgun parts at a problem because that's the code I got from my $20 Amazon code reader.

I loved what I did, I still dabble in it for a used car dealership my friend owns and I also do part time wrenching for a local landscape company and a horse farm.

What I don't miss is the corporate politics and greed that is killing the industry.

 

[MonetBass]

Mike N's method was like this.....

Hi, Mr. BBR, I understand you have a rattle noise and that's why your here today.... Let's get the car up in the air and see what's going on.

..... later, I'd be on the phone calling you and reporting that we found the rattle was a loose heat shield above the muffler and we can re secure it for X dollars....... by the way, while we had the vehicle on the lift we noticed that your tires could use a rotation, the mileage you're at there's suggested services, etc...... nothing that needs to be done today but something to consider for future visits.

Believe it or not, the Infiniti dealership here where I always take my car is the same way. They recommend services that you must approve before they're done. If I don't feel they're needed, I don't have them done. (I've done minor stuff under the hoods of my cars my whole life, taught by my dad.)

At a different shop where we took my wife's car (which we sold this year), they recommended a brake fluid flush. I looked at the SA and said, "Why? It didn't look dark to me the last time I topped it off." That was the end of that.

 

[Mike N]

Believe it or not, the Infiniti dealership here where I always take my car is the same way. They recommend services that you must approve before they're done. If I don't feel they're needed, I don't have them done. (I've done minor stuff under the hoods of my cars my whole life, taught by my dad.)

At a different shop where we took my wife's car (which we sold this year), they recommended a brake fluid flush. I looked at the SA and said, "Why? It didn't look dark to me the last time I topped it off." That was the end of that.

Quite honestly unless you have a leak, there's no reason you should ever have to top off the brake fluid.

If it's low enough to turn on the red "BRAKE" light on the dash, your brakes are likely worn out.

 

[Mike N]

And I'll also add that the brake fluid flush seems to be the newest wallet flush.

While brake fluid does absorb moisture, I don't feel it's necessary to "flush" it every 30k.

Here in the salt belt, you get new fluid when we replace your rotten brake lines and leaky calipers.

 

[Chris Fitzgerald]

And I'll also add that the brake fluid flush seems to be the newest wallet flush.

While brake fluid does absorb moisture, I don't feel it's necessary to "flush" it every 30k.

Here in the salt belt, you get new fluid when we replace your rotten brake lines and leaky calipers.

I hear that. Although my guy did just did a flush/new reservoir on my power steering that was whining, and it’s dead silent now. I think that fluid was the original stuff from 19 years ago.

 

[Major Seven]

Shops like that seem to be few and far between these days. There's not many young guys getting into the trade and it's kinda sad. Keep going to them as long as they stay in business, but eventually they're going to retire and the new crew will take over.

There's a shop about 3 miles from my house that's made up of mostly guys my age (58) and they're always busy. I stop in occasionally for an alignment or a State Inspection (can't do either at my house) and these guys are laid back and honest....... they even offered me a part time job and while I was honored, I passed for now.

My old shop is a cluster....... one tech I worked with is still there and he's ready to bail, and after 25 year's it's sad that they don't respect him for his talent...... instead he's seen as an overpaid liability and the new corporate mentality is we can get anyone to change parts for slightly above minimum wage with a paltry incentive program.

That's all great and maybe anyone can hang parts, it's knowing what parts need to be replaced so you're not stuck with comebacks and a pissed off customer.

Unlike the AutoZone ads that show the counter jockey pulling a code and selling you a part, it's not like that on the real world. We used to see the Ford Windstar vans come in with lean codes and 4 shiny new AutoZone 02 sensors..... the problem was the intake manifold gaskets and the forward valve cover...... Ford had a TSB out with a part # for the updated kit to fix this issue, but AutoZone insisted on selling parts after the "free diagnosis" and it didn't fix the problem.

I ran into my High School auto shop teacher a few months ago and I thanked him for teaching us to never overlook the basics. You guys would be surprised at how one crappy ground or a vacuum leak can trigger a myriad of codes and drivability issues, yet there's still guys that shotgun parts at a problem because that's the code I got from my $20 Amazon code reader.

I loved what I did, I still dabble in it for a used car dealership my friend owns and I also do part time wrenching for a local landscape company and a horse farm.

What I don't miss is the corporate politics and greed that is killing the industry.

And weirdness from overlooking basics (or not even knowing basics). A 4 cyl volvo with bad injector codes that turned out to need a head gasket.

 

[Mike N]

I hear that. Although my guy did just did a flush/new reservoir on my power steering that was whining, and it’s dead silent now. I think that fluid was the original stuff from 19 years ago.

Most Honda's have the power steering pump mounted higher than the reservoir and they can be noisy. Honda uses a very specific power steering fluid as well.

 

[Mike N]

And weirdness from overlooking basics (or not even knowing basics). A 4 cyl volvo with bad injector codes that turned out to need a head gasket.

I love when I see a help wanted ad for a ship that reads "No experience necessary, we will train you."

Typically that's for the quick lube places and that's probably the last place I'd want a complete noob working without some sort of experience. The two most common f-ups at shops is an "oil out" or a "wheel off", either of which is immediate termination.

IMO there should be some sort of licensing requirements to be an auto mechanic. In NY, you need a license to cut hair, but not to wrench on someone's car. Can't remember the last time I saw someone (other than a teenage girl) die from a bad haircut, but I've seen plenty of scary "repairs" that we're done at a shop.

 

[shirojiro]

The infrastructure is not in place to support an EV for anything other than a commuter car at this point. Keep in mind if you're traveling, it takes 30 mins to fast charge a Tesla after you wait for a spot at the charging station. It could take hours. Unless you're a rabid devotee of the technology, ain't nobody got time for that. Personally, I'll stick with gas or hybrid until the charging infrastructure is more fully developed. I'd also like to see some alternatives to lithium batteries. Not only is the production super toxic, it also poses a very serious fire hazard in that if it ever goes up, it can't be put out.

I don't think i'd sink that much money into the Xterra given the rust and potential for frame rot. Technology has come a very long way in the last 21 years. I would look for something sized right, reliable, and priced well on the used market. Like anything else, there are deals out there if you're patient and diligent.

Edit: spelling

I used to think that about Tesla and road trips until I drove one from Sacramento to Seattle. In a gas car, it takes me about 12 hours. In the Tesla, I took about 13 hours. The increase Is due to needing to stop more frequently to charge.

That said, the computer in the car is excellent and guided me to charging stations along the way and would have me charge 6-10 min at a time in order to get to the next one. It generally was not worth it to charge longer as the computer knows where the charging stations are, and calculates your driving habits and distance to see if you can make it to your destination or the next charger. I thought I could reduce the number of stops if I charged longer at one or two stops, but it just moved the stops further out. I've driven it twice now in the Tesla, and the trip planning by the car's navigation is better than mine...

 

[Major Seven]

I love when I see a help wanted ad for a ship that reads "No experience necessary, we will train you."

Typically that's for the quick lube places and that's probably the last place I'd want a complete noob working without some sort of experience. The two most common f-ups at shops is an "oil out" or a "wheel off", either of which is immediate termination.

IMO there should be some sort of licensing requirements to be an auto mechanic. In NY, you need a license to cut hair, but not to wrench on someone's car. Can't remember the last time I saw someone (other than a teenage girl) die from a bad haircut, but I've seen plenty of scary "repairs" that we're done at a shop.

I love when I see a help wanted ad for a ship that reads "No experience necessary, we will train you."

Typically that's for the quick lube places and that's probably the last place I'd want a complete noob working without some sort of experience. The two most common f-ups at shops is an "oil out" or a "wheel off", either of which is immediate termination.

IMO there should be some sort of licensing requirements to be an auto mechanic. In NY, you need a license to cut hair, but not to wrench on someone's car. Can't remember the last time I saw someone (other than a teenage girl) die from a bad haircut, but I've seen plenty of scary "repairs" that we're done at a shop.

I love when I see a help wanted ad for a ship that reads "No experience necessary, we will train you."

Typically that's for the quick lube places and that's probably the last place I'd want a complete noob working without some sort of experience. The two most common f-ups at shops is an "oil out" or a "wheel off", either of which is immediate termination.

IMO there should be some sort of licensing requirements to be an auto mechanic. In NY, you need a license to cut hair, but not to wrench on someone's car. Can't remember the last time I saw someone (other than a teenage girl) die from a bad haircut, but I've seen plenty of scary "repairs" that we're done at a shop.

there are licensing requirements in Europe. I worked with a guy from Yugoslavia. He said you attend a 2 yr school first. Courses include things like
physics, chemistry ... not just automotive.

 

[lowplaces]

I’m retiring next year. If all goes well, a number of long standing bill will paid off and I will also be able to cash on a ton of unused sick days. I need a car, and new and used car prices are going through the roof.

I am considering three options: buying a budget new car like a Kia Soul; buying a nicer used car, especially if I can purchase an extended warranty; finally, spend $7-$10k on my 2004 Nissan Xterra. The car needs new catalytic converters and a knock sensor, fix power steering leak, needs new struts and suspension, repair ac. The Xterra has 200k miles and I think I could another 100-150k if I fix it.

No way I'd put that much money in an 11 or 12 year old car with that many miles on the motor and transmission.

 

[Sertsa]

I test drove a Subaru Crosstrek last week. It was okay, but I dislike nearly all controls on an iPad-like screen, including climate. At least it had a rotary volume knob for the audio system (which didn't sound very good). Overall, I didn't feel much excitement over it, unlike when I previously shopped for and bought cars.

I got a $50 gift card for taking the test drive, though. I'm thinking of using it to buy a rice cooker (and could put a Subaru sticker on it.)

I got another estimate for a new clutch for my 2012 Mazda 3, also over $2K.

 

[MonetBass]

I love when I see a help wanted ad for a ship that reads "No experience necessary, we will train you."

Typically that's for the quick lube places and that's probably the last place I'd want a complete noob working without some sort of experience. The two most common f-ups at shops is an "oil out" or a "wheel off", either of which is immediate termination.

IMO there should be some sort of licensing requirements to be an auto mechanic. In NY, you need a license to cut hair, but not to wrench on someone's car. Can't remember the last time I saw someone (other than a teenage girl) die from a bad haircut, but I've seen plenty of scary "repairs" that we're done at a shop.

My mother used to take her car to a quick lube place. That is until some dope refilled her engine oil with transmission fluid. (Yes, they paid to tow and fix her car.) She now takes it to the dealership.

 

[shirojiro]

I test drove a Subaru Crosstrek last week. It was okay, but I dislike nearly all controls on an iPad-like screen, including climate. At least it had a rotary volume knob for the audio system (which didn't sound very good). Overall, I didn't feel much excitement over it, unlike when I previously shopped for and bought cars.

I got a $50 gift card for taking the test drive, though. I'm thinking of using it to buy a rice cooker (and could put a Subaru sticker on it.)

I got another estimate for a new clutch for my 2012 Mazda 3, also over $2K.

I really wanted to like the Crosstrek because it checks a lot of boxes for me. I found the driving experience to be uninspiring with fairly numb handling, low power, droning CVT, and a cheap feeling interior.


I know Subaru owners love their cars, and my brothers are no exception. They love their WRXs. Don’t get me wrong- the Subie was a decent car, and it would function fine. It just didn’t give me the feeling of wanting to drive it. I do get that feeling from Honda Civics or Mazda 3s, and many other hatchbacks.

Maybe it’s the possibility of adventure that makes people love their Outback/Crosstrek/Forester.

 

[gln1955]

I really wanted to like the Crosstrek because it checks a lot of boxes for me. I found the driving experience to be uninspiring with fairly numb handling, low power, droning CVT, and a cheap feeling interior.


I know Subaru owners love their cars, and my brothers are no exception. They love their WRXs. Don’t get me wrong- the Subie was a decent car, and it would function fine. It just didn’t give me the feeling of wanting to drive it. I do get that feeling from Honda Civics or Mazda 3s, and many other hatchbacks.

Maybe it’s the possibility of adventure that makes people love their Outback/Crosstrek/Forester.

That was my experience as well, but this was back in 2014. I test drove a Forester and really wanted to like it but it was just sluggish especially when I was accelerating up an Interstate onramp. I ended up with a Mazda CX5. When you say go, it goes, just like my 2007 Mazda 3.

 

[Sertsa]

I really wanted to like the Crosstrek because it checks a lot of boxes for me. I found the driving experience to be uninspiring with fairly numb handling, low power, droning CVT, and a cheap feeling interior.


I know Subaru owners love their cars, and my brothers are no exception. They love their WRXs. Don’t get me wrong- the Subie was a decent car, and it would function fine. It just didn’t give me the feeling of wanting to drive it. I do get that feeling from Honda Civics or Mazda 3s, and many other hatchbacks.

Maybe it’s the possibility of adventure that makes people love their Outback/Crosstrek/Forester.

That was my experience as well, but this was back in 2014. I test drove a Forester and really wanted to like it but it was just sluggish especially when I was accelerating up an Interstate onramp. I ended up with a Mazda CX5. When you say go, it goes, just like my 2007 Mazda 3.

My experience is similar. Subarus check a lot of boxes for me: I live in the center of a snowbelt, like hiking/trail running/mountain biking, and have a dream of car-camping across the US and going to see the Sequoias. So, yes, the adventure aspect makes them appealing.

But the test drives have felt tepid, although Subaru's CVTs didn't bother me as much as the Hondas I've rented. Also, the largest Subaru dealer in my area has poor business practices.

I considered a couple of manual Subarus in the past. A WRX until I asked for an insurance quote, and a used Legacy GT. The Legacy GT was tempting but questionably modified, and the owner said it got 17MPG and needed premium. As I had an 80-mile per day round trip commute at the time, I passed.

I like my 2012 Mazda 3, the only Mazda I've had and bought after owning two Hondas, but my test drive of the current gen Mazda 3s was somewhat disappointing, mostly from the visibility, especially in the hatch, and the general focus on "So Fancy" rather than "Zoom Zoom."

 

[turf3]

...

Maybe it’s the possibility of adventure that makes people love their Outback/Crosstrek/Forester....

You've seen too many TV commercials.

What I like about my Outback is the gas mileage, the reliability, its compact size, the hatchback, and the visibility.

Yes, I bought the 4 cylinder. At 175 HP it's way more than enough if you actually know how to drive. I drove around Dallas and Houston for several years in a Corvair van with 90 HP and Powerglide and never had any trouble getting on the freeway. This idea that you have to have umpteen HP for a car to be even acceptable is just silly.

 

[nonohmic]

I really wanted to like the Crosstrek because it checks a lot of boxes for me. I found the driving experience to be uninspiring with fairly numb handling, low power, droning CVT, and a cheap feeling interior.


I know Subaru owners love their cars, and my brothers are no exception. They love their WRXs. Don’t get me wrong- the Subie was a decent car, and it would function fine. It just didn’t give me the feeling of wanting to drive it. I do get that feeling from Honda Civics or Mazda 3s, and many other hatchbacks.

Maybe it’s the possibility of adventure that makes people love their Outback/Crosstrek/Forester.

You've seen too many TV commercials.

What I like about my Outback is the gas mileage, the reliability, its compact size, the hatchback, and the visibility.

Yes, I bought the 4 cylinder. At 175 HP it's way more than enough if you actually know how to drive. I drove around Dallas and Houston for several years in a Corvair van with 90 HP and Powerglide and never had any trouble getting on the freeway. This idea that you have to have umpteen HP for a car to be even acceptable is just silly.

Bought a Crosstrek wilderness and love the thing for both these reasons. 30 mpg and goes anywhere I point it on the trails. The wilderness will go places the normal Crosstreks won't. Me and a loaded Toyota Tundra are planning going up over a gnarly fireroad this weekend to camp and climb. Can't wait to see how it goes.

If I didn't need to get to climbing spots I'd be driving a GR Corolla. Cause the Subie doesn't exactly excite on the highway. Does enough though.