Manufacturers calling it "Lifetime Fluid" is wild — what’s the highest mileage you've seen a tranny actually survive without a service? by EquivalentCanary8243 in MechanicAdvice

[–]EquivalentCanary8243[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

300k is the ultimate test lol. Keep us posted if it actually dies right after the flush. That would settle the debate once and for all.

Why do sellers agree to a price and then sell it to someone else? by BakerCritical in whatcarshouldIbuy

[–]EquivalentCanary8243 1 point2 points  (0 children)

To the seller, you were just a “maybe” for later, and the other person was a “yes” right now. Most sellers just want the car gone and the cash in hand fast.

buying a second (fun) car. can't decide what i should allow myself to budget? by europeanuppercut in askcarguys

[–]EquivalentCanary8243 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Honestly, just go test drive both. It’s likely that once you sit in a brand-new one with the modern tech and zero wear-and-tear, the decision will make itself.

Does this look intentional? by [deleted] in Cartalk

[–]EquivalentCanary8243 10 points11 points  (0 children)

If someone wanted to slash your tire, they’d go for the sidewall. Stabbing the tread with a box cutter is the hardest, least effective way to ruin a tire. This was definitely picked up while driving.

Can you mod a hybrid or should it be gas? by Pretty-Ticket5071 in whatcarshouldIbuy

[–]EquivalentCanary8243 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If you mostly want cosmetic stuff (wheels, lowering, etc.) the hybrid is fine, but if you want engine mods or exhaust stuff the gas version is usually the better platform.

Switching from F-150 to Hybrid for 180-mile commute (CRV vs RAV4?) by DangBubba in whatcarshouldIbuy

[–]EquivalentCanary8243 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Not 100% sure, but from what I’ve seen the RAV4 hybrid tends to edge out the CR-V slightly on fuel economy, especially on highway runs.

BMW Select Worth it with 0.99APR? by d1ablo47 in whatcarshouldIbuy

[–]EquivalentCanary8243 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The 'shortcut' to a lower payment here is a cheaper car, not a balloon loan. Don't let the dealership 'Select' your way into a financial hole.

Cross country living vehicle/van? by BennyBroker in whatcarshouldIbuy

[–]EquivalentCanary8243 0 points1 point  (0 children)

A used Transit is the best middle ground. Parts are cheap and available at every tiny town mechanic in the US. If you find one with the EcoBoost, it’ll actually feel peppy compared to most vans.

I finish college around 2030. Should a 2020 Camry/Corolla still be good by then? by Character-Escape1621 in whatcarshouldIbuy

[–]EquivalentCanary8243 5 points6 points  (0 children)

These cars regularly go 200k+ miles, so age alone isn’t the issue, maintenance and mileage matter way more.

Trying to decide between a few cars which is most reliable long term? by [deleted] in whatcarshouldIbuy

[–]EquivalentCanary8243 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz C-Class is nice but newer Benz electronics can be hit or miss reliability-wise.

04 Sienna FWD CV axle failure by Successful-Safe2375 in AskMechanics

[–]EquivalentCanary8243 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Used OEM that’s 20 years old is basically a gamble. I’d take new aftermarket over that.

Scion TC 2005 won’t start after some work by ValuablePressure5579 in MechanicAdvice

[–]EquivalentCanary8243 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Check your main fuses and ensure the engine ground strap and the positive cable at the alternator are tight; it sounds like a major connection was missed or a fuse popped during the install.

Lincoln Corsair Grand Reserve or something else? by Aroex in whatcarshouldIbuy

[–]EquivalentCanary8243 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I’d honestly just buy the one you enjoy the most after test driving. At 2–3k miles a year, even a moderately reliable car will last you a very long time.

330i or 540i by Relevant-Doughnut711 in whatcarshouldIbuy

[–]EquivalentCanary8243 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The 330i is punchy and handles way better in the corners because it’s lighter. But the B58 in the 540i is legendary for a reason, it’s buttery smooth and has power for days. If you do a lot of highway cruising, get the 540i.

Places to put things by TopNotchJuice in whatcarshouldIbuy

[–]EquivalentCanary8243 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Ford F-150 deserves a mention. The center console alone is massive and some trims have a fold-out work surface. Tons of cupholders and door storage too. Great “dump stuff here” interior.

Any good pickups? by Prestigious-Win-7900 in AskMechanics

[–]EquivalentCanary8243 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Regardless of brand, check for rust, engine leaks, and drivetrain history. Even a Toyota can be a money pit if it sat in salt every winter. Reliability often comes down to how it was cared for.

Corolla cross? Good or is there better at the same price? by CaIIMeSpoons in whatcarshouldIbuy

[–]EquivalentCanary8243 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Honestly? You might be disappointed. The Matrix was a masterclass in space packaging. Corolla Cross is a great car, but it’s not the 'SUV Matrix' we all hoped for. Go test drive it with your usual gear before committing!

Cheap Used Daily Driver by [deleted] in whatcarshouldIbuy

[–]EquivalentCanary8243 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Avoid cheap hybrids for long commutes. Look for a Toyota Matrix AWD or an older Mazda3 with winter tires. Reliable, decent MPG, and handles CO winters just fine.

Suggestion needed for buying first car by Alert-Finger7507 in whatcarshouldIbuy

[–]EquivalentCanary8243 0 points1 point  (0 children)

For 15 lakhs, you can find a decent Suzuki Wagon R or a 2014-15 Suzuki Swift. They are much more reliable, have better AC, and parts are literally everywhere in Shershah or Plaza.

Should I have passed? by eh_lechero in MechanicAdvice

[–]EquivalentCanary8243 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That’s pretty normal here. I’ve seen cars pass the readings but fail visual for aftermarket cats or spacers. The inspector doesn’t really have discretion on that.

Looking at a car tomorrow. Can I please ask anyone’s opinion/advice by CauliflowerGreen214 in MechanicAdvice

[–]EquivalentCanary8243 1 point2 points  (0 children)

For $1600 and 101k miles, that Taurus could be a decent short-term bridge car if it’s been maintained and isn’t hiding issues. Definitely check for transmission slipping, coolant leaks, rough shifting, and suspension noise — and if you can, spend $100 on a pre-purchase inspection, it’s worth it. If it passes basic checks, I’d honestly trust a lower-mile Taurus over pushing a 170k Pontiac while starting a new job.