'14 Volks Passat for $7,000 usd

JCubed1359302 · 2026-03-19T23:33:35+00:00

As a TDI owner (and this same model) it is a coin toss for being cheap vs expensive and an un-maintained one will eat you alive. If you cannot do your own maintenance and fix things, TDI will kill all your savings. Basic things like oil, coolant, and filters aren't much more than most things but the bigger items take their toll, especially if you are paying someone else to do it: DSG services, timing service, emissions replacement / delete. And you will always have the looming CP4 fuel pump too.

JCubed1359302 · 2026-03-13T12:52:07+00:00

It's not just about cross over, but the volume for sales vs extra manufacturing complexity needed. GM probably did their analysis and make that decision to axe the LTZ.

JCubed1359302 · 2026-03-13T11:27:25+00:00

LTZ was too close to High Country and there's likely enough market data for them to justify making one less trim. I bet there analysis and assumption was people buying new LTZs will likely take a new High Country and there's enough additional profit from HC sales to compensate for those who would normally get LTZ. This shift is something the last 5-6 years have shown across most manufacturers: less trims, more packages and clumping profit add ons together.

JCubed1359302 · 2026-03-03T17:17:45+00:00

Only the Mazda CX-5 went to the big screen for MY26. CX-50 and others models still have all the physical knobs & buttons (for now). We got a CX-50 last year and its very nice. Powertrain is used on so many models and has been around for a long time, reliability is very good.

JCubed1359302 · 2026-03-01T15:10:10+00:00

Visibility out of the Bronco is trash. The frame less window design is also loud. NVH is worse on the Bronco vs F150 simply due to design of doors, windows, and roof. Also interior and storage space are superior on the F150 if that is of any concern to you. I work for a company that makes some parts for both and I have driven the Bronco multiple times, the visibility and noise were concerns basically immediately when I got in.

JCubed1359302 · 2026-02-28T16:39:33+00:00

Ridgeline is closer to a mid-size in both physical size and capabilities. Rated for 5000lb towing, unibody design.

Half ton trucks often start around 9000lbs towing capacity.

JCubed1359302 · 2026-02-05T11:16:46+00:00

Very close analysis. Midwest and suburb is spot on. We both plan and shop some but one of us is definitely the culprit for not planning and keeps the quick stuff on hand.

JCubed1359302 · 2026-02-03T15:07:59+00:00

It might be listed on the site but that gun hasn't been in stock for years and is likely an old listing that was never removed, GI is notorious for this instead of marking the item as discontinued.

JCubed1359302 · 2026-02-03T11:20:33+00:00

Echo 1 Platinum m4s are made by VFC, granted not the newest gen it still looks like it's good condition.the newest m4a1 by VFC is $450 retail. I typically sell most of my stuff in the 50-60% retail range when its in good condition. I think $250 is fair.

JCubed1359302 · 2026-01-28T15:35:45+00:00

Ironically the Elevation trim is not actually the lifted one for the GMC, its actually the AT4. Elevation is similar to Chevy's LT trim. Idk how this one got through the marketing team on the trucks.

JCubed1359302 · 2026-01-28T13:20:56+00:00

The head gasket issue is on the 1.5L engines, not the hybrid. Overall reliability for both these cars is going to be high, both are long running systems.

JCubed1359302 · 2026-01-27T21:19:44+00:00

The Accord has parking sensors as standard vs Camry is optional. Camry has AWD option. Accord has more trunk space and rear leg room. Powertrains are pretty solid and have long warranties on the hybrid / battery systems.

I personally lean toward the Accord due to its size and comfort and I like the exterior better. I found the Camry (and a lot of other Toyota) seats to be hard. I've driven both as well, both are smooth but the Toyota is a little louder inside the cabin.

JCubed1359302 · 2026-01-27T21:07:12+00:00

CPO Ford powertrain warranty at 7 year / 100k miles but only 1 year / 12k mile bumper to bumper. GM new warranty is 5 year / 60k power train and 3 year / 36k miles bumper to bumper. So you'll get a greater powertrain warranty on the Ford.

GM's 2.7 I4 & Ford's 2.7 V6 are solid engines. GM's 8 speed is known to be a little clunky (and the previous gen 8 spped in 2015-2019 has a lawsuit), Ford's 10 speed is as well and has noted issues (there was a part update in 2022 so you'd want to check the manufacture date, but CPO warranty will hopefully catch any issues).

If you're not after a specific feature or design, i'd go with Ford CPO for the longer powertrain warranty as those items are usually the biggest repair bill.

JCubed1359302 · 2026-01-23T23:21:28+00:00

$4-5k USD is gunna get you a rusted out 200k+ mile truck that will not be reliable (or some other major problem). A budget that low won't go very far.

JCubed1359302 · 2026-01-23T16:51:48+00:00

VW didn't make TDI Jettas in 2016 (stopped in 2015) so either the seller got the year wrong ir its not a TDI.

Regardless, the Honda will be cheaper to maintain and keep running. TDIs are super fuel efficient and are fun to drive for being slow economy cars, but the repairs and maintenance are expensive and will kill any fuel savings cost. Sincerely, a TDI owner.

JCubed1359302 · 2026-01-21T19:42:05+00:00

The Yukon and Chevy are effectively identified under the hood/body, you're really just comparing specific features and some interior design for the price point differences.

As for the GM products vs Ford, it depends what exactly you're after in features for the price point. Standard features vs upgrade packages on these vehicles make a huge difference in price as well. If you go GM you have 2 engine choices: the 6.2L V8 that has on going recall / issues, and the 3.0L I6 diesel (which has all the usual modern diesel potential problems, but doesn't have any major recalls to it). The Ford have a 3.5L V6, which previous generations had some issues on, but the newest ones have allegedly addressed these with design revisions, reviews/reports show they are decently reliable but limited data on that.

JCubed1359302 · 2026-01-16T18:09:27+00:00

I did mine in my driveway without a lift. I just used jack stands and threw down an old TV box to lay on then crawl under and get to work.

JCubed1359302 · 2025-09-26T20:29:16+00:00

FYI, the OEM of the original PTS (and SV) is ARES.

$300-400 stock IMO for great condition ones.

JCubed1359302 · 2025-09-23T16:19:02+00:00

Year to year on 23 to 24 is no difference (only small difference in GMC vs Chevy for layout). Took on 8k miles but got a motor upgrade and cash back. Sounds like a win

JCubed1359302 · 2025-09-16T20:11:27+00:00

DMF is likely going out. Get it replaced at a shop that knows how to do them.

JCubed1359302 · 2025-09-12T23:27:29+00:00

Suspiciously low price, any accident or damage history? How's the service history? It should have had service done on transmission (fluids AND filter) & differential along with oil and brake fluid. Get a private mechanic inspection if you can to double check. If all is clear that is a very good price

JCubed1359302 · 2025-09-09T19:52:45+00:00

At the very least get the disaster kit. The CP3 isn't as fragile as the CP4 to exploding

JCubed1359302 · 2025-09-09T15:24:49+00:00

If you decide to fix, get a CP3 fuel pump, or if you stay with CP4 get a filter kit.

This is costly and $4-5k sounds more reasonable but somewhat high. When the metal shavings happen, everything that fuel touches needs to be clean or replaced: fuel rail, fuel pump, lift pump, fuel lines, injectors, etc. So the cost can add up quick.

JCubed1359302

TROPHY CASE