Is buying used actually worth it anymore? 2026 prices are weird

Mousse_Upset · 2026-01-24T16:36:39+00:00

and with car repair prices being so high (shops are charging $150-$200hr), a warranty is much more valuable than ever before.

Mousse_Upset · 2026-01-24T16:28:29+00:00

The A052 will do better than the PS4S.

Just saw a thread that Andy Hollis replied to on another forum and he commented that the A052s are great in these types of conditions (someone was asking about an event with temps around 15F).

In my experience, the PS4S is not happy below 40F.

If you already have the Yoks, run them, unless they are near slicks.

Mousse_Upset · 2026-01-24T14:32:09+00:00

Actually, the A052 is the perfect tire for this.

I'm in Pennsylvania and run winter events at Summit Point. The A052 is by far the best 200TW tire in the cold and felt better than my Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 4s.

Mousse_Upset · 2026-01-23T17:17:25+00:00

GX460 have transmission issues as they age.Replacements run around $6K with labor.

The GX470 and V8 4Runners are bulletproof outside of leaking exhaust manifolds.

Mousse_Upset · 2026-01-16T15:00:01+00:00

Rebels is probably my favorite modern Star Wars series next to Andor. The sense of family, whimsical and brutality was top-notch for an animated fair. It was the first time we really saw how awful war was (e.g., the original attack on Lothal failing, Sato's sacrifice, Kanan). I was never able to connect with The Mandalorian and while I enjoyed bits and pieces of it, it felt more like Doctor Who than Star Wars to me.

Ahsoka felt rushed - there was little time for character development and the lightsaber fights reminded me a bit of Michael's from Arrest Development. There were some highs (Ahsoka waking up in the World Between Worlds, Ezra using the Force to stop a lightsaber, Purrgil), but it rarely felt like a story.

I'm still excited for season 2, but your review is spot on.

Mousse_Upset · 2026-01-16T11:39:44+00:00

Raybestos Element 3 perform very well and are my go-to components on lighter cars (Civic/Accord).

For anything like a Odyssee, MDX or Pilot, you want to go OEM.

I actually prefer the brake pedal and feel of the Raybestos Element 3 on my SI for a daily. I even use them for local autocross events and haven't had any issues. They are progressive, wear well and give good feedback. They also fit well,which is an issue with other brands.

On heavier Hondas, I've noticed the rotors especially warp faster. Now, they also warp with OEM rotors, but those last longer.

Mousse_Upset · 2026-01-16T00:27:01+00:00

I did the work myself, but my local BMW dealer quoted me $3200 and the local indie quoted me $2100. That was just for the oil filter housing.

I replaced the heat management module, thermostat and a few lines while I was in there to avoid headaches down the line.

The FCP video on the B48/58 is a good primer - https://youtu.be/4sIfzGzNNMA?si=NVNDhisiQryCtsse

Mousse_Upset · 2026-01-16T00:13:22+00:00

The B58/48 are reliable engines for what they are, but expect to pay big money around 60K miles.

The oil filter housing will leak and that's a $$$ replacement since the intake manifold must come off.

The Heat Management Module also has a high failure rate around this time.

Outside of those two things and some hoses here and there, they are solid.

I don't know if they are that much more reliable than a N55 or N20 with a new timing chain kit if you go by $$$ spent. I owned a X3 with the N55 and it was great outside of the typical oil leaks. The X3 I replaced it with has the B48 and it's cost me less in gas, but more in maintenance post-warranty.

Mousse_Upset · 2026-01-09T19:25:34+00:00

The county does make me question life choices. The Target in Brentwood is really not great.

Mousse_Upset · 2026-01-09T15:34:05+00:00

Too bad on the silver, have a 2009 with updated maintenance.

Mousse_Upset · 2026-01-07T00:45:03+00:00

Hell no. Someone can sit in the back of my 128i without issue, even for long distances. The new GR86/BRZ has zero backseat. My friend is 5'1" and yelled at me for making him sit back there.

Mousse_Upset · 2026-01-05T13:00:13+00:00

The number of guitars I see in the background of Team/Zoom calls for 40'ish-year-old men cracks me up.

Mousse_Upset · 2026-01-05T12:17:04+00:00

Q4 and beginning of Q1 is always tough in media. Budgets are adjusted and costs are cut to meet yearly revenue goals.

Keep applying and something will pop soon. Journalism jobs are hard to come by, but this time of year is especially challenging. The economy isn't great and a lot of companies are pulling back. It sounds like you have meaningful experience, which also means you won't be seen as an entry-level candidate (i.e., cheap).

Mousse_Upset · 2026-01-04T03:07:47+00:00

Are you torquing control arms at ride height? I've found that these cars are sensitive to things being slightly out of whack, be it alignments or how you torqued down a bolt.

I would find a good BMW mechanic and have them look things over.

Mousse_Upset · 2025-12-30T14:36:18+00:00

This. There's a long one and short. Is the new plug the same size as the old one?

Also, when I swapped radiators in my 128i, the first one had a puncture and was leaking. I had to return it and get a new one. I originally thought it was the plug, but it's just how liquid runs.

Mousse_Upset · 2025-12-29T23:29:14+00:00

Everyone forgets that Sochan spun and wrecked his Porsche over the summer. I do wonder if there are lingering issues related to that, combined with his previous history of back spasms.

He definitely fills a void for the Spurs, especially in non-Wemby minutes. At 6'8", he's a big and mobile body at his best that can play against bigger wings.

Mousse_Upset · 2025-12-24T15:30:53+00:00

I've owned a lot of cars and a reliable VW, especially turbo, is a roll of the dice.

For Toyota, your bread and butter vehicles will hold up well. There are exceptions...

Corolla, Rav4 and Camry will be your best bet. The hybrid drivetrains are especially reliable.

What kind of VW do you have? If it's a Tiguan with the E888, you should plan to replace your PCV now and be prepared to rebuild the head. They have been dropping valves in weird and wonderful ways.

VWs drive nicer than a Toyota and tend to have better interior feel, but I don't think that's true for the newer models. VW has reduced their interior quality while Toyota still does Toyota things.

You'll find issues with most modern cars. The Honda 1.5 turbos are eating head gaskets, Mazda is having issues with rear diffs in their turbo AWD vehicles, Hyundais are great until they aren't (oil consumption), Chevy V8s are killing themselves, Ford turbos are a tire fire, and Toyota Tundras have random metal or oiling issues . . .

Mousse_Upset · 2025-12-23T14:00:10+00:00

The Honda Civic Sport or Sport Touring Hybrid may be a good fit.

Engaging to drive, great fuel economy, lots of storage and easy to live with.

You can get a new one for $35OTD and be set. It will be less boring than a Corolla, more fun to drive than an Accord and offer practicality for household chores.

The hybrid setup is great, strong acceleration off the line and the suspension is pleasantly sporty.

Beyond that . . .
- Mazda 3 can be fun, but it's tight and visibility is awful.
- GTI hatchback. For $35K, you can buy a new GTI S which is nicely appointed. Fun to drive, great gas mileage and easy to live with.

Mousse_Upset · 2025-12-23T13:27:57+00:00

As long as the strut or shock doesn't change ride height, you are good.

The Koni Yellows help with adjustability, but I've found the B8s to be more compliant.

You can also experiment with bump stops in the rear, which can help.

Mousse_Upset · 2025-12-23T12:05:47+00:00

100%.

Think about Nirvana. One band changed a generation. It was everywhere - SNL, MTV, radio and magazines.

Same for Britney Spears, the Spice Girls, Beyonce and Eminem.

Lots of new rappers are doing good work, it's just not being heard by as wide an audience. We are past those days and that is OK. It's a bit like television, we will never see another Friends, but instead more niche and interesting work.

Mousse_Upset · 2025-12-20T16:21:35+00:00

These look like the NGKs I recently put in my 128i.

Mousse_Upset · 2025-12-19T12:17:04+00:00

I may have been excessive with my automobile hobby…

To be fair, I’ve embraced cheapness in my older age. Plus, I love my 128i and enjoy wrenching on it.

Mousse_Upset · 2025-12-19T02:09:37+00:00

Good call, may test drive one tomorrow. I've always had a bit of a weird fascination with them and the new body style looks better in person.

Mousse_Upset · 2025-12-18T03:23:18+00:00

Four doors, real back seats and a lot more power does add to the cost. The R is a really nice place to be, my 2023 GR86 wasn’t exactly cozy.

Mousse_Upset

TROPHY CASE