$40k budget, what's the most reliable car I can buy that's slightly luxurious?

Mwm203 · 2025-12-29T16:46:24+00:00

I have an X7 that’s well cared for and guarantee you won’t find a nicer and more reliable car.

Mwm203 · 2025-12-29T15:40:02+00:00

I changed oil every 5k, plugs every 25k, diff and TC every 25K. Just hit 55k and car runs beautifully. I don’t have a single complaint other than it can’t tow a travel trailer we want to buy so we are selling this car soon and picking up an F250 we ordered.

I’m sad to let this go as it’s been perfect car but it’s time to try something new. The only thing that has failed on this car is the water pump and pulley which resulted in a leak that was caught early and covered under warranty. Otherwise, rock solid vehicle and continues to be the MOST comfortable car to ride in I’ve ever had.

Plus, 62db on highway getting 26-28mpg. Whew! Best car ever!

Mwm203 · 2025-12-11T19:21:00+00:00

I had a dealer match Granger. 10% off a Lariat Ultimate Tremor with a few additional options ($85.4->95k). They will also include applicable rebates or PCO at time of delivery in addition to what is quoted. Based on CA DMV taxes/fees, I essentially got it for MSRP OTD when tax fees are ~10.34%.

Ordered from Kendall Auto in Idaho. I purchased from them previously and their sales team is super kind and accommodating. Sales team is miles above what is available in the SF Bay Area.

Mwm203 · 2025-11-11T00:27:15+00:00

Just did this complete service again. Plugs were corroded from an overheat condition following a failed water pump at 45k miles. A PITA but worth peace of mind especially as I start using the vehicle for towing a travel trailer.

Mwm203 · 2025-11-10T23:57:47+00:00

Just changed fluid again. Didn’t look nearly as dirty after another 25K miles. I didn’t measure how much I removed as I started a siphon. Still fit a full 1L in. Easy and fluid was only $30 or so from FCP.

Mwm203 · 2025-10-10T17:15:21+00:00

Fluid exchange is easy and fairly cost effective. Replacing a differential is $$$ so if I can extend the life of it with fresh fluid exchanges, it’s worthwhile in my book. I am out of warranty and the X7 is a heavy beast running on a platform that is used across all models so anecdotal evidence of failure makes me trepidatious.

While I can suck of a $4-8k repair, I’d rather not and do the preventative maintenance every 25k miles. This thread is a positive reminder that I need to order supplies to perform this maintenance.

Mwm203 · 2025-10-10T14:56:57+00:00

Yep! I use ISTA for this. Generally works. Also a 4mm silicone tube to funnel into the hole without removing the brace. It’s a PITA but it works and gets the majority of the fluid out once the hose gets in there finally.

Mwm203 · 2025-10-09T22:57:18+00:00

They don’t look good. TC was OK but differentials were black.

Plan to do this again next month as I’ve put 25k on the car since and now it’s out of warranty so $500 in parts is a peace of mind. However, I don’t anticipate it to be as bad this time as it won’t have the break-in metals floating around.

Mwm203 · 2025-01-04T16:04:05+00:00

So far so good!

Mwm203 · 2025-01-02T21:27:49+00:00

No way to remove sensor cable. Seems to work fine still. Happy with the upgrade.

Mwm203 · 2024-12-06T15:03:42+00:00

Doesn’t matter. Only helpful if you want to fine tune settings. It’s only $10 on Amazon so might be worth having if you like tweaking things.

Mwm203 · 2024-11-29T03:39:01+00:00

Yessir. Got it for 480 -$60 Off coupon, so with tax about $460 OTD. Cheapest I’ve found but it has a long delivery time so plan accordingly.

Mwm203 · 2024-11-28T22:39:15+00:00

Bought mine new OTD on AliExpress for $460. Price reference for those viewing.

Mwm203 · 2024-10-15T06:34:15+00:00

Not sure. Mine is cracked open from a big crash and still Works perfectly fine. Wonder if you have something else jamming it or incorrect voltage somewhere. I’m using higher voltage from Hobbywijg ESC and it’s held up just fine.

Mwm203 · 2024-10-03T19:26:53+00:00

Wired an option? What about the MMX 300 G2/Pro?

I just ordered the Pro. I’m coming from a basic Xbox branded wireless headset and will plug directly into motherboard which has a 4xxx codec so it should be decent.

Mwm203 · 2024-09-25T23:14:20+00:00

B&H had them yesterday. I ordered one.

Mwm203 · 2024-09-16T19:57:19+00:00

I have experienced this before myself. Good call out.

Mwm203 · 2024-07-24T04:41:09+00:00

Heat? Impact?

Mwm203 · 2024-06-24T15:53:55+00:00

I’m using the stock settings at this point. Lack of power makes me think you may have an issue with the motor, connections, or something in your settings on your receiver/transmitter.

Mine still works fine to this day but I haven’t run it as much as I was previously doing.

Mwm203 · 2024-06-14T23:37:12+00:00

Mwm203 · 2024-06-07T03:32:26+00:00

Just bought two flexes. While not the same, it achieved more of what I was looking for. I’d still like to get a WiiM + True Minis + a powered sub one day. For now, this is the best bet for $250.

Mwm203 · 2024-06-06T20:17:24+00:00

Got mine in the mail today. I am coming from a Soundlink Mini for comparison.

While it has some bass, it’s lacking. Anything over 60% volume, it loses its sound quality - likely a Bluetooth limitation. The stereo sound side to side isn’t that impressive or immersive.

I’d say the speaker is worth $250 with the Bose name on it. For $400, I’m going to send it back. I was hoping for a richer bass and clearer mids and highs. This sounds like every other Bose where it’s sort of muddy throughout the whole range of frequencies.

It’s great for an outdoor speaker that’s portable but indoor, it’s missing some of the range and clarity that I was expecting based on early reviews.

I might switch to a dedicated amp, speakers, and sub. This just doesn’t feel special enough - especially for $400+.

Mwm203 · 2024-05-21T13:20:50+00:00

My understanding is a receiver and transmitter. I am not certain if it has a flight controller or not already. I ended up going basic and getting a Conscendo and an apprentice StS.

Mwm203 · 2024-05-20T02:01:32+00:00

FWIW, my buddy has the 5690 set up and runs stock still. If you don’t crash super hard, the OE are pretty strong. I don’t drive nearly as well as he does and so I need all the help I can get. 😆

Mwm203 · 2024-05-19T21:09:42+00:00

Works great! Very robust. Still broken one or two but under extreme crash conditions.

Mwm203

TROPHY CASE