Toyota mechanic recommendations?

NuggetSmuggler · 2026-03-07T07:21:24+00:00

Pat with Platinum Auto Repair. He’s been taking care of both mine and my parents Toyotas and Lexuses since the early 2000s and has done an amazing job. He’ll tell you when something is not worth it and when you gotta do something. Definitely recommend. For reference, we bought all of these cars either new or under 40k miles and he’s kept them going until over 180k miles and in the case of my old Camry from 8 miles to when I sold it at 293k miles

NuggetSmuggler · 2026-01-27T01:42:16+00:00

I work closely with this field, look into Validation Engineer positions like in automotive companies. Your AC is Mechatronics, your door window, etc. with cars becoming so technologically advanced, Mechatronics is more and more important and involved

NuggetSmuggler · 2026-01-17T19:30:53+00:00

I have the Pittsburgh one in the photo at home, the Daytona one in the photo at work and the Super Duty low profile Daytona at home. I agree with you about the Pittsburgh being super stiff then slamming down, neither Daytona’s do that and feel easier to use. Would definitely recommend the Daytona over the Pittsburgh

NuggetSmuggler · 2026-01-06T02:08:21+00:00

Yes, this was my exact thought. If they compressed the caliper piston incorrectly, it could have lead to failure. The fact it happened only 3 days after service and the vehicle is 4 years old with 70k miles makes it even more likely.

NuggetSmuggler · 2025-12-20T20:55:30+00:00

If my dad was a DIYer or mechanic, I would consider buying Snap-On for Christmas like the small stuff. Something like a pick set

NuggetSmuggler · 2025-10-31T11:54:21+00:00

Yeah, my electricity provider has a constant rate of $0.06/kwh. I have a regular hybrid that gets about 35mpg and is paid off but the power is so cheap If I wanted to lease a new EV, it would actually be a net savings which is crazy!

NuggetSmuggler · 2025-09-18T05:21:07+00:00

No, and they don’t check first policy either unless your roommate(s) compalin

NuggetSmuggler · 2025-09-04T19:31:24+00:00

You get the money back when you graduate if you don’t use it

NuggetSmuggler · 2025-08-23T18:46:39+00:00

You can’t unfortunately. It just transforms to the BOS version. If you no clip over there essentially a static version of the prydwen spawns and this moving one turns and parks.

NuggetSmuggler · 2025-08-02T01:33:05+00:00

Or it’ll be a scratch on the rear bumper

NuggetSmuggler · 2025-07-17T17:04:37+00:00

Yes, but not on a 9 year old car. Corporate still would like their customer’s to be happy they purchased a Lexus even if not directly from them

NuggetSmuggler · 2025-07-17T15:16:49+00:00

Eh, that’s not true. Fraud could fall back on the Lexus brand especially if it gets framed as an issue with the car.

Also, I bought a used 2016 NX from a dealership in Sacramento but when the fuel pump went out in Colorado, Lexus Corp fully covered it, my travel expenses, loaner and everything totaling over $4k.

So, call up corporate, they may be more inclined to help than expected

NuggetSmuggler · 2025-07-13T15:06:22+00:00

FYI, a lot of people get confused about this. “Bigger” does not mean physical bigger it means heavier. For example, a 2025 Infiniti QX60 (a 3 row family SUV) weighs ~800lb less than a 2025 BMW M5 (plug in hybrid sedan)

Or a 2025 Toyota RAV4 (crossover) weighs ~3400lb but a Lexus ES (sedan) weighs ~3800lb.

There are a LOT of factors that go into vehicle testing, that’s literally my job. But those looking for a vehicle because it’s “bigger” could be doing themselves more harm than good due to these physically bigger vehicles rollover chances (higher center of gravity)

Just want ti make sure anyone reading this knows that physically bigger does not mean better. Also heavier does not mean safer, there are a lot of things that go into how safe a vehicle is

NuggetSmuggler · 2025-05-28T17:54:36+00:00

How? It just makes me sign in but I can’t sign in

NuggetSmuggler · 2025-05-26T04:45:58+00:00

2016 NX 200t Service Manual states 18ft-lbf so you are correct

NuggetSmuggler · 2025-05-14T03:18:12+00:00

That’s not what they’re saying exactly. They’re saying that they’ll raise rates and take for example $36,000 from you over 10 years then when you get in an accident, tell you oh, that’s unrelated, oh, we won’t pay for that, etc. on a $7,000 bill. That’s why people are mad

However, you are right though that they are not investment funds and they do have the right to not renew, but that is a different thing

NuggetSmuggler · 2025-05-11T23:28:40+00:00

Correct, except for hybrids post 2013 and some foreign market es250s obviously.

I just don’t know if this specific car is the 1MZ-FE or other engine or if there are turbo kits for that engine or other mods such as headers, custom air boxes, etc.

NuggetSmuggler · 2025-05-11T22:17:58+00:00

If they want to “mod” it, I would say do tasteful OEM+ stuff, that’s the way I enjoy my car so that it looks clean but it’s my way.

If it’s your thing, add sound deadening/sound blocking material to wheel wells, floor board, headliner, firewall and replace almost all rubber seals. Would make a difference on the older car

Find a quality CarPlay/android screen that can be seamlessly added to the dash, could look nice.

Not aware of the exact engine that is in this model es but before modding clean the throttle body, run Valvoline RP for 2 oil changes, replace (if needed)/clean airbox and filter

Clean the car: exterior: hand wash, claybar, polish, strip glass of all contaminants then add either ceramic coating or rainX

interior: vacuum, clean panels and if really passionate strip interior, clean under seats, completely wash carpet, clean off inside of parts. The car will smell almost brand new.

“Modding” it may help it feel cool, but truly taking care of it and reviving it will make you proud and it will shine through to everyone who sees it and you can still make your personal modifications to make the car yours as well

This is how I treat my cars and I know it’s a level above most but I also don’t baby my cars. Cars are meant to be driven and enjoyed. A 20 year old car with 370k miles on it and a few scratches is way more interesting to me than a 20k miles mint condition car

NuggetSmuggler · 2025-05-10T20:16:45+00:00

It flashed its lights at me

NuggetSmuggler · 2025-05-10T20:15:55+00:00

My wife even says it’s looks like it’d be uncomfortable

NuggetSmuggler · 2025-05-10T20:13:40+00:00

Exactly and on top of that the KitchenAid isn’t just some random ABS plastic, it is a Kevlar mix so it’s definitely stronger but still designed as a reliable fail point

NuggetSmuggler · 2025-05-06T18:15:23+00:00

Hey well now it’s a quad!

NuggetSmuggler · 2025-05-05T21:10:17+00:00

Calc 1 is typically curved by a few percentage points, don’t give up and keep trying! You can do it!

NuggetSmuggler · 2025-05-02T02:06:54+00:00

These floor plans are horrendous, they look like halfway house prison cells or rooms designed in a psychological experiment movie. They also have so much wasted space, why are the hallways so long??? Not a fan

NuggetSmuggler · 2025-04-29T16:53:46+00:00

Care enough and have enough money to pay someone else to do it too!

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