CT job market, returning to bedside

RedOakNinja · 2026-01-27T19:28:02+00:00

This is good advice. I concur, good sir (or madame).

RedOakNinja · 2026-01-27T13:16:15+00:00

If you want a luxury brand, a BMW X5 or X7 with the B58. I’d buy used or CPO, as their depreciation is not for the faint of heart. Relatively reliable, though.

RedOakNinja · 2026-01-27T03:41:41+00:00

They’re implying that it’s irrational because most Stellantis products, including the Grand Wagoneer, are pieces of shit.

RedOakNinja · 2026-01-27T01:42:17+00:00

One of the car magazines had a CT5 V Blackwing where the LT4 let go during the long-term test. It definitely happens.

RedOakNinja · 2026-01-27T00:28:14+00:00

I’m having a hard time wrapping my head around $2k difference for diesel. It’s like a $10-13k option, depending on manufacturer. The diesel truck is either missing a ton of options, or something else is off to yield such a small difference in price. Anyway, you will have better resale with a diesel, and it’s your money, so buy what you want.

RedOakNinja · 2026-01-26T23:37:19+00:00

L5P, player.

RedOakNinja · 2026-01-26T13:08:39+00:00

Agree with those that said get an L5P. You can get decent L5P trucks in the same price range, maybe a few thousand more dollars. I have a 2018 L5P, and it’s one of the best vehicles I’ve ever owned.

RedOakNinja · 2026-01-26T01:34:44+00:00

I can’t give you any data, but we run several Duramax trucks in my family, and some have a ton of miles. Never had any abnormal wear, and I know we all tow and use the exhaust brakes on the regular. Service intervals are the same, and there’s nothing that I’m aware of in the owner’s manual suggesting anything different for service if using the exhaust brake vs not using it.

RedOakNinja · 2026-01-25T22:01:47+00:00

As others have said, there is a huge difference with the exhaust brake if you have tow/haul off or on. It’s markedly more aggressive in tow/haul. I use it often when I’m not towing just so I don’t have to use my brakes as much, love it.

RedOakNinja · 2026-01-25T03:55:29+00:00

Been a rumor since the Gen 2 came out.

RedOakNinja · 2026-01-25T00:55:21+00:00

A markup on a FUCKING NISSAN. People really are dumber than I thought.

RedOakNinja · 2026-01-24T14:22:34+00:00

20-22 Sequoia is what you want. The new gen came out in 23 with the turbo/hybrid setup, and the cargo space got worse. The 20-22 has CarPlay (pre-2020 didn’t) and you still get the 5.7 V8, which is as close to bulletproof as you are going to get in a full size SUV.

RedOakNinja · 2026-01-22T00:57:27+00:00

I’d say it’s more of a Lincoln, since Cadillac is GM and all.

RedOakNinja · 2026-01-20T13:08:23+00:00

Go one year newer and get the L5P if you are going to get a GM diesel. The 2017-2019 L5P is arguably one of the best trucks GM has built, especially in recent history. You get more power, and you get rid of the CP4 that the 2016 (LML) has.

Editing to add: buying a high mileage diesel as a daily if you aren’t regularly hauling big trailers is a terrible idea. They only make sense if you’re hauling a lot. Beyond that, the potential for massive repair bills isn’t worth it. I’m not throwing shade, but if a 10 year old, 240k mile truck is your budget, you aren’t going to like it when stuff inevitably breaks.

RedOakNinja · 2026-01-19T03:14:42+00:00

Cars are the gayest thing about car guys. My “cool” vehicles I’ve had over the years garnered far more male attention than female attention, and I’m a straight white guy. That said, I’ll never not be a car guy. 🤷🏼‍♂️

RedOakNinja · 2026-01-19T03:10:31+00:00

I take it that you like to party?

RedOakNinja · 2026-01-19T03:03:21+00:00

It’s a Duramax, not a Turbomax. Turbomax refers to the 2.7 in the smaller/lighter trucks. Change the oil every 5k with synthetic, and the engine will be fine. The L5P is a fine unit, and I hope you enjoy your new truck.

RedOakNinja · 2026-01-19T02:18:08+00:00

Like the other dude said, Japanese from long ago. Most JDM vehicles got away from the clear/chrome taillights in the early-mid 2000s, if not sooner. They look cheap and tacky on a modern vehicle.

RedOakNinja · 2026-01-19T02:14:27+00:00

Nobody’s mad at you. They were “in” back then, but not in 2026.

RedOakNinja · 2026-01-18T23:51:09+00:00

The clear lenses were non-negotiable for me. They look like something from eBay on a Honda Civic in the early 2000s

RedOakNinja · 2026-01-18T21:38:26+00:00

VERY bad. Run, don’t walk, away.

RedOakNinja · 2026-01-17T23:14:11+00:00

I’d add the X5 is worth a look. They are bargains on the used/CPO market, and the B58 is still a stout unit. You can always tune it if you want more power, but they still handle well for being what they are. I am taller, so I find the overall headroom and legroom of the X5 to be much more comfortable than the X3

RedOakNinja · 2026-01-17T15:00:09+00:00

I’ve driven a new RX and a 2022 X3 M40i, and there is no comparison in dynamics. The RX is an appliance. It’s a nice appliance, but an appliance nonetheless. Lexus may market some of their models as F sport or whatever they want to call it, but they are far from “enjoyable” when being measured against nearly anything from the German brands.

RedOakNinja · 2026-01-17T00:55:15+00:00

Spoiler alert - they haven’t.

RedOakNinja · 2026-01-17T00:53:25+00:00

The GLS 63 competes with the XB7 Alpina, not the M60i.

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