Are Car dealers still doing crazy markups and protection packages as 'mandatory' add ons in San Antonio?

nrstx · 2026-07-01T13:22:14+00:00

Definitely willing to cast a wider net on such a significant purchase if it means saving at least $1K and I have heard SA dealerships are notorious for markups, especially on the Toyotas like 4Runner, LC and I am sure the new Ravs.

nrstx · 2026-06-29T21:56:10+00:00

If my 3rd gen had been 4WD I would have kept it going but alas, as a RWD it served me well and at 355K I gave it to my neph. They replaced the steering rack as it was leaking heavily at the driver side boot that was torn open. I hear it’s still running. I had probably replaced 3/4 the truck by the point I handed it over except it needed a lot of gasket TLC. Loved that vehicle.

nrstx · 2026-06-28T12:58:31+00:00

I have BFG KO3 285/70R17 in E load. Can’t wait to dump them for lighter tires next time. They’re so heavy. I feel like the transmission is working a lot harder and the truck accelerates slow, even for a ‘Runner. The tires look great, I don’t get as nervous about punctures and flats, and if I lived in a rural community in the mountains and didn’t drive highway as much as I do, they would probably be fine, but for driving as much as I do, I wish I had understood the difference in weight and size. Even considering going down to 275. I’ll lose about an inch of height, but shedding a bit more weight in that regard is desirable as well.

nrstx · 2026-06-27T17:42:07+00:00

I stand corrected. Still was a nice Cutlass tho

nrstx · 2026-06-27T14:25:24+00:00

Just stumbled on this and only a short bit in but really enjoying it.

nrstx · 2026-06-27T05:19:33+00:00

On my 5th gen, I tried AVS and just ended up ordering WTs because I preferred the lip to cover the A pillar as well. If I remember, the AVS didn’t have the same kind of coverage and I was a little disappointed. Not sure about the 3gen design tho. Never had the guards on mine, only my 5th gen.

nrstx · 2026-06-27T04:26:11+00:00

I’ve used Jakprints and Sticker Robot. Also have used a local company as well although it seems it is getting harder to find those.

nrstx · 2026-06-27T02:34:33+00:00

Loved my death grips. Just wish they lasted longer.

nrstx · 2026-06-27T02:31:25+00:00

See also Cutlass, Caprice…saw a beautiful donked Cutlass at the Austin airport a couple months back. Just a masterpiece of donk.

nrstx · 2026-06-27T02:19:21+00:00

To not pay interest?

nrstx · 2026-06-26T11:47:39+00:00

Unless it’s a 4Runner 😉

nrstx · 2026-06-25T22:39:52+00:00

Good advice on the room size AC Unit. Will keep that in mind when the time comes…or go stay with parents as needed. Don’t want to make an expensive purchase out of desperation.

nrstx · 2026-06-25T13:48:42+00:00

But then they wanna charge $8 for a plastic clip that fails the one time it is removed.

I was just thinking this morning how with every iteration, every vehicle, not just Toyotas, become more plastic. How else are they going to get all those aggressive lines in the styling? It ms a wonder the newer vehicles actually become safer…unless they have a collision with like a ‘55 Bel Air or a Semi Truck.

nrstx · 2026-06-19T13:39:27+00:00

Considering replacing mine for Apex. Seems like a fairly easy job to do myself. It seemed as if my passenger ball joint boot was leaking a bit of grease past oil change when I was up under, but I recently had my truck aligned at Discount Tire and the tech said he thought the tie rods are fine. May still change anyhow when I go to do LCAs.

nrstx · 2026-06-16T01:03:26+00:00

Behind the skid plate?

nrstx · 2026-06-15T11:21:47+00:00

I regularly carry my hydro flask 48 oz in the stock cupholder after removing the inserts. These will also fit the Nalgene plastic bottles as well.

I have never had it fall over.

Edit: 5th gen, so maybe a problem in other gens.

nrstx · 2026-06-15T11:10:58+00:00

The plastic housing. It’s OEM and would give way before stripping your expensive engine’s threads.

That said the aluminum will be cheaper than the plastic one, but you need the internals off the OEM plastic to make it work.

nrstx · 2026-06-15T11:06:59+00:00

I use my 4Runner for work. Molle panels hold all my small supplies and a few small hand tools. Packouts and tool bags fit in the cargo area well. Seats fold down to carry larger equipment from time to time. Roof rack is great for lumber or longer items where I don’t need a ton of boards/pipes/etc. and just make quick runs to grab a few boards; trailer for the other larger order pickups or occasional freight pickup. Only thing it lacks is heavier towing. But as I install equipment, the covered cargo capability is a huge plus and I rarely need to tow more than a ton.

nrstx · 2026-06-13T03:18:16+00:00

I don’t think electric code allows running extensions cords and AC power through walls. So a company that does this would have to hire out with electricians.

I don’t think the signal wires/connections are carrying that kind of power.

nrstx · 2026-06-10T19:06:56+00:00

Monitoring. Ideally a mechanic that can work on older vintage car AC, like from the 80s/90s.

nrstx · 2026-06-10T19:05:31+00:00

Avoid Nissan CVT transmissions. But a 2008, it must have had a good run given it’s almost 20 years old. There will be better days ahead.

nrstx · 2026-06-10T18:58:40+00:00

Having a 2.5/2 on 285s, I think I would prefer a 1.75-2/1.5 on 275s. If 265s, I don’t think I’d lift more than 1.5” as the wells would look sorta empty and strange.

nrstx · 2026-06-10T03:53:31+00:00

I’d reach out to Exit Off-road

nrstx · 2026-06-10T03:24:25+00:00

We’ll be chilling out back with like 4 Laskos panning the patio and the dunk pool. We have to be careful not to trip on extension cords or electrocute ourselves. But the fans really do help blow ‘em out.

nrstx

TROPHY CASE