Autos Thread

[flyoverstate]

I recently brought back an older vehicle from the dead that needed an engine after reaching close to 400,000 miles. Between the cost of the replacement junkyard engine, front and rear crankshaft seals, cam seal, new water pump, new timing belt and tensioner, and new clutch kit since all of these parts are super easy to replace with the engine out, the dollars spent were close to the value of the vehicle. But I went ahead and did it anyway because of the fact that it's not a rolling computer like today's vehicles are and it's simple and easy to maintain, Cheap insurance is also a plus. I would certainly buy a brand new one of these if they still made them, but they don't. So I restore and enjoy.

Repairability and restoreability are why 90's and earlier Toyota pickups and 4Runners are ridiculously valuable now. We owned three 97-99 4Runners, all bought used, all with manual transmissions. We sold the last one 10 years ago, and it would be worth more today than we got for it 10 years ago with just over 300,000 miles on it. A friend of mine has a 2000 Tacoma with the V6 and a 5-speed manual, (same generation as our era of 4Runners), and he gets notes on his windshield on a regular basis inquiring into buying it. He paid $7000 for it fifteen years ago, and he would get more than that for it now. It only has 120,000 and has no rust. I can't imagine any 11 year old used car bought today that would be worth more 15 years from now. I can barely imagine one still running, even Toyotas.

 

[Pointby2]

I can't imagine any 11 year old used car bought today that would be worth more 15 years from now. I can barely imagine one still running, even Toyotas.

There are a few, like a Porsche 911. Some other enthusiast cars like the VW GTI, Focus RS, Subaru STI and Mitsubishi EVO. Manual transmission BMW M cars will be around and go up in value. And, of course, any exotic like a Ferrari or Lambo and the Ford GT.

 

[flyoverstate]

I have a feeling that ANY performance car with a manual will hold its value in the future, since so few are being made. If I were ten years younger (and had garage space), I would seek out a 2026 Toyota Supra with a manual, that is a car almost guaranteed to appreciate.

 

[Pointby2]

The whole topic of what cars will appreciate is interesting. Lots of youtoobers cover it but it's not always easy to predict.

 

[Koolau]

I haven't given up on that Cardle game, but it is challenging for me. If I fail, I don't bother to post any results.

I've always been very good at identifying cars/trucks while I was travelling or even just at home looking out my window, (we get around 8,000 vehicles per day that drive past the house) so I thought I'd be better at this game.

My problem is where I live and drive, around 75% of all the vehicles are either GM products, Ford/Lincoln, or Ram/Dodge/Jeep/Chrysler products. All of the rest combined make up the other 25%. People around here just don't buy many foreign cars. I see a handful of Toyota RAV4s and Tacomas, a few Nissans or Hondas once in a while, but I rarely ever see anything made by Porsche, BMW, Audi, or even Tesla. Anything more exotic than that I'd have to drive 3 or 4 hours to a big city to see.

Pretty much the opposite here. The few "American" cars I see are Teslas. Pretty much everything else is Asian.

 

[JoeWras]

This is why when we eventually buy a new car, we're going to give away the Subaru with the CVT to my great nephew, and keep the manual transmission Pontiac Vibe. The Vibe is just a Toyota Matrix in disguise.

We've been thinking about a new car for 2 years now but can't pull the trigger. The old fleet is still serving us so well. All over 15 years old, 105k, 166k and 232k miles.

 

[flyoverstate]

Another reason not to buy a GM vehicle. This is the second article I have read about GM not being able to supply parts for a car less than a year old. The other was a Cadillac EV that was rear ended, eventually GM gave up and bought it back.

This Chevy Silverado ZR2 Has Been Parked for More Than a Year Waiting on a Wiring Harness

The owner was involved in a collision that damaged the wiring harness in November 2024. It's been waiting on the correct replacement ever since.

www.thedrive.com

 

[JoeWras]

Used to be a big GM fan. They seem to have mailed it in since the free bailout.

Waiting for parts is one thing, having your rear wheels lock at speed is quite another. A redditor recently caught a GM vehicle in the wild exhibit the very dangerous transmission related rear wheel lock up. It is terrifying. No brake lights, just a car wildly locking rear wheels, which is extremely dangerous because it is easy for the car to swap ends (drifters do this intentionally). Turns out the recall "didn't take" on a lot of these vehicles too.

If you want to see the video:

https://www.reddit.com/r/IdiotsInCars/comments/1s0df3c/oc_breaking_for_what

The recall, which didn't always work:

https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2024/RCRIT-24V797-8189.pdf

 

[flyoverstate]

Used to be a big GM fan. They seem to have mailed it in since the free bailout.

Waiting for parts is one thing, having your rear wheels lock at speed is quite another. A redditor recently caught a GM vehicle in the wild exhibit the very dangerous transmission related rear wheel lock up. It is terrifying. No brake lights, just a car wildly locking rear wheels, which is extremely dangerous because it is easy for the car to swap ends (drifters do this intentionally). Turns out the recall "didn't take" on a lot of these vehicles too.

If you want to see the video:

https://www.reddit.com/r/IdiotsInCars/comments/1s0df3c/oc_breaking_for_what

The recall, which didn't always work:

https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2024/RCRIT-24V797-8189.pdf

To be fair, Ford has had the exact same issues with multiple transmissions. Ford puts a PLASTIC electrical junction unit INSIDE the transmission where it is bathed in transmission fluid. When it breaks, it throws a code and is unable to shift. The default gear was set to 1st, so when it broke while going highway speeds, it simply downshifted into 1st. The solution? Fix the design? No, of course not. Just make the default gear position 3rd instead of 1st. I wish I were kidding.

Google "Ford transmission Lead frame" and prepare to be amazed at the utter malfeasance.

Ford F-150 Lead Frame Recall: Sudden Downshifts, NHTSA Action & What to Do Next - Recall Brief

You’re cruising in your 2014 F-150, speed steady just over 60. Then, bam, it slams into first like you hit a wall. Rear tires chirp. Coffee flies. In a blink,

recallbrief.com

 

[ncbill]

For conventional (ICE) vehicles, those designed up until the mid-2000s are what you want.

Plenty of models in that timespan w/o 'innovative' features that reduce reliability (cylinder deactivation) or increase maintenance (direct injection) or both (CVT)

 

[ArmchairMillionaire]

Another reason not to buy a GM vehicle. This is the second article I have read about GM not being able to supply parts for a car less than a year old. The other was a Cadillac EV that was rear ended, eventually GM gave up and bought it back.

This Chevy Silverado ZR2 Has Been Parked for More Than a Year Waiting on a Wiring Harness

The owner was involved in a collision that damaged the wiring harness in November 2024. It's been waiting on the correct replacement ever since.

www.thedrive.com

I wouldn't buy a Mazda product, either.

A CX-90 Owner Returned His New SUV After One Day, Bought Another, And Got The Same Problem | Carscoops

Imagine the scenario of trying to avoid a car parked on the shoulder where the driver opened the door only to have your car swerve back on its own just because you crossed over the center line before you had time to signal?

Scary stuff.

 

[COcheesehead]

The lane recognition doesn’t work like that. If you cross a line without turning on your directional, the steering wheel will have a slight vibration and a mild bend to correct. It’s easily within the driver’s control the entire time and you don’t have to follow the suggestion. It’s more of a nudge than a sharp action.

 

[ArmchairMillionaire]

The lane recognition doesn’t work like that. If you cross a line without turning on your directional, the steering wheel will have a slight vibration and a mild bend to correct. It’s easily within the driver’s control the entire time and you don’t have to follow the suggestion. It’s more of a nudge than a sharp action.

According to the complaint in the lawsuit, the Mazda Lane-Keep Assist system applies “inappropriate and overly ‘corrective’ steering” that actively works against the driver’s inputs.

I don't mind the minor 'nudge' in our 2024 Trax LS, but if the Mazda system is 'overly correcting and actively working against driver inputs', that would be something else entirely.

 

[COcheesehead]

According to the complaint in the lawsuit, the Mazda Lane-Keep Assist system applies “inappropriate and overly ‘corrective’ steering” that actively works against the driver’s inputs.

I don't mind the minor 'nudge' in our 2024 Trax LS, but if the Mazda system is 'overly correcting and actively working against driver inputs', that would be something else entirely.

Not my experience in any of the cars we’ve owned or rented that had the feature.

 

[Out of Steam]

For conventional (ICE) vehicles, those designed up until the mid-2000s are what you want.

Plenty of models in that timespan w/o 'innovative' features that reduce reliability (cylinder deactivation) or increase maintenance (direct injection) or both (CVT)

Because I'm still driving long distances, and have physical limitations that keep me from doing significant car repairs, I'm not in a position to own a 15+ year old daily driver.

But our current crop of new cars really seems like those from the early emissions control era of the mid-1970s to early 1980s. I don't believe that most will age well. I'm glad we own a couple of newer cars without some of the worst features, putting us in a position to stay out of the car market for at least five years.

 

[flyoverstate]

But our current crop of new cars really seems like those from the early emissions control era of the mid-1970s to early 1980s. I don't believe that most will age well. I'm glad we own a couple of newer cars without some of the worst features, putting us in a position to stay out of the car market for at least five years.

That is a great analogy. Cars really went downhill from about 1971 (The first year of changes for "Low-Lead" gas), until the 90's. Then, things were generally pretty good until the mid-2010's when manufacturers started focusing their R&D on "infotainment" instead of engineering. Now, they are all laser-focused on cutting costs on the mechanical side, while filling the vehicle with cameras, sensors, and electric motors guaranteed to go bad.

I am really interested to see if the Slate EV really ends up evolving into something I would drive. The stated concept seems to be exactly what I would like. Meanwhile, those 3rd Generation 4Runners and Tacomas just keep rising in value.

 

[Out of Steam]

That is a great analogy. Cars really went downhill from about 1971 (The first year of changes for "Low-Lead" gas), until the 90's. Then, things were generally pretty good until the mid-2010's when manufacturers started focusing their R&D on "infotainment" instead of engineering. Now, they are all laser-focused on cutting costs on the mechanical side, while filling the vehicle with cameras, sensors, and electric motors guaranteed to go bad.

A fair number of auto business commentators and online forums are calling our current period the new Malaise Era, after that period of early emissions controls. This version is from a pro-electric vehicle site, but similar commentary can be found on the anti-EV side.

The Automotive Industry Has Two Ways Out Of Malaise 2.0 - CleanTechnica

Support CleanTechnica's work through a Substack subscription or on Stripe. When people talk about the golden era of automobiles, especially muscle cars, they’re almost always talking about the 1950s and 1960s. Cars got faster and more powerful, even if the American automotive industry was making...

cleantechnica.com

 

[TrvlBug]

Any thoughts on the Lucid Gravity Touring? I'm replacing my 2023 BMW IX xdrive50. While I love the car, I'm really pissed off at BMW for abandoning us with the 8.0 UI and it's glichy software. I realize the Gravity has software issues, but the mechanics are fabulous and as good if not better than the IX. And Lucid is really working to improve the software and has made substantial progress with its recently released OTA update.

I'm going for a test drive this weekend. And the lease financials are FABULOUS!

 

[Chuckanut]

Used to be a big GM fan. They seem to have mailed it in since the free bailout.

IMO, it happened long before that. I had a 1980’s Pontiac wagon. The design of the car was very good. But, the quality of build and parts was lousy, IMO.

It started from the factory with the rear hatch being noticeably misaligned. Since there was no leakage, the deal advised me not to try and fix it since it would require cutting into the body and frame of the car, which if not done right would be a big headache in the future. That was the only good advice I got from the dealer. I never had a problem with rear hatch. But, the rest of the car made up for it many times over.

In 100,000 miles I had replaced the steering rack twice Also replaced were the alternator, water pump, assorted other minor parts. The carburetor leaked badly so I had to keep the garage door open for 30 minutes when I parked it for the night. Otherwise gas fumes seeped into the house. It was a sealed carb and could not be fixed. The interior heater core leaked and sprayed coolant all over the front dash and window. There were assorted electrical system problems. The transmission was rebuilt at about 80,000 miles. At a little over 100,000 miles the engine began violently bucking and belching smoke. The care was already in the shop on a quarterly basis. I made a lot of boat payments for my mechanic. I gave the belching car to a car donation outfit and they towed it away. That was one of the happiest days of my life.

I have never bought another GM product and have discouraged my children from buying one.

 

[Pointby2]

GM has issues, but they still have some desirable vehicles.

• Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing
• Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing
• Corvette Stingray and E-Ray
• Tahoe/Suburban/Yukon

I'd consider those if I was in the market, and stay away from the rest.

 

[Out of Steam]

GM has issues, but they still have some desirable vehicles.

• Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing
• Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing
• Corvette Stingray and E-Ray
• Tahoe/Suburban/Yukon

I'd consider those if I was in the market, and stay away from the rest.

I rode in a Tahoe and a Ford Expedition over the weekend. Think I could get enjoy either at my age, but I haven't done well over the years with maneuvering large vehicles.

 

[flyoverstate]

Any thoughts on the Lucid Gravity Touring? I'm replacing my 2023 BMW IX xdrive50. While I love the car, I'm really pissed off at BMW for abandoning us with the 8.0 UI and it's glichy software. I realize the Gravity has software issues, but the mechanics are fabulous and as good if not better than the IX. And Lucid is really working to improve the software and has made substantial progress with its recently released OTA update.

I'm going for a test drive this weekend. And the lease financials are FABULOUS!

The survival of Lucid relies on the desire of the Saudis to continue funding it.

Think about that.

 

[flyoverstate]

GM has issues, but they still have some desirable vehicles.

• Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing
• Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing
• Corvette Stingray and E-Ray
• Tahoe/Suburban/Yukon

I'd consider those if I was in the market, and stay away from the rest.

Honestly, the Equinox EV has evolved into being one of the best EVs out there.

The Blackwings are cool cars, but not for everyday driving, same with the Corvettes.

The Corvettes will be like every other Corvette, they will rapidly depreciate until they hit a bottom supported by "Corvette People", who are aging out, just like Harley people. My car enthusiast 30-something son and his friends don't give a single crap about Corvettes.

Tahoe/Suburban/Yukon are huge. If you need something like that, great. A friend has a 2025 Suburban and has had many issues and poor support from the dealership.

GM can't seem to keep parts in stock for any vehicle, they seem to be on a "we'll make them as needed" basis. Many stories of all GM vehicles sitting at dealers for weeks/months waiting for backordered parts.

 

[Pointby2]

The Blackwings are cool cars, but not for everyday driving, same with the Corvettes.

I'll disagree about the Blackwings not being everyday drivers. They're luxury four door sedans. I suppose they could be garage queens for a minority of owners. Personally I'd daily the Blackwings or a Corvette, but that's me.

 

[flyoverstate]

I'll disagree about the Blackwings not being everyday drivers. They're luxury four door sedans. I suppose they could be garage queens for a minority of owners. Personally I'd daily the Blackwings or a Corvette, but that's me.

It depends on where you live, I guess. I have honestly never seen a CT4-V or CT5-V, because they are RWD. They barely sell in CO. Lots of AWD BMW/Audi/Mercedes competition.

Not many Corvettes, either, but plenty of 911's.

There are tons of $$$$$$ daily drivers, but most are pickup trucks, with a few of the big GM SUVs, Sequoia, Navigators, Cayennes, and Rivians. And Tesla, of course. I see P80D/Plaids quite often, even in the hinterlands. A few Lucids as well.

There just aren't many 2WD vehicles around here at all any more.