So in the ongoing saga of my car, they've (Mitsu corporate) have determined that my transfer case is kaput. A new one from Japan is on the way, because apparently they do not stock Evo parts literally anywhere else in the world.
That doesn't surprise me in the least. Have a friend that used to have one of the new GTOs, everything on that car had to be shipped in from Australia. Pontiac dealers maybe stocking up on some parts? Nope.
I guess it's a bit surprising that there's not like a single warehouse in North America to support the few thousand of this model that live in this hemisphere.
Is it computer controlled drive by wire? You might have to "teach" it performance driving. As in, the car learns what kind of driving you do and if you just put put around, well...
I'm working on my A/C. There's no pressure. So, do you know a good way of finding the leak without adding more Freon to the system? I know refrigerant with dye in it is the most popular way of diagnosing an A/C leak, but I'm wondering if there's a more cost effective way.
Also, I know I have to replace my receiver/drier at this point but can I diagnose my leak first before having to replace it? I imagine I can, but I'm not all that experienced with A/C system and I rather not damage anything else.
Donovan PuppyfuckerA dagger in the dark isworth a thousand swords in the morningRegistered Userregular
Not really. If you're extraordinarily desperate you could make up some fittings to connect a regular air line to the high side of the system and just hook up a metered air compressor (set to a few psi), then go over the system thoroughly with a spray bottle full of soapy water. The actual gas itself isn't super expensive, it's the aircon tech's time that really stings the wallet. Quite often they will use argon and add the flouro leak spotter instead of actual refrigerant to find the leak. If you want to help find the leak as easily and quickly as possible with a flouro smoke leak test, give the whole engine bay around the a/c lines a really good degrease and clean.
Oh hey, I'm gonna buy a new car next week. I have no idea what exactly I want still (guess I gotta drive a couple first).
I'm by no means a car person, and it's basically just a way to get from point A to point B for me. I'm lookin at just a boring old mid sized sedan. I'm ruling out a Honda because I'm actually super disappointed in my current Civic's maintenance track record where they're supposed to be known for their reliability and I've had multiple very expensive repairs. Most recent was my starter going out last year, and then a friend with a 1 year newer civic had his go out almost exactly 1 year after mine did. Plus minor cosmetic things like the visors break constantly and paint issues that seem to be an epidemic down here when they get around 8 years old.
Rhylith - <Shambler Milk> Horde Chogall
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sponoMining for Nose DiamondsBooger CoveRegistered Userregular
25-30ish. Not lookin at luxury cars basically unless there's some sort of miracle deal going on, but willing to consider most of the offerings from the usual brands.
sponoMining for Nose DiamondsBooger CoveRegistered Userregular
If you just want a nice mid-size sedan, you probably can't go wrong with a Mazda 6. It's right in your price range, and I'd say it looks quite nice as well. Can't speak to its reliability though.
If you just want a nice mid-size sedan, you probably can't go wrong with a Mazda 6. It's right in your price range, and I'd say it looks quite nice as well. Can't speak to its reliability though.
That was at the top of my list before I posted! Good to hear some confirmation that people like it.
I've also heard complaints about reliability from the two people I know with base model fiestas. Plus the back seat doesn't really have any more legroom than my Kia.
Maybe it's time to start looking at used. $25K could go a long way, I'm sure.
25-30ish. Not lookin at luxury cars basically unless there's some sort of miracle deal going on, but willing to consider most of the offerings from the usual brands.
Who makes extremely reliable cars? Toyota! Now, you'll want something safe and cheap to run, so my suggestion is an FT-86.
Lot of good cars in that range.
What features do you want? what do you prize in a car - performance, comfort, economy? What area of the country do you live in?
Regardless, truecar.com is great for getting a good price.
@rhylith I had a 2002 mazda protege 5 and i'll never buy another Mazda again, the thing needed random repairs every few months and cost me a fortune. Not sure about the newer ones. The Focus ST is a blast to drive and mine (2013) has only had minor issues which the dealer fixed at no cost. Only available in stick though.
Yeah, anecdotal evidence is anecdotal. In my family, the four Mazdas have performed flawlessly (and would all still be in use except one of them was t-boned in an intersection by a newbie driver running a red) while all four Fords have had significant flaws and breakdowns. Every manufacturer makes a crap car here and there; you just have to go by the large-scale odds.
I had an '07 3 and went straight into a '10 speed3 and I've never had any issues with either. Mom has a 3 and my sister does too. Dad had an '04 6 and it didn't start having serious problems until 200k km on the odo. At that point it really was terrible. The rest of us don't drive nearly that much so I don't know personally what happens to a beat upon 3.
(by issues I am excluding the headlight fogging I have on my speed3 that is getting fixed under the extended warranty Mazda gave to specifically address it because it's a relatively minor thing)
@rhylith I had a 2002 mazda protege 5 and i'll never buy another Mazda again, the thing needed random repairs every few months and cost me a fortune. Not sure about the newer ones. The Focus ST is a blast to drive and mine (2013) has only had minor issues which the dealer fixed at no cost. Only available in stick though.
I had the regular 02 protege and had no problems for the entire 160k miles I had it. It sucks that your 5 had so many problems! I always kicked myself for not getting one. As for the modern ones my co-worker has a base model 2014 Mazda6 and has loved it so far. I think he has around 15k miles.
Look and Hyundai too, Our 2013 Elantra GT just cleared 50000 miles with no problems at all and still running strong. Just came back from a tour of the Southwest US. A 2500 mile round trip in about 10 days of hot dry weather with all kinds of elevation changes.
Donovan PuppyfuckerA dagger in the dark isworth a thousand swords in the morningRegistered Userregular
My Mum's 2008 Mazda 3 is still basically in as-new condition, despite the mileage on it and their long dirt driveway meaning it is almost always tinged slightly brown from all the gravel dust.
Posts
this is pretty easy to understand
He said the hesitation on acceleration is because I've got so little mileage on it so far and it's in economy mode still.
Just drive like this for a few weeks and it should clear up.
I never finish anyth
As someone that drives a FWD vehicle in an area that gets a lot of winter snow.
This is not the worst advice. Just pull the bastard through the corners.
DRIFTERU!!!!!
I never finish anyth
I'm working on my A/C. There's no pressure. So, do you know a good way of finding the leak without adding more Freon to the system? I know refrigerant with dye in it is the most popular way of diagnosing an A/C leak, but I'm wondering if there's a more cost effective way.
Also, I know I have to replace my receiver/drier at this point but can I diagnose my leak first before having to replace it? I imagine I can, but I'm not all that experienced with A/C system and I rather not damage anything else.
I'm by no means a car person, and it's basically just a way to get from point A to point B for me. I'm lookin at just a boring old mid sized sedan. I'm ruling out a Honda because I'm actually super disappointed in my current Civic's maintenance track record where they're supposed to be known for their reliability and I've had multiple very expensive repairs. Most recent was my starter going out last year, and then a friend with a 1 year newer civic had his go out almost exactly 1 year after mine did. Plus minor cosmetic things like the visors break constantly and paint issues that seem to be an epidemic down here when they get around 8 years old.
25-30ish. Not lookin at luxury cars basically unless there's some sort of miracle deal going on, but willing to consider most of the offerings from the usual brands.
Bleh, it starts to get a LITTLE outside my range when I start putting tech/safety features I want on it.
Though I could probably talk em down on a 2015 since the 16s are starting to hit now huh?
It looks pretty cool though and standard awd is nice. I'll add it to my test drive list.
nah. Driving a manual in Houston traffic sounds like basically the worst thing I can imagine.
That was at the top of my list before I posted! Good to hear some confirmation that people like it.
What's the best way to clean Alcantara?
http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2015/07/barks-bites-fist-rollover-risk-people-dont-want-know/
I've also heard complaints about reliability from the two people I know with base model fiestas. Plus the back seat doesn't really have any more legroom than my Kia.
Maybe it's time to start looking at used. $25K could go a long way, I'm sure.
Well now this is interesting:
http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/vehicledetails.xhtml?listingId=404725405&hideBackLink=true&Log=0
Oh my god I have to watch all of these.
Who makes extremely reliable cars? Toyota! Now, you'll want something safe and cheap to run, so my suggestion is an FT-86.
What features do you want? what do you prize in a car - performance, comfort, economy? What area of the country do you live in?
Regardless, truecar.com is great for getting a good price.
Bnet tag: Nermals#11601
there are many past and present mazda owners in this thread with more recent models who have nothing but good things to say about them
I've had two and have not had an involuntary trip to the ship with either of them
(by issues I am excluding the headlight fogging I have on my speed3 that is getting fixed under the extended warranty Mazda gave to specifically address it because it's a relatively minor thing)
I had the regular 02 protege and had no problems for the entire 160k miles I had it. It sucks that your 5 had so many problems! I always kicked myself for not getting one. As for the modern ones my co-worker has a base model 2014 Mazda6 and has loved it so far. I think he has around 15k miles.
Look and Hyundai too, Our 2013 Elantra GT just cleared 50000 miles with no problems at all and still running strong. Just came back from a tour of the Southwest US. A 2500 mile round trip in about 10 days of hot dry weather with all kinds of elevation changes.
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