Car Talk 6: Best of times and Worst of Times

[Desertbreh]

The OFH wasn't in bad shape at all, just leaking pretty severely. New gaskets and a good cleaning and it's good to go.
I wanted to do a coolant flush anyway, the coolant was dark green.

BMW did something cool, you can run the electric water pump independently of the engine, so you can bleed the coolant with the car off.

Nice work on the Bimmer, Alan. Nice woman owned brake fluid. Was it ever changed?

[max225]

The OFH wasn't in bad shape at all, just leaking pretty severely. New gaskets and a good cleaning and it's good to go.
I wanted to do a coolant flush anyway, the coolant was dark green.

BMW did something cool, you can run the electric water pump independently of the engine, so you can bleed the coolant with the car off.

Nice work on the Bimmer, Alan. Nice woman owned brake fluid. Was it ever changed?

Liquid coal in the brake pedal baby

[D Griff]

The X3 looks very good in red.

[golftdibrad1]

welp, changing the wheelspeed sensor in the beemer didnt fix my issue, but at least its no longer throwing the code for that particular item.

I randomly met a guy at the fuel dispensing depot admiring the miata with a nice e90, got to talking and he has a good scan tool and offered to come scan it for me to narrow down whats going on.

[max225]

welp, changing the wheelspeed sensor in the beemer didnt fix my issue, but at least its no longer throwing the code for that particular item.

I randomly met a guy at the fuel dispensing depot admiring the miata with a nice e90, got to talking and he has a good scan tool and offered to come scan it for me to narrow down whats going on.

Met a guy while driving a Miata ? Sus af

[Tar]

You spelled come wrong

[golftdibrad1]

welp, changing the wheelspeed sensor in the beemer didnt fix my issue, but at least its no longer throwing the code for that particular item.

I randomly met a guy at the fuel dispensing depot admiring the miata with a nice e90, got to talking and he has a good scan tool and offered to come scan it for me to narrow down whats going on.

Met a guy while driving a Miata ? Sus af

You spelled come wrong

heh.

[Melon2.0]

Detailed it on Friday. It's ready, just sitting in the garage due to a few days of rain.

Not ruining my hard work when we can wait a few days.

[MexicanYarisTK]

Rental dilemma for new years.

So I intend to rent a 7 seater for 3 days for my parents, uncle, aunt, cousin and and I they just renewed their visas to the US which is valid for 10 years (pretty rare for new applicants).

I was aspired by maxwell's x7 rental.

I started at turo and i found this gem. Also the x7 sixt at the national airport (easily accessible by metro) rental does cost a little less when factoring in coverage



Pros:
- bigger engine, therefore faster, m pack ofc
- and yeah thats the bonus

Cons:
- Mileage limit (600), i can still exceed but it will cost me more. Our itinerary exceeds that limit by 100-150 miles at best.
- bigger engine and not to mention from time to time does mean worse fuel consumption.
- pick up place is near my parents place, that can possibly be a con (i live 30 miles away from them)

The sixt basic bitch with the b58.
Keep in mind i recently had rented an x5 as an upgrade, while it was decently quick, it did not wow me except for passing power on the highway. Also did drove the x7 around the block once and i find it to be nice.

Pros:
- better convenience for pick up (i can go to airport in 30 mins by metro)
- unlimited mileage
- better mpg
- perhaps smaller wheels which provides better ride for the city roads
- b58

Cons
- slower
- not worrying about exceeding mileage that can cost me extra or potentially charge me for another day (i did the math)
And that's about it.
- sixt may give me a car that i wasn't intending to get but we'll see

[max225]

Rental dilemma for new years.

So I intend to rent a 7 seater for 3 days for my parents, uncle, aunt, cousin and and I they just renewed their visas to the US which is valid for 10 years (pretty rare for new applicants).

I was aspired by maxwell's x7 rental.

I started at turo and i found this gem. Also the x7 sixt at the national airport (easily accessible by metro) rental does cost a little less when factoring in coverage



Pros:
- bigger engine, therefore faster, m pack ofc
- and yeah thats the bonus

Cons:
- Mileage limit (600), i can still exceed but it will cost me more. Our itinerary exceeds that limit by 100-150 miles at best.
- bigger engine and not to mention from time to time does mean worse fuel consumption.
- pick up place is near my parents place, that can possibly be a con (i live 30 miles away from them)

The sixt basic bitch with the b58.
Keep in mind i recently had rented an x5 as an upgrade, while it was decently quick, it did not wow me except for passing power on the highway. Also did drove the x7 around the block once and i find it to be nice.

Pros:
- better convenience for pick up (i can go to airport in 30 mins by metro)
- unlimited mileage
- better mpg
- perhaps smaller wheels which provides better ride for the city roads
- b58

Cons
- slower
- not worrying about exceeding mileage that can cost me extra or potentially charge me for another day (i did the math)
And that's about it.
- sixt may give me a car that i wasn't intending to get but we'll see

Turo is always more expensive in my experience. I'd rent through sixt. Although my rental was kind of busted and had a whopping 40k miles on it....

Bear in mind with 7 people you have 0 luggage space.

[MexicanYarisTK]

Rental dilemma for new years.

So I intend to rent a 7 seater for 3 days for my parents, uncle, aunt, cousin and and I they just renewed their visas to the US which is valid for 10 years (pretty rare for new applicants).

I was aspired by maxwell's x7 rental.

I started at turo and i found this gem. Also the x7 sixt at the national airport (easily accessible by metro) rental does cost a little less when factoring in coverage



Pros:
- bigger engine, therefore faster, m pack ofc
- and yeah thats the bonus

Cons:
- Mileage limit (600), i can still exceed but it will cost me more. Our itinerary exceeds that limit by 100-150 miles at best.
- bigger engine and not to mention from time to time does mean worse fuel consumption.
- pick up place is near my parents place, that can possibly be a con (i live 30 miles away from them)

The sixt basic bitch with the b58.
Keep in mind i recently had rented an x5 as an upgrade, while it was decently quick, it did not wow me except for passing power on the highway. Also did drove the x7 around the block once and i find it to be nice.

Pros:
- better convenience for pick up (i can go to airport in 30 mins by metro)
- unlimited mileage
- better mpg
- perhaps smaller wheels which provides better ride for the city roads
- b58

Cons
- slower
- not worrying about exceeding mileage that can cost me extra or potentially charge me for another day (i did the math)
And that's about it.
- sixt may give me a car that i wasn't intending to get but we'll see

Turo is always more expensive in my experience. I'd rent through sixt. Although my rental was kind of busted and had a whopping 40k miles on it....

Bear in mind with 7 people you have 0 luggage space.

Luggage isnt my concern. Its couple daytrips that involves roundtrips of one being 240 and 300.

Also to add, my cousin is 6 so im not sure if baby seat is needed. Turo host is also persian.

[max225]

Some of these people want $1-2 $ per mile … be careful

[max225]

New 4 runner topping out at 70k …. Did i mention fuck toyota ?

[Melon2.0]

Did i mention fuck toyota ?

First I've heard of this sentiment from you, Max.

[CaleDeRoo]

Did i mention fuck toyota ?

First I've heard of this sentiment from you, Max.

Oh you missed a good couplaaaaaaa two tree weeks der

[Melon2.0]

First I've heard of this sentiment from you, Max.

Oh you missed a good couplaaaaaaa two tree weeks der

[max225]

Did i mention fuck toyota ?

First I've heard of this sentiment from you, Max.

I am pretty unhappy with that brand and the direction they have taken since about 2022. Every single refreshed model is about +25-30% ABOVE the model it replaces.
Now we have
$45k Prii
$45k Camrys
$60k Siennas
$60k Cheapened fake LCs with cloth seats
$70k Tacos
$70k 4 Runners
$85k Seqouais

Toyota IMO has alienated itself from it's core customer a mid income consumer who values reliability and quality above all else. And decided to go complex + Expensive in an attempt to stay relevant.

I think the PLANdemic gave toyota a huge confidence boost as they were able to sell everything they had and then some and it made them believe that this was a winning strategy. However... things are changing and even toyotas are starting to pile up on delaers lots... their quality has slipped (see the tundra fubared engine recall). Countless examples of shitty Tacomas on the 4G tacoma forum popping transmissions/engines etc... It is frankly

I don't want this current toyota direction to succeed because I think they have strayed from a path of reliablity/simplicity/value to something where everyone else is playing at the moment and I wish they returned to what they do best.

However... the one bright side here... I think HONDA is staying true... and is still relatively affordable simple and well made... So there is a vehicle to buy if you share the same feelings about Toyota.

[Melon2.0]

Lol.

I know you have been very critical of Toyota lately. It's well deserved criticism IMO.
Thanks for another in-depth post tho.

[D Griff]

Turo is always more expensive in my experience. I'd rent through sixt. Although my rental was kind of busted and had a whopping 40k miles on it....

Bear in mind with 7 people you have 0 luggage space.

Luggage isnt my concern. Its couple daytrips that involves roundtrips of one being 240 and 300.

Also to add, my cousin is 6 so im not sure if baby seat is needed. Turo host is also persian.

I’d Sixt it for convenience/dependability.

I’ve done a lot of Turo and it’s fun but usually a bit sketchier/less convenient than an agency. I’d only do it for something really special that agencies don’t offer.

[Desertbreh]

Just get a Suburban. These whole 7 passenger Euro adventures amuse me. If you have 7 full size humans and all their shit, you need more than Europe can give you.

PROTIP: Rent through Costco. I got a Ford Expedition on the Big Island for less than $100/day. 16K miles, was actually not yet destroyed by Hawaii. Way better than the dogshit Jeep and the horrific Armada I had there previously. Yay supply chain. The Expedition had the classic Ford Tuned 10 speed no fun transmission but it was a cruiser and got decent mileage.

I also went to Belize and drove a Golf Cart for 5 days. (Wedding) It's official: My love for heat, humidity, excessive sun exposure, half assed rum drinks and Yeti Cups full of Titos and general attempts to be Jimmy Buffet have pretty much gone by the wayside. Also I cannot see investing in real estate that is exposed to numerous hurricance threats annually. But if that's your thing, Belize is your place. English is the language of choice. Food and Drink is expensive AF doe. Commie Booze (Havana Club, man we should lift the embargo on that item) was $52/fifth AT the liquor store. Damn son. This is the first weekday I have not had a drink in my hand by noon in the last two weeks. No shakes yet.

[wap]

Just get a Suburban. These whole 7 passenger Euro adventures amuse me. If you have 7 full size humans and all their shit, you need more than Europe can give you.

PROTIP: Rent through Costco. I got a Ford Expedition on the Big Island for less than $100/day. 16K miles, was actually not yet destroyed by Hawaii. Way better than the dogshit Jeep and the horrific Armada I had there previously. Yay supply chain. The Expedition had the classic Ford Tuned 10 speed no fun transmission but it was a cruiser and got decent mileage.

I also went to Belize and drove a Golf Cart for 5 days. (Wedding) It's official: My love for heat, humidity, excessive sun exposure, half assed rum drinks and Yeti Cups full of Titos and general attempts to be Jimmy Buffet have pretty much gone by the wayside. Also I cannot see investing in real estate that is exposed to numerous hurricance threats annually. But if that's your thing, Belize is your place. English is the language of choice. Food and Drink is expensive AF doe. Commie Booze (Havana Club, man we should lift the embargo on that item) was $52/fifth AT the liquor store. Damn son. This is the first weekday I have not had a drink in my hand by noon in the last two weeks. No shakes yet.

[Desertbreh]

Just get a Suburban. These whole 7 passenger Euro adventures amuse me. If you have 7 full size humans and all their shit, you need more than Europe can give you.

PROTIP: Rent through Costco. I got a Ford Expedition on the Big Island for less than $100/day. 16K miles, was actually not yet destroyed by Hawaii. Way better than the dogshit Jeep and the horrific Armada I had there previously. Yay supply chain. The Expedition had the classic Ford Tuned 10 speed no fun transmission but it was a cruiser and got decent mileage.

I also went to Belize and drove a Golf Cart for 5 days. (Wedding) It's official: My love for heat, humidity, excessive sun exposure, half assed rum drinks and Yeti Cups full of Titos and general attempts to be Jimmy Buffet have pretty much gone by the wayside. Also I cannot see investing in real estate that is exposed to numerous hurricance threats annually. But if that's your thing, Belize is your place. English is the language of choice. Food and Drink is expensive AF doe. Commie Booze (Havana Club, man we should lift the embargo on that item) was $52/fifth AT the liquor store. Damn son. This is the first weekday I have not had a drink in my hand by noon in the last two weeks. No shakes yet.

Fortunately Betty Ford is just 1.5 miles away.

[wap]

Fortunately Betty Ford is just 1.5 miles away.

[CaleDeRoo]

Just get a Suburban. These whole 7 passenger Euro adventures amuse me. If you have 7 full size humans and all their shit, you need more than Europe can give you.

PROTIP: Rent through Costco. I got a Ford Expedition on the Big Island for less than $100/day. 16K miles, was actually not yet destroyed by Hawaii. Way better than the dogshit Jeep and the horrific Armada I had there previously. Yay supply chain. The Expedition had the classic Ford Tuned 10 speed no fun transmission but it was a cruiser and got decent mileage.

I also went to Belize and drove a Golf Cart for 5 days. (Wedding) It's official: My love for heat, humidity, excessive sun exposure, half assed rum drinks and Yeti Cups full of Titos and general attempts to be Jimmy Buffet have pretty much gone by the wayside. Also I cannot see investing in real estate that is exposed to numerous hurricance threats annually. But if that's your thing, Belize is your place. English is the language of choice. Food and Drink is expensive AF doe. Commie Booze (Havana Club, man we should lift the embargo on that item) was $52/fifth AT the liquor store. Damn son. This is the first weekday I have not had a drink in my hand by noon in the last two weeks. No shakes yet.

Is Belize significantly cheaper than Mexico or other Caribbean islands? It looks like there isn't much there and is too close to Honduras.

[Desertbreh]

Just get a Suburban. These whole 7 passenger Euro adventures amuse me. If you have 7 full size humans and all their shit, you need more than Europe can give you.

PROTIP: Rent through Costco. I got a Ford Expedition on the Big Island for less than $100/day. 16K miles, was actually not yet destroyed by Hawaii. Way better than the dogshit Jeep and the horrific Armada I had there previously. Yay supply chain. The Expedition had the classic Ford Tuned 10 speed no fun transmission but it was a cruiser and got decent mileage.

I also went to Belize and drove a Golf Cart for 5 days. (Wedding) It's official: My love for heat, humidity, excessive sun exposure, half assed rum drinks and Yeti Cups full of Titos and general attempts to be Jimmy Buffet have pretty much gone by the wayside. Also I cannot see investing in real estate that is exposed to numerous hurricance threats annually. But if that's your thing, Belize is your place. English is the language of choice. Food and Drink is expensive AF doe. Commie Booze (Havana Club, man we should lift the embargo on that item) was $52/fifth AT the liquor store. Damn son. This is the first weekday I have not had a drink in my hand by noon in the last two weeks. No shakes yet.

Is Belize significantly cheaper than Mexico or other Caribbean islands? It looks like there isn't much there and is too close to Honduras.

I think the major draw over Mexico is that the land ownership of coastal property is more straightforward and that the language is English. We were on Ambergris Cay, the largest vacation/coastal residential area.
I have always found the direct proximity of one Central American country that is "safe" to another that is a geopolitical disaster to be a little unnerving in the "long term investment" category. In any event Belize seems to have its fan club. I might be interested in bareboat chartering a powerboat in the Virgin Islands sometime but I think I'm pretty much not a devotee to the whole lifestyle.