Car Questions (Page 40)

It’s Friday and once again time for some car repair customer humor that makes you realize just how often it is something the owner did and not that “other guy” or garage.

Here is a reminder about why the “Click It or Ticket” law is one of the most sensible ones on the roads. Plus, a related warning about buying a vintage car and safety.

Here’s the latest from Consumer Reports on the most reliable used trucks you should consider ranging from 2014 to 2020 that proved to be exceptional when it came to reliability and repairs.

Here’s a middle-aged truck bought by a teenager on a tight budget, and it’s not running like it should---is it junk, or can it be diagnosed the old school way? Find out now with an informative video that shows a little bit at how engine diagnosis is done without firing away with the parts cannon or using a scan tool in order to target the problem.

Here’s one DIY tip you can use on your used car that will increase the selling price or at least give cause for a potential buyer to linger a little longer while considering whether to buy your used car. And even if you are not looking to sell your used car, it’s an important DIY job toward good car maintenance.

It’s Monday and not too late for a little beginning of the work week humor, so here are some new car customer fails that “Just Rolled In.”

Not sure whether your vehicle’s dealership is a stealership? Follow this story about one car owner of a Toyota Tundra whose car repair quest revealed just how bad some dealerships can be and how they earn their “stealership” reputation.

Looking for a used Toyota, but unsure which model is one of the best you should be focused on during a used car search? Here’s one surprising recommendation from a Toyota mechanic and automotive expert that is not a Corolla or a Camry…or even a Lexus---that he calls a “gem” IF it has been taken care of over the years.

Described as the “Back-to-Basics Toyota” the Toyota Corolla Cross was recently reviewed twice by this popular mechanic with his eye and experience on everything you need to know both inside and outside of this new model with insight into why you should do a careful test drive of this model before deciding on buying it.

Here are the latest recommendations from Consumer Reports analysts for car shoppers looking for reliable and reasonably priced used midsized sedans that have the best fuel economy.

Have you bought a used car recently, but feel like the car might have more mileage on it than listed on the bill of sale? Your intuition just might be correct if you have ever bought a used car from this recently busted dealership.

Being a good car owner means being fastidious with your vehicle maintenance. However, many good car owners make a big mistake with their vehicle maintenance that can leave them with a hefty repair bill that could have been easily avoided. Find out now why some dealerships are counting on that you will make this mistake.

Here’s a restored 1983 Jeep Wagoneer that wound up with a blown engine shortly after a complete rebuild. Who do you blame and what should you do about it when this happens to you as a car customer? Let’s find out through this story.

Here’s the latest selection from Consumer Reports on what they found to be the most fuel-efficient used compact cars with a focus on those that are proven reliable and depreciated enough to qualify as a smart compact car buy.

Here’s one car model a mechanic warns used car buyers not to buy calling it “One of the worst Dodge car models to buy” as he goes over one that came into his shop and discusses problems endemic with this model and why.

Think you’ve seen and heard it all? For some “Good Morning” Monday car-related humor, here’s your chance to smile this morning with a “Just Rolled In” mix of car repairs gone wrong, attempts at causing someone to die on the road, discovered tracking devices, DIY foibles that are real head scratchers, and of course the occasional pigsty (literally) in a car customer.

After working on cars for over 20 years, this mechanic lists and discusses six vehicles with fatal engines or transmissions that virtually destroys the value of the vehicle and your car budget.

Is the cheapest Lexus still a “LEXUS”? Here is the answer to some important questions revealed by a Toyota mechanic who knows the ins and outs of Lexus vehicles for car shoppers wanting a Lexus at an affordable price but need to know what to expect in terms of Lexus quality, driving performance and reliability from this lowest priced model.

Here’s the latest selection from Consumer Reports on what they found to be the most fuel-efficient cars with Toyota leading based on overall fuel-economy test results matched with those cars that are selling at just 2-6 percent over MSRP, which they report is “…as good as it gets right now” with today’s new car market for vehicles that are fuel-efficient.

News of late has shown that gas thievery is on the rise with rising gas prices. Worse yet, criminals are resorting to methods that are damaging cars. Here are some examples of how it’s done and what you can do to protect yourself.

Having a difficult time finding a used Corolla or Prius to save on fuel? More of a SUV owner than a little car guy anyways? Now might be a good time to take a look at 5-year-old compact SUVs with respectable fuel efficiency as a good alternative per Consumer Reports latest listing of fuel-efficient used SUVs they recommend for 2022.

We explore the question - Why don’t manufacturers include lifetime maintenance on electric vehicles? Maybe you can answer.

According to a Toyota expert, not all information out there is correct when it comes to buying and owning a Toyota or Lexus Hybrid. Here is what he has to say to set the record straight for Hybrid car shoppers. Plus, a good argument why buying a Hybrid makes better sense than buying an EV.

Deciding on which SUV is the right choice for you and your family while staying within your budget---and still have those key active safety features you want---can be a daunting task. But not impossible according to the latest revised Consumer Reports Best midsized SUV listing that showcases their choices of the best SUVs that you can buy today for under $35,000 that will help keep you and your family safe.

Do you have a used car in such bad shape that at best you can expect only a few hundred dollars from an ad or trade-in; or at worst, $50 at a salvage yard selling it? Turns out that old used car can be your opportunity to fulfill a life-long dream or bucket list goal. Here’s how.

A new study shows that adding ethanol to gasoline is a bad idea as explained by this well-known automotive expert who makes a strong case against ethanol from corn being added to our E10 fuel. The kicker…it’s likely not what you think is the real problem that should have us worried.

Fuel prices are putting a serious dent in car ownership. Here’s the latest on which new models are costing owners the most to fill up their tanks and some used vehicle models Consumer Reports analysts recommend as the most fuel-efficient models you will want to consider.

Here’s your chance to find a good car at a good price with this Consumer Reports recently released best new car deals list that focuses on affordable sedans that can be purchased under $25,000.

Here’s a quick and simple lesson toward car maintenance diagnostics using one of the most useful tools not in your toolbox---your ears. Follow this mechanic as he describes five noises cars commonly make when something is going wrong and what you can do about it.

For Toyota and Lexus car owners or those looking to buy a used Toyota or Lexus, here is a recently posted Toyota & Lexus live stream Q&A episode that can answer the burning questions you may have, and some insights into buying a used model of either make.