I’ve researched some cars with this engine due to their dirt-cheapness (I’m pretty sure that applies to every car that used it), and haven’t read anything particularly bad about it. Or anything good for that matter, but it seems it did its job, and was the least bad thing about some cars.

As many other things as I’d like to say....

So do I and, yeah, J-[Enter] every time on my phone. Take that, work!

If I’m honest, I don’t use a torque wrench in my lug nuts. And yet, I’ve never had a wheel come loose or be obscenely overtightened after I’ve done it by feel- both things that have happened to me after professionals have installed my wheels.

Early on while dating my wife we came somewhat close to something like this happening. Driving down the road after a tire change at a shop, and one that had been very good to us before (and has since), we started noticing a slight shake, probably 20-30 miles after the change.

I’m kind of hoping for gas prices to go up so the innumerate will panic-sell their trucks to "save money on gas" and I can get one for a non-absurd price. A truly small truck would be nice too.  I miss my '97 Ranger.

Torque converters can slip for takeoffs and gear changes without extra wear. It’s part of their function. A clutch acceptable for daily driving will wear out way faster trying to tow heavy loads.

Raptor Launch Edition Guy- Launching

From my understanding, the clutch tends to be a bit of a weak link when it comes to towing with manuals. In an auto with a torque converter, slippage no big deal. It’s how it works. The clutch slippage needed to take off fully loaded can seriously increase wear.

The car’s NP all the way.

This is definitely true. Learning to make the car move isn’t too bbDoing so smoothly

Re: CarGurus, I’ve definitely found that their price evaluations need to be taken with a grain of salt. I’ve seen some “great” deals that in person had bubbling, flaking paint, rust, broken trim etc. That didn’t show up in the photos and explained the low price for the age/miles. 

I need more reviews like this.

Do. It.

That was a good read. I love 2-wheel content here when I can get it.

I dunno. I put some Husky Weatherbeaters in my Impreza that I just bought.  The spikes on the bottom of those that hold them in place are no joke.

That’s what I always have the most trouble with- the balance between pedal and wheel reach. Even when I’m in a car with a telescoping steering wheel, I end up pulling it as close, and often as low, as it goes. 

In reality, though, I don’t see it mattering much. Most buyers won’t know or care anyway.  And every BMW I see is "x-drive" anyway. Yeah, it's rear-biased, but that haven't been all about rwd for a while.

I had a Mazda2 as a rental a few years ago.  I had a blast flogging it in the mountains around Salt Lake.  My (now) wife's mother and uncle in the back seat may have enjoyed it less than I did, however.

That was my first thought.  Didn't they still use a torque converter though?