Based on what I’ve seen on JRITS, most professionals even head to Harbor Freight first. The advice I’ve seen given is to buy the cheap stuff first, then buy the nice stuff when it breaks. The idea is that most of the cheap stuff you buy isn’t going to break. If it does, then you do need the higher-quality tool.

Huh, it does kinda have that air about it in the lead picture...

My 2001 Infiniti QX4 had the system you describe and I used in the same manner you proposed. I loved it and never had a problem with it. You could usually feel a slight jerk when it engaged, but I’m sure it wouldn’t be hard to iron that sort of thing out. It quickly engaged when I needed it and disengaged properly. No…

Awesome, thank you! I recently fixed up a T6 XC90 so the cost and availability of tools probably isn’t a big deal, or at least not a shocker any more. Good note on the fuel mileage though. I’m keeping an eye out for my wife’s next ride. We want it to be something fun, but one of her requirements is decent fuel…

Anybody know how terrible these things are to maintain yourself, and how much is possible? Picking one up with 120k miles for around 10k is super tempting. Pulling an engine/transmission is just out of reach simply because of space constraints, but most things up to that are totally possible.

I’m willing to bet it got in a fender bender, the insurance company totaled it because the cost of finding/manufacturing that rare-ass grille was going to be more than the vehicle was worth, someone bought the car from the insurance company, threw a “close enough” front end on and presto, rebuilt title. I’d still…

That’s a damn good point. Spring for the higher quality package and maybe stick with red to limit how much they have to do. Oh yeah, and bring it to them already prepped; they’re not very good at that.

150k is nothing, though I still wouldn’t call it low miles. It’s right about the age that it’s going to need more attention and finesse, but if you’re doing the work yourself and stay ahead of the game there’s no reason not to.

Yeah I was wondering if someone took that as a souvenir.

Yeah if I was in the market for this type of car I’d be very tempted to buy it at the discount and de-ugly it. I’m sure the center console and other red interior bits could be swapped with something stock easily enough, ditto with the front end, rip off the badges, and then you’re just left with the paint job. You…

Well damn, you’re not wrong either.

Born to Die was the sweet spot for me, though they all have their time and place. I have to be ready to pretty morose for several days though because her music puts me in a dark place. Beautiful and bittersweet, but dark.

It’s genius, really

It’s a toilet seat that mounts in your trailer hitch

If I have to make my own accommodations, I will.

If you don’t, now’s a good time to create one. That or at least a log of what was done and when. Include the part numbers on your log and you’re golden.

Agreed. Most of the time it’s worth paying dealer prices just so you can bypass all of that and snap new ones on.

We should be so lucky. That thing looks f’ing awesome.

Right? That’s how much luxury cars cost, not Chevys!

I was riding my dad’s bike one night and got creamed by a car. My parents took the payout since it was their bike and bought a new TV.