Agreed. If they replaced the wood with something else it could be pulled off though. The wood against that leather’s color *shudder*

I dunno, I know it serves no real purpose and is counterintuitive in most scenarios, but carbon fiber is incredibly attractive. Personally I have no problem throwing on a vinyl wrap. It just looks good.

This is something I’m conflicted on. I’ve heard that the spark plugs that say not to gap them are very easily damaged by attempting to do so. This probably warrants further investigation...

Interesting, I’ve never heard that before. Good thing to keep an eye out for!

Good point! I like changing those things around 100k-150k too, especially the O2 sensors. Important to note though: don’t bother replacing the downstream sensors unless you’re getting a code thrown. They’re there to monitor the effectiveness of the catalytic converters and have absolutely no impact on performance.

Good point. If they’re in the tank, forget about it. There’s plenty that still use an external filter, though, and it’s a great todo.

It’s total crap. I’ve seen it over and over. It’s meant to carry you just to the point that the warranty runs out. The intent is to lower the amount of maintenance that’s required of the first owner to lower the cost of ownership at the expense of anyone who owns it past that warranty period. Some brands get away with…

Yes, but there are some caveats. First, yes, some flushes can stir up crap which will result in it getting jammed in places it shouldn’t be. Several drains and fills with a few thousand miles in between until the fluid is clean is the gentlest and most foolproof approach, but requires more work and fluid.

Pro tip: look at your vehicle’s recommended service intervals and make a list of any “lifetime” fluids. Plan on replacing them. Lifetime fluids are bullshit, plain and simple. Do some research on what intervals other people are using, and start using them yourself.

I like it! Good find and well put.

I’d hate to think what those numbers are with 150k+ miles

I’m with you, I like simple and understated. It probably why I tend to have a thing for European models.

My thoughts exactly. Things are easier when your work life doesn’t get impacted by your weekend life.

Why not keep the Camry for commuting and buy a second car for fun? There’s plenty of 4x4 options on Craigslist for under $5k that you could have a blast with, and once you scratch “60 miles a day reliable” off your list your options open up A LOT.

Don’t forget the programming fee and subsequent retries with new hardware when they can’t get a PIN from headquarters.

I’ve seen it on every car that has a temperature display, though I’ve never heard of an accompanying chime.

I don’t know if it’s all that greasy, but I get the feeling that at minimum the other shop is fanning the flames.

I think you hit the nail on the head. They’re good, but in context they’re not.

Some people enjoy the process of “building” something the way they want, even if it’s vicariously. It’s unique, it’s theirs, it didn’t just pop out of the box that way.

I remember in one of the few Top Gear episodes I watched, Clarkson was crowing about how the Range Rover was the best of whatever lot of SUVs they were looking at just because of the tailgate.