Dexman PE PMP
Internationally PMP'n his PE-ness
Welcome to the club....slow poke. 
The Automotive Thread
- Thread starter envirotex
- Start date
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jglavin PE
alphabet soup chaser
Yup, you won't see me at Bandemeer anytime soon that's for sure :laugh:
jglavin PE
alphabet soup chaser
See, I don't even know how to spell it! :facepalm:
knight1fox3
Jedi MASTER & Friend of Capt. Solo
Dexman PE PMP
Internationally PMP'n his PE-ness
No worries. I've only been there once, and the car sat in the parking lot as friends raced their cars.
so I'm not a big motor head my any means. Basic knowledge of cars. That being said, I figured I'd share my most recent breakdown, and those of you who do know cars will come to appreciate exactly how lucky I was. I own an '02 Nissan Xterra; at the time of this story (last April) 135k miles. Driving along a back country road and not flying by any means. I come around a bend in the road and lose all power; almost like my battery died. Turned out it was my timing belt. Anyone who knows anything about my engine (3.3L V6), knows that this is an interference motor. I was freaking out and prepping for the worst. I didn't have $2500 for a rebuilt, nor did I have $$ to replace the car. In the end, no valve damage, nothing. replaced the belt and I was back up on running. Talk about being part of the 1%.
blybrook PE
Veteran 10k Spammer
Having owned interference engines, you really lucked out! Doing the best I can to ensure all my rigs are non-interference now days, so far, so good!
Several models now have a regularly scheduled timing belt replacement to prevent failure. Should just go back to timing gears and be done with it. Those are highly unlikely to fail. Timing chains can stretch, I prefer the gears. So what if they cost a little more up front, saves yer a$$ down the road!
Several models now have a regularly scheduled timing belt replacement to prevent failure. Should just go back to timing gears and be done with it. Those are highly unlikely to fail. Timing chains can stretch, I prefer the gears. So what if they cost a little more up front, saves yer a$$ down the road!
Master slacker
Something awesome.
Non interferencece fw
So driving home from work this evening I had my xterra in 4wd due to the snow storm and I noticed that the trans was slipping a bit. I took it out of 4wd and it stopped. Here's to hoping that all I need is to add some fluid. I'm not that interested in a trans problem.
RIP - VTEnviro
His Memory Eternal
Just google the term 'tranny' and you'll get plenty of helpful info.
Capt Worley PE
Run silent, run deep
Make sure you do an image search so you can be sure it is the problem you are having.
Dark Knight
Silent Guardian
Shopping for a new car or SUV here. The model will depend on how much money I will have available when the time comes. Here is the final list, in order of preference:
1) Honda CRV or Mazda CX-5: Wanted the Ford Explorer but it is a bit pricey. The CX-5 is getting very good reviews. The Honda...well..Honda is Honda. I do have a Toyota RAV4. Do not want another one. A little dissapointed with the handling and the way it rides.
2) Ford Fusion, Honda Accord, or Mazda 6: All good cars. So far the Mazda seems to be the front runner because $$$$ concerns.
3) Mazda 3, or Ford Focus: Both hatchback models. Mazda 3 was named car of the year by Autoguider but those Fords Focus are darn good too.
1) Honda CRV or Mazda CX-5: Wanted the Ford Explorer but it is a bit pricey. The CX-5 is getting very good reviews. The Honda...well..Honda is Honda. I do have a Toyota RAV4. Do not want another one. A little dissapointed with the handling and the way it rides.
2) Ford Fusion, Honda Accord, or Mazda 6: All good cars. So far the Mazda seems to be the front runner because $$$$ concerns.
3) Mazda 3, or Ford Focus: Both hatchback models. Mazda 3 was named car of the year by Autoguider but those Fords Focus are darn good too.
Capt Worley PE
Run silent, run deep
I like the Mazda 3 hatch best of all you mentioned, but my likes may be completely different from yours.
My needs would send me towards the CX-5, but I highly recommend you look at the Escape and Terrain, if that's your genre.
My needs would send me towards the CX-5, but I highly recommend you look at the Escape and Terrain, if that's your genre.
MetsFan
Well-known member
What year is yours? I have two friends with first gen xterras and they both experience the same thing when switching to 4wd.
That's a lot of different options. Have you looked at Hyundai or Kia at all? I really like the Sonata and the Optima.
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Dexman PE PMP
Internationally PMP'n his PE-ness
I've had a Mazda 6 on the top of my list each of the last two times I went car shopping (each different body styles). Both times, they looked awesome on paper, but I just couldn't pull the trigger once I sat in one. I didn't like the interiors, the handling, they just felt "off". I really like the look of the newest Mazda 6, but have no idea how they feel on the road. I'm guessing within the next year or so we'll be looking for a 3rd car, simply for commuting purposes, and no doubt I'll be looking at the Mazdas again...
Dark Knight
Silent Guardian
CX-5 is my favorite. It will fit my need for a new vehicle to go to work and go kayaking (hobby). Did look at the Explorer and it was my main target before starting the research. But it is a bit pricey for the things you get on it and the residual value is not something to be excited about. Did not look at the Terrain because did not come even close to the Explorer, CRV, and CX5 in the reviews.
Mine is a 2011 RAV4. Had a Hyundai once. It was enough. Safety wise it will be better to ride a motorcycle. Had a crash @ 25mph and totaled the darn thing.
As I go deep in my research that seems to be the consensus among the "experts": Mazda is a better choice. The part ways with Ford and this Mazdas; 6, 3, and CX5 are their first ones on their own. They moved from Michigan and are now in Japan. They came with completely redesigned vehicles and are making a lot of splash. The darn Ford Focus ST looks SUPER too.
Capt Worley PE
Run silent, run deep
I'd put more faith in personal seat time than reviews. Some perfectly acceptable vehicles are pilloried by the automotive press because the 'tech is old' or it doesn't handle like a slot car. Drive em all and see what you like.
Remember, you may not be after cutting edge or 10/10s handling. Heck, a used Equinox or Traverse may be perfect for you.
