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No amount of maintenance is going to fix a design flaw.... only mask it.
I remember reading a newspaper article where it said avg domestic cars cost more to build than their Japanese counterparts. So why does the latter last longer with fewer probelms? Because the Japanese know how to build bulletproof engines that last forever. Which explains why the odds of them rusting out (due to inferior parts) is greater than a catastrophic engine failure. The opposite holds true for domestics.... odds of an engine failure is much greater than rusting out due to the use of superior parts but poor engine builds.
Oil changes and good quality gas. I never buy that cheap gas that makes your car ping when accelerating!
I never really thought to use 91 in a vehicle "requiring" 87 until I started recently reading an article about blowing head gaskets on Modern 2005+ subaru 2.5 motors due to pre-detonation. I run my 2.5 HARD (5000 RPM every day climbing big hills) so decided to run 91 Ethanol free from now on.
For an older car, I'd add check or have your fluids checked regularly. Change them, yes, but also check them so you'll discover low or bad fluids before they cause too much damage.
My owner's manual suggests "set the parking brake" but I don't know if not setting it will really affect the tranny long term.
My owner's manual suggests "set the parking brake" but I don't know if not setting it will really affect the tranny long term.
This is probably more for the good of the brake than the transmission. If you don't use the parking brake once in awhile the mechanism can seize up. The only way I could see it benefitting the transmission would be when you park on a hill.
The last 10 years, the only two vehicles i had long term where a 2001 4runner limited and a 2006 Benz C class.
There is something to be said about pride of ownership and the importance of being a maintenance freak.
Bought the Benz new. When I was shopping, the Benz was not even in my top ten. Got a great deal on it. I couldn't pass. That car has a horrible reputation for reliability. I never had a problem. Between Mercedes maintenance program and spending a little extra to keep the car in perfect showroom condition...made all the difference. Sold the car to a friend. It now has 160k miles with no major issues.
The 4runner- I put close to 130k miles on it. Never an issue. Other than synthetic fluids on schedule, Every 6 months it would go through a complete check up. Again, its the little things. Take care of the dreaded check engine light...check fluids routinely...tire pressure....clean throttle body.....you get the idea.
Most people dont understand...what a vehicle actually cost. 350 payment, 120 insurance, 300 gas, say an average of 50 a month for maintenance on average...820 a month...MINIMUM!! 9800 a year...or 50k over 5 years. All for just basic transportation. All for a depreciating asset.
I drive junkers....so I want them to die in a few years.
That way, I can buy a NEW car every couple of years!!!!
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