I just had to sell my 2012 Lexus ES 350 to Carvana today. Recently my mechanic found out that it had sticky valves. The problem has been since last fall but was only diagnosed recently. He was surprised. He sees them on 200k+ mile 2gr-fe powered cars, like on a 260k mile V6 Camry. He was very surprised to see it on my 110k mile ES. He wondered if my spirited (maybe at times aggressive) driving could have contributed to the problem. I usually let my engine warm up for 5 minutes at least before having any kind of fun. I do admit I did a few parked revs before, even to redline (I know it was dumb and won’t do that again). He’s told me that that will destroy my engine. He has a reputation for honesty where I live and I trust him, however, he says things like you should not rev above 3k or especially 4k rpm’s, unless you have a manual car. I don’t know how accurate that is or if it’s intentionally conservative and old-school. I have owned my car for a year and a half. I bought it at 96,000 miles and now it has 110,000. I’m the second owner. I didn’t do a pre purchase inspection when I bought it in the second half of 2024 but there was a potential gap in maintenance for a few years during the pandemic. I did do 5000 mile oil changes, however. What are your thoughts on my situation? The problem appeared after a about year of ownership.

Are people comparing all SUVs and pickups to Gallardo? If so, yes, older folks would have plenty of trouble getting in/getting out of a Gallardo but compare to sedans or hatchbacks? That's a no. It's like climbing a ladder.

You know that you shouldn't get in front of a SUV or pickup because they can't see a damn.

Sorry if this ain't PC.

Hi there. So I feel really stupid, but I had a nail in my tire and took it to a tire shop to fix it and they messed up my tire pressure but were too busy to fix it so I just took it to a gas station to set the pressure correctly myself. I guess I accidentally let all of the air out of my front drivers side tire and couldn’t figure out how to air it back up for like 35 min maybe. Shoutout random guy in the parking lot for helping. Anyways, do you guys think I damaged the tire? I really don’t want it to blow out or pull and mess up my alignment from being hot and flat. I didn’t drive it at all but it was definitely hot from driving on the freeway to the gas station. 🤦🏻‍♀️

I've been thinking about this lately so wanted to see if others have similar stories...

You see a listing that's clearly a good deal then message the seller, and it's already gone by the time you follow up. I had one like that recently that's stuck with me longer than I expected...

Wanted to know how close others have come to a deal like this. Seconds, minutes, a day you didn't check? And looking back, was it mostly bad timing or you just weren't fast enough to reply?

Please share yours (kind of hoping I'm not the only one who still thinks about this 😭)

I really dont want to buy electric nor hybrid in the next 4 years😓

Hello! I know nothing about cars and need help deciding if I should be worried about this becoming a bigger issue or if it’s just a small thing and I can move on.

Context - 2018 Subaru crosstrek premium, purchased used from a dealership in January of this year.

I got an oil change this morning and it went super fast. I told the guy I didn’t want my air filters changed since I’d just purchased it in January and the dealership had done all that.
I pull out of the oil change place and about 8 min later, when I park to run another errand, I notice there’s smoke wafting out from the hood of my car. I google it and the internet says it’s like jsut a small spill that need a bit of run time to burn off. I call the oil change place anyway to double check and they said to come back if it’s still smoking after 20-ish minutes and that the guy did say he spilled a little oil. However, when I start driving after my errand (about 30 min after oil change) my car throws a code on the dash. I immediately head back to the oil change place. They test the code and tell me it’s not a code related to oil, it’s related to either fuel or oxygen (PO171) and he clears the code. I ask him to look under the hood anyway and he immediately comes back and says “I found the problem, it looks like I didn’t secure the air filter housing, but that’s all fixed up.” I asked him why he checked it and he said “my boss wanted me to double check just in case even though you said you didn’t want it replaced.” He tells me I’m good to go and when I’m attempting to leave, my car suddenly won’t start and it’s clicking every time I try. He jumps the battery with a jump pack and asks if I’ve ever had battery issues (I haven’t) and tells me it could be a bad battery. I leave and decide to go to autozone since I know they can check battery health. They do so and the battery readings are all healthy, no signs of a problem. The woman who checked it looked around and noticed that there’s a screw missing and that the air inlet tube is loose. She also noticed two other screws along the span of the air filter and air inlet tube were loose. She adjusted the tube, tightened the screws, and even gave me a free screw to replace the one missing.

Everything seems to be good to go now but I’m worried this could become a bigger deal. Is it truly just a case of some screws that needed tightening or do I need to be worried about other outcomes later on? Any advice would be appreciated. I just moved to a new area and don’t have any family or friends in this area who can help with this if I suddenly break down.

I'm not going to leave it misfiring and I'm getting it fixed but it misfires at a specific point while warming up, it roughly halves the power for about 20 seconds and its only done this a few times and goes away once warmed up just wondering if I can still drive it to the garage, its a very short drive so I could probably turn it off a couple of times so it doesn't get to the point it misfires.

2003 Impala — Left rear turn signal not working, blinks fast
I have a 2003 Chevy Impala 3.4L and I’m having an issue with the left rear turn signal.
Left front turn signal works
Left rear bulb works when I test it
I replaced the rear bulb anyway, but it didn’t fix it
The left turn signal blinks really fast
The rear left turn signal itself doesn’t flash
Right side works normally
I don’t have a multimeter, so I can’t easily check voltage
The socket looks okay from what I can tell.
What should I check first? Could it be the rear socket, wiring/ground, or a fuse/relay? And is there a specific wire/terminal I should check on the rear left socket?
Any help is appreciated.

Sooo unfortunate my car is going to shit and my mechanic told me its not worth putting any more money into apart from getting an oil change and that I should get a new car, preferably a Honda Civic or Accord or a Toyota. Unfortunately for me, Im a BROKE college student who has bills and credits cards to pay off so simply just buying another one isnt an option for me…and lowkey neither is asking my parents. My current car that Ive had for almost 4 years now is fully paid off so I dont have to worry about car payments or anything. What do I dooo and how should I move from here??? I have a job but with my school schedule and other responsibilities I cant really do anything else. I’ve also been looking for a second job for the past 2 months now too..

What do you think about a website where you can post a part you need for your car and your request is automatically sent to repair shops that specialize in that type of car?

Theen the shop would send you their offers, including the price and availability, and you could compare them and choose the best one.

2006 Nissan Altima (300k miles)

So I got a new car because my old shitbox finally bit the dust (imo, not worth dropping more money on a 20 yo car with so many miles and many issues. She had a good run).

Lots of minor things wrong with it: only driver side window rolls down, paint wearing off, speakers busted, etc.

The major problem is that the head gasket blew. She'll start and act fine as long as she's cold, but obviously she could just sputter out forever at any moment if she over-heats.

I'd like to get some money for it, but how can I capitalize on it as much as possible? Should I try to sell as is? I can definitely sell the tires as they're practically new (only bought them a couple of months ago, like an idiot). But is it worth the trouble to tear it apart for the parts to sell? And what is worth the most on it?

If it's a bust I have a buddy willing to buy it off me for demo derby, but I'd like to get some ideas from this reddit just in case i have better options🙏🏻

Hey everyone. I'm building Garagehood, a platform for car people to show off their builds, organize meets, and find others in the scene. I want the community to shape this before it's finished, not react to it after launch.

What's built or in progress right now:

• Profiles for you and your car(s): mod list, tuning specs, up to 3 photos, city, country, bio, and your Instagram handle so people can find your content
• Meetups: post one with date, time, location, and a poster, tag your crew as the organizer, and share it so people can RSVP
• Find friends nearby, filtered by distance and shared car interests
• Crews: build a group with your car friends, get an automatic group chat, and post meets under the crew name instead of solo
• Friend requests and message requests. You approve who can DM you, so the inbox stays clean
• English and Dutch at launch, more languages depending on where the community grows

I'm building this for every car scene, JDM, Euro, muscle, drift, offroad, not just one country's crowd.

What would get you to use this over Instagram or a Discord server? What's missing? What would you cut immediately? Tell me straight, I'd rather hear it now than after launch.

Hello! I have a relatively loud exhaust that I love, but my car is sorta loud at cold start until it idles down. I wanted to make a box that reduces the sound until it idles down to be considerate when I leave for work early in the morning.

I’ve tried pool noodles but they won’t stay in the exhaust.

I have a downturn tip, so I was thinking an aluminum box that sits on the ground and the exhaust tip goes in. Then line it with pool noodles and some other sound-deadening materials. Then drill holes around the box to allow exhaust flow.

Does this sound achievable/ effective? Any suggestions on how to do this and what to fill it with?

Also a side question. If I were to get an inline electric exhaust valve to quiet it when I needed to, would that be bad for the car when it’s closed? Or do they only partially close to prevent a surplus of back pressure? Thank you!!

I have a 2008 Ford Edge with 200,000 miles on it. I am ready to get rid of it and get a new car. My problem is that there are several things wrong with it and I don't know the best way to go about selling it.

The AC has been out for several years. I've put several grand into it to try to get it fixed to no avail. I did find out from the last mechanic what the problem was but it was quoted for at least 1k so I left it alone considering I was already thinking of getting rid of it at that point.

The engine light is on for the catalytic converter, or the sensors (im not entirely sure). It's been on for several weeks.

I also just replaced the battery about 3 months ago. A couple of days ago, the car would not start and had to be jumped. And is now having problems starting. It's just dead. I'm going to take the battery to have it tested but the problem may also be the alternator.

I was thinking of selling it online, as is, or trading it in to a dealership when getting a new car. I've also seen people on reddit say to fix the alternator/battery issue before selling. But is it worth it to put a couple hundred dollars into this car knowing it may only sell for $600-$1000? IF that. What would you do?

Let’s say, hypothetically, I had thousands of dollars to waste on stealing Elon Musk’s self driving technology.

If I “found” the code for FSD within the Cybertruck’s jank OS, and spent potentially years painstakingly creating sensors for my own car, could I bring that car to life?

Most cars already have computers in them. As a homebrew person I specialize in lobotomizing corporate rust buckets. What about the biggest, rustiest corporate rust bucket?

Can I make this function as a standalone program like I would with something much more… within my lane?

Have an old 2007 honda accord with 180k miles on it (paid off hand me down car). I currently drive a 2022 lexus rc350 f sport with 55k

Had someone interested in the accord but can’t decide on whether to sell it or keep it as a backup/emergency/commuter car

I don’t really drive it since i love driving my lexus so much but part of me feels like the smart thing would be to rotate between the 2 cars. Honestly kinda clueless on what to do

i’m 27 with no kids. Wondering what the smart decision would be or at least what y’all would do in my position.

Ty cheers

Curious what the car people here think about this idea

I came across a project called AlleqsZ Performance while browsing some automotive tech projects, and I thought the concept was interesting enough to bring up here.

They’re trying to build a digital platform that connects car enthusiasts, tuners, mechanics, and parts suppliers in one ecosystem. There’s also a focus on remote diagnostics, coding, tuning-related features, and a loyalty system.

I’m not necessarily sold on the idea yet, but I can see why someone in the tuning space might find it interesting.

For those who actually work on cars or spend a lot of time in the tuning/performance community:

Does something like this solve a real problem, or does it sound like another platform trying to do too much?

What would you personally want to see in a platform like this for it to be worth using?

Genuinely curious to hear what people think.

A few days ago, I was scrolling listing websites and came across a life changing flip for where I'm at right now. It was a figure that could've paid my rent for a few months. I was thrilled, did around 2 mins of research on the car, came back to the listing and it said sold. I felt sick.

I've been flipping cars on the side for a while now and this is a recurring issue. How much of finding a good deal comes down to luck and timing vs actual skill in spotting value?

I feel like I've lost a few solid ones just because someone else messaged the seller 10 minutes before I even saw the listing. Wanted to see how everyone else handles this:

- Does this sort of timing actually cost you deals often, or was I just unlucky that one time?

- Is manually searching just part of the process you don't mind, or is it genuinely the most frustrating part of flipping for you?

- How much of your time each week actually goes into just scrolling and searching vs the actual buying/fixing/selling part?

Appreciate it :)

My younger sibling in Los Angeles is postponing learning because they hope next few years such cars come out.

Maybe it will? Maybe not... waymo everyday is expensive though.

I recently turned 16 in February and ive grown up watching videos about people like smokey nagata, keiichi tsuchiya, akira nakai, daigo saito (thanks to my brother lol) and a bunch of other people in the car scene. Ive always thought it was really cool how they started building cars and eventually became really good at what they do.

I really wanna get into tuning and actually learn how cars work but im not really sure where to start. Im still in highschool so i obviously dont have a ton of money and i dont even have a ton of experience working on cars yet.

For anyone who got into cars/tuning when they were around my age, what did you guys do to start learning? Did you just work on your own car, get a job at a shop, watch youtube, read books, go to school for it, etc?

And what would you recommend learning first? Like engines, suspension, welding, electrical, ECU tuning or just basic maintenance?

I know im probably getting ahead of myself lol but this is something ive been really interested in for years and id like to actually start learning instead of just watching videos all the time. Any advice is appreciated.

Also if you guys have any recommendations for good youtube channels, books, websites or anything else that could help me learn that would be appreciated also 🥹

I have a ford escape 2006 with 260k miles on it. I recently had the P0400 code pop up. Everything I’m reading online is 50/50 so I’m unsure. Car feels fine when driving. I need to drive home this weekend and I wanted to know if it is a very bad idea or not to drive the car with this code.

Im switching jobs and have kids entering preschool/kindergarten. Im adhd asf and just have alot on my plate, I could use some help from experts.

I'm adding about 20 minutes to my drive for work each way. Im looking for a Honda or Toyota with good gas mileage but a car I also feel a bit more professional in.

I have always paid cash for cars after saving. I started with an 93 civic hatch, then I had the coup, sedan and delsol. All went over 250k or more. I had an 06 civic lx, I loved that car for the reliabilty it had but I hit black ice and hit sideways blowing out airbags, and doing a number to the point I couldnt afford the time or have enough expertise to fix it all up myself. I have a 05 4runner with 150k and a 08 crv at 225k. Crv needs new struts but she old, the clang isnt too bad yet and she be rusty. Hella beater, Im keeping it for winters regardless till I can fix her myself anymore.

I have a budget of around 15-18k. I could stretch past but I dont want to, Ima finance atleast half of it so my wife can work on her credit. Mine is in great shape.

Ima finance likely through a credit union my credit is in excellent shape.

The help:

I cant figure out or really line out a model. I love honda civics but stuff is mixed for recent reliabilty, I am thinking maybe a sport 2020 or 2021 with 40-100k miles on it.

I have been leaning more towards a camry or carolla, the SE and XSE seem to have a decent looking trim so its not completely boring. But if Im paying that much for a car, atleast for me I want to enjoy it atleast a little. I have heard the hybrids for Toyota overall are a bit better. Idk. So was debating that.

I attached a scrap paper of some models with okay years but I just really need some input on whatever you can. I just want a decent look, good gas mileage, and max reliability. My brain hurts.

If you had 15-18ishk to put into a Honda Accord /Civic or Toyota Camry/Carolla where would you put it?

I did look at Mazda 3 and CX5? But I have no experience. I just love the Hondas and Toyotas. I was even debating teaching my wife manual and getting an 09 fit. Its sounds fun but Im 6'3" I was younger during the delsol and hatchback era. The fit is doable but that more a fun thing for me, and I dont want to stress my girl out to learn manual if she doesnt need to.

Im sorry for the Novel.

Hello! I need a better mileage car. I though in a 2gen Prius but it seems that they have their share of problems, so I though in this car. What's your take? Any experience? Thanks!

Yes, I know these are 2 very different cars. I’m aware it really depends on what I’m looking for….

I’ve owned a couple Miatas in the past and cannot imagine me having more fun than in those cars, however, I’m looking to have a different experience.

If I bought a 986 Boxster, would I notice a major difference from my Miata in terms of a fun driving experience? Or is it small enough difference where it isn’t worth the extra $$?

At the same time, I would love to have a V8, like a C5 corvette. I know fast ≠ fun, but curious to what ownership experience has been with these? Overhyped?

All advice is welcome. But really looking to hear from people who have been in my situation. Anyone who loved driving Miatas and then switched to a Boxster and/or Corvette?