Recent content by dtownfb

I can't say if they are reliable or not but I would not buy one used. I have 3 friends who had their engines replaced, 2 were the dreaded 201X and the other was a 2019. I would join a dedicated Hyundai or Kia forum and research a specific model. We all have heard about the engine troubles but...

Never thought I needed a monthly subscription for a car wash until I lived in Syracuse for 2 years. It's nicknamed "Salt City" for a reason. I went once a week during winter months, November to April. When needed the rest of the year.

I've had 3 sets of CS5 on 2 vehicles (2 Grand Touring, 1 Ultra Touring). Good tires especially for the price. But like others metioned, they were noisier than advertised esp after you wore off some tread and they wore quicker than expected. One of the vehicles was a minivan so I expected quicker...

If your wife is the primary driver, I would look at a Subaru, possibly the Ascent. From what I'm hearing, Subaru is willing to deal on their vehicles and have them in stock. Good luck.

Unless your commute is more that 50 miles each way, I'd go with the Avalon.

2013 Toyota Sienna - 154k miles. 10k mile OCI

I installed a set on my 2017 RDX about 2 months ago. Bought and installed at Sam's Club. Sam's Club had an $80 instant savings for the tires and another $80 discount for mounting which cuts the cost in half (for Plus members). Overall I paid $840 for 4 tires installed. Not bad. Nice ride and...

I have Kumho Crugen Premium on my '17 RDX (I bought used and selling dealer installed them). I have 46k miles on the tires. Overall, they're OK. They've gotten louder the last 5k miles. I'll need to replace later this spring.

Take a look at Continental TrueContact Tour. I put a set on my 2013 Sienna XLE about 20 months ago. I have been very pleased with this tire. Quiet, good grip (dry, wet and snow) and the van rides smoothly. It's a popular tire with Sienna owners and gets great reviews. Good luck.

It depends on the tire. I've found with cheaper tires or tires with unreasonably long tire warranties, the more the tires wear, the louder they get. I've experience it with Pirelli 4 Season Plus (90k mile warranty) and Cooper CS5 Grand and Touring (although they market it as a quiet tire...

Minivans eat tires. I have a 2013 Sienna and have tried Cooper CS5. Good for about 35k miles with 5k mile tire rotations (60k tire). I went with the Continental TrueContact last July. It's rated pretty high on Tire Rack and It seems to be popular with the Sienna crowd. Priced slightly higher...

How easy or hard was it to take the alternator out? What's the cost of a refurbished alternator? Like eagle14 said, it might be a good idea for your own peace of mind.

Changed the dog bone mount in my 2006 Camry years ago (RIP). It was a simple replacement that took me 15 minutes which includes the time I needed to find the right tool and put the tool back in its place. I did not need to support the motor to do it. I bought my part on RockAuto.com. I would...

There are plenty of used cars out there. The ones that people want, the 3-year old off lease for example, don't sit on the lot for long. I helped my 2 oldest buy cars over the past several months, 2010 Camry (123k miles) and 2005 Pilot (190k miles) . both are one owner and well maintained. I...

You forgot option 4 which is pay the dealership $100 to program the key. You've done a great job saving money throughout the process. Have the dealer program the key. Offer $100 and be done with it.