Recent content by NJC

I have my eye on a Autel MK808S/Z - I'll assume that's not considered high end.

Not to derail from Autel conversations, but The Car Care Nut channel also recommended the XTOOL X7 / X8.

Would be interested in an update - insights from last 1 1/2yrs. Thanks.

I think the 2nd Gens (2012 and beyond) are good - it would be interesting to see if they ironed out first gen problems. The one in this review was eventually totaled at 250K miles. First gen is inexpensive to own, as long as you can do your own work. Primary issue is disposable suspension parts...

The consistent problem I've had with 4 Mazda 3's is oil consumption - 3 of them were 2.3L and one was a 2.0L. I started to run a thicker 5W30 instead of spec'ed 5W20 and that helps. Otherwise they're excellent and durable engines. I choose cars based on economics ... a guy at work was selling...

The first video I used as reference added some unnecessary steps (dash and glovebox related?), so the 2nd time was a bit easier. Still a PITA. We have 3 remaining in the family: 2x 2.3L and one 2.0L

Go easy - we're both unfamiliar with them, and the price range is one I picked considering her minimal budget. It's more likely unrealistic on my part.

That's reasonably low mileage. But $6K USD for a 26yr old vehicle! Interesting to note first 2 gens only rank as Average on reliability.

I have the 3.3L 3MZ-FE Sienna engine with VVT - currently @ 372k km's and never thought about variable valves in almost 11yrs of ownership. Also 8th gen Civic 1.8L seems simple - boring and lacking power, but simple.

A family member is looking to buy a used Rav4 in the $3-$4K (CDN) range. I think 2nd gen (2001-2005) would be a better option to avoid the timing belt of the first gen. Would appreciate any feedback regarding problem areas to watch.

Thanks for everyone's feedback, we went ahead and used the 5W40 - I'm sure all will be fine and the motor will last another 100K. :) BTW, both Mazda's 2.3L and 2.0L engines are surprisingly solid. The weak points of the Mazda 3 are more associated with poor suspension components, and miserably...

CT oil prices have been obscene lately - I only shop there for convenience.

Canadian oil prices are currently obscene (Nov 2022): cheapest 5W30 conventional 5L oil ON SALE at Can Tire was $28, so I paid another $8 to get 5W40 synth at $36.

A family member has a 2009 Mazda 3 manual 2.0L with 299K KM's (186K miles). We've used 5w30 because it seems to consume oil between changes (could be close to 1L over 8K KM's). I didn't see the Euro part and bought this oil tonight: Quaker State Euro Full Synthetic 5W-40 Motor Oil, 5-L Here's...

Thanks for the feedback. I've had four in our family and haven't had as many problems, but they don't easily go through control arms, and struts / shocks are a consumable. No need to take out glove box when removing cabin filter, as some Youtube videos suggest. And I've also encountered the...