Recent content by Paul56

Originally Posted By: mike7139 I have heard about these wide open throttle test before. My question is why is it that when I see someone do the same thing on an old car(doesnt even have to be old) why is it that the engine usually ends up failing within 10-12 minutes? I have seen many youtube...

I have seen 1 Fiat-500 in the last 6-months. But then again, this is Texas... where pickup trucks and SUVs rule the roads.

Any 2WD pickup truck from the early 80's and older. Plenty of space under the hood, lots of ground clearance for oil changes and limited electronics. All the newer vehicles have crammed engine bays and electronics all over.

I've never been stranded with a vehicle but have had some outrageous repair bills. 2001 Dodge Neon. Walk out in the morning to find a puddle of coolant under the vehicle. Previously had all the hoses and rad changed so I figured it was something simple. Try to open the drivers door and the...

Thanks guys. Actually, not trying to cheap out... I want the Fit well taken care of. It is the first new car for me in a little over 10 years so I have a real appreciation for it. I've been rolling with a 2001 Neon since 2007 that has treated me decently... but it was time for something new...

Originally Posted By: The Critic I've driven my friend's 09 Fit base way too many times. The engine is noisy, the transmission shift quality is poor, and the build quality is so-so. More specifically, the rear hatch sounds like it is ready to fall off. The dealer fixed it once under warranty...

...calls for 0W-20 oil. Excuse my ignorance about this oil but is this a synthetic only oil or is it available as both conventional and synthetic?

...and here I think I'm driving an old POS to work everyday. 2001 Dodge Neon w/126,000 miles Runs fine. Had the top end off last summer to replace some valve train parts and head gasket. Tiny leak at the thermostat housing due to the old gasket having then used. Tiny leak where one of the...

Now we all need to agree on a place to meet where we can bring said vehicles that need repairs, our tools, parts... and work on these vehicles one at a time until all the issues are fixed. I figure with all the expertise in the group and hands that the vehicles will all get fixed rather...

The only Toyota I did not replace anything on was a 1993 Tercel. That was an extremely reliable and trouble free vehicle; however, I only had about 120,000 miles on it. The 1999 Camry was a huge disappointment where various things were replaced early in its life. I suspect a vehicle with...

I've spend the last 2 years getting all the maintenance items in order. Seems I have been spending the last little while getting repairs done on issues that have been cropping up. Right now the only outstanding big issue that I have is to get the driver side axle replaced this week. Not that...

I had a fairly loud ticking noise from my Neon. It was noticable inside the vehicle when sitting at an idle. During disassembly it was discovered the cam had pitting and a few of the rockers were bad as well. Replaced all that... tick gone.

Originally Posted By: Scott_Tucker What exactly happened to the axle. 'Exploded' isn't a very descriptive technical term. The exact details I don't know given the CV joint is covered with a boot so "exploded" is the best term I could come up with. The vehicle was being driven at slow speed...

Well, that is exactly what bugs me... The passenger side CV joint appeared fine given that the boot was intact but it still exploded for some reason.

About a week ago the passenger side CV joint basically exploded so I had a new axle installed. I'm now wondering whether it would be good preventative maintenance to have the driver's side axle replaced as well or should I leave well enough alone?