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How My Dumb Mistakes And Failures Can Save You Money, Time And Headaches On Your Next Automotive DIY Project
00:00 - OPEN
In my experience, the best way to learn what to do (and what not to do) on any DIY project is to get advice from those who have actually done it before, and today you’re going to hear about a major DIY project I did on my 2008 Audi that dragged on for more than 5-months because I wasn't properly prepared and backed into it.
01:25 - INTRO
Not everyone feels comfortable working on their own car, but if you’re motivated to try, you could start with something simple, like an oil change or a coolant swap. If that's too simple, you could take on something more in-depth, like replacing your radiator along with the coolant or replacing brake pads and rotors. Those two DIY jobs are more difficult, but anyone with some mechanical aptitude, a suitable set of tools, and the right safety devices can manage those projects. My latest DIY Project was different though - not in terms of difficulty, but in terns of scope. It was a project that was going to require a lot more time and a lot more effort than I had planned on.
02:45 - My 2008 Audi S4 Avant DIY Project
After noticing some oil drops under my 2008 Audi S4 wagon, I decided it was time to do an engine reseal, replacing various gaskets and hoses that were leaking. The problem is, with a V8 crammed into the space originally meant for a 4-cylinder engine, there isn't much room to do the required work. The result? It was going to take much longer to replace various gaskets, hoses and other parts on the car than I originally estimated.
09:27 - Problems With My Approach
Because I didn't realize the full scope of my project, I didn't do all the necessary research up front. I wasn't honest with myself about how long the project would take to complete. didn't have a solid back up plan for transportation and I 'bit off more than I could chew' in the time I estimated it would take to complete.
11:15 - Seven Key Tips That Will Help Minimize Issues On Your Next DIY Project
Know the scope of your project - Don’t back into a major projectResearch how others have done the same project before starting Buy ALL necessary parts BEFORE starting the projectBuy/borrow all necessary tools BEFORE starting the projectKnow how much time it will take to complete your project Have a Back-up Transportation PlanDon’t bite off more than you can chew31:35 - How Do You Insure DIY Project Success While Working? - Stay Organized!
Keep removed parts and pieces organizedTag/photograph/ID part locations as you remove themKeep your work space clean while you work and at the end of each work dayKeep your tools organized while you work and at the end of each work day35:15 - Don't Forget About Safety
Buy/borrow a quality low-profile hydraulic jack to lift your vehicleUsed heavy-duty jack stands to support your vehicle If possible, invest in or borrow something like a QuickJack to safely lift your vehicleHave someone check on you periodically Keep your phone within reach in case of emergencyKeep one or more fire extinguishers nearby (use an ABC type extinguisher)40:15 - It's Not Over 'Till It's Over
Learn to embrace the fear of starting the engine the first time after assemblyDouble check your work for loose parts/tools BEFORE starting the engineKeep an OBD II scanner handy to quickly diagnose any issuesDrive it further each day over several days to confirm all... -
00:00 - OPEN: Preview of Cars, Trucks and SUVs We Will Cover in 2024
In today’s episode, we’re looking toward the future and revealing some of the cars, trucks, SUVS, cross-over’s, sports cars, sedans, hatchbacks and more that you can expect to hear about on the Better Than New podcast in 2024.
01:00 - INTRO
Last year, I did a similar show talking about what you could expect in 2023 and while I got to many of those vehicles, I was a little surprised by how many I didn’t cover. So for 2024, we’ll include those vehicles, plus a few more interesting, fun-to-drive cars, trucks and SUV’s here on the Better Than New podcast.
04:15 - Category #1 - Trucks
Today's new trucks are over-sized for many buyers, so we will take a look back at some of the smaller pickups that used to be widely available, but are now virtually non-existent on showroom floors.
Toyota Pickups from the 80s, 90s and 2000sNissan Hardbody Pickups (1986-1997)Mazda 4th Gen B-series Pickups (1985-1998)07:40 - Category #2 - SUVs and Crossovers
America loves SUVs, so we’re going to cover some great used SUVs in 2024 with an emphasis on value
100-series Toyota Landcruiser (plus equivalent Lexus LX470) Lexus GX470Toyota SequoiaInfiniti FX35 and FX50Isuzu Rodeo/Honda PassportIn a twist on our "Little Weirdos" 4x4 series from 2023, we will cover some funky used SUVs that are not on everyone's radar, including:
Isuzu VehicrossHonda CrosstourAcura ZDXSubaru BRAT12:50 - Category #3 - Hatchbacks
Hot hatchbacks used to be common, but no longer. However, there are still some interesting examples available on the used car market, including these three which we will cover in 2024:
Ford's Fiesta STFord's Focus STMazda's Mazdaspeed 315:20 - Category #4 - Coupes & Sport Compact Cars
Coupes and Sport Compact Cars are also less common, but again there are fun-to-drive examples on the used market that you might want to look for, including:
The Acura RSX Type-SDiamond Star Coupes (Mitsu Eclipse/Eagle Talon/Plymouth Laser)Celica All-trac Turbo (ST165 from 1988-1989 and ST185 - 1990-1993)Chevrolet Cobalt SS (supercharged)Dodge Neon SRT-419:05 - Category #5 - Sports Cars
Mazda Miata - We will explore the Mazda Miata, not to ID the best year or generation, but to find the used car version that offers the best valueFirst Gen Subaru BRZ and Scion FRS (now the Toyota GR86) The Three First-Gen German Sports Cars, including the Porsche Boxster, BMW Z3 and the Mercedes Benz SLK Roadster21:20 - Category #6 - Sedans
Lexus GS-Series V8, Rear Drive Sedans (GS400, GS430 and GS460)Lexus GS350 (4th Gen 2011-2015 and 2015.5-2020 model update) Mazda's Mazdaspeed 6Subaru 2.5 GT Spec B23:30 - Category #7 - Wagons
WRX Wagons (includes 2002-2007 + Saab 9-2X Wagon)Audi S4 Avant (B6 and B7 wagons with 4.2-liter V8)26:55 - Close
This is just a partial list of the vehicles we will cover in 2024 on the Better Than New Podcast, so be sure to join us this year for all this and more.
Thanks for listening!
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Fehlende Folgen?
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00:00 - Counting Down The Top 10 Better Than New Episodes From 2023
01:50 - INTRO - Happy New Year and welcome to Better than New - the podcast that helps you find a cool used car, truck or SUV. This episode is all about the top ten episodes, based on downloads, from the previous year. Past episodes of this podcast are evergreen because the cars won't change - only the prices and even through there was some price variation during 2023, the trend for 2024 is flat or down. So enjoy these (or any) past episodes of Better Than New along with new episodes for 2024!
02:55 - #10 - Paintless Dent Removal Saves You Time and Money - From June 30th, 2023.
04:15 - #9 - BMW 323CI 3-Series BMW - An Affordable E46 Coupe - From June 16, 2023
05:50 - #8 - It's Hip To Be Square In The Versatile Honda Element - June 23, 2023
07:20 - #7 - Dodge Raider - a small boxy 4x4 that was featured on Better Than New's 4-Part "Little Weirdo's" 4x4 Series - July 28, 2023
09:45 - #6 - Lexus SC400 Coupe - The Ultimate Escape Pod - August 18, 2023
13:40 - #5 - Geo Tracker/Suzuki Sidekick 2dr Convertible Version - a small boxy 4x4 that was featured on Better Than New's 4-Part "Little Weirdo's" 4x4 Series - July 7, 2023
14:50 - #4 - The Fiat 500 Abarth - The Spicy Italian Your Body Needs Daily - February 17, 2023
16:15 - #3 - Suzuki Samurai - a small boxy 4x4 that was featured on Better Than New's 4-Part "Little Weirdo's" 4x4 Series - July 21, 2023
19:35 - #2 - Saturn Sky Redline - An Fun, Affordable Sports Car Bargain Hiding In Plain Sight - April 14, 2023
22:45 - #1 - The Top-Rated Better Than New Episode From 2023 - The 1997-2006 Jeep wrangler TJ - A 4x4 That Should Be At The Top Of Your Personal Bucket List - Nov 25, 2022.
25:35 - Show Wrap Up
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00:00 - OPEN - Electric Vehicles Are Less Reliable Than Gas Cars According To Consumer Reports Latest Member Survey
Which do you think is more reliable? An EV or a Conventional gas-powered car? Well in moment I’ll tell you about some surprising, and maybe not so surprising reliability results for Electric Vehicles from Consumer Reports.
00:50 - INTRO - Are EVs Really Less Reliable?
Each year, Consumer Reports puts out an in-depth reliability survey to their members that covers a wide range of the types of consumer products, including automobiles. The results of this year's survey indicated that Electric Vehicles have a lot more issues than their gas powered competitors.
02:10 - Survey Says: YES!
EVs from the past 3-years had 79% MORE Issues compared to gas-powered vehiclesHybrid vehicles had 26% LESS issues compared to gas vehiclesAnd PHEVs (Plug-in Hybrid-Electric Vehicles) were the worst performing category with 146% MORE issues compared to the typical gas-engine vehicle05:55 - Why Does This Matter To You?
If you’re considering an EV or a conventional late model used car with a high fuel economy rating in the next year or two, your best option may be a hybrid. I think a hybrid continues to be a better option for most people – at least for now – compared to an EV.
Fuel-Saving Vehicle Options:
Get a Hybrid Vehicle, such as a Toyota Prius, Honda Accord, Toyota Camry or a Toyota RAV4 Prime, then enjoy the fuel savings without range anxietyBuy an inexpensive used EV and combine it with an SUV for weekend adventures09:25 - CLOSE
If you’re in the market for something that uses less fuel, whether its gas or electric or in between, just remember that by the numbers – at least Consumer Report's numbers – EV’s in general, still have a way to go to match the reliability of gas-powered cars. Plug in Hybrids have even more issues, but Hybrids seem to be the most reliable choice in a fuel-efficient vehicle, for now. Of course, your mileage may vary, but you’re more likely to have good luck with a late-model Hybrid.
LINKS: Consumer Reports - https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-reliability-owner-satisfaction/electric-vehicles-are-less-reliable-than-conventional-cars-a1047214174/
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00:00 - Show Open - Do Tires Have An Expiration Date?
So how long do tires last, even if they still look new and have a lot of tread left? Well that’s a great question and one we’re going to explore in today’s episode.
00:50 - INTRO
Imagine a scenario where you buy a set of tires for your car, fully intending to use them, but life happens. There's a pandemic, you end up working from home and suddenly your tires are ten years old, but still have more than half their tread left. Should you replace them?
02:55 - How Long Should A Set Of Tires Last?
Until they wear out or until they age out. And that age out thing depends on the manufacturer. Most tire makers suggest that their tires should be inspected yearly beginning at six years of age and replaced if necessary.. And virtually all tire manufacturers say that ten years is the maximum life span for their tires, regardless of mileage.
08:10 - Tires Do Not Have An Expiration Date, But They Do Have A Tire Identification Number.
The last 4-numbers of the TIN or Tire Identification Number indicate the week and year the tires were made. For example, if your tire's TIN ended in 1518, that would mean that tire was made in the 15th week of 2018
12:00 - What Is The Point Of Checking Tire Age If You Have An Inexpensive Car?
This is a podcast about used cars and trucks and I want you to be an educated consumer. Most of the vehicles I recommend are at least five-years old and many are ten or twenty years old. Some even older. That said, I think knowing the age of the tires will make you feel more confident in your purchase and it can give you some negotiating leverage during the buying process.
17:15 - Close
if you already have a car or truck, go out today and check the TIN on your tires. If you don’t know the last time your tires were changed, checking the TIN will let you know how old they are. Then make a judgment call as to if or when you want to replace them. And if you can’t afford it today, at least you will be aware that it’s something you should have on your “to-do” list.
Also, if you’re in the market for a used car, truck or SUV, be sure to check the TIN on the tires while looking the vehicle over. Don’t just rely on the person being nice and saying the tires aren’t “too old”. I have a couple of sets of tires at home that look great, but one is 10-years old and the other is 7-8 years old. I had lost track of time and wasn’t aware how old they really were, but now I am. You should be too, so check your tires!
Relevant Links:
Jay Leno Needs About 1200 Tires: https://www.hagerty.com/media/opinion/jay-leno-needs-about-1200-tires/
How Do I Determine The Age Of My Tires:
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00:00 - We Review The Automotive Things we Are Thankful For This Thanksgiving Day.
Be Well, Drive Safe And Enjoy The Holiday Season!
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00:00 - OPEN - Why Your Next Used Car Should Be a Cockroach: AKA - A Survivor
If you are looking for a bargain-priced used vehicle, stick around because in today’s episode I’ll tell you why you need to consider buying a cockroach for your next used car or truck.
01:00 - INTRO - Cockroaches - Are They Cool or Gross?
My first experience with Madagascar cockroaches in a college biology class was positive (and entertaining), but not everyone likes these creepy little critters
LINK: Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches As Pets: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_WHYIBSyEe8
LINK: Madagascar Cockroach Eating Contest for Six Flags, New England: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Fvlll4Lnq0
03:50 - The Cockroach Deserves Our Respect
Cockroaches have survived a long time - they were here about 300 million years before humans and 150 million years before the dinosaurs. They even survived the comet that killed the dinosaurs and about 80% of all life on earth. Plus their survival capabilities and skills allow them to survive drowning, famine, poison and even massive doses of radiation that would kill a human.
06:15 - Nature's Ultimate Survivor
The cockroach is nature’s ultimate survivor. Therefore a cockroach used car or truck is an ultimate survivor from an automotive standpoint. These are cars and trucks that have survived in excellent condition in spite of being older than most vehicles.
Common Attributes of a Cockroach Used Car
Usually only one ownerPerfect maintenanceStored indoorsDriven regularlyLow milesNo accidentsNo rustEverything works08:25 - How Do You Find A Cockroach Car?
I recommend using the Serendipity Search method that I covered in episodes 64 and 19
09:42 - Eight Excellent, Low-Priced Cockroach Used Vehicles I Recently Found
2004 Nissan Sentra - $4,9002001 Nissan Maxima GLE - $6,0001991 Mitsubishi Mighty Max 2WD Pickup - $19001998 Nissan Frontier 2WD Pickup - $4,3002000 Ford Ranger 2WD Pickup - $4,5001988 Nissan Hardbody 2WD Extended Cab Pickup - $4,8001998 Jeep Wrangler TJ - $7,0001998 Nissan Pathfinder SE - $7,60018:15 - Not So Average Used Cars
Average Price: $5,125Average Mileage: 113,000 Average Age: 26 (1997 model year)Be sure to get a prepurchase inspection if you can, but depending on the owner, if the used vehicle they are selling is really inexpensive, they may tell you that you're welcome to have it inspected if it's still for sale in a few days, but until then the first person who pays their price gets it.
Bonus Cockroach Vehicle Example:
1987 Toyota Celica GT-S - one owner, 122,000 miles, Perfect Condition for $3,800! This was my favorite.22:35 - CLOSE
If you can set your ego aside, open yourself up to the possibilities and focus on letting serendipity find you a fantastic cockroach ca or truck (aka - a survivor) that may be a couple decades old, but still looks and runs like a 3-5 year old used car, then this cockroach car search idea just might be the perfect way for you to find your next really affordable used vehicle.
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00:00 - OPEN
It may not seem like you can reduce the cost of buying a new or used car or truck, but there are legitimate things that you can do about the high cost of purchasing vehicle. You may not like some of these solutions, but you do have more control than you think, so let's dig into that
00:45 - Intro - Cars And Trucks Are Expensive - Here's What You Can Do About It
When it comes to new and used car prices in the US, I am completely gobsmacked by how expensive everything is, from purchase prices to monthly payments to interest rates, everything is way too high for many consumers.
02:45 - US Car Prices, Payments And Interest Rates Are Way Up
I review the most current average vehicle sales prices, monthly payments, interest rates and loan lengths.
06:25 - Auto Insurance Costs More Too
The high purchase prices of new and used vehicles, combined with more sophisticated features and electronics, makes them difficult to sell.
08:10 - The High Cost Of Car Ownership For Real People
Upside Down In Your Car Isn't Where You Want To BeDriving For Uber Can Lead To A Dead EndNew York Times - How The Costs Of Car Ownership Add Up
LINK: https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2023/10/07/business/car-ownership-costs.html?action=click&pgtype=Article&state=default&module=styln-personal-finance&variant=show®ion=BELOW_MAIN_CONTENT&block=storyline_flex_guide_recirc
12:00 - Ways To Fight Back Against High New And Used Car Prices
Keep you current vehicle longerIf you Keep It, double up on your tripsSearch for a used vehicle with a reputation for qualityCheck back episodes of this podcast for vehicle ideasBuy a sedan instead of an SUV or truckTry the Serendipity Search Method of finding a car (episodes 64 and 19) Be sure to get a pre-purchase inspection by a mechanic familiar with the make and model of the vehicle you purchased21:00 - Close
Prices are high for new and late-model used cars, but you can fight back by setting ego aside and looking down market to buy an older used vehicle that’s still safe, reliable and fun at an affordable price.
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00:00 - A Compact SUV That Is Versatile, Affordable and Surprisingly Fast With Its V6 Engine
Sold in the US from model years 2006-2012, the third generation Toyota RAV4 was a compact SUV that offered buyers a wide range of features, drive modes and engine options to suit almost any buyer
01:00 - INTRO - The Third Generation Toyota RAV4 - What It Is
It’s the go-to recommended compact SUV option from me when someone says, I have about $10,000 to $12,000 to spend and I need a single vehicle to do a little bit of everything from people hauling, to commuting, to taking road trips and going on weekend adventures.
02:00 - Why Might You Want One
Handsome Exterior StylingAttractive Interior Styling06:45 - Available In Three Different Models With A Wide Range Of Features, Drive Trains and Engine Choices
The third Gen RAV4 was available in Base, Sport and Limited Trim, with 2WD or 4WD and a choice of 4-cylinder and 6-cylinder engines
08:10 - Fuel Economy
The 2WD 4-cylinder models got the highest fuel economy and the 4WD 6-cylinder models got the lowest, but the combined US fuel economy rating difference between the highest and lowest models was only 2-mpg, so I recommend buying a V6 model with 4WD for quick acceleration, increased towing capacity and more fun behind the wheel.
11:15 - Exceptional Power And Performance With The V6 Engine
The 4-clylinder Third Gen RAV4s offered adequate power combined with a somewhat antiquated 4-speed automatic, however the 6-cylinder models were a different story. When first launched, the Third Gen RAV4 V6 models offered over 100-hp more than the 4-cylinder models, and came with a 5-speed automatic transmission that made better use of that power under all driving conditions.
12:45 - Braking And Handling
The 3rd Gen Toyota RAV4 drives more like a car than a truck or an SUV. It’s taller, of course, and feels a little top-heavy on a winding road compared to a car, but it’s overall driving experience can best be described as “sporty”, and while there were different suspension and tire diameter combinations between models, all RAV4s handle well and offer confidence-inspiring braking.
14:35 - What Do Owners Think Of The Third Gen RAV4s?
Overall owners of the third generation RAV4 really like these sporty compact SUVs. For example, 94% of 2010 RAV4 owners who posted comments about their ownership experience would recommend the third generation RAV4 to others.
20:10 - Common Issues, Problems and Caveats
No used car is perfect, including the RAV4. We review some common issues and a couple of major problems that you should be aware of when considering the purchase of third generation RAV4.
29:00 - What To Look For When Buying A Third Gen RAV4
I would avoid the 2006-2008 2.4-liter 4-cylinder RAV4s unless the ring tension issue has been fixed, but the later 2009-2012 RAV4s with the 2.5-liter 4-clyinder should be fine. However, my top recommendation is a full-featured Sport or Limited 6-cylinder model with 4WD from 2009-2012 - preferably one from the final year or two of the production run. With nearly 270-hp and 4WD, along with decent fuel economy, this RAV4 configuration is a no-brainer choice for me.
31:30 - Third Gen RAV4 Price Range
$5,000-$8,000 - Maybe something okay, but probably not$8,000-$10,000 - Solid choices, but still some potential issues$10,000-$12,500 - You should find great RAV4s In this range$12,500-$15,000 - The best low-mile private party RAV4s$15,000 and above - Why? There are great RAV4s available for less - Try harder!34:45 - WRAP UP
This...
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00:00 - The Top Five Most Popular Better Than New Episodes
In this episode I take a look back at the top five more popular episodes on Better Than New based on downloads. These five episodes are just a small fraction of the over sixty episodes posted so far and all the content is evergreen, meaning it's relevant now and a year or two from now since the used cars we cover won't change, other than price and maybe a recall.
01:50 - The Fifth Most Popular Better Than New Episode
This was Episode #58, titled "Paintless Dent Removal Saves You Time And Money When Your Car Gets At Dent". I spoke with Ryan Snider, a local PDR specialist about the paintless dent removal process and how it can save consumers money and time.
03:45 - The Fourth Most Popular Better Than New Episode
This was Episode #1: the very first Better Than New Episode titled "Can Teen Drivers Learn To Love An Old Hand-me-down Used Car?" In it I spoke with my two sons about whether or not they were okay driving less-than-perfect used Hondas for their first cars. Hint: They were just fine.
06:45 - The Third Most Popular Better Than New Episode.
Finally we have one about a specific car. This is episode #39 on the 2012 to 2019 Fiat 500 Abarth, a 2-door turbocharged front-wheel drive hatchback
08:15 - The Second Most Popular Episode
This was episode #47 on the outstanding, but under rated (in my opinion) 2007-2010 Saturn Sky Redline, a 2-seat sports car that serves up serious horsepower from its 4-cylinder turbo engine.
10:45 - The Most Popular Better Than New Episode Of All Time Is...
This was Episode #27 from November 25, 2022, featuring the iconic Jeep Wrangler, and specifically the 1997-2006 Jeep Wrangler TJ series. Available with a 4-cylinder or 6-cylinder engine, manual or automatic transmission, hard top or soft top and various trim levels, buyers could configure their Wrangler TJ just about any way they wanted to meet their needs.
00:00 - Honorable Mentions
Episodes 59-62 - Four-part Little Weirdos 4x4 Series featuring the Geo Tracker, the Daihatsu Rocky, the Suzuki Samurai and the Dodge RaiderEpisode 57 - The boxy, versatile Honda ElementEpisode 45 - 4th Gen Pontiac Firebird V8 Muscle CarEpisode 56 - BMW 323Ci - An affordable 3-series CoupeEpisode 34 - 2nd Generation Nissan Xterra 4x417:40 - Close
If you missed them the first time around, be sure to check out these and other older Better Than New episodes on affordable used cars, trucks and SUVs . The content is still relevant no matter when you listen, and the only thing about these episodes that might change over time is the price range of the car or truck featured. That's it, so pick an episode you haven't heard before and enjoy!
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00:00 - Why Do People Hate On Their Cars?
On a recent road trip to Oregon, I saw enough vehicle damage from unforced driving and parking errors to make me want to cry. But rather than shed a tear, I decided to morph my pain into an episode.
00:50 - OPEN
We have two cars, a 30-year old Miata and a 15-year old Audi, but we have kept their exteriors in good condition, simply by being careful when we drive and park. Unfortunately that's not the case for many drivers, so it's painful for me when I see vehicles that have been treated poorly. The following are some examples of bad parking behavior that resulted in damage.
03:40 - Late Model Toyota Camry vs. Traffic Bollard
A Camry driver attempting to park in Portland Oregon finds out the hard way that Traffic Bollards are not paint friendly and curbs are tougher than wheels and exhaust pipes. I predict a bus pass is in that Camry driver's future.
07:35 - Brand New Kia Stinger GT... With Damage Done
I encountered a new Kia Stinger GT in our hotel parking lot and noticed massive wheel damage from scraping curbs. All four wheels were so badly scraped and gouged that they would be difficult or impossible to repair, and replacement costs were more than $800 per wheel. Who does this to a brand new car!? Boo. Shame on whoever you are!
10:30 - Toyota Prius Driver vs. Big (and very obvious) Curb
Without missing a beat, a Prius driver attempting to parallel park, drives up and over a high curb twice within a 5-second window. He scrapes a wheel (twice), a side skirt (twice) and partially removes the front bumper cover during the process. Brilliant! And the best part? He casually walks away after parking without looking back. So cool, yet so uncool.
13:55 - Ford Explorer's Bumper Explodes After Wall Encounter
You would expect this type of performance from a new teenage driver, but this person was maybe 35 or 40 and should have known better. Best part was their full-blown freakout when their front bumper cover popped off and shot across the parking lot.
15:55 - Too Many Broken Parts To Count
So many car parts, so little time to count them all. On the drive back home, there were so many bumper covers and large car parts on Interstate-5 that I lost count at more than 20, and most of them were on sections of freeway that were perfectly straight!
17:35 - CLOSE
With a little care and vigilance, drivers can avoid these unfortunate unforced parking errors. But for those not willing to invest even a little bit of effort to keep the exterior of their car, truck or SUV in good condition, then the Used Car Gods will simply take it off the sales price when they go to sell the vehicle, or the trade in price when they go to trade it in down the road. The choice… is theirs.
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00:00 - To EV or To Not EV... That Is The Question
So is it the right time for you to buy a new or used EV or are the prices still too high? We explore that question in this episode.
00:55 - Used and New EV Prices Have Dropped, But They Are Still Expensive
The average price of a new EV has dropped 20% from June 2022 to June 2023, but new US electric vehicles are on average about $5000 more than internal combustion engine (gas and diesel powered) cars, trucks and SUVs.
03:00 - Manufacturers Are Offering Cash Incentives To Spur New EV Purchases
With less buyers available for multiple reasons, some car makers are offering cash-back incentives for purchase or lease and some offer buyers lower interest rates to get people behind the wheel of a new EV.
04:35 - More Competition = Lower Prices... Eventually
Many new EVs are coming on the market all the time, including Honda's soon-to-be-released Prologue electric SUV, which will be available in early 2024. Once all the mainstream car makers, like Ford, GM, Toyota, Honda and others get into the game, competition will increase, range and features will improve and prices will come down on EVs across the board.
07:10 - EV Prices, While Lower Today Are Still Really High - So Buying A Used EV At A Reasonable Price Might Make Sense
Lower prices on new EVs are good for buyers, but overall new EV prices are still really high compared to equivalent gas-powered cars and trucks, so buying a used EV might make more sense if you are on a budget. Unfortunately, there still aren't a lot of used EV options at the lower end of the market, so my recommendation is to wait for a year or two while prices drop and vehicle options improve. But if you really want an EV and can make a limited range work, there are a few used EVs that might fit your budget and an urban lifestyle, including the Fiat 500e covered in episode 48
10:40 - So Should You Go Electric Or Not?
If you're on a budget and need one car that can do it all, my recommendation regarding electric vehicles is to hold off on that purchase until used EV supply & model options improve and prices drop, but if you have the cash available for a new EV, and you are not willing to wait a year or two for prices to come down, then go for it.
11:35 - CLOSE
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00:00 - OPEN - The 2002-2003 Mazda Protege5
Today’s show is about a used car that would be perfect as a first car for a new driver, or would make an ideal second or third car for your family to run errands or take you, a friend and a full load of gear on a weekend adventure. I like to think of it as the classic Swiss Army Knife of personal vehicles, but it’s so much more than that.
01:40 - The Perfect Affordable Small Wagon For An Active Lifestyle
The 2002-2003 Mazda Protege5 is a stylish, sporty 5-door hatchback that’s not only pleasant to be in and look at, but it also offered an ideal combination of carrying capacity, convenience, fuel economy and fun that’s perfect for people of any age who live an active lifestyle.
03:45 - What Makes The Protege5 Great?
It's a car that's stylish, sporty and attractive inside and out, plus it was reasonably well appointed for a vehicle at its price point. While not incredibly quick, it's rev-happy engine, excellent handling and fun-to-drive nature delivered a great deal of joy for drivers while also returning reasonable fuel economy in town (25-mpg) and on longer trips (over 30-mpg) using regular fuel. And over time the Protege5 has proven to be a reliable partner for long term owners.
07:25 - It's Not a "Numbers" Car
With only 130-hp motivating about 2750 pounds of sport wagon, the Protege5 is not a car that produces stunning acceleration numbers. Zero to sixty mph is around 9-seconds and the quarter mile is covered in 17-seconds or a little less depending on humidity, track conditions, etc. But none of that matters because the engine, transmission, drive train and suspension work together in harmony to deliver driving dynamics and fun behind the wheel that's so much better than the numbers might indicate.
09:10 - What Do Mazda Protege5 Owners Think Of Their Cars?
In a word, Protege5 owners LOVE their cars and 97% of them give their lovable Mazda 5-door wagon a rating of "four" or a "five" out of 5-stars in their online reviews. And that's out of hundreds of reviews, which is impressive.
Car and Driver Retro Review Video featuring a "Ron Burgundy" lookalike (I swear it's not Will Ferrell!) delivering the story behind the Protege5 from back in the day: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VmkRRYOOB04&t=1s
14:35 - What Should You Look For In A Protege5?
Low miles (under 100K, if possible) Minimal owners (1 or 2) Consistent maintenance with service records for proofNo accidents (if possible) Avoid rebuilt title vehicles (again, if possible, but it doesn't take much now to total a Protege5, so if the damage isn't severe and it was fixed professionally, you might be able to get a good example even with a rebuilt title)Get a pre-purchase inspection if you canLook for P5s with recent major service already completedGet the ABS+side airbags optionI suggest getting a manual to make best use of the power18:20 - How Much Will You Pay For A Protege5?
$2000-$4000 - More rare, but you can find decent examples with higher miles and a couple of issues in this range. $4000-$6000 - Good solid examples with reasonable miles will be found in this price range (be picky) $6000-$8000 - You'll find the best cars in this price range. While attractive and fun to drive, the Protege5 is not a collector car, so I wouldn't pay more than this.20:00 - Other Affordable FWD 5-Door Wagon Options In The Protege5's Price Range
2004 and later Mazda3 5-Door2002-2004 Ford SVT Focus ZX5Pontiac Vibe (2003-2010)/Toyota Matrix... -
00:00 - OPEN: The 1992-2000 Lexus SC400 Coupe - The Ultimate Escape Pod
In this episode, you'll hear about an early 90’s car that I like to think of as the ultimate escape pod. It was a sport coupe from an emerging Japanese luxury brand that featured silky smooth V8 power and a uniquely designed exterior that set the bar so high, that car magazine editors fell in love with it, along with the buying public. And this car dominated the luxury sport coupe category for years, just like its sibling did in the luxury sedan category.
01:05 - Lexus Enters The US Market in 1989 With the LS400 Sedan
Back in 1989, Toyota, shook-up the US automotive landscape with the introduction of the all-new Lexus Luxury brand and their first-ever US vehicle, the 1990 Lexus LS400 sedan.
03:30 - INTRO: The 1992-2000 Lexus SC400 Coupe - The From Scratch, Original Encore to the LS400 Sedan
Rather than alter their successful LS400 sedan by deleting the rar doors, shortening the wheelbase and calling it a coupe, Lexus instead designed their first Coupe - the SC400, from scratch.
06:25 - SC400 Engine & Drivetrain Changes Over Time
1992-1995 SC400 Coupe - 250-hp & 260-lb.ft of torque with 4-spd automatic transmission. 1996-1997 SC400 Coupe - 260-hp & 270-lb.ft. of torque with a 4-speed automatic transmission1998-2000 SC400 Coupe - 290-hp and 300-lb.ft of torque with a 5-speed automatic transmission.08:50 - Handling & Braking - It's a Gran Touring Car, Not A Sports Car
Both the LS400 and the SC400 coupe were rear-wheel drive and offered excellent driving dynamics. However, potential buyers should keep in mind that the Lexus SC400 is not a sports car, but rather a luxury sports coupe in the gran touring tradition - a car that can be driven quickly and confidently for hours on end as it whisks its driver to their destination in quiet, luxurious comfort.
09:55 - Is the Lexus SC400 Coupe A Reliable Car Today?
In a word, yes. However, the newest SC400 is 23-years old, so it's best to keep that in mind and have a thorough pre-purchase inspection done before purchase.
12:50 - What To Look For In An SC400 Coupe
All years of the SC400 Coupe would make an excellent daily driver I would focus on finding an example in excellent condition with one or two owners first. If you want the most horsepower, the 1998-2000 cars with Variable Valve timing and the 5-speed automatic are best. All the standard used car considerations apply (low-miles, no accidents, access to service records, avoid cars that have rust)Get that pre-purchase inspection!17:30 - Used Lexus SC400 Pricing
$5000-$8000 - You'll find some interesting examples, but this is the low-end of the range and not where I would expect to find a solid combination of quality vs price$8000-$12,000 - This is my sweet spot. I would expect to find the best values in this range, with the sort of cars you would want to keep and drive for several years at the top of this range. $12,000-$15000 - These cars will be some of the best one or two owner examples with well under 100K miles, recent major services completed, shiny paint and tires and brakes in good condition$15,000-$18,000 - This is where I think you’ll find the best examples of the SC400. You can pay more than this, but you’re probably wasting money based on current valuation21:15 - Close - 1992-2000 Lexus SC 400 Coupe
With its combination of unique styling, luxurious refinement and...
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00:00 - OPEN: Serendipity And Craiglist Can Help You Find A Perfect Used Car - Part II
It’s time to take another look at some of the fun, interesting used vehicles you can find when you let Serendipity and a quick local Craigslist search be your guide.
00:55 - INTRO - Serendipity Search Explained
This Serendipity search idea is really simple, and it goes like this. Open up your local Craigslist, go to "Cars and Trucks", click on for sale by owner, leave the rest of the search parameters blank, hit enter and then scroll down and see which cars have been posted most recently.
Following these steps is important because you’re just trying to view what’s been posted to Craigslist in the last few hours up to 24-hours. In my experience, the really interesting used cars with amazingly low prices will be sold in less than 24-hours.
The following are some of the interesting cars, trucks and SUVs I found near me in a recent Serendipity + Craigslist search:
05:30 - Interesting Sports Cars
1974 Fiat X1/91993 Pontiac Trans Am1997 Mazda Miata09:00 - Sporty and Fun And Practical, but Mostly Sporty Cars
1987 Toyota Celica GT-S1998 Acura Integra GS-R Sedan2015 Ford Fiesta ST11:50 - SUVs, Crossovers and Trucks
2007 Honda Element2000 Nissan Frontier Pick-up2002 Isuzu Trooper14:55 - Older, Funkier 4x4s
1984 Ford Bronco1987 Suzuki Samurai1992 Isuzu Trooper RS 2-Door19:05 - Which One(s) Would I Buy If I had $15K To Spend?
Maybe the Fiat X1/9 because it was cool (to me) or maybe the Fiesta ST (it's newer, fun to drive and would make a great daily), but in the end I chose three: the 1987 Celica, the 1998 Integra GS-R Sedan and the Trooper RS 2-door. All three of these vehicles together added up to $15,300.
20:30 - Close - Time To Try This Method Yourself
Give this search method a try next time you think you can't find something fun in your price range. Great cars and trucks at an affordable price can appear out of nowhere, but they won't last long, so act quickly if you find something you like.
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00:00 - OPEN - Murphy’s Law Can Turn Routine DIY Car Maintenance Into Chaos
Doing your own car maintenance can save you time and money and it helps you learn about your car. However, you have to plan your repairs wisely or Murphy's Law may stop by to derail your next DIY project.
01:20 - INTRO - How Long Will It Take To Catch A Fish?
With used cars, no matter how much you plan, no matter how much you try to stay on top of any potential issues, sometimes things just go wrong. It’s inevitable. Unaccounted for variables can disrupt a DIY project and stretch out your repair timeline from a couple of hours to a couple of days or more.
That's why when someone asks me how long a car repair will take, I usually reply with the question, "how long will it take to catch a fish?" (Answer: I don't know)
03:40 - Audi Leak Repair is DIY Job #1
Our Audi wagon finally developed enough leaks from the valve cover gaskets, oil filter housing gasket, valley pan gasket and the oil cooler gasket that I had to schedule a DIY project to fix the various drips and drizzles. Nothing major, just lots of time and patience to remove multiple parts to gain access to multiple low-cost, but important gaskets.
05:05 - Murphy's Law Steps In To Disrupt My Oil Leak Repairs By Disabling Our Spare Family Car
The Audi is up on the rack with the front end removed for better engine access, but Murphy's Law sidelines my repair attempts by disabling the spare car (a 1998 Camry) my wife was going to drive while I fix the Audi. I offer to let her drive our Miata, but she refuses to drive a manual transmission, so now I'm a chauffeur as well as the family DIY mechanic. Awesome! Meanwhile, I think I know generally what's wrong with the Camry, but for now it will have to wait until I finish fixing the Audi.
10:50 - Murphy's Law Interruption #2 - My Son's Honda Accord
Not long after the Camry decided to go on a driver’s strike, our older son who will be receiving the Camry as his “free” car dropped by with his current car – a 1992 Honda Accord - to ask me if I could take it for a drive to figure out what the “noises” are that he keeps hearing. Never a good sign...
Turned out there was junk in the trunk literally rolling around making noise, but there were also real car maintenance issues that needed to be attended to, like like low tire pressure, low brake fluid and low engine oil. I also discovered the alternator belt was failing, so I had to replace that along with the power steering belt. When my wife asked how long that project would take, I said "how long does it take to catch a fish?" (Answer: no clue)
19:10 - Are DIY Repairs Worth The Time and Hassle?
If you ask whether I like doing the repairs or not, the answer is "no". However, if you ask whether the time and cost savings are worth it, the answer - at least for me - is absolutely.
With repair shops backed up sometimes a week or two, doing work yourself can get you back on the road sooner. And with the high cost of labor and parts, you can save yourself a lot of money if you can do some of those projects yourself.
If you're not sure if DIY projects are for you, start with something simple like an oil change. If that works, then try something more difficult. After a few successful DIY repair projects, you just might find you actually can handle some car repair duties and it's not as hard as you think.
20:40 - CLOSE
As long as you have the tools, the parts, a spare car or a friend who can give you ride to the auto parts store while your car is being repaired, I think you can handle your own DIY repairs. But just don’t take too long, because your partner might keep asking whether you’ve caught that fish yet or not!
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00:00 - OPEN
Today is the fourth and final episode of our month-long "Little Weirdo’s" 4x4 Edition podcast special featuring four small, fun-to-drive and affordable used 4x4s from the 80s and 90s.
01:45 - INTRO - 1987-1989 Dodge Raider
Today’s small, affordable 4x4 SUV is the Dodge Raider, which was sold in the US from model years 1987 to 1989.
03:30 - By The Numbers
The Dodge Raider offered up specifications and performance that was slightly better than the other small 4x4s in this series, but it still wasn’t outstanding. For example, when equipped with the 2.6-liter 4-cylinder, buyers got 109-hp and 142-lb.ft. of torque. In 1989, a V6 with 143-hp and 168-lb.ft. was available as an option. The V6 Raiders also came with a trailing link rear suspension with coil springs and shocks, rather than the 4-cylinder model's leaf spring suspension.
10:40 - Serious Off-Road Capability
Tough, body-on-frame designCapable Suspension (leaf springs for 4-cylinder, trailing arms fw/coils for 6-cyl) Short–wheel base (very maneuverable on tight trails)11:00 - Dakar Rally Success For The Pajero
12 Outright Wins - A modified version of the Pajero (the Japanese version of the Raider) won the famous Dakar rally outright a total of 12-times. World Record Setting Performance - The Pajero also set a Guinness World record with 150 individual stage wins. By comparison, second place Peugeot had only 78-wins, so the Pajero’s ability off-road was really never in question.13:05 - What Should You Look For In a Dodge Raider?
Overall condition is most important Inline 4-cylinder vs. V6 (I would chose the V6)4-speed automatic vs. 5-speed manualTypical used car things, like low miles, minimal owners, no accidents, no rebuilt title, etc.Buy one that is stock or close to stock condition. Make sure it has all the factory parts (rear bench seat)Make sure everything works (test the 4WD, locking hubs, AC, heater, fan, lights, turn signals, etc.) Find a tow-behind example – might have higher miles, but it was towed, not driven.16:50 - Dodge Raider Price Range
Get a complete, running, fully functioning Dodge Raider. Don’t buy a project!
$3000 to $5000 range - Some decent examples can be found in this range with time and patience, but below $3,000 I would expect to find issue such as dents, rust, missing and broken parts, etc.
$5000 to $8000 – Good solid options in this range, including some great family hand-me-downs that are undervalued for the market, but act quickly as good examples sell fast if underpriced.
$8,000 to $12,000 – Really nice, near-perfect examples can be found in this range. If I were looking for a Raider, I would assume the price I eventually pay would likely fall into this range.
$12,000 to $15,000 – The best examples will be found in this range, but once prices rise to this level, you have other options, including the 1997-2006 Jeep Wrangler TJ. Jeeps are more plentiful and have tremendous aftermarket support, so you might not want to pay this much for a Dodge Raider unless you just can’t live without one.
23:20 - CLOSE
That wraps up this final Little Weirdo’s 4x4 Edition episode on the rugged Dodge Raider - another outstanding, small 4x4 SUV from the 80s and 90s that’s provides jeep-like off-road capability with a relatively cheap price. The Raider, along with the Geo Tracker, the Daihatsu Rocky and the Suzuki Samurai are the type of small, boxy 4x4 that manufacturers no...
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00:00 - OPEN - Little Weirdos 4x4 Edition Special - PART 3
Today is the third episode of our month-long Little Weirdo’s 4x4 Edition podcast special here on Better Than New - featuring four small, fun-to-drive and affordable used 4x4 SUVs from the 80s and 90s.
01:10 - INTRO - 1986-1995 Suzuki Samurai 4x4
This week’s “Little Weirdo” small 4x4 is the Suzuki Samurai, which was introduced to America in 1985 as a 1986 model year vehicle and was sold here through 1995
01:50 - The Numbers Don't Matter
The Suzuki Samurai's horsepower, torque and acceleration numbers are well below modern SUVs, but take one drive off-road in the Samurai and none that matters.
04:50 - Serious Off-Road Capability
The Samurai is very compact and light, yet it still features a rugged, body-on-frame design and a 2-speed transfer case with 2WD high, 4WD high and 4WD low, so it’s considered to be a “real” 4WD vehicle by off-road enthusiasts.
06:30 - The Altitude Record
In 2007, a team of Chilean drivers used a modified Suzuki Samurai to set a Guinness world altitude record of 21,804 feet on a dormant volcano in the Andes mountains - a record that stood for more than a dozen years.
07:30 - Primitive, But Better Over Time
While small and crude, Suzuki continued to slowly improve the Samurai over its 9-year US run.
09:00 - Beginning Of The End - The Consumer Reports Rollover Story
Even though the Samurai had performed well in Consumer Reports initial handling tests, apparently a staff member of the magazine later rolled a Samurai while driving. Because of that, the magazine's editors decided to try to replicate the same conditions to determine if the Samurai was actually more inclined to roll compared to similar vehicles.
11:15 - Is The Samurai Really The Rollover King?
High ground clearance 4x4s with a short wheelbase, a high center of gravity and tall off-road tires will always be inclined to roll over easier than say, a low-slung sports car with a low center of gravity.
13:35 - What Should You Look For?
Condition is the most important thing to considerAvailable with a Soft-top or HardtopLow miles, minimal owners, no rebuilt or salvage titleBuy one in stock conditionMake sure it has the back bench seat18:10 - How Much Should You Pay?
Under $5000 - Not very many good Samurai's in this low price range, but you might get lucky$5000 to $7500 - Good solid examples can be found in this range, but with some minor issues$7500 to $10,000 - This is the price range where I would expect to find great examples, excellent value and the best deals$10,000 to $12,500 - You should easily be able to find a great Samurai in this range without too much effort. $12,500-$15,000 or more - At this price or higher, you might want to consider other options, so make sure a Samurai is really what you want to buy before paying this much.20:55 - Conclusion
That wraps up this week’s Little Weirdo’s 4x4 Edition episode on the Suzuki Samurai. Another excellent, small 4x4 SUV from the 80s and 90s that’s provides Jeep-like off-road prowess with a relatively inexpensive price.
RELEVANT LINKS:
5-Door Jimny Coming in 2023 - https://www.drive.com.au/news/2023-suzuki-jimny-five-door-wagon-official/
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00:00 - SHOW OPEN - 1990-1992 Daihatsu Rocky
Today is the second episode of our Little Weirdo’s 4x4 Edition month-long special featuring four small, fun-to-drive and affordable used 4x4 SUVs from the 80s and 90s, and today's small SUV is the Daihatsu Rocky, sold in the US from model years 1990-1992
01:25 - INTRO - The Rocky
The Daihatsu Rocky was an outstanding example of the small 4x4’s sold in the US back in the 80s and 90s, and you should know about it in case you come across a good one when you’re looking for a used car or truck.
03:55 - Timing Is Everything
The Daihatsu brand was launched in the US in 1988 during a recession and in the case of the Rocky, while it was a well-built, reliable and outstanding off-road vehicle, and certainly one of the best examples of the small 4x4’s sold in the US at the time, it hit the market towards the end of that small, rugged 4x4 era when consumers who wanted an SUV were gravitating towards larger 4-door examples, like the Ford Explorer and Jeep Cherokee. After only 5-years in the US and faltering sales, Daihatsu exited the US market and the Rocky was no more, but it still represents an impressive example of the small 4x4s sold in the late 80s and early 90s, so it's worth considering if you can find a good one.
05:55 - Fun Both On-Road and Off
Like the other small SUVs in this month-long review, the Rocky is highly maneuverable due to it’s short 85.6-inch wheelbase, which, for comparison, is more than 3-inches shorter than a 1990 Mazda Miata’s wheelbase. But what made it even better was its wide track compared to the competition. At 57.9-inches, the Rocky had one of the widest tracks for a small 4x4 vehicle in its class.
Combined with an independent front double wishbone suspension, traditional leaf springs in the rear and more than 8-inches of ground clearance, the Rocky offered reasonable on-road stability and comfort along with impressively capable maneuverability when driving off-road.
07:05 - Not Exactly Fast
The engine motivating a 1990 Rocky was a 1.6-liter DOHC 4-cylinder that made 94-horsepower at 5700 rpm and 94-lb.ft. of torque at 3200 rpm when new, which is pretty typical for similar size 4-cylinder engines from that era. However, unlike most of the other SUVs in this series, the Rocky was on the heavy side at about 2800 pounds.
With less than 100-horsepower, a relatively high weight and a 5-speed manual transmission, you should expect zero-to-sixty-mph times similar to or a little slower than the other 4x4 SUVs in this month-long series. The only review I found with stopwatch times was from Road Test Magazine featuring a 1991 Rocky that covered zero-to-60-mph in 17.59-seconds. This is quite slow by modern standards, but still similar to the acceleration of other small SUVs in this review.
Road Test Magazine Daihatsu Rocky Review - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Do1k_f2MvJ4&t=5s
08:50 - Features and Options
Keeping with the nature of this rugged, jeep-like small 4x4, there weren’t a lot of creature comforts available on the Daihatsu Rocky when it first launched. Early examples had hand-cranked windows, manual door locks and manual locking hubs that required drivers to get out of the truck to lock the front hubs by when using 4WD. However, over the course of the Rocky’s short run, many of these issues were fixed with the addition of power windows and locks, along with auto locking hubs and more attractive alloy wheels, rather than simple steel wheels
10:10 - Two Trim Levels
SE is the base level interior with vinyl seat trimSX is more premium, with up-scale cloth seats or velour seating surfaces on the SX Plus model with wrap-around bucket seatsAir Conditioning was an... -
00:00 - Show open - Little Weirdos 4x4 Edition Series
Today is the first episode of our Little Weirdo’s 4x4 Edition month-long special reviewing small, affordable used 4x4 SUVs from the 80s and 90s. over the next four weeks, I will review four different mini SUVs, including the Daihatsu Rocky, the Suzuki Samurai, the Dodge Raider and the subject of today's episode, the Geo Tracker, which was also sold as the Suzuki Sidekick.
01:30 - Intro - the 1989-1998 Geo Metro and Suzuki Sidekick
The Tracker is a seriously fun and affordable way to travel to your next outdoor adventure. The intention was to put drivers behind the wheel of a small, fuel-efficient, fun-to-drive 4x4 that could take them out on the sand at the beach after work without getting stuck or take them to a trailhead for an epic hike on the weekends without worrying that the underside would
05:30 - Geo Tracker Details
If the idea of getting a Geo Tracker or Suzuki Sidekick sounds intriguing to you, let’s dig into the details, review what to look for when purchasing a Geo Tracker and talk about what you can expect to pay to put one of these fun little’s SUVs in your parking spot.
10:00 - Changes over time to consider
Engine - horsepower later bumped from 80-hp to 95-hp Transmission - Get the manual for best use of power4WD or 2WD - You chooseABS - Available as an option in model year 1996AC - Recommended for hot/humid climates14:00 - Pricing
$2500-$5000 - Examples are okay at the bottom end of the range and improve to decent driver-quality vehicles as you approach $5K
$5000-$7500 - I would call this the sweet spot for great deals. These won’t be show-winning examples, but they will typically be well-cared for vehicles that will have a lot of life left in them.
$7500-$10,000 - This range is where you will find some of the best private party examples. If you’re willing to spend this much and take your time finding a good example, you could easily find a low-mile, one-owner example here.
$10,000+ I would expect Trackers and Sidekicks in this range to need nothing. The top should be in great shape, tires and brakes should be relatively new, paint will be shiny, interior will be excellent and there would again be minimal owners, no accidents, low miles, etc.
16:35 - Wrap Up
So that wraps up part one of our four-part Little Weirdos 4x4 edition series here on Better Than New. After listening, hopefully you’re considering the idea of a buying a small, 2-door 4x4 convertible version of the Geo Tracker or Suzuki Sidekick.
Please join me for part two of this 4-part “Little Weirdo’s 4x4 series” next week as we dig into what makes the fun, but hard to find, Daihatsu Rocky, another outstanding small 4x4 SUV that you should consider if you’re in the market.
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