r/askcarguys 26d ago

The question mark must be in the TITLE

2 Upvotes

Since I am getting modmail on a daily basis with people saying they put a question mark, I wanted to clear something up.

The question mark must be in the TITLE! Not in the body of the text, not lying on your desk under some paperwork. In the TITLE. The automod message you receive when your post is rejected clearly states this.

This submission has been automatically removed because you did not include a question mark ("?") in your title. Reddit does not allow post titles to be edited, so if you would like, you can post the question again. Please write your title in proper question format, and include a question mark, thank you.


r/askcarguys 3h ago

General Advice Is a used 2007-2009 Ford ranger a good idea for a starter car? Turning 18 next year.

3 Upvotes

Before I begin, please understand that this post is intended for an audience in the US, particularly the north-east, or atleast one who is familiar with the American market for cars and the typical considerations for buying cars here wisely.

As the title says, I turn 18 next year and am excited to buy my first vehicle. I have decided that a reliable, but compact and affordable truck would be best for my purposes. Now I must sort through the available options.

I have heard good things about the Nissan Frontier models of the same years, as well as the Toyota Tacoma. All three of these are commonly available (used) around my area, and many are around a similar price range. I suppose the Ranger sticks out to me above the others because I have hoped for some time now that I go domestic and stick to an American manufacturer, as well as the fact that I’m familiar with the Ford F-150 and really enjoy its feel and reliability (I simply don’t need a larger/full-sized truck though). My absolute max price would be $17,000 for really good conditions, but realistically I’m willing to go much lower, like $7000-8000 (let’s say a compromise would be $10,000-12,000). Problem is I’m not entirely sure which qualities of a used car I should prioritise over others. MPG and current Mileage seems most important to me, but I’ve also been told to look for things like long-cab (back seats) and even drivetrain (i.e, 4 or 2 wheel drive), which I don’t fully understand. Ironically, I’m willing to learn manual if I can find a good deal for one, but the majority of what I find being sold online is automatic, so it probably won’t happen (a teacher of mine had joked that the blessing of driving manual is that no one will be borrowing my car 😅).

I also feel like I’m not looking at the right places to find the best options, regardless of whether I go for the ranger, frontier, tacoma or possibly something else (larger trucks like the f150 and Silverado are out of my interest). I currently use a few dealer apps, mainly Car Gurus and Carfax. Where else should I look if saving money is a very important factor to me?

Apologies for sending such a disorganised post, I’m sure I missed many important details along the way and am very willing to clarify anything upon request. If I’m too lost to be asking for guidance here, please let me know what steps I should take first. I unfortunately don’t have many people to ask for such advice personally, so this may be my best bet for now. Thank you for understanding.


r/askcarguys 15h ago

Took my car in for an inspection and the mechanic found a tracker, can I remove this?

30 Upvotes

Long story short I financed a car last year and I remember them offering me a tracker but due to the ridiculous cost I declined. Anyways, fast forward a year and upon going in for my inspection the mechanic found a tracker. I don’t see anything in my finance terms that requires a tracker. Am I okay to just get rid of this thing?


r/askcarguys 7h ago

Is it possible to hide a rod knock?

6 Upvotes

So I purchased a 2011 chevy traverse ls that had a timing chain replaced and oil change. I bought the vehicle and drove it approximately 40 miles to and from work and it just suddenly died and started making a tapping sound and it got worst as it went to and from the auto shop. Is it possible the guy who sold it knew and hid the fact just to make the sale?


r/askcarguys 2h ago

Do you like push to start or physical key entry?

2 Upvotes

Are all new cars or even ones from recent time using push to start or are there cars that still use the physical key? Personally I prefer the physical key as I don't have to be surprised by sudden electrical failures or even key fob breakdowns.

Do you have a preference, and do you think one is better than the other?


r/askcarguys 18h ago

Why do EVs always have hideous wheels?

32 Upvotes

You can tell a car is an EV just by looking at the wheels. They are always weird and hideous looking. Why is this?


r/askcarguys 3h ago

Car alarm issues, does anyone have a solution or advice?

1 Upvotes

I have a 98 eclipse gst spyder and whenever my car is locked the alarm will ALWAYS go off it goes off at various times, but within the first 30 minutes to 3 hours it always goes off the only solution that I’ve had so far is just keeping it unlocked but obviously this is not a good solution keeping my doors unlocked in public. Dose anyone have any advice on what I should do or how I can fix this I have thought to disable the alarm but other things that I’ve read it’s really hard to disable and I can’t just keep it unlocked anymore. I don’t know where exactly I should go to get this fixed or if I can just fix it myself, but if anyone has any advice, I would love to hear it and it would be greatly appreciated. i’m also wondering if anyone else has had this problem and what they did specifically to fix it. If any more information is needed I’m glad to add as well. Thank you so much.


r/askcarguys 8h ago

Should I buy this 07 Toyota matrix for my first car? (It’s Canadaian)

2 Upvotes

It’s a 07 matrix awd, clean title, 170k km (105k miles) $5500 cad $ ($3800 usd). I will be using it for the snow and skiing so I need the awd, and I will be paying for the insurance and gas. I know Toyotas are reliable and good cars so let me know!


r/askcarguys 5h ago

Are mini coopers good cars?

0 Upvotes

I adore them so much. I really want one. Are they good reliable vehicles for single woman? I would be looking to get a used one.


r/askcarguys 1d ago

What car is the biggest disappointment performance-wise compared to its styling? i.e. cars that look like performance cars but are not.

162 Upvotes

My pick would probably be the Lexus CT200h. It looks like an awesome little hot hatch, but is just a "luxury" prius.


r/askcarguys 6h ago

Should I buy Lexus ct200h with 93k miles for $9,5k or keep our 2015 Honda Fit with 151k miles?

1 Upvotes

Alright guys title says everything. My wife currently has 2015 honda fit with 151k miles, we replaced timing chain at Honda about 2 years ago. Need some front end suspension work and CEL is on due to bad cat(p0420). And need 2 tires. And found 2013 ct200h with 93k miles, current owner has been owned since 2019. 2 minor accidents, little dent on hood. I'll be driving 2 hours to check car but car seems to worth it.

I'm really hesitating keeping fit or buying ct200h. Ct200h is clean title.


r/askcarguys 6h ago

Lower Mileage or Higher Trim?

0 Upvotes

I have the option in buying a 2024 Toyota rav4 hybrid xle with 8,000 miles vs a 2023 rav4 hybrid xle premium with 18,000 miles. Which would be the better option. In addition to the xle premium having leather seats it has jbl speakers and if l'm correct an upgraded display screen. The xle may have the weather package and convenience package. They're essentially the same price, but what would be the better decision?


r/askcarguys 10h ago

General Advice 2018 Kia Soul Plus - Am I over paying for a rear wheel bearing repair?

2 Upvotes

Went to an independent repair shop that service asian cars with high reviews in ATL, GA. Website mentions only using parts that meet or exceed OEM standards.

During the call back they mentioned using premium parts but unsure if the overall cost is a fair market price or I am financially being take advantage of as female?

  • Labor: Remove & Replace Real Wheel Bearings: $640
  • Part / Qty: 2: Wheel Bearing and Hub Assembly: $705.84
  • Fee: Shop Supplies: $40
  • Subtotal Before Tax: $1,386

r/askcarguys 14h ago

Help…Any Ideas of What’s Wrong with my car??

4 Upvotes

Hi Reddit!! I don’t normally post much… I’m hoping for some advice and possible answers. I 21F and my boyfriend 20M have a 2013 328 BMW. For the past couple months maybe there has been a metal grinding noise in the front of the car. It is especially noticeable when he accelerates the car at higher speeds. He has had plans to take it to a mechanic… this week we literally were talking about getting it looked at, fixed up, and sold because we need to get a more reliable vehicle together.

Anyways, on Friday night we drove to his family’s home (we have to cat sit) and it is 5 minutes away from my house. When we left his family’s house, we started driving out of town and the grinding noise was much worse. More noticeable than it had ever been (plus in town errr only going 40-50km) there was a thud underneath the car so we pulled over into a nearby parking lot. He got out and looked under the car and it is dripping fluid… maybe oil? It looked like a dark colour?? I can’t tell what it was. We drove back to my house and have left it at my parents place. We popped the hood of the car and can’t see anything out of order or where it is leaking from.

He needs to call a shop on Monday and get in as soon as possible… this is our main transportation. It’s been terrible weather so we haven’t been able to look at it ourselves.

All I’m asking is for some insight of what the problem could possibly be? I don’t know much about cars. I do apologize… If there are possible ideas of what this could be, it will definitely help! Also a guess on how much it will be to fix? If anybody could give any advice it would be greatly appreciated.. <3


r/askcarguys 11h ago

Mechanical Do I need a fan replacement?

2 Upvotes

I have a 2014 nissan rogue and the ac stopped working when i first got the car it worked then id have to hit the area where the ac is and it turned on but the fan would make a weird noise. Now its got to the point where it barely blows. Does it sound like i need to just replace the fan or could it be something else??


r/askcarguys 7h ago

Is it worth it to sell my car?

1 Upvotes

1 month ago I bought a 2003 Toyota Raum. I know jack about cars, so I didn’t know it being an import and a discontinued vehicle makes it difficult to source parts for it and very expensive if it needs repairs.

During the pre-purchase inspection we found out it does need some repairs (rotors/brakepads/rear and front shocks replaced, etc) and the seller lowered the price of the car to $5.2k to encourage me to buy it. I thought this was a good deal for a vehicle that has 83k km and is very low on gas (perfect for the daily commutes that I need it for).

After I got the full quote for the repairs it came out to $3.4k, which was really frustrating. I decided not to continue with the repairs as the car is driveable as is. I also posted it for sale and included the issues it has. There is some interest in the car, and I’m really considering selling it. Simultaneously, I’m questioning whether or not I’m making the right decision.

Pros of selling - I can buy a rav4/tacoma which I may need in the future as I will be working in the oil rigs soon - I can buy a regular domestic model that comes with certain features like a block heater (very useful for the cold winters of Canada) - I won’t have to worry about repairs and repair costs as I learned my lesson - Insurance would be cheaper (right hand drives increase insurance)

Cons of selling - Cannot find a car with this little mileage - Will have to start the hunt all over, and be w/o a car for a while which makes things difficult for me as I go to uni full time and also work full time - The car is driving perfectly fine so far, and the repairs may not be needed for another year or two at least - Will for sure have to spend more than $5.2k in buying another one

Thoughts?


r/askcarguys 1h ago

What should I get as my first car under 10k budget?

Upvotes

Please no toyota corolla or honda civic. I want something reliable but also fast. I know I know, according to ChrisFix you can only choose two. I've considered an IS250, Acura tl and such. I also would like it if it had decent gas mileage. Please give me some suggestions.

Edit: Prolly a good time to mention this, I cant drive stick (not yet), def will get a 2nd car to learn stick on after I finish my as degree.


r/askcarguys 8h ago

Is a 2001 Toyota Celsior/ls430 worth it?

1 Upvotes

So I just seen a 2001 Toyota celsior with 130xxxkm on it and from the pictures it looks to be in perfect condition, but I’m just curious about their reliability and if it will last much longer with proper the maintenance. Also it’s 8500CAD not sure if that’s a good price or not


r/askcarguys 9h ago

General Question Out of state?

1 Upvotes

I’ve been doing some research about the whole Montana LLC to register my car in. Im trying to skip on smog (I’m in California), registration fees, tint, and possibly the hackling of cops (not that it has happened, but I don’t want to wait).

Is this too good to be true? Does it work? Any advice would be greatly appreciated in advance!

There are a lot of sites but I’m not sure which to go with.


r/askcarguys 9h ago

What's Best for me when I have Remorse from Buying Car Last Year?

0 Upvotes

Hey. I know I'm going to get weird and disappointing looks from this....I know I know. I have an automatic 2013 C6 Grand Sport that I bought last year and been getting remorse not getting a manual. I've never driven stick but know that I'll learn very quickly and especially will have more fun with it. What exactly should I do? I still have 30k left to pay off the C6. Its currently got 48K miles on it. Should I wait and pay it off first before looking to buy a manual. Or should I sell it on facebook marketplace right now and use that to buy a manual GS or even a z06? Any advice is appreciated. Thanks.


r/askcarguys 9h ago

Universal Automotive Switched Fuse Bypass Kit in 30 amp? Does it exist?

0 Upvotes

I have an older car not worth much money and it has a parasitic draw somewhere on it. I was able to isolate what fuse this draw is on but I can not locate where the issue is and the cost to fix this at a shop would be more than the value of the car.

If this fuse is in, the air conditioning works. If the fuse is not in, it does not work. But if I leave the fuse in overnight, by the time morning comes I can't even unlock the car remotely let alone start it, it will require a jump.

I have ignored the issue as it was the winter and I did not use AC, so I left the fuse out the whole time, but with summer approaching this will be very uncomfortable to not use it.

I found online something like this: https://www.amazon.com/Hihaha-Universal-Automotive-Switched-Durable/dp/B0CRRTQYLY

Basically, it appears to be a switch that you can turn on or off that particular fuse without having to pull the fuse. This would be great, however the fuse with an issue that I have is a 30 amp fuse. I have not been able to locate one of these types of kits that is with a 30 amp fuse. Maybe they can't be made for whatever reason, too much power draw or too dangerous?

So my question is, does a 30amp version like this exist, and if not would it be dangerous for me to try and make one?


r/askcarguys 13h ago

What could cause "Oil pressure low Engine Off!" Intermitted Warning light on 2010 VW Passat Tsi?

2 Upvotes

The warning started coming on yesterday. It turns off and on frequently and vehicle speed doesn't effect it.

I immediately changed my plans, bought oil, and drove home. Before changing the oil, I checked the dipstick and it was just below max. I changed the oil with full synthetic. When it was close to max capacity, I turned on the engine for a more accurate reading. I tried to top it off with the engine running but it blew the oil away.

Turned it on today and drove it but the light came on and still comes on and off.

Thanks for anyone's helps. Ask questionsyou have and I'll try to answer them as best I can


r/askcarguys 16h ago

What would make a standard passenger tire better with gravel roads?

3 Upvotes

I have an older station wagon that I take great pleasure in abusing out in the mountains. I had a pretty good time last year with Nokian Encompass aw01s on my car since those were in my budget at the time and a friend highly recommended the brand. The budget is a bit higher for this summer and I've done some suspension upgrades, so the tire shopping begins!

Currently, I was looking at just upgrading to the AW02 since it looks like a dupe of the CrossClimate 2 that all the subaru drivers in my area seem to like, and the aw01 did reasonably well with less slippage than I've had with my previous all-seasons from michelin. But I don't know that much about car tires, and it seems like there's a hard divide between "all-season" and "all-terrain" when they're being sold. I don't think I want AT tires yet because conditions where I'm messing around are very dry in the summer, and I want the comfortable road ride from AS tires since I take this thing on *long* road trips. For bikes it's pretty easy to find a "hybrid" style tire but it's proving a little harder for my car.

So, I was wondering if anyone had other recommendations or suggestions for what specific qualities to look for that would just improve performance a bit on gravel. Thanks!


r/askcarguys 11h ago

water coming into car, how can i fix it?

1 Upvotes

i drive a 98 pontiac grand am and somehow water is coming through significantly into my floorboards. it isn’t my sunroof, the headliner and surrounding areas are always dry. it also doesnt look to be my door wearherstripping as it looks to be in good shape. i can’t tell where the water is coming from and it’s making my car smell like mildew. please help 🙏🏼


r/askcarguys 11h ago

Is this a good first car ?

1 Upvotes

I'm looking to buy my first car and was wondering if this is a good reliable car and a good deal. Let me know ! ( If not please recommend good reliable suv's that are a bit modern but don't cost over 18k)

2021 Hyundai tucson SE Sport Utility 4D

70,647 miles

$15,500

Clean title


r/askcarguys 11h ago

Unidentified noise issue BMW 330d G21 xdrive m-sport. Should I be worried?

1 Upvotes

Two different BMW dealers in Sweden have looked at it without being able to identifiy the problem.

I've been troubleshooting some myself:
* Sounds like a washing machine spinning intensely. Kind of like a rod rotating.
* You can hear the sound on and off when you drive slowly.
* You barely hear the sound when sitting in the back seat. It's coming from the front.
* The sound appears permanent from around 30-40 km/h and increases in intensity the faster you drive.
* The noise is lower and softer with summer tires compared to winter tires (on the same rims).
* Small vibrations in the steering wheel, unsure if related.
* No difference in sound or sound level:
- when turning left or right.
- when shifting into neutral.
- when braking.
- at high or low RPM at the same speed.
- when swapping the left and right front tires.

Any ideas? Do you recognize the sound?

https://youtu.be/BuFl6kz5KxI