Recent content by NJC

I replaced the OEM struts on my Sienna (I think 2014?) with KYB and they've been excellent. That would be about 180K KM's

I bought a GC190 Karcher in 2009, and have used in for home projects since then. It's been very reliable, and I change oil every summer. They're not as tough as the GX series but still good machines.

2007 8th Gen Civic - manual. A mix of city and hwy: 7-7.5L / 100KM - 31 to 33.5MPG I thought I'd be able to squeeze out more, since it's a thrifty 1.8L

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.