Banned From BMW Forum

[Timothy]

I hope that truck is not a 2003 and you just bought it around then!!!

New in April 2003...3L V6 with nothing done but a K&N intake and filter.

99K and still running strong.  Rotting miserably but it's running, cheap and repairable by my standards!  About to do my 20th oil change, flush the tranny, check the pumpkin 90 weight, check the withers, saddle up and hope for another 75K!

Bed is getting pretty bad so I'm looking at cutting it out and welding in a replacement baseplate.

[Timothy]

We did, but to me they look like a Civic. I may have to take another look.

Side by side...

[billt]

Side by side...

They do look a lot alike, don't they? As far as no dipstick, that is a feature a lot of the newer models have. People have become lazy, and many don't look under the hood as often as they should, if they do at all. Especially since full service gas has all but disappeared. This is especially true with women today. Oil levels in a lot of the newer models are monitored electronically. With BMW you can check the oil level right on the dashboard screen. There is a quantity gage much like a fuel gage.

 Modern machine tools will shut down much the same if you allow the lubricant level to get too low. You will get an alarm long before that happens. Same with a BMW, and several others. It's only a matter of time before they all go to this.

If one were to let it get too low the engine will shut down to prevent damage. It's a sad fact people need to be "idiot proofed" so much, but they do. Drain plugs and oil filters are no different than on any other car.

[billt]

http://www.nbcnews.com/storyline/gm-recall/nearly-every-gm-model-touched-recalls-year-n145961

And they wonder why people are becoming disinterested in purchasing American cars.

[kmitch200]

New in April 2003...3L V6 with nothing done but a K&N intake and filter.

When you said: I can also pretty much repair anything on my truck, and have over the eleven years I've owned it
I took that as: the truck has had pretty much *everything* break on it. I guess I read too much into it. 
That's why I wondered if you bought it new.
My '03 Tundra (155,000 mi.) hasn't had anything break except the passenger door handle I yanked off trying to pull the door fully closed from reaching over the console from the drivers side @ 20deg F.
(Mongo strong! )

After owning a couple of Toyotas, I can't see myself EVER buying another "American brand" car in my lifetime.
The Toyota Camry was the "most American built" car for several years in a row. One source cited the F150 has finally taken that top spot, this one said it's the Tundra but they didn't test the F150.

Yep, the Camry still takes the most "American" Sedan spot and the Corolla takes the compact title.
http://wallstcheatsheet.com/stocks/10-most-american-made-vehicles-for-2014.html/?a=viewall
 

[Sponsor]

[Timothy]

When you said: I can also pretty much repair anything on my truck, and have over the eleven years I've owned it
I took that as: the truck has had pretty much *everything* break on it. I guess I read too much into it. 
That's why I wondered if you bought it new.
My '03 Tundra (155,000 mi.) hasn't had anything break except the passenger door handle I yanked off trying to pull the door fully closed from reaching over the console from the drivers side @ 20deg F.
(Mongo strong! )

After owning a couple of Toyotas, I can't see myself EVER buying another "American brand" car in my lifetime.
The Toyota Camry was the "most American built" car for several years in a row. One source cited the F150 has finally taken that top spot, this one said it's the Tundra but they didn't test the F150.

Yep, the Camry still takes the most "American" Sedan spot and the Corolla takes the compact title.
http://wallstcheatsheet.com/stocks/10-most-american-made-vehicles-for-2014.html/?a=viewall

Basic maintenance, brakes, exhaust system (though with four catalytic's, a real pain), all consumables.  The only mechanical issue was the mass air flow sensor and fuel gauge sensor failed under warranty and my tailgate cables rotted out.  It's a truck, been used and abused like any other.  I did let a garage do the ball joints, tie rods and such since I didn't have access to the air tools needed or the alignment equipment.  I have done dozens of front ends back in the old days though.  Worked in a 10 bay auto garage all through HS.

Like the Toyota's too,  'specially the Tundra but I can't afford the sticker or the price of feeding the beast.  My SIL owned one a few years back, nicest riding PU I've ever driven.  Now he has a Silverado, nothing good I can say about that one..

[Rastus]

I like the US diesels.  2003 Excursion w/340,000 miles on it.  Replaced the fly-by-wire gas pedal under warranty, two alternators and a water pump, couple of sets of brake pads and an A/C compressor.  The driver's side seat is getting a bit ragged.  Needs to last another 4 years until youngest son is out of school.

2006 F250 w/ 6.0L diesel...just went through injectors (injectors are a problem on the 6.0) at 185,000 miles, preempted intercooler failure and a couple of set of brake pads for it too...and an alternator....going to need an A/C compressor for next year though.  Oughta be good for another 185k...

No exhaust issues with the diesels but the price on diesel pinches some....

[billt]

Funny, my wife has got me looking at Jeep Grand Cherokee's. I have to admit, they're a lot more vehicle for the money than these little foreign compacts. Beautiful inside and out. 290 HP V-6 with a 8 speed automatic. I didn't see any with diesels though. I wouldn't mind a diesel.

[Timothy]

Read up on the Jeeps! 

Nearly bought one but there's tranny problems with them.

[billt]

Read up on the Jeeps!  Nearly bought one but there's tranny problems with them.

The issue is with the 9 speed automatic on the standard Cherokee models. The Grand Cherokee uses a different 8 speed automatic, which has been relatively problem free.....Or so I've read. It's a more heavy duty unit that comes with an available heavy duty towing package.