@henryn said:
Do you need to be outdoors to charge an EV? I really don't know, and I don't recall reading anything about that.
Garage fires from Bolts and Teslas may not be exactly commonplace, but why take the unnecessary risk?
I follow an electrician from out west on TikTok and he just did a video of having to replace the charger outlet for a Tesla from excessive heat. He said he has done several. The fix is a special heavy duty outlet made for chargers.
My hood strut seems to have failed in the Golf, guess I should've had the mechanic fix it when he had it in for it's oil/filter change a couple weeks back. Completely forgot about that & surprised he didn't mention it as he had to prop it open when he poured the fresh oil into the engine. I get help now when I add more fluid to the windshield washer reservoir but I hate to ask for help. Not a big deal but would like it to work. My co-worker is a whiz with vehicles, he just got his '94 Civic coupe back on the road after rebuilding the engine & other stuff. Maybe I should get with him to fix it. Probably not a hard repair but one must have the right part & tools to do it plus the know-how also.
For most cars I’ve seen that’s a simple pop out-pop in job. 50 bucks depending on the car. Even I did it on the old Chrysler and I call the guy for most everything these days.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Looks to be pretty simple, just one strut holds up the hood. If no one is around, use a broom handle like was suggested earlier. Well, off to another work day. Worked last Sunday & needed a warm body today so said sure. Might have to do a repeat tomorrow but will find out later. My next check outta be nice!
2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2025 VW GTI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)
Looks to be pretty simple, just one strut holds up the hood. If no one is around, use a broom handle like was suggested earlier. Well, off to another work day. Worked last Sunday & needed a warm body today so said sure. Might have to do a repeat tomorrow but will find out later. My next check outta be nice!
Looks like you need to be careful not to scratch the paint on the fender as you remove the old strut
Once fully charged, I plan to reconnect everything and test how it does when not started for a week or so, then decide whether or not to replace the battery. Looks like it's about $300 with tax for another Optima Yellow Top, so I'd rather be a little more convinced that it's needed before dropping that much money. Bonus: Despite my best efforts, the hatch latched itself shut with the battery disconnected, so installation will not be the reverse of removal. I'll have to crawl in the back seat and reinstall it that way.
Yellow top? Why the need for a deep cycle battery? Those cost nearly 3x a typical starting battery (Red Top, in the Optima line) for a car.
I still can't get over the idea of a battery that's only four years old being "old." The Red Top in my Forester turned ten years old in February. It's on its second Forester at this point.
2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 2013 Ford F250 Lariat D, 1976 Ford F250, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100
The 12V batteries on the Prius are fairly small. Looks like the Duralast isn’t much cheaper than the Optima. It was almost completely charged this morning. I’ll probably put it back in the car tomorrow when I get back home.
My hood strut seems to have failed in the Golf, guess I should've had the mechanic fix it when he had it in for it's oil/filter change a couple weeks back. Completely forgot about that & surprised he didn't mention it as he had to prop it open when he poured the fresh oil into the engine. I get help now when I add more fluid to the windshield washer reservoir but I hate to ask for help. Not a big deal but would like it to work. My co-worker is a whiz with vehicles, he just got his '94 Civic coupe back on the road after rebuilding the engine & other stuff. Maybe I should get with him to fix it. Probably not a hard repair but one must have the right part & tools to do it plus the know-how also.
@mjfloyd1 said:
Looks like you need to be careful not to scratch the paint on the fender as you remove the old strut
————————————————-
You can say that again. That wannabe fixer guy came pretty damn close a couple times of hitting the fender. I guess he never heard of fender protectors or an old towel.
The things you can learn from watching the internet but not too much of the detail stuff.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis Ultimate just like jmonroe's. '18 Legacy Limited with 3.6R (Mrs. j's)
@corvette said:
The 12V batteries on the Prius are fairly small. Looks like the Duralast isn’t much cheaper than the Optima. It was almost completely charged this morning. I’ll probably put it back in the car tomorrow when I get back home.
You need a battery? Interstate from Costco.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
The 12V batteries on the Prius are fairly small. Looks like the Duralast isn’t much cheaper than the Optima. It was almost completely charged this morning. I’ll probably put it back in the car tomorrow when I get back home.
You need a battery? Interstate from Costco.
-------------------- end quoted material -------------------
The last time I checked, there were only 3 companies manufacturing car batteries. There are dozens of different brands, but they all come from the same 3 companies.
The Optima I have was made by Johnson Controls. Costco says they don't carry one for my Prius. Batteries Plus has a Duracell (I think) with a four year non-prorated warranty. I'm going to top it off with the Battery Tender, drive it later this week, then let it sit for a week and see whether the voltage drop is acceptable after a week of not driving it.
Nice! I'm assuming you're having it shipped? I don't know a lot about those, but I think they have a lot of off road cred.
Yes, it will get shipped. I'd be open to picking it up, but that's a drive and then some, and we're entering my busiest time of the year at work. I've been looking for something like this for awhile, and I didn't want a RHD truck. This is probably one of the better ones out there, and when I'm seeing miled up 15-20 YO trucks listed locally for $15K+, this doesn't seem too bad. Try to find another one. And all of the factory accessories, extra set of wheels, etc are fun. I have plans for this one.
One of the YouTubers I follow said there is speculation that the 25-year import rule cars are going to be a thing of the past. Technically legal at the federal level for the time being, but he said there is a lobbying group which is encouraging states to refuse to register them for on-road use, and about four (so far) have taken the bait.
The Optima I have was made by Johnson Controls. Costco says they don't carry one for my Prius. Batteries Plus has a Duracell (I think) with a four year non-prorated warranty. I'm going to top it off with the Battery Tender, drive it later this week, then let it sit for a week and see whether the voltage drop is acceptable after a week of not driving it.
A voltage drop after sitting for a week connected in the car would be more likely due to an electrical drain within the car, not due to a fault within the battery. Of course, a newer stronger battery might withstand the drain better than an older weaker battery.
If you're serious about testing the battery, then you could either buy an inexpensive battery tester (which you might never use again), or just take the battery in to your local auto parts store. I believe most any auto parts store will test your battery at no cost.
Once I start to have doubts about a car battery, I just buy a new one. I would much rather spend $150-$175 unnecessarily than get stranded. Personal choice, YMMV.
I'd agree, on most vehicles. In this instance, it's well over $200 to replace, and I think it may have been caused by not driving the car for too long, so I'm willing to do a little more research. I have a 12V battery tester from either Northern Tool or Harbor Freight, and it tests good. Plus, on the Prius, the 12V is only used for accessories and not for starting the ICE. People generally report that the power locks start acting strange or similar when the 12V goes bad, not that they are left completely stranded. If I thought it could lead to that, I'd go ahead and replace it now.
A friend at my former employment had one just like that. He picked it up years ago for about $4k. It leaked enough oil that he figured it would never rust.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
I think it is sharp looking. good color combo. and seems extremely clean and rust free, which is key to something like this. Maintain it and it could run forever.
Congrats @tifighter I really like that. Some friends who moved to New Zealand a few years back picked up two of these for their cars when they arrived there permanently. I rode in the wife's a couple of times while we were there and really liked it.
Nice! I'm assuming you're having it shipped? I don't know a lot about those, but I think they have a lot of off road cred.
Yes, it will get shipped. I'd be open to picking it up, but that's a drive and then some, and we're entering my busiest time of the year at work. I've been looking for something like this for awhile, and I didn't want a RHD truck. This is probably one of the better ones out there, and when I'm seeing miled up 15-20 YO trucks listed locally for $15K+, this doesn't seem too bad. Try to find another one. And all of the factory accessories, extra set of wheels, etc are fun. I have plans for this one.
Congratulations, looks really nice and wonderfully equipped. Too bad Mitsubishi lost traction in the US market. They offered some attractive and different vehicles.
2021 VW Arteon SEL 4-motion, 2018 VW Passat SE w/tech, 2016 Audi Q5 Premium Plus w/tech
The shipping quotes from BaT's shipping partner and uShip are about $200 apart. Since the BaT one is all integrated into their system, I'm thinking I'll probably just go that way to make the communication and tracking easier.
I'm looking forward to getting my hands on it. Then it will feel like a real punch.
Sorry, ti. I did not even notice you bought it. Its a cool truck. Hope it does well for you. If I wind up with a Pajero, it will be RHD and WAY slower than yours. Lol.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
Our latest installment of "As the Infiniti Turns" happened today....
My BIL has become fixated on the Infiniti QX55, so they finally made it to the dealership today, to get a test drive of the new car and a trade quote on his 2019 Q50.
The experience couldn't have gone any worse. The first quote included $7K of crap added onto the $48K MSRP, and a payment north of $900/mo. The trade in quote on the Q50 was $1000 under the lease buyout.
A second pass at a payment brought it down to somewhere around $700/mo.
They walked.
My sister and I are hoping the BIL has an epiphany about his budget, and that they start to shop something a bit less expensive.
At the moment, the plan is for him to buy out his lease next spring, then consider a Venza as the family vehicle. I'm trying to keep her grounded, given the inevitable rise in interest rates that are heading our way. The buy out payment on the Q50 is likely going to be higher than the lease payment.
The buy out payment on the Q50 is likely going to be higher than the lease payment.
The lease payment on my $50k+ MSRP Tundra is $359 a month with taxes... Buying it out at the end of the lease would roughly double the payment if I took a 60 month loan.
Congrats! I love the Mitsubishi. Indeed too bad about what happened to them in the US market. They produced some great stuff…Montero, Montero Sport, original Galant and the 3000GT.
2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Limited Velvet Red over Wicker Beige
2024 Audi Q5 Premium Plus Daytona Gray over Beige
2017 BMW X1 Jet Black over Mocha
Stick: Not sure that there are any "good deals" around here!
I've only bought one used car (Jag XK, from Western MA) since my first car purchase in '82 so I can't even recommend dealers. But, a friend, years ago, bought a 3 series from this dealer, gave them thumbs up. Although they are no-haggle:
Herb Chambers is the big kahuna of dealerships here. Advance scout with the usual suspects, Edmunds, Cargurus, etc.
'21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)
Stick: Not sure that there are any "good deals" around here!
I've only bought one used car (Jag XK, from Western MA) since my first car purchase in '82 so I can't even recommend dealers. But, a friend, years ago, bought a 3 series from this dealer, gave them thumbs up. Although they are no-haggle:
I always like these (from a distance). I suspect this is probably one of the nicest examples still out there!
I recall seeing a Mitsu something.... Outlander, maybe?... of this era while I was in Ohio last year. It was parked at Lowe's directly across from another Outlander that was probably a couple generations newer. The older one was more holes than car, while the newer one looked pristine. It was somewhat of a sad juxtaposition.
Edit: As I read through further, and actually read the details on the BaT link, I see that there is more to it than just a random link! Congrats on the buy!
2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 2013 Ford F250 Lariat D, 1976 Ford F250, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100
Comments
I follow an electrician from out west on TikTok and he just did a video of having to replace the charger outlet for a Tesla from excessive heat. He said he has done several. The fix is a special heavy duty outlet made for chargers.
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Hood struts are usually pretty easy. One side sometimes is a fastener and the other just pops into a socket.
https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/volkswagen,2015,golf,2.0l+l4+turbocharged,3308952,body+&+lamp+assembly,lift+support,1404
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic
Maybe there is an inside hatch release? You would still have to crawl back there to open if it exists.
Well, off to another work day. Worked last Sunday & needed a warm body today so said sure. Might have to do a repeat tomorrow but will find out later. My next check outta be nice!
2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2025 VW GTI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)
I still can't get over the idea of a battery that's only four years old being "old." The Red Top in my Forester turned ten years old in February. It's on its second Forester at this point.
Broom stick handles never wear out.
jmonroe
Now that brings back some memories!
————————————————-
You can say that again. That wannabe fixer guy came pretty damn close a couple times of hitting the fender. I guess he never heard of fender protectors or an old towel.
The things you can learn from watching the internet but not too much of the detail stuff.
jmonroe
'18 Legacy Limited with 3.6R (Mrs. j's)
You need a battery? Interstate from Costco.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
You need a battery? Interstate from Costco.
-------------------- end quoted material -------------------
The last time I checked, there were only 3 companies manufacturing car batteries. There are dozens of different brands, but they all come from the same 3 companies.
25 NX 450h+ / 24 Sienna Plat AWD / 23 Civic Type-R / 21 Boxster GTS 4.0 / 03 Montero Ltd
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
25 NX 450h+ / 24 Sienna Plat AWD / 23 Civic Type-R / 21 Boxster GTS 4.0 / 03 Montero Ltd
Yes, it will get shipped. I'd be open to picking it up, but that's a drive and then some, and we're entering my busiest time of the year at work. I've been looking for something like this for awhile, and I didn't want a RHD truck. This is probably one of the better ones out there, and when I'm seeing miled up 15-20 YO trucks listed locally for $15K+, this doesn't seem too bad. Try to find another one. And all of the factory accessories, extra set of wheels, etc are fun. I have plans for this one.
Plus, this is funny-
https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a39877634/2003-mitsubishi-montero-bat-auction-pick/
25 NX 450h+ / 24 Sienna Plat AWD / 23 Civic Type-R / 21 Boxster GTS 4.0 / 03 Montero Ltd
It seems to be yours now. I would have liked to see some video's of it moving.
If you're serious about testing the battery, then you could either buy an inexpensive battery tester (which you might never use again), or just take the battery in to your local auto parts store. I believe most any auto parts store will test your battery at no cost.
Once I start to have doubts about a car battery, I just buy a new one. I would much rather spend $150-$175 unnecessarily than get stranded. Personal choice, YMMV.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
But I still like it.
25 NX 450h+ / 24 Sienna Plat AWD / 23 Civic Type-R / 21 Boxster GTS 4.0 / 03 Montero Ltd
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
2021 VW Arteon SEL 4-motion, 2018 VW Passat SE w/tech, 2016 Audi Q5 Premium Plus w/tech
Congrats @tifighter!
Winning the auction and having it referenced by C&D!
That’s a fun purchase! I look forward to hearing your impressions when you get your hands on it.
Do you already have shipping lined up? I had a good experience with uShip on my recent purchase.
2024 Audi Q8 e-tron - 2017 911 C4S - 2025 BRZ - 2023 A6 Allroad - 2024 Genesis GV60 - 2019 Cayman
https://caranddriver.com/reviews/comparison-test/a15389472/2005-ford-explorer-vs-jeep-grand-cherokee-mitsubishi-montero-nissan-pathfinder-toyota-4runner-vw-touareg-comparison-tests/
The shipping quotes from BaT's shipping partner and uShip are about $200 apart. Since the BaT one is all integrated into their system, I'm thinking I'll probably just go that way to make the communication and tracking easier.
I'm looking forward to getting my hands on it. Then it will feel like a real punch.
25 NX 450h+ / 24 Sienna Plat AWD / 23 Civic Type-R / 21 Boxster GTS 4.0 / 03 Montero Ltd
Sorry, ti. I did not even notice you bought it. Its a cool truck. Hope it does well for you. If I wind up with a Pajero, it will be RHD and WAY slower than yours. Lol.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
That’s an awesome truck, @tifighter! Congrats!
Our latest installment of "As the Infiniti Turns" happened today....
My BIL has become fixated on the Infiniti QX55, so they finally made it to the dealership today, to get a test drive of the new car and a trade quote on his 2019 Q50.
The experience couldn't have gone any worse. The first quote included $7K of crap added onto the $48K MSRP, and a payment north of $900/mo. The trade in quote on the Q50 was $1000 under the lease buyout.
A second pass at a payment brought it down to somewhere around $700/mo.
They walked.
My sister and I are hoping the BIL has an epiphany about his budget, and that they start to shop something a bit less expensive.
At the moment, the plan is for him to buy out his lease next spring, then consider a Venza as the family vehicle. I'm trying to keep her grounded, given the inevitable rise in interest rates that are heading our way. The buy out payment on the Q50 is likely going to be higher than the lease payment.
Sigh.
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2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Limited Velvet Red over Wicker Beige
2024 Audi Q5 Premium Plus Daytona Gray over Beige
2017 BMW X1 Jet Black over Mocha
The son of a HS classmate of mine is in need of a new, not-too-expensive car. Budget is around $10K and they aren't particular on the particulars.
If you know of any good deals out there, I'd appreciate it.
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2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige
Oh, wait, I'm not in Seattle. I'll leave now.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
I may know of an Infiniti G35 that might fit the bill. Kidding…kind of.
2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Limited Velvet Red over Wicker Beige
2024 Audi Q5 Premium Plus Daytona Gray over Beige
2017 BMW X1 Jet Black over Mocha
Can the Boston area crowd find one for my princess too?
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
I've only bought one used car (Jag XK, from Western MA) since my first car purchase in '82 so I can't even recommend dealers. But, a friend, years ago, bought a 3 series from this dealer, gave them thumbs up. Although they are no-haggle:
https://www.bournes.com/
Herb Chambers is the big kahuna of dealerships here.
Advance scout with the usual suspects, Edmunds, Cargurus, etc.
'21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)
But, I will take your advice from the other thread you posted in to the Canadian member.
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Did you get a good deal? Be sure to come back and let us know! Post a pic of your new purchase or lease!
MODERATOR
2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
25 NX 450h+ / 24 Sienna Plat AWD / 23 Civic Type-R / 21 Boxster GTS 4.0 / 03 Montero Ltd
That’s more reason than I usually have.
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Did you get a good deal? Be sure to come back and let us know! Post a pic of your new purchase or lease!
MODERATOR
2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige
25 NX 450h+ / 24 Sienna Plat AWD / 23 Civic Type-R / 21 Boxster GTS 4.0 / 03 Montero Ltd
I recall seeing a Mitsu something.... Outlander, maybe?... of this era while I was in Ohio last year. It was parked at Lowe's directly across from another Outlander that was probably a couple generations newer. The older one was more holes than car, while the newer one looked pristine. It was somewhat of a sad juxtaposition.
Edit: As I read through further, and actually read the details on the BaT link, I see that there is more to it than just a random link! Congrats on the buy!