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 project
• Research how others have done the same project before starting
• Buy ALL necessary parts BEFORE starting the project
• Buy/borrow all necessary tools BEFORE starting the project
• Know how much time it will take to complete your project
• Have a Back-up Transportation Plan
• Don’t bite off more than you can chew

31:35 - How Do You Insure DIY Project Success While Working? - Stay Organized!

• Keep removed parts and pieces organized
• Tag/photograph/ID part locations as you remove them
• Keep your work space clean while you work and at the end of each work day
• Keep your tools organized while you work and at the end of each work day

35:15 - Don't Forget About Safety

• Buy/borrow a quality low-profile hydraulic jack to lift your vehicle
• Used heavy-duty jack stands to support your vehicle
• If possible, invest in or borrow something like a QuickJack to safely lift your vehicle
• Have someone check on you periodically
• Keep your phone within reach in case of emergency
• Keep 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 assembly
• Double check your work for loose parts/tools BEFORE starting the engine
• Keep an OBD II scanner handy to quickly diagnose any issues
• Drive 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 2000s
• Nissan 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 GX470
• Toyota Sequoia
• Infiniti FX35 and FX50
• Isuzu Rodeo/Honda Passport

In 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 Vehicross
• Honda Crosstour
• Acura ZDX
• Subaru BRAT

12:50 - 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 ST
• Ford's Focus ST
• Mazda's Mazdaspeed 3

15:20 - 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-S
• Diamond 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-4

19:05 - 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 value
• First 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 Roadster

21:20 - 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 6
• Subaru 2.5 GT Spec B

23:30 - 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!

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

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 vehicles
• Hybrid vehicles had 26% LESS issues compared to gas vehicles
• And PHEVs (Plug-in Hybrid-Electric Vehicles) were the worst performing category with 146% MORE issues compared to the typical gas-engine vehicle

05:55 - 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 anxiety
• Buy an inexpensive used EV and combine it with an SUV for weekend adventures

09:25 - 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/

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: 

00:00 - We Review The Automotive Things we Are Thankful For This Thanksgiving Day.

Be Well, Drive Safe And Enjoy The Holiday Season!

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 owner
• Perfect maintenance
• Stored indoors
• Driven regularly
• Low miles
• No accidents
• No rust
• Everything works

08:25 - 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 - $4,900
• 2001 Nissan Maxima GLE - $6,000
• 1991 Mitsubishi Mighty Max 2WD Pickup - $1900
• 1998 Nissan Frontier 2WD Pickup - $4,300
• 2000 Ford Ranger 2WD Pickup - $4,500
• 1988 Nissan Hardbody 2WD Extended Cab Pickup - $4,800
• 1998 Jeep Wrangler TJ - $7,000
• 1998 Nissan Pathfinder SE - $7,600

18:15 - Not So Average Used Cars

• Average Price: $5,125
• Average 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.   

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 Be
• Driving For Uber Can Lead To A Dead End

New 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 longer
• If you Keep It, double up on your trips
• Search for a used vehicle with a reputation for quality
• Check back episodes of this podcast for vehicle ideas
• Buy a sedan instead of an SUV or truck
• Try 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 purchased

21:00 - 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.