MOTORPHILIA

The Mustang Super Snake has 825hp and is a roaring beast....it's nearly $160k.

With all of this, it's almost as quick as my Tesla grocery getter, that costs 1/5 the price and cost about 1/5 in cost to maintain and own.

Neat.

Market guides be damned...

Polls rated for accuracy, here are the top ones.

If you know, you know....

PSA: NO, NOT ALL 25000 and less EVs and PHEVs can get a $4000 rebate at the time of sale.
1. If they were registered after 2023 before you bought it, it may not qualify.
2. If the car is newer than 2022, it will not qualify.

This will be your best chance ever for a low mileage Tesla for under $20k.

Actual photo of the actual car below.

I took in this Tesla Model 3 LR

It's a 2019 with 60k miles.

It's white, but matte black wrapped.

I'm not going to entertain taking the wrap off.

Yes, if you want it, it's going to be under 20k.

Yes, it gets the $4k rebate at the point of sale.

We're a certified Tesla repair shop and have already inspected this car, there are no issues with it.

It does need lower control arms, but we will replace these if you're buying it.

I'm sending it to auction (so there is no reason to replace them if it sells there), the title is clean.

Mechanically, it's solid.

It's still under warranty and there isn't a catch here.

Yes, we can finance you with a 100% approval rate.

VIN: 5YJ3E1EA4KF328287

Selling price 21900.00 - $4000 rebate from IRS....will be $18900.00

WRONG!!!!

1 - OK
2 - OK
3 - Great
4 - Hot Trash

https://strawpoll.com/most-reliable-ford-engine

Always get a kick out of this....

Idiocy masked as "freedom" has been around for a while....

There was an anti-seat belt movement in the 1970's and 1980's.

It's rather quiet today, with overwhelming proof that they save lives.

And, yes, today, there are people who are anti mandatory seat-belt laws...they only argument is "I DON'T WANNA!!!"

My 2 year old uses that one also. Some people can grow up, some can't.

Summary: The odds are about 8% of cars will make it here.

Your odds more than quadruple in some Toyotas.

If you're in a KIA or a Hyundai, you're VERY out of luck.

https://www.iseecars.com/longest-lasting-cars-study =2024

:)

Client calls and says they are having issues with their Tesla.
We have access to the Tesla software systems here....
So we're able to remotely diagnose their car and see it's a mere software update that was paused.
We have them reset the hardware and the car is fixed.
No need to come into the shop, no time wasted.
This is something I really love about these cars.
I wish all cars were this easy.

How do you put out EV Fires?

I asked a firefighter earlier this morning, this is what he told me.

It's all about having the right tools.

You don't put water on a grease fire, it makes it worse and you don't just dump water on an EV that is on fire.

What do you do?

Use these....

There are blankets made just for EV fires that control the fire and contain the smoke.

Firefighters, then mist the blanket to cool the surface and keep smoke to a minimum.

And additional step being brought in, is using these barriers, like below, to create a bath to lower the battery temperature to prevent reignition.

Duhhhhh....if you didn't know this, these are the cars most likely to take you past a trip to the moon and back.

The 5 Longest-Lasting Vehicles on the Road? They're All Toyotas According to data analysis of more than 400 million vehicles, all five of the five vehicles likely to last longest on U.S. roads are Toyotas.

Dayum, Toyota....why you make it so good looking and then put a goofy engine in it?

Fords and Fires...

Here is a summary of major Ford fire-related recalls in the past five decades:

1970s-1980s
1978 Ford Pinto: Notorious for its rear-mounted gas tank design that could rupture and catch fire in rear-end collisions. This led to a major recall after public pressure, although the recall itself was related more to a design flaw rather than a specific fire incident.
1990s
1992-1993 Ford Crown Victoria and Lincoln Town Car: Recalled due to potential fire risks stemming from fuel system issues.

1994-1998 Ford Mustang, Crown Victoria, and Lincoln Town Car: Recalled due to faulty ignition switches that could overheat and cause fires (this was actually mentioned in the movie "Fight Club").

2000s
2001-2003 Ford Ranger, Explorer, and F-150: Recalled for a defective cruise control switch that could lead to engine compartment fires.

2003-2004 Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator: Recalled due to potential fires caused by a defective battery cable that could short-circuit.

2005-2006 Ford Super Duty Trucks and Excursion: Recalled for potential fires due to fuel injector pressure sensors that could leak diesel fuel.

2010s
2013-2014 Ford Escape: Recalled due to a risk of engine fires caused by overheating from a coolant system defect.

2015-2018 Ford F-150: As mentioned earlier, recalled due to seatbelt pretensioners that could cause fires upon deployment.

2016-2017 Ford Edge: Recalled due to airbags that could either not fully inflate or detach, causing fire risks.

2018-2019 Ford F-150 and Expedition: Recalled for a gear shift cable clip issue that could result in the vehicle moving while in the park position, potentially leading to a fire.

2020s
2020-2023 Ford Escape, 2022-2023 Ford Maverick, and 2021-2023 Lincoln Corsair: Recalled due to a risk of engine fires caused by engine failure.

2021 Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator: Recalled due to battery junction box issues that could lead to electrical fires.

Recalls by NHTSA ID (Various Dates):
NHTSA Recall ID: 21V087: Frontal airbag inflator may explode, affecting multiple models and years.
NHTSA Recall ID: 21V140: Loose subframe bolts in the Mustang Mach-E could pose fire risks due to inadequate structural integrity.

Ugh, TESLA's suck at catching on fire.....they do it far far far less than other cars on the road.

Just bought a 1997 Trans AM WS6 with 60k miles.
1 owner, perfect records, perfect interior, and it's a stick.
No accidents.

I'm very very tempted to keep this one for myself.

It's $17500, if anyone wants it.

These cars are only going up in value from here. These are extremely good future collector's pieces....they're also fun as hell to drive.

Congratulations on your new Tesla, Stephen!!!

I think this is your 90th car from us, or something :)

New Rivians are now being sold with Tesla's NACS ports...

YES, MANUFACTURERS CAN 100% DENY YOUR WARRANY CLAIM IF YOU TRACKED YOUR CAR....AND, YES, THEY HAVE WAYS OF KNOWING.

Also, newer Toyotas are NOT the Toyotas you used to know.

They are far more unreliable, sorry.

Kind of a steal...

Connectivity is $300
FDS is $3600
Unlimited supercharging can be thousands of dollars, if you're driving the hell out of a car.

Many people have asked me, "What is the best pre-owned truck to buy?"

Well here is my summary, assuming you want to keep one of these for another 7+ years.

I'm using a 2020 year model for all.

These trucks would float a price point of $23000 to $42000, depending on trim, condition, and miles.
________________________________________________________________
Comprehensive Comparison: 2020 Toyota Tundra vs. Ford F-150 vs. Chevrolet Silverado 1500 vs. RAM 1500

When investing in a pre-owned truck for long-term use, it's important to consider a combination of performance, reliability, and overall value. In this article, we’ll examine the 2020 models of the Toyota Tundra, Ford F-150, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, and RAM 1500, highlighting their advantages, common issues, and overall performance to determine the best choice for long-term ownership.

Toyota Tundra: Rugged and Reliable

Advantages:

High Reliability and Durability: The Toyota Tundra is a standout for its reliability and long-lasting performance. It consistently ranks at the top in reliability surveys and owner satisfaction, making it a top choice for those seeking a dependable truck with minimal issues over time.

Resale Value: The Tundra maintains strong resale value due to its reputation for durability and low maintenance costs.
Off-Road Capability: Particularly strong in the TRD Pro trim, offering excellent off-road capabilities with a robust suspension.
Engine Options:

4.6-Liter V8 Engine:

Advantages: Offers a good balance between power and efficiency, with fewer known issues than the larger engines in competitors.
Common Issues: Generally reliable, though it provides less towing capacity compared to the 5.7-liter option.

5.7-Liter V8 Engine (i-Force V8):
Advantages: Known for its durability and strong performance, suitable for heavy-duty tasks.
Common Issues: Some exhaust manifold cracks reported, which can lead to noise and emissions issues.
Common Issues:

Fuel Economy: Less fuel-efficient than its competitors, leading to higher fuel costs.

Outdated Technology: Lags behind in terms of modern features and amenities, which may affect long-term satisfaction.

Overall Assessment:
The Toyota Tundra is one of the most reliable trucks on the market, offering durability and minimal maintenance issues. It’s the best choice for those prioritizing long-term reliability over modern features.

Ford F-150: Versatile and Powerful
Advantages:

Wide Range of Engine Options: The F-150 provides options from fuel-efficient to high-power engines, catering to diverse needs.
Towing and Payload Capacity: Class-leading towing capabilities make it ideal for those who frequently haul heavy loads.

Advanced Technology: Offers modern technology features, enhancing safety and convenience.

Common Issues:

Transmission Problems: The 10-speed automatic transmission may experience harsh shifts, requiring regular maintenance and updates.
EcoBoost Engine Concerns: While powerful, these engines can suffer from carbon buildup and turbocharger issues if not well-maintained.
Timing Chain Wear: Particularly in the 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine, timing chain issues have been reported, necessitating regular inspections.
Electrical System: Some owners report electrical glitches, impacting infotainment and battery performance.
Overall Assessment:
The Ford F-150 is a versatile and high-performing truck with a range of options. It’s an excellent choice for those needing high towing capacity and modern features but requires regular maintenance to avoid potential issues.

Chevrolet Silverado 1500: Balanced and Capable
Advantages:

Variety of Engines: Offers a range of engines that balance power and efficiency, allowing customization based on needs.
Towing Capacity: Competitive towing capabilities make it suitable for heavy-duty tasks.
Interior Comfort: Spacious and comfortable cabin with user-friendly technology.

Common Issues:

Transmission Issues: The 8-speed automatic transmission may have hard shifts, requiring software updates.
Electrical Problems: Electrical system issues, including faulty wiring and infotainment malfunctions, are reported.
Fuel Management System: The Active Fuel Management system can lead to engine problems, such as oil consumption and lifter failures.
Timing Chain and Valve Failures: Reports of timing chain wear and valve-related issues, particularly in engines with AFM, can affect reliability.

Overall Assessment:
The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 offers a balanced mix of performance and comfort but has notable reliability issues that require vigilant maintenance. It's a solid choice if you're attentive to potential mechanical issues.

RAM 1500: Luxurious and Comfortable
Advantages:

High-Quality Interior: Offers a luxurious interior with comfort and refinement that rivals some luxury vehicles.
Ride Comfort: Provides a smooth ride with advanced suspension options.
Engine Choices: Offers a variety of engines, including a fuel-efficient diesel and powerful Hemi V8.

Common Issues:

Electrical and Infotainment Glitches: Known for problems with its advanced infotainment system and other electrical components.
Air Suspension Issues: Models with air suspension can experience failures, leading to costly repairs.
Transmission and Timing Chain Concerns: Some reports of rough shifting and timing chain wear, especially in the 3.6-liter V6 engine.

Overall Assessment:
The RAM 1500 is a great option for those prioritizing comfort and luxury features, but it has more reliability issues compared to the Tundra and F-150. Regular attention to its systems is necessary to maintain performance.

Conclusion: Determining the Best Truck
Based on the analysis of performance, reliability, and advantages, each truck has its strengths and potential drawbacks. Here’s a direct summary:

Toyota Tundra: Best in Reliability - Ideal for those seeking a rugged, reliable truck with minimal maintenance issues, though it lacks modern technology and fuel efficiency.

Ford F-150: Best in Versatility - Offers a range of options and strong performance, making it suitable for various needs, but requires regular maintenance to address timing chain and transmission concerns.
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Chevrolet Silverado 1500: Balanced Performance - Provides good performance and comfort but has notable reliability issues, including transmission and valve problems, requiring attentive maintenance.

RAM 1500: Best in Comfort - Known for its luxurious features and ride quality, but has more reliability concerns, particularly with its electrical and suspension systems.
Winner: Toyota Tundra

The Toyota Tundra emerges as the best overall choice for those prioritizing reliability and durability in long-term ownership. Its minimal maintenance issues and strong reputation make it a top pick, though those needing modern features might lean toward the Ford F-150 for its versatility.

Regular maintenance and addressing potential issues can help ensure all these trucks perform well over the years.

This chart is average wholesale on a 2018 Model 3 RWD Long Range, one of the "cheaper" Teslas.

As you can see, Tesla Pre-Owned Prices are creeping back up.

Every decent one I'm seeing at auction is going about 6% over average market value at this time. This means this chart should show another tick up when it refreshes next month.

If you're thinking about getting a Tesla and getting the $4000 tax rebate, this opportunity window is closing.

Once they go above a certain price threshold, the rebate is lost.

Top selling cars in Texas to people with bad credit....

TRIGGER WARNING!!!

Up to 95% of the materials in a EV battery can be recycled INFINITELY...including Lithium and Cobalt.

https://www.facebook.com/JerryRigEverything/videos/496118412833359/

I took this photo in 2012.
This is now the Tesla Service shop in Tyler,TX.

My wife is awesome :)
Proud of you, Denice!

PSA: MOTORPHILIA For a limited time, we are offering free remote Tesla diagnostics. If you would like to have your Tesla battery health tested and system scanned for potential issues, just shoot me a DM with your VIN and email and I will get you checked out.

Another cool thing about Tesla, is that they have free service guides to nearly every repair on their cars online.

https://service.tesla.com/