Two problems, EVs are way too computerized is the reason of low reliability, if an EV is not computerized it's more reliable than an ICEV. DIY repair an ICEV is simple because parts are exposed, to repair an EV you need to "acquire" some programming code. I often heard that even in a laptop battery, the BMS will self-dectruct(and make your laptop unusable without AC power) if you try to replace the cells by yourself. Because battery cells are MUCH cheaper than a laptop battery pack. Batteries have finite life time, replacing dead battery cells with high-quality 3000mAh 18650s are cheaper than buying a brand new battery pack fitted with cheap 2000-2200mAh 18650s since the BMS is not broken and you don't need to replace that. However, battery pack manufactures delibreately make the BMS to self-dectruct if it "sense" the cells are being replaced, to make DIY repair very difficult to MAXIMIZE profit.
I like to wait until I can't see any cars in either direction, but thats not always possible. My main concern is making sure there aren't any cops around. Overheated brakes have a very unique, pungent, metallic burning smell. Similar to burning electronics or an overheated electric motor. Once you've smelled it you can't mistake it. No, 178hp 2.4 I4. Thing is gutless. The outgoing-generation Kia Optima is on a cheap, outdated platform and it really shows it. It feels like an econobox, especially the stripped down rent-a-car base model I was driving. The manually adjusted cloth front seats are uncomfortable and unsupportive, most of the interior plastics are really cheap and feel like they came from the Hyundai/Kia parts bin. The 4 cylinder engine is underpowered and sounds buzzy and rattly, but the transmission is tuned well, despite being slightly lazy. You can tell they cheaped out on the suspension design and tuning as well. It handles notably less composed and feels less solid than many of the other cars in its class. It's very light in the back, which is why it can be pitched sideways so easily. You buy an Optima for the simplicity, economy, and reliability. Not for power, refinement, or comfort. A fully redesigned model is due to hit the market for the 2021 model year. I'm curious to drive one.
I opened that expecting to just see you messing around in a parking lot then boom. Certainly upping your game
This actually isn't true in many cases, cell replacement is even specifically allowed and documented for the Tesla. It isn't quite a 100% plug and play, you need to issue one canbus command to essentially trip a recalibration of the BMS, but that is something trivially easy.
Wait 'til you learn that used luxury cars, even stuff like the Cadillac V16 or Packard Super Eight limousines, used to be used as tow trucks and tractors until the 1960s or so...
*facepalm* No, low end luxury cars are cars like the Audi A3, Mercedes A-Class, Lexus IS and Cadillac ATS.
The Mazda3 I was to test drive today had an "issue" and went to auction, so it looks like I'm testing a Miata after all! More Craigslist: https://anchorage.craigslist.org/cto/d/anchorage-1997-chevrolet-s10/7111793981.html https://anchorage.craigslist.org/cto/d/anchorage-1995-buick-lesabre-runs-like/7111685740.html https://anchorage.craigslist.org/cto/d/palmer-2002-chevy-silverado/7112205152.html https://anchorage.craigslist.org/cto/d/anchorage-ford-ranger/7111983093.html Looks like he may have already started to bro it out https://anchorage.craigslist.org/cto/d/chugiak-2001-chevy-blazer-red-leather/7111917214.html
Given your hatred for anything that isn't a pure handling machine, you shouldn't buy a truck, SUV or fullsize car.
The problem is, I'm under kind of a time crunch, test drives are hard to get right now, and I'm getting absolutely slammed with work between two jobs. So as a result I'm being forced to consider things I normally wouldn't. --- Post updated --- Test drives scheduled on this Spark: https://www.wasillachevrolet.com/Ve...ark-4dr_HB_Man_LS-Wasilla-AK/3545124993#close And this Miata: https://www.continental-nissan.com/used/Mazda/2008-Mazda-MX-5-86cecada0a0e0ae8703b0236caa370e8.htm Anything you can tell me about either car is welcome. Specifically, can a Miata with studded tires survive daily driving in the winter? Once I get off my lazy rear and stop pretending I'm allergic to shovels, of course.
That Buick is probably a decent choice. It will have a Series I 3800. I don't know the Series I as well as the Series II, but they are good engines that are easy to find parts for. I like the S10, but I have heard they have some rust problems (I think, it could be Rangers that have that problem, can't remember). I like GM for their parts-bin engineering, and can probably/hopefully assist if something goes wrong. I'm going to say it again though; a brand new Mitsubishi Mirage can be bought for ~$9,000 with a stick, great warranty, and no neglectful previous owners.
