Whether buying a new or secondhand alternator, there are two important details worth researching to better understand what you'll be getting. An alternator's primary function is to provide a steady flow of electricity to the vehicle while running, as well as keep the battery topped up on its...
When a radiator fails, often the first thing that comes to mind is, "How much is this going to cost me to fix?" Radiators are not cheap components, and often the labor to replace one exceeds the cost of the part, even if you're doing it yourself. (Time is worth money, even if you're a...
The odometer gear is a weak point in the Volvo 850, among others. Unfortunately this brute of a vehicle may last forever, but most owners won't know the true mileage due to the brittle plastic that drives the odometer. Depending on the year, it is possible to read the true mileage out of any...
Clunk....clunk. The noise of a bad suspension looms. Whether it be a bad ball joint, spring seat, or sway bar link, something is worn out. When accompanied by a bump in the road, this noise most often indicates there is "play" somewhere in the suspension. This play is usually just audible at...
Part of the excitement in buying a used car is the refurbishment process. I've never purchased a car that didn't need something, so to get the ball rolling on something easy was a great start. It gives me a connection to my new vehicle that can't be attained just by driving it. In the past I've...
Purchasing an out-of-state vehicle for us New Yorkers involves a very painful aesthetic modification. The front license plate required here not only involves drilling into the bumper, but it's a bug magnet, slightly increases the aerodynamic drag coefficient, and probably doesn't match the color...
Buying a used vehicle always involves a few surprises. Luckily, my recent purchase of a 2004 Volvo C70 didn't involve major ones, and I knew the car wouldn't be perfect. With a bad transmission and cupped (feathered) tires, I knew something was amiss with the steering or suspension, so it was...
Brittle plastic is the inconvenient truth of 90's Volvo ownership. Whether it be broken dashboard mounts, interior trim pieces, or turn signals, nothing is safe from shattering in the palm of your hand. In particular, "Little fender blinkers" are quite easy to break, and quite difficult to find...
The Volvo S70 is a legendary cult-classic vehicle, not because of its looks, not because of the quality of the interior, but because of the bulletproof powertrain that sits between the front wheels. Any Volvo with a whiteblock 5-cylinder is going to last a long, long time, and despite the rest of...
Like an M car, the BMW 135is is one of those vehicles that came from the factory without needing much in the way of exterior upgrades. It's hard to find a fault, and the only questionable areas (IMO) on this rare vehicle involve BMW's subtle use of chrome on various trim pieces like the grille...