New car / automobile buying & leasing tips for CPK'ers

New toy for me to tinker with. Well not brand new, but a very good, well cared for used one:

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For some very weird reason, my current 2013 Tundra looks eerily similar to my old 2011 Tundra which I sold in the Summer of 2020. WTH?!

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The old one:

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The wheels are different. Just in case you didn't realize...

You are correct, the wheels are upgraded 18" which comes stock on the later TRD models as opposed to the stock 17" wheels on my past 2011 model. This truck has an ICON Vehicle Dynamics stage 1 shocks and coiler upgrade in the front (can't see in the pic) and ICON shocks in the back, with a 2.5" lift in the front allowing the bigger and beefier BFG KO2 tires (285/65/18). The other visual exterior difference is in the camper shell, the current one has sliding windows and the former one had flip out rear glass panel only.
 
For trade: K18 double edge competition sword and boot dagger for trade (not for sale):

ZF5 manual transmission with attached drive shaft park brake to fit a 1996 Ford F-Superduty (F-450). Park brake is ZF parts list no. 6051 001 035 (Ford Part no. F6TA-2598-AA)

I have two of these trucks and the one with AC is broken because the driveshaft park brake grenaded. These are really hard to find and I give up. Please help me....

I didn't want to clog up the other threads so let's put this one here although it is not exactly the topic for which the thread was created and intended for. Knowing that your Google-Foo is pretty strong and apparently you've already been racking your brains at this one task, so I wanted to ask you what walls you've been hitting? (un)availability? inexact fit? too expensive? rebuilds? all of these mentioned? There are sites which car dealers look up which may not be that well known to the general public but I wanted to get an idea as too your own search criteria before I start spewing info which you may already have researched and exhausted. Not going to pry you away from your prized K18/BD combo, well because, my name is not Marc! Trying to help you to find you this part if I can through some other sources.

ETA: often when it comes to searching for parts, a VIN will help out more than anything else really but that is some info which you may not wish to share, specially on a public forum! Additionally, need to know if it's all factory WRT your 1996 Ford F450 Superduty or is it hybridized and pieced together in any way? I reckon that it's your flatbed truck, right?
 
Casinostocks Casinostocks

Well I’m digging around in this myself. I’ve found spprecisionDOTcom they specialize in these, rebuilding shop. I was searching the salvage yard part websites. I’m also trying local dealer auctions maybe find a whole truck (rusted) that moves but good for parts. Plus my friend has a farm where fords go to die. So I’ll kick some tires up there this weekend.
If this was a Trans Am I’d probably have the parts here lol !!!
 
I didn't want to clog up the other threads so let's put this one here although it is not exactly the topic for which the thread was created and intended for. Knowing that your Google-Foo is pretty strong and apparently you've already been racking your brains at this one task, so I wanted to ask you what walls you've been hitting? (un)availability? inexact fit? too expensive? rebuilds? all of these mentioned? There are sites which car dealers look up which may not be that well known to the general public but I wanted to get an idea as too your own search criteria before I start spewing info which you may already have researched and exhausted. Not going to pry you away from your prized K18/BD combo, well because, my name is not Marc! Trying to help you to find you this part if I can through some other sources.

ETA: often when it comes to searching for parts, a VIN will help out more than anything else really but that is some info which you may not wish to share, specially on a public forum! Additionally, need to know if it's all factory WRT your 1996 Ford F450 Superduty or is it hybridized and pieced together in any way? I reckon that it's your flatbed truck, right?
Piss off, tosser. To answer one of your questions though, availability is the issue. While it had a long run, that transmission is now 20 years out of date. the transmission isn't even the big issue, it's the fuggin' parking brake. Don't worry though, I'm on it, so please return to pissing off.
 
Casinostocks Casinostocks

Well I’m digging around in this myself. I’ve found spprecisionDOTcom they specialize in these, rebuilding shop. I was searching the salvage yard part websites. I’m also trying local dealer auctions maybe find a whole truck (rusted) that moves but good for parts. Plus my friend has a farm where fords go to die. So I’ll kick some tires up there this weekend.
If this was a Trans Am I’d probably have the parts here lol !!!
I found a couple places that rebuild too, Bill, but nothing ready to ship. I found a place in TX that actually remanufactures the parking brake from new parts they have made to spec, but they are a couple months out on new housings. In PMing Nathan, while he would love a full swap plug and play unit, he could probably get the trans rebuilt there, but he needs an entirely new parking brake which is the real bear to track down. keep an eye out for just that while you are searching for a complete unit as well.
 
I didn't want to clog up the other threads so let's put this one here although it is not exactly the topic for which the thread was created and intended for. Knowing that your Google-Foo is pretty strong and apparently you've already been racking your brains at this one task, so I wanted to ask you what walls you've been hitting? (un)availability? inexact fit? too expensive? rebuilds? all of these mentioned? There are sites which car dealers look up which may not be that well known to the general public but I wanted to get an idea as too your own search criteria before I start spewing info which you may already have researched and exhausted. Not going to pry you away from your prized K18/BD combo, well because, my name is not Marc! Trying to help you to find you this part if I can through some other sources.

ETA: often when it comes to searching for parts, a VIN will help out more than anything else really but that is some info which you may not wish to share, specially on a public forum! Additionally, need to know if it's all factory WRT your 1996 Ford F450 Superduty or is it hybridized and pieced together in any way? I reckon that it's your flatbed truck, right?

The trade is for a working transmission a with driveshaft brake to fit a 96 F450, used or rebuilt, but working. If it's not working but rebuildable we could still make some kind of a deal. If it's just the brake and it's rebuildable we could do something too.

Apparently these are really hard to come by right now and it has one of my trucks parked because the driveshaft brake is blown up and in pieces. It damaged the tranny too but it could (hopefully) be rebuilt. I've been all over the internet and I've called around everywhere. Rebuilders, junk yards etc.

There is an old flatbed work truck rotting behind someone's barn ready for the crusher with these parts on it somewhere.

It's a 2WD but apparently it's a 4WD VF5 tranny because the brake attaches similar to a transfer case? Idunno.
 
The trade is for a working transmission a with driveshaft brake to fit a 96 F450, used or rebuilt, but working. If it's not working but rebuildable we could still make some kind of a deal. If it's just the brake and it's rebuildable we could do something too.

Apparently these are really hard to come by right now and it has one of my trucks parked because the driveshaft brake is blown up and in pieces. It damaged the tranny too but it could (hopefully) be rebuilt. I've been all over the internet and I've called around everywhere. Rebuilders, junk yards etc.

There is an old flatbed work truck rotting behind someone's barn ready for the crusher with these parts on it somewhere.

It's a 2WD but apparently it's a 4WD VF5 tranny because the brake attaches similar to a transfer case? Idunno.

Bill may have mentioned this already to you in a PM; try car-part.com if you have not already. When I looked briefly, I could not see a pre 1999 Super Duty F450 in their drop down menu but inputing the VIN may help. You are correct on that tranny being the same as the 4WD tranny.
 
anyone in the US PNW interested in a 2003 F150? Does need some work, but it's not super high mileage and it runs. It's registered in Pennsylvania so if I wanted to keep it, (I don't) I'd have to import it. It made its way to me when my dad passed away, but I need the space in our yard for a forge area and that's the only place we can stash it. Looking for around 2K for it, pm if interested
 
It's been a while so I thought that I update this thread with some empirical observations for those who currently are or may/will be looking at purchasing/leasing new vehicles.

I have noticed that more dealers (we are talking new cars, franchise dealerships) are now offering cars at MSRP as opposed to MSRP + ADM (added dealer markup) but there are a few caveats to this:

- Some of these are still in transit and if they hit the dealers' lots, they may get the dreaded ADM which is different that the BS aftermarket extras that a dealer may add.

- The MSRPs have already gone up significantly due to Covid / inflation.

- The Hybrid and EV models still have very strong demand so the dreaded ADM may still apply to those sought after models despite manufacturers trying to curb and crack down on such practices.

Furthermore, it may be possible that down the road after we hit some sort of recession we will again see prices below MSRP and factory incentives but also bear in mind that manufacturers will most likely be producing less gasoline bases engines because we are clearly going toward EVs in the coming decades. The used car market is still silly and you will need to do your homework if eyeing up used. For new, if I was in the market I'd be eyeing up leases on Hybrid models to see what happens with the battery technology in the next 3-5 years as I don't wish to be married to a brand new vehicle north of say $55K with a 100% gasoline based engine at this stage of the game.
 
It's been a while so I thought that I update this thread with some empirical observations for those who currently are or may/will be looking at purchasing/leasing new vehicles.

I have noticed that more dealers (we are talking new cars, franchise dealerships) are now offering cars at MSRP as opposed to MSRP + ADM (added dealer markup) but there are a few caveats to this:

- Some of these are still in transit and if they hit the dealers' lots, they may get the dreaded ADM which is different that the BS aftermarket extras that a dealer may add.

- The MSRPs have already gone up significantly due to Covid / inflation.

- The Hybrid and EV models still have very strong demand so the dreaded ADM may still apply to those sought after models despite manufacturers trying to curb and crack down on such practices.

Furthermore, it may be possible that down the road after we hit some sort of recession we will again see prices below MSRP and factory incentives but also bear in mind that manufacturers will most likely be producing less gasoline bases engines because we are clearly going toward EVs in the coming decades. The used car market is still silly and you will need to do your homework if eyeing up used. For new, if I was in the market I'd be eyeing up leases on Hybrid models to see what happens with the battery technology in the next 3-5 years as I don't wish to be married to a brand new vehicle north of say $55K with a 100% gasoline based engine at this stage of the game.
I'm probably going to be looking at a 2023 Sequoia and was thinking a lease might be the way to go. Need to get rid of this shitty explorer
 
I'm probably going to be looking at a 2023 Sequoia and was thinking a lease might be the way to go. Need to get rid of this shitty explorer

I think that for the all-new 2023 Sequoia the lease terms will be terrible specially in the current climate of ascending interest rates. The MF (Money factor) for Toyota SUVs are currently pretty bad (multiply by 2400 to get the APR) which will only get worse as the FED will be increasing interest rates to combat this runaway inflation. Toyota will however offer a pretty good RV (Residual value) in order to compensate for the atrocious MFs. My own personal target for my first all EV is within 5 years so I will be also be looking at a lease when I find the right vehicle being offered closer to invoice rather than MSRP or even worse MSRP + ADM.
 
I think that for the all-new 2023 Sequoia the lease terms will be terrible specially in the current climate of ascending interest rates. The MF (Money factor) for Toyota SUVs are currently pretty bad (multiply by 2400 to get the APR) which will only get worse as the FED will be increasing interest rates to combat this runaway inflation. Toyota will however offer a pretty good RV (Residual value) in order to compensate for the atrocious MFs. My own personal target for my first all EV is within 5 years so I will be also be looking at a lease when I find the right vehicle being offered closer to invoice rather than MSRP or even worse MSRP + ADM.
Well I need an SUV this year since my transmission keeps shitting itself. Maybe I'll just buy one
 
Just a quickie:

DO NOT LEASE ANY VEHICLE IN THIS CURRENT MARKET!

Now that I got your attention, the MFs (money factors) are atrocious across the board. New car prices will probably sustain through 2023 or possibly 2024 unless we hit a hard recession as opposed to a soft one. The used market is also strong with the caveat that luxuries have softened up somewhat. If you want a luxury, there are some "better" leases out there but then again their resale values will suck if you buy out the lease. It's kinda crazy because previous owners of the luxuries are opting out and going for their less glamorous counterparts (think Acura to Honda, Lexus to Toyota kinda switch) refusing to pay sticker for the luxury while paying over sticker for their none luxury siblings! Some PHEVs like the new Tundra Pro are doing as much as 15K over sticker and the RAV4 Prime for 5-8K over! The Federal tax credit (up to $7500) for EVs and PHEVs have reached their quotas so do your own research before you sign the contract. Some credit may become available again if this newest legislation ~ $500 Trill gets passed and signed, so stay tuned.
 
Just a quickie:

DO NOT LEASE ANY VEHICLE IN THIS CURRENT MARKET!

Now that I got your attention, the MFs (money factors) are atrocious across the board. New car prices will probably sustain through 2023 or possibly 2024 unless we hit a hard recession as opposed to a soft one. The used market is also strong with the caveat that luxuries have softened up somewhat. If you want a luxury, there are some "better" leases out there but then again their resale values will suck if you buy out the lease. It's kinda crazy because previous owners of the luxuries are opting out and going for their less glamorous counterparts (think Acura to Honda, Lexus to Toyota kinda switch) refusing to pay sticker for the luxury while paying over sticker for their none luxury siblings! Some PHEVs like the new Tundra Pro are doing as much as 15K over sticker and the RAV4 Prime for 5-8K over! The Federal tax credit (up to $7500) for EVs and PHEVs have reached their quotas so do your own research before you sign the contract. Some credit may become available again if this newest legislation ~ $500 Trill gets passed and signed, so stay tuned.
$500 trillion with a T?
 
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