Latest news with #GermanCarDepot
Yahoo
29-06-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
I'm a Mechanic: 6 High-Maintenance Japanese Cars That Will Drain Your Wallet
Many people praise Japanese cars for their reliability, but not all vehicles are as low-maintenance as you'd expect. Some popular Japanese cars come with design flaws, expensive repair histories, or parts that are either hard to find or costly to replace. Read Next: Explore More: GOBankingRates spoke to Alan Gelfand, mechanic and owner of German Car Depot, who shared six Japanese car models that will drain your wallet. The RX-8's rotary engine delivers unique performance, but this innovative design comes at a cost. The engine is known for its excessive oil consumption and short lifespan and is prone to flooding issues. 'The complex nature of these engines leads many repair shops to avoid working on them because of their specialized requirements,' Gelfand said. Check Out: The Pathfinder is a solid SUV in many ways, but models from these years suffer from a major design flaw. 'The design flaw in these model years produces cracked radiators, which let coolant escape to contaminate the transmission,' Gelfand said. A transmission contaminated by coolant may require replacement or rebuilding, which can end up costing a lot in repairs. The Land Cruiser is a premium SUV from Toyota but has high maintenance costs that will drain your wallet. 'The massive V8 engine along with the air suspension system requires expensive maintenance costs that quickly accumulate,' Gelfand said. 'It's bulletproof in reliability but budget-busting when the big repairs hit.' Many households choose a Honda Odyssey for space and comfort, but older models are notorious for transmission issues, many failing before hitting 100,000 miles. 'Later models are better, but if you're eyeing a used older Odyssey, beware,' Gelfand said. Power sliding door motor failures are also common with these models. Performance comes at a price with Subaru's turbocharged sedans. The WRX and WRX STI attract enthusiastic drivers who often push these vehicles to their limits, accelerating wear on critical components. 'The combination of hard driving causes increased stress to both the engine systems and the transmission and drivetrain,' Gelfand said. Even careful drivers may face premature wear on their vehicles. 'The full-size luxury SUVs from Infiniti present attractive design features, but their maintenance costs remain high, particularly when repairing air suspension systems and timing components,' Gelfand said. Other common repairs include timing chain and brake system issues. More From GOBankingRates 25 Places To Buy a Home If You Want It To Gain Value This article originally appeared on I'm a Mechanic: 6 High-Maintenance Japanese Cars That Will Drain Your Wallet
Yahoo
29-06-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Car Experts: 6 Car Models That Will Break Down More Than the Average Vehicle
Housing and transportation make up the two biggest expense categories for the average U.S. household each year and represent the two largest single purchases most people will ever make in their lives. Buying a home has quickly become an unrealistic hope for many Americans, but most people expect to own a vehicle regardless of the current economic climate. Given the cost and stress of buying a car in today's market, drivers are looking for cars at a decent price that will be durable for many years without the need for excessive repairs. Read Next: Learn More: However, not all cars are created equal. Some break down more than others, so knowing which ones will require multiple and expensive visits to the garage will help you decide what to buy. GOBankingRates reached out to a few auto experts to see what they had to say about models that will drive you crazy with repairs. Alan Gelfand's German Car Depot ('Hollywood's most popular auto repair shop') is the place to go for issues with your Audi, BMW, Porsche, Mercedes or Volkswagen. But his mechanics know their way around high-end brands like Jaguar and Land Rover too. Known for their off-road utility first and foremost, Range Rovers are also notorious for their unreliability. 'Range Rovers experience major problems, including failed air suspension systems, alongside electrical system malfunctions that would break a German engineer, and engine problems which originate from cooling system failures,' Gelfand said. 'A complete air suspension rebuild will cost owners between $8,000 and 12,000.' Check Out: Jeep ranked fourth from the bottom in Consumer Reports' latest 'Who Makes the Most Reliable New Cars?' research. Surprisingly, Consumer Reports gave the new 2025 Gladiator a reliability score of 50/100, much better than it rated the car in 2020 and 2021. Chris Pyle, who operates as a full-time virtual mechanic at JustAnswer, the expert on-demand platform, is wary of the Gladiator, claiming that its repair concerns are 'not major, but [they have] too many premature failures with the driveline, steering, suspension and the electrical accessories.' Ram is the most expensive popular car brand to repair, per CarEdge, and seven of its models have the most expensive five-year ($6,682) and 10-year ($21,595) maintenance costs. In fact, the average cost of repairs for Ram trucks rival those for many high-end luxury cars. Pyle explained Ram's biggest repair woes bluntly: 'They have steering and suspension concerns resulting in a 'death wobble,' and need multiple repeat repairs to get the truck safe and dependable.' Kelley Blue Book once described the 2017 Chrysler 200 as 'a family sedan that looks and drives like a premium luxury car.' Although is was a rather affordable choice when new and remains so on the used market now, the 200 is a car that mechanics 'despise,' according to Alex Black, chief marketing officer at EpicVIN, an NMVTIS-approved vehicle history provider. Sophisticated looks and a smooth ride are good only if you can keep the 200 on the road, but this Chrysler suffers from 'all day transmission issues, shuddering shifts and premature failures,' per Black. 'The N54 and early N55 twin-turbo engines found in 335i models are famous for their three major issues including high-pressure fuel pump failures and carbon buildup on intake valves and wastegate rattle,' Gelfand said. High-pressure fuel pump repairs, water pump failures and wastegate exhaust valve problems are all common with BMWs and can cost owners a lot of money. High-pressure fuel pump repairs can cost between $1,200 and $1,800, while water pump failures run between $2,000 and 2,500, and wastegate exhaust valve problems could cost between $3,000 and 4,000, according to Gelfand. He stressed the importance of following scheduled maintenance and detecting persistent problems with certain models, so you can avoid '$800 repairs from turning into $8,000 catastrophes.' Although CarBuzz said that 'it's not usual to see examples of the first-gen Tundra up for sale with between 300,000 and 500,000 miles on the clock,' they aren't without their problems. 'Transmission failures from cooler failures' are common with the Tundra, according to Pyle, who also noted cracked exhaust manifold system failures. 'It just rotted out. You had to use aftermarket parts to get better longevity,' he said. More From GOBankingRates 10 Unreliable SUVs To Stay Away From Buying This article originally appeared on Car Experts: 6 Car Models That Will Break Down More Than the Average Vehicle
Yahoo
29-06-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Car Experts: 6 Car Models That Will Break Down More Than the Average Vehicle
Housing and transportation make up the two biggest expense categories for the average U.S. household each year and represent the two largest single purchases most people will ever make in their lives. Buying a home has quickly become an unrealistic hope for many Americans, but most people expect to own a vehicle regardless of the current economic climate. Given the cost and stress of buying a car in today's market, drivers are looking for cars at a decent price that will be durable for many years without the need for excessive repairs. Read Next: Learn More: However, not all cars are created equal. Some break down more than others, so knowing which ones will require multiple and expensive visits to the garage will help you decide what to buy. GOBankingRates reached out to a few auto experts to see what they had to say about models that will drive you crazy with repairs. Alan Gelfand's German Car Depot ('Hollywood's most popular auto repair shop') is the place to go for issues with your Audi, BMW, Porsche, Mercedes or Volkswagen. But his mechanics know their way around high-end brands like Jaguar and Land Rover too. Known for their off-road utility first and foremost, Range Rovers are also notorious for their unreliability. 'Range Rovers experience major problems, including failed air suspension systems, alongside electrical system malfunctions that would break a German engineer, and engine problems which originate from cooling system failures,' Gelfand said. 'A complete air suspension rebuild will cost owners between $8,000 and 12,000.' Check Out: Jeep ranked fourth from the bottom in Consumer Reports' latest 'Who Makes the Most Reliable New Cars?' research. Surprisingly, Consumer Reports gave the new 2025 Gladiator a reliability score of 50/100, much better than it rated the car in 2020 and 2021. Chris Pyle, who operates as a full-time virtual mechanic at JustAnswer, the expert on-demand platform, is wary of the Gladiator, claiming that its repair concerns are 'not major, but [they have] too many premature failures with the driveline, steering, suspension and the electrical accessories.' Ram is the most expensive popular car brand to repair, per CarEdge, and seven of its models have the most expensive five-year ($6,682) and 10-year ($21,595) maintenance costs. In fact, the average cost of repairs for Ram trucks rival those for many high-end luxury cars. Pyle explained Ram's biggest repair woes bluntly: 'They have steering and suspension concerns resulting in a 'death wobble,' and need multiple repeat repairs to get the truck safe and dependable.' Kelley Blue Book once described the 2017 Chrysler 200 as 'a family sedan that looks and drives like a premium luxury car.' Although is was a rather affordable choice when new and remains so on the used market now, the 200 is a car that mechanics 'despise,' according to Alex Black, chief marketing officer at EpicVIN, an NMVTIS-approved vehicle history provider. Sophisticated looks and a smooth ride are good only if you can keep the 200 on the road, but this Chrysler suffers from 'all day transmission issues, shuddering shifts and premature failures,' per Black. 'The N54 and early N55 twin-turbo engines found in 335i models are famous for their three major issues including high-pressure fuel pump failures and carbon buildup on intake valves and wastegate rattle,' Gelfand said. High-pressure fuel pump repairs, water pump failures and wastegate exhaust valve problems are all common with BMWs and can cost owners a lot of money. High-pressure fuel pump repairs can cost between $1,200 and $1,800, while water pump failures run between $2,000 and 2,500, and wastegate exhaust valve problems could cost between $3,000 and 4,000, according to Gelfand. He stressed the importance of following scheduled maintenance and detecting persistent problems with certain models, so you can avoid '$800 repairs from turning into $8,000 catastrophes.' Although CarBuzz said that 'it's not usual to see examples of the first-gen Tundra up for sale with between 300,000 and 500,000 miles on the clock,' they aren't without their problems. 'Transmission failures from cooler failures' are common with the Tundra, according to Pyle, who also noted cracked exhaust manifold system failures. 'It just rotted out. You had to use aftermarket parts to get better longevity,' he said. More From GOBankingRates 5 Types of Cars Retirees Should Stay Away From Buying This article originally appeared on Car Experts: 6 Car Models That Will Break Down More Than the Average Vehicle Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
28-06-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
I'm a Mechanic: These Are the 5 Cars I Would Never Buy in 2025
Not all cars are reliable. Some vehicles have high maintenance costs and persistent mechanical issues. Even if they have the most attractive designs, it's best to avoid such cars if you don't want to drain your wallet. Read Next: Explore More: Alan Gelfand, a mechanic and owner of German Car Depot, shared five cars he would never buy in 2025 because they're expensive to maintain and are prone to mechanical problems. The Chrysler 200 has been out of production since 2017, but preowned vehicles are still available for purchase. 'They end up being expensive to maintain,' Gelfand said. Besides being costly to service, Gelfand also noted that the Chrysler 200 has poor transmission quality, electrical system issues and uncomfortable driving dynamics. 'The 9-speed automatic transmission is notorious for jerky shifting and premature failure,' he said. Check Out: This midsize sedan has a luxurious look but has a major continuously variable transmission (CVT) issue, which can be costly to replace. 'I would never purchase this vehicle because the CVT is its major flaw,' Gelfand said. 'We have had to replace numerous Altima transmissions because they tend to fail at approximately 60,000 miles.' The Jeep Renegade may appeal to many people because it's a compact SUV, but Gelfand said it's one of the most unreliable cars. 'The vehicle presents itself as modern, yet it experiences multiple electrical breakdowns while its driving comfort remains poor,' he said. 'It will experience powertrain lights and shifting issues and connectivity problems that will require frequent visits to the shop.' This luxury compact SUV's sleek design looks attractive in many ways. However, the Range Rover Evoque will let you visit the repair shop regularly. 'It looks stylish yet lacks reliability. We have observed engine oil leaks together with transmission problems and total electrical shutdowns, which occur frequently below 80,000 miles,' Gelfand said. While the Chevrolet Spark is an affordable car, it's not worth the price. 'The vehicle demonstrates low construction quality together with high noise levels and weak engine performance,' Gelfand said. Rather than settling for this vehicle, Gelfand recommended a used Honda or Toyota since these models cost less and offer better durability. More From GOBankingRates How Much Money Is Needed To Be Considered Middle Class in Your State? This article originally appeared on I'm a Mechanic: These Are the 5 Cars I Would Never Buy in 2025
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
How much does an alternator replacement cost?
Replacing a car's alternator can cost about $350 to $1,500 or more, depending on the type of car and the alternator's location within the engine bay and how easy it is to access. If your alternator is on the fritz, here's what to know about replacing it. Learn more: What happens when your car is totaled? Alex Black, chief marketing officer of car history provider EpicVIN, estimated that the average alternator replacement cost is about $350 to $750. The parts can cost $150 to $250, and a repair shop will charge $200 to $500 for labor. Some cars have higher-priced parts. And Black said newer cars with smaller engine bays can have much higher labor costs because accessing the alternator is a more delicate and complex task. German car specialist Alan Gelfand, owner of the service center German Car Depot in Hollywood, Florida, said he has seen higher alternator replacement costs for Porsches, Audis, BMWs, Mercedes, Mini Coopers, Volkswagens, and Land Rovers that come through his shop. German Car Depot typically charges $700 to $1,500 for alternator replacements. The parts account for $350 to $850, and labor costs can run from $250 to $650. Volkswagens are often at the low end of these ranges, while BMWs and Audis can cost more. Higher-end German cars can have more complex electrical systems and components to navigate when accessing the alternator, Gelfand explained. Learn more: Why tariffs are expected to increase the cost of auto repairs Unexpected car repairs, like an alternator replacement, never seem to happen at a good time. The good news is that you have several options when it comes to financing a new alternator: Pay for it out of your savings. A high-yield savings account is a great savings tool that can allow you to be financially prepared when an unexpected vehicle repair comes along. Here are the 10 best high-yield savings accounts for you to consider. Utilize a 0% APR credit card. You can avoid paying interest for up to 21 months with the best 0% APR credit cards for 2025. Consider a personal loan. Auto repairs are one of seven common reasons to borrow a personal loan. This versatile funding option usually has lower interest rates than credit cards. Determine whether your auto insurance will cover the cost. If your alternator was damaged in an accident or weather event, your insurance could pay for the repair, but only if you have the right coverage. Car insurance only covers alternator replacements when an accident or other problem covered by insurance causes the damage. For example, if you crash into something and the alternator is damaged, the repair would be covered by your collision insurance. If your car is damaged by flood water, comprehensive insurance would pay to replace the affected parts. You'd have to pay your deductible toward repairs before insurance starts to pay. If you have mechanical breakdown car insurance, it would pay if the alternator had a mechanical failure, but not if the problem is due to normal wear and tear. An alternator that fails due to normal wear and tear is not covered by auto insurance. However, your vehicle's factory or extended warranty may help pay for an alternator replacement, depending on the circumstances. The alternator is the car's built-in power source that works like a generator, said Gelfand. The vehicle's power system begins with the battery, which sends electricity to the car's starter. Once idling, the engine sends rotational mechanical energy to the alternator. The alternator converts the mechanical energy into electrical energy, which is used to recharge the battery and power electrical components such as headlights, entertainment systems, seat warmers, and more. Alternators can last 80,000 to 150,000 miles, or eight to 15 years if you drive 10,000 miles per year. A malfunctioning alternator can cause the car's electrical components to falter. Black said you may experience weird electrical quirks, or the car may shut down without warning. Gelfand agreed, noting these specific signs that your car's alternator may be failing: 1. Dimming or flickering headlights 2. Battery warning light on the dash 3. Windows slowing down 4. Radio cutting out 5. A strange whining or grinding sound under the hood 6. A hot, burnt-rubber smell A dead battery can also indicate a malfunctioning alternator. If the alternator is not charging the battery, the car will have trouble starting or will not start at all. If you can get the car started with a failing alternator, it may run temporarily. But eventually, Gelfand said, an otherwise operational vehicle will die again without a functional alternator. Replacing an alternator can be a big job, especially on newer vehicles. Challenges highlighted by Black and Gelfand include small engine compartments and inconvenient alternator placement that requires handling delicate components. Some alternators are located near the front, top area of the engine compartment. But they can also be situated near the bottom of the engine or bolted to the side. The less accessible the alternator, the bigger the job of replacing it. There are small fixes that can correct alternator-related problems, such as: 1. Replacing a loose or broken alternator belt 2. Tightening loose connections 3. Replacing a faulty voltage regulator that's not built into the alternator If these repairs do not resolve the issue, then you likely need to replace the alternator instead of repairing it. Depending on the age and complexity of the vehicle, an alternator replacement could be a do-it-yourself job if you are handy and have the right tools, Black said. Amy Danise and Tim Manni edited this article.
