Car Forum - Recent Posts

Re: Any tips for finding a certified pre-owned Audi Q7 for sale?

kpqhnihujg — Sat, 11 Apr 2026 11:10:11 +0000

Adding my two cents, but 48k is gonna be a real stretch for a 2021 55 TFSI with the CPO markup. I'd be careful with the 48V mild-hybrid system on those facelift models tho, they have known alternator issues. I tracked mine via VIN on forums to check history first. Maybe look for a Audi Q7 55 TFSI Premium with higher miles to stay under budget? It's a tough market.

Re: Best Seat Covers for Buick Envision Avenir recommendation?

MuskoxMind — Sat, 11 Apr 2026 11:01:06 +0000

Gotta be careful with the Avenir trim because of the seat-integrated airbags and the ventilation system. If you go too cheap with solid material, you basically kill the cooling feature. I'd suggest looking at Coverado Universal Fit Leatherette Seat Covers if you want to save some cash. They have a decent perforation pattern that helps with airflow, and the side seams are designed to burst for airbag deployment. Technically, you want something with a thin backing. The Oasis Auto Universal Fit Faux Leather Seat Covers are another budget-friendly pick that fits the Envision's dimensions fairly well without looking like a saggy mess. Just make sure the straps don't interfere with the power seat motors under the base... seen that happen a lot where the wiring gets snagged. If you need more specs on the dimensions for the rear bench, just let me know tho.

Re: What are the best protective floor mats for the Kia EV9?

Craigfaile — Sat, 11 Apr 2026 11:00:56 +0000

Building on the earlier suggestion, I am honestly feeling pretty bummed out about the mat situation too. I have had my EV9 for a bit now and it is frustrating that we are still hunting for something that actually covers the tracks properly without looking like cheap industrial plastic. My kids have already managed to grind snacks into the side gaps where my current liners just do not reach... it is a total mess.

Just look at anything from Husky Liners if they finally have their custom mold ready for this year.

Or maybe stick to a heavy duty rubber from one of the big off-road brands since they usually handle mud better. I really thought there would be better options by now for such a premium cabin, but unfortunately, everything seems like a compromise so far. If you find something that actually handles those tricky sliding console areas perfectly, please let me know. I am still searching for the one myself.

Re: Seat Covers recommendation for Mercedes-Benz EQS580?

RazzsnokOwews — Sat, 11 Apr 2026 11:00:41 +0000

I have spent years trying to find seat protection that does not ruin the aesthetic of a high-end interior, but unfortunately, the market has been a massive letdown recently. I had several issues with custom-fit options that claimed to be premium but actually interfered with the seat sensors and massage functions. It is simply not as good as I expected for a flagship vehicle like the EQS580.

Just go on YouTube and search for EQS interior protection, there is a video explaining the airbag risks.

Check the official Mercedes accessories portal to see what they recommend.

Search the EQS subreddits because this comes up every week there. I wasted a lot of time and money on things that didnt fit right. Just look up those resources and you will see what I mean. Most people end up leaving them stock once they see the issues.

Re: Any tips for finding a certified pre-owned Audi Q7 for sale?

lqogovylek — Sat, 11 Apr 2026 10:55:47 +0000

Search Portland lots immediately!
Snag a Audi Q7 55 TFSI 3.0L V6 Premium Plus for the extra power...
Call dealers directly for incoming lease returns. It is amazing!

Any tips for finding a certified pre-owned Audi Q7 for sale?

Kinetic Stillness — Sat, 11 Apr 2026 10:55:30 +0000

Ive been an Audi driver for about ten years now, mostly sticking to the A4 or Q5 models, so I am pretty familiar with how the CPO process is supposed to go. I know all about the 300-point inspection and the limited warranty extension that comes with the Audi Certified badge. But honestly, trying to find a decent 2021 or 2022 Q7 with the 55 TFSI engine right now is becoming a total headache. I am specifically looking for the V6 because the 45 just feels too sluggish for a three-row SUV, but every time a good one pops up near Seattle, it is either gone in two hours or the CPO status is actually just a generic dealer warranty because it is at a non-Audi lot.

I have about $48k saved up and I really need to get this done before our road trip in July. I have been checking the national inventory tool on the Audi USA site daily but it feels like the data is lagging behind what is actually on the lots. Plus I am seeing some weird pricing where a 30k mile CPO is listed for basically the same price as a new one with incentives. Is there a better way to track these or maybe a specific time of month when dealers are more likely to drop the certified tag on trade-ins? Im starting to wonder if I should just look at a different trim or if there is a trick to getting first dibs on the lease returns before they even hit the website. How are you guys actually landing these without spending all day refreshing browser tabs?

Re: What are the best exterior accessories for a new Ram 1500?

ldvpjuwyqn — Sat, 11 Apr 2026 10:20:16 +0000

Saved for later, ty!

Re: What are the best exterior accessories for a new Ram 1500?

tlgjzggjhu — Sat, 11 Apr 2026 10:10:06 +0000

In my experience, if you're fighting Buffalo salt, you gotta stay away from powder-coated steel for your steps. They look good for a month then the salt eats them from the inside out. Go with aluminum or high-grade stainless. If you want that clean look, check out the Westin HDX Drop Side Steps Stainless Steel. They have a notched bar design that isn't as bulky as traditional oval tubes but the stainless finish will actually survive the winter. For the bed, skip the expensive factory stuff. Grab a Dee Zee Heavy Duty Rubber Truck Bed Mat 3/8 Inch Thick. It stops groceries from sliding around way better than a spray-in or plastic liner because of the high-friction rubber, plus it protects the floor from heavy camping gear dents. Resources to check before buying:

RealTruck (best install videos out there)

RamForum (best place to see real-world pics on your trim)

AmericanTrucks If you're nervous about hard cover hinges freezing up in the slush, look at the TruXedo Lo Pro Soft Roll-up Truck Bed Cover Leather-Grain Black. It sits almost flush with the rails, and the velcro design means no rigid parts to get jammed with ice when you need to get into the back in January. One non-negotiable for Buffalo: buy a few cans of Fluid Film Undercoating Rust Inhibitor 11.75 oz Spray and hit the mounting brackets of whatever you buy. It's the only way to stop the rust before it starts. Stick to these and you'll easily stay under that $1500 limit.

Re: What are the best charging and utility accessories for the BMW i4?

iwphowhufv — Sat, 11 Apr 2026 10:01:06 +0000

tl;dr: Switch to a hardwired Wallbox Pulsar Plus 48A Level 2 EV Charger to stop those interruptions, get 3D MAXpider KAGU All-Weather Floor Mats for a scent-free fit, and use the Spigen Tempered Glass Screen Protector for BMW Curved Display for the glass. The charging interrupts you are seeing usually stem from thermal safety cutoffs. When the BMW mobile kit gets too warm at the plug, it throttles or stops the session. Moving to a dedicated Wallbox Pulsar Plus 48A Level 2 EV Charger is the play. If you have an electrician hardwire it, you eliminate the NEMA 14-50 plug as a point of failure, which is almost certainly why you are getting those 3 am notifications. It is a very compact unit that fits well in tight garage spaces. For the mats, the industrial rubber ones use cheap PVC that off-gasses for months. 3D MAXpider KAGU All-Weather Floor Mats for BMW i4 use a multi-layer XPE foam that is completely odorless. They have a textured surface that looks more like a high-end carpet than a truck mat, and they lock into the factory floor pins so they wont budge. To keep your trunk clean from wet cables, I actually recommend the BMW i4 Frunk Storage Box. It fits under the hood and is the perfect size for the charging cable. It keeps the mud and Seattle rain completely out of your main cargo area. For the screen, the Spigen Tempered Glass Screen Protector for BMW Curved Display is the only one that really matches the 14.9 inch curvature without lifting at the edges. It helps with glare too. Cost-wise, this setup should land right around your 1200 dollar budget excluding the charger install.

Re: Best custom-fit seat covers for a Chrysler PT Cruiser?

Michaelexift — Sat, 11 Apr 2026 10:01:06 +0000

I have spent years working on these interiors and unfortunately, most custom options are not as good as expected once you actually get them on the seats. Fitment around the PT seat controls is usually the biggest disappointment. For a DIY project that actually holds up, here is what works:

ShearComfort Cordura Custom Seat Covers: This material is basically indestructible. Since you are hiding a bolster tear, Cordura is superior to neoprene because it does not sag or stretch out over time.

EKR Custom Fit Leatherette Seat Covers: These provide a very refined factory look for about 260 dollars. They are designed with the correct breakaway seams for your side airbags so safety is not an issue. Installation is honestly a workout because of the tight clearance under our seats. Use a plastic tucking tool to wedge the fabric behind the plastic trim panels. It is the only way to get that professional finish you are after.