Modern vehicles rely heavily on electronics, from engine control units to power windows and infotainment systems. While this tech improves performance, safety, and comfort, it also introduces new points of failure. For many car owners,…
Author: Mark Jacob
Mark Jacob covers the business, strategy, and innovation driving the auto industry forward. At Dax Street, he dives into market trends, brand moves, and the future of mobility with a sharp analytical edge. From EV rollouts to legacy automaker pivots, Mark breaks down complex shifts in a way that’s accessible and insightful.
5 Trucks That Never Blow Their Rear Diffs and 5 That Do Regularly
When it comes to trucks, reliability isn’t just about engines and transmissions. One of the most overlooked but critical, components is the rear differential. Whether you’re towing a trailer, hauling heavy loads, or just navigating…
5 Cars That Get to 200K With Only Oil Changes and 5 That Require a New Everything
When buying a car, most of us dream of a reliable machine that quietly racks up miles with little more than routine maintenance. But the reality? Some vehicles soldier on past 200,000 miles needing only…
5 Cars That Always Pass the Smog Test and 5 That Never Do Without Work
For many car owners, the smog test is a routine part of vehicle ownership, but it can also be a nerve-racking one. Pass, and you’re good to go for another year or two. Fail, and…
5 Hybrids With Long-Lasting Batteries and 5 That Fail Out of Warranty
Hybrid vehicles have become the sweet spot for many drivers seeking fuel efficiency without the range anxiety of a full electric vehicle. But what truly determines a hybrid’s long-term value is something hidden beneath the…
5 Cars With Rock-Solid Engine Mounts and 5 That Vibrate Constantly
Engine mounts might not be the first thing you think about when buying a car—but they can make a big difference in how a vehicle feels over time. These often-overlooked components are designed to isolate…
5 Cars That Feel New After 10 Years and 5 That Age Rapidly in Year One
When it comes to car ownership, the real value of a vehicle often reveals itself over time, not in the first month, but in the years that follow. Some cars hold their quality, comfort, and…
5 Cars That Never Need Power Steering Repairs and 5 That Always Leak
Power steering is one of those vehicle systems most drivers don’t think about—until it fails. A smooth-turning wheel should be effortless, quiet, and reliable. But for some vehicles, power steering becomes a regular maintenance headache,…
5 Sedans That Don’t Rattle at Highway Speeds and 5 That Are Noise Boxes
When it comes to driving comfort, especially at highway speeds, few things are more frustrating than a car that buzzes, rattles, or groans as soon as you hit 60 mph. A sedan may seem smooth…
5 SUVs That Still Drive Like New After 250K and 5 That Feel Done by 80K
When shopping for an SUV, longevity is often at the top of the priority list. Whether you’re a road tripper, a daily commuter, or someone hauling kids and gear, the idea of owning a vehicle…
5 Used Cars Costing Under $12K That Don’t Need Major Repairs and 5 That Do
Buying a used car under $12,000 can feel like walking a tightrope—balancing budget limitations against reliability, maintenance costs, and potential surprises hiding under the hood. For many shoppers, this price range is where necessity meets…
5 Engines With the Fewest Known Recalls and 5 With the Most
In the automotive world, engine reliability is the holy grail for car buyers and owners alike. Whether you drive a compact commuter, a luxury sedan, or a heavy-duty pickup, the engine is the heart of…
5 Trucks That Run Strong Even With 300K Miles and 5 That Break Long Before That
When it comes to pickup trucks, few traits matter more to owners than durability and dependability—especially once the odometer starts climbing. While most vehicles start to show serious wear past 150,000 miles, some trucks seem…
5 Used Cars Mechanics Recommend Buying and 5 They Warn You to Avoid
When it comes to buying a used car, no opinion holds more weight than that of a seasoned mechanic. These professionals have seen firsthand which cars keep coming back to the shop—and which ones rarely…
5 Cars With Suspension That Still Feels New at 10 Years and 5 That Go Sloppy Fast
Suspension may not be the flashiest part of a car, but it’s one of the most vital—affecting ride comfort, handling precision, and overall driving satisfaction. Whether you’re gliding down a smooth highway or dodging potholes…
5 Cars With A/C Systems That Last a Lifetime and 5 That Always Break in Summer
There’s nothing like stepping into a cool, air-conditioned car on a blazing summer day—unless your A/C system has other plans. For millions of drivers, summer heat brings more than discomfort; it brings costly A/C repairs,…
5 Vehicles That Don’t Need Exhaust Work and 5 That Constantly Throw Codes
Few car issues are as universally annoying as exhaust problems or persistent check engine lights. These two categories represent opposite ends of the ownership spectrum: one speaks to a vehicle that just works, while the…
5 Cars That Don’t Need Suspension Work for 10+ Years and 5 That Always Squeak
Suspension systems are among the most underappreciated components of a car — until they fail. A smooth ride, precise handling, and long-term durability all depend on suspension components like struts, shocks, bushings, and control arms…
5 EVs That Actually Last 200,000 Miles and 5 That Start Falling Apart After 60K
Electric vehicles (EVs) have made major strides in performance, range, and adoption, but there’s one crucial area where questions still linger: longevity. While traditional gas-powered vehicles have decades of data to back up claims of…
5 Vehicles That Rarely Need Software Updates and 5 That Constantly Glitch
In today’s automotive world, cars aren’t just machines — they’re rolling computers. From infotainment systems to engine control units, software now governs how vehicles drive, entertain, and even diagnose themselves. This digital shift has brought…
5 Cars With Original Alternators After 200K and 5 That Go Through 3 Before 100K
An alternator might not be the flashiest part of your car, but it’s absolutely essential. It powers everything from the headlights to the fuel injection system and keeps your battery charged. When an alternator fails,…
5 SUVs With Factory Sealed Transmissions That Never Fail and 5 That Do
When it comes to long-term SUV ownership, nothing triggers more anxiety—or frustration—than unexpected transmission issues. The modern automatic transmission is a complex system, and increasingly, manufacturers are moving to “factory sealed” units that require no…
5 SUVs That Handle Winter and 5 That Can’t Survive Salt
Winter driving separates the strong from the weak, and no season is tougher on SUVs than a bitter, salt-covered winter. Between the icy roads, freezing starts, deep snow, and corrosive road treatments, it’s a season…
5 Cars That Hold Up to Abuse and 5 That Crumble Under Rough Conditions
Not all cars are created equal, and nowhere is that more obvious than when life gets rough. Whether it’s harsh weather, poor roads, high mileage, or just day-to-day punishment from tough driving conditions, some vehicles…
5 Taxis That Still Run and 5 That Didn’t Last 2 Years
Taxis are the ultimate stress test for any vehicle. They rack up brutal mileage, endure stop-and-go traffic, survive weather extremes, and often go long periods with minimal downtime. If a car survives the life of…