Cars
19 guides
Acura Integra DA vs DC: trims, the Type R, and avoiding a stolen or tired carHow the 1990-93 DA and 1994-2001 DC Integras differ by trim and engine, what makes a Type R genuine, and what theft and modification history means for a used car.
BMW E30 M3: specs, versions and how to avoid a replicaThe 1986-1991 E30 M3 used the S14 four-cylinder. Versions and power, how to verify a genuine car, and what typically needs attention.
BMW E36 M3 Coupe (US): 1995-1996 originals and what to checkHow US-market E36 M3 coupes differ from European ones, the 3.0 and 3.2 US engines, how to read the VIN, and the cooling-system, VANOS and rust checks that matter.
BMW X5 4.6is and 4.8is (E53): what they are and what failsThe sporty E53 X5s: 4.6is (2002-2003 in the US) and 4.8is (2004-2006). Specs from BMW, timing-chain-guide worry on the 4.6is, the N62 4.8is, air suspension and recalls.
C4 Corvette ZR-1: LT5 engine, 375 vs 405 hp, and the service realityC4 Corvette ZR-1 buying guide: the Lotus-designed LT5, 375 vs 405 hp, authenticity checks, service issues and comparison with a 1996 LT4 Corvette.
C6 Corvette Z06: 2009 vs 2010, the LS7 valve-guide issue and buying a built carWhat to know when shopping for a 2006-2013 Z06: the LS7 valve-guide record and GM bulletin, what changed by year, recalls, and how to evaluate a modified twin-turbo car.
Finding a manual BMW E36, E46 or 318ti with the Sport packageWhat the Sport package meant on US E36, 318ti and E46 cars, how it changed by year, and how to confirm a car really has it, plus what to inspect on a manual car.
Ford Mustang SVT New Edge Cobra (1999 and 2001): what to know before buyingHow the 1999 and 2001 SN95 Cobras differ, what the independent rear suspension means for ownership, and how to confirm a car is a genuine Cobra, including project cars.
Honda Civic EG vs EK: choosing a clean 1992-2000 hatch or coupeHow the fifth-generation (EG) and sixth-generation (EK) Civic differ in US trims and engines, and what to check for rust, swaps, theft history and airbag recalls.
Lexus RC F: what changed by year, the fuel-pump recall and how to find oneThe RC F's 5.0-litre V8 ran from 2015 to 2025. Specs, the 2020 update, Track Edition, Carbon package, the 2015-2018 fuel-pump recall, and what to check.
Mercedes-AMG C63 S Coupe (W205): pre-facelift vs 2019 and what to verifyThe W205 C63 S has a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8. How pre-facelift and 2019-on cars differ, what the S adds, which recalls apply to the Coupe, and the exhaust trade-off.
Porsche 911 (964): versions, specs and what to checkThe 964 (1989-1994) added ABS, power steering, Tiptronic and all-wheel drive to the 911. How the versions differ, the known weak points, recalls and how to verify a car.
Porsche 911 S/T (2024): specs and how limited-edition allocation worksThe 2024 911 S/T: 1,963 units, a manual 4.0-litre flat-six, 1,380 kg and a US one-year retention rule. What it is, what is standard, and how to approach getting one.
Porsche 991 GT3 RS: 991.1 vs 991.2, Weissach and Paint to SampleHow the 2015-17 and 2018-19 GT3 RS differ in power, engine, chassis and the Weissach package, plus known issues, recalls and how to confirm colour and options.
Porsche 996 Turbo with the X50 package: what it is and how to verify itThe X50 power package raised the 996 Turbo from 420 to 450 PS. What it changed, how to confirm a car really has it, and what typically needs checking.
Porsche 997 Cabriolet: Tiptronic or PDK?The 997 Carrera Cabriolet's automatic choice is really a model-year choice. How the 997.1 Tiptronic and 997.2 PDK cars differ, the IMS facts, roof drains and service.
Porsche 997.1 GT3: what it is and what to check before buyingThe 997.1 GT3 (2007-2009) has the 3.6 L Mezger-based engine and a manual gearbox. Specs, differences from the 997.2 and RS, known issues and how to verify a car.
Porsche Boxster Spyder (987.2, 2011-2012): what makes it differentThe Boxster Spyder was lighter and more stripped than a Boxster S. Specs, what it lacks and what can be added, the roof recall, engine notes and what to check.
Reading a Mercedes W212 E550 build sheet: what unusual option codes meanHow to get a W212 E550 data card, what ordinary option codes are, and why codes such as N03, N05, N13 and 003 describe factory processes rather than equipment.