Assistance Requested - New Cars and Bolts?

[uzj100]

Guys,

New Cars

A good friend of my mom is looking for a new mini suv. She has it narrowed down to the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4 and the Kia Sorento. I have done some research and the data keeps pointing towards the CR-V. The TMV (True Market Value) numbers for the base models, which she wants, come in within 2k of each other. Does anyone know someone at any of these dealerships she could work with? Do you have any data on these 2009 models? She wants new since she is single and will want a warranty. She kept her last car 12 years.

Bolts

I purchased a trailer hitch from a wrecking yard for our GX470. $65 bucks. The hitch did not come with bolts. I need to source 4 M12 - 1.25 x 40 HEX and 4 M8 - 1.25 x 35 HEX. I went to Fastenal and they only sell them 25 at a time. Where can I source these individual bolts? Thanks.

 

[southerncruiser62]

Wilders in downtown raleigh. Also check some of the local ace hardware stores, or even burke brothers on hillsborough street

 

[mtweller]

Wilders will definitely have something... Ace in Morrisville has a really good hardware section with individual pieces. Let me know if you need me to check for you, it's a stone's throw from my house and I drive by it multiple times daily.

R

 

[little_joe]

I know Jerry had a heck of a time finding the M12X1.25mm locally and ended up ordering them online. I'll let him chime in, but I believe he checked the sources listed above.

We have a 2003 CRV, it's my wife's, and while not apparently the same as the 2009, the engine is. It has been a great little wagon for us, and the newer models have a 5spd AT (ours is 4spd) which helps MPG. That 2.4L I-4 really sings at higher revs and is smooth across the board. The RT-AWD is utterly useless as it is a reactive system and only engages when the fronts have lost traction. It's of no value in rain or daily driving, and of nominal use in the snow (we used to live in the snow belt). The only knock against this wagon is the road noise.

The CRV has always felt more solid and smoother than the current RAV. However, the RAV V6 is a fun wagon to drive.

I wouldn't advise your friend to even look at the Sorento simply b/c it's still a body on frame, live rear axle SUV. Gas mileage is less than 20mpg highway. Unless she needs the capability, it makes no sense compared to the RAV or CRV.

 

[Mtbcoach]

Joe is right in that I had a hard time finding grade 8 (metric grade 10.9) in the 12 X 1.25 pitch bolts. Wilders didn't have any in stock when I called them but offered to order them for me, if I bought a box of 25.

I found mine on-line at BoltsToGo.com and only had to get a box of 10. I find that having a couple of these laying around isn't a bad thing but having 20 of them is a bit much...

 

[little_joe]

Speaking of which, Jerry, do you have extras? I need one.

 

[Mtbcoach]

Speaking of which, Jerry, do you have extras? I need one.

Sure, only $10 each...

Sorry, couldn't resist. Let me know when you can drop by and grab one. If its on the way home from work, I can leave one out or have one of the girls give it to you as you pass by...

 

[uzj100]

I have some left over bolts from the tie down loops from when I installed an ARB on my previous 99 LC. I am hoping those bolts may work. Also, when I remove the rear tow point on the GX, I hope to reuse those bolts as well. The tow bar is not really for towing but for a place to attach the bike rack so we can take the GX instead of the LC to BFT. We like to take the bikes everytime and the GX gets better mpg and rides better than the hundy which bfg ATs and worn out suspension.

 

[southerncruiser62]

Andrew where you ever able to find these

 

[shinton]

What kind of mileage are you getting with the GX? Emily and I test drove one a few weeks back, I am planning on buying one after tax season to be her daily driver. I have been told NO mods to the GX though, so it will just be the tow rig for the camper and pulling the P'up (and maybe for OBX trip, etc)

Sam

 

[uzj100]

Greg - Found the bolts and got the trailer hitch installed on the GX.

Sam - The GX gets 14 mpg around town and 20 on the highway according to the trip computer. I usually subtract one so like 13 and 19. The around town numbers are not that good however that is caused by a wife who drives the GX like it is a sports car. Full acceleration starts and full brake stops. I also drive it pretty hard because it will flat move on out for a truck.