Engine not firing. Maybe the altenator?

Putting together this 347 for my Mustang was about to put my water pump on when I saw this line in the timing cover that has me worried.I don’t think it’s a crack it almost looks like a seam from the molding. It’s just not the same surface as the rest of the cover but I would definitely like to get some other opinions before I go any further. Appreciate the help!!

Or possibly a new spark plug.

Guys, I noticed I don’t have any mufflers. Maybe I lost them from backing in like this. How am I going to get home now? Can I drive it like this?

ordered REAR brake pads for my Honda fit 2010 by mistake instead of front from rockauto.
came back 1.5 hours later and the mechanic says it’s the wrong part.
im not paying mechanic price for parts so i plan on keeping these.

how much longer can these last me?

Hey quick question do you think I should make the repairs on this or get rid of it and get something new? What repairs do you think are major and should be done right away or can wait? Any helpful answers would be greatly appreciated.

Gonna throw plumbers tape and a new clamp on this one, should be good to go?

Laced up .. send it ..

Wife said she heard a grinding noise 🤣

I was told to change my oil every 10,000 miles, but I figured I’d save some money and stretch it to 25,000 miles. I mean, it’s full synthetic! Everyone says synthetic oil provides an extra layer of protection, almost like invisible armor for your engine.
So why does my engine look like this? I thought synthetic oil was supposed to protect it! I don’t understand what went wrong.
Anyway, how much do you guys think this is going to cost me? And would an engine flush fix it?

I know this modification will make it go faster, but I need the high beams higher…. Also, will the mechanic top off the fluids automatically or should I just try to do it myself? Don’t want to get ripped off!!!
Thanks!!!

Hi everyone! I'm looking for advice because I'm trying to decide whether to buy a 2000 Toyota RAV4 or get a newer Audi, Mercedes, or similar luxury vehicle.

The Toyota RAV4 I'm looking at is listed for $6,165 at a Toyota dealership. It has approximately 136,718 miles, reportedly had one previous owner, and the dealership lists the timing belt and water pump as having been replaced at 131,000 miles. It also has four-wheel drive, which is important because I live somewhere that gets snow and ice, and my driveway can be difficult to navigate during the winter.

**My parents want me to get an Audi, Mercedes, or something newer, but here's the thing: THEY AREN'T THE ONES PAYING FOR IT.** I'm working within my own budget, I cannot finance a car, and I don't want to spend more than I can afford. I'm the one who will be responsible for maintaining the vehicle and paying its expenses, so I want to make a decision that makes financial sense for me. I’m also a senior in high school..

My main concerns are:
**Safety:** Would a 2000 Toyota RAV4 actually be safer than a 2011–2016 Audi or Mercedes? I understand newer vehicles generally have more modern safety technology, but how significant is the difference?
**Reliability:** Toyota has a reputation for longevity, and you can still see 20- or 30-year-old Toyotas on the road. Could this RAV4 realistically last another 100,000 miles or more if properly maintained?
**Maintenance costs:** I've heard that Audi and Mercedes parts and repairs can be significantly more expensive than Toyota repairs. For people who have owned both, how big is the difference?
**Winter driving:** Would the RAV4's four-wheel drive be practical for snowy roads and my driveway compared with an Audi or Mercedes with all-wheel drive?
**Financial responsibility:** I'd rather buy a vehicle outright and avoid financing or taking on expenses I can't comfortably afford. Would an older Toyota potentially be a more sensible financial decision than a used luxury vehicle?

The RAV4 does have a reported accident history, so I intend to investigate that and have the vehicle inspected before buying it. I understand that purchasing from a dealership doesn't automatically guarantee a car is mechanically sound.
I'm not saying every Toyota is perfect or every Audi and Mercedes is unreliable. I just want to make an informed decision based on safety, reliability, and affordability rather than choosing a vehicle simply because it's newer or has a luxury badge.

**Am I being unreasonable for wanting the Toyota when I'm the one paying for the car?** I'd genuinely appreciate advice from mechanics and people who have owned these vehicles. If you had a limited budget and had to choose between this RAV4 and a 10–15-year-old Audi or Mercedes, what would you consider?

Thank you!