Authors

Every piece on the site is bylined. Mark Driver is the founder and writes under his real name. Three working technicians contribute under pen names to protect current dealer and shop employment — an arrangement disclosed openly on the editorial standards page.

Mark Driver

Founder, ProblemsByVin

Founder of ProblemsByVin. Mechanic by avocation, moving company operator by trade. Based in Garland, Texas. Currently driving a 2017 Ford F-250 6.2 gas. Previously ran an industrial valve trade across Texas, Oklahoma, and Louisiana.

40 stories 7 engine deep-dives 4 transmission deep-dives 5 comparisons 33 calculator notes

Shop Foreman

Lead technician

ASE-certified veteran technician with 25+ years across dealer service and independent shops. Pen name protecting current shop employment. Specializes in mainstream domestic and Japanese passenger cars and crossovers.

12 stories 4 engine deep-dives 3 transmission deep-dives 15 comparisons 3 calculator notes

Frank DeSantis

European brand specialist

European brand specialist with deep experience servicing BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, and Porsche. Pen name protecting current dealership employment. New York metro area.

4 stories 4 engine deep-dives 1 transmission deep-dives 1 comparisons 1 calculator notes

Tony Marino

Domestic and Mopar specialist

Mopar and domestic V8 specialist. Hands-on experience across muscle car restoration and modern truck service. Pen name protecting current shop employment. New York metro area.

8 stories 6 engine deep-dives 2 transmission deep-dives 3 comparisons 7 calculator notes

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