I only got my first credit card (Chase Freedom Rise) a year ago. I got the Amazon card back then and more recently I was upgraded to CFU and also got a CSP. I’ve had a good time with UR domestically but my main long term travel goal is Japan in business class, and that seems just about impossible with UR. The only good value is with ANA and their only direct partner is Amex. I can get 60k MR from the Amex Gold (I applied and withdrew), but I’m worried about the hit to my credit. The last time my credit went down ~30-50 points my car insurance went up $100 a month. Since then I’ve kind of sworn off churning and have only gotten cards I’m going to keep. But it seems like churning Amex bonuses is the only real way to get ANA business… What do you all think? Has anyone actually gotten good value with UR going to Japan in business? And does getting Amex Gold just for the bonus to cancel it in a year actually affect credit that much? I want to build a solid credit history but I’d really like to fly to Japan in business class for cheap.
u/Hansy_b0i
I’m coming up on 30k miles now and I’m no longer sure what to do—this is my first car. For sure, I’m not bringing it back to the dealer, they’re charging $320 for the service. I have already changed my engine and air filters. I can change my own oil and rotate my own tires. Then what’s left of the 30k maintenance (according to the manual anyway) is to “re-torque drive shaft nuts and bolts” and inspect just about every part of the car you could inspect. So, do I go to a mechanic just to get an inspection and torque? Can’t I get an inspection at the dealer for free? Or should I DIY this too? Because I can’t find a YouTube video on how to “re-torque drive shaft nuts and bolts 2025 Toyota Corolla Hybrid”. Or should I even care about following the maintenance guide to a T? Oil changes and tire rotations are super important, yes, but how often am I realistically gonna find a leak in my transmission, or find a crack in my drive shaft boots?