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Chinese Cars
It occurred to me that GM, with 15 days left to come up with an acceptable survival plan to qualify for more bailout funds from the government, may simply be playing high stakes poker with the government by leaking info that they plan to export Chinese built cars to the US. In other words, "give us more money, President Obama, and we'll drop the Chinese export/import plan." Further convinces me to never, ever, buy a GM product. Let 'em go belly-up for good. Meanwhile, our neighbor is taking delivery next week of his new, "Smart Car". He recently totaled his last car and Mrs.E. lent him the use of her little VW Beetle until he got a replacement. I am sure I'll be able to try out the Smart Car and I'll post my impressions of it. Eisboch |
Chinese Cars
On Thu, 14 May 2009 05:13:47 -0400, "Eisboch"
wrote: It occurred to me that GM, with 15 days left to come up with an acceptable survival plan to qualify for more bailout funds from the government, may simply be playing high stakes poker with the government by leaking info that they plan to export Chinese built cars to the US. In other words, "give us more money, President Obama, and we'll drop the Chinese export/import plan." Further convinces me to never, ever, buy a GM product. Let 'em go belly-up for good. Meanwhile, our neighbor is taking delivery next week of his new, "Smart Car". He recently totaled his last car and Mrs.E. lent him the use of her little VW Beetle until he got a replacement. I am sure I'll be able to try out the Smart Car and I'll post my impressions of it. Hopefully he'll rethink that and let some other sucker buy it. While they do well in crash tests, the real truth is that they are so rigid that in head-on crashes, you are going to get tossed around like a rag doll. In side crashes, there is a very real danger of severe head injury as the head goes through the window an into the grill of whatever hits you - assuming it's a larger SUV or pickup - hell, even my F-150 is high enough to cause this type of injury. George Abel next road over owned one - got hit head on by a F-350 dually at about 30 mph at the curve down by Linemaster on Rt 171. Threw the Smart Car across the road on it's side into a tree, it rolled over back onto Rt 171 and was hit by a Volvo station wagon at an angle which rolled it once more. The car chassis held together just fine - George, no so much. Mucho broken bones, he's still wearing a neck brace and, get this, road rash on his face from sliding sideways on the pavement. No thanks - you can keep your Smart Cars because in my book they are pretty dumb. |
Chinese Cars
Eisboch wrote:
It occurred to me that GM, with 15 days left to come up with an acceptable survival plan to qualify for more bailout funds from the government, may simply be playing high stakes poker with the government by leaking info that they plan to export Chinese built cars to the US. In other words, "give us more money, President Obama, and we'll drop the Chinese export/import plan." Further convinces me to never, ever, buy a GM product. Let 'em go belly-up for good. Meanwhile, our neighbor is taking delivery next week of his new, "Smart Car". He recently totaled his last car and Mrs.E. lent him the use of her little VW Beetle until he got a replacement. I am sure I'll be able to try out the Smart Car and I'll post my impressions of it. Eisboch Your neighbor totalled his last car and now he wants one of those little boxes? My guess is they don't do so well in crash tests. Evolution in action, as it were. |
Chinese Cars
"Wizard of Woodstock" wrote in message ... No thanks - you can keep your Smart Cars because in my book they are pretty dumb. I had a little interest a couple of years ago, only because they were different. But, from what I understand they really don't get super mpg numbers that you would expect from such a small vehicle unless you get the diesel version. Besides, I don't think I could fit in one. I agree. I'll stick to my F-250. I've had this one now for 8 months and it just turned over to 4000 miles. It should last me for a while. Eisboch |
Chinese Cars
"HK" wrote in message m... Your neighbor totalled his last car and now he wants one of those little boxes? My guess is they don't do so well in crash tests. Evolution in action, as it were. Actually, the Smart Car has tested surprisingly well in crash tests. I wouldn't want to try this, but it does better than some full sized, SUVs. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CJHpUO-S0i8 Eisboch |
Chinese Cars
Eisboch wrote:
"HK" wrote in message m... Your neighbor totalled his last car and now he wants one of those little boxes? My guess is they don't do so well in crash tests. Evolution in action, as it were. Actually, the Smart Car has tested surprisingly well in crash tests. I wouldn't want to try this, but it does better than some full sized, SUVs. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CJHpUO-S0i8 Eisboch I've seen that video before. The "dummy" inside certainly did not walk away. Actually I was thinking of side impacts...a whack from a full-sized SUV and it looks to me as if the "Smart" car would go into low-earth orbit, and the driver would be "nearer his god to thee," if you believe that sort of stuff. Remember the bug-eyed Sprite and the Triumph Spitfire? Cute, rolling death traps. |
Chinese Cars
"HK" wrote in message m... Eisboch wrote: "HK" wrote in message m... Your neighbor totalled his last car and now he wants one of those little boxes? My guess is they don't do so well in crash tests. Evolution in action, as it were. Actually, the Smart Car has tested surprisingly well in crash tests. I wouldn't want to try this, but it does better than some full sized, SUVs. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CJHpUO-S0i8 Eisboch I've seen that video before. The "dummy" inside certainly did not walk away. Actually I was thinking of side impacts...a whack from a full-sized SUV and it looks to me as if the "Smart" car would go into low-earth orbit, and the driver would be "nearer his god to thee," if you believe that sort of stuff. Again, it does surprisingly well in side impacts. It is small, but well designed. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mz-s1...eature=related Eisboch |
Chinese Cars
On Thu, 14 May 2009 06:33:23 -0400, "Eisboch"
wrote: "Wizard of Woodstock" wrote in message .. . No thanks - you can keep your Smart Cars because in my book they are pretty dumb. I had a little interest a couple of years ago, only because they were different. But, from what I understand they really don't get super mpg numbers that you would expect from such a small vehicle unless you get the diesel version. Besides, I don't think I could fit in one. I agree. I'll stick to my F-250. I've had this one now for 8 months and it just turned over to 4000 miles. It should last me for a while. Mark Haines of CNBC fame was all Smart Car this and Smart Car that - he bought two sight unseen. He's like you and me - large framed (I think that's a good way to describe it). As he tells the story, he did't even get out of the driveway of the dealership - turned right around and gave it back and retrieved his Lexus. :) |
Chinese Cars
HK wrote:
I've seen that video before. The "dummy" inside certainly did not walk away. Are you the dummy that wrote the quoted sentence? |
Chinese Cars
On May 14, 6:26*am, HK wrote:
Eisboch wrote: It occurred to me that GM, with 15 days left to come up with an acceptable survival plan to qualify for more bailout funds from the government, may simply be playing high stakes poker with the government by leaking info that they plan to export Chinese built cars to the US. * In other words, "give us more money, President Obama, and we'll drop the Chinese export/import plan." Further convinces me to never, ever, buy a GM product. *Let 'em go belly-up for good. Meanwhile, our neighbor is taking delivery next week of his new, "Smart Car". * He recently totaled his last car and Mrs.E. lent him the use of her little VW Beetle until he got a replacement. * I am sure I'll be able to try out the Smart Car and I'll post my impressions of it. Eisboch Your neighbor totalled his last car and now he wants one of those little boxes? My guess is they don't do so well in crash tests. Evolution in action, as it were.- Hide quoted text - - Show quoted text - Bigger doesn't always mean better. Look at you, you're a big nasty fat ass, but have no redeeming values at all. |
Chinese Cars
"HK" wrote in message m... Eisboch wrote: It occurred to me that GM, with 15 days left to come up with an acceptable survival plan to qualify for more bailout funds from the government, may simply be playing high stakes poker with the government by leaking info that they plan to export Chinese built cars to the US. In other words, "give us more money, President Obama, and we'll drop the Chinese export/import plan." Further convinces me to never, ever, buy a GM product. Let 'em go belly-up for good. Meanwhile, our neighbor is taking delivery next week of his new, "Smart Car". He recently totaled his last car and Mrs.E. lent him the use of her little VW Beetle until he got a replacement. I am sure I'll be able to try out the Smart Car and I'll post my impressions of it. Eisboch Your neighbor totalled his last car and now he wants one of those little boxes? My guess is they don't do so well in crash tests. Evolution in action, as it were. If someone wants a tiny car...why not try the Honda Fit. On the various vehicle review TV programs..the testers seem to love the little car... especially the 2009 version which is supposed to be a bit roomier. PersonallyI think any normal sized, middle-aged adult would be more comfortable in something a bit bigger...like a RAV4. Oversized 'mericans might want a Highlander or Honda Pilot |
Chinese Cars
Don White wrote:
"HK" wrote in message m... Eisboch wrote: It occurred to me that GM, with 15 days left to come up with an acceptable survival plan to qualify for more bailout funds from the government, may simply be playing high stakes poker with the government by leaking info that they plan to export Chinese built cars to the US. In other words, "give us more money, President Obama, and we'll drop the Chinese export/import plan." Further convinces me to never, ever, buy a GM product. Let 'em go belly-up for good. Meanwhile, our neighbor is taking delivery next week of his new, "Smart Car". He recently totaled his last car and Mrs.E. lent him the use of her little VW Beetle until he got a replacement. I am sure I'll be able to try out the Smart Car and I'll post my impressions of it. Eisboch Your neighbor totalled his last car and now he wants one of those little boxes? My guess is they don't do so well in crash tests. Evolution in action, as it were. If someone wants a tiny car...why not try the Honda Fit. On the various vehicle review TV programs..the testers seem to love the little car... especially the 2009 version which is supposed to be a bit roomier. PersonallyI think any normal sized, middle-aged adult would be more comfortable in something a bit bigger...like a RAV4. Oversized 'mericans might want a Highlander or Honda Pilot Some would and some wouldn't. The fit is really too small. We traded a sporty car in on a CRV. My wife wasn't thrilled at first to make the trade but she soon grew to like the CRV a lot. It's definately more comfortable than the cars they are making today. We bought it to be towed not tow, so it doesn't bother me that it would be a **** poor tow vehicle. |
Chinese Cars
On Thu, 14 May 2009 05:13:47 -0400, "Eisboch"
wrote: It occurred to me that GM, with 15 days left to come up with an acceptable survival plan to qualify for more bailout funds from the government, may simply be playing high stakes poker with the government by leaking info that they plan to export Chinese built cars to the US. In other words, "give us more money, President Obama, and we'll drop the Chinese export/import plan." Further convinces me to never, ever, buy a GM product. Let 'em go belly-up for good. Your call. I think the main reason Ford kept it's head above water was making so much stuff in Mexico. Not sure of that though. The Fusion you mentioned getting good reviews is made in Mexico, trans made in Japan. I heard the Focus, a good Ford seller, will be made out of the country next year. If it keeps going like this, pretty soon if you want an "American" car your choice will be Toyota, Honda or Nissan. The Japs are more patriotic Americans than the Americans! Of course business and patriotism parted ways long ago. Meanwhile, our neighbor is taking delivery next week of his new, "Smart Car". He recently totaled his last car and Mrs.E. lent him the use of her little VW Beetle until he got a replacement. I am sure I'll be able to try out the Smart Car and I'll post my impressions of it. French socialist car. I had a French bicycle. Peugot. Paid too much for it. Last week my wife got gas for 2.24. Next day the sign was 2.34, next day 2.42. I've got a feeling that gas won't go too high for a while. You need customers with jobs and money. --Vic |
Chinese Cars
On May 14, 10:47*am, Vic Smith
wrote: On Thu, 14 May 2009 05:13:47 -0400, "Eisboch" wrote: It occurred to me that GM, with 15 days left to come up with an acceptable survival plan to qualify for more bailout funds from the government, may simply be playing high stakes poker with the government by leaking info that they plan to export Chinese built cars to the US. * In other words, "give us more money, President Obama, and we'll drop the Chinese export/import plan." Further convinces me to never, ever, buy a GM product. *Let 'em go belly-up for good. Your call. *I think the main reason Ford kept it's head above water was making so much stuff in Mexico. *Not sure of that though. The Fusion you mentioned getting good reviews is made in Mexico, trans made in Japan. *I heard the Focus, a good Ford seller, will be made out of the country next year. If it keeps going like this, pretty soon if you want an "American" car your choice will be Toyota, Honda or Nissan. The Japs are more patriotic Americans than the Americans! Of course business and patriotism parted ways long ago. Meanwhile, our neighbor is taking delivery next week of his new, "Smart Car". * He recently totaled his last car and Mrs.E. lent him the use of her little VW Beetle until he got a replacement. * I am sure I'll be able to try out the Smart Car and I'll post my impressions of it. French socialist car. *I had a French bicycle. Peugot. *Paid too much for it. * Guy I used to work with had a Peugot. Was always talking about how great it was, but never drove it because it was always in the shop for something. We told him that the word "Peugot" was French for "walk". :- |
Chinese Cars
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Chinese Cars
On Thu, 14 May 2009 07:11:00 -0400, jim7856 wrote:
HK wrote: I've seen that video before. The "dummy" inside certainly did not walk away. Are you the dummy that wrote the quoted sentence? Buttsniffer. |
Chinese Cars
jps wrote:
On Thu, 14 May 2009 07:11:00 -0400, jim7856 wrote: HK wrote: I've seen that video before. The "dummy" inside certainly did not walk away. Are you the dummy that wrote the quoted sentence? Buttsniffer. Cmon. You have no sense of humor. That was funny. |
Chinese Cars
Don White wrote:
"HK" wrote in message m... Eisboch wrote: It occurred to me that GM, with 15 days left to come up with an acceptable survival plan to qualify for more bailout funds from the government, may simply be playing high stakes poker with the government by leaking info that they plan to export Chinese built cars to the US. In other words, "give us more money, President Obama, and we'll drop the Chinese export/import plan." Further convinces me to never, ever, buy a GM product. Let 'em go belly-up for good. Meanwhile, our neighbor is taking delivery next week of his new, "Smart Car". He recently totaled his last car and Mrs.E. lent him the use of her little VW Beetle until he got a replacement. I am sure I'll be able to try out the Smart Car and I'll post my impressions of it. Eisboch Your neighbor totalled his last car and now he wants one of those little boxes? My guess is they don't do so well in crash tests. Evolution in action, as it were. If someone wants a tiny car...why not try the Honda Fit. On the various vehicle review TV programs..the testers seem to love the little car... especially the 2009 version which is supposed to be a bit roomier. PersonallyI think any normal sized, middle-aged adult would be more comfortable in something a bit bigger...like a RAV4. Oversized 'mericans might want a Highlander or Honda Pilot "Middle aged"? You must be kidding. Try the "ultimate driving machine" and you won't go back. |
Chinese Cars
I dunno. Every time I see one, I have the mental image of an egg,
rolling off the counter onto the floor. JR On Thu, 14 May 2009 05:13:47 -0400, "Eisboch" wrote: It occurred to me that GM, with 15 days left to come up with an acceptable survival plan to qualify for more bailout funds from the government, may simply be playing high stakes poker with the government by leaking info that they plan to export Chinese built cars to the US. In other words, "give us more money, President Obama, and we'll drop the Chinese export/import plan." Further convinces me to never, ever, buy a GM product. Let 'em go belly-up for good. Meanwhile, our neighbor is taking delivery next week of his new, "Smart Car". He recently totaled his last car and Mrs.E. lent him the use of her little VW Beetle until he got a replacement. I am sure I'll be able to try out the Smart Car and I'll post my impressions of it. Eisboch HOME PAGE: http://www.seanet.com/~jasonrnorth -------------------------------------------------- |
Chinese Cars
On Thu, 14 May 2009 05:13:47 -0400, "Eisboch"
wrote: I am sure I'll be able to try out the Smart Car and I'll post my impressions of it. Please tell us where the engine is. It's not immediately obvious when you look at one close up. |
Chinese Cars
"jim7856" wrote in message ... Don White wrote: "HK" wrote in message m... Eisboch wrote: It occurred to me that GM, with 15 days left to come up with an acceptable survival plan to qualify for more bailout funds from the government, may simply be playing high stakes poker with the government by leaking info that they plan to export Chinese built cars to the US. In other words, "give us more money, President Obama, and we'll drop the Chinese export/import plan." Further convinces me to never, ever, buy a GM product. Let 'em go belly-up for good. Meanwhile, our neighbor is taking delivery next week of his new, "Smart Car". He recently totaled his last car and Mrs.E. lent him the use of her little VW Beetle until he got a replacement. I am sure I'll be able to try out the Smart Car and I'll post my impressions of it. Eisboch Your neighbor totalled his last car and now he wants one of those little boxes? My guess is they don't do so well in crash tests. Evolution in action, as it were. If someone wants a tiny car...why not try the Honda Fit. On the various vehicle review TV programs..the testers seem to love the little car... especially the 2009 version which is supposed to be a bit roomier. PersonallyI think any normal sized, middle-aged adult would be more comfortable in something a bit bigger...like a RAV4. Oversized 'mericans might want a Highlander or Honda Pilot Some would and some wouldn't. The fit is really too small. We traded a sporty car in on a CRV. My wife wasn't thrilled at first to make the trade but she soon grew to like the CRV a lot. It's definately more comfortable than the cars they are making today. We bought it to be towed not tow, so it doesn't bother me that it would be a **** poor tow vehicle. We just bought a new Venza. The Highlander had poor visibility. The rear seat headrests block the directly behind view. The Rav4 is too small. The Venza is rated for a 3500# tow capacity, and the only reason it is getting a trailer hitch is to hold the bike rack. I tow with a 3/4 Ton Chevy diesel. Older guy in town I am friends with just bought a Smart. Actually has decent seating room. I fit and I am 6'4" and 230#. But for a small car, it should get more than the 40 mpg they rate. The Venza is rated for 27 highway. I got 22.7 for a trip down I-5 to L.A. driving 85-90 a lot of the way. So at normal 65 mph should get near the rated mileage. |
Chinese Cars
"Calif Bill" wrote in message m... We just bought a new Venza. The Highlander had poor visibility. The rear seat headrests block the directly behind view. The Rav4 is too small. The Venza is rated for a 3500# tow capacity, and the only reason it is getting a trailer hitch is to hold the bike rack. I tow with a 3/4 Ton Chevy diesel. Older guy in town I am friends with just bought a Smart. Actually has decent seating room. I fit and I am 6'4" and 230#. But for a small car, it should get more than the 40 mpg they rate. The Venza is rated for 27 highway. I got 22.7 for a trip down I-5 to L.A. driving 85-90 a lot of the way. So at normal 65 mph should get near the rated mileage. I don't know how accurate the on board computer is on this car, but the Mustang GT I bought with a 5 speed manual transmission indicates just over 22 mpg average and just about 24 mpg when I reset it and measure highway only. It only has 800 miles on it and I haven't verified the numbers manually yet. But that's with a 300 hp V8 engine. I don't drive crazy or particularly fast, but I do get on it a bit once in a while when getting on the highway. Eisboch |
Chinese Cars
Wayne.B wrote:
On Thu, 14 May 2009 05:13:47 -0400, "Eisboch" wrote: I am sure I'll be able to try out the Smart Car and I'll post my impressions of it. Please tell us where the engine is. It's not immediately obvious when you look at one close up. Just think the size of a small two cylinder lawn mower engine and that it could be anywhere. Hell, it could even be between the rear wheels for all we know. |
Chinese Cars
Eisboch wrote:
"Calif Bill" wrote in message m... We just bought a new Venza. The Highlander had poor visibility. The rear seat headrests block the directly behind view. The Rav4 is too small. The Venza is rated for a 3500# tow capacity, and the only reason it is getting a trailer hitch is to hold the bike rack. I tow with a 3/4 Ton Chevy diesel. Older guy in town I am friends with just bought a Smart. Actually has decent seating room. I fit and I am 6'4" and 230#. But for a small car, it should get more than the 40 mpg they rate. The Venza is rated for 27 highway. I got 22.7 for a trip down I-5 to L.A. driving 85-90 a lot of the way. So at normal 65 mph should get near the rated mileage. I don't know how accurate the on board computer is on this car, but the Mustang GT I bought with a 5 speed manual transmission indicates just over 22 mpg average and just about 24 mpg when I reset it and measure highway only. It only has 800 miles on it and I haven't verified the numbers manually yet. But that's with a 300 hp V8 engine. I don't drive crazy or particularly fast, but I do get on it a bit once in a while when getting on the highway. If you are not going to drive the 'Stang the way it is meant to be driven, I'll stop by in June and give it a good work out. |
Chinese Cars
"BAR" wrote in message ... If you are not going to drive the 'Stang the way it is meant to be driven, I'll stop by in June and give it a good work out. That's if I still have it. It's a fun car, but I don't drive it much. I've had it for three months and it has 800 miles on it. I use my truck most of the time. I bought it mainly because it was the only way I could get rid of the limo I had without giving it away. I took the limo back to the dealer where I bought it, figuring they would be more receptive to taking it in trade. They were, so I looked around at what they had in stock, and came home with the Mustang. I am probably going to sell it. It will be much easier to sell than the limo was. That said though, I have to admit I am impressed with it. It handles well, sounds good, looks good and has all the power I'd ever need. I just don't have much use for it. Eisboch |
Chinese Cars
Eisboch wrote:
"BAR" wrote in message ... If you are not going to drive the 'Stang the way it is meant to be driven, I'll stop by in June and give it a good work out. That's if I still have it. It's a fun car, but I don't drive it much. I've had it for three months and it has 800 miles on it. I use my truck most of the time. I bought it mainly because it was the only way I could get rid of the limo I had without giving it away. I took the limo back to the dealer where I bought it, figuring they would be more receptive to taking it in trade. They were, so I looked around at what they had in stock, and came home with the Mustang. I am probably going to sell it. It will be much easier to sell than the limo was. That said though, I have to admit I am impressed with it. It handles well, sounds good, looks good and has all the power I'd ever need. I just don't have much use for it. Eisboch Manly men will be driving the new MV Agusta F4 RR 312 1078. |
Chinese Cars
On Thu, 14 May 2009 11:59:54 -0400, Wizard of Woodstock
wrote: The problem with the Smart Car is that the passenger cab and chassis is too rigid - it's like a roll cage in a Sprint Cup car, What is a Sprint Cup car? I have a couple of sprint cars, but they don't have roll cages, the frame is a cage. Casady |
Chinese Cars
On Thu, 14 May 2009 11:59:54 -0400, Wizard of Woodstock
wrote: The single thing he said he would remember forever was getting smacked in the face with the driver's side air bag then smacking his face against the steering wheel. Not something I would want to test. Note that race cars do not have air bags. The shoulder harnesses keep the helmet off the wheel. Casady |
Chinese Cars
"HK" wrote in message m... Eisboch wrote: "BAR" wrote in message ... If you are not going to drive the 'Stang the way it is meant to be driven, I'll stop by in June and give it a good work out. That's if I still have it. It's a fun car, but I don't drive it much. I've had it for three months and it has 800 miles on it. I use my truck most of the time. I bought it mainly because it was the only way I could get rid of the limo I had without giving it away. I took the limo back to the dealer where I bought it, figuring they would be more receptive to taking it in trade. They were, so I looked around at what they had in stock, and came home with the Mustang. I am probably going to sell it. It will be much easier to sell than the limo was. That said though, I have to admit I am impressed with it. It handles well, sounds good, looks good and has all the power I'd ever need. I just don't have much use for it. Eisboch Manly men will be driving the new MV Agusta F4 RR 312 1078. Not even worth putting on my list of future desires. Eisboch |
Chinese Cars
Eisboch wrote:
"HK" wrote in message m... Eisboch wrote: "BAR" wrote in message ... If you are not going to drive the 'Stang the way it is meant to be driven, I'll stop by in June and give it a good work out. That's if I still have it. It's a fun car, but I don't drive it much. I've had it for three months and it has 800 miles on it. I use my truck most of the time. I bought it mainly because it was the only way I could get rid of the limo I had without giving it away. I took the limo back to the dealer where I bought it, figuring they would be more receptive to taking it in trade. They were, so I looked around at what they had in stock, and came home with the Mustang. I am probably going to sell it. It will be much easier to sell than the limo was. That said though, I have to admit I am impressed with it. It handles well, sounds good, looks good and has all the power I'd ever need. I just don't have much use for it. Eisboch Manly men will be driving the new MV Agusta F4 RR 312 1078. Not even worth putting on my list of future desires. Eisboch What? No room for a 190 mph motorcycle that makes great sounds? |
Chinese Cars
On May 15, 8:00*am, Richard Casady
wrote: On Thu, 14 May 2009 11:59:54 -0400, Wizard of Woodstock wrote: The problem with the Smart Car is that the passenger cab and chassis is too rigid - it's like a roll cage in a Sprint Cup car, What is a Sprint Cup car? I have a couple of sprint cars, but they don't have roll cages, the frame is a cage. Casady Sprint Cup cars. Changed to that from Nextel Cup. Changed to that from Winston Cup. Changed to that from Grand National series. |
Chinese Cars
"Calif Bill" wrote in message m... "jim7856" wrote in message ... Don White wrote: "HK" wrote in message m... Eisboch wrote: It occurred to me that GM, with 15 days left to come up with an acceptable survival plan to qualify for more bailout funds from the government, may simply be playing high stakes poker with the government by leaking info that they plan to export Chinese built cars to the US. In other words, "give us more money, President Obama, and we'll drop the Chinese export/import plan." Further convinces me to never, ever, buy a GM product. Let 'em go belly-up for good. Meanwhile, our neighbor is taking delivery next week of his new, "Smart Car". He recently totaled his last car and Mrs.E. lent him the use of her little VW Beetle until he got a replacement. I am sure I'll be able to try out the Smart Car and I'll post my impressions of it. Eisboch Your neighbor totalled his last car and now he wants one of those little boxes? My guess is they don't do so well in crash tests. Evolution in action, as it were. If someone wants a tiny car...why not try the Honda Fit. On the various vehicle review TV programs..the testers seem to love the little car... especially the 2009 version which is supposed to be a bit roomier. PersonallyI think any normal sized, middle-aged adult would be more comfortable in something a bit bigger...like a RAV4. Oversized 'mericans might want a Highlander or Honda Pilot Some would and some wouldn't. The fit is really too small. We traded a sporty car in on a CRV. My wife wasn't thrilled at first to make the trade but she soon grew to like the CRV a lot. It's definately more comfortable than the cars they are making today. We bought it to be towed not tow, so it doesn't bother me that it would be a **** poor tow vehicle. We just bought a new Venza. The Highlander had poor visibility. The rear seat headrests block the directly behind view. The Rav4 is too small. The Venza is rated for a 3500# tow capacity, and the only reason it is getting a trailer hitch is to hold the bike rack. I tow with a 3/4 Ton Chevy diesel. Older guy in town I am friends with just bought a Smart. Actually has decent seating room. I fit and I am 6'4" and 230#. But for a small car, it should get more than the 40 mpg they rate. The Venza is rated for 27 highway. I got 22.7 for a trip down I-5 to L.A. driving 85-90 a lot of the way. So at normal 65 mph should get near the rated mileage. The Venza is a new car and the Consumer Report review was a tad less than favourable. I'm sure all that will be worked out in a year or so. |
Chinese Cars
"Don White" wrote in message ... "Calif Bill" wrote in message m... "jim7856" wrote in message ... Don White wrote: "HK" wrote in message m... Eisboch wrote: It occurred to me that GM, with 15 days left to come up with an acceptable survival plan to qualify for more bailout funds from the government, may simply be playing high stakes poker with the government by leaking info that they plan to export Chinese built cars to the US. In other words, "give us more money, President Obama, and we'll drop the Chinese export/import plan." Further convinces me to never, ever, buy a GM product. Let 'em go belly-up for good. Meanwhile, our neighbor is taking delivery next week of his new, "Smart Car". He recently totaled his last car and Mrs.E. lent him the use of her little VW Beetle until he got a replacement. I am sure I'll be able to try out the Smart Car and I'll post my impressions of it. Eisboch Your neighbor totalled his last car and now he wants one of those little boxes? My guess is they don't do so well in crash tests. Evolution in action, as it were. If someone wants a tiny car...why not try the Honda Fit. On the various vehicle review TV programs..the testers seem to love the little car... especially the 2009 version which is supposed to be a bit roomier. PersonallyI think any normal sized, middle-aged adult would be more comfortable in something a bit bigger...like a RAV4. Oversized 'mericans might want a Highlander or Honda Pilot Some would and some wouldn't. The fit is really too small. We traded a sporty car in on a CRV. My wife wasn't thrilled at first to make the trade but she soon grew to like the CRV a lot. It's definately more comfortable than the cars they are making today. We bought it to be towed not tow, so it doesn't bother me that it would be a **** poor tow vehicle. We just bought a new Venza. The Highlander had poor visibility. The rear seat headrests block the directly behind view. The Rav4 is too small. The Venza is rated for a 3500# tow capacity, and the only reason it is getting a trailer hitch is to hold the bike rack. I tow with a 3/4 Ton Chevy diesel. Older guy in town I am friends with just bought a Smart. Actually has decent seating room. I fit and I am 6'4" and 230#. But for a small car, it should get more than the 40 mpg they rate. The Venza is rated for 27 highway. I got 22.7 for a trip down I-5 to L.A. driving 85-90 a lot of the way. So at normal 65 mph should get near the rated mileage. The Venza is a new car and the Consumer Report review was a tad less than favourable. I'm sure all that will be worked out in a year or so. Is basically a Camry Chassis with a station wagon body. Only problem so far, is the dash light dimming switch seems to be flaky. When it goes in for it's first service they can fix it. Wife loves it. Maybe Toyota did not buy enough advertizing from CR partners. |
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