happythoughts 0 #51 September 5, 2002 Quotesaturns are a great car. I have 135,000 on mine and still runnin great. Absolutely. They do have a little road noise, but it's at an ok level. I am on my second one. I had 160K on the first one before my son rolled it. Walked out without a scratch until I got ahold of him. They run for 100K with just routine maintenance. After that, normal wear. My favorites - either a Saturn or a Honda. However, I do have a stylish 1982 El Camino for sale. I can make you a special deal. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
nws01 0 #52 September 5, 2002 I think you should buy a low rider that bounces. Go to Best Buy and purchase the Cheech and Chongs Up in Smoke soundtrack. Cruise down the road slowly while bouncing and play the song.... All my friends Drive low riders Low Ride-ers can't get nothin higher Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Muenkel 0 #53 September 5, 2002 Just don't bounce that car near Bytch!!!! _________________________________________ Chris Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
freeflir29 0 #54 September 5, 2002 I bet Billvon has an Aerocar that runs on hydrogen...with a Sattellite phone. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jceman 1 #55 September 6, 2002 QuoteQuoteIf I was buyin' right now, I'd get a PT Cruiser. Those things look freakin' sweet. i was considering a PT Cruiser as well, then i drove one. they need more power in a bad way.... totally gutless. 1/4 mile times you could measure with a calendar, passing requires lots of advance planning. that said, i saw a GT Cruiser prototype that Chrysler had at a car show a couple of years ago, V6, more aggressive styling... they shoulda built them. Oh, they're not THAT underpowered. Granted, I live in FLatland and would like a bit more power especially if I were to take it to a hilly state, but you can get a Borla exhaust system for a couple hundred that adds 10-15% at the wheels. As it is, I can load up myself and my wife, with all our gear, drinks, etc. and tool on down I-95 with the cruise set at 76 and make perfectly good time on down the road. I have considered getting the Borla system, but as long as I live here, I can't justify the price for the little benefit I'd receive. If I ever do want to perk her up a bit, though, there are at least two companies that make bolt-on turbos that will give an extra 50 hp without straining what is basically a very stout little motor. BTW, I have had mine since July 2000 and have a little over 36,000 miles on it. We love it. ABTW, later this year (or early next, I'm not sure exactly) you will be able to buy the PT Turbo. The same 200hp as with the add-ons and still have the full factory warranty. Faster horses, younger women, older whiskey, more money. Why do they call it "Tourist Season" if we can't shoot them? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skybytch 273 #56 September 6, 2002 Quotelater this year (or early next, I'm not sure exactly) you will be able to buy the PT Turbo. But when, oh when, will they be coming out with the rag top? Saw a pic of a concept PT Cruiser convertible... had to go change my pants. I'd seriously consider going into that much debt right now if I could have one of those. QuoteGM is known for bad engines Yeah, that 350 V8 is a real piece of shit. So's the 454. And what a pain in the ass to be able to find parts at a semi-reasonable price in any small town anywhere in the continental US. Not to mention mechanics who actually know how to work on them. QuoteOnly buy American if I've only owned American made cars, and I probably always will. While I think Toyota and Honda make excellent cars, I choose to support US based companies for my four wheeled transportation. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Deuce 1 #57 September 6, 2002 QuoteYeah, that 350 V8 is a real piece of shit. So's the 454. Pfwah! My cousin had a 454 Corvette with sidepipes. Foolish/wonderful guy let me drive it when I WAS 16! He leant me his Corvette to go to 2 Junior proms and three Senior proms. (do the math on that one) It was pearl white. Oh, man, I'm squirming in my seat just remembering that beast. Yeah, that 454 was a real piece of sh*t. Bwahaha! Get a 1970 454 Stingray with sidepipes! (year may be incorrect for you Vette fanatics like Riggerob) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Scoby 0 #58 September 6, 2002 QuoteQuoteMy preference is for sedans over SUVs (less maintenance). Something along the lines of a LeSabre, Taurus, Grand Am. And you get recommendations for Mini Coopers, pickup trucks and Harleys, among others. Aren't we spectacularly unhelpful? We're just trying to save him from the inability to get laid that a generic american sedan would foist upon him! If I were gonna go that route, I'd look for a used Chevrolet Impala SS. Roomy, domestic, reliable, and you can drive it without feeling your testosterone ebb away. But I'm biased, I don't like big cars generally. Get a hatchback! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AndyMan 7 #59 September 6, 2002 Check out Pontiac's website, and take a look at the Grand Prix G-Force... it looks REAL nice, and relatively affordable, by european and japanese standards. Of course, this still goes by my rule that if you're going to buy American, don't keep i longer then 3 years... _Am__ You put the fun in "funnel" - craichead. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jraf 0 #60 September 6, 2002 Oh, for Christ's sake do the Pontiac thing. Be a man. Buy a GTO My dad used to have one: It cool, it cool and it kicketh assjraf Me Jungleman! Me have large Babalui. Muff #3275 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rhino 0 #61 September 6, 2002 QuoteOf course, this still goes by my rule that if you're going to buy American, don't keep i longer then 3 years... That is no lie... I love my VW!!!!!!!!!! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Scoby 0 #62 September 6, 2002 QuoteOh, for Christ's sake do the Pontiac thing. Be a man. Buy a GTO My dad used to have one: It cool, it cool and it kicketh ass You know, Pontiac is bringing out a retro GTO next year. It is going to be based on the Holden Monaro, with the engine from a Camaro Z28. It actually looks really cool. It will be something like $40K, though... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jfields 0 #63 September 6, 2002 QuoteI've only owned American made cars, and I probably always will. While I think Toyota and Honda make excellent cars, I choose to support US based companies for my four wheeled transportation. While I totally understand the sentiment, I question the effectiveness and real impact of this action. The days of American cars having all-American parts and "Imports" all coming over on boats is long gone. Some foriegn-badged cars are assembled here by American workers using lots of American parts. And some "domestic" car makers get major sections pre-assembled from overseas. As for manufacturer ownership, it takes an accountant to figure out all the corporate parents, alliances and deals. I've never bought a new vehicle, since I see better value in used ones. But if I were to actually buy a new vehicle, I would look for the best compromise between cost, features and reliability without regard to supposed country of origin. Maybe if all else were totally equal, I'd buy American. I wouldn't have stuck to domestics during the 70s-80s "garbage years". Why should I pay more for an inferior product? If anything, it was all the people buying higher-quality imports that finally sent the message to US manufacturers to get their act together or go out of business. My tally of what I've driven to date is 4 American and 4 imports. Right now, I drive a Ford and my wife drives a Toyota. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
fudd 0 #64 September 6, 2002 Any kind of car that you could live in while rocking around from dz to dz Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites skybytch 273 #65 September 6, 2002 QuoteWhile I totally understand the sentiment, I question the effectiveness and real impact of this action. Oh I know my choice of vehicle doesn't affect anything or anyone but me. That's okay. My choice comes from having worked in the automotive industry for 15 years (10 at a service station - a "real" full service service station not a self serve mini mart, 4 as parts counter at a GM dealership and 1 with a company that built and supplied parts for high performance engines). QuoteI wouldn't have stuck to domestics during the 70s-80s "garbage years". I've owned/driven two mid-70's Chevy Monte Carlos, an early 70's Dodge Dart, a early 80's Ford truck, an early 80's Chevy Caprice, an early 80's Ford wagon and a late 60's Chevy Camaro. Every one of them were good cars, with the possible exception of the transmission on the Ford wagon. From my personal experience I call the "garbage cars" designation b.s. The only thing I'd complain about with any of those vehicles is the crappy gas mileage - but that's what I get for preferring V8 engines I guess. Another point in favor of American cars compared to imports built during that timeframe is the safety factor. I've been in two accidents in those cars; had I been driving a 70's-80's Toyota or Honda in one of them I'd likely have been seriously injured. Having seen hundreds of wrecked vehicles in the storage yard that my dad's towing service had, I can say with some authority that imports from that time frame didn't survive front end impacts nearly as well as their beefier US built competitors. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites happythoughts 0 #66 September 6, 2002 My fav car of all time was my 1970 Dodge Challenger. 383mag. Right now they are using the motor to supply electricity to an entire Somali village. I drive a Saturn now. Americans did it to themselves. Harley refused to make a bike smaller than 1000cc and Honda said we will. Suzuki had a boat motor with oil-injection 7 years before Johnson did it. American businesses had every opportunity to provide a competitive product and arrogantly didn't. In "Search for Excellence" there are a lot of examples of how American car dealership service drove customers to foreign cars. Now, the focus has changed. However, it took the competition to drive that change. Remember when people said a product was "Japanese" and it meant inferior ? They learned. What do you think of Honda quality now ? I buy Saturns because I think they are a superior product. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites jfields 0 #67 September 6, 2002 QuoteAnother point in favor of American cars compared to imports built during that timeframe is the safety factor. In part, that is true. The foriegn cars of that era got better gas mileage because they were lighter and used thinner metal. The safety advances that allowed cars to be both more efficient AND safer didn't come until later. Things like seatbelts with lap and shoulder, air bags, crumple zones, etc. When I was first driving, I drove vehicles built like tanks: '68 Valiant, '72 Volvo & '75 K-5 Blazer. It took awhile for US automakers to start catching up with the efficiency and features of the imports. My old Honda had a more intelligently-designed layout than the domestics I could buy. Levers in the right places, features that made sense and stuff like that. And it got great mileage. It was also sportier and more fun to drive. I'm not comparing it to US sports cars, as it wasn't one. But if you compare it to the small sedans and such, it handled better and had a more reliable engine. The notable place where I think US manufacturers are (and have been) way ahead of foriegn ones is in trucks. Not cutesy little SUVs built on a car chassis. I'm talking about real trucks like pickups, Suburban/Tahoe type utility vehicles, etc. If I were buying one, it would definitely be domestic. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites cyberskydive 0 #68 September 6, 2002 I used to be a mechanic etc and have developed a few "likes" along the way-lol I usually lead toward what I know, and alot of this is based on what I saw while working for dealerships. I also tend to lean towards cars that are also easier/faster to work on etc. Take it for what you will. I havent worked in a real shop since '01. GM cars (Chevy,olds,buik,pontiac,gmc etc) 3.1(V6), 3.4(V6), 4.3(V6), 5.3(V8), 5.7(V8) -I would consider a car with any of those engines, auto or manual transmission. The only exception is the 3.1 engine that comes stock with the Camaros and Firebirds, While not necessarily a "bad" engine, I've got to many scars from working on them, and even the simplest job is a biatch! Up for the 5.7(LS1?Ithink?) in those. I think all the GM 4 cylinders are crap, lol, although the 2.2 can tough it out sometimes, I would never buy 2 particular engines in GM cars. First the Quad 4 2.4 (DOHC) is like gm's attemp to act japanese, You have to R&R half the damn engine to replace a freakin water pump and guess what, they always start leakin at some point! The job pays like 6 hours under warranty, 8 customer pay, and it almost takes that long with a lift and air tools! -lol The second is the older 3.4(DOHC)(X in the engine spot on the vin I think) God I hate those cars-lol, I'll leave it at that..... now as far as GM bodies go, I personally have a 2k Alero (for now), I like it and would recommend it with the 3.4(V6) engine option... other bodies, Corvette(I just like em even if they have styrofoam filled bumpers and body panels-lol, they go fasssst and you can get that cool heads up display and play star trek or something-ha) Also you get good tunnel vision at 150mph down hwy 78(in GA)-lol The imprints of your fingers will stick in the steering wheel tho.....oh yeah, dont get one stuck over tall grass -lol, the melt really fast and complete when the light up! any body that looks cool with a good engine-lol VW cars, I'll take an old bug anyday(non super-beetle), but I'm prepeared to do the work. I like the V6's in the passat and jetta's, I dont necessarily like gas 4cylinders but they aint bad, never seemed to do much on the diesels, I'd get one. Izuzu's I'd prolly look at any of the v6 Izuzu's, but to me Izuzi's regular maintenance is stupid tho, I just hate timing belts on em..... in short to me the best cars are the ones that have been designed to allow for minimal maintenance and easy maintenance, that looks cool, goes fairly fast, and doresnt break down alot-lol-System.Windows.IUnknown.Crash.Reboot.Crash.Reboot.Freeze.Crash.Reboot.Break.Stuff.dot... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Prev 1 2 3 Next Page 3 of 3 Join the conversation You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account. Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible. Reply to this topic... × Pasted as rich text. Paste as plain text instead Only 75 emoji are allowed. × Your link has been automatically embedded. 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skybytch 273 #65 September 6, 2002 QuoteWhile I totally understand the sentiment, I question the effectiveness and real impact of this action. Oh I know my choice of vehicle doesn't affect anything or anyone but me. That's okay. My choice comes from having worked in the automotive industry for 15 years (10 at a service station - a "real" full service service station not a self serve mini mart, 4 as parts counter at a GM dealership and 1 with a company that built and supplied parts for high performance engines). QuoteI wouldn't have stuck to domestics during the 70s-80s "garbage years". I've owned/driven two mid-70's Chevy Monte Carlos, an early 70's Dodge Dart, a early 80's Ford truck, an early 80's Chevy Caprice, an early 80's Ford wagon and a late 60's Chevy Camaro. Every one of them were good cars, with the possible exception of the transmission on the Ford wagon. From my personal experience I call the "garbage cars" designation b.s. The only thing I'd complain about with any of those vehicles is the crappy gas mileage - but that's what I get for preferring V8 engines I guess. Another point in favor of American cars compared to imports built during that timeframe is the safety factor. I've been in two accidents in those cars; had I been driving a 70's-80's Toyota or Honda in one of them I'd likely have been seriously injured. Having seen hundreds of wrecked vehicles in the storage yard that my dad's towing service had, I can say with some authority that imports from that time frame didn't survive front end impacts nearly as well as their beefier US built competitors. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
happythoughts 0 #66 September 6, 2002 My fav car of all time was my 1970 Dodge Challenger. 383mag. Right now they are using the motor to supply electricity to an entire Somali village. I drive a Saturn now. Americans did it to themselves. Harley refused to make a bike smaller than 1000cc and Honda said we will. Suzuki had a boat motor with oil-injection 7 years before Johnson did it. American businesses had every opportunity to provide a competitive product and arrogantly didn't. In "Search for Excellence" there are a lot of examples of how American car dealership service drove customers to foreign cars. Now, the focus has changed. However, it took the competition to drive that change. Remember when people said a product was "Japanese" and it meant inferior ? They learned. What do you think of Honda quality now ? I buy Saturns because I think they are a superior product. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jfields 0 #67 September 6, 2002 QuoteAnother point in favor of American cars compared to imports built during that timeframe is the safety factor. In part, that is true. The foriegn cars of that era got better gas mileage because they were lighter and used thinner metal. The safety advances that allowed cars to be both more efficient AND safer didn't come until later. Things like seatbelts with lap and shoulder, air bags, crumple zones, etc. When I was first driving, I drove vehicles built like tanks: '68 Valiant, '72 Volvo & '75 K-5 Blazer. It took awhile for US automakers to start catching up with the efficiency and features of the imports. My old Honda had a more intelligently-designed layout than the domestics I could buy. Levers in the right places, features that made sense and stuff like that. And it got great mileage. It was also sportier and more fun to drive. I'm not comparing it to US sports cars, as it wasn't one. But if you compare it to the small sedans and such, it handled better and had a more reliable engine. The notable place where I think US manufacturers are (and have been) way ahead of foriegn ones is in trucks. Not cutesy little SUVs built on a car chassis. I'm talking about real trucks like pickups, Suburban/Tahoe type utility vehicles, etc. If I were buying one, it would definitely be domestic. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cyberskydive 0 #68 September 6, 2002 I used to be a mechanic etc and have developed a few "likes" along the way-lol I usually lead toward what I know, and alot of this is based on what I saw while working for dealerships. I also tend to lean towards cars that are also easier/faster to work on etc. Take it for what you will. I havent worked in a real shop since '01. GM cars (Chevy,olds,buik,pontiac,gmc etc) 3.1(V6), 3.4(V6), 4.3(V6), 5.3(V8), 5.7(V8) -I would consider a car with any of those engines, auto or manual transmission. The only exception is the 3.1 engine that comes stock with the Camaros and Firebirds, While not necessarily a "bad" engine, I've got to many scars from working on them, and even the simplest job is a biatch! Up for the 5.7(LS1?Ithink?) in those. I think all the GM 4 cylinders are crap, lol, although the 2.2 can tough it out sometimes, I would never buy 2 particular engines in GM cars. First the Quad 4 2.4 (DOHC) is like gm's attemp to act japanese, You have to R&R half the damn engine to replace a freakin water pump and guess what, they always start leakin at some point! The job pays like 6 hours under warranty, 8 customer pay, and it almost takes that long with a lift and air tools! -lol The second is the older 3.4(DOHC)(X in the engine spot on the vin I think) God I hate those cars-lol, I'll leave it at that..... now as far as GM bodies go, I personally have a 2k Alero (for now), I like it and would recommend it with the 3.4(V6) engine option... other bodies, Corvette(I just like em even if they have styrofoam filled bumpers and body panels-lol, they go fasssst and you can get that cool heads up display and play star trek or something-ha) Also you get good tunnel vision at 150mph down hwy 78(in GA)-lol The imprints of your fingers will stick in the steering wheel tho.....oh yeah, dont get one stuck over tall grass -lol, the melt really fast and complete when the light up! any body that looks cool with a good engine-lol VW cars, I'll take an old bug anyday(non super-beetle), but I'm prepeared to do the work. I like the V6's in the passat and jetta's, I dont necessarily like gas 4cylinders but they aint bad, never seemed to do much on the diesels, I'd get one. Izuzu's I'd prolly look at any of the v6 Izuzu's, but to me Izuzi's regular maintenance is stupid tho, I just hate timing belts on em..... in short to me the best cars are the ones that have been designed to allow for minimal maintenance and easy maintenance, that looks cool, goes fairly fast, and doresnt break down alot-lol-System.Windows.IUnknown.Crash.Reboot.Crash.Reboot.Freeze.Crash.Reboot.Break.Stuff.dot... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
