Who Makes The Best Cars?

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http://autos.yahoo.com/articles/autos_content_landing_pages/549/who-makes-the-best-cars/;_ylc=X3oDMTFla2VjZzMzBF9TAzI3MTYxNDkEc2VjA2ZwLXRv ZGF5BHNsawN3aG8tbWFrZXMtdGhlLWJlc3Q-

[bolly]

middleclass cars? teh soobs of course! :king:

[Sandy G]

Awrite guys, keep it civil-this has the potential to become a 1st Class P*ssing Contest- An' I won't put up w/it, I'll tell ya that right off the bat...

[WhiteSE]

and who makes the best bats?

[Brian]

In the decades it has been around I've found Consumers Report to be less than either meaningful or helpful in making a product decision. When I was into audio gear and owned my stores from time to time someone would come in with an issue just out and ask for model A of brand X and everyone would scratch their heads wondering why the mag was currently reporting on a model that had been out of production by more than a year. One time we got an inside tip about an upcoming report finding a particular obsolete model as highly rated. We contacted the manufacturer and found had had a warehouse of B class models as they had a high % of DOA and got a deal on consignment of a truckload. We called a mag distributor and made arrangements to get several hundred copies of the Mag and did a promo for a sale for the night before the release to the stands as a mystery sale. Worked great, the college crowd ate it up.

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It's not just CR. You can check MSN Auto's, Carsurvey.org, and Edmunds.com.
And did anybody read how close many of the other cars mentioned are?

[botrytis]

It's not just CR. You can check MSN Auto's, Carsurvey.org, and Edmunds.com.
And did anybody read how close many of the other cars mentioned are?

Just so you know - they all parrot each other. In fact, once on Edmunds they posted an article that was Direct from CR no mods nothing.

I prefer to read REAL car magazines and also watch Top Gear.

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Just so you know - they all parrot each other. In fact, once on Edmunds they posted an article that was Direct from CR no mods nothing.

I prefer to read REAL car magazines and also watch Top Gear.

Just so you know all the sites mentioned have reviews that are written by individual owners. Read them. Many reviewers right poor reviews. But many also write excellent ones. I am talking about real cars driven by real drivers. Not exotics, or muscle cars.

[soundson]

Having been a V.W. tech for 20 years I can say with all certainty they don't.They used to be good cars for the money but in the age of computer controled insanity I'm not sure if anybody builds a good car.Alot of cheap plastic compents that are designed to fail after about 3 years.Also with the stricter and stricter EPA emision requirments cars are alot more expense to repair. I read in California what comes out is cleaner than what goes in.

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I have, and many others also have had great success with Honda. I don't think you can say one make is the best, but Honda has a big niche market. They make money. Everybody in my Family owns one and besides regular maintenance nothing goes wrong. I did put a starter in my old Civic, and it can be quirky, but it's been quite reliable, and it does quite well, although for it's engine size I think it could do even better on gas. But I don't do much highway driving.

[thedelihaus]

In the decades it has been around I've found Consumers Report to be less than either meaningful or helpful in making a product decision. When I was into audio gear...everyone would scratch their heads wondering why the mag was currently reporting on a model that had been out of production by more than a year...

From what I've read, the reason the Boston Acoustic BA A70 was brought back after it was discontinued was due to a consumer Reports article.

Can you confirm or deny this? I'd be interested in your take.:thmbsp:

Having been a V.W. tech for 20 years.....

Familiar then, with the window retainer clips, coil packs, Passat computers, vacuum lock systems, 1.8T "oil fix" (larger capacity filter), ect...?:D

Another former VW employee here.:yes:

Still, had lots of fun with the GTIs, and despite their issues, the Tuaregs.

[MontreuxBlue]

123456789

[Fisherdude]

Without making any comment whatsoever on one brand over another...(I'm being good, Uncle Sandy!)...I have a humorous comment from somebody in the industry.

I've noticed the precipitous drop in MB's quality rankings over the last 5-10 years, from essentially tied with Honda/Toyota for the top spots, to around 10th place, behind...(gasp!) Chevrolet.

I was at work a couple of months ago, and a very nicely dressed customer paid with a debit card with a BMW logo on it. I noticed it, and asked if he worked for BMW. "Sort of....I'm the President of BMW North America.". :jawdrop: (Turns out he was the former President of Rolls Royce!).

I made the comment about their biggest competitor, MB, having dropped so far in the quality rankings, and he replied: "Oh, that's the Chrysler effect!!".:D

[TheSonyman1]

I've owned a Lexus since 1991 and have had no problems with them!They are well built,well thought out and hold their value extremely well.

[Eric Clark]

I've noticed the precipitous drop in MB's quality rankings over the last 5-10 years, from essentially tied with Honda/Toyota for the top spots, to around 10th place, behind...(gasp!) Chevrolet.


I wish they'd go back to over engineering their cars. At least the C class has been holding up well. I hope the E is dose well for long term ownership since it is a fine looking car. The initial E's for this style (02 & 03) had a lot of problems.

[Aage]

Just so you know - they all parrot each other. In fact, once on Edmunds they posted an article that was Direct from CR no mods nothing.

I prefer to read REAL car magazines and also watch Top Gear.

If your REAL mags are the ones that live (mostly) on ads placed by the people whose cars they test, then I have my doubts that editorial comments or tests can be unbiased.

Even more so when I hear that the cars they test were provided by those same manufacturers...

[clydeselsor]

I have a 2000 Honda CR-V and my wife has a 2003 Honda Accord. We are both very happy with our cars, but I don't really like driving her Accord.

[AnalogDigit]

I had a Honda Civic that I drove with 183,000 miles on it. I traded it in for a used 2001 Toyota Corolla at CarMax with 59,000 miles. I since put 104,000 miles on it and I only had to do routine maintainance on it. (new serpentine belt, tires, oil change). Great gas mileage, but I do miss the Civic. It had a V-Tec engine which was very preppy when you hit the gas.

My brother has a 2001 Saturn SC2 he owned for six years, never had a problem with that car neither.

[gigidy5]

My family are honda people. Love those little suckers.

Currently my sister has a hyundai, and its TERRIBLE shes gonna trade it in for an accord.

I wont mention my parents cars (both V6's though:D)

And I'm driving a 1986 240 DL (volvo) that has 376,529 miles on it. Its really starting to fade out though. The engine is fine but the interior is falling apart and it has no bumper and you can see the ground through the parking brake setting. But with the problems it has I went 110mph in it (closed course) IT WAS SO DAMMED FUN!! only a 2.4L 4 cylinder but it SCREAMS when you punch it.:yes::sigh:

Since this thing is fading out I'll either get an accord with a V-6 and put a blower on it (536hp 50% gain). Or go to Erie Volvo in New York and get a (brand new) 940.

BTW: My dad is the kind of person that wants us to be able to get out of way real fast if we need to. And whenever we are driving he encourages us. i.e. Dad: Punch it (while cornering) Me: I know (snapping the pedal against the floorboard)

So my nominations for best car made cars are...


Volvo (not the new ones made by ford, 1991 and earlier) number 1
Honda fractional second
Delorean 3rd
etc...

[1980'slover]

i kinda dont like hondas made in the years 1990 to 2007 because they all have been having safty problems! i heard from this one website the problems they had here is the link http://www.consumeraffairs.com/automotive/honda_bags.html

[Rat44]

I have a 87'Nissan Pulsar that just keeps running.Finally had to put a clutch in it.It has about 240,00 miles on the engine.Don't want to discuss my 91 Mercury Sable.I love American cars but......Of course I have a '70 Jeep Wagoneer that I still can work on.

[stuwee]

I like old land yacht's, I've seen to many bad wreaks with the little new cars. Plus I like the doin' the Detroit lean while I' drivin' my living room:D Blastin' "I'm a Highway Star":music:

Craig

[botrytis]

http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/

I just did a search on 2007 Honda Civics on NHTSA webste - one recall is a flaw that may cause the wheel to fall off? (cars affected 260000) There were 2 others for Honda that were also serious.

I also searched on my car (2007 VW GTI) and there was one - missing bolt covers on the headlamp adjusters - 34,500 cars affected.

I guess the point is there is such a nuance in quality that most cars are decent - just buy what you like.

[botrytis]

If your REAL mags are the ones that live (mostly) on ads placed by the people whose cars they test, then I have my doubts that editorial comments or tests can be unbiased.

Even more so when I hear that the cars they test were provided by those same manufacturers...

I feel the same way about CR since they get money, as a non-profit, from Honda, Toyota, and Nissan and many other places. They may be all just as guilty.

Now Top Gear - at least they call it like they see it.

[Eric Clark]

I guess the point is there is such a nuance in quality that most cars are decent - just buy what you like.

:yes: Exactly. Who gives a damn what is best. I know what I like and it involves RWD and two feet to drive. I don't care what sticker is on the back.

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i kinda dont like hondas made in the years 1990 to 2007 because they all have been having safty problems! i heard from this one website the problems they had here is the link http://www.consumeraffairs.com/automotive/honda_bags.html

I was in a pretty bad accident a few years ago in a 1993 Integra. Outside of some whiplash I would have been okay if I had my seat belt on. Well I didn't, and although I looked like Frankenstein for a while I came out okay. The force of the impact sent me into, but not through the windshield. The affect cause my hard head to crack the windshield, and glance off of the cracked windshield taking most of my left eyelid with it. So I know a little about this. If I had an airbag in the car would it have prevented this, or would I have been crushed upon deployment? :scratch2:

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:yes: Exactly. Who gives a damn what is best. I know what I like and it involves RWD and two feet to drive. I don't care what sticker is on the back.

I WANT RELIABILITY!!! If you don't give a damn why should the manufacturer?

[Eric Clark]

I WANT RELIABILITY!!! If you don't give a damn why should the manufacturer?

:boring:

[merrylander]

I imagine most any car from the major manufacturers, if treated properly, would last well today. I bought Florence her Chev Impala LS in 2000 because it had a five star safety rating and was the only full size car to get a fuel economy listing by the EPA. She fell in love with it after the test drive. I bought mine the following year after borrowing her's for a week while they checked out the A/C in my Ford Probe and liked the handling. Both cars are now seven years old and have been very reliable. Kind of disproved the theory that you should never buy a car in the first model year.

[WhiteSE]

I have had 3 Ford Contours, one Renault Fuego (yeah baby) and one Renault Alliance (don't snicker)...and gave them mileage up the wazzoo....never had an issue really.

[cfranz]

Someone rear-ended my '99 Grand Am recently. 100,000 miles and absolutely nothing wrong with it and I do mean nothing (Except of course that the whole rear end was missing after the accident).

Bought a v6 Hyundai Sanada for no better reasons then:
1) Got next to nothing from insurance.
2) 10 year warranty
3) 0% financing for 5 years.

I take trips from Chicago to Ft. Wayne IN. and to Lincoln NE so I need a comfortable ride. The Grand Am was that comfortable and had excellent gas mileage on the highway. The Sanada is almost as comfortable and strangely does not have near as good gas mileage on the highway. They were exactly the opposite for city driving. Go Figure.

As for your high end sports cars. Got that out of my system years ago.

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:boring:

And this is why manufacturers can make rubish. Another word no valid answer. You couldn't give me a German car. And I am part German.

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Someone rear-ended my '99 Grand Am recently. 100,000 miles and absolutely nothing wrong with it and I do mean nothing (Except of course that the whole rear end was missing after the accident).

Bought a v6 Hyundai Sanada for no better reasons then:
1) Got next to nothing from insurance.
2) 10 year warranty
3) 0% financing for 5 years.

I take trips from Chicago to Ft. Wayne IN. and to Lincoln NE so I need a comfortable ride. The Grand Am was that comfortable and had excellent gas mileage on the highway. The Sanada is almost as comfortable and strangely does not have near as good gas mileage on the highway. They were exactly the opposite for city driving. Go Figure.

As for your high end sports cars. Got that out of my system years ago.

Exactly. The point was to give an idea of a good utilitarian vehicle. I wonder how many people read reviews, and research vehicles before they buy. If more did many more manufacturers would have to build a better product. Namely overpriced, and overrated German cars. Remember the Million Dollar Mercedes that wouldn't run?
Honda, and Acura both have had Automatic Transmission problems. Outside of an Integra I would be very leery of a 98-03 Acura.

[Aage]

If'n I ha my druthers, I'd be drivin one 'o them Rolls Rice cars. They'se nice!

[stuwee]

I have had 3 Ford Contours, one Renault Fuego (yeah baby) and one Renault Alliance (don't snicker)...and gave them mileage up the wazzoo....never had an issue really.

No gas tank leaks on the Contours? Lucky man! High mileage Renault's, even luckier!! Some crazy MF used to put Ford SHO engines in LeCars where the back seat used to be called it a SHO-Gun IIRC, oversteer for hours:D on your face for day's!!

Craig

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If'n I ha my druthers, I'd be drivin one 'o them Rolls Rice cars. They'se nice!

Pre BMW? I think Rolls (BMW Subsidiary) still guarantee's the car for the life of the owner. I believe if you are the original owner they will come get you and bring the car in for service at no charge if it is not regular maintenance. Sure I wouldn't mind a Rolls, as long as it's Rolls Royce and not BMW-Rolls Royce.

[6thumbs]

I allmost wish the 2+ ton gas guzzling slob I,m driving would finally quit running,,but at over 200,000 miles and a qt of 5/30 every 3k miles it appears my 87 town car will probablly out last me

[Eric Clark]

And this is why manufacturers can make rubish. Another word no valid answer. You couldn't give me a German car. And I am part German.

I have had 3 BMWs since a Honda. Last time I was on a Honda lot the only RWD car they had was the S2000. They simply do not build a car I like, nothing wrong with them, they are just not for me. Get over the fact some of us have different priorities then you. Different opinions make this place great, please try to respect mine for a change.

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I have had 3 BMWs since a Honda. Last time I was on a Honda lot the only RWD car they had was the S2000. They simply do not build a car I like, nothing wrong with them, they are just not for me. Get over the fact some of us have different priorities then you. Different opinions make this place great, please try to respect mine for a change.

:boring:

[merrylander]

No gas tank leaks on the Contours? Lucky man! High mileage Renault's, even luckier!! Some crazy MF used to put Ford SHO engines in LeCars where the back seat used to be called it a SHO-Gun IIRC, oversteer for hours:D on your face for day's!!

Craig

I remember seeing a Renault LeCar locally where the owner has some lettering done down the side of the car making is L'Escargot.:D

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I remember seeing a Renault LeCar locally where the owner has some lettering done down the side of the car making is L'Escargot.:D

That's a good one Rob. :lmao:

[stuwee]

I remember seeing a Renault LeCar locally where the owner has some lettering done down the side of the car making is L'Escargot.:D

Outstanding, in more ways than one:D To bad you didn't get a pic! There was a company that sold badges for VW's, remember the fuel injection with the cute bunny above it on the front fender of the old Rabbits? This one looked just like it but, with bunnys doin' what bunnys do best.

Craig

[Carmine]

Someone rear-ended my '99 Grand Am recently. 100,000 miles and absolutely nothing wrong with it and I do mean nothing (Except of course that the whole rear end was missing after the accident).

Bought a v6 Hyundai Sanada for no better reasons then:
1) Got next to nothing from insurance.
2) 10 year warranty
3) 0% financing for 5 years.

I take trips from Chicago to Ft. Wayne IN. and to Lincoln NE so I need a comfortable ride. The Grand Am was that comfortable and had excellent gas mileage on the highway. The Sanada is almost as comfortable and strangely does not have near as good gas mileage on the highway. They were exactly the opposite for city driving. Go Figure.


Which I suppose proves the idea that no matter how good you build a car, people rank price ahead of prior experience. The Grand Am replacement is called the G6.

BTW not that it matters one bit, but I think you mean "Sonata"... that's a Korean word for "disposable car".

[Sandy G]

Best car I ever had ? Simple. '76 Olds Cutlass Supreme Brougham. 350, auto, air, rear wheel drive, the kind of car Detroit had been building for 40 years at that point, & had down to an absolute fine art..

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Which I suppose proves the idea that no matter how good you build a car, people rank price ahead of prior experience. The Grand Am replacement is called the G6.

BTW not that it matters one bit, but I think you mean "Sonata"... that's a Korean word for "disposable car".

What are utilitarian cars eventually? Will the G6 become an heirloom? I have no experience with either make. How many American four bangers from the 80's are still on the road? Those are the cars that the Japanese have gotten their rep from. And we could not build one that would last. Of course those old Japanese cars could be just a tad rusty. :D

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Best car I ever had ? Simple. '76 Olds Cutlass Supreme Brougham. 350, auto, air, rear wheel drive, the kind of car Detroit had been building for 40 years at that point, & had down to an absolute fine art..

But that's the problem. You can't do the same thing forever and continue to be successful in the auto industry. Or just about any business.

[grillebilly]

I think the best is relative to what you are looking for. New cars, man I have no clue. I recently read Buick has the least amount of problems per car. As far as used cars go, Toyota and Buick would be my bet. I am in the car business and speak to many mechanics. The 93-up Buick Park Avenue/LeSabre are great cars. Make sure to get the 3800 V6. The original owners are usually older folks who take great care of them. They also go over 200k with regular maintenance. Toyota engines from the mid 90's up are very strong. Rear wheel drive Chevy V8's are tough animals too, but it has been a while since they were made.

[Sandy G]

I dunno-If I had a chance for a new '76 Cutlass, just like the one I had, FOR THE SAME MONEY-$6500-I'd be ALL over it. Bet a lot of other people would too-they sold about 17 jillion of them cars 1973-77...And you rarely see one today.

[Tapehead47]

Honda.

[M Jarve]

I've been sold on red-block Volvo's since I could drive. I'd still love to get my mitts on a '91 780 Turbo or a C70.

I'm also pretty well sold on the Rover. Mine has more than proven its worth this winter, especially last week. We managed over 30-inches of snow, and the Rover handled like it was not even there. I would even say that when snow is considered, it is even more capable than the Pinzgauer. That said, it tends not to be the most reliable 4 wheels on the road, but I can see why, despite the quality issues, once a fellow buys one, he tends not to turn back. If I had done anything differently when I bought mine, I would have gone to the S.W. (Arizona or California) to buy it instead of locally- they do tend to rust, and quickly at that, aluminum body be damned.

[TVTeufel]

I dunno-If I had a chance for a new '76 Cutlass, just like the one I had, FOR THE SAME MONEY-$6500-I'd be ALL over it. Bet a lot of other people would too-they sold about 17 jillion of them cars 1973-77...And you rarely see one today.


Old's Cutlass was USA's best selling car from (I'm guessing) '68 through '70 something. I had a '70 Cutlass, bought used for 900 bucks with 90K on the clock. I took it to 237K without a major problem ever. The suspension eventually collapsed, but the drivetrain's probably still out there somewhere.

Ron.

[arrow 68]

I think the best is relative to what you are looking for. New cars, man I have no clue. I recently read Buick has the least amount of problems per car. As far as used cars go, Toyota and Buick would be my bet. I am in the car business and speak to many mechanics. The 93-up Buick Park Avenue/LeSabre are great cars. Make sure to get the 3800 V6. The original owners are usually older folks who take great care of them. They also go over 200k with regular maintenance. Toyota engines from the mid 90's up are very strong. Rear wheel drive Chevy V8's are tough animals too, but it has been a while since they were made.

Familiar with Toyota's V6 from the 90's? And Toyota has had many quality issues lately. Check the sites I mentioned earlier in the thread and read some reviews on different models. You will be surprised. -Mark-

[botrytis]

All cars have issues and being condescending just doesn't help to change people's minds.

Let people buy what they want, afterall it is their money.

[Mystic]

Let people buy what they want, after all it is their money.

And that, my friends, ought to have been the final word...let's hear it for the Yugo!

[botrytis]

And that, my friends, ought to have been the final word...let's hear it for the Yugo!


I did have Yugo in my comments but took it out - that is too funny that someone mentioned them!! :banana::banana::tresbon:

[electronjohn]

Sandy...at least in this neck of the woods, Cutlasses such as you lust after were the "kid car" du jour for quite a while...so lots of them were heavily modded, jacked up, rolled into little balls or ended up turning back into iron ore. Current "kid car" around here is a 97-03 Grand Prix...they're all undergoing the same treatment.
As far as who builds the best car? Buick, of course! My 94 Park just turned 175K...and I know I'll get another 100-150K easy. A few hundred a year keeps her purrin'...and you're in the lap of luxury to boot.

[bigstereo]

I dunno-If I had a chance for a new '76 Cutlass, just like the one I had, FOR THE SAME MONEY-$6500-I'd be ALL over it. Bet a lot of other people would too-they sold about 17 jillion of them cars 1973-77...And you rarely see one today.

Right on Unca Sandy! I feel the same way about my 1978 Gran Prix SJ. But you can put me down for a black '86 or '87 Cutlass Salon, or '87 Monte Carlo SS as "southern cars" that I would buy with the intent to restore.

:beerchug:

[slow_jazz]

I have owned 3 Cutlass Supremes. A 1969, a 1977 like you said a great car. That car had the nicest most comfortable bucket seats I've ever owned, and the last one was a 1996 with the 3.1 v-6. All 3 of them were extremely dependable with a very nice ride. I was very saddened when Oldmobile went out of business.

Currently I'm driving a Toyota Solara that is going strong with over 200,000 miles on it.

I think all car makers have an occasional lemon and right now all the major companies are making a great product. I wish Buick would get back to making nice 2 door coupes again.

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All cars have issues and being condescending just doesn't help to change people's minds.

Let people buy what they want, afterall it is their money.

People can buy what ever they want. Who's stopping them?

[stuwee]

I've been sold on red-block Volvo's since I could drive. I'd still love to get my mitts on a '91 780 Turbo or a C70.

I'm also pretty well sold on the Rover. Mine has more than proven its worth this winter, especially last week. We managed over 30-inches of snow, and the Rover handled like it was not even there. I would even say that when snow is considered, it is even more capable than the Pinzgauer. That said, it tends not to be the most reliable 4 wheels on the road, but I can see why, despite the quality issues, once a fellow buys one, he tends not to turn back. If I had done anything differently when I bought mine, I would have gone to the S.W. (Arizona or California) to buy it instead of locally- they do tend to rust, and quickly at that, aluminum body be damned.

I remember seeing a pic you posted after someone asked how it was working out for you and, I was screaming that's too nice to drive in those conditions! Kind defeats the purpose I know (is a series I or II?) sure looked purdy:thmbsp:i think the tailgate is steel and, electrolitic corrosion is sped up with salt in the mix.
Craig

[RussinOhio]

Lamborghini & Ferrari:thmbsp:


(Not that it does ME any good though):drool:

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Lamborghini & Ferrari:thmbsp:


(Not that it does ME any good though):drool:

How about the last model year NSX.

[PioneerGuy85]

Redblock Volvos. That damn 850 coming off the line in '91 (here in '93) was the beginning of the end of the Volvo we'd come to know and love.

BTW, I just picked up a 240 turbo as a project car for $200 :D

[1980'slover]

i think jaguar,bmw, and mercedes make the best cars

[Brian]

I too think the best years of Volvo were behind it when the FWD cars came out but I recently drove a new one and as for ride, comfort, handling, fit and finish it easily is as good and better than my 960 which I think is the best handler since the 1800 with a food set of tires on it. If I were to buy new today, it would be a consideration though I'm not sure I'd just not opt for a Subaru as my experience with the one I owned was wonderful. Almost never had it into service other than for oil and tuneups. More than 140,000 miles on it before having to replace anything other than tires.

[Kamakiri]

i think jaguar,bmw, and mercedes make the best cars

Having been the parts manager of a Jaguar dealership for 5 years, leaving in 2000, I can tell you that owning a Jaguar by and large creates an amazing transformation in a person, it changes you from being an automotive enthusiast to being a pedestrian.

Although, the S-Types have proved to be pretty solid machines.

[MitsuMan]

Having been the parts manager of a Jaguar dealership for 5 years, leaving in 2000, I can tell you that owning a Jaguar by and large creates an amazing transformation in a person, it changes you from being an automotive enthusiast to being a pedestrian.

Although, the S-Types have proved to be pretty solid machines.

Holy crap, long time no see. :yes:

[Rex Everything]

Having been the parts manager of a Jaguar dealership for 5 years, leaving in 2000, I can tell you that owning a Jaguar by and large creates an amazing transformation in a person, it changes you from being an automotive enthusiast to being a pedestrian.

Although, the S-Types have proved to be pretty solid machines.

My old boss was a Jag owner for sometime and she always said of the pre-Ford Jags that if you are gonna own one you may as well buy two so that you have one to drive while the other is being fixed.

Good to see ya back around these parts Kam. You still triken'?

[Fisherdude]

Having been the parts manager of a Jaguar dealership for 5 years, leaving in 2000, I can tell you that owning a Jaguar by and large creates an amazing transformation in a person, it changes you from being an automotive enthusiast to being a pedestrian.

Although, the S-Types have proved to be pretty solid machines.

Yup, 135,000 miles on mine with no significant issues at all.

[JB5pro]

I dunno-If I had a chance for a new '76 Cutlass, just like the one I had, FOR THE SAME MONEY-$6500-I'd be ALL over it. Bet a lot of other people would too-they sold about 17 jillion of them cars 1973-77...And you rarely see one today.

a neighbor had a flawlessly beautiful all black '77 Cutlass Brougham that he used all the time in the hot sun. It was like new. Not the style Cutlass I prefer with the Collanade(race car style) roof and sunroof, etc. but It was loaded with power windows, etc.
About one year ago I was in a local junkyard and saw what was left of it. It's paint still flawless from the doors forward. Most parts were gone. It was a shame to see it. Something had flattened the back end more than any car I have seen. The rear bumper was all the way up to the rear wheels and the trunk area was all the way up to the rear window. Surprisingly the rear passenger compartment was fine.