trinacriabob

What I would give to see a 75 Cutlass Supreme or Salon coupe in Persimmon metallic and in "cherry" condition .... I would dream about that at night Favorite color was the medium to dark metallic blue of 1998 and 1999. It was perfect on the Intrigue. I sometimes lament never having owned one.

Did it have an advertised price that you knew of up front and that was in the ball park? And was there are any unpleasant and prolonged haggling over the price? I think that the experience is always more pleasant when one is actively looking and ready to purchase, as you describe you were doing. It's annoying when they want to push an information gathering episode into a candy bar impulse purchase, and when the person they're pushing is better at penciling through things than they are. That's the rub.

I saw a Chrysler PT Cruiser in burgundy that was all pimped out. It had the phony Lincoln styled rear tire bulge in the back and a lot of extra chrome and portholes. And this was in a conservative, WASPy neighborhood. The driver looked nondescript. I saw a 2000 to 2004 Bonneville in purist form. Those, usually LEs, are among the most rare ... no cladding, no spoiler, etc. I actually liked those cars. The dash is super busy, but interesting ... not one any other GM division would put out! I couldn't find a photo of the purist LE I saw so here's a few, possibly with the spoiler: See dash: Interesting dash unique to the very last Bonneville Also, MANY Aleros and the coupes are always a fine sight.

Yes, though "T-O" implies up a level in the pecking order. With my current car, I found the car in the on-line inventory at a particular dealership, talked to the internet sales manager, and he quoted me a price right over the phone, which he stuck to. The only glitch was that they wanted to sell me a different company's extended warranty while I wanted the one from General Motors. They saw that the sale wouldn't go through unless it was the GM warranty product so they somehow managed to "find" the binder with the GM extended warranty information. I never ended up using it. Ditto with my previous GM car. I guess that's good.

Yes, I am aware that some dealerships are set up for a "T-O" while others are not. Right, if these rules come from the top, then the "underling" (regular salesperson) has to follow them. The timing is perfect here because, today, I looked at my VM and had gotten phone messages from both the salesperson and the sales manager. The salesman was told that I was only looking, that I was passing through the general area (not that far, so feasible) from an appointment, and that I wasn't buying today. I even declined driving the car. I think that I've gotten sort of tired by this tactic. The two on one pressure doesn't work for me. I'd be writing the check and it's not a candy bar, so I tell them that. Comments like "how would you like to drive off in this car today?" have never worked for me. The absolute "winner" was when I was test sitting in a car in California, the salesman pulled a "T-O," and I got fairly heated with them since I was on vacation, the state in which I was domiciled had NO sales tax, and I asked them how they proposed to get the car to a DMV over the state line so I could purchase it free of sales tax. They didn't have a solution. At this point, with vacation + living in a state without a sales tax combo, I felt I was in my right to tell them they were clueless and drive off. This. I haven't bought many cars because I keep them for as long as I can but I always remember the salesperson who was courteous, informative, not cheesy, and "soft sell," and that's who I go back to give my business to when it comes time to purchase.

I tend to take photos when I rent ... Basic econobox Hyundai Accent (in hatchback version) White works but the wheel covers don't do much for me - this was the base model Seats were firm and supportive, but a little tough on the rump - the way they were put together seemed durable and the bolstering and ergonomics were decent for the price point (note that the base model lacked an actual console) Here's the thick rear view in this hatchback ... it's far less of an issue in the sedan. For 2018, only the sedan continues. This is one of the most intuitive dashboard setups I've seen for this price point and it's nicely shaped and easy on the eyes. Without steering wheel audio controls, this is all that is on the steering wheel - the cruise control, and it has fewer toggles than most. At this price point and in this model, you can't adjust cruise mode to a speed that you see as a digital number. Everything you really need at one glance ... I thought it was very cool that the trip odometer button was unmistakable and seen at the bottom right. You push on it and it rotates through the tidbits of automotive information. This was a likable little car and I would have preferred to have experienced it as a sedan.

What's interesting is that Cadillac was successful at reinventing itself while Lincoln has been far less so. Could it be that there is room for only one American "standard?" Nah. Germany puts out several high-line brands: Mercedes, BMW, Audi. So, Lincoln could do it but hasn't pushed the envelope to the extent that Cadillac did. It is amazing to look at who is behind the wheel of a Cadillac anymore and see how far down the age demographic appears to have been pushed. And, even if we're not talking about age, the drivers seem to exude a savvy that the modern day equivalent couple from "American Gothic" would not.

This YouTube is almost half an hour long! At times, I felt like I was listening to Chris Christie.

Just recently, I went to look at the fresh new car version of a car I have rented. I wanted to see the sticker, sit in it, check visibility, yada yada. The kid helping me was really nice and I didn't want to take up much of his time. He added, "It sounds like you really want to drive this car." I told him, "Not today." We unlocked it, I sat in it, turned on the engine, and got a feel for the controls. I also looked at the trunk. That was all I needed. I also took a brochure. As I'm about to leave, he says, "If you've got a couple of minutes, there's someone I'd like you to meet." *Cue to leave, in my book* I told him that I didn't have the time and headed for the door. It was an obvious turnover in the making. If someone tries a turnover on me, I will not be buying a car from this individual in the future. I just leave and it's a closed chapter. Man, I hate going to the dealerships at night when the car doors are locked and you can't really get a feel for the car and I hate having to wait an entire year between auto shows so I can cut loose like a kid in a candy store, but also have to part with some coin for the hassle free privilege. What do you do when you visit car dealerships out of curiosity and are subjected to a "turnover?"

The price is a deterrent. And it's not just the Continental. One has to add the purchase price of such sleds plus all the pricey maintenance and complicated gizmos that could go sideways after the 7 year itch. For one, I'm not sold on 100,000 mile transmission fluid change intervals under optimal conditions that automakers display in their manuals. Cheap insurance: do it about every 30,000 miles instead. I, too, am surprised that there are now FoMoCo and Chrysler products I like. A decade ago, that would have been highly unlikely for me.

We may have discussed this before on the forum, but were there longevity differences in the four divisions' small block 350 V8s of the 70s? I vaguely recall that Chevy had select 305 and 350 units that had camshafts that prematurely needed work. Don't know much about how long the different 350s could go with identical and on schedule maintenance.

RIght. I recall a 425 c.i. on a list somewhere but not a 465 c.i.

I believe that says "Wildcat 465," no? I don't see the clutter created by having a canted distributor up front, per their later V8s. That sure is clean. Not only that, all plugs appear to be accessible to a dilettante. Now, if there's an A/C compressor, it's either tucked down below or just not present in this car. GM 350 "beauty contest" (70s vintage) by division: 1. Oldsmobile 2. Pontiac 3. Chevrolet 4. Buick Let's not forget the very first Cadillac Seville ran with a throttle body fuel injected Olds 350 V8 for about a handful of years, too. That was a real nod to Oldsmobile engineering and durability. It sure is great to see an original Seville in almost mint condition. I loved those cars. Anyone, of almost any size, could now easily drive a Cadillac, thanks to the Seville.

Am I weird for liking to study engine bays? It's interesting how simplistic and solid state or how complex engine compartments can be nowadays. When 350 V8s ruled the roost, I was able to tell whether the engine was built by Chevrolet, Pontiac, Olds, or Buick just by the way it was configured ... no labels or brand of car needed. Olds had the "best" looking 350 V8 while Buick had the "ugliest" looking 350 V8, IMO. Anymore, I just wipe my engine down periodically and take minor amounts of degreasing spray with the more focused pointer feature to areas far, far away from any sensors and electronics.

Just thinking of Tesla makes me want to go Amish horse and buggy. I've got two power door lock transponders (pricey) that I need to eventually fix and keep postponing it. Oftentimes, less is more.

Yes, thank you. I believe every time I've been there is in October. To me, Mont-Tremblant is all about the seasonal change, mostly autumn. I gave up skiing a while back. To those in the states, there are actually Asian groups who charter wide body jets to fly to Quebec to see the leaves at peak color. The funny thing is that Japan also has an impressive changeover into autumn, yet these folks still choose to fly to Quebec. Whether in Canada or in Europe, it's always interesting to watch the demure yet very curious groups of Asian tourists.

I am not exactly a fan of country music. Some of it is sappy, twangy, and either Deep South or flyover zone. And some of it could be my own self imposed limitations toward it. Either way, there are a few gems in this genre and then some. If you've been to Galveston, TX, you might agree it has a good vibe. I've always had a good time at Galveston when I've been to Houston. Galveston This song, "Misty," was composed by Erroll Garner (don't know who he is) as an instrumental romantic jazz standard, also performed by Johnny Mathis, and then given its last facelift by Ray Stevens ... yes ... the same guy who sang that crazy song "The Streak!" His rendition has proved to be by far the most popular, and for good reason. I learned Ray Stevens hails for a northwestern suburb of Atlanta. Misty Good stuff, if I may say so.

I found the MKS to be an attractive car, once trailing one up along the 15 (Autoroute des Laurentides) to Mont-Tremblant, Quebec. All the proportions and angles seemed just right and such an improvement for a marque that generally has never appealed to me compared to GM's Cadillac division. As for this vehicle, I will have to say that it is a beautifully crafted car. Some aspects of it are very nice, such as the imposing and classic grille as well as the nicely finished interior, especially in blue leather.

Happy St. Patrick's Day, folks. I will be having dinner at an Irish tavern I know of.

I came up with a joke ... Q: How does a person learn to fix Toyotas? A: They go to appliance repair school. Feel free to laugh ...

Thanks, bud. Have you ever been behind the wheel of a Hyundai vehicle? I was somewhat impressed. And that good of an automatic trans. in a $15,000 car?

Every once in a while, I check this out for a good laugh: Hot Rot Lincoln by Commander Cody So much SoCal footage. The "Grapevine Hill" was very much a part of my growing up and traveling around SoCal. There are apparently some old school movie stars in it, though the only one I could identify is Robert Mitchum. At about 2:29, I wondered if that footage was from Havana, Cuba for those few seconds.

I once drove the last Sonata ... via a vehicle exchange. Very competent. Nothing quirky or fussy. Also, not exciting. Highway fuel economy was definitely respectable. It was more likable than either an Altima or a Camry.

Thank you. I was surprised by my experience. I also forgot to mention that the seats were a little on the hard side, but not too bad. It was funny that, afterwards, my 10 year old LaCrosse felt almost like a luxury car.

I had always known Hyundai Accents were in the compact category for rentals and I've seen so many on the road, but I had never driven one. I had one of those ridiculously low rental rates for a couple of weekend days, and it was actually for an intermediate. Upon arrival, I was told that this off-airport location had very few cars and that I'd be upgraded ... to a Buick Encore. Well, I really didn't want one. I asked if they had regular cars. I was told they had a smaller car in the way of a Hyundai Accent. I told the agent I'd take it. He seemed sort of surprised. First, the car was not an Accent sedan, but a hatchback. As I got in, I looked around and adjusted things. The dash in this car is one of the easiest to get accustomed to, as are the switches in the door panels. The materials are not high grade but they manage to look respectable and feel durable. The Accent's main panel has two round gauges with an analog tachometer (left) and a speedometer (right). In between are bar type gauges for temperature and fuel. I have to have a temperature gauge and a few economy cars have done away with them. Boohoo. The fuel gauge has twelve bars and, per the specs, the fuel tank has a capacity of 11.9 gallons, which will take you quite a ways in an Accent. Below that is an area where the odometer, temperature, and transmission gear are always displayed while whichever tidbit of info selected from the trip monitor varies (trip A, trip B, instant economy, etc.). Not only that, you can't miss the trip setting button. It's at the right of the main gauges and sits by itself. The center stack is also tidy. This car did not have Bluetooth and did not have steering wheel audio controls. But, hey, it had a CD player. One doesn't see those too often lately. Boz Scaggs, anyone? And, in the center stack, the audio features might take a minor amount to get used to them while the climate control features are easy to work with. None of this setup lacks the cohesion that I found amiss in the driver's area of the Mazda 3, both the last car and last economy car I've had at a rental place. Then, gaining more points with me, was a small release tab on the floor for the fuel door. I also like, and want, this feature, and some more expensive cars I've rented have had a fuel door that you just manually flip open. That doesn't work for me. What the Accent has does. The first thing that one notices about this car is how nimble it is. Sure, one expects this in a small car. However, there is both a lightness in the steering and a connectedness to the road that just works well. Just as with the dash and controls, one quickly adjust to and feels comfortable driving this entry-level Hyundai. The engine is a 1.6 liter 4 cylinder that is not blown. In old school numbers, that's about 100 cubic inches. If a person lifts up the hood, the plastic shroud covers most of the area, so there isn't much to see. However, that's the case with most small cars today. The transmission sure made a good impression on me. You can hear the rpms spool upward and the transmission then marches into the next gear with almost no physical sensation whatsoever. For the price point of the vehicle, I found this to be remarkable. I then figured out the jaunt on which I'd calculate the fuel economy. I set the cruise at 64 mph and still managed to piss some people off ... those wanting to go 70 or more, and I was in the right lane of the interstate. I could do 65 to 70, too. I just like to see a car's fuel economy at its best. While probably accurate enough, I reeled in 43 mpg. I love high mpg numbers, so I was a happy camper. I also once did that same thing with a 6 cylinder base RWD Dodge Charger and pulled in a little over 31 mpg. Both of these numbers were higher than the respective EPA highway estimates. The difference is that the Accent was spinning at about 2,100 rpm at a cruise speed of 64 mph while the Charger's 3.6 liter was practically loafing ... to the tune of about 1,500 rpm at 62/63 mph. The Accent is an econobox, so not everything about it is perfect. Road noise does intrude as would be expected in this category. Lately, the only small(er) car that filters out road noise in an impressive manner is the new Chevy Cruze. However, that's more of a baby Malibu than it is an econobox. The car stays composed on the highway, and does nicely on fresh asphalt, and zips around city streets with confidence. However, bigger road imperfections send some jolts into the cabin. That said, the Accent is nicer to putt around in just about every way than comparable cars like the Chevy Sonic, the Mazda 3, and the Nissan Versa. I have never experienced being behind the wheel of a Ford Fiesta or a Toyota Yaris. I will add that the right rear blind spot in the hatchback model was no fun. I exercised additional care when changing lanes because of it. I believe the sedan configuration makes for better visibility. I think this little car is the most likable in its category. The powertrain really impressed me. The warranty Hyundai offers is also impressive. Of course, one has to hold up their end of the bargain and prove that the car was maintained. The Ford Focus is a little more car but it's also up a notch in terms of category. Now, if only Ford could put an automatic transmission that shifts so nicely in their Focuses. Then, getting to the Chevy Cruze, the compact/economy entry level segment cars just can't compete. Entry level compacts are also priced about $5,000 lower. With over 30,000 miles on it, this rental unit was last year's. The 2018 Accent is now on the showroom floors. The site shows it as being a more sophisticated and better equipped small car. And, with that, I'm sure they've even improved the driving experience. It will continue as a sedan, while the hatchback has been shelved. The pricing of the new model is also very competitive and, if I, as a consumer on the street, am in agreement with the professionals who test them and write about them, then the 2018 Accent is likely to be very promising and I'd sure like to take one for a spin. The Hyundai Accent would probably be my current car of choice in this segment and price range.