trinacriabob

Again, what is this Deutsch you are spouting? I would rather listen to Tom Leykus! He is not on the choice list. He is such a combative a-hole.

bath

Why don't your parents switch mechanic? Didn't they have a big ABS bill with him too? (I ran a thread asking if I should get them and you indicated that about a year ago). What happened with that?P, there's a big benefit to cheap insurance via maintenance. I am sure they change the oil. But I also get a spark plug change every 30,000 miles, whether it needs it or not. And, in between that, I change the fuel filter (they can get clogged) and the PCV valve (a few dollars). I am in the "process" of changing spark plug wires...they can cause a "bogging" under load, I learned the hard way. The best thing to do is just do a spreadsheet...I am a little rigid and do spreadsheets, budgets, but it makes organizing life so much easier. I seriously don't think it's on the way out...it's probably just a fix that has been overlooked. Viva all cast-iron Buick OHV 90 degree V6 engines! They're pretty tough little units.

that

Every once in a while, I get a rental car that is equipped with a sunroof. This happens when the MC is a 3.9 LT upgrade or a GP with the Supercharger (last year) and just this weekend in a Mercury Milan Premier. It was very nice driving the car around and seeing the stars through the glass sunroof. It was also nice having it open, sticking my hand up and catching the cool breezes off the coast. My biggest objection is that I hear they tend to leak. Also, if the power accessory fails, is that an expensive fix? Your experiences?

Yeah, Sci, I know you will. Seriously, other than your excessive picture posting (narcissicm? ) and all lower case stuff , you don't seem like a bad guy, Anthony, and I sure as hell didn't realize there was any friction behind the scenes. But, you have to do what you have to do.

shark

performance

I think Bimmer IS Italian....because in that picture with his sister, she looks extremely Italian!

dilate

contact lenses

Here we go again, heading down the "Great Divide." First, the Intrigue, when outfitted in a nice color and with nice but not too garish accessories, is a truly beautiful vehicle. I suggest the 3800 V6....emphatically. This would only limit you to the 1998 model and the first portion of the 1999 model year. I have rented a handful of each of these. In ordinary driving, you don't notice the difference. The 3.5 seems to be better in the mid-range pass...stomp on the pedal and you will feel some pushback into the seat. Again, I beg to differ...the 3.5 is smoother, but not by leaps and bounds. The 3800 is hushed enough in this vehicle. Neither, in this range of model years, is totally trouble free. The 3800, in Series II form, may have intake manifold problems. However, problems encountered with a 3.5 will be more expensive as the engine itself is newer and more complicated. The reason why I assert this belief stems from only one experience....but it was an eye-opener. I had a neighbor (an elderly woman) in a Sacramento suburb that had a silver 1999 Intrigue I would salivate over. I spoke to her every once in a while about her car. I finally told her if she wanted to get rid of it or trade it in, to come to me first. She beamed and even added "and it's got a new engine...the dealership replaced the first one under warranty." At this point, I demurely asked if I could lift the hood. Staring back at me was a 3.5 litre V6. An engine blowing up in a NEW car is INEXCUSABLE. I don't know of ANY 3800s that have gone kaput under the warranty period....nor within the first 150,000 miles of operation for that matter. Good luckand let us know what you decide to do!

Suppose I get one of the cars which cheap, conservative and cautious Trinacriabob drools over (LaCrosse, Grand Prix or Monte Carlo). I then don't order the BIG option package with everything in it but still want the feel of the leather wrapped wheel. (Trust me, from rentals I've had, it makes for a different driving sensation than the urethane wheel). Is there a way to add this feature (leather wrapped wheel a la factory) without pulling the steering wheel off or at least doing it after the fact with some amount of ease? I would we willing to let the dealer do it. Let me know if you have any ideas/opinions.

Buick STILL has not updated their website...there is still a Glacier Metallic Blue which we know is defunct next year. But Pontiac has, because I am getting pricing Grand Prix pricing! Get with the program, Buick!

Pontiac

gourmand

my response:dynamics (you, engineer, you)

steering

This must be tough. I will add your family to my list of those I pray for. It must especially be tough if you are close-knit. I will hold good thoughts.

criminal

SOOOOO South Orange County...I don't think they have $12 haircuts there.

limeys

I'm happy for you, Mr. A.V.! Equating it to a Lexus isn't necessarily a "dig" -- it's called benchmarking. And, I too, prefer a softer ride to one that is TOO taut as I was reared on Oldsmobiles and Buicks. And, about pushrod engines: down, boy, down....

hookie

We'll settle for the DTSs and "the pomp and circumstance."