Drew Dowdell

no. The sedans crash test pretty well. The minivan doesn't, but very few minivans do crash test well. In my experience, the Chrysler V6 seems to be one of the most efficient V6es out there returning highway fuel economy numbers that would make some 4-cylinder cars jealous. The 2.4 liter 4cylinder could use some updating... it's not the most fuel efficient.

some of you haven't seen me in a while

Generally, option for option the Encore tracks about $3k higher than the Trax. If people bother to drive both, I'm betting most would select the Encore as long as the money isn't an issue. The trax can be for the people who would never drive a Buick just because it is a Buick.

Even with age against it, I would still pick a Cruze over an Elantra or Civic or Focus. It's not because I'm some fanboi, it is just a more solid feeling car. The quality of the Malibu or Cruze or Impala isn't an issue, they are all fine there. The Malibu is just out classed in size and efficiency compared to its competition.

That may be how Chevy is doing it.. but in the marketplace the Sonic is playing against both the Fiesta and Focus on price (and in the Sonic's favor, the Focus just got cheapened out big time). A Sonic LT 5-door automatic is $18,490, a Focus SE 5-door automatic is $19,045, the price difference in the sedans is similar. Sonic RS tops out at $24,000 and Focus Titanium at $24,560. That tells me that Chevy may be sizing the Sonic against the Fiesta, but they're pricing it against the Focus. The Cruze starts at $16,100 yes, but you can option it all the way up to $29k if you get the diesel with nav and a sunroof. That's clearly Fusion Hybrid territory (Fusion Hybrid SE is $26k) that the Focus doesn't play in. The Fusion starts at $22,5 (Malibu starting price too) and gets nearly to $33,700 if you go crazy.... and as already mentioned, the Impala starts at $27k which is what the Taurus does. The SS's competitor from Ford is the Taurus SHO. Can't base segments just off of size because often times people buy cars for how much room they can get for their dollar. With a set amount they're willing to pay, that means they can often cross multiple size segments. "I want to spend about $23k" puts Focus, Fusion, Sonic, Cruze, Malibu, Civic, Accord all on the same shopping list until other attributes are selected. At $28k the competition is even fiercer. Chevy is casting the widest net, but is suffering for it with a less than 100% middle entry.

The way people took to the more expensive Encore, I have a feeling the Trax will do well. Outside of the Buick, it also has the advantage of being first to market.

I'm interested in what they're going to do about production capacity for these critters. The Holden Trax has been doing very well with 50% y/o/y growth rates and it is actually a newcomer to an existing market in the AU.... Mitsubishi, Peugeot, Ford, and Suzuki all have existing models there that are direct competition. The Opel Mokka is showing some rather ridiculous growth numbers as well. Opel sold 70,768 Mokkas in 2013 and in the 11 months reporting for 2014, they sold 114,638... so over 120,000 for 2014 is a possibility. Here in the US, 2013 was a short year for the Encore with low inventories until at least August, still Buick sold 30,956 Encores in 2013 (one of those is mine!). In 2014 so far Buick has sold 45,790 Encores with one month left to report... they'll get pretty close to 50,000 Encores sold this year. Then they also have to feed China. Right now, all of these are being built out of the one plant in Korea. Eventually, they're going to need another production line for these vehicles and it will need to be sooner rather than later.

The Lacrosse started at around $25k when it was introduced years ago... it is The Jeffersons of the GM lineup right now just like the CTS on a steady march up-market. If you think the Lacrosse doesn't count as a premium car, you really need your head examined. The Impala has moved up-market too, but it changed platforms, markets, and capabilities drastically, so that is to be expected where as the Lacrosse has largely stayed the same in platform and purpose. Most retail Lacrosses sell at a fairly high transaction price, with customers opting for the V6, AWD, and leather. Keep in mind that Chevy has one extra car in the lineup compared to competing brands. Ford has the Fiesta, Focus, Fusion, Taurus. Toyota has the Yaris, Corolla, Camry, Avalon. Nissan has the Versa, Sentra, Altima, Maxima. Hyundai has the Accent, Elantra, Sonata, Azera, (Genesis is Hyundai's rump lux brand). VW has the Golf, Jetta, Passat. Chevy has the Spark, Sonic, Cruze, Malibu, and Impala. Each of Chevy's cars straddle the segments of the competition due to pricing. A Sonic can be competition to both a Fiesta and Focus, a Cruze can be competition for a Focus and a Fusion, an Impala can be competition for a Fusion or Taurus. It all depends on a customer's value judgement regarding size.

well no... preventing the spread of rust or the further deterioration of the seat is not just aesthetic.

I don't see how it looks feminine...

I dunno.. a truck that dependable deserves to be taken care of at least on basic things. He didn't buy a new muffler? I can see not painting it... but at least bondo up the holes in the body so it doesn't spread more. Get a seat cover for the seat, etc...

Doll

I think there is video around of it

You think he would have noticed..

Minor updates after some suggestions from Dodgefan.

I've been hacking at this for a couple weeks and I think I am pretty close to done. Let me know what you think of it.

anyone want to spot me $8500? It didn't sell the first time and is relisted.

No need to photoshop. The Fiat Doblo already exists as a pickup and a chassis cab.