Recent Comments:
Ford begins production of twin-turbo diesel V8 {Autoblog}
Apr 10th 2006 12:57PM Doubt if we'll see it in much of anything built over here in the States. I'd expect it to show up in Europe in the Range Rover, Discovery (LR3), Jag XJ and S-Type (maybe even the new XK!), and high end Volvos (if it'll fit), where lack of a high-output Diesel option can drive a lot of Euro car shoppers into your competitors showrooms.
Things to think about before adding aftermarket A/V {Autoblog}
Apr 3rd 2006 10:35PM x23:
Thanks! Magnuson-Moss is indeed valid, but I didn't go into that detail in my original post. I had to use MMWA myself against a dealer years ago when a minor electrical short was blamed on the H4 55w/60w Euro headlamp conversions I had installed a few months earlier (it was actually improperly routed air cond. wiring on the dealer-installed A/C system). After jumping through all the usual hoops (regional rep, district rep, etc.), I had to file in Small Claims before they finally caved. I just wanted to remind others that anyone with aftermarket mods should be prepared to be the squeaky wheel if a warranty denial occurs.
Things to think about before adding aftermarket A/V {Autoblog}
Apr 3rd 2006 4:13PM Let's also not forget that aftermarket alterations to any late model vehicle's electrical system are apt to cause difficulties with the car dealer if said vehicle is brought in for warranty service somewhere else in the electrical system.
"Sorry Mr. Smith, but because of that fancy-schmancy AV unit that you had installed at _________________ (fill in blank with favorite electronics chain), the fact that the ________________ (fill in blank with randomly selected electrical componient) quit working is no longer covered by your new car warranty."
Even though a properly installed aftermarket head unit (and related accessories) is unlikely to cause other electrical gremlins to appear, you're now entangled in a pi$$ing match with your local dealer, running your grievance up the chain of command to get (or not get) the satisfaction you're due.
eBay Find of the Day: 1986 Zimmer Golden Spirit {Autoblog}
Mar 27th 2006 5:16PM Leave it to the French to produce a number of FWD mid-engined cars (north/south drivetrain with the engine behind the transaxle). Off the top of my head, I can think of a few (and I'm sure that there are more out there):
Renault 16 (loved mine, at least when it was running)
Renault 5 (also owned one of these goofy little roller skates and had more fun with it than any other street car I've owned)
Citroen DS (except for its ancient pushrod engine, engineering that has yet to be surpassed since its intro over 50 years ago)
Citroen SM (the so-called "Maserati" that Burt Reynolds flogged in the opening scene of the original "Longest Yard"; the only part that was Maser was the engine)
Poll Results: Best Tagline Ever - Battle Royale {Autoblog}
Mar 17th 2006 3:18PM Mercedes needs no tag line? Considering all of the reliability issues they've been experiencing during the past few years, I'd suggest they resurrect an old Subaru slogan (with minor changes):
"Expensive and built to stay that way!"
Chrysler caught in own Crossfire? {Autoblog}
Mar 14th 2006 12:56PM Chrysler TC by Maserati redux, anyone?
