Recent Comments:
Suzuki Carry drifter: it's O-KEI! {Autoblog}
Jul 10th 2008 1:30PM That's awesome, where can I get one? I don't need an F-550 Crew Cab to carry four pieces of 2x12-14's. Just something to throw the occasional stick of lumber at, and maybe some 50 pound bags of potting soil for the mum. Passengers aren't a priority for this kind of vehicle, one to drive and one to pay for the cargo.
Pontiac G8 GT: No longer most powerful car under $30K {Autoblog}
Jun 18th 2008 5:24PM I thought this would be a good idea for Pontiac and Chevy, having a good RWD platform to build cars off. But if they can only get 24-25 on the highway, then count me out. This car should be pulling 30 easy with a five or six speed auto. Wonder how the 3.5 from Impala would do in that chassis?
And, yes, I have a V-8 powered car already, that gets 30+ on the highway.
Spy Shots: Next BMW Z4 and 7 series caught on PCH {Autoblog}
Jun 16th 2008 10:06PM These cars have been running all over the Central Coast of CA for two months. I took video of an X6 in camo, 3-series coupe and sedan (without trunk badges), a new body X5, and the camo 7-series getting off the freeway and right back on north of Santa Maria, CA. The 7-series was at a Carrow's parking lot, where it looks like a left over from a Mad Max movie with the plastic all over it. I thought it was a Commodore the first time I saw it. And last week, the Z4 ran a red light in front of my Caravan getting off the freeway in the same spot. Wish the ultimate car would find the ultimate drivers......
James Garner recovering from mild stroke {Autoblog}
May 14th 2008 7:13PM Here's wishing James Garner well. I always loved seeing that gold Firebird. He also had some partner for awhile with a red Mustang convertible too. One of the few actors I went to a movie on purpose to see, the Maverick remake a few years ago with Mel Gibson. Not to see Mel, but for Mr. Garner. (A few years.... IMDB says 1994...)
Future Classic: 1984 Chrysler Minivans {Autoblog}
May 9th 2008 4:17PM We currently have a 2000 Grand Caravan that was purchased to replace a Jeep Comanche 2.5. Mom used that in her carrer as a fire fighter for 16 years. But, we needed/wanted (whatever) something that would carry more than two people (the Jeep had bucket seats), got decent mileage (the Jeep got 19, it was a 4 speed with 4.10 gears) and still haul garden and lumber supplies. The Jeep left us with 125K, and the Caravan now has 116K. We've replaced all the trans sensors at 90-110K, but otherwise haven't really done much to it since she got it with 19K as a rental return.
It carries her sewing supplies, it carries six people (in relative comfort), it can carry 10 foot pieces of lumber, and still (barely) get 26mpg.
I wish my 1995 Aurora was as reliable. In that I've replaced the radiator ($900), water pump ($500), fuel pump ($400), door latches, fuel pressure regulator, hoses, leaking rear shocks, and now the AC compressor leaks ($1200, ain't gonna happen). Tires for it are expensive, brakes too. At least I can say I've owned my second favorite car.
But, the Caravan is easy to drive, does it's job, and doesn't look too bad still being parked outside for 8 years. No race car (that's what the Aurora is for), but it'll stay in my driveway (or out in the street) till it can't do the job. The only thing I worry about is that pesky Ultra-drive, and how long till it sucks up second gear.
Mom needed something with less miles, so a 2007 Impala 2LT sits in the driveway. Very nice car. And it gets 30+mpg.
Not a big fan of the new Caravan, but having choices is a Good Thing.
