HDTenEightyP/NetNews huggingface dataset:
From: russotto@eng.umd.edu (Matthew T. Russotto)
Subject: Re: Chevy's New Commercial [ZR-1 and Caviler]
Date: Sun, 16 Aug 92 20:36:39 GMT
Organization: College of Engineering, University of Maryland, College Park

In article <1992Aug12.210216.12671@qualcomm.com> ganapath@tahoe.qualcomm.com (Chinnappa Ganapathy) writes:
>
>And Chevy's Shamu, the Caprice?

Quite an appropriate name for a police car, isn't it?

-- 
Matthew T. Russotto	russotto@eng.umd.edu	russotto@wam.umd.edu
Some news readers expect "Disclaimer:" here.
Just say NO to police searches and seizures.  Make them use force.
(not responsible for bodily harm resulting from following above advice)
Newsgroups: rec.autos,rec.autos.driving,rec.autos.sport,rec.autos.tech,rec.autos.vw
From: hsk@microplex.com (Harjeet Kalsi)
Subject: Re: reliable cars
Organization: Microplex Systems Ltd.
Date: Wed, 19 Aug 1992 16:04:44 GMT


DISCLAIMER: DIESELS - you either love them or hate them.

I completely agree (from experience with my Mercedes diesel) with those 
who have said that diesels as reliable and economical.  They simply 
don't die.  Period.

For those who think that they're slow, rough, and smoke, these are things 
of the *past*.  Just try a new Mercedes diesel and the gas model and see if 
you can tell the difference!  

When the next generation Golf/Jetta make their debut in a few months here they
will have a new (finally!) diesel/turbodiesel 1.9 liter engine, that pumps out
as much horsepower and a lot more torque than there gas engines of a just a 
few years ago.  Moreover, VW claims, like Mercedes, that this new "ECO diesel"
produces virtualy no visible particulate emissions (no more smoking!).  
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
These new models are currently being sold in Europe where they are being
marketed as "environmentally friendly" cars. 

As for those who think "who buys diesels anyway", well, in Europe diesel 
car sales have been *increasing* consistently every year for over a decade.  
1992 is projected to be another "record" year.  

With new emission standards taking effect this year in Britain, the diesel 
is being touted as the "green" engine because its emissions are *less* than 
those of gas engines.  The government is offering incentives to buyers that
go diesel.  You can get diesels in Europe in every thing from Fiats to BMWs.

Anyway, I know I've strayed somewhat from the subject, but I happen to be
one of those people that LOVES diesels.  Can't see myself ever buying a 
gas model when a diesel is available.   

If I couldn't afford a Mercedes diesel, the new Golf/Jetta diesels would
be the *only* cars on my list.

BTW, there is a fabulous British monthly magazine called "Diesel Car".  
For those interested, just email me for the address.
Newsgroups: rec.autos
From: searle@motcid (Stephen G. Searle)
Subject: Re: Locking Lug Nuts & Broken Key: Suggestions?
Keywords: locking lug nuts, wheels
Reply-To: searle@rtsg.mot.com
Organization: Motorola Inc., Cellular Infrastructure Group
Date: Fri, 21 Aug 1992 23:36:14 GMT

In article <1992Aug18.030456.544@informix.com> aland@informix.com (Colonel  
Panic) writes:
> In article <kelley.713762232@cwis> kelley@cwis.unomaha.edu (Sean Kelley)  
writes:
> >If you would rather not cut them off, as suggest before, you can fall
> >back onto a thiefs trick...take a socket, about a 3/4 inch I think,
> >hammer it onto the keyed lug, and use a socket wrench to turn it
> >...
> 
> Is the implicit message behind all of these locking lug work-arounds that
> they are of little value in deterring wheel theft?  e.g. do they just turn a
> two-minute job into a two-minute fifteen-second job?

What about putting locking lug nuts on all 4 or 5 lugs on each wheel?
A bit excessive (and expensive), but it will definitely thwart all but
the most determined theif.  Just a thought......

Any other ways prevent wheel theft?

-steve
--
Stephen Searle  (searle@rtsg.mot.com)  [NeXT]
Motorola Cellular Infrastructure Group, Arlington Hts, IL
From: lauro@kauai.esd.sgi.com (Lauro B. Manalac)
Newsgroups: rec.autos
Subject: Jeep Grand Cherokee Holdbacks?
Date: 17 Aug 92 16:50:45 GMT
Organization: Silicon Graphics, Inc., Mountain View, CA

I'm in the market for a Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo and I am hoping to get my
grimy hands on one this weekend. I've looked at the Pace book regarding the
pricing on this beauty and I saw something about holdbacks.  According to
Pace Jeep gives 2.5% holdbacks to their dealers. Yet, I called a
salescritter and he said that no holdbacks are being given for Grand
Cherokees. Has anyone heard or knows otherwise?  The 2.5% holdback can add
another $600 of bargaining room to the negotiations for the Laredo.

By the way, the best price I've received so far is $23,500 for a Grand
Cherokee Laredo with the 26F package. This package essentially brings it up
to a Limited level w/o leather and the overhead console. The Pace book gives
a dealer invoice price of $22,115 for this setup. With the 2.5% holdback,
the invoice price would go down to $21,514. Should I go ahead and sign the
check?  Are they really selling like hotcakes? Or, maybe I should just get
the Explorer. Inquiring minds want to know. Well, at least, my wife's & mine
want to know.

Another by the way, the salesdude said that he can sell Cherokees for $500
over invoice.

Thanks.
-- 


Lauro Manalac				lauro@esd.sgi.com
Silicon Graphics Inc.			415-390-3420
Newsgroups: rec.autos
From: rayw@ee.ubc.ca (raymond w m woo)
Subject: when is best to buy a new car?
Organization: University of BC, Electrical Engineering
Distribution: na
Date: Fri, 14 Aug 1992 17:12:02 GMT

The subject line says it all: when is the best time of the year to buy
a new car?

rayw@ee.ubc.ca 
Newsgroups: rec.autos,rec.autos.driving
From: msingh@copper.ucs.indiana.edu (The Supreme Commander)
Subject: Re: Michelin MXV tire and its competitors
Organization: Indiana University
Distribution: usa
Date: Mon, 17 Aug 1992 16:33:38 GMT

>on a price/performance basis, the MXV is one of the worst tires
>Michelin has ever produced.  i was never happier than when i finally
>wore out the set that came as OE on my Alfa sedan and got to
>replace them with decent tires.

I had a set of MXV's on my '87 Integra. Now, that car is bad in slick
conditions as it is, but the MXV's made it *far* worse. Terrible set
of tires in my opinion.

I bought a pair of Riken STX 70's and could *feel* the difference.
Much better tire overall, in all weather. The gripped the road much
better. I had never heard of Riken before the Firestone guy suggested
them, but I've heard some good things about them since. You may want
to look into them. They aren't that expensive either.


-- 
---------------------------------------------------------------------
The Supreme Commander wishes you a Supreme day. 
I'm a Magic Man, oooh, I got the magic hands, yeah...

Newsgroups: rec.autos
From: kpjone01@ulkyvx.louisville.edu
Subject: BMW M3 vs. BMW 325
Organization: University of Louisville
Date: Fri, 21 Aug 1992 12:29:17 GMT

Anyone know the differences between a BMW M3 and a 325?
 
Kevin
From: karen@synopsys.com (Karen Vahtra)
Newsgroups: rec.autos
Subject: 93 models
Date: 17 Aug 92 15:41:56 GMT
Distribution: usa
Organization: Synopsys Inc.

In article <1992Aug13.195646.9434@devildog.att.com> root@acpy01.att.com (System Administrator(CXNIXCN1)) writes:
>HONDA in general will be in trouble in this decade.
>Every model they have is under pressure:
>
>Civic <- '93 Corolla, Saturn, $$$ 
>Accord <- Tauras, Camry, Saturn, "LH" cars ???
>Prelude <- MX6, Probe GT, Corrado V6
>Vigor <- 325i, 90, Maxima SE, Diamante, Camry SE
>Legend <- ES300, GS300('93), 929, 525i

What is the GS300?  Is this a sportier Lexus coming out soon?  Any details on
cars in this class in 93 would greatly be appreciated.

Karen
From: bowers@rigel.dfrf.nasa.gov (Al Bowers)
Newsgroups: rec.autos
Subject: Re: $758 for an oil change?
Date: 21 Aug 92 17:35:07 GMT
	<jimf.714411983@centerline.com>
Organization: NASA Dryden, Edwards, Cal.

In article <jimf.714411983@centerline.com> jimf@centerline.com (Jim Frost) writes:

>tpickett@auspex.com (Tom Pickett) writes:
>>Is there some reason that the thought of paying $750 for an american
>>car service any worse than paying $750 for a foreign car?

>Yes.  Parts on domestic cars should be significantly cheaper since
>they don't have to be shipped as far and there aren't huge import
>tariffs on them.                                      ^^^^ ^^^^^^

3% is a huge import tariff?  Or do you mean the 5% one for passenger
cars?  It is _because_ of low taxes that life in the USA is easier
than the rest of the world.  you ought to try paying $4.50 a gallon
for gasoline, knowing full-well that $375 of it is simply going into
government pockets.

BTW, one _MAJOR_ thing most of you folks are forgetting, if the
service calls for replacement of the cam belt, your estimate of $758
is about spot on.  The belt is poretty cheap, but getting that sucker
in there is a real trick...

--
"Time is simply the illusion of the passing of history, and history is
simply the illusion of the passing of time..."
                                -The Hitch Hiker's Guide to the Galaxy
Iaido   Takamine   Hobie   Rossignol   Alfa GTV6  Ducati MHR(DOD #900)
From: nhmas@gauss.med.harvard.edu (Mark Shneyder 432-4219)
Newsgroups: rec.autos
Subject: Leasing
Date: 17 Aug 92 17:03:37 GMT
Distribution: na
Organization: HMS

I'd like to get some feedback regarding leasing a 1992 vehicle such as
what things I should know when I decide on the car.

I'm basically looking for a 24-month lease because I don't want
to spend cash and go into debt on the car that I may not like after
a couple of years. So far, I like three : Mercury Sable/Ford Taurus/Buick Regal.

-Mark
Newsgroups: rec.autos
From: eoates@us.oracle.com
Subject: Re: Yes, you can buy a Hummer
Organization: Oracle Corporation, USA
Date: Thu, 20 Aug 1992 17:10:30 GMT
X-Disclaimer: This message was written by an unauthenticated user
              at Oracle Corporation.  The opinions expressed are those
              of the user and not necessarily those of Oracle.

In article <16848B974.DKAMERUD@cmsa.gmr.com>, DKAMERUD@cmsa.gmr.com writes:
> Previous traffic on the net concerned the Hummer (not HumVee) built by
> AM General Corp. (not AMC) and and said to be sold only to celebs
> with Schwarz in their names, namely
> Arnold Schwarzenegger and Gen'l Schwarzkopf.
> 
> Automotive News 8/17 carries the story "16 Hummer Dealers Named".  Mfr
> hopes to line up a 50-dealer network by the end of the year.  The original
> poster said he needed a military vehicle in his neighborhood (U of Chicago).
> He is in luck, as one of the first 16 dealers is in nearby Lisle Illinois.

As an aside, the Nieman-Marcus Christmas catalog of last year and the year
before offered "his and hers" Hummers at $50K each, delivery at the factory. 
The purchase via NM included an overnight stay in the factory town (whoopeee!).

Ed Oates (my opinions, not Oracle's)
From: eric@hpsad.sad.hp.com (Eric Lucas)
Newsgroups: rec.autos
Subject: Re: Should I Buy a Saturn or a SkyLark?
Date: 13 Aug 92 14:29:57 GMT
Organization: HP Signal Analysis Division - Rohnert Park, CA



  Get the Saturn!  Just this last Saturday, I was in the market for a new car.
Started looking at Buick.  Didn't like what they had to offer.  Price too
expensive and salesmen too pushy.  Plus, people I've known who have Buicks,
have put a lot of money into them.  So I took a drive to my local Saturn dealer.Wow!  Was I impressed.  Saturn really does have a different philosophy about
cars.  If you haven't already, go to your Saturn dealer right away.  I think
you'll be impressed.  I bought a brand new SL2 fully loaded for around 15k
with a 6 year warranty.  As far as standard servicing, just an oil change every
6000 miles.  The Saturn does not need to be lubed as all its critical parts
are sealed.  At 30,000 miles, the dealer will need to give your car a $149
diagnostic and complete go-over.  Basically the Saturn is maintainance free.
The 1993's are coming out in a week or two.  They'll have an air-bag standard
which will bump up the price about 1k.  But it'll still be worth the money.


Eric Lucas
Hewlett Packard
Signal Analysis Division
Industrial Design 
Newsgroups: rec.autos
From: wiryaman@riscee.pko.dec.com (Santa Wiryaman)
Subject: Re: Auto Accident Claims
Organization: Digital Equipment Corporation, Maynard MA
Date: Wed, 12 Aug 1992 20:55:17 GMT

In article <4796@dove.nist.gov> keys@csmes.ncsl.nist.gov (Larry Keys) writes:
>Anyway, an adjuster from his insurance company is supposed to call me
>within the next few days.  In the mean time i have visited several body
>shops to get estimates for the damage (rear bumper shoved-in on an angle,
>and a small dent in the body).  My questions are:
>
>-	should i expect that this claims adjuster should
>	give me a check for an amount equal to one of the
>	estimates that i was quoted?

The way it works in Massachusetts and Metropolitan Insurance in particular is
that you have several choices after the adjuster and you agree on the repair
estimate:

1. The insurance writes a check payable to both you and the repair shop.  So
   both party has to sign the check to cash it in.

2. Write a check to you, you get to choose a repair shop or fix it yourself.
   After the car is fixed, the adjuster will reinspect the car to make sure it
   is really fixed.

3. Write a check to you, and you leave your car as it is.  The insurance will
   lower the value of the car, though, when your car is totalled in a future
   accident.  Also, I heard the adjuster has a responsiblity to scratch the
   state inspection sticker if he finds your car unsafe to be driven.

>
>Larry
>keys@csmes.ncsl.nist.gov

-- 
Santa Wiryaman

INTERNET : wiryaman@riscee.pko.dec.com
UUCP     : ...!decwrl!riscee.pko.dec.com!wiryaman
Newsgroups: rec.autos
From: TE00 <TE00@polytec1.polymtl.ca>
Subject: Re: Lotus Elan vs Mercury Capri
Organization: Ecole Polytechnique de Montreal
Date: Mon, 10 Aug 1992 20:00:39 GMT

In article <16640fINN3fm@hal.com> crash@hal.com (Chris Craddock) writes:
>In article <1992Aug9.215121.1635@lgc.com>, rcc@zycor.lgc.com (Randal C. Clarke) writes:
>|>
>|>     Yesterday I saw what appeared to be a brand new Lotus Elan...basically it
>|> looked like a Mercury Capri convertable with some funky aftermarket parts.
>|> Are they cousins?  (i.e.  a collaboration between Lotus and Ford Australia)
>|> How does the Elan compare with the Capri in terms of price, performance and
>|> reliability?
>
>Er, well apart from the fact that they are both front-wheel drive pus-boxes
>masquerading as sports cars - they have absolutely nothing in common.
>
I just read in R&T that Lotus has stopped production of the Elan.
It handled great, but didn't sell well (too expensive for its class?)

francois

Newsgroups: rec.autos
From: howp@skyfox.usask.ca
Subject: Re: Outrageous stealth vehicles
Organization: University of Saskatchewan
Date: Sat, 15 Aug 1992 18:01:58 GMT

tedebear@leland.Stanford.EDU (Theodore Chen) writes:

>In article <12AUG92.00442738@skyfox.usask.ca> howp@skyfox.usask.ca writes:
>>tedebear@leland.Stanford.EDU (Theodore Chen) writes:
>>>while we're on the subject, my favorite was the buick estate station
>>>wagon with the 3.8 liter turbo from the GNX.  the buick engineers
>>>actually built one, and it ran 0-60 in 5.3 seconds or so.  cornered
>>>at .81 g, i think.  not too shabby for a full-size station wagon with
>>>fake woodgrain paneling.
>>
>>Do you have a reference for this?  I think I remember reading about this 
>>vehicle in C&D about a year or two ago, but it didn't run 0-60 in 5.3 sec.
>>If I recall, I think it ran something like 7.1 (or was it 9.1?) sec.

>went back and looked.  i was wrong.  it didn't run it in 5.3 sec.
>the buick electra estate wagon turbo runs the 0-60 in 5.2 seconds.
>quarter mile in 13.8 sec at 100 mph.  it has a 328 bhp version of the
>GNX engine.  wow, like, holy moly.  that makes it a little slower than
>a ZR-1.  i'm wondering if maybe this rating isn't a little conservative,
>considering that this thing weighs well over two tons and has an
>automatic to boot.  source: C/D 7/89.  and from the picture, it looks
>like it has the fake woodgrain, too.
>-teddy

Wow, that's one mean mother of a wagon!  I stand corrected.

-Peter How
HOW@SKISAS.USASK.CA
Newsgroups: rec.autos
From: bednarek@picard.med.ge.com (Dennis Bednarek Mfg 4-6971)
Subject: Re: Shelby Dodge
Organization: GE Medical Systems, Magnetic Resonance
X-Newsreader: Tin 1.1 PL5
Date: Fri, 21 Aug 92 07:04:29 GMT

As a past owner of a turismo let me make some suggestions

  Changing gear ratios has a drastic effect on performance on that little
  2.2 liter power house.

Also Shelby has a catolog of performance parts that is available at your
  local MOPAR dealership.  They offfer some nice cams etc. however if as
  I suspect you are in Calif. be careful of polution laws.  And if you are 
  in a cold climate beware of warping alum. heads.

Dennis


--

  
###############################################################################
###NEVER - NEVERMORE###########################################################
###############################################################################
####################################What are the contents of the oblong box?##
###############################################################################
  The usual disclaimer of self and employer applies to all above comments.
#
Newsgroups: rec.autos
From: root@acpy01.att.com (System Administrator(CXNIXCN1))
Subject: RE: Reliable cars
Organization: AT&T IMS - Piscataway, NJ (USA)
Distribution: usa
Date: Wed, 19 Aug 1992 20:05:22 GMT

>I am graduating from school and am interested in purchasing a small reliable 
car, preferebly hatchback.
>Do you have recommendations of cars to consider buying and cars to consider NOT
>buying.
>
>Thanks,
>
>Anne

It's very simple Anne.

If you want an American car: 

 SATURN (not a hatchback, but probably the BEST small AMERICAN car)
                                           -----------------------
 DODGE Colt (built by Mitsubishi)
 FORD Escort ( reliability ??? )

If you want a foreign car:

 HONDA Civic
 MAZDA 323
 MITSUBISHI Mirage
 Others are not hatchbacks.

Stay away from HYUNDAI cars.
From: wmah@ersys.edmonton.ab.ca (Wayne Mah)
Newsgroups: rec.autos
Subject: Re: Honda Civic Hatchback Si
Date: Wed, 19 Aug 92 21:12:26 MDT
Organization: Edmonton Remote Systems #3, Edmonton, AB, Canada

cbh@opus.mlb.semi.harris.com (Cherie Slasor) writes:

- Does anyone have any comments on the 92 Civic Hatchback Si?  I'm 
- particularly concerned with how well the moonroof holds up.  Does
- it have a tendency to leak?
- 
- 
- -- 
- ====================================================================
- Cherie Slasor			     |	Harris Semiconductor
- Phone:    (407) 724-7607	     |	P.O. Box 883, MS #62B-022
-           cbh@mlb.semi.harris.com    |  Melbourne, FL   32902-0883

I don't have the Civic SI, but I do have a Prelude
(1990) and since I live in Edmonton I do get
a lot of snow during Oct - Apr.  The snow will melt
and I have never had a leak.  
 
I have also taken my car to the high pressure (
self wash) washes and again no leaks.

Wayne Mah              wmah@ersys.edmonton.ab.ca 
From: leonglaw@hpsgm2.sgp.hp.com (Lawrence Leong)
Date: Tue, 18 Aug 1992 05:08:42 GMT
Subject: Re: Care to comment on Alfa vs. Miata?
Organization: HP Singapore
Newsgroups: rec.autos

In rec.autos, welty@cabot.balltown.cma.COM (richard welty) writes:

|In article <JAMESM.92Aug15121806@lunch.austin.ibm.com> jamesm@lunch.austin.ibm.com writes:
|>The Mazda Miata, on the other hand, is lighter than the Alfa, a bit faster,
|>and has positively delightful handling.
|
|faster by what metric?  i've not driven the Miata, but what little i've
 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

When Mazda designed the Miata, they used the "Kansei Engineering" concept.
One of the "wants" was a fast roadster, so to give the illusion, they designed
in all sorts of traditional roadster features including duplicating the 
exhaust note of an MG.  Well, so much for the sound effects.  For speed
effects, the speedo is calibrated to read 5-10% faster than the actual.
Apparently it work, so it must be faster :-).

I'd say go for the Alfa, you'll drive a classic.  2nd gear synchros can be
overcome by various techniques, which will extend the longevity of your gear
box anyway.

lawrence

Newsgroups: rec.autos
From: ac579@cleveland.Freenet.Edu (G.C.J. Timm)
Subject: Re: Buying a Saturn...Opinions?
Organization: Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, (USA)
Date: Thu, 13 Aug 92 23:33:33 GMT


Net/media wisdom sez get the Saturn SL2 with ABS and whatever.

Jeff
Who is still looking.....
From: samuels@mcclb0.med.nyu.edu (Herb Samuels)
Newsgroups: rec.autos
Subject: RE: Care to comment on Alpha vs. Miata?
Date: 17 Aug 92 18:38:54 GMT
Organization: NYU Medical Center, New York, NY 10016, USA

About a year ago Road and Track evaluated several sports cars
including the Miata, RX7, 300ZX, Porshe 944 and several others.  In
the article they had a side bar about the Alpha spyder.  In the
article they compared the Miata and the Alpha indicated that the Miata
was a pure sports car with exceptionally handling, stability, a
structural integredy for an open sports car while the Alpha was a
delightful open car, although somewhat dated in design, which was best
driven more leisurely as an open top roadster.
Newsgroups: rec.autos
From: wslg0536@uxa.cso.uiuc.edu (Willy Shih-yang Liao)
Subject: anti-theft systems
Summary: what's a good anti-theft system?
Organization: University of Illinois at Urbana
Date: Mon, 17 Aug 1992 03:24:49 GMT
Keywords: theft

I'm about to pick up a new '93 Saturn SL1, and I'd like to have an anti-theft
system installed.  Does anyone have any recommendations for an anti-theft
system?  So far all I have for information is an article from a Consumer
Reports magazine earlier this year (Feb., I think) in which there appear to
be 5 or so systems ranked as very good in features (I don't plan on installing
this myselft so ease of installation is not too important here).  Does anyone
have a brand recommendation?

Willy Liao
w-liao1@uiuc.edu

Newsgroups: rec.autos
From: rmc1862@tm0006.lerc.nasa.gov (Rodger M. Cliff)
Subject: Re: Mustang SVO (Was Re: 86-88 T'bird: Turbo, V6 or V8?)
News-Software: VAX/VMS VNEWS 1.41    
Organization: NASA Lewis Research Center / Cleveland, Ohio
Date: 17 Aug 1992 12:11 EST  

In article <1992Aug16.101236.29906@tsoft.sf-bay.org>, meiboy@tsoft.sf-bay.org (MeiBoy of UCU) writes...
>In article <14005@auspex-gw.auspex.com> tpickett@auspex.com (Tom Pickett) writes:
>>In article <1TwcPB4w165w@fringe.rain.com>, dean@fringe.rain.com (Dean 
>>Woodward) writes:

>>What I would like to see is an updated and more powerful Mustang SVO,
>>maybe with a turbocharged V-6.  That would be worth it I think.

>Real Mustang enthusiasts would never go for this for turbos tarnish 
>its muscle car image

I hate to agree with you, but I think you're right; the Mustang SVO proves the
point.  The SVO was superior to the GT, except in acceleration.  We see which 
one is still available today.  What Ford needs to do is bring back an updated
version of the Merkur XR4TI (RWD!) and shoehorn in the SHO motor.  The price 
would be much higher than the Mustang, but it could go up against a BMW 325
with a better price and more performance.

________________________________________________________________________________
Rodger Cliff                         |  
Analex Corporation                   |            My opinions
at NASA Lewis Research Center        |     are not those of Analex or NASA
Cleveland, OH                        |          and definitely not
                                     |             vice-versa!
(216) 433-8826                       |
________________________________________________________________________________