HDTenEightyP/NetNews huggingface dataset:
From: aland@informix.com (Colonel Panic)
Newsgroups: rec.autos
Subject: Re: How to fight AAA?
Date: 29 Dec 92 01:06:25 GMT
Organization: Helen Keller Bondurant's Performance Driving School for the Blind

In article <1992Dec16.212345.532@TorreyPinesCA.ncr.com> bw@TorreyPinesCA.ncr.com (Bruce White 3807) writes:
>My 1985 CRX was in an accident and AAA has deemed the car totalled.
>They have offered me $2700 minus $500 for "salvage value".
>
>I disputed their assessment and sent in some copies of local newspaper
>ads in which private parties were asking $5100 and $6700. I also
>saw a 1985 CRX at a local Mitsubishi dealer. They were asking $6000.
>My car had A/C, the others did not. I told AAA that $2700 was far less
>than my car was worth, and that I wanted $6000.
>
>Part of her claim was that since my car had 110 K miles that my car was
>not worth at all near the 3 comparables, which had either 60, 70 or 80K
>miles. The Blue book deducts alot of $ for 110K miles on a 1985 car,
>although in my opinion 15K miles/year is average for California. I've been
>told that the other used car guide doesn't deduct as much for high
>mileage.

You don't mention what exact model you have, but I think you will get a major
reality check after doing some more research.  For example, the *highest*,
*retail* value for any CRX in the Edmunds book is $2825 (for the CRX Si Coupe),
and that's with A/C and not counting the mileage deduction.  

>Any advice? Will AAA back off and try to settle with me at 4K? If I refuse

As an AAA customer (club membership only), I hope not.

> -- Bruce


--
Alan Denney      aland@informix.com      {pyramid|uunet}!infmx!aland

 "The driver says, 'One more cup of coffee and I'll be all right...'
  'Pop a Bennie, another Bennie'..."             - The BOBS, "Bus Plunge"
From: tut@cairo.Eng.Sun.COM (Bill "Bill" Tuthill)
Newsgroups: rec.autos
Subject: Re: Anti-Lock Brakes makes stopping SAFER?
Date: 30 Dec 1992 22:40:20 GMT
Organization: Sun Microsystems Inc., Mountain View, CA
NNTP-Posting-Host: cairo

neff@diva.Berkeley.EDU (Robert Neff) writes:
> 
> On trucks and particularly FWD minivans, where there may be a wide
> variation of weight on the rear axel, it is difficult to get the right
> amount of braking power to the rear wheels.  By using ABS on the rear,
> you can get the maximum possible braking from the rear wheels, regardless
> of the cargo weight in the vehicle.  What actually happens is that the
> driver brakes until the front wheels start to skid, and the rear wheels
> never lock up.  This is better than the alternatives, in which the rear
> wheels lock prematurely, and either the rear end swings around or 
> the driver must let up on the brakes and goes headlong (or taillong)
> over the cliff...
> 
> (BTW, there are mechanical weight sensing proportioning valves which 
> try to prevent this, but the ABS system actually eliminates the need 
> for these.)

A Jeep salesman told me today that most rear-wheel-only ABS systems,
such as on the Ford Explorer and Toyota 4Runner, are not technically
ABS systems at all, in that they don't detect lock-up or pulse the
drums or discs.  They are merely weight sensors that reduce rear wheel
braking when there's little weight in the back (as the nose dives),
in order to reduce lock-up.  With a full load, the rear wheels are
presumably less likely to skid.

This info is probably worth what I paid for it.  :-)  Perhaps this is
the "rear brake proportioning valve" that Chris Craddock mentions?
What company makes TEVES?  BOSCH is presumably made by the W. German
company that also makes fuel injectors.
From: underdog@leland.Stanford.EDU (Dwight Joe)
Subject: J. D. Powers Survey:  The 5+ Years of Ownership Experience
Organization: Miners for a Heart of Gold
Date: Sun, 27 Dec 92 00:45:13 GMT

A while ago, I received a request from someone who wanted to know the
full ranking for the J. D. Powers Survey of total ownership experience
for different vehicle makes over 5 years.  I decided to oblige and looked
up the ranking, again, in the special issue of Motor Trend.

Here is the ranking:

 1.  Mercedes-Benz
 2.  Honda
 3.  Acura
 4.  Lincoln
 5.  Porsche
 6.  Toyota
 7.  Cadillac
 8.  Nissan
 9.  Volvo
10.  Mazda
11.  Mercury
12.  Buick
13.  rest of the industry

Several points:

(1)  This survey is based on a numerical score from 60 to 180.  There is little
difference in the score between rank #(n) and rank #(n+1), but there is 1
exception.  The numerical score declines a _lot_ between rank #3 and rank #4.
In other words, Mercedes-Benz, Honda, and Acura are in a class by themselves.

(2) The survey is based on the ownership experience of vehicles purchased
in 1987 and owned over that 5-year period from 1987 to 1992.

(3) This survey is far more reliable than 1-year surveys in assessing
the lasting value of a vehicle.  This has particular significance for people
with weighty obligations (like a family); they probably want a car that
lasts a long term in order to save money for their children's education,
for example.

(4) Of course, this survey has little meaning for the following kind of people.
"A lot of the people on this newsgroup talk about vehicles from the viewpoint
of those in the DINKs[1] class.  Buy the latest car.  Use it.  Abuse it.
Get another "hot rod" after 3 years or less.  Just gotta get the hottest
stuff out there.  48 values.  Engine that breathes fire.  Suspension that
hugs the ground like skin to velcro.  yeah.  YEAH!" -- previous post by me
[1] DINKs = double income no kids

(5) The difference in quality between American-assembled cars and
Japanese-assembled cars diminishes a lot over 5 years.  Note the presence
of "Lincoln" at the #4 spot.

(6) Despite the fact that a huge percentage of Hondas are designed and built
in the USA (yeah!) and that _all_ Acuras are designed and built in Japan,
Hondas actually rank _higher_ than Acuras and are #2 after Mercedes-Benz.

Conclusion:

If you can afford it, buy Honda.  It is a symbol of American excellence in 
engineering and manufacturing.

------------------------------------------------------------------+------------
Jinsei no imi wa nan desu ka.                Sister, can you      |   \|  |`
Shitte itara oshiete kuremasen ka.           spare a coin?        |    | -+-
                                                                  |   /| / \
Copyright 1992.  Disclaimer:  1 + 1 = 3                           |
------------------------------------------------------------------+------------
From: nflack@eniac.seas.upenn.edu (Nigel R Flack)
Newsgroups: rec.autos
Subject: audi stuff...
Date: 23 Dec 92 18:05:19 GMT
Distribution: usa
Organization: University of Pennsylvania


Why does half of rec.audio HATE Audis?

I've been reading over and over people complaining about how unreliable
Audis are, (not including the new model) and so I thought I'd throw in
a little point:

My father has an '85 Audi 5000.  The car now has 80K miles on it, and in
the entire time it has had the following work:

     2 oil changes
     1 brake-light switch replaced

That's it!  Note - I am not advocating changing the oil twice in 80K miles,
I think that's moronic, and I constantly bug him about it, but the car is
still going very strong.  The only problem with the fit+finish/build quality
is that the leather covering the gear-shift has a few cuts in it due to a
sharp edge on the plastic surround.  (yes - it's a stick, a major difference
between this and most US Audis, but the same car design-wise.)

In my opinion, the car is excellent, I would love to own one myself.  Audis
are spacious, luxurious, and very much driver-oriented for the money you 
spend to get one.  For the $20K we spent, we got a very solid, quality car.
My grandfather's '85 525i just doesn't compare.  It cost more, has had lots
of problems, and had *no* back seat.  In fact, he now has a Honda...

Oh, and about that "unintended acceleration" thing.  It was complete BS.
The consumer group who started the whole thing ADMITTED it.  Didn't hear
much in the news about that one did you?  Didn't hear too much about the
Cadillac Brougham around the same time that had MORE reported cases of 
unintended acceleration either did you?  Hmmm... biased media?  Nah, surely
not in the good ol' US of A...

Now I realize that many of you will not pay much attention to what I'm 
saying, but seriously, if you are looking for a good-driving luxury car,
please please please just drive one.  At least you can hear what the car is
doing, unlike certain other imports (like Lexus, though I do love the SC's)
My only complaint about the car was that it could use more power, and the new 
V6 should be adequate.  In fact the new car looks wonderful.

Happy Holidays all!  

Nigel Flack
University of Pennsylvania
Mechanical Engineering '95
Newsgroups: rec.autos
From: djr48312@uxa.cso.uiuc.edu (Dennis Robinson)
Subject: READ THIS: HELP mustang GT wont start
Organization: University of Illinois at Urbana
Date: Mon, 28 Dec 1992 20:54:59 GMT


Today I was driving along in my used '89 mustang GT and it shut off.  This
was after I was reaching under the seat for something and ended up with
a strange plastic cap in my hand.  As soon as I noticed I had this cap in
my hand the engine stuttered and eventually stopped.  I pulled the car over
to the side and tried to start it.  The starter turned with its usual vigor,
also the headlamps and stereo worked fine.  So I looked under the seat
(driver side front) and saw some device hooked up to 3 wires.  The cap fit
onto this device.  WIthout the "cap" the device looked like a bunch of metal
plates and had a small spring along the side of it.  There was a black mark
as if it had been shorted.  I tried to reset the fuel shut off also but that
was not the problem.  Now the car sits there and will crank but not connect.
Any help will be appreciated.

Dennnis J Robinson
From: hhtra@usho21.hou281.chevron.com (T.M.Haddock)
Newsgroups: rec.autos
Subject: Re: REMOTE RADAR DETECTORS
Date: 29 Dec 92 21:46:34 GMT
Organization: Chevron

In article <8fE5fKC00iV4011HNw@andrew.cmu.edu>, mazz+@andrew.cmu.edu (Joseph D. Mazza) writes:
|> Does anyone know if Bel makes a remote version of the 966ST (Stealth) detector?
|> Has anyone tried one?  
|> Any recommendations on other remotes?  
|> Any remote laser detectors yet?  
|> Any functional disadvantages to remotes, other than the lower mounting
|> reducing line-of-sight range (slightly)?  

 The BIG disadvantage to remotes is their REDUCE RANGE/DETECTION
 which is more than just slightly.

 How much good are they if another vehicle is just in front of you
 blocking the radar signals?  

 How much good are they when they're mounted in the front grille
 and the radar is at the rear or sides?

 Of course, you could buy a couple and mount them on the roof -
 one facing front and the other facing rear.

 TRAVIS
From: psanders@ll.mit.edu (Pete Sanders)
Newsgroups: rec.autos
Subject: 87 Escort problem
Date: 21 Dec 92 14:05:13 GMT
Organization: MIT Lincoln Laboratory
Originator: psanders@ll.mit.edu (Pete Sanders)



	I have a question for escort owners out there. My Mom's Escort (1987,
fuel injected) has developed a rough idle within a matter of days. It now has
lost power and hesitates. I think it may be a sensor of some sort that has
failed. Maybe the oxygen sensor. If anyone has experienced the same problem,
and has found the cause, please E-mail me.


	Thanks

	Pete

	psanders@ll.mit.edu
Xref: sparky rec.autos:30715 rec.autos.tech:17245
From: tt300zx@milton.u.washington.edu (twin turbo 300zx)
Newsgroups: rec.autos,rec.autos.tech
Subject: Re: RPM meter
Date: 30 Dec 1992 10:11:20 GMT
Organization: University of Washington, Seattle
Distribution: usa
NNTP-Posting-Host: milton.u.washington.edu

>What's the advantage of RPM meter ? Can it be 
>useful in anyway?

	as of my personal opinion, i think the RPM meter can actually
	make the driver all 'pumped up' when he or she gears in and
	traveling in high speed instantaneously. and i don't think it
	will do any good on a non-sports or non-sporty car such as
	toyota corolla or something like that. it also let u know that
	it is not stuck on the 'red-line' on the RPM meter. i'm sure
	more people on the net have more input on this topic. :)
	happy motoring in the washington, it's snowing, oh yeah....


     ZZZZZZZZ ZZZZZZZZ  ZZZZ    ZZZZ   ZZZZZ                
    ZZZZZZZZ ZZZZZZZZ ZZZ ZZ   ZZ ZZ  ZZ  ZZ                
       ZZ       ZZ    ZZ  ZZ  ZZ  ZZ  ZZ ZZ                 
      ZZ       ZZ        ZZ  ZZ   ZZ ZZ  ZZ ZZZZZZ ZZ   ZZ  
      ZZ       ZZ      ZZ   ZZZ  ZZ ZZ   ZZ     ZZ  Z  Z    
     ZZ       ZZ       ZZZ  ZZ   ZZ ZZ  ZZ     ZZ   Z Z     
     ZZ       ZZ        ZZ ZZ   ZZ ZZ   ZZ   ZZ     ZZ      
    ZZ       ZZ         ZZ ZZ   ZZ ZZ  ZZ   ZZ     ZZZ      
    ZZ       ZZ    ZZ  ZZ ZZ   ZZ ZZ   ZZ  ZZ     ZZZZ      
   ZZ       ZZ     ZZ ZZ  ZZ  ZZ  ZZ  ZZ ZZ      ZZ ZZ      
   ZZ       ZZ     ZZZZ   ZZZZZ   ZZZZZ  ZZZZZZ ZZ  ZZ      
   ZZ       ZZ      ZZ     ZZZ     ZZZ   ZZZZZZ ZZ  ZZ
From: tpickett@auspex.com (Tom Pickett)
Newsgroups: rec.autos
Subject: SHO Rubs
Keywords: SHO
Date: 22 Dec 92 23:59:46 GMT
Reply-To: tpickett@auspex.com (Tom Pickett)
Distribution: na
Organization: Auspex Systems, Inc.  Engineering

A friend of mine just bought a 1993 SHO Automatic.  She is now
noticing that the tires seem to rub on something during a turn.

Since she has the auto, I believe they put the P215/60R-16 Goodyear
Eagle GA tire on it.  Does anyone have any idea what might be going
on with this?

Any theories on the problem?  I have to admit I recommended the car
to the person, and I would really like to know if there is a problem
with this on other 93s.


Tom Pickett 
tpickett@auspex.com or 74616.2237@compuserve.com
SHO  GOZE
Xref: sparky rec.autos:30738 rec.autos.tech:17262
From: hhd0@newshost.gte.com (Horace Dediu)
Newsgroups: rec.autos,rec.autos.tech
Subject: Re: What is the resonable oil comsumption?
Date: 30 Dec 92 18:29:34 GMT
Followup-To: rec.autos
Organization: GTE Laboratories, Waltham, MA

In article <8837@orbit.cts.com>, rambler@pnet51.orb.mn.org (Dan Meyer) writes:
|> gong@cbnewsc.cb.att.com (jiechen.james.gong) writes:
|> >I have a 68000 milse '86 190E/2.3.  It needs more than a quart of oil
|> >between 3000 miles oil change.  The compression test showing the
|> >engine is still like new.
|> >
|> >What is the your experience on the engine oil consumption for this
|> >car?  
|> >
|> >Thanks,
|> >James
|> 
|> For my money, you could buy a lot of oil for the money it will
|> cost to repair the oil leak or oil burning problem. as long as
|> your car doesn't smoke horribly, doesn't mix oil with other
|> fluids, and runs fine, leave well enough alone!
|> 
|> -- Dan Meyer
|> 
|> Remember: " Buffalo never Oink " Seen on a South Dakota travel brocure.
|> Advertisment: Try the Railway Post Office , a railfan BBS ! (612) 377-2197.
|> UUCP: {crash tcnet}!orbit!pnet51!rambler
|> INET: rambler@pnet51.orb.mn.org

I've read that for the 190E 2.3, 1qt./3000 mi. is normal consumption.  Ask
a Mercedes mechanic if this is true.  It may be a feature, not a bug.  Just
keep changing the oil frequently and read your owner's manual (lots of good
info in there).

-- 
Horace Dediu                                                  GTE Laboratories
(617) 466-4111                                                40 Sylvan Road
Internet: hdediu@gte.com                                      Waltham, MA 02254
Newsgroups: rec.autos
From: bpita@ctp.com (Bob Pitas)
Subject: Re: Recommendations for a good aftermarket clutch for an 88 5.0 Stang?
Keywords: Inexpensive
Organization: Cambridge Technology Partners
Date: Wed, 23 Dec 1992 15:08:26 GMT

In article <1527@ecgcurly.UUCP> roy@ecgcurly.UUCP (ecghub   Roy Kern) writes:
>
>Greetings.  I'm looking for a good but inexpensive aftermarket clutch for my
>'88 Mustang GT.  I don't know what clutches go for, so feel free to take your
>best guess to give me a good price/performance ratio.  Oh, and if you could
>tell me where I can mail order it, I would even be more greatful. 
>
>Any help is mucho appreciated.  Please email me if at all possible.
>
>Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, oh thank you, thank you.....
>
>Roy.
>roy@mot.com   <--- Internet email address.  MUCH faster than hitting 'R'

Try summit racing catalog...  They have a few aftermarket clutches, from
names like Zoom, Hays, and Ram, if you're looking for racing clutches...
If not, I'd say CenterForce is probably your best bet.  They have direct
replacement clutches with the same pedal feel as the stock clutch, but
with 40% more holding power (the CenterForce 1) and a dual-friction clutch
that's supposed to handle 90% more torque than stock.  There's also one
in between, called the CenterForce 2 which supposedly holds 60% better.
I've got the 2, since I've heard the dual friction engages so hard that
you run the risk of shock-loading your drivetrain enough to break things
prematurely.  I know plenty of people that got the DF anyway, and these
people can chirp 4th gear without even trying!  I'm very happy with the
CF2.  Now for the price...  DF for your application is around $330.  I
priced clutches around 4 mo ago, so the price may have gone down considerably
since then...  I don't remember how much I payed for my CF2, but I think 
it was around $200-$250...  I never priced the CF1.
You should be able to find CenterForce at your local speed shop with no 
problem, as they're pretty popular clutches.
Later,

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
        ___          
       / _ \                 '85 Mustang GT                        Bob Pitas
      /    /USH              14.13 @ 99.8                      bpita@ctp.com
     / /| \                  Up at NED, Epping, NH           (Cambridge, MA)
Disclaimer: These opinions are mine, obviously, since they end with my .sig!
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Newsgroups: rec.autos
From: antkasx@gsusgi2.gsu.edu (Ken A. Sturrock)
Subject: Re: impact is dead
Organization: Georgia State University
Date: Wed, 30 Dec 1992 02:45:17 GMT

Larry.Mc.Donald@ofa123.fidonet.org writes:

LM>    Let's hear you arguments against the immediate conversion to 
LM> renewable alcohol as an interim solution.

This is a question I've wondered about, other than the problems with
cars featuring certain plastics in the fuel system, Ethanol looks mighty 
attractive.

						-ks

Newsgroups: rec.autos
From: koziarz@halibut.nosc.mil (Walter A. Koziarz)
Subject: Re: Anti-Lock Brakes make stopping SAFER?
Keywords: ABS
Organization: Naval Ocean Systems Center, San Diego
Date: Thu, 31 Dec 1992 18:45:03 GMT

In article <1hv9hjINN4sn@hal.com> crash@hal.COM (Chris Craddock) writes:
>In article <1992Dec31.121947.22152@nosc.mil>, Walt K writes:
>|> In article <lk49akINN2h4@exodus.Eng.Sun.COM> tut@cairo.Eng.Sun.COM (Bill "Bill" Tuthill) writes:
>|> >This info is probably worth what I paid for it.  :-)  Perhaps this is
>|> >the "rear brake proportioning valve" that Chris Craddock mentions?
 
>|> most likely, but it's time Chris looked at some up-dated material, it's most
>|> annoying to see information that is half-a-decade old still being spewed as
>|> gospel...
 
>|> Walt K.

>Ah, excuse me Walt, but I was discussing the Bosch and Teves ABS 
>systems. My information IS current - and correct! In passing I
>mentioned that most "rear wheel ABS" systems aren't really ABS
>systems at all. They simply sense reduced load on the back axle
>and divert pressure away from the rear brakes. Its a fact, and
>for the most part it still *is* current.

ah, no that is *not* correct, nor current nor a fact...  *MOST* rearwheel ABS
does indeed sense ring gear rotation in the differential housing and pulse the
rear brakes accordingly, further, in a pickup truck or SUV, this reaer antilock
is *far* from useless.  You have obviously *never* driven a light truck or SUV
nor is your information regarding the systems on these vehicles current.  The
proportioning-valccve systems never were touted as ABS, btw... the were
described as load-sensing or some-such weasel-wording.  ANd through 1987, GM
*did* use that approach to modulate rear brake action in its light trucks
(K20s, for certain) but with the 1988 re-vvamp of those trucks adopted rear
wheel antilock as I describe... Ford and Dodge followed suit by 1989... so if
you consider pre-1988 'current' (I *don't*), then okay, your statements are
currrent, but no longer true REGARDING REAR WHEEL ANTILOCK ON LIGHT TRUCKS AND
SUVs.  Clarified?

Walt K.






>Secondly - yes, you're right. There are systems which "pulse" the
>back brakes only. My original assertion was that simply pulsing the
>brakes is barely any use at all. The Bosch and Teves systems have
>all their extra sensors for precisely this reason. Thats also true!
>
>Now which particular gospel were you particularly upset about?
>
>Chris
>--
>"sometimes I think that the surest sign that intelligent life exists
>elsewhere in the universe is that none of it has tried to contact us"
>--------------------------------------------------------------------
>crash@hal.com   		HAL Computer Systems Inc.
>(408) 379-7000 x1163		1315 Dell Ave. Campbell CA 95008
From: jsecinor@sw.stratus.com (John Secinore)
Newsgroups: rec.autos
Subject: Re: Mercury Villager
Date: 29 Dec 1992 14:54:03 GMT
Organization: Stratus Computer, Inc.
Distribution: na
NNTP-Posting-Host: unicorn.ts.stratus.com

In my case, I was calling to make an appointment to have some parts installed 
to fix a leaking sunroof. I asked about the recall that I found out about on
the net. When they ran the Villager's VIN through their system, they insisted
that I bring it in the very next day. The dealer had initially scheduled an
appointment for the first week in January. They did not pick up the vehicle
but they did, however, provide me with a loaner and returned the Villager with
a full tank of fuel. I suspected that the full tank was their way of insuring 
that the fuel filler tube was installed correctly. BTW, I did receive a recall
notice in the mail yesterday from Dearborn. There wasn't any mention of a free
loaner vehicle in the letter.

Even with all of the minor problems I have had, I still do enjoy this minivan. 

Regards,
John

-- 
+------------------------------------------------------+
|  John Secinore   |  jsecinor@unicorn.ts.stratus.com  |
+------------------------------------------------------+
|	This space intentionally left blank.           |
+------------------------------------------------------+
Newsgroups: rec.autos
From: dwjz@bnr.ca (Doug Zolmer)
Subject: Re: Emblems, names and meanings...
Reply-To: dwjz@bnr.ca (Doug Zolmer)
Organization: Bell-Northern Research Ltd.
Distribution: na
Date: Mon, 21 Dec 1992 20:53:48 GMT

In article <MUCIT.92Dec21144703@slate.cs.rochester.edu>, mucit@cs.rochester.edu (Bulent Murtezaoglu) writes:
|> In article <1992Dec21.160031.2842@bnr.ca> dwjz@bnr.ca (Doug Zolmer) writes:
|> 
|> >   BMW - "The ultiimate driving machine"
|>                  ^^^
|> 
|> Cute slip.  (2002tii)  or was it intentional?
|> 
|> -M

Uhh, yeah... I meant to do that!  Yeah, that's the ticket! ;-)
Actually, it was an unintended typo.  Someday, I may learn
to proofread what I write (not today though...).

-- 
dwjz@bnr.ca    Disclaimer: my opinions only  
Newsgroups: rec.autos