HDTenEightyP/NetNews huggingface dataset:
From: wlsmith@valve.heart.rri.uwo.ca (Wayne Smith)
Subject: Re: $758 for an oil change?
Organization: The John P. Robarts Research Institute, London, Ontario
Date: Fri, 21 Aug 1992 18:50:29 GMT

In article <14199@auspex-gw.auspex.com> tpickett@auspex.com (Tom Pickett) writes:
>In article <1992Aug21.040135.3708@julian.uwo.ca>, 
>wlsmith@valve.heart.rri.uwo.ca (Wayne Smith) writes:
>> I can't figure out why people who could do their own car repairs,
>> brake jobs, etc, choose not to because they say they don't have the
>> time, when they have to work for a week to pay for car-work that 
>> might take them a couple of days.
>
>Maybe it has something to do with children, wives, house ownership, work,
>not having a place to discard toxic chemicals, dogs, cats, time,
>flying, going to the Monterey Bay aquarium, and as I go down final
>on my 40th birthday, maybe I just don't desire to do it, and maybe I
>have enough money to have someone else do it. ;-)

You're missing my point.  Instead of getting you're car fixed by a
'professional', and working for a week to pay the job off (and not
seeing you're kids or spouse while you're at work), why not take the
week off, spend 1 or 2 or 3 days to to the job your self (putting in a
10 or 12 hr day(s) if needed) and then you can spend the extra day(s)
with your family.  The end result (money-wise) would be the same.

Or just take the necessary day(s) off and focus on the car repair for
8/10/12 whatever hrs (you're not missing any family time here, you'd
be at work if you weren't fixing the car) and be ahead money-wise.

Spend your free/vacation time with your family.  All I'm doing is
comparing work-time-pay with professional-repair-cost.  Any time you
spend more money (on something you could do your self) than you would
earn in a similar (or longer) amount of time, then you're in a negative
gain situation.  This is assuming that you have the flexibility to schedule
your repair and time off work.  There are a lot of other hassles with
a professional repair job, like the job taking longer because the repair
place is behind schedule or they're ordering a part for your car, and
you have to arrange for alternate transportation for x days, etc.

Remember, these guys are under the gun (time-wise), and if they don't
get around to changing that filter, or checking that sensor, they'll
charge you for it anyways.  And if they strip that rocker-cover screw
or that lug nut with their high-powered air-gun, well that's to bad
because there's no time in the check-up schedule for fixing foul-ups 
(they'll fix it next time at you're expense).  It's not their own
car they're working on...

I'm sure that there are others on the net that, like myself, take care
of our own car repairs (and other house-hold stuff) and live by the motto:

It's not done right unless you do it yourself.
From: qzhang@function.mps.ohio-state.edu (Qing Zhang)
Newsgroups: rec.autos
Subject: Camery SE
Date: 12 Aug 1992 18:35:58 -0400
Organization: Department of Mathematics, The Ohio State University
Distribution: usa
NNTP-Posting-Host: function.mps.ohio-state.edu

I am preparing to buy a Camery SE (V6). Is there anyone who knows 
the dealer's invoice price and how much will be a real good deal?
I also like to know how much it will cost to add a sunroof and
anti-lock breaks. Thank you in advance.
From: synth@deepthought.unm.edu (Synth F. Oberheim)
Newsgroups: rec.autos
Subject: Re: Buying used 1988 Honda Accord LX
Date: 22 Aug 92 20:09:56 GMT
	<1992Aug22.075143.26048@cbnewsh.cb.att.com>
Distribution: usa
Organization: SynthMedia Productions Ltd.: The Danes Call It Quality


shun@cbnewsh.cb.att.com (shun.cheung) writes:

shun> For Accords prior to and including '85, you are supposed to change
shun> the timing belt around 60K miles. They cheanged the design in '86.

This is in dispute.  My Honda dealer told me the new timing belt design
(which requires a change every 90,000 miles) took effect with 1987 models,
and still other Honda dealers have said the design changed in 1988.  I
tend to assimilate this info by defaulting to 1988 as the cut-off year.


===============================================================================
    :: :: :: :: ::     Synth F.    synth@deepthought.unm.edu    U S E N E T   
 :: :: :: :: :: :: ::  Oberheim    synth@yenta.alb.nm.us             in color!
===============================================================================
SPY MAGAZINE'S 1,000 REASONS NOT TO VOTE FOR GEORGE BUSH:
#224: "I can do two things at once -- mind the country's business and then
       every once in a while play golf."  -- December 22, 1990
From: lps@cs.Buffalo.EDU (Lawrence P. Schnitzer)
Newsgroups: rec.autos
Subject: Re: Michelin MXV tire and its competitors
Date: 19 Aug 92 15:58:54 GMT
Distribution: usa
Organization: State University of New York at Buffalo / CEDAR Research Group
Originator: lps@fomalhaut.cs.buffalo.edu


In article <omq63dc@fido.asd.sgi.com>, lauro@kauai.esd.sgi.com (Lauro B. Manalac) writes:
|> I have to put in a yes vote for MXVs as far as wear goes. I've had the same
|> set on my Legend for 4 years and 85,000+ miles. I will probably finally
|> replace them this weekend, though. I can't comment on handling since my
|> commute is mostly on the freeway. As far as traction, it was ok the last
|> time it rained here many moons ago. 
|> -- 

I'm glad I don't drive on the same roads that you do.  You must have 
the baldest tires in the U.S.
Newsgroups: rec.autos
From: drozt@ssd.comm.mot.com (Peter Drozt)
Subject: Fixing holes in center console
Reply-To: drozt@ssd.comm.mot.com
Organization: Motorola LMPS
Date: Thu, 20 Aug 1992 15:07:24 GMT

I recently bought a used Prelude and unfortunately, the previous owner 
had a car phone mounted to the passenger side of the center console.  
Since he wasn't kind enough to leave the phone behind, I am left with 
just four holes and screws.

The holes aren't all that noticeable, but if I could, I would like
to fix them somehow.  Has anybody had experience patching holes
in plastic or does anybody have any good ideas on how to go about
doing this?

I assume that replacing this piece wouldn't be worth the time, cost,
and effort.  (Or would it?)  Is there anything else that I could do 
that would look better than the four holes?

Thanks for all your suggestions....

Peter Drozt
drozt@ssd.comm.mot.com
rgpmd333@glen-ellyn.iit.edu
From: aalis@sfsuvax1.sfsu.edu (Al Bundy)
Newsgroups: rec.autos
Subject: Re: New MBs
Date: 22 Aug 92 05:47:38 GMT
Organization: California State University, Sacramento

attdz#resattddd>badging--none at all.  In fact most people M-B's from the factory without
>>badges (unless it's the top of the line, where you would want to show off).  
>>The badges can be removed with a heat gun anyway, according to the factory
>>technician I talked to.
>
>I thought that the badges were riveted to the body.  When you order your
>car you have to explicitly specify that you don't want the badges put on
>your car.  It is an option just like asking for a sunroof on your order.
>I don't think they charge extra for not having a badge, though.  
>
>-Payman

Sorry for the mess above..., I think whether the badge will be rivetted
or glued depends on the destination of the car, for Europe they use
glue,
for US market they rivetted, at least that's what my friend told me,
I don't know what the reason ?
Newsgroups: rec.autos
From: alavigne@bmerh930.bnr.ca (Andrew Lavigne)
Subject: Re: Honda Civic Bashing [dis]continues...
Organization: Bell Northern Research
	<F4BsPB4w165w@ersys.edmonton.ab.ca> <1992Aug20.110201.291@doc.bmd.trw.com>
	<1293@bridge2.NSD.3Com.COM> <1992Aug20.203505.8231@bnr.ca>
	<1992Aug21.151622.2964@iscnvx.lmsc.lockheed.com>
Distribution: na
Date: 21 Aug 92 12:32:18



To add another point:


My 1989 Civic hatchback has had no rattles and never let me down.  I brought
it in for service at one point and they replaced the steering rack because
it was making some noise (no charge, under warranty).    I would definitely
buy one again.  Lots of fun.   The car was built in Canada.

Andrew
alavigne@bnr.ca
Newsgroups: rec.autos
From: jimf@centerline.com (Jim Frost)
Subject: Re: Does anyone like the new Prelude?
Organization: CenterLine Software, Inc.
Date: Thu, 13 Aug 1992 12:55:39 GMT

kam@mprgate.mpr.ca (Danny Kam) writes:
>the worst about this car is the rear seat leg room and the trunk size.

There never was any rear seat leg room in the Prelude, nor most other
cars in its class for that matter.

jim frost
jimf@centerline.com
Xref: sparky rec.autos:20043 ne.general:2316
From: rtoth@athos.rutgers.edu (Robert Toth)
Newsgroups: rec.autos,ne.general
Subject: Re: Dodge Daytona R/T
Keywords: Dodge,Daytona
Date: 17 Aug 92 16:17:52 GMT
Followup-To: rec.autos
Organization: Rutgers Univ., New Brunswick, N.J.

Yes there is a Dodge Daytona IROC R/T.  The first year of prduction of
this model is 1992.  It has the Spirit R/T engine, 2.2l dual overhead
cam, turbocharged/intercooled, 224hp 217lb-ft.  The only differences
between this model and the ES or just the IROC are decals and
wheel/tires.  It comes with 16"x6.0" cast aluminum "Ninja" wheels and
P205/55ZR16 unidirectional tires.  It comes in Indy Red Clearcoat and
Bright White Clearcoat.  The sticker price in New Jersey is about
$21k. I've heard that Dodge has redesigned the suspension on these
cars.  They used the real IROC technology to construct the performance
suspension.  As far as resale value, don't know.

Hope this little bit helps out.


...rob
-- 

 -----------------------------------------------------------------------
|                                    |Rutgers University                |
|  rtoth@dartagnan.rutgers.edu       |Laboratory for Computer           |
|  rtoth@cs.rutgers.edu              |Science Research                  |
|	                             |Telecommunications Technician     |
|                                    |CoRE Building                     |
|                                    |Busch Campus                      |
|     MOPAR PERFORMANCE              |908 932 2260                      |
|      90 DAYTONA ES V6              |                                  |
|				     |					|
|____________________________________|__________________________________|

 
Xref: sparky rec.autos:20066 rec.autos.driving:4941
From: edcrwfrd@unlv.edu (Edward Crawford)
Subject: Re: Saturn featured on cover of this weeks BUSINESS WEEK
Organization: UNLV
Date: Sat, 15 Aug 92 01:25:55 GMT

 Does Ford have to wait until all the trekkies die off before they
start a
Jupiter division? :-).

^^^^^^^]

Actually GM Didnt name Saturn after the Planet, instead
they named it after the Saturn V rocket, the rocket that was
intended to blast the US Past the Soviets in the space race.
Guess which country GM hoped Saturn, the car, blasted them past?
From: rjwade@rainbow.ecn.purdue.edu (Robert J. Wade)
Newsgroups: rec.autos
Subject: mobil 1 synthetic oil
Date: 19 Aug 92 21:04:01 GMT
Organization: Purdue University Engineering Computer Network

i just put this in my quad4.
questions:
if i need to add oil at some point can i use ANY 10w30 to add or should i
only add mobil 1 synthetic 10w30?

i notice that every time i start my car the engine is noisy for about 1 second
and then instantly quiets.  with 'normal' oil i only noticed this on the
1st start after an oil change(i assumed that was because the filter was not full yet etc.).  is mobil 1 so slick it drains off the engine parts to the pan in
seconds after shutdown?
Newsgroups: rec.autos
From: grante@aquarius.rosemount.com (Grant Edwards)
Subject: Re: Care to comment on Alfa vs. Miata?
Reply-To: grante@aquarius.rosemount.com (Grant Edwards)
Organization: Rosemount, Inc.
Distribution: usa
Date: Fri, 21 Aug 1992 01:25:08 GMT

I'm about to decide in favor of the Alfa.  Hopefully by the end of
next week, I'll be the proud owner of an 89 graduate.  When choosing
between two cars like the miata and the spider you've got to go by gut
feel.  The reviews and stats I've seen say that the miata handles a
little better, and accelerates a little faster, is a little more
comfortable, and is probably more reliable.  Miata's are very slick,
pretty cars.

Spiders depreciate quickly, which is bad if you buy new, but if you
don't mind buying a 3 or 4 year old car you can get one for a very
affordable price.  

But I love the looks of the Alfa.  It's got more character and style,
and there's one thing I learned from golf -- style is everything!
When a Miata goes by people say "look, there goes another one of those
cute Mazdas."  When a spider goes by people say "Ooh, what was that?"

Of course there is always the slightly snobbish brand name appeal when
you own a last-real-sports-car, honest-to-god, made-in-Italy,
Alfa-Romeo... quirks and all.

I don't know why I try to explain this to people.  If they had to ask,
they won't understand.

--
Grant Edwards                                 |Yow!  I know th'MAMBO!!  I
Rosemount Inc.                                |have a TWO-TONE CHEMISTRY
                                              |SET!!
grante@aquarius.rosemount.com                 |
From: bense@oasys.dt.navy.mil (Ron Bense)
Newsgroups: rec.autos
Subject: Re: Michelin MXV tire and its competitors
Date: 19 Aug 92 18:37:08 GMT
Reply-To: bense@oasys.dt.navy.mil (Ronald Bense)
Distribution: usa
Organization: Carderock Division, NSWC, Bethesda, MD

In rec.autos, lps@cs.Buffalo.EDU (Lawrence P. Schnitzer) writes:
>In article <omq63dc@fido.asd.sgi.com>, lauro@kauai.esd.sgi.com (Lauro B. Manala
>c) writes:
>|> I have to put in a yes vote for MXVs as far as wear goes. I've had the same
>|> set on my Legend for 4 years and 85,000+ miles. I will probably finally

>I'm glad I don't drive on the same roads that you do.  You must have
>the baldest tires in the U.S.

Believe it or not, my dad had a set of Michelen Truck tires that, after
100k, has more than 2/32 tread depth (the minimum recommended depth).
Richard Welty has indicated that wear for the V versus H ratings appears
to differ a staggering amount, with V rated MXVs getting no where near
the mileage common for the half wear point on H rated MXVs.

Ron

Potassium Benzoate included as a preserver.
Newsgroups: rec.autos
Subject: Re: Caring for leather seats
From: mike%jim.uucp@wupost.wustl.edu (Mike Suter)
Date: Fri, 21 Aug 1992 15:31:12 GMT
Distribution: usa
Organization: BITS, St. Louis, MO

>I would like some recommendations for leather care products to clean and 
>preserve seats. I've heard on the net to avoid Armour All as this tends to
>dry leather with prolonged use. If anyone has had positive experiences with
>a particular product or method, please post or email a response.

If it is actual leather, use Mink Oil, Lexol, or Hide Food.  If it
is anything else, try Black Magic.

I dont know how these products would stand up to being applied to seats,
however.

Mike
-- 
mike%jim.uucp@wupost.wustl.edu
From: whsu@euler.Berkeley.EDU (William Hsu)
Newsgroups: rec.autos
Subject: Re: 93 models
Date: 20 Aug 92 17:19:00 GMT
Distribution: usa
Organization: University of California at Berkeley

In article <1992Aug18.193053.15817@devildog.att.com> root@acpy01.att.com (System Administrator(CXNIXCN1)) writes:
>
>>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
>
>According to the automotive press new '93 LEXUS GS300 will be based on 
>TOYOTA ARISTO, which is a RWD 3.0-6-24v sport sedan.
>It will get the same engine as a LEXUS SC300 (225hp) and will be a little
>smaller than LEXUS LS400.
>Also, new '93 TOYOTA CRESSIDA will be based on the same car, but will have
>more conservative styling. (same idea as ES300 and Camry)
>The price for GS300 will probably be in $35-40.000 range with CREESIDA
>costing about $5.000 less. (that's my own guess).

Is this GS300 a replacement of SC300?  Is it a 4-Door Sedan?  Finally, does
it come with 5-speed transmission?

-- William Hsu
   whsu@euler.berkeley.edu
From: crmeyer@voodoo.physics.ucsb.edu
Newsgroups: rec.autos
Subject: Recommendations/comments wanted on 70'2 Chevy/Ford Pickups
Date: 22 Aug 92 05:49:18 GMT
Organization: UCSB Physics Department

I am looking for a well built and simple pickup truck for general use          
and towing my old Jeep CJ-6 (2200 lbs). Any recommendations on good or         
bad Chevy or Ford models of the 70's? I am leaning towards 70's vintage        
I have the impression they have more metal and less smog equipment to          
fuss with (simplicity is king)                                                 

                                                                Thanks!        

                      +-----------------------------------+                    
                      |         Charles R. Meyer          |                    
                      |                                   |                    
                      | Internet: crmeyer@voodoo.ucsb.edu |                    
                      | Bitnet:   crmeyer@voodoo          |                    
                      | HEPnet:   voodoo::crmeyer         |                    
                      +-----------------------------------+                    

Newsgroups: rec.autos
From: fitchitt@wam.umd.edu ()
Subject: Re: Stealth? NOT!
Organization: University of Maryland, College Park
Date: Thu, 13 Aug 1992 20:21:15 GMT

In article <12AUG199218445051@tm0006.lerc.nasa.gov> rmc1862@tm0006.lerc.nasa.gov (Rodger M. Cliff) writes:
>In article <2en603ry59Mp00@amdahl.uts.amdahl.com>, fierro@uts.amdahl.com (Doug Fierro) writes...
>>>
>>>>Is it just me, or are bright red "Stealth" cars a major Unclear on the Concept?
>> 
>>  Well, stealth technology has to do with evading radar detection, not 
>>cop detection :-), so the color shouldn't make too much of a difference
>>either way to a radar.
>
>Stealth refers to the ability to evade survielance (sp?).  The stealth bomber 
>technology use radar absorbing materials, but also ducts cooler air into the 
>exhaust to minimize infra-red emissions/detection.  Color is less important, 
>because of the speed it travels ("enemy's" ability to react visual survielance).
Not to get away from the fact that this is rec.autos, a very large percentage
of the stealth bombers radar invisibility comes from its wing shape, if there
are no right angles in the shape, radar reflection in greatly reduced...

You can't really do this in a car... But maybe someone will try :)

>For cars, stealth considerations involve radar (detector, microwave absorbing 
>materials, car front end design), lasers (LIDAR detector, car color, special 
>car bras), and visual (color of car, make/model of car, minimal visible after-
>market modifications).
>My stealth vehicle is a 1980 Olds Cutlass 4-dr, dark green, vinyl top, 
>white sidewall tires (225/70r-15 though), and wire rim hubcaps.  Looks like
>something that only an old man would drive.  Internals (not visible) include
>a modified 350 cu.in. engine, a good approximation of a police suspension, and

Ahh, now that's steath for a car... I had a friend with a '79 custom cruiser
(olds behemoth station wagon) witha 403 and towing package, preformace
suspension... It was pretty scarry.



Xref: sparky rec.autos:19808 rec.autos.driving:4864
From: chilton@crc.ricoh.com (Jeff Chilton)
Newsgroups: rec.autos,rec.autos.driving
Subject: Re: Chevy's New Commercial [ZR-1 and Caviler]
Date: 12 Aug 92 20:13:03 GMT
Organization: RICOH California Research Center

mperlman@nyx.cs.du.edu (Marshal "Airborne" Perlman) writes:
> james@koko.csustan.edu (Jonas Grumpy) writes:
> 
> 
> >The ZR1 could never pass that cavalier. They had stuffed a cizeta moroder
> >V16 drivetrain in it. It could have left the vette in a pile of fiberglass
> >if that dumb driver hadn't been playing with the cupholder.
> >-- 
> 
> bahahahaha ROTFL!
> 
> Yea right. Actually...chevy is one of the few companies I can think of that
> I like all of their vehicles. [this excludes the GEOs].

  So, you mean you like the Corsica?????????  YUK!
Newsgroups: rec.autos
From: sontakke@helix.enet.dec.com (Vikas Sontakke)
Subject: Re: $758 for an oil change?
Organization: Digital Equipment Corporation
Date: Wed, 19 Aug 1992 04:07:23 GMT


In article <1992Aug18.181916.22971@bnr.ca>, jcyuhn@crchh574.BNR.CA (James Yuhn) writes...
>   
>  These kinds of prices are what keeps the dealer in business 
>  folks. Just for reference, I performed all the 30K mile services
>  on my SHO. Here's what I spent, off the top of my head:
> 
>  Two bottles of antifreeze, plus distilled
>  water, and a good garden hose                     $10
>  Six quarts Mobil 1 and a Fram filter              $25
>  Three quarts Amsoil ATF                           $18
>  Grease seals and grease for rear bearings         $10
>  Air Filter (Fram)                                 $10 (?)                     
>Bottle of Techron  (Can't remember price on this) $??
>  Bottle of Castrol LMA brake fluid                 $5 (?)
>  Rotate tires                                      $Free
>                                                   ---------
>  Total Cost                                        $78 +
>   
>  The Taurus has no grease fittings, so one doesn't 
>  require a front end lube. I still need to replace 
>  the fuel filter, but that is about a $10 part, and
>  an easy hours labor, from start to finish. Spark
>  plugs are a 60K mile service item. SHOs have no
>  distributor.  
>  
>  So, for less than a hundred bucks, I have performed 
>  the same services, using higher quality fluids and 
>  lubricants than the dealer supplies for more than 
>  five times that amount of money. Total time invested
>  is maybe six hours. (I work slow, OK?)
> 
>  Just thought it makes an interesting comparison, and
>  shows that a little knowledge can go a long way toward
>  saving a few dollars.
> 
> --------------------------------------
> Jim Yuhn
> Bell-Northern Research
> Richardson, TX
>

Thank you, thank you, thank you!!

Can you tell us if there were gotchas in this job?  For example, is there any
trick in refilling the cooling system to make sure there are no air bubbles? Is
there drain valve at the radiator?  Is there drain plug on the engine and if so
where is it? How do you remove the coolant bottle?  Does it just come right up
or do I have to disconnect the inlet hoses?  Why did you have to do regrease the
rear bearings?  My other car, 83 Prelude, I have never repacked them, 113K miles
and counting.

Thanks,
Vikas Sontakke		Digital Equipment Corporation, Maynard MA.
Internet:		sontakke@helix.enet.dec.com
    uucp:		{decvax,ucbvax,allegra}!decwrl!helix.enet!sontakke
			sontakke%helix.enet@decwrl.dec.com