HDTenEightyP/NetNews huggingface dataset:
From: welty@cabot.balltown.cma.COM (richard welty)
Subject: Re: Michelin MXV tire and its competitors
Organization: New York State Institute for Sebastian Cabot Studies
Distribution: usa
Date: Fri, 14 Aug 1992 16:40:35 GMT

In article <1992Aug13.182130.20197@pasteur.Berkeley.EDU> mike@mote.Berkeley.EDU (Mike Friedrich) writes:
>Is the Michelin MXV worth its steep price, or are there other brands of
>similar tires that are as good or have newer and better designs?  How about
>Pirelli P6?

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.

the P6 was a fine tire in its time, but it is now fairly outdated,
and not well placed on the price/performance curve.

i'd take a look at the following brands:  Yokohama, Dunlop, BF Goodrich
and Nokia (if you can find it.)  the Yokohama A509 tires i'm running now
are quite good; the latest performance oriented Dunlops are highly
regarded; BFG has produced some really fine tires under the T/A line;
and the little-known Nokia Rollster HT is quite decent as well.

richard
-- 
richard welty                            518-393-7228
welty@cabot.balltown.cma.com
  ``if you can read this, mario, you're too close''
    -- bumper sticker seen on a CART safety truck
Newsgroups: rec.autos
From: sspencer@tmp_ip_004.trl.OZ.AU (Simon Spencer)
Subject: Help needed with Expert System.
Reply-To: sspencer@tmp_ip_004.trl.OZ.AU
Organization: Sun Microsystems
Date: Wed, 19 Aug 1992 05:53:41 GMT


1.  Can anyone suggest a good FTP site for pictures of Cars

I need a range of cars, Trucks, vans etc for an expert system that i am building
for my course.

2.  For my Expert system, I need to make up a Performance rating for each vehicle on my database,
      What do people think are the key things that make up Good Performance? 
i.e Top Speed? Braking distance? etc..

      Has anyone come up with a formula for comparing the 'performance' of one vehicle over another?

Thanks for your help

Simon Spencer
S.spencer@trl.oz.au
From: synth@deepthought.unm.edu (Synth F. Oberheim)
Newsgroups: rec.autos
Subject: Re: Best way to get rid of surface scratches on new car?
Date: 17 Aug 92 17:55:41 GMT
Organization: SynthMedia Productions Ltd.: The Danes Call It Quality


jimj@cleanplate.EBay.Sun.COM (James D. Jones) writes:

James> My new Integra has already picked up its share of scratches.
James> Fortunately, none of them are deep.  I'm dithering over the
James> best way to cope with them:

James> 1.  Just buff 'em out with rubbing compound (any particular
James> types that work best?)

Your Integra has a clearcoat.  Do not, repeat, do NOT use any kind of
rubbing or polishing compounds on clearcoats -- you will scream in
agony at the results.

James> 2.  Touch-up paint (necessary for surface scratches? what's the
James> best way to apply it?)

For small, thin scratches, touch-up work will probably look messy, I
wouldn't advise it.  You might look into that colored polish stuff
(ColorCote 2000?); it should do well at hiding scratches.  But make
sure it's safe for clearcoats ...


===============================================================================
    :: :: :: :: ::     Synth F.    synth@deepthought.unm.edu    U S E N E T   
 :: :: :: :: :: :: ::  Oberheim    synth@yenta.alb.nm.us             in color!
===============================================================================
FROM 1992 GM CAR OWNERS MANUAL: "Don't use radiator antifreeze in your
                                 windshield washer.  It can damage your paint."
Xref: sparky rec.autos:20416 rec.autos.driving:5062 rec.autos.sport:9081 rec.autos.tech:11518 rec.autos.vw:4826
From: wilson@mailhost.aa.cad.slb.com (David Wilson)
Newsgroups: rec.autos,rec.autos.driving,rec.autos.sport,rec.autos.tech,rec.autos.vw
Subject: Re: reliable cars
Date: 21 Aug 92 16:06:06 GMT
Organization: Schlumberger CAD/CAM; Ann Arbor, Michigan (USA)

In article <1992Aug19.160444.4189@microplex.com> hsk@microplex.com (Harjeet Kalsi) writes:
>
>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.


This trash doesn't belong in rec.autos.sport!
Newsgroups: rec.autos,rec.autos.tech
From: jyri@faline..bellcore.com (Jyri Virkki)
Subject: Re: TOYOTA's timing belt
Keywords: Timing belt, 60000, crankshaft...
Reply-To: jyri@faline.UUCP (Jyri Virkki)
Organization: Bellcore MRE
Date: Fri, 21 Aug 92 23:20:24 GMT

In article <1992Aug21.004210.4625@clipper.ingr.com> greeven@clipper.ingr.com (John Greeven) writes:
>In article <1992Aug18.210257.23583@walter.bellcore.com>, jyri@faline..bellcore.com (Jyri Virkki) writes:
>> (stuff deleted) 
>> It is rare for this to actually break, but it might. If it does, the camshaft
>> will stop turning, so the pistons will hit the valves. Can you say MAJOR
>> damage to the engine? So, even though it is rare for this to break, it
>> is so cheap to replace, and considering that if it _does_ break you'll
>> be paying thousands to fix the damage caused, it's not smart to ignore it.
>> (stuff deleted)
>>
>> Jyri
>
>I'm sorry to disagree with this rather scary reply.  In most engine designs
>[...]
>
>Just my 2 cents worth.  BTW, IMHO it is very irritating to me when people get
>on the network and speak from authority when in fact they have limited
>knowledge about a particular subject.  I am especially disappointed when
>the questionable information might scare someone or cause them to spend money
>unnecessarily.

Well, I'm very sorry I tried to help someone; it'll never happen again.
I _clearly_ said in my original post that I had no experience with Toyotas
specifically, and I was speaking in general terms. Many cars are not 
free-wheeling (in fact, I didn't know until now there were any that were)
and for those, if your timing belt breaks it's a major tragedy. Of course,
even if the original posters car was free-wheeling, it would still be
a good idea to change a belt 90K old; it might not damage the engine, but
it'll leave him stranded if it breaks.

Jeesh, some people are touchy!


Jyri J. Virkki - Bellcore, Morristown, NJ - jyri@thumper.bellcore.com - DoD#561
(201) 829-4213 - jyri@rummat3.upr.clu.edu - jyri@rmece47.upr.clu.edu
From: doneill@wtcd.DaytonOH.NCR.COM (Dick O'Neill)
Newsgroups: rec.autos
Subject: Re: small 6 cylinder engines
Date: 12 Aug 92 19:54:15 GMT
Organization: IRM - Operations Support - Dayton, OH

<1992Aug7.195424.13679@col.hp.com> <1992Aug10.135358.9239@acd4.acd.com>
Reply-To: doneill@wtcd.DaytonOH.NCR.COM (Dick O'Neill)
Followup-To: 
Distribution: 
Organization: IRM - Operations Support - Dayton, OH
Keywords: 

In article <1992Aug10.135358.9239@acd4.acd.com> jwg@iedv7.acd.com ( Jim Grey )
writes:
>In article <1992Aug7.195424.13679@col.hp.com> tvervaek@col.hp.com (Tom
Vervaeke) writes:
>>Small V-6's have been around for a long time. I once owned a 1978? 
>>Ford Pinto with a 2.3 (I think it in the range of 2.2 - 2.6) liter
>>V-6.  What a sleeper.  I bought the car used while in the Army.
>>It was definitelty fun to drive.
>
>
>Are you sure that was a V6?  Pintos came standard with a 2.3 L 4cyl. 
(Actually
>it was the "2300", not to be confused with the later "2.3" -- although they
>had the same displacement, they were different engines from Ford.

The Pinto did come from the factory with the V6. I don't recall the 
exact dispacement, but with the emission controls of the time, it
wasn't exactly a screamer.

> 
>jim grey
>jwg@acd4.acd.com


-- 
Dick O'Neill
IRM - Operations Support
Dick.O'Neill@wtcd.DaytonOH.NCR.COM
...!uunet!ncrcom!wtcp!wtcd!doneill
From: newso584@Armstrong.EDU (Robert Newsome)
Newsgroups: rec.autos
Subject: Re: Does anyone like the new Prelude?
Date: 13 Aug 92 18:19:56 GMT
Organization: Armstrong State College, Savannah, GA

When I was looking at Honda Civics the other day, I asked the salesman about
the new Preludes.  He told me that they were selling better than the earlier
models.  But you know how salesmen are.
From: dittman@skitzo.dseg.ti.com (Eric Dittman)
Newsgroups: rec.autos
Subject: Re: Police Tauri
Date: 12 Aug 92 22:06:31 GMT
Distribution: usa
Organization: Texas Instruments Component Test Facility

In article <y--yvqr@rpi.edu>, johnsh@aix.rpi.edu (Hugh Johnson) writes:
> In article <1992Aug11.195605.595@skitzo.dseg.ti.com> dittman@skitzo.dseg.ti.com (Eric Dittman) writes:
>>There's never been a Taurus/Sable with a 5.0L V8 (or any V8).  There was
>>an early Taurus MT5 that had a 4-cylinder with 5-speed manual, but that
>>was underpowered and dropped from the line.
> 
> Believe it or not, there were a select number of Tauruses produced in '87 or
> '88 which had a 5.0 painfully shoehorned into its engine bay.  These V8
> Tauruses were experiments to see if the SHO model -- just then being intro-
> duced -- would fare better with the homegrown V8.  The conversion took too
> much of the 5.0's spirit away, though, so it was never produced in large
> quantities.  I've only seen one, and it was owned by a friend of mine in --
> guess where? -- Dearborn.  Being an employee has its advantages.

I was referring to regular production models, not experimental models.
I have heard of someone turbocharging the 3.8L V6, but I don't know how
they got the turbocharger wedged in there.  Come to think of it, I don't
know how Ford got the 5.0L V8 crammed in there.  That must be almost too
tight to work on.

>>The automatic transmission for the SHO has been on-again-off-again for
>>the past couple of years.  Has Ford definitely decided to bring out
>>the automatic now?
> 
> Yes.  Or at least, closer than it has been.  An FYI in Car And Driver a month
> or so ago reported that the '93 SHO will have an automatic as an option.  It
> also stated that the Yamaha engine for '93 will be bored out to 3.2L (up from
> 3.0) for more low-end torque.  Waiting with bated breath...

Will a Sable SHO finally appear?  Ford once said there'd be a Sable SHO
if they ever got an automatic for the Yamaha engine.
-- 
Eric Dittman                  Texas Instruments - Component Test Facility
dittman@skitzo.dseg.ti.com    (214) 578-3575
Disclaimer:  Not even my opinions.  I found them by the side of the road.
Xref: sparky rec.autos:20302 rec.autos.driving:5031 rec.autos.tech:11414 rec.autos.vw:4795
From: cbh@opus.mlb.semi.harris.com (Cherie Slasor)
Newsgroups: rec.autos,rec.autos.driving,rec.autos.tech,rec.autos.vw
Subject: Re: reliable cars
Date: 20 Aug 92 14:54:12 GMT
Organization: Harris Semiconductor, Melbourne FL

In article <DAVET.92Aug20091114@kaos.ksr.com> davet@ksr.com (Dave Teichholtz) writes:
>In article <1992Aug18.190956.27177@phri.nyu.edu> roy@alanine.phri.nyu.edu (Roy Smith) writes:
>
>>   You see a lot of people with Rabbit Diesels who are fanatics about their
>>   cars.  How many Dodge Dart fanatics do you see?
>
>
>   Used to be quite a few. I have had two myself, and am still kicking myself
>   for selling my '72 Dart Swinger in 1984. Car had 140,000 on it, and 
>   ran like new. Oh well, live and learn...
>

My Dad still swears the Dodge Dart was the best car ever made.  My sister
inherited his and finally sold it with well over 300,000 miles - and it
still ran perfectly.  The only trouble it ever had was trying to go up
Pikes' Peak - the carb wasn't set right for the thin air and it died partway
up.  

-- 
====================================================================
Cherie Slasor			     |	Harris Semiconductor
Phone:    (407) 724-7607	     |	P.O. Box 883, MS #62B-022
          cbh@mlb.semi.harris.com    |  Melbourne, FL   32902-0883
From: DKAMERUD@cmsa.gmr.com
Newsgroups: rec.autos
Subject: Yes, you can buy a Hummer
Date: 19 Aug 92 18:11:15 GMT
Organization: GM Research Labs

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.
Newsgroups: rec.autos
From: crisar@rulcvx.LeidenUniv.nl (Anton van Rosmalen)
Subject: USA cars
Organization: CRI, institute for telecommunication and computerservices.
Date: Tue, 18 Aug 92 09:38:22 GMT

Well , i am back after spending 5 weeks in the US of A (for the third yeaR
AND would like to comment on some of the cars i encountered, i beleive three
years ago when i first went i thought Ford was getting their act together
i found the taurus a well designed good looking car, i was disappointed
in GM and chrysler, this year i still am unimpressed with GM , they still
produce ugly, cars , the whole range of pontiacs chevys, ( the cadillac
was not bad but the Saturn was not impressive (i am unable to judge them on
quality )  A car which i liked (i only saw a few just before returning was the
Eagle ( i take it to be the new CHRYSLER LH range) they looked good !!!
i have a family of 5 , so i rented a chrysler voyager while i was there
very comfortable , good quality , good design , incredibly bad handling,
bad stability , and bad brakes ,  was very disappointed in this car..
From: karp@virtual9.harvard.edu (Brad Karp)
Newsgroups: rec.autos
Subject: Buying used 1988 Honda Accord LX
Summary: Is this a good deal?
Date: 21 Aug 92 17:32:51 GMT
Article-I.D.: das.1992Aug21.173251.8437
Organization: Aiken Computation Lab, Harvard University

I recently totaled my 1983 Honda Accord 2-door, and have spent the
past week looking to replace it with something.

I came across an advertisement for a 1988 Honda Accord LX with 84,000
miles on it. They were asking $7,000.

I went to the person's home, looked the car over, and test drove it.
The car seemed to be in excellent condition; exceptionally clean,
inside and out. While admittedly I didn't take the car on the highway,
during the test drive I got up to about 45 mph and the car seemed to
handle quite nicely.

The one negative thing I could observe about the car was that there
were small flecks of paint missing on the hood from road debris (e.g.
pebbles, etc.) having struck the car during highway driving. (I was
told that the reason the car has so many miles even though it's an '88
is that it has been used primarily for a long highway commute.)

I went to my bank and got the book value: $6575 wholesale; $7950
retail.

I offered $6200, and was told that this was "ridiculously low," and
that "someone will want the car for $7000." When I replied that I'm a
student and have very limited resources, and asked what the lowest she
could go would be, $6500 was the reply.

I thought it over, and this seemed like a reasonable, if not
optimal, deal.

So, I told her that we've got a deal for $6500 on the condition that
the car is said to be in good condition after a checkout by a Honda
dealer. (The checkout costs $66; I'm having it done on Monday.)

My questions:

1) Does this price sound reasonable? Anyone out there recently sell or
buy an '88 Accord LX and care to share the particulars?

2) Should I be particularly concerned aobut the missing flecks on the
front of the hood? Cosmetically they're a drag, but I can live with
that..it's more long-term structural threats such as rust in the dings
that I'm concerned about.

3) The exhaust system was replaced (pipes and muffler) in June. Are
there any other items on an Accord that are going to start giving
major trouble at 84K miles? I'd like to use this car for the next 5-6
years. I believe the car still has it's original clutch..it felt fine,
but perhaps that will be due for work sometime soon.

4) In general, does anyone have anything to say about whether
purchasing an '88 Accord with 84K miles on it with the intention of
getting at least 5 more years from it is generally advisable?

Any advice offered via E-MAIL greatly appreciated; I'll summarize here
if there is sufficient interest.

Thanks,
-Brad, karp@das.harvard.edu
From: troch@gandalf.Rutgers.EDU (Rod Troch)
Newsgroups: rec.autos
Subject: Re: HumVee 4 Sale??
Date: 18 Aug 92 20:02:59 GMT
	<1992Aug17.235031.23250@PA.dec.com>
Distribution: usa
Organization: Right Coast HQ For Stupid Pub Tricks
In-reply-to: klee@wsl.dec.com's message of 17 Aug 92 23:50:31 GMT


If I recall properly Arnold Schwarzenegger (sp??) was the one of the
first people to buy one.  Also, didn't Norman Schwartzkopf (sp??) 
recieve one for free?

Rod
--
-----------
If you yell try : Rod Troch                  | Zeta Beta Tau
internet        : troch@gandalf.rutgers.edu  | 
                : troch@pilot.njin.net       | happyHappy joyJoy
Rutgers Univesity - Department of History - Network Administrator
From: alyoung@kiwi.ucs.indiana.edu (Amy Young Leith)
Newsgroups: rec.autos
Subject: Honda First time buyer program
Date: 19 Aug 92 21:54:33 GMT
Organization: Indiana University, Bloomington


I am in the beginning stages of purchasing a car.  I THOUGHT I knew
what I wanted until they told me that the CRX was discontinued to make
way for the Del Sol.  So... perhaps that'll be it.  =)  

Anyway, I am pissed at the Honda here in town, so I called
Indianapolis to get information from a dealer there. 

They do have a first time buyer program, which I asked about.  His
first question was, "Do you have a degree?"  I said, "Working on it...
why?"  He went through the list of things that one must have to
qualify for the first time buyer program, like income, employment,
etc, and the last one was, "A college degree."  Now why in the *hell*
would they make this a qualification for a program such as this?  Not
EVERYONE goes to/finishes a degree, you know!  I am SERIOUSLY thinking
of changing my make of choice if this is indeed the case.  I had a
*bit* of trouble understanding the man's accent, so I decided I'd not
ask him to clarify, because *that* part I got loud and clear. 

I don't understand this... if I'm without a degree, and I want one of
their cars, I don't get a special interest rate because I'm WORKING on
school and not out of it.  However, after I finish school, if I want
another one of their cars, I'm not eligible for the program because I
have previously purchased a new car. 

amy
From: zampicem@hpcc01.corp.hp.com (Mike Zampiceni)
Date: Fri, 21 Aug 1992 20:38:50 GMT
Subject: Re: Paint Experts: does good paint easily chip?
Organization: the HP Corporate notes server
Newsgroups: rec.autos

$1000 or thereabouts is not a lot of money to spend on a first class
paint job today. Therein lies the problem most likely. If your friend 
had spent about $3000 or more for a paint job, then I would have 
expected better durability. As far as door dings are concerned, the
best way to avoid the problem is to park away from other cars, shopping
carts, etc. You're asking for it when you try to park on "top of things."
From: het@jolt.att.com (Engin Tekkoc)
Newsgroups: rec.autos
Subject: 91 Nissan Sentra maintenance question
Date: 17 Aug 92 19:29:02 GMT
Distribution: usa
Organization: AT&T


 Do you, Sentra owners, keep up with manufacturer's suggestion maintenance
or do more than that to keep the car in good shape?

 One of the Nissan local dealers recently send us a $29.99 coupon for minor 
tune-up (spark plugs, set timing and idle adjustment). However, Sentra's 
user manual suggests to replace spark plugs every 30000 miles/24 months. I know
news cars do not need a lot of maintenance compare to older models. Anyhow, 
I would like to hear from other netters on this matter.

 BTW, our Sentra is 13 months old and has 11000 miles. 

Thanks in advance,

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Engin Tekkoc					 AT&T Bell Laboratories
email: het@probe.att.com			 Room 4D-225
email: het@jolt.att.com			         200 Laurel Avenue
Tel (908) 957-6205				 Middletown, NJ 07748-4801 
						                   U.S.A

 
    
Newsgroups: rec.autos
From: (Eric Youngblood)
Subject: Re: ANYBODY INTO 64-73 MUSCLECARS??
Reply-To: Peon w/o Email priv (Eric Youngblood)
Organization: Bell-Northern Research, Richardson, Tx
Distribution: na
Date: Thu, 13 Aug 1992 22:21:19 GMT

In article <1992Aug9.042850.27199@njitgw.njit.edu>, ajm9230@hertz.njit.edu (anthony j messina coe stnt) writes:
|> Here,here!!! 
|> 
|> Muscle is the way to go!
|> 
|> I have a 1966 Pontiac Tempest and love it.  If it wasn't for my 
|> getting this car, I don't know what I would be like now.
|> 
|> I prefer the muscle cars of the 40's to early 70's.
|> I take a preference of GM cars, but I wouldn't mind a nice Boss Mustang.
|> 
|> 8-)
|> 
|> --Anthony
|> *A Pontiac dude at heart*


ditto, ditto, ditto.


Having a blast restoring a 77 TA.... (even if it is newer than 73)  B^)


$0.02	
Ericy
Newsgroups: rec.autos
From: greg@netcom.com (Greg Bullough)
Subject: Re: Request for info on Farmers Auto Insurance
Date: Tue, 18 Aug 92 20:18:34 GMT
Organization: Netcom - Online Communication Services  (408 241-9760 guest) 
Distribution: usa

>junck@okra.fnal.gov (Kevin Junck) writes:
>
>
>The subject line pretty much says it all.  My auto insurance is up for
>renewal and I've been looking at switching to Farmers from AllState.
>Any comments (both pro/con) would be greatly appreciated.  Thanks!

I've been hit by two drivers who've had Farmers insurance. My experience
is that they are both reluctant and slow to pay a liability claim. In fact
it seems that threatening to sue them is the only way to get them to move.
 
Therefore, I would say that going with Farmers increases the likelihood 
that you will be sued over a mistake that you make, because your insurance
company may take what should be a simple, friendly, liability claim and
get the claimant angry enough to claim big-time damages.
 
Greg