HDTenEightyP/NetNews huggingface dataset:
From: alc@gdstech.GRUMMAN.COM (Al Chang)
Subject: Re: Any opinions on mini-vans?
Organization: Grumman Corporation
Distribution: na
Date: Mon, 11 Jan 1993 18:24:56 GMT

In article <93010.12390532HEN4B@CMUVM.CSV.CMICH.EDU> Don Turnbull <32HEN4B@CMUVM.CSV.CMICH.EDU> writes:


   It is true that mini-vans are very convenient vehicles.  They also
   tend to be priced well for their size.  However, as a paramedic
   for the last four years, I can't tell you that they are safe cars.

   In accidents involving mini-vans, it has been my experience that
   injuries are often worse than if the passengers were in a station
   wagon.  In fact, (I am also a college student) a professor in my
   department is suing Ford because when his Astro was t-boned at
   surface street speeds (25-40mph), two of his four children were
   ejected out the back and killed.  One of them was even in a safety
   seat.

   In other accidents, I have noticed that minis are less likely to
   maintain interior integrity in roll overs and they seem to roll
   quite easily.  Finally, if the mini you want is not classed as a
   station wagon, it is not required to meet the same standards as a
   station wagon.  In effect, minis are, in my opinion, not a good
   family car.  They are better suited as work vehicles for small
   businesses and for small jobs in larger businesses.


   In contrast, any of the full size station wagons (Ford Taurus,
   Chevy Caprice Classics, etc...) are excellent family vehicles
   with long, safe histories behind them.  They all come with proven
   components and enough room for a den of cub scouts or a pan (whatever
   they are called) of Brownies.  If you need more room, Suburbans
   and Wagoneers are also very good, safe vehicles.

   Finally, most minis are a class unto themselves.  The class of 'minivan'
   is largely unregulated as opposed to full vans and cars.  The result
   is an inexpensive vehicle with lots of space but little substance.

Based on insurance Injury/collision loss ratings:

			overall	severe  collision
			injury	injury
Plymouth Grand Voyager	56	48	55
Voyager			66	58	59
Chevy Astro		70	69	54
Mazda MPV		75	75	89
Ford Aerostar		77	80	64
Ford Taurus		68	?	88
Toyota Camry wagon	67	65	70
Volvo 740/760 SW	44		99
Caprice 		37		63

This was published for 1988-90 vehicles, and they are based on
payouts.

Collision is cost to repair. Evalute for yourself. FYI, the chryslers
does not have air bags.

Al




-- 
******************************************************************************
Al Chang (516)346-6757,  FAX: (516)575-0965, email: alc@calvin.grumman.com
Grumman Data Systems, 111 Stewart Avenue, MS D12/25, Bethpage, New York 11714
******************************************************************************
Newsgroups: rec.autos
From: brien@topcat.b11.ingr.com (Brien Gilliam)
Subject: Re: 300zx steering vibration
Reply-To: brien@topcat.b11.ingr.com
Organization: Intergraph Corp. Huntsville, AL
Date: Thu, 7 Jan 1993 21:36:50 GMT

In article <53060120@hpsgm2.sgp.hp.com>, leonglaw@hpsgm2.sgp.hp.com (Lawrence LEONG) writes:
|> In rec.autos, tsmith@cerritos.edu writes:
|> 
|> | I have a question regarding a small problem with my steering wheel vibration.
|> | I own an 85 nissan 300zx, a great car, no problems what so ever and it has
|> | over 125,000 miles!!!  I guess i'm kind of lucky.  Anyways the only problem
|> | that I am encountering is that when ever I slowly brake to get off an off
|> 					     ^^^^^^^^^^^^
|> | ramp or just come to a slow stop the steering wheel tends to vibrate.  I have
|> 			 ^^^^^^^^^
|> | very low profile tires plus I have been told that I need new shocks and or
|> | struts.   The tires are in great condition and balanced and I'm not sure if the
|> | shocks are causing the vibration because the car sits a few inches shorter
|> | that if the shocks were new.  Or because the tires a low profile and the car
|> | was not designed for them?
|> |
|> | Note: I didn't have the springs cut or lowered.
|> | Would the vibration be caused by bad brakes or its calipars (sp?)?.  Or ???
|> | Thanks!
|> |
|> | Tom.
|> |
|> 
|> Warped brake disc?  Have you ever done any hard braking and then gotten your
|> brake disc wet (eg go thru a puddle)?
|> 
|> Lawrence

With a 125K miles on original rotors, it's possible. The thinner the rotor,
the more heat buildup there will be. Have them mic'ed to see if they are under Nissan's minimum specification for thickness (before you replace them). And
of course, if you replace them, replace the pads.

I'm not familiar with internals of the 300's suspension, but you may want to
check the control arms for wear. (I seriously doubt this is a problem, but...)
 
-- 

	Brien C. Gilliam
	Intergraph Corporation		brien@topcat.b11.ingr.com
	Huntsville, AL 35894		(205)730-5652
Newsgroups: rec.autos,rec.autos.sport
From: eu507dac@pts.mot.com (DOUG CHRISTENSEN X3915 P6818)
Subject: 86 or 87 CRX wanted
Reply-To: eu507dac@pts.mot.com
Organization: Paging and Wireless Data Group
Date: Tue, 12 Jan 1993 21:02:36 GMT

I'm looking for an 86 or 87 Honda CRX to build into a race car. A "s" model
is preferred.  Prefer one w/ solid and straight chassis.  Does not need to run
or have a title.  Interior is not important also.  Will consider wrecks.
Will pick up if located in the south east (USA).  You can reach me at my email 
address.

---
Doug Christensen    SCCA SSB Scirocco 16V, soon to be SCCA FP Honda CRX
doug_christensen@pts.mot.com
     _____
   _/_|__|\__
  | _ |61| _ \
 <-(_)----(_)-^       "When I'm racing, I'm alive.  Everthing else
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^    is just waiting."  Steve McQueen, Le Mans.
From: x91mesik@gw.wmich.edu
Newsgroups: rec.autos
Subject: Dynalube fo real?
Date: 6 Jan 93 12:36:32 EST
Organization: Western Michigan University




 Has anyone seen that infomercial where they test the Dynalube with other
motor oils? The tests results were absolutely unreal...they put it in
a 500 hp engine and ran it on a dyno. Then they drained it all as it was
running. After it was all drained they spun the engine to about 6-6500 rpm-
slowly I might add- with none of the oil in it! After they shut it down
they checked the bearings and there was hardly no wear on them! Would you
buy this product? It seems pretty impossible to me.....
Newsgroups: rec.autos
From: crisar@rulcvx.LeidenUniv.nl (Anton van Rosmalen)
Subject: prices on Cherokee
Organization: CRI, institute for telecommunication and computerservices.
Date: Tue, 12 Jan 93 15:23:11 GMT

Anybody who can help me on specs. and prices on the Jeep Cherokee
(not the grand) , what i am after is the 5 speed 4.1 litre 4 door 
version , 4WD , airco, tacho , mag wheels , can anybody quote me
some prices .......
as i will be shipping it to the Netherlands   ..... this summer 
thanks in advance 
 email   tcp/ip crisar@rulcvx.LeidenUniv.nl
	 bitnet crisar@rulmvs.LeidenUniv.nl

Newsgroups: rec.autos
From: troyf@microware.com (Troy Frericks)
Subject: Re: Photo-radar....
Organization: Microware Systems Corp., Des Moines, Iowa
Date: Mon, 4 Jan 1993 14:53:26 GMT

In article <ccL0VB3w165w@willard.UUCP> ninja@willard.UUCP (Sonic Druid) writes:
> 
>  I'm looking for Information on Photo-radar, and photo-radar
>deflectors for license platest (myth or reality...I don't know...)
> 
>
>-- 
>ninja@willard.UUCP (Sonic Druid)
>gatech!vdbsan!willard!ninja
>emory!uumind!willard!ninja
>Willard's House BBS, Atlanta, GA -- +1 (404) 664 8814

License plate covers that hype the ability to hide your plate from photo-radar
are basically a polorized (anti-glare) cover.  They will allow your plate
to be seen from directly infront of the car, but not be able to be read from
a side angle.  Since the photo-radar takes a picture at an angle, rather than
directly ahead, they probably work.

Are they legal?  Do the directions say for off-road use only (which is how many
get away with selling an illegal item)?

By the way, is photo radar in GA?  My understanding is that it is in only a few
locations, and the public out-cry of 'big brother', no safety benefit, etc, have
prompted its removal in at least one location (even when the local looses money!).


-
Troy Frericks                      Internet: troyf@MICROWARE.COM
Microware Systems Corporation          UUCP: uunet!mcrware!troyf
1900 NW 114th St                      Phone: (515)224-1929
Des Moines, IA 50325-7077               Fax: (515)224-1352
From: sreardon@bradley.bradley.edu (Steven Reardon)
Newsgroups: rec.autos
Subject: Re: Buying a used Miata
Date: 6 Jan 93 22:07:52 GMT
Distribution: usa
Organization: Bradley University

In <1993Jan4.154447.12895@oakhill.sps.mot.com> dannyj@oakhill.sps.mot.com (Danny K. Jain) writes:

>I saw an ad in the paper for a repossessed 1990 Miata with 18K miles that they 
>claim is "loaded" and clean for $8400.  Is this a good price?

No, it's a very bad price.  Please e-mail me the name and phone number of the 
seller so I can . . . yell at them.  Yeah, that's what I want, to yell at them.

Seriously, that's an unbelievably low price.  You never see them around Chicago
for less than $12,000.  It's probably 'cuz it's repossessed.  Repos tend to be
driven pretty hard.  Don't count on the repo man to be very honest in the ad.
Take it to a mechanic while you've got it for the test drive.  If s/he says it's
O.K. then jump on it (even if it's only to drive it to Chicago and make a quick
$3600).

Steve

-- 
*   The state has a system set up whereby the only people who are       *
*   allowed to have guns are those without convictions.                 *
*  ---                                              --- Steven Reardon  *
*"Gun Control" is hitting your target. ** sreardon@bradley.bradley.edu  *
Xref: sparky rec.autos:31233 rec.autos.tech:17560
From: andrew@airs.com (Andrew Evans)
Newsgroups: rec.autos,rec.autos.tech
Subject: Re: Red Line MTL
Keywords: Red Line
Date: 7 Jan 93 17:59:30 GMT
Followup-To: rec.autos
Organization: Infinity Development, Waltham, MA

jayc@hubcap.clemson.edu (Jay Crawford) writes:

>I'd like to change the gear box oil in my Saab 900 to something that will 
>make it shift a bit smoother and hopefully reduce wear-and-tear.  I have
>heard Red Line MTL is a good product.  Does anyone have any good/bad    
>experiences with Red Line they can share with me? Also, where's a good place to mail order it?  Thanks.

This is THE oil to use in the SAAB gearbox.  I've got it in my '85 900
turbo and it has made a world of difference.  Shifts are much quicker
and smoother, though you still need to shift with finesse.  Cold
weather shifting is MUCH better -- no clashing of synchros when making
the 1-2 shift, and it takes only a little longer than once warmed up.
Make sure you get the MTL -- unlike many gearboxes, the SAAB doesn't
use hypoid oil.

Red Line has an 800 number in the classifieds at the back of Car and
Driver.  Ask if they have a place you can get it locally.

-- 
Andrew Evans (andrew@airs.com) - Infinity Development Systems - Waltham, MA
From: mills@athena.lkg.dec.com (George Mills)
Newsgroups: rec.autos
Subject: Re: Bronco II scandal in Wall Street Journal
Keywords: bronco
Date: 6 Jan 93 20:45:45 GMT

ppandit@rekha.esd.sgi.com (Parimal Pandit) writes:

>In yesterday's Wall Street Journal, they had a long article about
>the Bronco II. How Ford, in a hurry to match Chevy Blazer, used a
>old design to build the Bronco. This led to numerous safety and
>rollover problems. 

>Ford realized this but instead of redesigning a better vehicle, they
>brought in lawyers during the development of the vehicle so that they
>can prepare for the lawsuits that were bound to happen. So far 231 people
>have died because of these roller problem and the Bronco had the
>worst rating of any SUV.

>I thought about buying a Taurus. Forget it now. 
>At Ford, Money is Job 1.

>Anyone else see the article and care to comment?

All large auto corporations should be and are "Money is Job 1".
If they don't make money then they can'y provide good safe cars.
Most, if not all, large auto corporations have done illegal acts to
make money.

I assure you that you name a company and someone will dig up some
dirt.

Don't dump on Ford because of that old design. And almost all the
"Trucks" in that vintage are not safe because they do not have to
meet the same safety standards as passenger cars.

If you like the Taurus buy it !!!!!
From: slim@anduin.ocf.llnl.gov (Scott R Whitman)
Newsgroups: rec.autos
Subject: Re: Removing decals from windows
Date: 6 Jan 93 18:45:35 GMT
Reply-To: slim@anduin.UUCP (Scott R Whitman)
Organization: LLNL


I've heard that nail polish remover works pretty well.

scott
--
--------------------------------------------------------
Scott R. Whitman, Ph.D.		slim@llnl.gov
LLNL, L-301, P.O. Box 808	(510) 294-4109
Livermore, CA 94550
From: rbs@sawtooth.idaho.amdahl.com (Bob Smith)
Newsgroups: rec.autos
Subject: Re: Why is US engine technology so retrograde?
Date: 8 Jan 93 16:37:39 GMT
Organization: Amdahl Corp., Rexburg, ID

In article <Jan08.020027.11931@engr.washington.edu>, eliot@stalfos.engr.washington.edu (eliot) writes:
> In many european and asian countries, you pay taxes based on the
> capacity of your engine.  italy and singapore comes to mind.  i think
> one of our singaporean netters can enlighten us more.  how would you
> like to pay one dollar of tax for every c.c. of engine displacement?
> that would put mustang 5.0's out to pasture real quick.  i'm pretty
> sure japan also has some kind of taxation based on engine size.
> 

My friend from Switzerland said the insurance companies there start
charging big premiums for cars with over 2.0 litres displacement.  The
bigger they are, the more you pay.

Bob

-- 
 -----------------------------------------------------------------------
 Bob Smith       Amdahl Corporation    143 N. 2 E., Rexburg, Idaho 83440
 UUCP:{ames,decwrl,sun,uunet}!amdahl!tetons!rbs           (208) 356-8915
 INTERNET: rbs@idaho.amdahl.com
Newsgroups: rec.autos
From: sml@plato.ds.boeing.com (Stuart Lewis)
Subject: Re: Taurus #1 in US (& like model clone...)
Organization: Boeing Defense & Space Group
Date: Fri, 8 Jan 1993 01:20:21 GMT

In article <1ih991INNhf@cronkite.Central.Sun.COM> dbernard@clesun.Central.Sun.COM writes:
>............
> ...						     On the other hand,
>could not Ford just say that in fact they had held the position all along,
>if you include Taurus clone Sable?  But probably not, brand twinning is
>a sacred cow.
>
>	Dave

That's the same situation Ford/Chevy have with respect to their full
size pickups.  Ford, head to head with just Chevy, sells more units,
but when you throw the entire weight of General Motors into the fray
and include the GMC pickups (al a Taurus/Sable clone), then GM does
in fact outsell Ford in the full size pickup arena - but, they
never use this in advertising campaigns.

Stuart Lewis
sml@plato.boeing.ds.com
From: 01ksdavis@leo.bsuvc.bsu.edu (Rebel without a pause.)
Newsgroups: rec.autos
Subject: Re: Tricks for cold weather?
Date: 12 Jan 93 20:48:55 GMT
Organization: BSU Journalism Dept.

In article <1993Jan8.142615.20708@noose.ecn.purdue.edu>, rjwade@rainbow.ecn.purdue.edu (Robert J. Wade) writes:
> In article <C0HvoE.CAp@tss.com> hanson@tss.com (Hanson Loo) writes:
>>What's the best trick you've seen for keeping 
>>locks from freezing in cold weather? I've 
>>heard about squirting chemicals in the locks,
>>but can't remember what chemical. My second
>>question is what's the best trick for unfreezing
>>them after they are frozen? We are experiencing
>>some unusually cold weather at our ski areas and
>>the best snow in years. Needless to say, I 
>>experienced some of those lock problems last
>>weekend. Thanks in advance.
>>
>>         Hanson 
> 
> i use a product called tri-flow.  it is a synthetic lubricant(i think it has
> teflon in it).  just spray it in all door locks and latches when it is above
> 50 f and later when the temp drops to whatever you won't have any problems.
> 
> if the lock is already frozen try buying one of those small propane torches
> that are self-igniting(when you push the button).  but be careful not to burn
> the car paint.

	If you are at home in your garage (I know, an unlikely place for cars
with iced-up locks to be, but you could have moved it inside, you might try
using a hair dryer.

-- 
1234567890223456789032345678904234567890523456789062345678907234567890823456789?
	Kyle S. Davis		01ksdavis@leo.bsuvc.bsu.edu?	R R 2 BOX 103
Disclaimer:  If anybody else has my opinions,                   Alexandria, IN
then I have been cloned while sleeping!                            46001
From: virgo@metter.fmpmis.metter.com (P. Virgo)
Subject: Ford Taurus..again...
Summary: Of overall sales, how many were fleet/rental?
Keywords: Anybody know...
Organization: Metters Industries, Inc.
Distribution: usa
Date: Mon, 11 Jan 1993 16:12:57 GMT


Well, we've all gone ahead and talked about how the Taurus probably got
it's esteemed place by deep discounts/rental fleet sales. Got me thinking...
based on the numbers given, how many of those were ACTUALLY rental/fleet
sales??? Two friends have differing opinions on which four-door sedan is
the king of rental fleets--one says my Acclaim/Spirit is the reigning
champ and another says the Toyota Camry...

So:

1. True numbers for rental/fleet sales for Taurus aside from the other
sales...


2. Which four-door sedan is the reigning fleet champ?(Acclaim/Taurus/Camry)


d.j. NetBoy


-- 

d.j. NetBoy
Metters Industries
Arlington, VA 22202
From: jimf@centerline.com (Jim Frost)
Newsgroups: rec.autos
Subject: Re: Anti-Lock Brakes makes stopping SAFER?
Date: 4 Jan 93 21:04:45 GMT
Organization: CenterLine Software, Inc.
NNTP-Posting-Host: 140.239.3.202

johnl@pcx.ncd.com (John Light) writes:
>In article <1haiiaINNanq@usenet.INS.CWRU.Edu>, ce423@cleveland.Freenet.Edu (Josh Lackey III) writes:
>> I'm wondering what the consensus
>> is for ABS users as to the usefulness and added safety they feel
>> the system provides? Please include specific examples where you
>> feel the ABS provided you with an extra margin or safety!

My car doesn't have ABS.  Once, I was following a car that *did* have
it under wet-road conditions.  We were both travelling at 70mph or so
approaching a multilane straight offramp.  This is typical of traffic
at that offramp.

This particular day a moron had stopped dead on the offramp in the
exit-only lane.  He wanted to go straight but had ignored all of the
"exit only" signs and realized his mistake just before the barrier
started.  He was waiting for traffic to let up so he could make the
three-lane change.

The car in front of me noticed the guy stopped (I really couldn't see
him yet so I didn't realize he'd come to a complete stop) and locked
up his brakes.  He stopped *fast*.  I couldn't match it although my
car's dry-road braking is amongst the best on the road.  I steered
around them; if I couldn't have done so I would have hit him (albeit
at a relatively low velocity) despite a healthy following distance.
That day I patted myself on the back for practicing threshold braking
on wet roads since the directional control saved the day, but I also
decided that my next car will have ABS.

ABS may not work optimally under all conditions, but it beat the hell
out of anything I could have done and that driver didn't have to
concentrate on keeping his car from skidding.  That's a crutch I want.

jim frost
jimf@centerline.com
Newsgroups: rec.autos
From: garyh@sco.COM (< Gary H >)
Subject: Re: Car Phones
Organization: The Santa Cruz Operation, Inc.
Distribution: rec
Date: Tue, 05 Jan 1993 18:47:14 GMT


Anyone know how to get rid of the whirling chime noise that is caused by
wind going through the wire tunnel of a phone antenna? I put a plastic bag
around it, but that looks too tacky.  I saw a car that had a plastic tube
around the circular part of the antenna.  That may help.  Any suggestions
or comments?

Thanks,
Gary
-- 
|^^^^^^|            _Yo_Man_____________________________
|      |          /            garyh@sco.com             \
|  _  _|        /             uunet!sco!garyh              \
| (o)(o)      /             425  Encinal Street              \
@      _)   /          Santa Cruz, California  95061          |
 | ,___|   /   W: [408] 457-0195 x7765 / Fax: [408] 429-1887 /
 |   /     \_______________________________________________/
/____\            The Santa Cruz Operation (SCO), Inc.
Newsgroups: rec.autos
From: harling@miki.pictel.com (Dan Harling)
Subject: Re: impact is dead
Organization: PictureTel Corporation
Date: Tue, 5 Jan 1993 21:14:06 GMT

In article <1992Dec30.184410.17703@magnus.acs.ohio-state.edu> bqueiser@magnus.acs.ohio-state.edu (Brian J Queiser) writes:
>
>There is extreme debate over whether
>EVs reduce emissions at all, some believe they could actually aggravate the
>problem or just transfer it somewhere else.  EVs don't remove the old
>clunkers from the road that are spewing out the majority of the crap anyway.

Don't forget the *newer* clunkers, which may outnumber the old, and
make their own contribution to these figures.  Chances are, even
*these* cars would not be taken off the road, at least not until EVs
are more attainable.  A major cause of automobile disrepair is
financial constraints.  If the owner had more money, he might have
those repairs done, or replace it with a better vehicle that is within
his means.  If that better vehicle is an EV, so much the better.
____________________________________________________________________________
Daniel A. Harling                        (harling@pictel.com)
PictureTel Corp.             Opinions expressed are not necessarily those of
Peabody, MA  01960                   PictureTel Corp. (so there!)
Newsgroups: rec.autos
From: eric@mis.Tandem.com (Eric Prior)
Subject: FOR SALE - 1989 VW Jetta GLI  $10,900
Reply-To: eric@mis.Tandem.com (Eric Prior)
Organization: Tandem Computers, Inc.
Date: Wed, 13 Jan 1993 00:26:02 GMT

For Sale ====== For Sale ====== For Sale ====== For Sale ======

1989 Volkswagen Jetta GLI 16V    $10,900

I am the original owner and have all service paperwork. This car has only
36K original miles and is in excellent condition. The color is black with
alloy wheels and gray velour Recaro sport seats. I bought a new VW Corrado
so I'm looking to sell the Jetta. Below is a partial list of features.

Sunroof
Air Conditioning
Pioneer AM/FM Cassette Pull-out Stereo
Floormats, Front and Rear
Car Cover

The car is located in Campbell, CA.
If interested, call Eric Prior at (408) 285-1936.


From: knotts@hpl-opus.hpl.hp.com (Tom Knotts)
Date: Tue, 5 Jan 1993 21:57:03 GMT
Subject: Re: Before Buying Japanese.
Organization: HP Labs, High Speed Electronics Dept., Palo Alto, CA
Newsgroups: rec.autos

> 
> 
>    Yeah, it's too bad about the Saturn...its a "nice" car, but can't
>    compare with cheaper foreign competition.  Seems even with "new"
>    design and manufacturing, the US car makers seem to still confuse
>    "inexpensive" with "cheap".  But there are some nice NUMMI cars
>    available, even though they are not pure domestics.

This is your own opinion. The Saturn is not a cheap car; it is extremely
well-engineered.  I'll put my Saturn SL up against any import in the
same price range (I paid $9200 out-the-door for a '92).

Tom
From: aland@informix.com (Colonel Panic)
Newsgroups: rec.autos
Subject: Re: Taurus #1 in US
Summary: that new math
Date: 12 Jan 93 03:42:06 GMT
Organization: Helen Keller Bondurant's Performance Driving School for the Blind

In article <1993Jan8.151944.19766@gssec.bt.co.uk> squigg@gssec.bt.co.uk (Stephen Quigg) writes:
>	If you got such a good deal on the Taurus , this will surely be
>reflected in the very poor residual value of the car , so you'll probably lose
>money in the long term , 

Eh?   He gets a good deal on my particular car, and that's going to pull the 
whole curve for ALL instances of the same model, and by MORE than he saved?
This is QUITE a reach...  no matter how much you hate Ford.

>Stephen Quigg

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

  Smith and Wesson: the Ultimate Point-and-Click User Interface.