HDTenEightyP/NetNews huggingface dataset:
From: kevinh@hslrswi.hasler.ascom.ch (kevinh)
Subject: Re: BMW M3 VS. BMW 325
Originator: kevinh@mira
Reply-To: kevinh@hslrswi.hasler.ascom.ch
Organization: Ascom Hasler AG
Date: Thu, 27 Aug 1992 19:29:10 GMT


In article <1992Aug26.010625.20573@cabot.balltown.cma.COM>, welty@cabot.balltown.cma.COM (richard welty) writes:
|> 
|> even agressive drivers sometimes find the M3 too nasty for daily use;
|> Richard Johns (from VA) is a blazingly fast driver at the track; he and
|> his M3 have caught up with me on many occasions.  i asked him what it was
|> like to commute in the car.  he told me that he commutes in an old 320i;
|> the M3 is no damn fun in traffic.
|> 
|> cheers,
|>   richard

Why? Loads of them round here as daily cars, ok not exactly loads, but 
hardly a day goes by without seeing 2 or 3. Resale value is high, drivers
seem happy etc. If there are any M3 drivers out there who'd like to exchange
their M3 to (my)the standard model they're welcome :-) 

Incidentally I saw a recording of the Spa 24 hours race last week and was
surprised to see the M3's thrasing the Carrera 2's?

kevinh@hasler.ascom.ch
Newsgroups: rec.autos
From: hacker@cco.caltech.edu (Jonathan Bruce Hacker)
Subject: repair of sun-damaged leather
Organization: California Institute of Technology, Pasadena
Date: Tue, 25 Aug 1992 22:06:57 GMT

The top (tanned?) layer of my leather covered steering wheel has 
become damaged due to exposure to the sun.  The part affected is 
only from about 10'o'clock to 2'o'clock on the wheel since the
rest normally isn't exposed to the sun ( I guess I usually park
with the front wheels pointing straight ahead :-)  

Is there a way to restore the surface.  The leather isn't cracked
or damaged underneath, it's just the top thin shiny layer that's
damaged.  I have tried using leather balm but that really didn't
help much.  Replacing the steering wheel is really expensive.


-- 
Jon Hacker
Caltech, Pasadena CA
hacker@tumbler-ridge.caltech.edu
From: monica@raybans.cis.ufl.edu (Eva Monica Sweat)
Newsgroups: rec.autos
Subject: aftermarket (replacement) car seats
Keywords: seat
Date: 1 Sep 92 21:15:41 GMT
Reply-To: monica@raybans.cis.ufl.edu (Eva Monica Sweat)
Distribution: usa
Organization: University of Florida CIS dept.

Hi,

I'm planning to replace the seats in my 1980 RX-7 with aftermarket seats.  I'd like to find a company or supplier that sells seats for a reasonable price.  (Recaros are nice...but the price is probably prohibitive unless I find an incredible deal.)  

Anybody out there know of suppliers that are discounters, or have good deals on seats (not necessary for them to be Recaros)?  Any experience with the company?  Do they send out catalogs?

Please e-mail responses to me at this address:

monica@mosquito.cis.ufl.edu

I'll condense and post the info I received.

Thanks for your help,
monica
Newsgroups: rec.autos
From: aalis@sfsuvax1.sfsu.edu (Al Bundy)
Subject: Re: THE DOOR HORROR
Organization: San Francisco State University
Distribution: na
Date: Fri, 4 Sep 1992 01:44:48 GMT

In article <1992Sep03.191242.16031@bnr.ca> Peon w/o Email priv (Eric Youngblood) writes:
>In article <1992Sep3.072555.23907@csus.edu>, aalis@sfsuvax1.sfsu.edu (Al Bundy) writes:
>|> In article <1992Sep02.181220.29653%jim.uucp@wupost.wustl.edu> mike%jim.uucp@wupost.wustl.edu (Mike Suter) writes:
>|> >>THE ANSWER:  Get a theft deterrant system like James Bond had in a Lotus - the car
>|> >>blows up along with the cretin who touched it!  (Expensive, but fun!) :^)
>|> >
>|> >Or, a theft deterrant system like that on the Batmobile--arm the
>|> >system, and the car is instantly covered in armor!
>|> >
>|> >Mike
>|> >-- 
>|> >mike%jim.uucp@wupost.wustl.edu
>|> 
>|> Someone posted the cars/types of driver to avoid parking next to 
>|> in order to protect your car from dings
>|> 1. Any dirty old clunker
>|> 2. Yuppies who treat their cars like appliance, change cars
>|>    every so often, and don't care about yours
>|> May I add
>|> 3. Cars with rental sticker on it -> It happened to mine :(
>|> 
>|> Regarding the Batman car armor, it would be nice if someday
>|> somebody make an invisible shield around your car, like the
>|> Star Trek movie.  It will make a great theft deterrent too !
>|> BTW, is this possible at all ?  You can say that you read about
>|> the idea here first when somebody finally come out with it :)
>|> 
>
>Perhaps some kind of magnetic strip could be placed on exposed areas that would
>act like the factory protectors, but be much wider. You could stick them to the
>underside of the trunk lid when not in use and pull them out when you have to
>park in a crowded mall parking lot.
>
>
>Any inventive types out there?
>
>$0.02
>Ericy

The only thing about the magnetic strip (Yes, they do sell this
thing, with/without lock) is  sure it protects from minor slam,
but if some moroon really put force in slamming your car's door,
the force will be transmitted through the protector, besides, it
will look ugly if you put this thing all over your car, and only 
attract some a**hol*s to try to test it/tease, the same thing
if you put student's driver sticker on your car when you learn
how to drive, some people seems have nothing to do but give
others a hard time :(

Newsgroups: rec.autos
From: bakc@giraffe.ru.ac.za (MR KR COMAN)
Subject: Re: Strike at Saturn?
Organization: Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa
Distribution: na
Date: Fri, 4 Sep 1992 14:43:42 GMT

Assuming a "level playing field" free of formal and informal trade 
restrictions existed in Japan, and that Detroit engineered its current 
products to accommodate such basic needs as right-hand drive:  just what 
sort of market potential would exist for US vehicles in Japan?   Would 
legions of typical Japanese consumers flock to buy shiploads of '92 
Chevvies? 

Now THERE'S the essence of a free market!!!

Cheers

Keith
From: johns@trident.datasys.swri.edu (Stephen Johns)
Newsgroups: rec.autos
Subject: Tires
Keywords: Dunlop SP-8000/Goodyear GS-C
Date: 1 Sep 92 19:19:41 GMT
Distribution: usa
Organization: Southwest Research Institute, San Antonio, Texas

I am at the point of choosing either

Goodyear GS-C's    (VR) for $1000 for 4 (installed)
or
Dunlop   SP-8000's (ZR) for $1050 for 4 (installed)

Any idea on how they compare.  I've seen data on the GS-C's, but
not much on the Dunlops.  I am planning on purchasing in the next
two days, too many dang nails in my current set of tires.
-- 
Stephen Johns, Research Analyst
Southwest Research Institute, SA, TX 78228 (512) 522-5751
Newsgroups: rec.autos
From: knightf@infonode.ingr.com (Frank Knight)
Subject: Re: Want to fuel inject a Mercesdes 280s
Organization: Intergraph Corporation, Huntsville, AL.
Date: Mon, 31 Aug 1992 17:09:56 GMT

In article <53060072@hpsgm2.sgp.hp.com> teoallan@hpsgm2.sgp.hp.com (Allan TEO) writes:
>
>Hi,
>
>Is there a way to modify a 10-20 year-old car, eg.
>1970s Mercedes Benz 280s, to be more fuel efficient.
>How about fuel injection?
>Can someone suggest something?
>
>Regards,
>Alan

Don't start it. ;-)
From: shyguy@ocf.berkeley.edu (David S. Shy)
Newsgroups: rec.autos
Subject: nissan 240sx
Date: 29 Aug 92 22:42:13 GMT
Organization: U.C. Berkeley Open Computing Facility
NNTP-Posting-Host: sandstorm.berkeley.edu

Anyone know when the new 240sx will be out?  (probably 1993 right?)
Also, is it going to be available in the 6-banger form?

David Shy
shyguy@ocf.berkeley.edu
From: pnelson@cobra.Tymnet.COM (Phil Nelson)
Newsgroups: rec.autos
Subject: Re: Yet another fancy piece of cops' equipment
Summary: Wow!
Date: 25 Aug 92 19:26:13 GMT
Organization: BT North America (Tymnet)

In article <17bj2bINNh82@agate.berkeley.edu> avk@hafnium.cchem.berkeley.edu (Tony Konashenok) writes:
>Two days ago in Marin County I was pulled over by a cop on a motorcycle.
>When he approached me, I understood that he was riding... Guess what?
>
>...A spanking new Harley-Davidson!

Wow, police riding Harleys, what a concept! Still you would think the good
citizens of Marin County would prefer their police ride something more
"traditional", like Moto-Guzzi :-).


>Tony Konashenok   avk@hafnium.cchem.berkeley.edu   (510)527-7524 (home)
>University of California, Berkeley                 (510)642-5831 (office)


-- 
Phil Nelson . [ames|pyramid]!oliveb!tymix!pnelson . Voice:408-922-7508

  To make an apt answer is a joy to a man,
       and a word in season, how good it is!            Proverbs 15:23
Newsgroups: rec.autos
From: welty@cabot.balltown.cma.COM (richard welty)
Subject: Re: Law regarding speeding ticket ?
Organization: New York State Institute for Sebastian Cabot Studies
Distribution: usa
Date: Fri, 28 Aug 1992 22:49:53 GMT

In article <1992Aug27.194536.16768@iscnvx.lmsc.lockheed.com> sharen@iscnvx.lmsc.lockheed.com (Sharen A. Rund) writes:
>In article <CARL.92Aug26223444@atlantis.Cayman.COM> carl@Cayman.COM (Carl Heinzl) writes:

>>>after 6months...the cop won't goto court...becuase in that amount of time..
>>>he won't remember

>>>worked for me..and i won <but it wasn't for reck. driving.it was speeding>

>one thing you forgot - cops make reports on their shift, e.g., traffic 
>reports, etc - they carry around little notebooks that they jot thin down in
>to help them remember details....

quite.  this is why James Eagan (author of _a Speeder's Guide to Avoiding
Tickets_) recommends doing nothing during a traffic stop that would
draw attention to it; the chances are that the cop won't write anything
down if he expects that the fine will be paid by mail.

``i'll see you in court'' one of the stupider things you can say; it
insures that the cop will sit down back in his patrol car and take copious
notes in case he actually does see you in court a couple of months down
the road.

cheers,
  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
From: dbernard@thewho.Central.Sun.COM (Dave Bernard)
Newsgroups: rec.autos
Subject: Re: Haggling with car dealers
Date: 2 Sep 92 12:10:41 GMT
Reply-To: dbernard@thewho.Central.Sun.COM
Organization: Sun Microsystems

In article 4452@usho93.hou281.chevron.com, xepama@usmi02.midland.chevron.com (P.Mann) writes:
>I've seen a number of comments about buying from auto dealers on this
>net.  One option I have not seen discussed is the use of an auto
>broker.  Can anyone out there share any experiences, good or bad, 
>encountered in dealing with a broker?  How do you find one, will 
>they generally pass on factory-to-dealer incentives, etc.?
>
>
	The broker will do no more than whatever haggling you will do, then
	keep a few hundred of the savings for his trouble.  Try it yourself-
	phone a few brokers, ask for their best price on a model fitted to
	your taste.  Then call around dealers with the same question (which is
	all the broker will do anyway).  Eliminate the middle man, save yourself
	a few bucks, and have a dealer you can complain to when you need warranty
	service.

		Dave			  			




Newsgroups: rec.autos
From: nathanc@leland.Stanford.EDU (Nathan Chan)
Subject: Solidity = Safety ?
Summary: Does a rigid body structure imply safety? 
Organization: DSG, Stanford University, CA 94305, USA
Date: Sat, 29 Aug 92 19:12:09 GMT

From reading several auto magazines recently as well as word-of-mouth,
I'm under the impression that German cars (especially Mercedes) have
a reputation for solid construction and workmanship. In addition to being
a virtue in itself, it seems to me that this would imply increased safety
and survivability in case of an accident. However, crash test data in
Consumer Reports shows that the Mercedes 190E only offers mediocre
crash protection in a frontal barrier crash (even with a driver's airbag),
precisely because the rigid body structure did not crumple much, and
therefore more of the impact force was transferred to the occupants.

What is the consensus on the net? Is rigid construction a good thing?
I don't want a tin-can car, but maybe a bank vault isn't that good either.
Any insights would be appreciated.

Nathan Chan
(nathanc@leland.stanford.edu)
From: twc@svcs1.UUCP (Ted Chan)
Newsgroups: rec.autos
Subject: Re: Mitsubishi 3000GT-VR4, Toyota MR-2 Turbo
Date: 31 Aug 92 04:47:37 GMT
Organization: Silicon Valley Computer Society, Sunnyvale, CA

From article <1992Aug28.223404.9494@NeoSoft.com>, by cviles@NeoSoft.com (Chris Viles):
  
>  I don't know about the Mitsubishi, but I've been negotiating on a '93
>  MR2 Turbo for a few weeks now.  I've found the only one within 1000 miles
>  (literally!) that has the options/color I want.  With a little work, I've
>  got a *loaded* MR2 for $24,000 and a 6yr/100,00mi warranty for $580.  The
>  sticker was just over $28,000.  You could probably get a '92 for a lot
>  less, as its last year's model and if you are willing to buy one, the
>  dealer *wants* to sell it to you.

I'd advise against buying a pre-'93 MR2 Turbo.  Toyota has apparently
fiddled with the rear suspension geometry in the '93 model which
cures some nasty behaviour at the back end (when driving near the
limit).

As for MR2 vs. Mitsubishi, IMHO the Mitsubishi is a better looker,
but is incredibly heavy.  While the Mitsubishi is a bit faster stock,
there is no shortage of aftermarket goodies available to make your
MR2 into a real screamer.  Not much you can do to the Mitsubishi to
make it lighter...

--twc@legal.uucp

**************************************************************************
*  I have found a truly wonderful proof which  *  UCB Mathematics 1983   *
*  this margin is too narrow to contain.       *  Standard Disclaimer(s) *
**************************************************************************
*  Ted W. Chan        *   Micro Flexhead(TM)   *  UUCP:  twc@legal.uucp  *
*  Corporate Counsel  *   Contact Recording    *  DATA:  (408) 241-8373  *
*  Censtor Corp.      *   Heads and Media      *  VOICE: (408) 298-8400  *
**************************************************************************
Organization: Carnegie Mellon, Pittsburgh, PA
Newsgroups: rec.autos
Date: Wed,  2 Sep 1992 13:47:41 -0400 
From: Janviere S Thuman <jt3u+@andrew.cmu.edu>
Subject: I HATE MY DODGE

Please read this!!

I have  a problem that has been occuring for over 4 years with my 1988
Dodge Daytona.(I bought the car new when I was 16 years old)

At 12,000 miles (while still under warranty) my brakes began to pulse
violently. I realize that normal wear and tear on a car happens, but at
12,000 miles, no brakes should go bad! I didn't complain. I had the
rotors turned and pads replaced etc, but began to experience the EXACT
same thing in less than 5,000 miles. I am not an erratic driver. I live
on the Eastern Shore of Maryland where it is FLAT and rural. To this
day, the car is still in almost perfect condition (garage kept, cleaned,
maintained, etc) (And I have a Jeep that I drive when the weather is
bad) 

I wrote to Chrysler asking them to help with the problem. By this time I
was past my warranty. They said "sorry-can't help you." (I don't even
think they read my letters before they replied!)

I got the problem fixed again. And again. . . and again. . . and again.
The car now has 55,000 miles on it and the problem still persists. I
have done everything. (both by Chrysler dealers and independent garages)
Rotors changed twice, all pads and shoes changed, etc. 

I have written to Chrysler a gazillion times asking ONLY for advice. I
even offered to pay to have the problem fixed if they could assure that
it WAS fixed and that it would STAY fixed for a reasonable duration.They
keep saying the same thing "sorry- it's not our problem."

Finally- I made arrangements with a Chrysler Zone rep. to look at the
car. He failed to show up for two appointments and didn't even call to
let me know!! 

I am furious. I have had it. I am taking my car to my independent garage
that will do the work and wararnty it for two years!It's going to cost
my a cool 1-200 dollars.

 I will never ever never ever buy another Chrysler. If not for the
quality of their products, for the inability of the company to help me.
. . a consumer. (I'm young too! I plan to buy many cars in the future!)

As I write, I am still conversing with some idiot at Chrysler. I think
it is their plan to keep me in limbo until the car is completely out of
warranty. And being in grad school far from home- those miles will rack
up fast! I think Chrysler should "get out of the way"!!!!!! Toyota,
Nissan, Porsche, anything. . . next year- after graduation- here I
COME!!!

If anyone has any suggestions for what I can do please let me know. At
this point I have lost hope but it would be interesting to know if
anyone has had similar problems.
Thanks-- shellie
Newsgroups: rec.autos
From: chung@rchland.vnet.ibm.com (Vicente Chung)
Subject: Re: Nissan Quest or Mecury Villager (Mini-Vans) Info
Date: Wed, 02 Sep 1992 15:41:28 GMT
Disclaimer: This posting represents the poster's views, not necessarily those of IBM
Organization: IBM Rochester

In article <134882@lll-winken.LLNL.GOV>, ari@viipuri.nersc.gov (Ari Ollikainen) writes:
|> In article <92241.092619MARK@wvnvm.wvnet.edu> MARK@wvnvm.wvnet.edu writes:
|> >Does anybody know the price range of these 2 minivans, also Dealer Cost
|> >information would also be helpful.
|> 
|> Yes...
|> 
|> Base price (including freight)			Invoice	    Suggested
|> 							     retail
|> 
|> Villager GS					15263	     17044
|> Villager LS	 				19922 	     22338
|> 
|> Preferred Equipment Packages
|> 
|> 691A GS: AC, RW Def, Dual pwr mirrors, 7pass	 1281	      1507
|>      seats, tilt wheel, cruise, PDL/PW		
|>      [Prices are NET: 723 wholesale and 850 retail discount]
|> 692A GS: Includes 691A + Luggage Rack, AM/FM ETR 2166	      2549
|>      w/cassette, underseat storage, 8-way Driver
|>      power seat, Locking Aluminum Wheels
|>      [Prices are NET: 850 wholesale and 1000 retail discount]
|> 695A LS: 8-way Power Driver's seat, Locking       293          345
|>      Aluminum Wheels, Flip-open Liftgate Window,
|>      and Highlevel AM/FM ETR Stereo w/cassette
|>      (may be upgraded)
|>      [Prices are NET: 723 wholesale and 850 retail discount]
|> 696A LS: Includes 695A + Aux Rear AC & Heater, 	 1485         1748
|>      Digital Instrument Cluster, Keyless entry 
|>      syestem w/autolamp on/off delay, 4-way Pass
|>      seat and Quad bucket seats
|>      [NET: 1063 wholesale and 1250 retail discount]
|> 
|> Source: Kelly New Car Price Book. 
|> 
|> I also have the individual accessory/options prices.
|> 
|> I suspect that the Quest is priced somewhat less since it doesn't come 
|> with ABS as standard equipment. 
|> 
|> I like the Villager BUT it sorely lacks cargo space behind the rearmost seat.
|> (Although it's no worse in this regard than the SWB Caravan, the GMC plastic
|> vans, or any og the other SWB or short-body style "mini"vans). The seating
|> configuration adjustability is a plus (specially for the 7seat Quad Bucket
|> version which can have the 3 seat bench and buckets swapped fron to rear...).
|> 
|> I HATED the motorised front shoulder strap! This will keep me from considering
|> the Quest/Villager as a replacement for one of our Vanagons. This would seem
|> to be Ford's highest priority improvement on this vehicle (AIRBAG!). 
|> 
|> The "entertainment" dash (Digital Instrument Cluster) seems to always crop 
|> up in the "luxury" versions of Ford products. It's CRAP! Note that it's 
|> included in 696A with the Auxiliary Rear AC and heater...Luckily my SHO, which
|> has *all* the options didn't come with the Digital Instrument Cluster...
|> 
|> 

Is is a front wheel drive?  Is the engine mounted in front? '

Vicente Chung
From: drt@casbah.acns.nwu.edu (Robert Toreki)
Newsgroups: rec.autos
Subject: Re: Haggling with car dealers
Date: 31 Aug 92 18:00:32 GMT
Organization: Northwestern University, Evanston Illinois.

In article <1992Aug31.133942.12075@ms.uky.edu> kherron@ms.uky.edu (Kenneth
Herron) writes: 

>>The local Cadillac/Volvo dealer has a large sign in the service dept.
>which says essentially "We reserve the right to give priority to cars
>purchased from this dealer."  They also sell Saturns, but I doubt
>Saturn would give the nod to this kind of attitude.

	When I was in Boston a few years ago and had a problem with my old
car I called around to some dealers to see about scheduling repair.  The first
one I called asked if I had purchased the car from them.  When I told them no,
their answer was "We are not taking any new customers at this time, so unless
you bought the car here, we can't help you."  And they were listed in the
phone book as a dealer and authorized service/repair.  Forgot their name,
otherwise I would print it here with admonishment never to patronize them.

						Rob
Newsgroups: rec.autos
From: gerber@solbourne.com (Andrew Gerber)
Subject: Re: oil pressure and temp gauges
Keywords: gauges
Organization: Solbourne Computer, Inc., Longmont, CO
Date: Fri, 4 Sep 1992 15:33:12 GMT

In article <1217@tekgen.bv.tek.com> netops@tekgen.bv.tek.com (Randy King) writes:
>I just noticed the Temp and Oil Pressure gauges on my 1988 Nissan Maxima going high and low. The TEMP gauge goes up about 3/4 up and getting close to H. The 
>OIL pressure is going down below the 10. This doesn't happen at the same time
>Is this going to be a big problem?
>What is going on? Can somebody tell me what to expect once I decide to have it
>checked. You know, I am suspecting the dealer is putting a leftover oil 
>everytime I go for an oil change. I have this free lifetime oil change, so I am a little suspecious.

Free lifetime oil change?  What a crock.  Do the promise the *type*
of oil they'll put in the engine?

Let me relate a short story here.  

My '83 Nissan Stanza was overheating.  Unbeknowest to me, and the
crappy garage I was bringing it to at the time, the radiator fan
thermo switch had blown.  I drove it like this for probably 6 months,
in the end blowing the head gasket.

Yet, my oil was always in good shape.  I changed my oil myself, and
put in Catrol GTX.  Then one day I was in a hurry and took it to the
local fast-lube place.  They said that they put in Quaker State.   I
don't know what crud they actually used, 'cause about one month later
the car was having major problems.  I took a look at the dipstick, and
was appaled to find bits of solid black crud clinging to it.  The oil
had degraded due to the high temps my engine was running at.  It came
out of the engine in cottege-cheese like clumps.

I now always change the oil myself, no exceptions.  Always use
Castrol, too.  Now, in normal use, you shouldn't really need the
temperature protection that GTX gives you.  But when the time comes
that you need that protection, your engine will be happy.
-- 
/-----------------------------------------------------------------/
/ Andy Gerber		     / gerber@solbourne.com               /
/-----------------------------------------------------------------/