bobo

I'm looking forward to the BMW 1-Series. The new 3-Series is a great car, but there's room for a more back-to-basics vehicle in the spirit of the 2002ti.

The lack of a small, affordable RWD compact is a huge, gaping hole in the marketplace that Pontiac can fill with a Kappa sedan. Such a car would have a whole lot more potential than the Solstice.

The Acura RSX has gotten great reviews and manages a loyal offering despite dropping the double wishbones in front. I think the current Civic's flaws go way beyond the front suspension, though that is symptomatic of the grampamobile that the Civic has become. With the RSX probably getting phased out in the next couple of years, the Civic Si will need to carry the small sporty car banner for Honda. That's more reason for them to get it right.

I've previously read posts on www.is300.net about a few people with the graphite wheels with the finish flaking off. I went back and did a search, but I couldn't find much useful information. Perhaps it's just rock chips. I read one thread about discoloration on the graphite wheels from the 2002 model year due to a production defect. I checked eBay and saw the sets up for bid. Some of those seem worth bidding on, especially when the tires still have some tread on them. I'd imagine a factory fresh set of wheels with tires would cost around $2000.

The Si Coupe has potential for being cool because of its power, and it has decent looks. The outsgoing Civic Si is one of the nastiest cars I've ever driven. There's no other way but up.

I have 21st Century Insurance, and they have been great so far. I've dealt with them after my Nissan pickup got totaled and my Prelude was stolen. Rates have been pretty stable the last few years, and I pay about $800 per vehicle per year.

Go with the stock rims. I think they're some of the best-looking five-spoke wheels out there, but I may be biased. As to the three finishes, I prefer the regular old silver. Some people have had the graphite flake off. As for chrome, the concept of adding a heavy coating to a wheel doesn't sit well with me, and I think chome wheels are also a little bit tacky. Since you have a GGP (graphite gray pearl) car, the graphite wheels will probably look the best. 16" wheels were always a no-cost option for the IS300 for those in the snow states. Unfortunately, the two 16" wheels styles Lexus has used weren't very attractive. Handling should improve significantly with the 17" wheels. If you do go with aftermarket wheels, you may want to consider 18".

10 11

The Tribeca seems to be selling pretty close to projections.

So, will Alberto Gonzales be the replacement?

Nice car. House and family too. I'm a little surprised you would get a coupe as a family car, but it does look much better than the sedan.

If Oldsmobile were still around, they should have been the candidate for the first hybrid as they were the technology leader. I thought the next Malibu was supposed to get a hybrid also. As for particular vehicles hybrids should be rolled out in, all mid-size crossovers and SUVs seem logical, for all brands.

I saw a Dodge Magnum today. It said RT on the the tailgate, without the slash. And it had what looked like three portholes on the front fender, but they were stuck-on rhomboid chome bits. And I saw my first Lexus 400h on the road.

I also don't care for Chevy's new trim level scheme. I know many members feel otherwise, but I also like having fewer standalone options. It makes searching for a new vehicle easier, and I would think it would simplify the production line.

I've bought a few things on eBay, a couple of cheap things, and of course that troublesome Aurora. I've also bought a couple of things directly from eBay sellers and bypassing the auction. Sellers' good feedback helps give confidence, but it is not a guarantee that things will go well. I've pretty much soured on the whole eBay thing, though I still look daily on it for Auroras just for fun. You need a credit card to register with eBay only if you use one of those free email accounts. If you use one with your ISP, there's no need.

Why so much hating on the Aveo? I find it decent car. It has good power. I don't think Chevy needs a smaller car.

The 305 c.i. Chevy engine was indeed in California T/A's, just as the Corvette got it, for 1980. It has 145 hp. The rest of the country got the 4.9 liter (301 c.i.) V-8, naturally aspirated or turboed.

I like the styling of this thing except for the overdone wheel flares (once again), and it'd be perfect for the crowded urban areas.

If Baddabing were still around, we'd be hearing an earful right now. The Alero was much nicer than the Grand Am of the same vintage. Too bad we never got to see what a second generation Alero on Epsilon would be like. (Or maybe we just need to look at the G6 and squint.)

The rebates for the big trucks are pretty timid, only $1000 (vs. $3000 for last year's model), so it's not really a good deal. However, I do like the concept of no-dicker stickers. GM should stick with it for a limited number of models or trim levels.

I can't help but feel that if this destruction occurred in Texas or Florida the federal response would be markedly different. There are many, many places in this country that are vulnerable to natural disasters. It's only a matter of time before L.A. or the Bay Area in California are decimated by the Big One. There is so much that needs to be done to upgrade infrastructure in this country, but no one wants to pay for it, so lives will be lost.

For a good part of my working life, I've used public transportation or carpools. Unfortunately, my current job and sometimes irregular schedule does not facilitate it. When I went shopping for my last vehicle, I did research fuel economy ratings and emissions, and I was pleased to find that the Silverado to be among the best in class. However, it's still not great. If there were a cleaner and more efficient but weaker engine offered, I don't think I would go there. But I would spend more money, such as going with a hybrid, if there were reduced emissions and/or better fuel economy. I am chagrined that my IS300 is also rated rather low on fuel economy and emissions.

RWD/AWD throwaways: Ford Pinto and Mercury Bobcat Chevrolet Chevette FWD keepers: Honda Prelude Gen3, 4, 5 Acura Integra Gen1

I think I changed my mind on this car. At first I thought the Si was going to be a must-have performance bargain. Now I think it's messed up. When Honda tries too hard to be different, they usually botch it.

I would consider it if it was executed right. The 2nd and 3rd generation F-bodies were some of my favorite cars when I was growing up, but I sort of outgrew them. I'm not interested in an overly low vehicle with huge overhangs, but if it comes out more in spirit with the first generation as expected and without being overly retro, I may bite.