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Q: Is anyone aware of discussion/message boards not controlled by toyota?
Further, does anyone aware of a phone number or web site where I might sign up for a class action suit against Toyota?

A: Yahoo! groups has lots of car groups, including several Toyota specific model groups. If you have a news reader, alt.autos.toyota is a good and active site – just be aware that usenet forums are subject to the dregs of the ‘net also: spammers, trolls, spambots, and various jerks. If you reveal your actual email address it will be the target of an appalling cascade of spam.

Class action suits are normally just as they say – you are automatically a member of the suit if you meet the qualifying conditions unless you opt out. Most are trivial, though, unless you have specific losses that are covered by the settlement. For example, GM settled the suit about Dex-cool attacking their plastic intake manifold gaskets by allowing up to $800 for replacement of the affected gaskets within a certain date window (first source). Many more class action automobile suits are settled by extended warranty coverage, like Volvo’s Throttle Position Sensors and Honda’s transmissions. I have been included in other law suits that provided me a credit of up to $15 once (from a video rental chain) if I could document my purchases over a multi year period.

Q: What does Toyota know that GM does not? ?
http://edgehopper.com/what-toyota-knows-that-gm-doesnt/

This story is pretty enlightening. Read it before you comment. You should also listen to this news report.

Big 3 vs. Toyota discussion

http://edgehopper.com/wp-content/media/Big3_vs_Toyota.mp3

Please read the articles. They are pretty enlightening.

A: Toyota has succeeded in keeping unions out. I work next to the D.C. in Hebron just down the road from the Erlanger facility.

While Toyota hasn’t laid off any employees, it has let it’s temps go. Something they never mention when bragging about their no lay offs. You’ll not it say they haven’t laid off any “employees” but not how many temps they’ve laid off.

Toyota has learned from GM’s mistakes as well as its own.

I think GM’s production system is wasteful and is in bad need of an upgrade.

I worked at Toyota’s TMMK facility and I hated it. The sad part is that nearly EVERY employee I talked to said it was a great place to work when it had Japanese management.

Q: sorry Ted…I filed chapter 7 and chose not to reaffirm my toyota. As far as my understanding goes my car?
should be reposed after my discharge, from my discussion with my lawyer. Bankruptcy was filed June 22nd and my discharge came about 3 weeks ago. Don’t want to stir my name around in repo papers at toyota, so won’t call to check. Any advice on how long they could possibly allow my to keep my car?

A: OK. Your car was in fact included in the bankruptcy proceeding, which was not clear in your previous question.

Don’t worry, They haven’t forgotten about you. Once it’s in a bankruptcy filing, the law puts severe restrictions on a creditor’s actions. If he tries to collect or put any pressure on you to pay, outside of the court procedures, he can get into serious trouble. The court can hold the creditor in contempt and fine him, all the way to disallowing the debt completely, depending on exactly what they did and how the judge is feeling that day. Your creditor is probably walking on eggshells right now to avoid being too aggressive and breaking the rules. They are going to wait until they are sure everything is settled and they can legally repossess the collateral. Then there is going to be some time to push the paperwork through internally because you are dealing with a large corporate bureaucracy. It could be a few months.

Q: Why did Toyota skip the meetings regarding the new 2011 engine specs?
For once – is this a manufacturer telling the actual TRUTH about their racing programs?
===================================================
Before leaving Lee White (TRD’s group vice-president and general manager) to allow him to continue TRD’s relentless effort in NASCAR, I (Gordon Kirby) asked his opinion about IndyCar’s 2011 rules debate.

“Rod Campbell called me and they wanted me to come,” White related. “We had a board meeting in California when they scheduled their first meeting, so I couldn’t go. Then they decided they just wanted anybody wearing a Toyota shirt. So to me, at that point in time, hopefully without being too critical, this wasn’t about really having a discussion. It was about demonstrating that they had interest from the manufacturers.”

White says that if TRD tried to sell Toyota Motor Sales on entering NASCAR in today’s economic climate it would be a difficult if not impossible sale to make. He says that means Indy car racing is completely off Toyota’s map.

“To be honest, we have serious challenges budget-wise,” White said. “The concept of going back to Indy, or to open-wheel racing, given those challenges and the fact that we haven’t got ourselves to the level we want in NASCAR yet, I’d be a fool to even propose it to the company. So I wasn’t going to go and sit and listen to yet another meeting because I do enough of that, and I wasn’t about to send somebody else just to take notes. So we did not go.

“I asked (former Ford Racing boss) Dan Davis before he retired if he was going and he said, ‘Heck, no!’ And I stopped somebody from Chevrolet and asked if they were going and they said, ‘No. Why would we do that?’.”

White says he took the opportunity to suggest his own solution to Indy car racing’s debate about its 2011 formula.

“I did give Rod my opinion. I told him to go get a 1994 Lola or Reynard and put a Cosworth engine in it and go racing. Then you would have something that sounds great, runs great, looks great and puts on a great show, and everybody who loved them will jump at the chance to come and watch because there’s still a lot of people out there who remember how great those cars were. Use that as a kind of retro starting point and build it from there. But I don’t think they listened.”
===================================================

Until I read this article – I never liked Toyota that much. But they have become one of my FAVORITE manufacturers based on that last paragraph alone.

Just to quote that one more time:
“I told him to go get a 1994 Lola or Reynard and put a Cosworth engine in it and go racing. Then you would have something that sounds great, runs great, looks great and puts on a great show, and everybody who loved them will jump at the chance to come and watch because there’s still a lot of people out there who remember how great those cars were.”

A: Shoot yeah that would be awewsome to see 94 Lola with the Cosworth…He is dead on about people wanting to rememer those cars again
Great article

Q: Does a 2001 Toyota Camry come equipped with a historical blackbox?
In general discussion with my friends I have discovered that some motorcars come equipped with a historical blackbox that will provide a report on the motorcar’s operating statistics during a certain time.

I recently received a ticket for not stopping at a stop sign by a member of the LVMPD when I indeed did stop. If possible I am trying to find proof to provide to the court that I indeed did stop. Apparently people have been able to do this before.

My possible issue is that my motorcar happens to be an older model so I cannot just assume that it came with a blackbox (as do some if not all others).

I know that some people may not care and would just pay the ticket but I lost my job this year. The price of the ticket is more than a week of unemployment and so far in Las Vegas I have not been able to obtain any type of work.

Does a 2001 Toyota Camry come equipped with a historical blackbox?

Many Thanks!

A: I don’t believe it does.

I’m not sure if you can do this in Nevada but in California trial by written declaration is the best way to fight a ticket. Basically, you write a report on what you believe happened and why you should not be at fault for the ticket. This is much better than going to court for the average person because the proceedings, standing in front of the judge, etc. are all nerve-wracking and it will be much harder for you to present your case effectively on the spot.

Go back to the area where you were cited. See if there is anything strange/peculiar about the area. Perhaps the stop sign is obstructed by a tree. Things like that. You want to gather as much evidence as possible that supports your case. Try to remember all the details about when you were cited, weather conditions, traffic flow, visibility.

I have read that if you ask to have the trial moved to another date, and it happens to fall on that officers off-day, he will likely not show up and you will by default, I am not sure if there is any truth to this however.

Q: Trying to trade my car and dealer is using “auction” value!?
I’m trying to deal for a new car and have a great 2004 to trade in. I like to trade just so I don’t have to go through the hassle of selling it myself.

So Edmund’s says $18,000 for “trade-in” value of my car but the Toyota dealer says $15,000 for “auction value” is all they’ll give “because they lose money” paying “trade-in” value. Also, they’re not getting close to cutting enough on the new car…according to Edmund’s (and Kelly is close), these guys would make $3K on the trade for my old car plus $2,800 for the new car for a profit of $5,800!!! Usually, I get a new car for $300-500 profit for the whole deal–I figure the dealer can’t stay in business for zero profit but I don’t like to get clobbered either.

Well I walked after seeing the sales manager–I said there wasn’t any basis for discussion–also told them that lots of Toyota dealers out there. They’ve been calling me every other day since then.

So has anyone heard of this “auction” value? I don’t think its legitimate.

A: Ok, this is a typical Toyota dealer tactic. I believe what they meant by “auction” value is actually referred to as “wholesale” value. Toyota dealers have been getting very edgy with the public lately because they can (everyone wants a Corolla, Camry or Prius apparently). They understand that they will sell vehicles, if not to you, to someone else. This gives them the confidence to hammer the value of your trade, and still get you to buy a car. The only way to fight this is to aggressively cut their asking price of the vehicle you want. That way, it’s aleast a 50/50 battle. Good Luck and try another brand.

Q: Wanted to buy but was told I could only lease.?
I was quoted a price by phone then the price breakdown was sent by email. I was pre-qualified through Toyota. The salesman checked it out and verifying I was approved for the car. I went to buy the car. When I got there I was told again I qualified. He went through a lease vs buy discussion whereas he told me he was required to by Toyota After that I still wanted to buy. He comes back & tells me he misfigured and that I fell $50 a month short. Like a dumb “A” I went with the lease. But on the papers was being charged $2000 more than what he quoted. I was told the DVD/Nav was the difference. I told them that was included in the original quote. Heres the catch, the dvd/Nav isn’t installed in the car. They told me they would install later in the week AFTER THEY ORDER IT!! I figured out on paper the DVD/nav they were suppodly throwing in and now charging me for was the very thing that put me over! Is there any recourse for me? Any Suggestions? Its been less than 24 hrs and I am sick!
I pretty much figured I was sunk here. They kept me there 2 hours after closing. Man I knew better but I didnt catch it in time. The email with the price quote would not help with this matter? If I contacted Toyota explaining the situation if that would help. I cant believe I let them tell me I didnt qulify. After all, how did I qualify for the Lease but not the loan to buy? Dang I feel really stupid right now.
I pretty much figured I was sunk here. They kept me there 2 hours after closing. Man I knew better but I didnt catch it in time. The email with the price quote would not help with this matter? If I contacted Toyota explaining the situation if that would help. I cant believe I let them tell me I didnt qulify. After all, how did I qualify for the Lease but not the loan to buy? Dang I feel really stupid right now.
So because I did not catch the price change in time I have no recourse even if I reject the dvd/nav?

A: If you have taken delivery of the vehicle there isn’t much that can be done. If you haven’t you may have a chance of getting out of the deal. Either way, I would contact the Attorney General of your state and explain what happened. You may not get any satisfaction but it may help others who go there to buy. A note to FOREVER, there is NO 3 day return policy.

Q: Is this true?
I dont honestly know
But just in case it is, What is wrong here, Personally I have no problem with ford going down the gurgler

A Japanese company ( Toyota ) and an American company (Ford Motors) decided to have a canoe race on the Missouri River Both teams practiced long and hard to reach their peak performance before the race.

On the big day, the Japanese won by a mile.

The Americans, very discouraged and depressed, decided to investigate the reason for the crushing defeat. A management team made up of senior management was formed to investigate and recommend appropriate action.

Their conclusion was the Japanese had 8 people rowing and 1 person steering, while the American team had 7 people steering and 2 people rowing.

Feeling a deeper study was in order; American management hired a consulting company and paid them a large amount of money for a second opinion.

They advised, of course, that too many people were steering the boat, while not enough people were rowing.

Not sure of how to utilize that information, but wanting to prevent another loss to the Japanese, the rowing team’s management structure was totally reorganized to 4 steering supervisors, 2 area steering superintendents and 1 assistant superintendent steering manager.

They also implemented a new performance system that would give the 2 people rowing the boat greater incentive to work harder. It was called the ‘Rowing Team Quality First Program,’ with meetings, dinners and free pens for the rowers. There was discussion of getting new paddles, canoes and other equipment, extra vacation days for practices and bonuses. The pension program was trimmed to ‘equal the competition’ and some of the resultant savings were channeled into morale boosting programs and teamwork posters.
The next year the Japanese won by two miles.

Humiliated, the American management laid-off one rower, halted development of a new canoe, sold all the paddles, and canceled all capital investments for new equipment. The money saved was distributed to the Senior Executives as bonuses.

The next year, try as he might, the lone designated rower was unable to even finish the race (having no paddles,) so he was laid off for unacceptable performance, all canoe equipment was sold and the next year’s racing team was out-sourced to India .

Sadly, the End.

Here’s something else to think about: Ford has spent the last thirty years moving all its factories out of the US , claiming they can’t make money paying American wages.

TOYOTA has spent the last thirty years building more than a dozen plants inside the US . The last quarter’s results:

TOYOTA makes 4 billion in profits while Ford racked up 9 billion in losses.

Ford folks are still scratching their heads, and collecting bonuses.

IF THIS WEREN’T SO TRUE IT MIGHT BE FUNNY
Yep I am very patriotic, BUT I am not an American
Mrs H
As usual an intelligent, real life answer

A: From a patriotic American (ME!)
You got it right as usual, I have said this same thing all my working life,and it is hard to tell if this was supposed to be a funny, or just a very honest statement, so sad for for us working people. and gets even worse for us when all the “pol-cor” garbage gets thrown into the mix!
The company I work for is going through some of the same, but hopefully they’ll get their heads out of each others @sses before it goes under!
I gonna go for a ride in my old mustang and listen to some good ol classic rock and be happy being a nobody!

Q: How is this story i’m writing?
I wrote this using the thesaurus in some places:
The wind rushed past the Toyota Rav-4 as it curved around the tight edge.
Another Toyota Rav-4 was trailing behind, struggling just as much to climb the rutted hill. Toyota number 1 shifted into the fastest gear and sped up the mountain, before spinning out of control.
It took off into the railing but bounced off and into the rocky wall on the right hand side. Toyota 2 scarcely missed the wild car there was a loud THUD, and first car collided into the railing for a second time, but this time breaking through it.
The second car came to a halt and Reggie and Ziva climbed out of the Toyota and strode towards the broken railing. They looked over the edge to see, hundreds of metres down, a valley with a car lodged in between the stony walls.
“So sad, it was such a pretty car.” Reggie uttered.
“Well, Mr. Connor won’t be happy,” Ziva sighed.
“Why won’t he be? Jasper Scythe is dead and his three buds, isn’t that what he wanted?” Reggie asked, obviously confused.
“How did you even get into the IF, send in a box of chocolates!?” queried Ziva in an annoyed tone.
“No, that was after they accepted me,” Reggie grinned.
“Ugh! To answer your question and finish this discussion, Jasper has more than three buds and that is why the International Investigative Force is trying to catch Jasper, normal police are too dumb and Jasper is too strong. He has people all over the world! You know, that probably wasn’t even him in the car!

Sometimes when i read a book and there is something like a car chase they make it soo interesting i HAVE to keep on reading it because it is so intense. How can i make that with my car chase?

btw i am eleven years old.
thanks alot creepy….reeeeally appreciate it :( im only 11 give me a d.a.m.n break!
this is more i have added
“Okay, okay sister, just take deep breaths…deep breaths…”
“Shut up Reggie, I am not your sister we are just partners that are put together to fight crime! When will you grow up?” growled Ziva. Reggie shut his mouth, offended by Ziva’s remark.
“Let’s go, Reggie.”
“I am not going in that car if that’s what you mean!”
“Well why not?”
“Look at the wheel, Ziva.” said Reggie turning his back on her and heading down the winding road. Ziva frowned and turned to face the car. The first tire on the right was flat; a hole was punctured in it.
“Oh, and Ziva you should probably take off the number plate, y’know for safety reasons.” Reggie pointed out. Ziva sighed; she hated to be ordered around especially by Reggie, but most of all when he was right.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Mr. Connor lifted Maggie, his grandchild into the air and swung her around like a helicopter. She laughed with delight and poked her tongue out. Mr. Connor placed her back on
each start lifts up from the one before so where i ended in my real answer, keeps going on the next one.

“Sir, there is a call for you on line 1.” Mr. Connor’s assistant, Candy Sulvan told him. She had a clear face but red cheeks and a striped pink silk dress with a red belt at the waist. She had long skinny legs and red high heels which matched her belt and bow in her thick brown hair that swayed at her shoulders.
“Hello?” Mr. Connor said into the phone.
“Yes, I do Ziva carry on.” Mr. Connor’s face turned into a startled expression.
“He did WHAT!? Did you go see if he was okay? I agree I want you and Reggie to try and find him. Then go look for a member of his gang. Oh, right yes one moment,” Mr. Connor placed the phone onto the table next to Maggie.
“Candy! I’m booked on Tuesday.” He called out.
“But you have a meeting with-”
“Move it!” Mr. Connor interrupted. He picked up the phone again to continue the conversation.
“Ok, it’s all booked Ziva. Come on Tuesday but meanwhile just
just retrace your steps, okay? Ziva everything okay? Hello?” Mr. Connor slammed the phone down.
“She has NO right to hang up on me!” He yelled.
“Is everything alright? I brought in some biscuits and coffee, would some?”
“Yes, please Candy. I’m sorry for my arrogance.” He shoved his towards the biscuits and coffee.
“Me have some?” asked Maggie in a light voice. Mr. Connor smiled and gave her a biscuit.
“Almost forgot you were there.”
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
“Ziva, why did this have to be my first assignment? It could get me killed! I have only been here for a month and already I am dealing with Jasper Scythe!” Reggie fussed.
“‘Jeez, Reggie I feel so sorry for you’ is that what you want me to say? Well I’m not going to because like I explained before, police are too dumb to go on our type of missions, that’s why we do it, so when a new kid comes in, we’re not going to go and leave a national threat to do what they want while we investigate a robbery!”
“Right now I
“Right now I understand. Thanks. Let’s start running again.”
“Wait, Reggie!” yelled Ziva.
“What?”
“I’m calling Mr. Connor to explain what’s happening.”
“Okay, I’m going to go buy a pie.”
“I told you not to bring any money!” Ziva demanded but Reggie was already gone. She sighed and decided that she would never be able to control him.
Ziva typed in the numbers for the head-quarters; meanwhile Reggie was in the petrol station. The partners were at a town an hour away from the cliff. It was called Mealo Shadow.
The trees there were ancient and had crumbly brown leaves, strewn across the town. There was a junction and here and there would be a shop. They were scattered everywhere.
It used to be a nice town called Meadow Shade but there was a terrible fire that burned down lots of the shops, and only few remained. It was an eerie town
“Yeh, could I have the meat pie please?”
“Of course you can, sir.” A man in his forties said. He was tan and had jet black hair but was dressed in casual
clothes.
“Excuse me you’re not supposed to be here,” another guy behind the desk said to the person serving Reggie.

A: WOW! good job. I like your writing style. the only advice i have to give you is maybe you should make the two cars different types because it is kinda annoying if you keep going like toyota 1 and 2
other than that good job! keep writing

Q: A friend sent this. What do you think? I thought it was sad but true.?
A Modern Parable

A Japanese company (Toyota) and an American company (Ford Motor) decided to have a canoe race on the Missouri River. Both teams practiced long and hard to reach their peak performance before the race.

On the big day, the Japanese won by a mile.

The Americans, very discouraged and depressed, decided to investigate the reason for the crushing defeat. A management team made up of senior management was formed to investigate and recommend appropriate action.

Their conclusion was the Japanese had 8 people rowing and 1 person steering, while the American team had 8 people steering and 1 person rowing.

Feeling a deeper study was in order, American management hired a consulting company and paid them a large amount of money for a second opinion.

They advised, of course, that too many people were steering the boat, while not enough people were rowing.

Not sure of how to utilize that information, but wanting to prevent another loss to the Japanese, the rowing team’s management structure was totally reorganized to 4 steering supervisors, 3 area steering superintendents and 1 assistant superintendent steering manager.

They also implemented a new performance system that would give the 1 person rowing the boat greater incentive to work harder. It was called the ‘Rowing Team Quality First Program,’ with meetings, dinners and free pens for the rower. There was discussion of getting new paddles, canoes and other equipment, extra vacation days for practices and bonuses.

The next year the Japanese won by two miles.

Humiliated, the American management laid off the rower for poor performance, halted development of a new canoe, sold the paddles, and canceled all capital investments for new equipment. The money saved was distributed to the Senior Executives as bonuses and the next year’s racing team was out-sourced to India.

Sadly, The End.

Here’s something else to think about: Ford has spent the last thirty years moving all its factories out of the US, claiming they can’t make money paying American wages.

TOYOTA has spent the last thirty years building more than a dozen plants inside the US. The last quarter’s results:

TOYOTA makes 4 billion in profits while Ford racked up 9 billion in losses.

Ford folks are still scratching their heads.

IF THIS WASN’T SO TRUE IT MIGHT BE FUNNY

A: Well, no wonder they live longer and healthier…they have a wisdome that comes from thousands of years…the lesson is quite simple: keep it simple.

I can’t believe so many people didn’t get the point of the story…no wonder we – the occidental people – are where we are…

Q: Bail out , when and where does it stop! ?
A Modern Parable.

A Japanese company ( Toyota ) and an American company (Ford Motors) decided to have a canoe race on the Missouri River Both teams practiced long and hard to reach their peak performance before the race.

On the big day, the Japanese won by a mile.

The Americans, very discouraged and depressed, decided to investigate the reason for the crushing defeat. A management team made up of senior management was formed to investigate and recommend appropriate action.

Their conclusion was the Japanese had 8 people rowing and 1 person steering, while the American team had 7 people steering and 2 people rowing.

Feeling a deeper study was in order; American management hired a consulting company and paid them a large amount of money for a second opinion.

They advised, of course, that too many people were steering the boat, while not enough people were rowing.

Not sure of how to utilize that information, but wanting to prevent another loss to the Japanese, the rowing team’s management structure was totally reorganized to 4 steering supervisors, 2 area steering superintendents and 1 assistant superintendent steering manager.

They also implemented a new performance system that would give the 2 people rowing the boat greater incentive to work harder. It was called the ‘Rowing Team Quality First Program,’ with meetings, dinners and free pens for the rowers. There was discussion of getting new paddles, canoes and other equipment, extra vacation days for practices and bonuses. The pension program was trimmed to ‘equal the competition’ and some of the resultant savings were channelled into morale boosting programs and teamwork posters.

The next year the Japanese won by two miles.

Humiliated, the American management laid-off one rower, halted development of a new canoe, sold all the paddles, and cancelled all capital investments for new equipment. The money saved was distributed to the Senior Executives as bonuses.

The next year, try as he might, the lone designated rower was unable to even finish the race (having no paddles,) so he was laid off for unacceptable performance, all canoe equipment was sold and the next year’s racing team was out-sourced to India .

Sadly, the End.

Here’s something else to think about: Ford has spent the last thirty years moving all its factories out of the US , claiming they can’t make money paying American wages.

TOYOTA has spent the last thirty years building more than a dozen plants inside the US . The last quarter’s results:

TOYOTA makes 4 billion in profits while Ford racked up 9 billion in losses.

Ford folks are still scratching their heads, and collecting bonuses… and now wants the Government to ‘bail them out’.

IF THIS WEREN’T SO TRUE IT MIGHT BE FUNNY

A: After the 2010 Congressional Elections when the Republican majority is sworn in.

Q: Anyone Fancy driving overland from Ireland/uk to Austrailia?
Hey,

Looking someone to share the expense and the time to Drive to OZ. The plan is to take off in a Toyota Landcruiser 4×4 around August or October next year.

The route will consist of the following:

France – Germany – Czech Republic – Slovakia – Hungry – Romania – Bulgaria – Turkey – Georgia – Krygastan – Azerbajin – Turkministan – Kazachstan – China – laois – Vietnam – Thailand – Malaysia and ship car to Austrailia.

It’s a journey of a lifetime however there are some large costs assocaited with it, including kitting out the 4×4, feul and accomadation amonst other things.

To cut down on ur costs, I will be paying for the landcruiser (But not modifications) and to cut down on hassle i have already done alot of the prelimanry planning such as budget, maps, visa research and much more.

All of the above such as time of departure, route, and all aspects of the trip are negotiable and open for discussion as this is going to be a team effort.

The trip will need to be approx 4/5 months and longer depending on the route and chill time. Accomadation will be a mix of tents and hostels / hotels.

The ideal person must be open minded and eager to experience new cultures with a real sense of adventure

The problem is i need to source someone for the trip – Does anyone have any ideas how i can get th eword outthere and possibly get someone on board?

the_big_drive2010@yahoo.com

A: bingalee didn’t read the question properly……lol…..they will ship the car over to Oz……

It sounds really fun! :) try posting it on facebook – even set up a page for it maybe, twitter, blogs, even get an ad in your local newspaper! , send forward emails…..etc

Q: mpg…Which is better, bigger truck with diesel or smaller with gas engine?
My wife and I are looking for a used truck to tow our boat around the area with, over dinner tonight we had a discussion about what kind of truck is best. We know that we need 7000lbs of towing with an extended cab and four wheel drive, we know what the products are for our choices but here is the situation. BTW we’re looking at the 2003 model year, anyway here is the question for all of you car people: Is it better to go with an F-250/ 2500HD with a diesel for mpg, or is it better to go with a F-150/ 1500 Silverado/ Tundra with a gas engine?

P.S. Engine size for gas would be Toyota: 4.7/ Chevy 5.3/ Ford 4.6/5.4
Engine size for diesel would be Chevy & ford small engine choices

A: 7000 lbs is about the upper limit for towing with a 1/2 ton pickup. Funny thing about boats, RVs and pretty much anything else you can tow behind a small truck… They never get lighter in weight, usually they gain weight as the owner adds just one more gizmo, or cooler full of adult beverage.

I’d recommend a 3/4 ton pickup with a diesel engine for better towing capacity and better overall fuel mileage.

Q: Would you buy an American car if you had no choice?
I was listening to the radio the other day. The discussion was how to help the economy. One said one way to do it was to buy cars made here. I was thinking most people buy Hondas and Toyotas, myself owning a Honda, a Toyota and a Volvo albiet used. The guy then said they should pass a law and/or constitutional amendment making as of XYZ date illegal to import, sell, buy or posess a car not made in this country, subject to fines and/or imprisonment. Those that own foreign cars before the law/amendment was passed can keep them so long as the owner can repair it but can’t sell it or trade it to anyone. Basically that would mean that if you want a new car or eventually a used one, you’ll have to buy American. Would anyone follow such a law if passed? Likelihood or unlikelihood of passage not withstanding? Opinions?

Thanks

A: As an American, I only buy vehicles made by American name plates, specifically, GM. I support my neighbors and friends who work there as well as companies that are based in the U.S. Do I hate that they import some parts for these vehicles, h**k yes!

Q: Should I Be Concerned About This Older Car?
My name is Bobby, and I’m A Sixteen year old male, who will be getting his “Driver’s License” sometime in the next month or so. I had a discussion with my mom, and she said I would inherit her old car; a 1993, “Camry” brand “Toyota”, brown car. I’m a smooth driver, and I’ve recieved excellent feedback from each of my parents,and my driving instructor, about how well I drive. I know just a little bit about cars, and how to maintain them, and what not, but I don’t know much more than the gripping on the tires, keeping the gas levels up, and not accidentally turning the key too far to the right (which I’ve kept doing by accident alot lately). Its an old car, and it had one previous owner; a man who, according to my mom “took excellent care of it”. It’s tires are getting flat, but my dad plans to replace them soon. I’m not sure what it is, but something about the age of this car makes me feel nervous, like maybe I should really be careful with it. Other than my unnerving feeling, I’v had a good driving experience with it so far, and my mom drives it to work everyday. Does anyone have information for taking care of older cars?
The car doesn’t have a CD player, just place to put tapes in, but other than that, the technology, and features are relatively old. I’m still REALLY excited about getting my first car, but still…
I was born on September 30, 1993 Incase You’re wondering. Also, does anyone know the driving laws in Colorado? Becuase that is where I live, and I’m not quite sure about all of the driving laws, how many teenagers I can have with me, and what other rules apply here.

A: the good thing about an older car being your first car is that you’ll have ample time to ‘bone up’ on care and maintenance. Your dad can probably give you the basics. But even if he doesn’t,you pick them up anyway. Because it is an older car, more things can go wrong with it. Not major things, but just things. For example, since it’s a older car, it might burn oil or use old more than a newer car. so after you’ve had one or two oil changes, and you watch the guy doing it, you learn to do it yourself. Thereby saving yourself some big bucks. And same with many other things. But I suspect that you’ll only have slightly minor ‘old-age’ problems because your mom uses the car with no problems. You having the car means that it will be used more so things might start to happen sooner. Just things, no great shakes. You’re nervous because you never had your own car. That’s normal. Good Luck.

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