Kirk Gunn
Screenwriter
- Joined
- Aug 16, 1999
- Messages
- 1,609
Surprised Mr Steve Schaeffer (HTF's resident mechanic and car expert) hasn't stepped in yet, he always has insightful commentary.
I am no fan of US auto manufacturers, but have had my share of success stories:
1976 Grand Prix 400 4-barrel. Easy to maintain, so I didn't care if minor things broke. Engine ran like a turbo-charged tank for 120k+ with no problems and few oil changes (I was young and in college...).
1991 F-150 straight 6. Only kept it for 56k, but only one problem with the anti-lock brake sensor covered under warranty. Sold it to get an Expedition (which had a new engine put into it under warranty). F-150 is still rolling the local streets, but don't know it's recent history.
My parents have had many Buick LeSabres and swear by them (not at them). Steve previously mentioned the LeSabre has a reliability comparable to the Accord. Of course, the demographics of the LeSabre don't match the typical HTF participant, but it's worth mentioning.
I could compile a list of unhappy US ventures with a 98 T-Bird, 96 Grand Cherokee and 92 Sable, but I'll just say we currently have 2 vehicles (purchased new) and both are Toyotas....
I am no fan of US auto manufacturers, but have had my share of success stories:
1976 Grand Prix 400 4-barrel. Easy to maintain, so I didn't care if minor things broke. Engine ran like a turbo-charged tank for 120k+ with no problems and few oil changes (I was young and in college...).
1991 F-150 straight 6. Only kept it for 56k, but only one problem with the anti-lock brake sensor covered under warranty. Sold it to get an Expedition (which had a new engine put into it under warranty). F-150 is still rolling the local streets, but don't know it's recent history.
My parents have had many Buick LeSabres and swear by them (not at them). Steve previously mentioned the LeSabre has a reliability comparable to the Accord. Of course, the demographics of the LeSabre don't match the typical HTF participant, but it's worth mentioning.
I could compile a list of unhappy US ventures with a 98 T-Bird, 96 Grand Cherokee and 92 Sable, but I'll just say we currently have 2 vehicles (purchased new) and both are Toyotas....