IT’S TIME FOR ME TO BUY

It’s time for me to buy. The auto collapse has begun to stabilize, there is the “Cash for Clunkers” incentive of $3500 or $4500, and the stars have aligned properly, so it’s time for me to make my move. But what should I buy? There are hundreds of choices of all shapes and sizes. It has to be the right decision, since we will live with our choice for the next ten years. We need a mid-sized vehicle. We need something that enjoys fuel economy, but can still tote hockey and soccer bags, along with a few players, or family members. But on the other hand, we take long road trips, and we need something that is comfortable and fuel efficient on the highway. Does this mean an SUV, crossover, or a sedan?

We are coming from years of quality service from our 2002 Ford Windstar van. Nothing matches the versatility and flexibility offered by the mini-van
(http://maineautomall.blogspot.com/2008/07/minivan-dead-or-alive.html), but we are ready for something new and little more exciting on the road. On the other hand, we don’t want to step backwards, or lose the utility that we have relied on for years. What to buy?

Since it’s best to start at the top, and then work down, I did just that on a recent vacation. It was a “guy thing”. Five guys in our family of all ages, shapes and sizes, paid a visit to a New York Bentley/Lamborghini/Aston Martin dealership. It was a car guy’s Disney World. Model names like Arnage, Gallardo and Vanquish seemed exotic, but oh so comfortable. When the salesman asked, “Can I help you with anything today, sir?” I responded, “I guess I am just dreaming.” He knew what to say, “Is there anyway that I can turn your dream into reality?” I paused for a second, as I tried to imagine in every conceivable way how I might fit a hockey bag into a nice, new Lamborghini. A nice fantasy, but my search to replace our mini-van was not in this showroom. Besides, nothing on the lot would qualify for the “Cash for Clunkers” program.

So, what should I buy? I am curious of the hype associated with the launch of the new, redesigned Ford Taurus. It’s to be a large, near luxury sedan with decent mileage numbers. Most importantly, it’s to be affordable. The Taurus would be perfect for our long road trips, but cumbersome around town. Yet to be released and site unseen, it too is a fantasy. Also in the Ford stable is the crossover Edge, interesting but probably too expensive. One of the mini-SUVs is a possibility. The Nissan Rogue has an interesting design, but is it too small? A test drive will answer that question. Same with the Ford Escape, the Honda CRV and the Toyota RAV4.

It’s time for me to buy. The incentives will disappear, once the recovery really takes hold. The “Cash for Clunkers” program expires in the fall, or when the allocated funds are used up. The time to move is now, or I will regret the lost savings for years to come. The search goes on…what do you recommend??? It’s time for me to buy.

87.7: GOOD-BYE OLD FRIEND

Along with the auto industry, television is also going through changes. Change is good, or at least that’s what they keep telling me. Change leads to progress, and progress is good. That’s what they say. The changes that are now working their way through the auto industry will make both domestic and foreign manufacturers leaner and meaner, ultimately leading to better cars, sustained profitability and happy customers, or so they say. They say that the revised union contracts, the elimination of product lines and the closing of plants are all changes that will improve the auto industry. Meanwhile, with change comes sacrifice. With these auto changes comes the loss of thousands of jobs, leaving whole communities devastated. These are necessary evils to accomplish change, or so they say.

The television industry is also going through change with its biggest technological shift since the transition from black and white to color. That is, the recent change from analog transmission, to digital. This change is good, or at least that’s what they say. The viewer will benefit with an improved picture and sound, new multiple sub-channels, while the FCC gains valuable frequencies to use for other applications. As with the auto industry though, there is sacrifice. While improved in quality, the digital signal is now either on or off, there is no fuzzy reception somewhere in between. With inadequate signal strength or physical barriers, some viewers will no longer receive off-air the station(s) that they have enjoyed for decades. This change is progress, or so they say.

Another sacrifice of this new digital transmission is the loss of a benefit that we in Portland have enjoyed since cars first introduced FM radios as an option. That is, the ability to listen to Channel 6 in your car. This is change, but not exactly for the better. The audio of analog television was an FM signal. The frequency of 87.7 was the frequency of Channel 6’s sound. As an anomaly of the FM band, this television audio was able to be heard in some markets because it was on the fringe of the FM radio spectrum, and if there were no radio stations transmitting that low to compete with the audio of Channel 6, the listener could hear the television sound. This was the case in Portland, along with some other markets in the US. Auto manufacturers were aware of this benefit to certain customers, sensitive to the point of some modifying their FM tuners to tune lower, to ensure the reception of the television sound.

Throughout the country, drivers in television markets with a Channel 6 have now lost the ability to listen to their favorite television shows for FREE on their vehicle’s FM radio. No longer can we listen as we drive to work, trying to figure out “Where in the World is Matt Lauer”. Fans can no longer grieve over “Days of Our Lives” as they drive to the Mall at lunchtime. Tired workers can no longer catch up with NBC’s Nightly News on their drive home. Gone forever is smiling to Jay Leno, or Conan, as night owls make they way home. No longer will I be able to listen to “The Price Is Right”, as I drive through Albany, NY on the New York State Thruway.

As is the case with several other stations, Channel 6 in Portland anticipated this sacrifice and succeeded in negotiating a contract with two local radio stations to continue the transmission of some of its newscasts on AM radio. The frequencies of 870 and 1470 now air the Morning Report, 5:00 AM-7:00 AM, along with the evening block of newscasts from 5:00 PM-6:30 PM. Contract and copyright restrictions prevent any NBC, or additional content from airing. Not as good as good as 87.7, but it’s better than nothing.

They say that change is good, but it certainly does not come without sacrifice. We have sacrificed an old friend with the loss of 87.7, all in the name of progress. So in the spirit of change, Pontiac is now gone forever, thousands of jobs are lost, along with our ability to listen to television sound on our FM radios. Change is good, they say, but I miss my old friend 87.7.

HOW MANY HORSES DOES IT TAKE?

It’s springtime and it’s the season of the Triple Crown. The Kentucky Derby delivered a shocking upset with “Mine That Bird” coming from behind at 50-1 odds, winning an exciting race. At this writing, the Preakness Stakes has just been run with another exciting finish. “Rachel Alexandra” made history as the first filly in 85 years to win that race. The Belmont Stakes is soon to follow with more horses, and more excitement. But being a car guy, my idea of winning horses is more in line with another spring tradition, the Indianapolis 500. Now that’s exciting horse power.

This poses the question, if it only takes one horse to generate so much excitement at a Triple Crown race, how many horses does it take to make a car exciting? How much horsepower is too much, and how much is not enough? My initial response is, there is no such thing as too much horsepower. The shock and awe of a Ferrari is a result of its 400+ horsepower, but when combined with a purchase price of well over $200,000, that takes it out of even the range of fantasy. So that’s probably too much horsepower. On the other hand, the SMART car’s 70 hp and 68 foot pounds of torque is definitely too little. Traveling 0-60 mph in over 13 seconds is not my idea of fun. Mileage of 33 mpg city and 41 highway sounds good on paper, but if you take forever to get there, or if a tractor trailer pastes you to its bumper like a mosquito, that’s too little. So what is the right amount of horsepower?

A friend of mine says that you only need enough to get over a hill. Maybe, but as a guy that thoroughly enjoys driving, surely I need more than that. For me, the bare minimum is to get over a hill. I need more. I need to be able to pass a slow moving truck on a hill, and get out of his way before he careens past me on his way down the other side. I need to have enough horsepower to safely merge into traffic on the interstate, and to zip safely past that erratic driver in front of me. I want enough horsepower so that I can drive on a 500 mile interstate road trip and not have my teeth chattering the whole way because I’m under powered.

Other considerations come to mind when deciding horsepower. Are you towing and need extra oomph (No)? Are you willing to support awful mileage of 10 mpg just for the thrill of driving (No)? Are you willing to sacrifice all driving fun, in order to be green and not feel guilty (well, I do want to be environmentally responsible, but No)? Somewhere in the middle of all of these arguments is the optimum horsepower.

The solution may be in the recent proliferation of the 300 hp engines that actually do come in with decent mileage figures, while retaining impressive performance. The Mustang GT’s 300 hp engine averages 23 mpg highway, along with 0-60 mph in a brisk 4.9 seconds. Even better, the new 300-horsepower 3.6-liter V6 Camaro delivers 0-60 mph in 6.1 seconds, while retaining mileage of 29 mpg. Working undercover with a more conservative façade, but delivering equal excitement, is the new Hyundai Genesis. Save money and fuel with its 3.8-liter, 290-horsepower V6, and take home 0-60 in 6.3 seconds, along with 27 mpg highway. That’s the best of both worlds: fuel economy with performance and the police will never notice you.

With today’s space age engine designs and computer management systems, performance no longer has to be stifled for the sake of fuel economy. Today’s engines optimize fuel use, delivering more power with less consumption. Add on even more technology with the new, weight saving quality plastics and composite materials that are increasingly the norm. Now a driver can enjoy the road without feeling guilty about it.

So back to the original question, how much horsepower is enough? Well, for a Triple Crown race, it takes one good horse. But for me, it still takes as many as I can afford.

I GOT THE FEVER

The same thing happened just about this time last year. The feeling was so strong that I had to vent by writing, GOING TOPLESS.

http://maineautomall.blogspot.com/2008/04/going-topless.html

Sure, it’s a year later, but nothing has changed. Oh, the economy is worse, everyone seems depressed, there is a different president, and there is a new landscape developing in the auto industry. Despite it all, the fever hit again this year. When it hits, it’s strong. The fever makes me want to drive. It’s spring fever!

The fever hit today at lunchtime. Like a penned dog, I had to run out the door and into my car. As soon as I heard the rumble of the engine turning over, I felt a little better. But, it wasn’t until I cranked open the sunroof and accelerated, wind blowing and engine revving, did the fever calm. On a nice warm day like this, there is so much to see. They stay bundled up through the winter, but on this first warm day, they all come out to play.

Everywhere I looked, they were beautiful. I saw the first one just as I turned the corner. It was a Mazda Miata with its top down. Down the hill and through the light, it was a shiny new Lexus LS. It was time for discipline. Focus on the road, and be safe. No good! There, right in front of me was a glistening new Cadillac STS. The fever was everywhere, and in everyone, all ages and sizes.The best was yet to come. Chugging casually along the boulevard, it was a beautiful vintage Buick Roadmaster, out of mothballs to celebrate. Everyone shared the fever.

Despite all of the distractions, I made it back safely to my parking lot. With the fever now somewhat under control, I was able to absorb with polite reserve the new talent in our parking lot: a Scion XA, a Toyota Versa, a Mazda MX-5, a Scion TC, the Hyundai Santa Fe, and a Honda Civic, all of them special in their own way. All of them would be fun to drive. All of them could quell the fever.

I love to drive, especially this time of year. I live vicariously through every car of interest that passes. It’s springtime, and when the fever hits, it makes me want to test drive a BMW Z4, or see if I am up to the challenge of a Dodge Viper. Actually, almost any vehicle will do. I just want to drive. I got the fever!

I Love My Volvo?

They were as common as fleas on a dog here in Maine back in the go-go 80’s. Herds of sturdy, businesslike, sensible shoes, 240 series Volvo sedans and their even boxier wagon siblings. At the time it seemed almost plausible to believe that these 240 wagons had actually been shipped direct from the factory in Sweden with a matched pair of slobbering black labs onboard as standard equipment. It was rare indeed to spot one of these rolling boxes without a pair of pooches and of course the obligatory I (heart) My Volvo bumper sticker prominently displayed out back.
I Love My Volvo? Yes sir. This generation of Volvos inspired a level of devotion, dedication and commitment that eclipsed mere owner loyalty. Even today just ask any dyed in the wool Volvophile about these beasts and you’d better be prepared for a long impassioned soliloquy. “Best car I ever owned!” “300,000 miles and still runs like a top!” “Safest car on the planet”…and words to that effect. Well that last bit was probably at least close to true. The 240 series Volvos were notably safe for their era with deep-dish steering wheels, crumple zones; three point belts and even those wacky ladder-style headrests (was the idea not to block the rearward view from the eyes in the back of your head?). So I’ll admit that they were safe. And I’ll also agree that the occasional 300,000 mile 240 is not unheard of. But that’s where the story begins to unravel a bit.
If you accept the proffered 300K-mile number at face value it’s darned impressive. But, being the car curious fellow I am, I’ve pressed a few of these Volvo-heads for more details than they’re comfortable revealing. I tend to ask unwanted follow-up questions like, “How many transmissions have you gone through in those 300,000 miles?” answer: “I’m not sure if it’s five or six…but IT’S A GREAT CAR!” What about the brakes? Turns out they’ve needed to be replaced about every third oil change or so. Oh yeah, and the headliner has been sagging like that since about 75,000 miles and the sunroof leaks when it rains but THIS IS THE BEST CAR I EVER HAD! Electronic gremlins? Plenty! Oil leaks? You bet. Engine rebuilds? That has to be expected on fine cars like these. By now you get the idea. It’s fascinating when you think about it. By any objective measure these Volvos were mediocre at best and a good case can be made for the fact that they tended to break down and fall apart at an alarming rate. So whence this the fierce owner loyalty? Where does the love in “I Love My Volvo” come from?
As “exhibit A” in this mystery I offer the human mind, which where love is concerned, seems to be hardwired with a “don’t confuse me with the facts” software package. These Volvo Lovers are not interested in frequency of repair statistics or any of your other worthless technical details. They’re minds and hearts are set. They’ve simply decided that their car is the best darned four wheeled conveyance ever built and it will take a lot more than an endless stream of blown head gaskets, loose tie rods, squealing brake pads, dead batteries and clouds of black smoke spewing from the tailpipe to change their minds! Love is blind! Pass the Bondo! I love my Volvo! Makes sense to me. Hey I think the original Dick Teague designed AMC Pacer is a great looking car!


Keep the sticky side down,

Tim Sample

THE HEALING HAS BEGUN

I may eat my words, but the healing has begun. Spring is here, and so is the rebirth of nature, along with traditionally, the auto industry. After a long, hard winter, everyone is ready to hear the birds sing, see the flowers bloom, and experience the thrill of driving a new car. This year is different though. Everyone knows that the auto industry is facing the biggest challenge of its history, especially the domestic manufacturers. But as the crocuses win the battle over winter, so is the auto industry recovering, ever so slowly, but surely.

People are buying cars, or at least they are in Maine. My unscientific survey shows that at least seven people that I know have bought cars just in the past several weeks. Others, including me, are seriously thinking about it. Beyond Maine there is movement too. According to Autodata, March sales of new vehicles were down substantially from a year ago, but were up nearly a million more vehicles in March than in February of this year. Spring fever always brings more sales, but Autodata reports that this year’s February to March increase was up 24.5%, the largest rate increase in seven years. While the March sales drops for most foreign and domestic manufacturers were large as compared to last year, the drops were actually less severe than expected, and Wall Street began to respond with perceived optimism.

There will never be a better time to buy. I wrote of some of the reasons in my earlier blog, LET’S MAKE A DEAL.

http://maineautomall.blogspot.com/2008/07/lets-make-deal.html

But now the timing is even better. Inventories are still bloated. Money is available to lend, and at record low rates. There are some interesting new choices available from virtually every manufacturer, but you and I need to move soon. The healing has begun. As sales begin to blossom, inventories will decrease. When the recovery takes hold, there will be only token rebates, no good deals, and there will be waiting lines for all of the best models, all priced at a premium. The healing has begun. Don’t miss the party.

BLACK LIMOUSINE

Lim•ou•sine (l m -z n , l m -z n )
n.

1. Any of various large passenger vehicles, especially a luxurious automobile usually driven by a chauffeur and sometimes having a partition separating the passenger compartment from the driver's seat.

2. A van or small bus used to carry passengers on a regular route, as between an airport and a downtown area.


I have always been intrigued by the physics of a limousine’s construction: taking a factory vehicle, inserting a large mid-section, and magically fusing it all together creating a lounge on wheels. Anything can be turned into a limousine. From the traditional Cadillac or Lincoln Town Car, to the non-traditional Hummer or Dodge Charger, anything can be converted. Regardless of the form, nothing displays opulence more than arriving at a destination in a long, black stretch limo. It signifies importance, wealth and influence, as well as decadence, senior proms and weddings. None of this applies to my modest, conservative family.

My family recently needed to travel from suburban New York to Manhattan for a family business meeting. We were faced with the dilemma of how to transport 12 family members, reliably and safely, from Point A to Point B, and back again. Since the tight schedule and convenience were essential, public transportation was discussed and vetoed. Rather than having several vehicles navigate the challenges of New York City traffic, along with the parking hassles and expense, we decided to rent a limousine.

When my two boys heard the word “limousine,” their ears and interest piqued immediately. They envisioned a new experience, a taste of the good life, to live (and drive) like a sports or rock star. They misunderstood. A stretch could only hold 10 passengers, Definition Number 1. You can imagine their disappointment when Definition Number 2 arrived.

I have fantasized of being a limousine driver; of how exciting it would be to meet so many different, successful people, and the interesting experiences and places they would take you (or you take them). I always thought there could be a book in it. But the more I think about it, the more the negatives surface. Is driving a limo actually no more than being a glorified taxi driver? Is it the driver’s problem when there is a mechanical failure, or you get lost despite your GPS, or you are late and your client misses their plane? Of course it is. Most importantly, as a driver, are you responsible for the safety of the party in the back? With lots of sharp objects flying, no seat belts, and who knows what illegal activity is going on out back, is the driver responsible for it all? Of course he is. A look at this video makes me pause:



After barreling down Interstate 95 at 80 mph with the driver speaking some exotic foreign language on his cell phone the whole way, my two boys survived the dictionary Definition Number 2 for limousine. Maybe Definition Number 1 will happen for them some day. My fantasy of being a limo driver comes and goes. Maybe when I retire, I might look into being a limousine driver and write that book. In the meantime, my family and I will continue to be happily modest and conservative, without our black limousine.

"We used to ride, ride, ride, ride
In a long black limousine
Those dreams are gone baby
Locked away and never seen."

Rolling Stones, “Black Limousine”