Ferrari Mailing List: Toyota's F1 contribution to the world, Reliable German-Like car, The Big 3 getting it? Illinois Snow politics. Reproducing idiots.

[LtWacko (ltwacko]

Contrary to popular belief, Toyota F1's contribution has been reliable cars and 
driver's past their prime who can't drive in the rain... or is it the other way 
around?  LOL.  I really wished they did stay in the game with Kobyashi at the 
wheel and maybe the likes of Nico or Rubens.  I think they just had the wrong 
driver line-up this entire time. I mean, how do you not win a race with $2 
Billion dollars?!?!?

We did have a search on this list for a good replacement for an aging E38 BMW a 
few months ago for Dennis, remember?  It came down to him purchasing an 
Infiniti M.  Good car with 95% of BMW performance AND Japanese reliability.  
There's more technology to boot and a good value for money spent.  If you have 
to go German and somewhat recent, BMW 530i manual.  I really don't think the 
E46 3-series is bad on maintenance either.  We just wind up comparing 
maintenance costs to Japanese cars and German cars most always lose out.  
Audi's may not rust but repair costs on their AWD... $$$.  You want some luxury 
and AWD, Suburu Legacy.

I need an Uber Sedan to keep up with the Joneses but I too am left miffed by 
Germany's mighty 3 with their latest offerings which is why I asked this list 
about Q'Portes.  If I'm going to have to pay someone else for maintenance, I 
might as well have some fun.  Don't get me wrong.  BMW's latest turbos V-8 and 
V-12 got me thinking performance wise but the cars are getting more and more 
soulless.  I just know I can never be a 1 car guy anymore.  There is no one-car 
fits all made today for me  - modern, reliable, fun, easy to work on, cheap.  I 
guess it's why I have 5 cars now and that's probably less than more than half 
the guys on this list so I know you agree with me.

I have to say, I'm really impressed with the new Ford Taurus.  Not that I'd buy 
it but put it next to a Camry, Ford wins in my book.  Maintenance history is 
getting better and is good enough not to make it an issue during purchase 
anymore.  Still far behind but not a "bad" choice, Chevy/GM with enough gov't 
money will get there and hopefully be around to pay us back.  Chrysler needs 
better marketing and should really hurry up in bringing Fiat's here as-is or 
rebadge them Plymouths (LOL - I couldn't resist).

ANY snow tire will do in the Chicago area.  We spend so much damn tax money on 
snow removal.  Even the biggest blizzard "might" close us down for 1 day.  When 
a snow storm makes you lose the Chicago mayoral election, any sitting 
politician in Illinois is willing to spend YOUR tax dollars to stay in office 
next election.  Elections around the corner and Obama's seat is still up for 
sale.  Any takers?

Last quick note on this latest forced styling exercise, I think it's crap we 
have to design cars to protect "pedestrians".  What happened to looking both 
ways before crossing the street?  Now we let these people live and reproduce.  
I remember some company (probably Volvo) that actually developed "hood" airbags 
to cushion the blow of a pedestrian "on the car" once hit.  Anyone recall?

Rodney
PS. Mike, slap some snows on the Vette and bring it out "on" the lake with us 
next month.  Leave the VW "Rabbit" at home.  (yes, I know it's a better winter 
car for you!)