heh heh heh heh heh...
Posted on 06/21/2014 10:04:44 AM PDT by TurboZamboni
The days when a bare-bones "stripper" car came with vinyl seats, rubber floor mats and no air conditioning are long gone.
Today, convenience and cold air come standard for all models, along with a long list of niceties that were once the sole domain of the loaded vehicle. A base Chevy Spark, as one example, offers aluminum wheels, ten standard airbags, power windows — even six months of OnStar service, in case you lock your keys in the car. On the surface, the new car market is offering better values than ever.
There is just one small problem with nearly all entry-level models of the modern day: You can't ever find em', and when you do, they usually come loaded with surprises. We may learn about that teaser of a price from the manufacturer's advertising, or the dealer supposedly suffering a bone-headed overstocking whose pain can be your gain. But actually finding that car is another matter entirely.
Recently, I searched for an absolute bare bones 2014 Nissan Versa S, base model. How many were there for the genuine manufacturer's drive-out price of under $13,000 in metro Atlanta? One. Just a single car to serve a metropolitan population of six million people.
Two weeks ago I walked over to a Mitsubishi dealer near Myrtle Beach, S.C. There were 20 Mirages on the lot, and out of those 20, there was one basic car with that ever so rare five-speed manual. The price: $12,500, before a whopping $1,995 surcharge for window tint. The old days of stain guards for carpeting and VIN etchings on the windows have been replaced with $700 processing fees, $800 destination charges, and $2,000 aftermarket trim packages with low-quality leather and fake wood made out of real plastic.
(Excerpt) Read more at autos.yahoo.com ...
What was the last American made model to have the headlights dimmer as a metal button on the floorboard?
Why, yes, Veggie Todd, I do remember the dimmer switch on the floor. And, I remember being frustrated beyond belief when I acquired a British sports car with the dimmer on the turn signal stem. Stomped that left foot panel for months...
generally anything 1981 or earlier doesn’t have an engine computer. if it has a carbuertor you’re generally okay, barring weird custom modifications.
the big changes from carb/mechanical engine timing to computer controlled engines are’1981-1982.
That little high-beam indicator light was Chief Pontiac.
“Back in the Nineties, I was looking for a new work van. Went a Dodge dealer, and found a nice one. Opened the driver’s door, and there was no front seat! It was extra! I laughed at the salesman, and left.”
LOL. Back then, the passenger seat up front was an option in a stripped down van along with a radio, floor mat in the rear and sometimes even a spare tire. Just like a back bumper was an option on a pickup.
“there’s nothing like having your date actually sitting next to you on a date”
Or making that hard right SOB turn.
SOB: Slide Over Baby!
I see you love driving even less than I do.
:-)
.
I miss the window vents.
When I open the window on my side, the wind does not come in. With a vent window, the breeze came into the car. Sometimes, I hang my arm outside the car and am able to get some breeze into the car. Kind of dangerous though because I am driving :-)
Blasphemy, at least. I looked a Jeep a few years ago, (the last one I drove was an M151A1, truck, quarter ton, 4x4) and it was so pussied out, I couldn't stand it. Never looked at one again.
If he had half a brain, he’d ship it to North Dakora, or even Alaska.
Just like my old 46 Willys.
you can rest assured that the no a/c was discovered way after “ the deal “
I remember 25 dollar cars back in the 70’s.
heh heh heh heh heh...
They're designed that way for the same reason why ladies' hair dryers sport the warning "Do Not Use This Device In The Bathtub".
Lawyers.
Still have my 95 model Ford Mustang.
That truck has a computer.
Dura Spark ignition module. Had a couple of them blowout on me in my ‘75 and ‘79 F 100’s.
Truck would just quit and roll to a stop.
I love the ‘95 Camry I bought last year. Totally repairable. Parts easily available and cheap. I found a guy in West Phoenix who will replace just about any part for $35, and educate you about it while he’s doing it. When I bought it, a dealer wanted $5K to fix every little thing wrong with it. Following the dealer’s list, between parts and labor, it ended up costing less than $1K.
also known as a “butterfly window”. Or smokers window. I used it as the ashtray. Still have them on my ‘97 F250.
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