Myth of German Auto Engineering

[funkedup]

http://www.usatoday.com/money/autos/2002-11-21-dependable_x.htm

[Ripsnort]

Originally posted by funkedup
http://www.usatoday.com/money/autos/2002-11-21-dependable_x.htm

Track a Japanese car, then track a german car (suspension) -- I won't have to post any further..let the corners do the talking.

Personally, if dependability were #1 on my list, I would have gone with a Honda or Acura. Handling was #1 though.

[Mini D]

hate to interupt your track a car and 4 wheel drift discussion....

I just couldn't help but notice how far down the list Subaru finished.

I have to give kudos to BMW on the Mini.  A first year first run product that I've had 2 issues with.... a couple of others that I've heard about but not seen first hand.  None of these issues have been drive train related (which is where most of the completely new parts are located ie engine and transaxle).

Volkswagen was a much more discouraging experience.  Pontiac even worse.  Acura was between the Mini and the Jetta... but not really above the Mini (Integra GSR) though my parents have had great luck with their 3.2 type-S.

I had horrible luck with my 91 525i and 85 Jag XJ-6.  Its nice to see Jaguar finally up a little farther on the list.  Their ride is second to none... now their drivetrain is catching up.

MiniD

[funkedup]

Subaru was down the list, but the list was only the cars that were better than average.  Read the little note at the bottom of the list.  Except for Porsche, the German cars didn't even make the list.

I think Rip is right that the average krautmobile (at least the relatively high end ones imported to the USA) will handle better than the average Japanese econobox.  A base model Civic or Corolla has pretty flaccid suspension and tires.  But if you go into the performance models the Japanese stuff handles just as well.

[Mini D]

BMW was ahead of subaru funked.  You may want to read that note yourself.

MiniD

[funkedup]

Doh, I'm retarded.  LOL.

[funkedup]

First thing Monday morning and I get 0WN3D.

[midnight Target]

I had horrible luck with my 91 525i and 85 Jag XJ-6.

The OT board equivalent of sneaking your score into a thread about air to air gunnery. (Name dropper)

[Mini D]

Just have the artist tattoo a hashmark beside the "MiniD was here" label... no need in writing the whole thing over again.

MiniD

[funkedup]

LOL

[funkedup]

You can tattoo another "kill mark" on yer uh weapon.

[Mini D]

Originally posted by midnight Target
The OT board equivalent of sneaking your score into a thread about air to air gunnery. (Name dropper)

Maybe if I owned the Jag in 85 and the BMW in 91.  Both cars were 6 years old when I purchased them... at a very reasonable price. ($8000 for the Jag and $11,000 for the 525i).  They were still very comfortable cars... but the engines and trannies as well as the electrical systems in both were [FatBastard]CRAP![/FatBastard].

MiniD

[funkedup]

Yeah owning a 70's through 80's Jag is no claim to fame.  At least you didn't have one of those godawful V-12's.

[john9001]

cars are built for the needs of the customer, not all customers are "race car drivers"

[nuchpatrick]

Wow.. come-on Rip...You put meat(tires) and you can make a Escort out handle that BMW. (No pun intended)