<OT> German cars! WAS RE: <OT> Swedish Cars

[Roger Oberholtzer]

On Thu, 15 May 2003 22:36:39 -0400
"Robert E. Raymond" <rraymond at earthlink.net> wrote:

> On Thursday 15 May 2003 05:45 pm, Net Llama! wrote:
> > I'll make a shamelss attempt to redirect this thread to German cars
> > instead.  I love my 02 VW Passat Turbo.  Its incredibly soothing to hear
> > the turbo roar as I fly up a hill.  Plus, VW isn't owned by any foreign
> > interests (although it does own Audi's, which are also damn spiffy
> > vehicles).
> 
> I'm just wondering how many miles these VW's will end up with on the
> odometer before dying
> 
> '75 Volvo- 300k
> '82 Volvo (Diesel- reliability worse)- 427k, engine overhauled at 270k
> '92 Toyota Corolla Wagon- about to die prolly (driver's side door not
> opening, makes an awful noise)- 299k
> '84 Volvo - still running quite nicely- 270k

I first came to Sweden as a guest researcher at the Swedish Road and
Traffic Research Institute. I came across an old '74 volvo that was, to be
kind, well past prime. The problem I had with it was nothing to do with the
mechanics. These things just run and run. Especially Volvos from the '70s.
It was the body. Even the little metal strips that push up and down the
windows had rusted away. The windows were held up with duct tape (which may
get rid of warts, but does nothing for rust). The ignition would, without
notice, bounce off, turning off the engine. I had a screwdriver with a
weight well positioned in the key ring to hold the key in place so this
would not happen. As often.

I eventually donated it to work where they had a crash test site. They were
so happy to get it because they seldom come across a car with lots of rust
that is not also structural rust. If there is structural rust, the car is
taken away at the yearly vehicle inspection. My car just had rust everywhere
else.

I was so happy to help. But, a few friends were appalled that I could smile
when doing this to my car. They could not understand how I could be so cold
and unfeeling as to do something so mean to the car. I tried to explain that
we were never really that close...


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