*Chernaudi Posted April 19, 2014 Posted April 19, 2014 This is a general discussion of automotive stuff. Likes/dislikes, motorsport, rare sights, experiences and things that interest us. This is also a place to discuss problems and automotive history. I don't think that this topic will take off, but it's sort of a tie-in the the technology topic that I started in the Science and Philosophy area, just focusing more on cars and automotive stuff. So, I guess post away if you'd like to share something Quote
Guest Jupiter-Prime Posted April 19, 2014 Posted April 19, 2014 Here are some lemons.They made the list for some of the worst ratings. Don't drive these brands. 1. Ford ExpeditionThe 1998 through 2003 models of the Ford Expedition are those that have recurring problems. Owners of these large sport utility vehicles seem to be suffering from split spark plugs. Consumer Affairs has advised that consumers do their very best to avoid this used truck, no matter what the guarantee behind it says. 2. Automatic BMWsBMWs are dream cars for many. Most people lease them for a few years and trade them in for newer models. People then purchase them used, and this is where the problems begin. Even if they are certified, these automatics should be avoided at all costs—unless you have several thousand dollars to repair the gear box. Customers say that the transmission hesitates or won't go into reverse at all. German cars aren't cheap to fix. BMWs are no different, and they may even be a little pricier to fix than the average German car. Steer clear of these used models if you can. 3. Ford FocusThe Ford Focus has one of the most annoying problems of them all, one that can't always be fixed. The ignition switch in second and third generation Ford Focus models is a very common problem. Even if it's fixed, it's known to break over and over again for some unfortunate customers. The part needed to fix this problem often costs up to $500. Is it worth it to you? 4. Mercury SableThe Mercury Sable is supposed to be a reliable car, but lately, that doesn't seem to be the case. These cars don't just have one problem, but several. The most common seems to be broken springs. This can cause problems while driving and can be extremely dangerous. 5. Ford TaurusThe Ford Taurus is the twin sister of the Mercury Sable. As such, some of the same problems are occurring with Ford Taurus, including later models. 2002 models are even said to be shedding coil springs. 6. GM VehiclesThere is a problem with many 1999 and older GM vehicles, all related to the type of antifreeze that the manufacturer used in the vehicle and recommended to dealers. This particular coolant, called Dex-Cool, virtually rots the radiator from the inside out. This includes the hoses, the gaskets, and a whole host of other parts that will need replacing, and with no help from General Motors Company. Newer GM vehicles don't have this problem. In fact, newer cars (except for some Chevrolets) seem to have very few problems. 7. Toyota CorollaThe Toyota Corolla has always been deemed a great buy because it is so good on gas, but when it comes to used versions of this vehicle, that might not be the case. Toyota engines have been known to consume oil and have a buildup of engine sludge in the engine. This can be a serious problem and might even require that the owner replace the engine. In many cases, a new engine costs more than the car is worth. Stay away from the Toyota Corolla, or any used Toyota for that matter. 8. Oldsmobile BravadaThe Oldsmobile Bravada has been known to have several serious problems, namely with the heating and cooling systems. If you live in a temperate climate, this isn't a big deal. If you live in Florida (where it's hot) or Michigan (where it's freezing), you might have a problem, which can be extremely costly to fix. Steer clear of this used car, if you can. 9. Saturn RelayThe 2005 Saturn Relay has a laundry list of problems. They include sensor problems, such as the check engine light sensor. There are also reports of problems with the doors not closing properly. Weather seals have been reported as not being very sturdy, and that they fall off. There are problems with the transmission. If you do a search for ratings on this minivan, you will find that most people who bothered to rate the vehicle had serious problems with it. Don't let it happen to you. Saturn makes great cars. This is just not one of them. 10. Volkswagen New BeetleSure, it's cute, but it has a lot of problems. Once the warranty runs out, you are out of luck. What are the problems with the New Beetle? It would be easier to ask what isn't a problem! Problems with the power windows, the car's electrical system, the catalytic converter. All in all, the car is just known for being a money-sucker. Steer clear of this used car past its second or third year, just to be on the safe side. Quote
*Chernaudi Posted April 19, 2014 Author Posted April 19, 2014 (edited) And there's been other cars even worse than those you listed from years gone by. From the Ford Pinto with it's tendency to catch fire when rear-ended, to the Chevy Corvair with it's handling problems, to the AMC Gremlin and Pacer, which were ugly and badly made. But even worse were anything made by British Leyland in the 1970s and '80s and several Italian models, such as Fiat Stradas and Lancias. And that's not to mention the horrors that came from the Eastern Bloc... But there's still cars today as mentioned that aren't as good as they should be. And that's not to mention that modern vehicles can't really be repaired by do it yourselfers, because there's so much crap on them now. My father would have to disassemble almost the whole nose of the Pontiac Grand Am he's working on now to get to the engine, and there there's the stuff on the engine that has to be removed to change a head gasket. Edited April 19, 2014 by Chernaudi Quote
Guest Jupiter-Prime Posted April 19, 2014 Posted April 19, 2014 Thats pretty bad on some vehicles when someone has to remove half the engine just to replace one part. Quote
*Chernaudi Posted April 20, 2014 Author Posted April 20, 2014 All you have to do is look under the hood of a modern car to see what that's like. You can hardly change the oil on a modern vehicle yourself. And then there's racing cars. Just look at Audi's LMP1 cars from the past 15 years. From the old 2000-2006 R8, which was the best car a private team could buy (albeit initially a year older than the factory team's cars--they later got upgraded to factory spec) and get factory support from Audi, to the R10, R15 and R18 diesel and diesel electric hybrid cars that are simply too damned expensive and technologically advanced that no private team can run them, not without a ton of support from Audi. Toyota's TS030 and TS040 LM cars and the Porsche 919 are the same way. Speed and performance cost money, time and energy on the parts of the factory teams and the car makers, and considering that in spite of being 4 inches narrower and being on narrower tires, these cars are already faster than the last generation cars, that's all the proof you'd need of that concept. And then there's the new F1 cars. An engine change last year only took about a half hour. Now, conservatively, that's now increased by 3-4 fold. That's because of all the new stuff on the engines with the hybrid systems and the use of turbocharged V6s with engine driven energy recovery systems. But for modern cars, there's so much stuff on them that a minor mechanical repair is a long fight as far as taking stuff apart. Most of it is electronic stuff and it's protective covers and such. But back to the Pontiac deal, a head gasket is a major deal, but on an older engine, there's still less stuff to fight with as far as serviceability. Quote
*Chernaudi Posted April 20, 2014 Author Posted April 20, 2014 BTW, tomorrow, we'll be getting that Pontiac back as our car. It's been fixed, while my father will be borrowing our Jeep until he can get his truck (old Ford Ranger with a Ford T-Bird Turbo Coupe engine in it) fixed. He wants to replace the engine in it with an identical but less troublesome engine. Quote
*Chernaudi Posted April 23, 2014 Author Posted April 23, 2014 Now, here's something new: The Audi R18 LM long tail:https://www.facebook...21778637&type=1It was also spotted testing with what appears to be a new GT3 racing version of the new Audi R8And a couple of videos: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ifb6pat56eg Quote
Guest Jupiter Posted May 1, 2014 Posted May 1, 2014 I present to you the worst car in the world....The Smart Car. Any car that can be tipped or destroyed easily would have to be really bad on the list. Most unsafe car to even drive. Check out these two videos. http://youtu.be/gtCzE7KVAf0 http://youtu.be/9iKGfo1wmOM Quote
*Chernaudi Posted May 1, 2014 Author Posted May 1, 2014 People will buy them because they're cheap and economical, but I don't like the Smart because it's not exactly practical. It's only a two seater and there's no room really for luggage or such. While I have some time. I'll be posting about the ACO/FIA WEC race at Spa this weekend. The first photos came from the paddock area this morning, and there's plenty of photos of the #3 Audi R18 with it's Le Mans spec bodywork and both Toyota TS040s in their LM bodywork. The gallery contains shots of other prototype and GT cars as well: http://www.endurance-info.com/fr/photo/spa-paddock/ Also released this morning is photos of the Rebellion R-One, which replaces the teams tried and true, but obsolescent (due to rule changes), Lola-based cars: http://www.endurance-info.com/fr/photo/rebellion-r-one-reveal/ Here's another gallery, with the last three photos showing the main LMP1 cars during a test in France earlier this year, the Audi R18 e-tron quattro, Porsche 919 Hybrid, and the Toyota TS040 Hybrid: http://www.dailysportscar.com/?p=25954 Quote
Guest Jupiter Posted May 1, 2014 Posted May 1, 2014 They're nice cars that you have posted. Yeah, the smart car is terrible. I wouldn't drive it because they're unsafe. Quote
*Chernaudi Posted May 4, 2014 Author Posted May 4, 2014 Yet, the Smart's been around for a while (I even saved an issue of Car and Driver from 1998 that talked about a early EU spec version) and hasn't landed on very many "World's Worst Car" list. I'm not a fan of the Smart car, but I'd argue that there's been a lot worse. I even own a book about them, called "World's Worst Cars". Mostly crap from the 1970's and '80s, rehashed old cars, stuff from British Leyland and Fiat/Alfa Romeo in the '70's and '80s, and from behind the Iron Curtain pre-1990. Pretty interesting read. Quote
*Chernaudi Posted May 9, 2014 Author Posted May 9, 2014 The Audi R8 LMX, the first car to enter production with laser high beam headlights: http://www.autoblog.com/2014/05/09/audi-r8-lmx-laser-headlights-official/ Quote
Guest Jupiter Posted May 10, 2014 Posted May 10, 2014 List of the 50 worst cars in history. 1899-1939 1899 Horsey Horseless 1909 Ford Model T 1911 Overland OctoAuto 1913 Scripps-Booth Bi-Autogo 1920 Briggs and Stratton Flyer 1933 Fuller Dymaxion 1934 Chrysler/Desoto Airflow 1940-1959 1949 Crosley Hotshot 1956 Renault Dauphine 1957 King Midget Model III 1957 Waterman Aerobile 1958 Ford Edsel 1958 Lotus Elite 1958 MGA Twin Cam 1958 Zunndapp Janus 1960-1974 1961 Amphicar 1961 Corvair 1966 Peel Trident 1970 AMC Gremlin 1970 Triumph Stag 1971 Chrysler Imperial LeBaron Two-Door Hardtop 1971 Ford Pinto 1974 Jaguar XK-E V12 Series III 1975-1989 1975 Bricklin SV1 1975 Morgan Plus 8 Propane 1975 Triumph TR7 1975 Trabant 1976 Aston Martin Lagonda 1976 Chevy Chevette 1978 AMC Pacer 1980 Corvette 305 "California" 1980 Ferrari Mondial 8 1981 Cadillac Fleetwood V-8-6-4 1981 De Lorean DMC-12 1982 Cadillac Cimarron 1982 Camaro Iron Duke 1984 Maserati Biturbo 1985 Mosler Consulier GTP 1985 Yugo GV 1986 Lamborghini LM002 1990-Present 1995 Ford Explorer 1997 GM EV1 1997 Plymouth Prowler 1998 Fiat Multipla 2000 Ford Excursion 2001 Jaguar X-Type 2001 Pontiac Aztek 2002 BMW 7-series 2003 Hummer H2 2004 Chevy SSR Quote
*Chernaudi Posted May 15, 2014 Author Posted May 15, 2014 The Mercedes-Benz CLR--and abject lesson on how not to design a racing car: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercedes-Benz_CLR Quote
Guest Jupiter Posted May 15, 2014 Posted May 15, 2014 ARTICLE _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Buyer beware....Smart Cars bursts into flames and are a dangerous death trap- Worst Car in History!!!Like a lot of other folks looking toward a future of high gas prices I pre ordered a Smart Car in December of 2007 when fuel began to skyrocket. They were not yet available for the most part in this country and I was among the original group of owners in the United States. I received it in June of 2008 from a dealership in Smithtown, NY which is about an hour from my home in Eastern Long Island. I had it serviced regularly and had no problems with the vehicle at all. I got many compliments on it along with the occasional "where's the rest of your car" jokes and "aren't you afraid of taking it on the Expressway?" questions. I would always take the time to show people the ample legroom and tout the 33 average around town gas mileage that I was getting. I was a firm believer that this was a safe and economical vehicle. To me this represented the future of automobiles in America for the common man. I was proud to be one of the first to own one.Two years after buying it the dealership that I bought it from stopped selling them and I should have seen the writing on the wall. They apologized and told me the nearest dealership to me was now located about 2 hours from me in Queens, NY which would have made it rather difficult to get to should my car break down. Still, I figured sooner or later another dealership would open closer to me and with only about 15,000 miles on the car I wasn't really concerned with anything failing.On August 8th 2012 I was driving my Smart Car with approximately 32,000 miles on it along a country road when the engine suddenly cut out and all of the idiot lights came on. I pulled the car off to the side of the road and tried to start it. I noticed a flash in my rear view mirror and saw smoke and flames coming from the rear of the car. I barely got out before the fire started to spread and poisonous fumes filled the interior. I took a chance, opened the passenger door and went back for my belongings which included my 35mm camera as onlookers shouted to get away from it before it blew up. The car is comprised of a great deal of plastic and as seen in the pictures before anyone could even stop the stream of traffic it was totally engulfed in flames and thick black smoke. I began taking pictures and they speak for themselves. Click on any picture to enlarge it then click on the enlargement to return to the thumbnails. I had removed the collision insurance from the vehicle in 2011 because I couldn't justify the cost of it in relation to what the insurance company would pay out if the car was destroyed. So for me this was a total loss. Believe it or not I considered buying another because I really did enjoy owning the car. I contacted Smart USA the next day and let them know what happened asking them if this was a common occurrence. I told them I had taken pictures of the event. About a week later I received a call from Andrew J. a case manager with Mercedes Benz who makes the car. He wouldn't really answer my question about how often this happens which leads me to believe that it is not the first time. He was interested in seeing the pictures and wanted to know where the car was located so that Mercedes engineers could look at it to try and determine what had happened. I immediately sent a link to the pictures which I had put up on a Webpage on the Internet and gave him the phone number of the towing company and location of the wreck after ascertaining from the towing company that it was still in their possession. Three weeks went by and I finally heard from Andrew J. again almost a month after the fact. He told me that they could not tell from the pictures what had happened and by the time they contacted the towing company 3 weeks after I gave them the location and contact information the vehicle had already been disposed of. He was very sorry but without the physical evidence there was nothing further Mercedes Benz could do for me.That is when I decided to create this Website warning potential Smart Car buyers and existing owners that you too may find yourself on the side of the road one day watching your investment in the future go up in flames and smoke. Or perhaps you won't be as lucky as I was and find yourself in a death trap surrounded by burning plastic and deadly smoke unable to get out in time.After not really getting much in the way of information or satisfaction from Mercedes I am not so sure anymore that it is a Smart idea to own one. But, you decide...... Quote
*Chernaudi Posted May 15, 2014 Author Posted May 15, 2014 Ferrari 458s and Porsche 911 GT3s have been known to catch fire in recent times as well. Not something that you'd expect from plinking down 6 figures for your dream ride... And NASCAR in Japan? It indeed happened 3 times in the late '90s. Article with links to videos here: http://www.speedhunters.com/2013/09/when-east-met-west-nascar-in-japan/ Quote
*Chernaudi Posted May 18, 2014 Author Posted May 18, 2014 HQ pics similar to my random greeting photos to show the difference between high downforce (spirnt) and low downforce (Le Mans) spec Audi R18s. Front: http://fourtitude.com/emAlbum/albums/Motorsport/Sportscar/World%20Endurance%20Challenge/2014/02%20-%206%20Hours%20of%20Spa-Francorchamps/Race%20Week/2014-WEC-6-Hours-of-Spa-Francorchamps-Audi-367.jpg http://fourtitude.com/emAlbum/albums/Motorsport/Sportscar/World%20Endurance%20Challenge/2014/02%20-%206%20Hours%20of%20Spa-Francorchamps/Race%20Week/2014-WEC-6-Hours-of-Spa-Francorchamps-Audi-368.jpg Rear: http://fourtitude.com/emAlbum/albums/Motorsport/Sportscar/World%20Endurance%20Challenge/2014/02%20-%206%20Hours%20of%20Spa-Francorchamps/Race%20Week/2014-WEC-6-Hours-of-Spa-Francorchamps-Audi-415.jpg http://fourtitude.com/emAlbum/albums/Motorsport/Sportscar/World%20Endurance%20Challenge/2014/02%20-%206%20Hours%20of%20Spa-Francorchamps/Race%20Week/2014-WEC-6-Hours-of-Spa-Francorchamps-Audi-417.jpg Side: http://fourtitude.com/emAlbum/albums/Motorsport/Sportscar/World%20Endurance%20Challenge/2014/02%20-%206%20Hours%20of%20Spa-Francorchamps/Race%20Week/2014-WEC-6-Hours-of-Spa-Francorchamps-Audi-521.jpg http://fourtitude.com/emAlbum/albums/Motorsport/Sportscar/World%20Endurance%20Challenge/2014/02%20-%206%20Hours%20of%20Spa-Francorchamps/Race%20Week/2014-WEC-6-Hours-of-Spa-Francorchamps-Audi-522.jpg http://fourtitude.com/emAlbum/albums/Motorsport/Sportscar/World%20Endurance%20Challenge/2014/02%20-%206%20Hours%20of%20Spa-Francorchamps/Race%20Week/2014-WEC-6-Hours-of-Spa-Francorchamps-Audi-402.jpg http://fourtitude.com/emAlbum/albums/Motorsport/Sportscar/World%20Endurance%20Challenge/2014/02%20-%206%20Hours%20of%20Spa-Francorchamps/Race%20Week/2014-WEC-6-Hours-of-Spa-Francorchamps-Audi-401.jpg Detail shot of the #3 Audi's (LM spec) tail section: http://fourtitude.com/emAlbum/albums/Motorsport/Sportscar/World%20Endurance%20Challenge/2014/02%20-%206%20Hours%20of%20Spa-Francorchamps/Race%20Week/2014-WEC-6-Hours-of-Spa-Francorchamps-Audi-571.jpg Quote
*Chernaudi Posted May 18, 2014 Author Posted May 18, 2014 Couple of more shots, since my attempt at editing a similar thread sucked yesterday: Head on: http://fourtitude.com/emAlbum/albums/Motorsport/Sportscar/World%20Endurance%20Challenge/2014/02%20-%206%20Hours%20of%20Spa-Francorchamps/Race%20Week/2014-WEC-6-Hours-of-Spa-Francorchamps-Audi-392.jpg http://fourtitude.com/emAlbum/albums/Motorsport/Sportscar/World%20Endurance%20Challenge/2014/02%20-%206%20Hours%20of%20Spa-Francorchamps/Race%20Week/2014-WEC-6-Hours-of-Spa-Francorchamps-Audi-393.jpg http://fourtitude.com/emAlbum/albums/Motorsport/Sportscar/World%20Endurance%20Challenge/2014/02%20-%206%20Hours%20of%20Spa-Francorchamps/Race%20Week/2014-WEC-6-Hours-of-Spa-Francorchamps-Audi-394.jpg Rear quarter: http://fourtitude.com/emAlbum/albums/Motorsport/Sportscar/World%20Endurance%20Challenge/2014/02%20-%206%20Hours%20of%20Spa-Francorchamps/Race%20Week/2014-WEC-6-Hours-of-Spa-Francorchamps-Audi-420.jpg http://fourtitude.com/emAlbum/albums/Motorsport/Sportscar/World%20Endurance%20Challenge/2014/02%20-%206%20Hours%20of%20Spa-Francorchamps/Race%20Week/2014-WEC-6-Hours-of-Spa-Francorchamps-Audi-419.jpg http://fourtitude.com/emAlbum/albums/Motorsport/Sportscar/World%20Endurance%20Challenge/2014/02%20-%206%20Hours%20of%20Spa-Francorchamps/Race%20Week/2014-WEC-6-Hours-of-Spa-Francorchamps-Audi-418.jpg Front quarter: http://fourtitude.com/emAlbum/albums/Motorsport/Sportscar/World%20Endurance%20Challenge/2014/02%20-%206%20Hours%20of%20Spa-Francorchamps/Race%20Week/2014-WEC-6-Hours-of-Spa-Francorchamps-Audi-469.jpg http://fourtitude.com/emAlbum/albums/Motorsport/Sportscar/World%20Endurance%20Challenge/2014/02%20-%206%20Hours%20of%20Spa-Francorchamps/Race%20Week/2014-WEC-6-Hours-of-Spa-Francorchamps-Audi-468.jpg Quote
*Chernaudi Posted May 18, 2014 Author Posted May 18, 2014 An other detail shot of the #3's tail I forgot to post: http://fourtitude.com/emAlbum/albums/Motorsport/Sportscar/World%20Endurance%20Challenge/2014/02%20-%206%20Hours%20of%20Spa-Francorchamps/Race%20Week/2014-WEC-6-Hours-of-Spa-Francorchamps-Audi-572.jpg Quote
*Chernaudi Posted May 20, 2014 Author Posted May 20, 2014 One of the better looking cars that I've seen recently, the OAK Ligier JS P2, in color: http://www.endurance-info.com/fr/la-ligier-js-p2-du-thiriet-by-tds-racing-a-recu-ses-peintures-de-guerre/ Quote
*Chernaudi Posted May 22, 2014 Author Posted May 22, 2014 Pics of the OAK Ligier LMP2 in color: https://scontent-b-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc3/t1.0-9/10338708_783127628379205_6023558608359690404_n.jpg https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn2/t1.0-9/10171167_783128435045791_960572179877813989_n.jpg https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/t1.0-9/10291735_783128655045769_3566459727353604479_n.jpg OAK Racing's own test car: https://scontent-b-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/t1.0-9/10346316_783129208379047_2467468192899703539_n.jpg Quote
*Chernaudi Posted May 22, 2014 Author Posted May 22, 2014 More and better photos of the OAK Ligier and Morgan LMP2 cars testing from Onroak Automotive FB Page. Onroak Automotive is the car building arm of OAK Racing: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1502543543294988.1073741835.1466612370221439&type=3 Quote
*Chernaudi Posted May 22, 2014 Author Posted May 22, 2014 Updated Audi A7/S7: http://fourtitude.com/news/Audi_News_1/detail-new-audi-a7-sportback-s7-sportback/ Interior shot of the yet to be announced next generation Audi R8: http://fourtitude.com/news/audi-rumors-renders-spy-photos/spied-audi-r8-test-mule-reveals-new-instrument-dashboard-design-plus-video/ Quote
*Chernaudi Posted May 23, 2014 Author Posted May 23, 2014 Now, do these Audis sound anything like we think that a diesel powered vehicle would sound? And an Audi Spain promo video for the 24 Hours of Le Mans: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=718048594925449&set=vb.144192782311036&type=2&theater Quote
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