Rank your own vehicles

Maintenance/Repairs
41

The point is about T & R and whether they are really competent mechanics or not. Having a shop for 30 years does not mean they’re turning wrenches nor does it mean their hands are scarred up and have residual grease under the fingernails.

I used to listen to T & R on the radio all the time at my shop. While in one weekend to finish building an engine (I work better when undisturbed) a caller posed the question, “when I turn my A/C on I hear a loud squealing”. This was on an older Oldsmobile if I remember with V-belts.
So my first thought is an out of adjustment or worn A/C compressor belt.
Ten minutes later the caller is still being led down the “you have a bad A/C compressor” road and that’s how the call ended, with the caller apparently ready to get a new compressor and have at it. Not one single mention of a belt problem.

Being disgusted with the diagnosis of a problem that an entry level tech should be able to determine within seconds, I switched off the show permanently.
I always wondered if that caller sunk well into 3 figures or more on a new compressor.

Factor in their advice to someone about having a bad gasket on an anti-afterburn valve (this particular car does not even HAVE a gasket and AAV is a bet of a stretch) and the repeated references to replacing an oil pump as a cure for low oil pressure are just a couple of things that shall we say, cause me to be a bit suspect of them.
(After turning wrenches for over 35 years I have yet to see a bad oil pump or one that was worn enough to cause a problem and fellow mechanics I’ve talked to have not seen it either although one guy I know used to throw oil pumps at cars all the time. This was usually followed minutes later by tearing it back apart to inspect the rod and main bearings, something that could have been done while the oil pan was off.)

42

I see what you’re saying…but that doesn’t prove anything…Remember their show is for entertainment purposes only…Show wouldn’t get the ratings it does (highest rated show on NPR) if all they said to the person was “Belt needs adjusting” then hung up.

Second…Again…it’s your opinion…Not necessarily FACT…Yea…the first thing I might have suggested was a loose belt…A guy called up a while ago (maybe a year or so)…with a similar problem…and the first thing out of their mouths was…have the belt checked…then they also said…on that particular vehicle they’ve had problems with the Alternator…I’ve NEVER ever heard them to tell a customer that it’s DEFINITELY this and get it fixed…every time I hear them it’s have them take it a mechanic and have them it diagnosed… and then give them a list of possible causes…

About 20 years ago…I worked with a guy who used their garage regularly…He had nothing but praise for them.

43

In descending order of reliability. Fortunately we always have 2 cars on hand, but the cars we have owned in the past 10 years have been really good.

Very reliable:

  1. 1972 Dodge Colt (yes, great reliablity because not much to break down, I still wouldn’t buy one again)
  2. 2010 VW Tiguan
  3. 2008 VW Passat
  4. 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee (purchased used)
  5. 2000 Jeep Wrangler Sport

Others:

  1. 1987 Plymouth Sundance
  2. 1995 Dodge Grand Caravan
  3. 1984 Dodge Caravan
  4. 1991 Plymouth Voyager
  5. 1977 Plymouth Horizon
44

The BEST LOOKING smoothest Lincoln Continental ever made was the 1971 Mark III !! I LOVED mine

45

Ah, Lucas Electrics, better known as The Prince of Darkness! What is it with British cars and their electrical systems? They’ve been nightmares since the very beginning. Is there just one incompetent guy teaching automotive electrical engineering in all of England?

46
  1. 1995 Ford Explorer
  2. 2007 Ford Mustang
  3. 1995 Isuzu Rodeo
  4. 1989 VW Passat
  5. 2000 Ford Explorer
  6. 1994 Saturn SC2
  7. 1973 Porsche 914
  8. 1968 Plymouth Satellite
  9. 1971 VW Beetle
  10. 1986 Mercedes 380 SL
47

Why do the Brits drink warm beer?

Lucas refrigerators!

Seriously, the electrical problems were related to poor production of the parts and poor car assembly. Wires chafed on sharp spots on the chassis and created shorts.

48

What is a Forenza? I do remember the Vauxhall Firenza, a dubious British compact car foisted on an unsupecting public by GM. The wife of one of my collegueas had one and when she had her first flat tire after one year, the jack was so rusted right in the trunk she could not use it!

There was a “Unhappy Firenza Owners’ Club” that decided to launch a class action suit, and drive their little cars to GM’s head office. One half did not show up because their Firenza’s would not start or broke down. These cars were even worse than the infamous Vega which some posters here were unhappy to own.

49

I’ve owned over 50 cars , from MGBs, TR-3s to 528i BMW.

Three cars that have been my favorites and most reliable are '68 BMW 1602, '94 Mustang, and '80 Corvette.

Most pain in the butt cars VW’s.Especially a Rabbitt.Loved the car, but I worked on it more than any British or Italian{Fiat} I’ve owned.

50

I’ve had a lot of cars over the years, especially when I was younger and bought cars that others had basically thrown away. Some highlights (and lowlights) in no particular order.

-1974 Cadillac–my first car. Was a P.O.S. but taught me a lot about cars. If I didn’t beat on it as much as I did, I’m sure it wouldn’t have needed as much repair. What a tank! Got rear-ended by a driver in a Civic and didn’t realize it. I thought my engine had stalled. Much damage to Civic, no damage to Caddy. Got 8.5MPG city, 20 Hwy.

-1976 Ford Econoline van. Rusted to the consistency of Swiss cheese, but a solid I6 and powertrain. Could have kept going but got sick of how hideous it looked and its penchant for eating a starter every 6 months or so. The ground clearance was high enough that I could put in a starter in 15 minutes though with no raising needed.

-1980 Chrysler New Yorker 360V8–bought used from a co-worker’s grandfather. Drove it forever and only major repair was a timing chain at 160K. Still had less squeaks and rattles than many new cars. Only carbureted car I had that started and ran great when cold as well as warm. Sold it for junk for close to what I’d paid for it after the transmission finally died. I liked this car a lot.

-1981 Pontiac Firebird. What an unmitigated piece of crap. Things went wrong with this car that I never imagined could. Leaf springs, trunk leaks, electrical gremlins, transmission, heater core, trim falling off, doors sagging. Once a month a tail light would burn out and need to be replaced. To be somewhat fair, I was not gentle on this car.

-1994 Chrysler LHS. Has been the best vehicle by far that I’ve ever owned. Very little trouble overall, and still doing well at 260K. Very dependable, comfortable, and good handling. The headlights suck. Other than that, no real complaints.

-1970 Chevelle Malibu with a 307 and Powerglide. Fairly reliable (so simple!) Needed a new interior. Sold it with 165K on it, mostly because I was too poor to restore it. Wish I’d kept it.

-1992 Chevy Caprice ex cop car. 350 H.O. V8. Pretty reliable. Floor and oil pan rusted out. Replaced oil pan, put sheet steel in to fix floor. Transmission was going out when I got rid of it. Had the infamous GM piston slap when cold.

51

I have six MGBs right now, and four of them are really rank. I had one several years ago that I drove 40 miles a day. I sold it to a guy who commuted 105 miles a day. He was still driving it three years later. At that point it needed an alternator which I sold him. It must have been one of the least rank ones.

52

Considering they get only a couple minutes per caller at best, dont even get to look at the car or listen to it, and rely only on what they are being told, I think they do quite well. Even if they get 50% right under those conditions that’s pretty good in my books.

53
  1. '96 Merc. Sable-still going strong when I sold it with 180k miles!
  2. 2001 Taurus current car-so far very dependable! (fingers crossed)
  3. 1980 Fairmont (believe it or not!)
  4. 1972 Chevelle-probably would have done better if I hadn’t hot rodded so much with it
  5. 1961 Ford Galaxy-a real tank! Go through anything!
  6. 1966 Impala 4dr
  7. 1970 Dodge pickup-good runner but a real rust bucket
  8. 1965 Impala 2dr
  9. 1986 Ford Tempo-junk!
  10. 1991 Taurus-tranny fail early & often
  11. 1970 AMC Javelin- a real p.o.s.
54

My dad had a Gremlin. I drove it to my place for awhile after he had a stroke and used it to drive my mom to get it inspected. That poor Gremlin was a true POS. Definitly not one of AMC’s better efforts.

55

Best to worst:

  1. 1989 Toyota 4X2 pickup
  2. 1991 Toyota Camry V6
  3. 1999 Toyota Sienna
  4. 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  5. 1982 Subaru Deluxe
  6. 1977 Oldsmobile Cutlass S
  7. 1985 GMC Vandura
  8. 1975 Dodge Dart Swinger
  9. 1973 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser
  10. 1976 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme
  11. 1972 Plymouth Duster
  12. 1969 Plymouth Barracuda
  13. 1958 Chevy Delray
  14. 1958 Volkswagen Beetle
  15. 1960 Rambler Deluxe
  16. 198? Pontiac Ventura
  17. 1960 Austin 850 (no, not a Sprite, an 850)
  18. 1963 Corvair
56

OK, if T&R give worthless advice, why do you associate yourself with them by appearing on this forum? No doubt there are fora hosted by competent mechanics who would welcome you. I have appreciated your posts in the past, and you do know what you’re talking about, but it seems to me out of line for you to badmouth your hosts in their house.

57

The very best was a '72 Datsun 510. Had it 13 years and drove it about 120,000 miles. Sold it for the same amount I bought it!

1985 Mazda was OK.

My 1999 Camry was excellent, sold it recently (6 weeks ago) and bought a 2011 Hyundai Sonata Ltd. I DO NOT RECOMMEND IT. The mileage is awful (13mpg city/ 17/hway). No one can tell me what the problem is. Wish I had kept the Camry.

58

  1. 1956 Vespa 150-- an OK ride but not enough power. Top speed 55mph if you duck down and go down-hill. Better looking than the Lambretta, though, and way classier than the English scooter of the era, the Rabbit. Ride one of those things and surfers throw board wax at you and ask if it runs on pellets. Best feature was the wheels bolted together from side to side so it was easy to change a tire, just unbolt the wheel. Worst feature was that by 1962 it was not a chick magnet.

  2. 1950 Plymouth Suburban Wagon-- I wish they still made these. Best features the straight six motor, the gray paint, the iron levers that held up the tailgate or let it down with a flip of the deltoids, and the three on the tree shift. No drawbacks at all to this vehicle.

  3. 1956 Austin-Healey 100-S. Worst feature was the 6-volt system wouldn’t support a tape deck when those became available. Don’t get one of these if you’re into hi-fi be-bop. Second worst feature was the fold-down windscreen that sent the whole airstream up into your eyeballs if you folded it down. Along with every bug and diesel cinder over the road. Also no gut and mediocre handling, but it sure looked fine. Those red hubs and chrome spokes!

  4. 1965 Honda 250 Scrambler-- looked sort of like a Triumph Tiger but ran and sounded like a sewing-machine. At $700 substantially cheaper than the Triumph. Don’t try to wave at any chopped Harleys while riding this in 1965.

  5. 1965 Volvo 122-S sedan. Back in those days the ads claimed that Volvos ran longer than other cars. That’s why it surprised me when the drive-shaft fell off crossing the Bay Bridge. This car would teach you a lot about auto mechanics, if you wanted to keep it running. There wasn’t anything that didn’t go wrong on it, but it was all easy to fix. And those twin SU carburetors! Did anything so crude ever look so fine? This car went from San Francisco to New York City and back in 1968 without a cough, other than the foot-operated dimmer switch went out in North Dakota and you couldn’t get a new one before Duluth. A great car even though a '53 Chevy would have been more reliable. Best feature was a screw-jack with a hinged stub that fit into a socket welded onto the frame, so you could work under it with a good probability that it wouldn’t fall down and crush you. And you had to work under it a lot. It also had a socket in front where you could crank the motor over like a Model-T, and a thing like a window shade that you could pull down over the front of the radiator in the cold Swedish winter.

  6. 1962 or thereabouts Corvair Monza. The great thing about this car was that by the time I bought mine in 1969 Ralph Nader had given it such a bad reputation that it cost me $150. A great car for the price-- it had rack and pinion steering, good handling, a solid rear motor like a Porsche, a good AM radio, four-speed transmission, comfortable seats. The big drawback was that if you thought you were driving an Impala you could easy switch ends and go off the high side. I picked up a hippie once who asked whether I liked it, and I said the only thing wrong with this car is Ralph Nader. He said, “who is Ralph Nader?” It turned out that he was selling soap made out of whale blubber-- not the right person to work that line on, in 1969.

  7. 1963 Buck Skylark. My dad bought this as a compromise after he sold his last Porsche. It was the first American car we ever had that came with seat-belts as an extra, and a four-speed floor transmission. I got it handed down in 1973, and sold it to a hippie for $95 a year later. A Buick without any holes on the side, what else can you say? You could get a twenty-foot patch of rubber off this thing if you popped the clutch right, and it smelled good inside for several months after it was new. I sold it after trying to re-build that four-barrel carburetor. Some people just shouldn’t touch carburetors, the way some people shouldn’t take SCUBA lessons, or go bungee-jumping, or mess with explosives.

  8. 1963 Peugeot 403. This was the same car that Columbo had in the TV series, only his ran better than mine. The best thing about it was that the shop manual was hard-bound. When I had this car I looked up the ratings in Consumer Reports and found that they had it rated in the top ten of all great cars, along with the above-mentioned Volvo. The two worst cars for maintenance that I ever had. It was only then that I realized that Consumer Reports had given a bum steer on everything I had ever owned, from fly rods to electric frying-pans to guitars.

  9. 1965 Mustang. A total garbage wagon. The worst driveability problem with this car was that I had it in San Francisco, and if you had a stop-sign at the top of a hill you couldn’t see the intersection over the hood. Even then people were saying these cars were classics, but when it finally blew an oil pump I was more than happy to sell it to some poor guy out of the want ads, and happy to ignore the notice from the DMV when it was abandoned alongside the road somewhere.

  10. Mid-1970’s Honda CVCC. Bought this one new, the only one ever. These were great little cars. What ever happened to them? Got about 50 mph, and it was fun to drive. First car I ever had that made the mistake of putting the dimmer switch on the steering stalk, but other than that it was OK. Also the last car I ever had with a manual choke. What ever happened to the manual choke? Nowadays it’s an impossibly-priced retrofit.

  11. Fiat Sports Spyder-- one of those purple things with a rag roof and Italian lines. My brother bought it because he lived in Hollywood and didn’t have enough money to buy anything else that his associates might respect, and he gave it to me to sell. It had some
    sort of weird ignition with dual coils and dual distributors such that I managed to make it almost blow up by adjusting them independently of one another. Sold it to a blond babe who owned a restaurant and who took it to a mechanic who told her to stay away from it at all costs. Sold it to her for much more than it was worth.

That takes us up to the Chevy S-10 pickup, the 1968 Oldsmobile Vista-Cruiser, the Datsun pick-ups, the Montero, the Mustang SVO, and the Ranger, and various motorcycles. E-mail me for evaluations. I’m thinking Honda Fit if I ever need another car.

59

It is a Chevy Optra, AKA Daewoo Lacetti. Suzuki and GM are 2 of the 4 owners of GM Daewoo.

60

I’ve had too many to list them all. Here are the best, and the worst, (mileage when bought-sold in parentheses):

Best:

1999 Plymouth Voyager, 2.4L 4-cyl (80K-165K). No trouble at all, aside from a broken lugnut and chipped windshield (rock).

1984 Dodge Diplomat 318 (42K-162K) Only big problem was the AC compressor. Comfortable!

Worst:

1984 Mercury Small Marquis 3.8 (60K-80K) Oil-burner, emissions-failer, and the most uncomfortable front bucket seats ever.

1984 Dodge Colt Vista by Mitsubishi (New-90K) Just one problem after another, and another…

2004 PT Cruiser (37K-76K and counting): A lemon.

Have also had an assortment of Subarus, Dodge Darts, a Toyota, a Nissan, etc. Mostly good cars except those old Subarus sure rusted fast.

Special Mention: the 1976 Renault LeCar, which was nowhere near as bad as one might assume.