CarChat #17 : General

rumblestrip on July 1, 2009

RT @michaelbanovsky: BTW, please forgive me if I'm a minute or two late for #carchat. It's Canada Day here and there's holiday traffic. tweet

johnvoelcker on July 1, 2009

@RideWithWes I'd be shocked at a GM-badged Prius; what's in it for Toyota? #carchat tweet

RideWithWes on July 2, 2009

@johnvoelcker Just been the buzz in the car blogs. #carchat tweet

CarConnection on July 2, 2009

Excited for #carchat starting now tweet

therealma on July 2, 2009

@RideWithWes I thought GM was going to build a number of models around the Volt platform #carchat tweet

RideWithWes on July 2, 2009

@johnvoelcker Do you think hybrids are still worth driving even if you take a financial hit? #carchat tweet

johnvoelcker on July 2, 2009

@therealma Exactly; GM is betting on the Volt (extended-range EV) to leapfrog Prius / Hybrid Synergy Drive altogether. Smart IMHO. #carchat tweet

johnvoelcker on July 2, 2009

@RideWithWes Two Qs: (a) Do you like the driving experience? (b) What do YOU think the price of gasoline will be while you own it? #carchat tweet

rumblestrip on July 2, 2009

hopefully @Twitter & @Tweetgrid replaced their Lucas Electronics so #carchat can run without interruption tonight tweet

AutoTrader_com on July 2, 2009

@johnvelcker A GM-badged Prius would be like the now-deceased Toyota Cavalier--purely a political play. #carchat tweet

johnvoelcker on July 2, 2009

@therealma I liked the 335d a lot. But same engine in X5 has terrible lag, didn't like that. VERY unclear if US will take to diesel #carchat tweet

xybrewer on July 2, 2009

Hey, it's time for #carchat tweet

xybrewer on July 2, 2009

michaelbanovsky on July 2, 2009

2) Tonight we talk with @johnvoelcker about green cars, and @kewlrats needs some car buying help #carchat tweet

johnvoelcker on July 2, 2009

@rumblestrip Correct, and I did a story on GreenCarReports saying I think the 2010 VW Golf TDI will be THE big diesel winner. #carchat tweet

xybrewer on July 2, 2009

@johnvoelcker LOL! Okay, yeah... I get that! *sigh* It almost looks like a Prius, tho. #carchat tweet

michaelbanovsky on July 2, 2009

1) [[TOPIC]] changes the topic and let's get going! #carchat tweet

xybrewer on July 2, 2009

#carchat tweet

truedelta on July 2, 2009

RT michaelbanovsky 3) Welcome to #carchat! Confused? http://tr.im/qxFQ Annoyed? try: twittersnooze.com tweet

RideWithWes on July 2, 2009

@johnvoelcker Never driven a hybrid but I heard the Insight sucks and not just from Jeremy Clarkson. #carchat tweet

@johnvoelcker Am I the only parent excited about clean diesel? I get that pumps aren't everywhere... #carchat tweet

AutoTrader_com on July 2, 2009

@michaelbanovsky Just remember--a Toyota Camry V6 can smoke a stock classic Pontiac GTO at a dragstrip. #carchat tweet

truedelta on July 2, 2009

Yeah, I reported that the Insight sucks before JD did :) #carchat tweet

johnvoelcker on July 2, 2009

@mikejuergens Yes, and as long as diesel stays significantly cheaper (15 cents prob not enuf) then diesels have a better chance #carchat tweet

JerryGould on July 2, 2009

@johnvoelcker interesting that you mention diesel first (before other 'green' alternatives.) Do we read anything into that? #carchat tweet

RideWithWes on July 2, 2009

@RideWithWes I believe right now hybrids are not cracked up to be the financial saviors they pretend to be. #carchat tweet

truedelta on July 2, 2009

Yeah, I reported that the Insight sucks before JC did :) #carchat tweet

therealautoblog on July 2, 2009

RT @CarConnection: RT @michaelbanovsky: [[TOPIC]] So, @johnvoelcker, will we all be driving boring old &#!@ cars by 2015? #carchat tweet

rumblestrip on July 2, 2009

@AutoTrader_com put modern tires on said vintage Goat and that changes #carchat tweet

johnvoelcker on July 2, 2009

@michaelbanovsky My missing response: Oh, PUH-LEEZE! I get so tired of this kind of alarmism. :) #carchat tweet

RideWithWes on July 2, 2009

@johnvoelcker &#!@ tin paper doors, inside that rattles, just a horrible driving experience all with the guise of being green. #carchat tweet

davejohnston on July 2, 2009

@michaelbanovsky I know I'm doubling down on old cars...just not the &#!@ kind. :) #carchat tweet

michaelbanovsky on July 2, 2009

RT @johnvoelcker: @michaelbanovsky My missing response: Oh, PUH-LEEZE! I get so tired of this kind of alarmism. :) #carchat tweet

xybrewer on July 2, 2009

hey #carchat, we may be having probs because editorchat is at the same time. tweet

xybrewer on July 2, 2009

@truedelta LOL Awesome!! You're always ahead of the curve! #carchat tweet

michaelbanovsky on July 2, 2009

@johnvoelcker So why not? #carchat tweet

hummernick on July 2, 2009

@johnvoelcker Okay, so what's your prediction for trucks in 2016? #carchat tweet

johnvoelcker on July 2, 2009

@RideWithWes Mine didn't rattle, clearly cost-cut more than Honda usually does, good economy, but not as Honda-like as I'd hoped #carchat tweet

mikejuergens on July 2, 2009

@RideWithWes Current hybrids at this point are more of a social thing. There is no real savings. #carchat tweet

qoswhit on July 2, 2009

@AutoTrader_com IMO boring isn't just about performance... ride and handling, audio, technology, looks. #carchat tweet

johnvoelcker on July 2, 2009

@hummernick Good Q. We *will* still have trucks. Honest. They will cost more, have smaller, higher-perf engines, GDI/turbo on some #carchat tweet

JerryGould on July 2, 2009

I think there's a downside to being an early adopter of any new technology, just as with software (think Windows releases...) #carchat tweet

xybrewer on July 2, 2009

@johnvoelcker "Honda like"? Explain, please? #carchat tweet

AutoTrader_com on July 2, 2009

@rumblestrip Maybe. But the Camry V6 isn't supposed to be a dragstrip king, so it's still impressive. #carchat tweet

CarConnection on July 2, 2009

@hummernick Green hummers, thats my prediction #carchat tweet

johnvoelcker on July 2, 2009

@hummernick ...and, higher capacity ones will likely have diesels. But I wouldn't be shocked at a Ford F100 w/4-cyl EcoBoost #carchat tweet

The Fusion Hybrid is supposed to drive pretty one, but I haven't driven one yet. Where's @rumblestrip ? #carchat tweet

AutoTrader_com on July 2, 2009

@johnvoelcker I'd like to hear your take on the administration's stance on hydrogen, which is basically that it's not feasible. #carchat tweet

davejohnston on July 2, 2009

@johnvoelcker I've never understood the alarmism by truck afficionados. Commerce cannot happen without light/medium duty trucks. #carchat tweet

xybrewer on July 2, 2009

@rumblestrip Oh my! Great point! Just like the hybrid elec/diesel transit buses. Great for bigger trucks? #carchat tweet

johnvoelcker on July 2, 2009

@RideWithWes Depends on your duty cycle. The Fusion Hybrid is REMARKABLE car, but yrs may be cheaper. Also, I-4 + 6-spd auto good #carchat tweet

Vagen on July 2, 2009

@michaelbanovsky I vote Placebo #carchat tweet

mikejuergens on July 2, 2009

I think a lot of trucks on the road are not used for work as they are where originally designed. Some are even "family vehicles" #carchat tweet

xybrewer on July 2, 2009

@therealma so is that different from the hybrid buses? #carchat tweet

rumblestrip on July 2, 2009

@TrueDelta they took it back Monday, Have an SS Camaro this week #carchat tweet

xybrewer on July 2, 2009

@therealma Is that any different from they hybrid buses? #carchat tweet

johnvoelcker on July 2, 2009

@qoswhit I don't think Americans will have a choice. Their elected reps have passed new MPG reqts. Those will cost $$$$$. #carchat tweet

JerryGould on July 2, 2009

I'm out of practice, I keep forgetting to type #carchat... tweet

MissMotorMouth on July 2, 2009

johnvoelcker on July 2, 2009

General comment: Remember, it's the size of the battery pack (in kWh) that costs so much. Prius pack probably costs Toyota $800 #carchat tweet

johnvoelcker on July 2, 2009

@truedelta Yep, see previous comment on VW doing best of all diesel offerers. It's 'cause they're cheapest #carchat tweet

rumblestrip on July 2, 2009

@RideWithWes interesting, I got 38-41 on the highway @70mph with the Fusion Hybrid #carchat tweet

truedelta on July 2, 2009

I don't think the battle is as uphill as many assume. The press likes to keep repeating public memory of the GM diesels, etc. #carchat tweet

michaelbanovsky on July 2, 2009

@johnvoelcker Yes, that $800 battery pack is in line with the prices I've seen #carchat tweet

RideWithWes on July 2, 2009

@truedelta I assume those VW diesels are pretty nice rides. #carchat tweet

@jerrygould I've heard hybrid batteries are going about 300,000 miles. At that point, the car is generally toast anyhow. #carchat tweet

truedelta on July 2, 2009

Hundreds of Prius owners participate in TrueDelta's Car Reliability Survey. Very few battery replacements so far. Oldest are 2004s. #carchat tweet

johnvoelcker on July 2, 2009

@truedelta Correct, battery pack replacement rates very low indeed due to failure. Mostly crash repairs. #carchat tweet

And about diesel refueling: there are no truck stops or other outlets I know of, east of Hyannis on Cape Cod... justsayin... #carchat tweet

michaelbanovsky on July 2, 2009

@johnvoelcker @xybrewer AND the diesel pumps are always dirty should be car diesel pumps #carchat tweet

@xybrewer also have you seen the new Audi commercial about Di*sel is no longer a dirty word? http://is.gd/1kYyj #carchat tweet

truedelta on July 2, 2009

Even if the Fisker gets out the door, I think it's too impractically packaged to go the distance. Huge car, cramped interior. #carchat tweet

And yeah, I'm seeing TweetGrid slower than TweetDeck (both running) #carchat tweet

michaelbanovsky on July 2, 2009

@rumblestrip 3) Lamborghini Murcielago 2) Lamborghini Gallardo (hey, they both come in green!) and 1) Cadillac Escalade Hybrid #carchat tweet

@michaelbanovsky Twitter needs a bigger server or something, or its too bad we cant just get a "private" chatroom for invitedguests #carchat tweet

hummernick on July 2, 2009

@johnvoelcker i.e. Litres per kilometer #carchat tweet

therealautoblog on July 2, 2009

#carchat I gotta run. In honor of @johnvoelcker and the green topic, I will drive my trusty Mustang in least efficient manner possible. tweet

rumblestrip on July 2, 2009

@johnvoelcker I AM a BIG proponent of clean diesels over hybrids though #carchat tweet

xybrewer on July 2, 2009

#carchat At this point, we should pick another night. Too many other chats going on right now. tweet

@ibmbizanalytics My thoughts exactly. (Moving the bar on truck MPG) #carchat tweet

sassygirlzmom on July 2, 2009

@johnvoelcker www.MPGillusion.com is super informative - thx for sharing the site. #carchat tweet

salguod_net on July 2, 2009

I love the look of the Smart, and the idea of it. 2 much $ for 2 little car & 2 little MPG tho. If they brought the diesel over ... #carchat tweet

michaelbanovsky on July 2, 2009

RT @sassygirlzmom: @johnvoelcker www.MPGillusion.com is super informative - thx for sharing the site. #carchat tweet

RideWithWes on July 2, 2009

@johnvoelcker Doesn't the Lexus GS hybrid get 2 MPG higher than the regular version? #carchat tweet

lbdwag on July 2, 2009

@ibmbizanalytics my 94 S10 would get 20MPG... #carchat tweet

johnvoelcker on July 2, 2009

@RideWithWes Don't know exact figures, but Toyota hybrids based on LS, GS, and last series of RX don't give huge boosts as a rule #carchat tweet

michaelbanovsky on July 2, 2009

[[TOPIC]] So what does everyone think of the Aston Martin Cygnet? Misguided like the Chevy SSR? Cool? Lame? #carchat tweet

xybrewer on July 2, 2009

How valuable is a "traditional" engine that gets mpg over 20 in terms of "being green"? #carchat tweet

RideWithWes on July 2, 2009

@michaelbanovsky I'd guess anywhere from 10 to 20% #carchat tweet

xybrewer on July 2, 2009

And if not 20, then when do they become significant? #carchat tweet

qoswhit on July 2, 2009

MPG on hybrids what if you only drive in city traffic never engaging the gas engine... shouldnt we look at a new way of reporting? #carchat tweet

oneighturbo on July 2, 2009

@michaelbanovsky speaking of the Lamborghini Gallardo our next post will change your mind! #carchat tweet

ibmbizanalytics on July 2, 2009

Coolest green car may be old Honda EX that runs on compressed natural gas, at least in Utah, I believe. #carchat tweet

michaelbanovsky on July 2, 2009

@oneighturbo The Bellini I mean, Balboni Gallardo? #carchat tweet

RideWithWes on July 2, 2009

@michaelbanovsky LAME. You can be some schmoe and get it either, you have to own a regular sedan to be eligible? Right? #carchat tweet

therealma on July 2, 2009

@michaelbanovsky I think it's an awesome idea to drastically reduce their fleet emission averages #carchat tweet

cbaccus on July 2, 2009

I think the Cygnet is an answer to CAFE increasing and that's all. Is that right to assume? #carchat tweet

johnvoelcker on July 2, 2009

@michaelbanovsky I'm not as down on the Cygnet as the rest of the world, but I grew up in London, recall luxury Minis--same thing #carchat tweet

lbdwag on July 2, 2009

@michaelbanovsky: Aston Martin Cygnet? --- mmm... y... seriously y. No need for a 2seater to be so FUGLY. #carchat tweet

michaelbanovsky on July 2, 2009

RT @xybrewer: How valuable is a "traditional" engine that gets mpg over 20 in terms of "being green"? #carchat tweet

mikejuergens on July 2, 2009

@michaelbanovsky I think it's a novelty. plain and simple #carchat tweet

@johnvoelcker Oh, I was just looking at the pictures. It's going to look like a fancy iQ #carchat tweet

@sassygirlzmom Haha, exactly. #carchat tweet

gerbertguild on July 2, 2009

RT @ibmbizanalytics: Coolest green car may be old Honda EX that runs on compressed natural gas, at least in Utah, I believe. #carchat tweet

CarConnection on July 2, 2009

@michaelbanovsky @davejohnston Size is king even outside SF valley #carchat tweet

xybrewer on July 2, 2009

@jerrygould and then there are those of us who use both sides to talk to people who just want a vehicle to drive. ;-) #carchat tweet

rumblestrip on July 2, 2009

@johnvoelcker but shifting is part of the joy of driving #carchat tweet

RideWithWes on July 2, 2009

I'm out. I love you guys. As Paukert (AutoBlog) would say, "Motor Vividly." #carchat tweet

Vagen on July 2, 2009

@michaelbanovsky Aston Martin builds the worlds most expensive Toyota (lunacy in my opinion) #carchat tweet

michaelbanovsky on July 2, 2009

@gerbertguild @ibmbizanalytics They still sell them. AND they come with a home filling station. #carchat tweet

JerryGould on July 2, 2009

So, that settles it once and for all. Size Matters. #carchat tweet

mikejuergens on July 2, 2009

@johnvoelcker What's your thoughts on the drain on the power grid? 46.8% of electricity still comes from coal fire plants. #carchat tweet

xybrewer on July 2, 2009

@jerrygould In the U.S., yes. #carchat tweet

davejohnston on July 2, 2009

@michaelbanovsky @CarConnection Size is just size. San Fernando Valley...well that's a whole other thing. :) #carchat tweet

salguod_net on July 2, 2009

90 in left lane in a minivan - were you following me across I-70 today? #carchat tweet

xybrewer on July 2, 2009

@cbaccus No, they just have to slow down all this awesome discussion on #carchat ! tweet

@qoswhit Itd be nice - I feel like it'd encourage better driving habits. #carchat tweet

JerryGould on July 2, 2009

RT @xybrewer @cbaccus Really? 5%? My car's in the minority by that much? #carchat Me: Mine Too... tweet

johnvoelcker on July 2, 2009

@mikejuergens Most basic is 110V/20A, IIRC, or maybe 30A ?? Check spec for SAE J1772 connector. #carchat tweet

rumblestrip on July 2, 2009

@cbaccus I've joked that people who want to drive manual transmissions are the new 1%ers #carchat tweet

RT @johnvoelcker @qoswhit Can we start with Wisconsin?? #carchat tweet

mpgomatic on July 2, 2009

@TrueDelta Whoo yeah, baby ... a sweet-lookin' 2010. Remember the story about Winnie the Pooh getting stuck in that doorway? :) #carchat tweet

rumblestrip on July 2, 2009

@mpgomatic you sitting in a lotus pose back there?? it's pretty tight in the back seat #carchat tweet

michaelbanovsky on July 2, 2009

@johnvoelcker @sassygirlzmom Not the way I drive. Neutral coasts, double-de-clutching no automatic is better than my shifting. #carchat tweet

LM_Ari on July 2, 2009

Hello #carchat - ers! tweet

mikejuergens on July 2, 2009

During my road test the girl that was with me had a panic attack during the 3 point turn test. The trooper passed her anyway. #carchat tweet

mpgomatic on July 2, 2009

@rumblestrip I had to endure that for journalistic integrity. Not that I pretend to be a journalist. On TV. #carchat Now the Lotus Elise ... tweet

JerryGould on July 2, 2009

@johnvoelcker @sassygirlzmom Yes - the automatic '08 Civic was rated one MPG higher than the stick; but I went w/the stick anyway #carchat tweet

rumblestrip on July 2, 2009

@mpgomatic http://twitpic.com/8zb4l #carchat tweet

lbdwag on July 2, 2009

@rumblestrip I once saw a 400# man fit in the back seat of an Exclipse GSX..... #carchat tweet

sassygirlzmom on July 2, 2009

@johnvoelcker Yep, but my car gets 32 mpg vs my truck's 16 mpg, and it's a sports car; had to get the manual. #carchat tweet

michaelbanovsky on July 2, 2009

[[TOPIC]] Should elderly drivers be tested each year? (Thanks, @mikejuergens!) #carchat tweet

krisdahl on July 2, 2009

@mikejuergens Are you asking the amperage it pulls from the grid, or the voltage/amperage that the motors pull? #carchat tweet

johnvoelcker on July 2, 2009

@sassygirlzmom Fair enough, but clearly you're far from the average manual driver! With AVERAGE driver, auto MPG > manual MPG now #carchat tweet

xybrewer on July 2, 2009

@johnvoelcker Can we make a case for driving schools to learn "green driving," then teach them safety on the sly? #carchat tweet

krisdahl on July 2, 2009

@JerryGould All the cars I've ever owned were manual. Except one that is destined to be a hornet racer eventually. #carchat tweet

JerryGould on July 2, 2009

True story: my wife was stung by a bee during her road test. Trooper felt bad for her and passed her right then. (Explains a lot) #carchat tweet

michaelbanovsky on July 2, 2009

@mpgomatic Where are these pages of tweets? lol #carchat tweet

rumblestrip on July 2, 2009

@johnvoelcker I'd be happy if the ability to read English was required for a MI drivers license #carchat tweet

xybrewer on July 2, 2009

@mpgomatic Now I'm really confused. #carchat tweet

sassygirlzmom on July 2, 2009

RT @JerryGould Another real car driver-Bravo! #carchat tweet

krisdahl on July 2, 2009

Thing is that a few years ago, for the first time, automatics started becoming more fuel efficient than manuals. #carchat tweet

michaelbanovsky on July 2, 2009

[[FYI]] A little FYI, @vlaneblogs is now on Twitter Also, #carchat topics can be tagged on delicious as "carchat" :) tweet

michaelbanovsky on July 2, 2009

HAHAHA RT @rumblestrip: @johnvoelcker I'd be happy if the ability to read English was required for a MI drivers license #carchat tweet

sassygirlzmom on July 2, 2009

@mikejuergens Was that in Wisconsin? #carchat tweet

qoswhit on July 2, 2009

@rumblestrip i think we are onto something here on drivers ed... #carchat tweet

mpgomatic on July 2, 2009

@sassygirlzmom I'm not intimidated by assertive women drivers, whatsoever! [insert inappropriate Danica comment here] #carchat tweet

JerryGould on July 2, 2009

Elderly drivers... tested, maybe yes, but I think every year is overkill. Again we're whipsawing from one extreme 2 the other. #carchat tweet

xybrewer on July 2, 2009

@krisdahl Ah! So, if the last time you considered manual/auto was 15 yrs ago, you missed the switch. #carchat tweet

michaelbanovsky on July 2, 2009

@johnleonardo Why not? #carchat tweet

mikejuergens on July 2, 2009

@sassygirlzmom Nope Massachusetts. #carchat tweet

sassygirlzmom on July 2, 2009

RT @JerryGould Did she pull a Tommy Boy during her test? #carchat tweet

xybrewer on July 2, 2009

@qoswhit Me, too! Drivers ed certainly needs an overhaul! #carchat tweet

mpgomatic on July 2, 2009

@michaelbanovsky sounds familiar, eh? :) I'm an equal opportunity clue stick wielder. #carchat tweet

mikejuergens on July 2, 2009

Drivers age has been a recent topic here due to some serial accidents involving elderly drivers. #carchat tweet

krisdahl on July 2, 2009

For the record I think the Cygnet is perfect for those that want to drive a small car but don't want to be caught dead in a Toyota #carchat tweet

LM_Ari on July 2, 2009

@rumblestrip Are defensive driving courses still required for new drivers in MI? #carchat tweet

rumblestrip on July 2, 2009

@qoswhit the Michigan drivers test is offered in 31 languages other than English #carchat tweet

cbaccus on July 2, 2009

@xybrewer It is a very small number of manuals (sorry all I disappeared, putting the boys to sleep) #carchat tweet

michaelbanovsky on July 2, 2009

@mpgomatic It does, but vLane believes highly in good karma and good web practices. #carchat tweet

mikejuergens on July 2, 2009

But again the average accidents involving elderly vs teenager drivers are probably very similiar. #carchat tweet

mpgomatic on July 2, 2009

Seniors should be tested regularly for driving skills. We had to wrench mom's license away from her after one too many. #carchat tweet

rumblestrip on July 2, 2009

@LM_Ari very basic courses that I'm told are pretty much a joke #carchat tweet

krisdahl on July 2, 2009

Downside to the Cygnet is it will be very overpriced. Should depreciate like a rock. I love the Toyota iQ concept, why not Cygnet? #carchat tweet

therealautoblog on July 2, 2009

@michaelbanovsky #carchat How about every six months... tweet

mikejuergens on July 2, 2009

European countries still lead the way in defensive driving courses and requirements. It will never catch on here. #carchat tweet

mpgomatic on July 2, 2009

@michaelbanovsky Amen to that! A second round of whocareshowmanymillion won't last if the company missteps. #carchat tweet

JerryGould on July 2, 2009

My teenager got her license last year, had to attend a state mandated driver ed course, 40 hours, $700, and a total joke. #carchat tweet

xybrewer on July 2, 2009

@krisdahl Right. I'm with you. It just took me longer to see the light. And being forced to learn a manual *very* quickly. #carchat tweet

qoswhit on July 2, 2009

@rumblestrip which is uber helpful since all signage is in english explains a lot though #carchat tweet

krisdahl on July 2, 2009

Amazon just informed me that I should expect the new "Build Your Own Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle" book in about a week. #carchat tweet

truedelta on July 2, 2009

I think manuals remain more efficient with small engines. But lockup torque converters and equal number of ratios closed the gap. #carchat tweet

michaelbanovsky on July 2, 2009

(I'd say every day, but ensure is sure to make it easier ) RT @therealautoblog: @michaelbanovsky #carchat How about every six months... tweet

LM_Ari on July 2, 2009

@rumblestrip Skip Barber offers excellent defensive courses. Highly suggested for young drivers. Maybe for elderly too? #carchat tweet

salguod_net on July 2, 2009

@xybrewer My driver's ed instructor slept while we drove. I never was on the hwy until after I got my license. #carchat tweet

krisdahl on July 2, 2009

@JerryGould New drivers should have foul weather and safety training as well. #carchat tweet

cbaccus on July 2, 2009

I think all new drivers should do BMW CCA's defensive driving course. #carchat tweet

qoswhit on July 2, 2009

@mikejuergens agree teenagers take rap its both ends of the age... lots of elderly people dont even have to go in to renew license. #carchat tweet

rumblestrip on July 2, 2009

@qoswhit try living on the east side of Dearborn, it explains why my insurance is 40% higher than if I lived 1 mile west #carchat tweet

johnvoelcker on July 2, 2009

@krisdahl @michaelbanovskyYeah, and in fact I know the author ... he might be psyched to be on #carchat if MB et al are interested ... tweet

LM_Ari on July 2, 2009

@rumblestrip what about car companies offering defensive driving courses? Volvo did it through Skip Barber w/ the XC90 customers. #carchat tweet

shnoobles on July 2, 2009

well twitter isnt letting me #carchat again. :( tweet

michaelbanovsky on July 2, 2009

[[TOPIC]] I think we've lost our shopper SO: Back to auto manufacturers and social media How should they approach it? #carchat tweet

sassygirlzmom on July 2, 2009

Ooo - need to define elderly. My 67 yr old father-in-law s/b tested; my 85 yr old gpa is fit as a fiddle.What age to start? #carchat tweet

michaelbanovsky on July 2, 2009

@johnvoelcker Sure! The more the merrier. #carchat tweet

rumblestrip on July 2, 2009

@LM_Ari if they don't dumb it down, then I'm all for it! #carchat tweet

cbaccus on July 2, 2009

@michaelbanovsky I'm enjoying all of the PR people from all of the manufacturers being on Social Media. #carchat tweet

JerryGould on July 2, 2009

And a lot of elderly people are perfectly fine + safe drivers. Felt the need to say that on behalf of boomers everywhere #carchat tweet

michaelbanovsky on July 2, 2009

@sassygirlzmom I say 60-70 every two years, after that every year. All it takes is one second and an accident happens, regardless #carchat tweet

mikejuergens on July 2, 2009

@TrueDelta But when it really comes down to it MPG is relative and depends on the discipline of the driver. #carchat tweet

krisdahl on July 2, 2009

@johnvoelcker That would be cool to have him. I am hoping the book is a lot better than the last one, was not impressed by it. #carchat tweet

culturegarage on July 2, 2009

@michaelbanovsky Intelligently and with tact. Converse. Don't just spam dump press releases. Ford's @zoeDisco was on of the best #carchat tweet

xybrewer on July 2, 2009

@michaelbanovsky Mfgs & social media: Just be human beings! Really, it's a simple thing. #carchat tweet

johnvoelcker on July 2, 2009

@krisdahl Haven't seen the book, honestly. And I share some reservations about the last one. #carchat tweet

xybrewer on July 2, 2009

There's no magic bullet or secret sauce-tyep answer to how an OEM should engage in social media. #carchat tweet

Jeb_Hoge on July 2, 2009

@TrueDelta Sure wish that our Ford Freestyle had a diesel. The gas 3.0L is just adequate and nets under 18mpg in suburban driving. #carchat tweet

sassygirlzmom on July 2, 2009

RT @JerryGould same w/my daughter. Her instructor talked on the phone while she was 'teaching' & 'rating' her. WTF? #carchat tweet

michaelbanovsky on July 2, 2009

RT @xybrewer: @michaelbanovsky Mfgs & social media: Just be human beings! Really, it's a simple thing. #carchat tweet

krisdahl on July 2, 2009

@JerryGould A lot are good, but many like my late grandmother where a complete menace. Only way to be sure is by testing. #carchat tweet

xybrewer on July 2, 2009

I agree with @cbaccus . The more we hear from real people, the easier the "changing minds" becomes. #carchat tweet

krisdahl on July 2, 2009

I wouldn't be against the idea of having *everyone* take a third-party (not DOL/DMV) test/course periodically. #carchat tweet

culturegarage on July 2, 2009

Although @gmblogs and @drivingMN are also good with social media. Yet to see much from the import side of things. #carchat #socialmedia tweet

JerryGould on July 2, 2009

@michaelbanovsky 60 is not elderly. Accidents happen to everyone. This is what I meant by going overboard, ppl want a whipping boy #carchat tweet

mikejuergens on July 2, 2009

@michaelbanovsky I think they should embrace is and use it to connect to the enthusiasts. Theyve never had this opportunity before. #carchat tweet

cbaccus on July 2, 2009

@michaelbanovsky I think the harder thing is for marketing to enter social media, best example I've seen is the @VolvoXC60 team #carchat tweet

qoswhit on July 2, 2009

@xybrewer agree thnk OEM's need 2 b in space learning and engaging in the space and listening... not treating it like a campaign #carchat tweet

johnvoelcker on July 2, 2009

@krisdahl Agree, though need to chk business incentive model carefully so no incentives for passing OR failing drivers. #carchat tweet

mikejuergens on July 2, 2009

I wonder if the people trying to pass these laws could pass the same tests they are trying to push. #carchat tweet

xybrewer on July 2, 2009

@cbaccus Right! Marketing has "messages" and too many rules to talk honestly. #carchat tweet

@mpgomatic What's the problem with @CarConnection using a twitter feed on a hashtag? #carchat tweet

michaelbanovsky on July 2, 2009

@JerryGould We are, in Canada. Who cares about driver testing if most at 60 will pass? Testing only way to catch the bad ones. #carchat tweet

My current vehicle is a Nissan Murano. Great CUV, but with my 130 mile round-trip drive, not practical with gas prices anymore. #carchat tweet

truedelta on July 2, 2009

@mikejuergens Salespeople have been told to not pounce on people as soon as they walk in, so they've gone to the other extreme... #carchat tweet

culturegarage on July 2, 2009

@kewlrats Nissan Cube. Or Scion XB. Or if you're classy, Saab 9-3 SportCombi. #carchat tweet

michaelbanovsky on July 2, 2009

@xybrewer @johnvoelcker To his credit, @scottmonty commented at carscoop.blogspot.com that the "contest" wasn't a great idea. Kudos #carchat tweet

kewlrats on July 2, 2009

I previously owned a Pontiac Vibe, which was great on all counts, yet was slightly lacking in styling and comfort. #carchat tweet

a4pike on July 2, 2009

Is it just me or does "Truth in 24" just never get old? Just watched it again. LOL #carchat haha y not ;-) tweet

xybrewer on July 2, 2009

@qoswhit LOL! That's a great way to put it! "two-way vs. this is how it is" #carchat tweet

hummernick on July 2, 2009

@johnvoelcker I have to disagree. Young people texting, messing with ipods, etc are bigger issue. #carchat tweet

sassygirlzmom on July 2, 2009

RT @michaelbanovsky Except me . . . @johnvoelcker said I was an above average driver. ;) #carchat tweet

truedelta on July 2, 2009

@kewlrats VW TDI, if you can find one. #carchat tweet

LM_Ari on July 2, 2009

RT @kewlrats @mikejuergens Agreed. Personal experience is one thing that sells me. Especially now that I'm car-hunting again. ;) #carchat tweet

michaelbanovsky on July 2, 2009

@kewlrats Easy: Subaru Forester Maybe a new Subaru Outback 32mpg or cube Mazda5 #carchat tweet

hummernick on July 2, 2009

RT @michaelbanovsky @JerryGould Then why start at 60? There are bad drivers at 40 and 30 and God help us 20(ban their texting!) #carchat tweet

cbaccus on July 2, 2009

which Ford contest? Mustang's tell your story? #carchat tweet

michaelbanovsky on July 2, 2009

@a4pike It never gets old. Climb Dance is still better, though. ;) #carchat tweet

@michaelbanovsky Happy Canada Day! #carchat tweet

xybrewer on July 2, 2009

@johnvoelcker I'm sorry, but what are we talking about? Ford's SM efforts are taking a different tack, but at least they're trying? #carchat tweet

qoswhit on July 2, 2009

I'm out, thanks for another great #carchat. Everyone drive safely this holiday weekend! tweet

kewlrats on July 2, 2009

@SuperTess The Vibe was great! I had a 2003 model (that I bought in 2002) and loved it. 31 MPG FTW! #carchat tweet

cbaccus on July 2, 2009

@kewlrats 0% financing for 72 months on a Pontiac G8 may get you below $300/mo. #carchat tweet

dino2gnt on July 2, 2009

@michaelbanovsky we were actually considering the sportwagen tdi as my wife's next car in a year or so. #carchat good call @mpgomatic! tweet

xybrewer on July 2, 2009

@qoswhit You, too! Have a great weekend! #carchat tweet

mpgomatic on July 2, 2009

@TrueDelta I'm okay with seconding it. :) #carchat tweet

mikejuergens on July 2, 2009

@michaelbanovsky thanks! #carchat tweet

kewlrats on July 2, 2009

@salguod_net Haven't tried the Mazda3 yet. I have pre-designed cardboard boxes I take with me to test volume. #carchat tweet

@kewlrats Toyota Matrix, Subaru (Forester, Outback, Impreza hatch), Honda Element. #carchat tweet

johnvoelcker on July 2, 2009

And I'm gone. Thanks all. G'night. #carchat tweet

@mikejuergens The new Equinox is okay in person. I've seen a few. Didn't really do much for me. Still waiting to see the SRX though #carchat tweet

kewlrats on July 2, 2009

@cbaccus I've seen the SRX on the road... HOT! But expensive, I believe. #carchat tweet

@mikejuergens Where are you? I'm in Detroit and have done it for 2 years no issues and love it. My setup http://bit.ly/HQqBU #carchat tweet

mikejuergens on July 2, 2009

@cbaccus Boston, you have it much worse. I'm not sure what they where doing wrong then. #carchat tweet

cbaccus on July 2, 2009

@mikejuergens Really the ONLY issue is ground clearance, but if you live in the city snow plows take care of that. Rural wouldn't #carchat tweet

RyanGan on July 2, 2009

Etnies Calicut for me! #carchat tweet

salguod_net on July 2, 2009

Belated apologies followers for all the #carchat tweets. If out of church in time, I participate on Weds. I'll try to warn ahead next time. tweet

ShowHide

Add another vehicle to compare side-by-side

View this comparison or add another vehicle

View this comparison now

New to vLane? Join Free! | Login

Home / Discuss / General / CarChat #17

Discussion

CarChat #17

michaelbanovsky on July 1, 2009

Replies for this topic

Displaying 1-668 of 668 replies

rumblestrip on July 1, 2009

johnvoelcker on July 1, 2009

RideWithWes on July 2, 2009

CarConnection on July 2, 2009

therealma on July 2, 2009

RideWithWes on July 2, 2009

johnvoelcker on July 2, 2009

johnvoelcker on July 2, 2009

rumblestrip on July 2, 2009

AutoTrader_com on July 2, 2009

johnvoelcker on July 2, 2009

xybrewer on July 2, 2009

xybrewer on July 2, 2009

johnvoelcker on July 2, 2009

johnvoelcker on July 2, 2009

rumblestrip on July 2, 2009

stevehallman on July 2, 2009

michaelbanovsky on July 2, 2009

johnvoelcker on July 2, 2009

mikejuergens on July 2, 2009

johnvoelcker on July 2, 2009

RideWithWes on July 2, 2009

michaelbanovsky on July 2, 2009

johnvoelcker on July 2, 2009

xybrewer on July 2, 2009

michaelbanovsky on July 2, 2009

xybrewer on July 2, 2009

truedelta on July 2, 2009

RideWithWes on July 2, 2009

qoswhit on July 2, 2009

johnvoelcker on July 2, 2009

xybrewer on July 2, 2009

michaelbanovsky on July 2, 2009

xybrewer on July 2, 2009

johnvoelcker on July 2, 2009

xybrewer on July 2, 2009

xybrewer on July 2, 2009

johnvoelcker on July 2, 2009

truedelta on July 2, 2009

therealma on July 2, 2009

mikejuergens on July 2, 2009

CarConnection on July 2, 2009

johnvoelcker on July 2, 2009

therealma on July 2, 2009

xybrewer on July 2, 2009

AutoTrader_com on July 2, 2009

truedelta on July 2, 2009

johnvoelcker on July 2, 2009

JerryGould on July 2, 2009

RideWithWes on July 2, 2009

truedelta on July 2, 2009

therealautoblog on July 2, 2009

rumblestrip on July 2, 2009

johnvoelcker on July 2, 2009

RideWithWes on July 2, 2009

davejohnston on July 2, 2009

michaelbanovsky on July 2, 2009

xybrewer on July 2, 2009

xybrewer on July 2, 2009

michaelbanovsky on July 2, 2009

hummernick on July 2, 2009

johnvoelcker on July 2, 2009

mikejuergens on July 2, 2009

qoswhit on July 2, 2009

johnvoelcker on July 2, 2009

JerryGould on July 2, 2009

xybrewer on July 2, 2009

AutoTrader_com on July 2, 2009

CarConnection on July 2, 2009

Show Hide