The problem with VW warranty, and I agree they are great for that, is that
it runs out. Sustainability depends on driving every last bit of function
out of a car before it gets replaced.

At 46 and after seeing more than my share of wrecks, I'm pretty much over
the desire to enjoy driving... and when it pops up, I go to K1 speed and
drive kick ass little electric go karts that accelerate fast enough to knock
my head back.

But, ermm... I have to agree: my Camry is a pig.

--
James.

-----Original Message-----
From: piclist-bounces@mit.edu [mailto:piclist-bounces@mit.edu] On Behalf Of
Nate Duehr
Sent: Monday, December 03, 2007 13:53
To: Microcontroller discussion list - Public.
Subject: Re: [OT] Car purchase

James,

I really enjoyed your analysis.  I think where it falls apart for me is 
in two places, and they're in the "fuzzy" stuff around the raw numbers 
analysis.

1) The VW's may have some minor "reliability" problems, but they also 
have an enormous warranty.  If a problem doesn't make the car 
un-driveable, there's something to be said for just dropping it off, 
getting a free loaner, and having it fixed in a day or so.  My wife's VW 
has experienced four minor issues, and all have either been under 
warranty or turned into a recall.  They're serious about fixing the 
problems.

2) Driving enjoyment factor -- how to put a number on it?  I know we're 
all engineering/techies here and want to quantify everything, but 
there's something to be said for driving a vehicle that handles like 
it's on rails, can drag me uphill on I-70 westbound out of Denver (above 
6000' MSL) without losing any significant power (turbo-charged) and 
generally is big enough for a big guy to be comfortable in.

Prius's are great, but uncomfortable (for me anyway), and the Toyota 
Camry over-steers like an ocean liner and generally rides like it's on 
marshmallows.

So -- how much one ENJOYs the operating the vehicle also factors in here 
somehow.  Not sure how best to quantify it.  It also factors into how 
well someone will take care of the vehicle, etc.  If you like the car, 
sometimes the numbers don't matter.  (GRIN)

Nate
-- 
http://www.piclist.com PIC/SX FAQ & list archive
View/change your membership options at
http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/piclist

-- 
http://www.piclist.com PIC/SX FAQ & list archive
View/change your membership options at
http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/piclist