Automobiles

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Originally Posted by jerk

Have you considered something from the British Leyland Group? For thirty to forty thousand dollars you could have the most pristine example of British engineering, proud Union Labor and attention to detail- and an automobile truly built with neither an eye to profit, longevity, performance, or style. An ur-car symbolizing all that was great before Maggie Thatcher ruined everything.

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https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikiped...state_side.jpg

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Originally Posted by davids

Wrong. The V90.

...there's a luxury condo building (that used to be a Combat Zone parking lot. But I digress.) that I walk by every morning. The valets line up the residents' cars so they don't have to sully their footwear in the subterranean garage.

I often see a black V90 (with the tan leather) parked out there. I slow down and drink it in every time.

Attachment 107332

Yum.

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I like the V90, but its too big. It looks ridiculous next to normal sized cars. Hence, the V60.

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Originally Posted by robin3mj

That Syncro is boss.

So, with my new job I’ll be working from home, making my 98 4Runner somewhat superfluous.
Not planning to sell it right away - might tuck it away as a toy for the next handful of years. Thinking about new bumpers (the front chrome one is caved in) and maybe a two tone paint job. Solid color with a white roof. What says the peanut gallery?

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Do it! Sounds FJ40ish...

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Originally Posted by nahtnoj

Do it! Sounds FJ40ish...

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Totally, some ARB bumpers will look good on that!

-Joe

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Originally Posted by jerk

Have you considered something from the British Leyland Group? For thirty to forty thousand dollars you could have the most pristine example of British engineering, proud Union Labor and attention to detail- and an automobile truly built with neither an eye to profit, longevity, performance, or style. An ur-car symbolizing all that was great before Maggie Thatcher ruined everything.

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I'm no foolish romantic. I'd go for a more modern example, once they'd decided to get serious about creating a true car for the world, something targeted at a competitive dynamic international market.

Attachment 107382

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Originally Posted by htwoopup

The fish ride wasn't enough so I did another 35 miles along the Hudson and beyond. But found a car place that seemed to have something for everyone here...not one of them makes sense in Manhattan yet there they were...so I will just throw it in the thread...(sorry for the photo dump it was just too good to pass up)

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/791/3...2f1b89d8_z.jpgferrari by Jon Mandel, on Flickr

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/894/3...26dd9d14_z.jpgVan 1 by Jon Mandel, on Flickr

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/805/4...95e291d0_z.jpgVan 2 by Jon Mandel, on Flickr

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/803/3...c4570f79_z.jpgPorsche 1 by Jon Mandel, on Flickr

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/872/4...4ea9b4de_z.jpgPorsche 2 by Jon Mandel, on Flickr

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/818/4...7c320bed_z.jpgPony 1 by Jon Mandel, on Flickr

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/874/4...b341f1ff_z.jpgPony 2 by Jon Mandel, on Flickr

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/882/3...12f359b3_z.jpgPony 3 by Jon Mandel, on Flickr

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/894/3...f30e7cc9_z.jpgPony 4 by Jon Mandel, on Flickr

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https://classiccarclubmanhattan.com/fleet/
Looks to be this place -

That sweet full-size Volvo V90 wagon came out to about $65,000 when tricked-out with lots of options.
Cool car. Now must research to ensure they allow a “sunroof delete” option as it is a dealbreaker to me.

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Originally Posted by Blue Jays

That sweet full-size Volvo V90 wagon came out to about $65,000 when tricked-out with lots of options.
Cool car. Now must research to ensure they allow a “sunroof delete” option as it is a dealbreaker to me.

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Time to lobby the automakers for some of the home market possibilities for this US market. We're not all sheep wanting the same things. Why not some individuality options? I'm OK with paying for them. I don't need the cheapest three or four options, but I do want my preferred options.

With robotics and computerization this should be simpler, not more complex or impossible.

I've often wondered if sunroofs are there because of robotics. I mean, I guess sunroofs sell cars but everyone I talk to (which admittedly is a sample the size of an angel dancing on the head of a pin) just tolerates them, doesn't require them to purchase. But during fabrication I bet they make a nice big hole for a welding robot to reach through when otherwise you'd need an actual (expensive) person.

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Originally Posted by j44ke

”...I've often wondered if sunroofs are there because of robotics...”

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It is as good a theory as any. My similar sample of friends is like what you observed...sunroofs are tolerated, yet unused.
Among my automotive enthusiast friends, they are typically unwanted features at a minimum and a dealbreaker at worst.

Seems like they’re now on the generally accepted list of standard upgrades, for better or worse. I loved the pano sunroof on our TDI wagon, but I also love the extra headroom on the more stripped down Golf wagon that replaced it.

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Originally Posted by Blue Jays

sunroofs are tolerated, yet unused.

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Spent last week in California with a family of Seattleites desperate for sun. We didn't even think of the sunroof in the rental car until we saw it from the hotel balcony.

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Originally Posted by j44ke

I've often wondered if sunroofs are there because of robotics. I mean, I guess sunroofs sell cars but everyone I talk to (which admittedly is a sample the size of an angel dancing on the head of a pin) just tolerates them, doesn't require them to purchase. But during fabrication I bet they make a nice big hole for a welding robot to reach through when otherwise you'd need an actual (expensive) person.

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More than likely, not. It would then require a separate program to run the welds on non-sunroof cars. And just imagine if somebody hit the sunroof program on non sun roof body run. Also, check out a video of automated welding robots, and be prepared to be amazed.

BMW Plant Dingolfing - KUKA robots - YouTube
Highlights der HANNOVER MESSE 217 - YouTube

I managed to get my Tundra without a sunroof. That was a unexpected win.

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Originally Posted by Mikej

More than likely, not. It would then require a separate program to run the welds on non-sunroof cars. And just imagine if somebody hit the sunroof program on non sun roof body run. Also, check out a video of automated welding robots, and be prepared to be amazed.

BMW Plant Dingolfing - KUKA robots - YouTube
Highlights der HANNOVER MESSE 217 - YouTube

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Funny, I still have the reaction that "Oh no wonder my XYZ is broken/isn't working/doesn't fit - some stupid robot built it."

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Originally Posted by j44ke

Funny, I still have the reaction that "Oh no wonder my XYZ is broken/isn't working/doesn't fit - some stupid robot built it."

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I know - after watching it I thought those robots could figure out if the car did or didn't have a sun roof and act accordingly. Creepy-

Another argument against that robotics theory is that the sunroof are a cultural thing. They may be popular in USA but cars in other parts of the world don't get them standard as people aren't asking for them.

I'd say the typical us consumer wants the most bloated thing he can get to brag how good a deal he made with all that equipment. After all it is the only culture I know where people actually congratulate someone about a purchase.

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Originally Posted by sk_tle

Another argument against that robotics theory is that the sunroof are a cultural thing. They may be popular in USA but cars in other parts of the world don't get them standard as people aren't asking for them.

I'd say the typical us consumer wants the most bloated thing he can get to brag how good a deal he made with all that equipment. After all it is the only culture I know where people actually congratulate someone about a purchase.

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I heart Thomas's opinions and stereotypes

Thomas, what country are you from? I'd like to condescend you in a tactless, humorless way, but I don't know what stereotypes to employ.

Every car I've owned has had a sunroof. Some have required maintenance. It hasn't bothered me. Its a feature I enjoy.

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Originally Posted by sk_tle

Another argument against that robotics theory is that the sunroof are a cultural thing. They may be popular in USA but cars in other parts of the world don't get them standard as people aren't asking for them.

I'd say the typical us consumer wants the most bloated thing he can get to brag how good a deal he made with all that equipment. After all it is the only culture I know where people actually congratulate someone about a purchase.

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What's up Thomas? First you got worried we were going to come over and steal Tro Bro Leon from you, and now out of nowhere you've created a masterpiece of passive aggression. Sounds like a cry for help to me. We're here for you man. Tell us where it hurts.