I found the car I want, a Honda Grace

but just like the Honda NC750X motorcycle I want, you can't get that here.

The motorcycle is everywhere else in the world but the US where it only comes as the NC700X.  An honest bike that would be another step up with the slightly bigger engine.

The Honda Grace on the other hand is the car I have been looking for.  A simple hybrid car with lines that make it look like a sized down Accord.  A simple hybrid car that domes at a simple price, around the 20K range.  A simple hybrid car that can return 80 mpg and still pack the safety features that so many cars seem to need these days.  A simple hybrid car that is currently only sold in Japan.

This is probably sour grapes but I am a big fellow and this is a Japanese car so I probably wouldn't fit so it is all just as well.  Of course this is a Honda and they can do magic with interior space if the Fit is any indication.



As they say, one size does not fit all.  So why is it all must fit one size?

Oh, and China gets the Supirior but that is another story.

I dream on.
This is Ed Nef with a view from the Farrwest.

Thinking bout cars and bikes again

I have been looking at cars and motorcycles and bicycles a lot lately.  It must be my time of the ...

I have not had nor ridden with any regularity motorcycles but they have been frequent on my mind.  I knew this time would come when I sold my old bike.  It was a nice bike but it had been sitting for a long time and would need some serious attention to get it road worthy as well as trust worthy.  It was a tripping bike but just couldn't compete with the tripping car that came into my life.

The car was enclosed meaning no bugs, or weather issues.  It carried more stuff, which means I could take more with me or pick up more along the way.  It had a stereo which means that I had some accompaniment me when I was singing out my rock anthems.  It had air conditioning and a heater to give me better control over the elements.  It had a bigger tank and got better mileage meaning I could go farther without worries.  It was also more comfortable when it came to going farther so I did.

All of those things made it easy for me to find myself spending more time with the car than on the motorcycle.

But that does not mean I didn't still like the motorcycle.  It just means that for long trips the motorcycle played second string.  At this point, long trips would involve multiple 500+ mile days across many state lines.  I could do one 500+ day on the motorcycle but would be walking funny the next.

The motorcycle I had was a full dresser meaning side bags and fairing.  It was a few years ago and not near as fancy as the bikes you see today but it was a dream bike come true for me when I got it.

Sadly a big bike takes a little more effort to take out and ride around with though some might argue that fact.  Before the big bike, I had an entry level bike that was wonderful and I would ride it every bit as far as I would the big bike yet it was light and relatively easy to take out at a moments notice.  It had a windshield, highway pegs, and a back rest with luggage rack.  All the needs were met.

And that is what I have been thinking about.  I don't need a big bike.  I don't think I would get the use out of it that I would like to.  When it comes to big trips, I have a big trip car that fills that role nicely and then some.  What I want is a fun, simple, run around bike that doesn't take a lot of thought, cares or worries.  Doesn't cost a lot to own or operate.  Gets great gas mileage, (not many bikes do sad to say).  And still has the fun factor.

All bikes have a fun factor. Period.  Some are designed to deliver that fun in a more focused way.  The motorcycle business in America has become overly focused on about three different types, dirt, cafe racer, and over-sized V-twin cruiser.  That leaves a lot of us with too little choice.

I am going to visit this topic some more in the days to come so you are forewarned.  I told you that it has been on my mind a lot lately and it is time for me to get it out.

This is Ed Nef with a view from the Farrwest.

A place where a Honda Fit stands out...

is believe it or not, Las Vegas.  

I was up in the Summerlin area a little while ago and was noticing all the BMWs and Mercedes driving around and realizing that although they caught my eye for a moment, none of them really held my interest.

There have always been cars that just fill space, bland, cookie cutter, non-descript because they are meant to appeal to the masses with functionality that will met 80% with 20% commonality.  In a place like Summerlin even the Bimmers and Mercs fall into this category.  It would take a very special example to stand out and there are very few of these.  Very few.

Even a new Tesla SUV driving around the block looking for a parking spot made me look for a moment but didn't begin to spark flames of interest.  I just realized now that I did not even think about pulling out my cell phone to take a photo even though this is the first one I had seen in person and it may have been a prototype for all I knew.  It may be a little different with a different nose, and slightly different flow but it is still blah.

This is a place where cars are status symbols, where the many of the owners quite often can't tell the difference, let alone appreciate the difference between an everyday 7 series from Munich and a Chevy Malibu other than by the price tag and the symbol on the hood.  (I didn't say all, I said many.)

I do remember while on this trip and driving around Vegas that there was one vehicle I did not see much of.  In fact I only recall seeing one.  The Honda Fit.  On a rarity scale that puts it on par with the Tesla.  Pick a bright color instead of the typical white, silver/gray and black and you have a car that will stand out.

I admit I have always liked intelligently designed small cars, especially if I can fit inside without too much trouble.  I have looked at the Fit as it meets a lot of utility questions really well and so I do not have the blind eye to them that many cars have because they are completely off the radar.  They do not blend into the background for me like other cars would.  That is why it was so surprising to realize how few I had seen on this trip.

I guess it goes back to deciding what you want out of a car.  In Beverly Hills the status car of choice was a Toyota Prius to show you cared for the environment even if the other car in your garage was a 12 mpg supercar.  There are people that might not recognize how expensive your shoes are or the handbag is that you carry but surely they will know how well off you are by the car you get in and out of.  But even that can become common place in certain parts of the world.  

It is getting harder to be unique...unless you are actually willing to be unique.  Just saying.

This is Ed Nef with a view from the Farrwest.

Cash for Clunkers program is fiasco

I am of the opinion that the Cash for Clunkers program was and is one of the biggest mistakes this country has made. It sums up and represents all that is wrong with the government’s approach to correcting this so called economic meltdown. Let me explain.

Cash for Clunkers is once again a knee jerk governmental reaction to a problem that would solve itself on its own if left to the natural forces of supply and demand. The idea instead is to follow the plan put forward by Germany and another country that slips my mind at this time and create an incentive for consumers to go out and spend their money. One major difference between our plan and theirs is that they limited the purchase to home grown vehicles, where as we limited it to gas thrifty cars no matter where they came from.

On the surface this sounds great. Haven’t we been told that the car industry was in trouble and then proved it by taking over two of the three remaining original American car companies. This would drive consumers to their doors just drooling over themselves in an effort to buy a car that Uncle Sam was willing to put the down payment on. And what a down payment, $3,500 to $4,500 and for what, my old worthless beater that was just barely running as it was. Besides if I tried to buy the car on my own, the dealer certainly wouldn’t give me anything for it and I would have to try and sell it myself or get a salvage yard to come haul it away.

Besides that, Congress social engineering kicks in and says why not make the deal available only to those that trade that old beater in on something that gets better gas mileage. That way, we can save the planet while helping to reduce our dependence on oil energy. What a deal.

What a deal is right. First of all, free money is never free. It has to come from somewhere and that somewhere is those that pay taxes and from those that don’t in the form of inflation as the dollar continues to tank for fear that the only way out of this excessive spend rate is to start the printing presses. There are some that will understand this but there are far too many yet that don’t. Those that don’t will soon feel the effects but sadly still not understand what happened or why.

The next thing we notice is that the money only went so far and so a second helping twice as big as the first was dished up while Congress patted itself on the back for finally doing something that helped people directly instead of just subsidizing the financial mistakes of Wall Street. Only thing is this big dollop of dollars like those before it does not help all Americans or even most Americans. It only helps those that fall into their specially defined category, namely those with a clunker/beater that is worth less than the amount of the rebate and gets lousy gas mileage. I have a friend that thinks her car is ready for the scrap heap (though knowing the type car it should be far from it) and all the hype has made her interested in trading in to take advantage but she found out she doesn’t qualify because her old steed is already a fuel efficient vehicle.

The other qualifier is that you must be in a position to be able to afford a new vehicle and not later but now. This isn’t always easy even in the best of times, but that is o.k. because you can just take out a loan. (Wait a minute; wasn’t that what got us into this mess in the first place, easily obtained excessive debt?) So if you can’t qualify for a loan or if you are not willing to qualify but you don’t have a pocket full of cash, sorry Charlie.

But who wouldn’t buy a car now; the incentive from the government is just the icing on the calk. The dealers must be dealing like crazy to stay afloat, after all we still remember the deals they were willing to make after 9/11and back then they were selling way more cars than they are now.

If you happened to look at any of the ads for new cars, have you really seen any deals being presented. Most of the dealers are moving cars so fast they don’t seem to worry about making a deal. They know that if you don’t want it they have another one right behind you that is more than willing. Besides they only have a limited inventory of eligible cars and the government is providing the incentive and they don’t even have to bargain on the value of your trade in so why not sell all cars at full retail MSRP? The dealers can’t help but be overjoyed because now they have buyers that won’t even bother to question the price.

And what of these old cars that are being turned in for free money. Well there first thing to do is to make sure they don’t get put back on the street, so they are destroyed with a mixture in the engine to seize it up for good and then off to the smasher to make sure that the vehicle is beyond the use of any mere mortal. The cars are not even sent to a junk yard to scrap the recyclable parts and put them to use on existing cars that could easily use that unscarred fender or rear axle to return an existing vehicle to serviceable condition without the need of going to a new parts supplier that will have to make the new part using new material (even if it is from recently smashed up traded in clunkers) and lots of energy to form that material into the needed part.

For those of us that have had to live on a budget and are of limited means, a used part was sometimes the only means of keeping our cars alive in good repair. That brings up the other hidden cost to this whole program. Used cars support more than just those that drive them. There is a whole industry built up to support those used cars. Used cars are also the means by which many people have been able to raise their standard of living.

As a person trades in their old vehicle and buy a new one, their old vehicle has value and is still useable by someone who is willing to pay money for that use. They themselves might be trading in their older vehicle in an effort to upgrade and in so doing free up another used vehicle to pass on to someone that has a need for cheap transportation. That vehicle is a means for some to get a much needed job, or to deliver a sick mother to a doctor appointment, or deliver children to school. The vehicle creates possibilities that would otherwise have a person do without.

As all of these vehicles disappear, there will be a whole group of people that rely on these most entry level of vehicles that will have to learn to do without for awhile. Their cost of entry just went up greatly because the supply of good serviceable cars has suddenly shrunken.

So who wins with this lousiest of all programs? The bailed out auto industry? Not if you look at the list of the top 10 qualifying cars and notice that not one of which comes from one of those bailed out car manufacturers. About the American car manufacturer and labor? Well if you look at the cars that are being bought and notice that many of those Toyotas and Hondas and the two Fords that made the list are built in America then yes perhaps some citizens benefited. But for how long? Is this just a massive promotional sale that will only last as long as the ‘free money’ but will return to gloom and doom as soon as it is gone? All indications are that the plants are not ready to crank up production just yet as this has just been an easy way to move existing inventory, in other words, things still look pretty bleak over all for the industry.

But what about the economy, won’t this provide the much needed stimulus we have all been talking about? If you were one of the ones that just happened to be in a position to take advantage of this program then you paid full retail for a vehicle that you are now committed to paying for the next 5 years for. This commitment of future cash flow means that the money is spent and cannot be used for any other purpose or purchase. The fact that the government subsidized the purchase, much like a tax deduction for mortgage interest, doesn’t make it any less spent, and unlike the government you cannot spend you income more than once.

As was illustrated earlier, this does nothing for the lower income brackets but steal away from them a sooner opportunity to move up a notch or two. And what about all the cars that will now be getting better gas mileage, doesn’t that help? States are already crying because they don’t receive enough of your money in the form of taxes so how do you think they will feel when you no longer by enough gas to cover their expected gas tax revenue. They are going to want more, mark my words. Also, I firmly believe that the free market would have given us cars and trucks with much higher gas mileage ratings than we have today if they had just been left alone and let the free market help drive demand rather than letting the government set mandates. If you could convince enough people that they really wanted high mileage vehicles, the market would and will supply them. Where there is value and demand there is a market.

So the only ones that benefit from this fiasco even if it is just temporarily are the car dealers that got one last chance to gouge the consumer if they were lucky enough to retain a dealership after the last round of closures. And if they are gouging, as any consumer should readily see, then are they really the dealers that should have survived the last round of closures. I look around and see the ones that made it near my area and definitely wonder ‘what were they thinking’? Come to think of it, I have been asking myself that question about a whole lot of things lately.

This is Ed Nef with a view from the Farr West.

Does anybody want to buy my Chevy?

It is lightly used and in fairly good shape, trouble is, with the changes going on I don’t know how much longer I will be able to keep it that way. Does GM now stand for Government Motors? What has happened to this country?

(As I am slow to get this one published and have since noticed that the August issue of Motor Trend as also used the reference to Government Motors. I may be slow but I am not the only one thinking these things.)

I have said that it was a grave mistake for the financial bailout to happen the way it did and that the government should have only stepped in to help smoothly apply the laws already in place for an orderly application of bankruptcy procedures. Those banks and financial institutions that took the money have either regretted it greatly or were most definitely on the verge of collapse and saw this as the only way to continue to draw an overpriced paycheck for a few more months while they polished up their resumes.

So after seeing this happen, why would any other industry be willing to participate in the grand scheme for the government’s takeover of American industry? Two of the Detroit Three has succumbed to the temptress while Ford is trying for a holdout and now the other two no longer resemble anything of their former selves. Ford will go through its own changes and will most likely not resemble its own former self as it tries to reposition for the new automotive world's future but it will at least be trying to maintain a pretense at independence.

(Also, do you notice how they are referred to as the Detroit Three now instead of the American Automakers? This is done to realize the global nature of the auto business and that there are car builders in America that go by the name of Toyota, Nissan, Honda, Mercedes, BMW etc. that were not part of the original elite designation. Do you suppose that these American jobs are somehow not valued the same way as those originating out of Detroit to those in Washington?)

Chrysler is an old hand at bailouts having successfully completed one in the 80s. Trouble is this time there is no Iacocca to come to the rescue. With a lack of real leadership at the helm and a government that isn’t interested in leaving them as an American car company, they were handed over to Fiat with far too much ease. This move makes absolutely no sense other than that Fiat makes small cars that the government thinks can be rebadged as Chryslers, sold in large quantities to the American public and thereby meet the politically correct Al Gore global warming agenda.

When I said they gave away the company, I meant it literally as Fiat just promised some of their current technology and they walked away with controlling interest (at least so far as the government will allow). This will not work any better than the merger Chrysler had with Mercedes and for the same reason but on a larger scale, namely culture clash. If hindsight for a Benz and Dodge combo teaches us anything it should at least provide a flashing red light warning for a K-car Fiat.

The new Government Motors on the other hand is just pathetic and sad. After Obama forced out existing management before the bailout was complete (bloodless coup anyone?) GM announced that they are appointing Edward E Whitacre Jr. to become the new chairman after the bankruptcy is complete. Whitacre’s former position was head of AT&T. While this brings praise from the government officials that thought to select him as well as those he will be working with, my view is somewhat different. If AT&T is any example of the kind of company GM is about to become then I do not want anything to do with them. AT&T under Whitacre’s care had become one of the most bloated, conceited, arrogant and uncaring corporate entities to service the public and private sectors. The level of customer care sank to the lowest of depths under his reign and the only reason I can think of for AT&T to continue to exist is that the behemoth was so big it somehow carried on in spite of itself. Actually, it had so much free cash from earlier years that it bought out any potential competitors or spent them into the ground if they tried to enter their markets.

Come to think of it, GM has done much the same thing only somewhere along the line it lost its profitability and ran out of funds to buy out the competition. It then had to stand on its own merits (and GM did have plenty of merits to play from) but it didn’t trust itself to do so. How and what will Whitacre do when the government pulls back the purse strings and makes GM stand on its own? Unlike AT&T, GM will continue to face competition in the automotive world and they won’t be able to rely solely on new government contracts to keep them afloat.

Actually they might. How many other corporate or service entities are there that are strongly subsidized by taxpayer funding for an overzealous government bent on political manifestation? The arts, National Public Radio, the postal service and of course Amtrak quickly come to mind. But wait, don’t these also have competitors present that attempt to service the customer’s needs and the competitors do so at a profit? Yes, yet the government sponsored entities continue to exist with much taxpayer subsidy thereby satisfying its one true customer which is government self interest. Should we expect anything less from their endorsement of Government Motors?

The thought of all this physically sickens me. As a car loving guy, I hate to see what is going on more than most and fear that we will be tossed into the automotive dark ages like that which followed the first gas crisis that generated fuel mileage and emissions mandates and produced some of the lamest excuses for autos for over two decades. These were government mandates and not consumer driven desires and that led to innovative stagnation. All signs are indicating that this is the path we are once again headed.

Also, I am an American and a taxpayer. This country is founded on principles of fair play for everyone yet with every passing day I see less and less of it and not nearly enough voices standing out against the changes taking place. Liberty, and freedom are words that have somehow lost their true meaning as have capitalism and free markets; the consequences both frighten and infuriate. Wake up America. Return to the values our fathers stood for or we will never be able to know them again in our lifetime. We need to return the white elephant now before it eats us out of house and home. For those that do not understand, we have only begun to pay the price for this folly. If we hurry, maybe we can still cancel the check and get our money back.

So if any of you are in the market for a new car, do you really want to pay for it twice, once as the consumer and once as a taxpayer? I know we do that somewhat anyway but really we should be expecting something for our dollars. I have an idea instead of buying new; does anybody want to buy my slightly used Chevy? I just don’t have the desire to support it anymore.

This is Ed Nef with a view from the Farr West.

The automakers dilemma

I have been thinking a little bit about the auto industry lately and the mess they have made for themselves. I can't say that I am surprised by a lot of this. I am very disappointed however.

I am a car nut, an enthusiast even and for the car industry to turn to the very establishment that helped put them in this predicament is truly a situation that will create many a business school doctorate thesis for years to come. What possible good can come from this?

I could be saying I told you so, but I had a hard time finding anyone to tell. No one was listening. The American car makers have had major problems for several decades now, not just the last couple of quarters. They have been given their wake up calls on more than one occasion.

Sure some within the industry heard and heeded the call and some were able to come up with some really good and compelling products. Strides were made in quality improvement but not across the board and not enough to convince consumers that they had caught up with or passed the competition. There were glimmers of hope interspersed with packets of ‘more of the same’.

I feel sorry for anyone that has to turn to the government for a handout or subsidy. Sad to say we all are in that boat now and there doesn’t seem to be any turning back. As those who have had their hands outstretched for a gimme have recently found out, these government handouts come with strings attached. Some are o.k. with that while others prefer their independence. Some are beginning to have regrets.

So what do I make of the current state of affairs for the three? First Chrysler, which lost its way once and found it only to lose it, again, is perhaps in the weakest position of all. It is not currently being run by car guys though it seems to have many car guys within its workings. The shotgun wedding to Fiat seems inevitable if those holding the shotguns have their way, but I think it would be a mistake. Chrysler would do better to maintain its independence and build from its strengths. In order to do that it would need capital, true business management, and leadership with vision. These three components it lacks and therefore I see Chrysler fading away into oblivion even if a merger with Fiat is accomplished.

Second is General Motors, a company that is too big to know which way it is headed and too big to change the direction it is headed even if it wanted to. GM is the prime example of why mergers and acquisitions do not always work in the auto industry. Companies are created for a variety of reason but they all tend to try and differentiate themselves somehow, in other words, not all hamburger joints are McDonalds. Each company in order to do business will come up with its own solution to a consumer need and present it to the buying public. If successful it thrives but if not it goes back to the drawing board or goes away. Some companies will have a few outstanding ideas but will be lacking the rest of the components such as marketing, production, administration and such that make up a well rounded business. These are the companies that become prime targets for a takeover, not to obtain the company but to obtain the patents on the great ideas and incorporate them into your own product line. Many a merger has been done to obtain legal rights rather than finding synergies.

The problem in a merger comes when you try to combine two different cultures, as eventually they will also merge and become one and the same. As this happens, the setting that was the perfect ground to cultivate that great idea slowly fades into the mother company, the same company that was unable to create the idea in the first place and had to buy the other company to acquire. This is very evident in the GM of the 80’s when you the term ‘cookie cutter car’ was coined to describe the fact that all too many cars looked and acted exactly the same. The fact was they were exactly the same with exception of the name badgeing and a few accent trim pieces. You could find the same vehicle at Chevrolet, Pontiac, Buick, Oldsmobile, and on occasion Cadillac. Take a look at the pickup offerings from Chevrolet and GMC to see the most obvious example of sameness.

So what does this mean exactly? It means that the accountants and management took control of decision making for future product and decided that it would be less expensive and more profitable to develop one car and put several different labels on it thereby getting two (or three or four) items for the price of one. Sounds good on paper right? It doesn’t work out that way and here is why. Instead of developing and providing to the consumer two (or three or four) solutions to their needs, you have presented one solution and just changed the packaging. This is not an alternative solution to their needs; therefore competition can come in and offer a true difference. Consumers eventually will become savvy enough to know that when they are comparing solutions, they need only look at one of GMs offerings (rather than each one individually) and compare it to what the rest have to offer. And they wonder why their market share has dropped off.

GM has already killed off some of its brands, Oldsmobile is no longer for example. Is it missed, yes and no. If Oldsmobile were still here today wouldn’t it look just like Chevrolet, Pontiac, and Buick? Other than the slight visual clues for demographics they are one and the same. If they close Pontiac or Buick will they really be giving up that much? When Chrysler shut down the Plymouth name was there really much of an impact? They all have histories and we have fond memories of special cars from the past but was there any guarantee of recreating the magic of those one or two items?

So what is GM proposing to do to salvage itself but cut off some of the acquisition lines that gave it some distinction, namely Saturn, Hummer, Saab. Rather than working to make these somewhat independent lines profitable (and not being an insider it is hard to tell if they were or were not profitable) they have decide to cut them loose. This will create a very shallow corporation with dwindling product line with which to compete going forward. And as the product line going forward will now be determined by divine government intervention which will make decision not based on sound business doctrine but by political correctness, it is hard to say if there will even be a GM 5 to 10 years from now. Do you think the fun cars like Corvette and Camaro will even stand a chance of seeing a next generation under these conditions?

So that leaves us with Ford, the only hold out to the handout. I have to admire that and for that alone give them a standing ovation. I am sure there was a lot of pressure to bow. So Ford becomes the last hope for an American original. It is facing the same problems and constraints that the others are of underfunded pension plans, bureaucratic red tape, poor management, conformist and homogenized product line but it at least seems to be working from a plan and fighting for its continued independence. For this there is hope.

Fords product line is sufficiently diverse in the near term though they have the same problem of cross teaming between their Ford/Lincoln/Mercury lines. They have worldwide ties that should help enormously with product development if used prudently, the future 2011 Ford Fiesta is a prime example. (Ford if you are listening, please don’t over Americanize this car for our country. The European version sounds like the one I would want to own and drive.) The company still has a unique identity and some products still retain character such as the Mustang.

I do not understand the current design direction though. What is it with the 3 big flat chrome piece grill work? It is pathetic and reminiscent of the creased line loot the Art and Technology boys did that made me lose all interest in a Cadillac. I hope it is a short lived fade. They also added it to the full size vans as you can see. This is what being hit with an ugly stick does to you. Why do I always think of the station wagon in National Lampoons Vacation movie when I see these multi-level light treatments? Please run these design changes past someone that has taste before putting them out there?

Will Ford make it? It is hard to say for the same reasons it is hard to say if the other two will or not. The only reason Ford held out is that they had more cash on hand to allow them to stay in the game a little longer. How long it can last is anyone’s guess. I hope they all survive, because I don’t like to see anyone fail for one thing and because I think the open competition is good for the industry and the consumer. We all benefit from the raised bar.

The final note that should be made is that these are not the only American car makers today even if they get all the attention as if they were. Cars made in America include Toyota, Honda, Nissan, BMW, Mercedes, Tesla and others. Are they entitled to equal consideration, or are some ‘animals more equal than others’ in this Obama Nation? Will the rules apply equally to all and apply to all equally? And will those rules be the rules of business with the freedom to succeed and the freedom to fail based on the dictates of the marketplace or will the rules change yet again to fuel the fancy of a few? Time will tell as we wait and watch.

This is Ed Nef with a view from the Farr West.

Slower Traffic Keep Right some more

For those of you that know me and to those that don’t I must state here and now that I am opposed to speed limits. I like many thought that they were a necessary evil and that in some situations it was the only way to control drivers for safety’s sake but the more I think about it the more I think that that idea is bogus.

I have been on many different roads in many different lands and it is interesting to find that every road has a naturally occurring speed that is comfortable and safe for any given situation of weather, road condition, traffic, time of day, vehicle used, and present state of mind. Given this formula it should be easy to note that the right speed limit is not the same for all users. This is natural.

Speed limits in this country were originally set by building the road and then opening it up to traffic and watching to see what rate of speed 85% of the public was traveling at. They then set the speed limit at the next highest multiple of 5 and on we went. Occasionally the limits would have to be reevaluated and that is normal too. As technology has advanced, so have the capabilities of the cars we drive. Our cars have better brakes, suspensions, tires, engines, windshields, seats, seat belts, airbags, crumple zones, and a host of other things that exists below the skin beyond our view. What we drive today is nowhere near what we drove a decade or two ago let alone what was available in the era before seat belts and steel belted tires.

As times have changed, so have we. Some cities made it a law that when you went out to go for a ride in your horseless carriage, that you must have someone walking in front of you with a red flag to warn others of the impending danger your horseless carriage might make. Sometimes I wonder if we have really advanced that far.

Let’s face it, speed limits are not about safety, it is about control. I have heard some of the most ridiculous agreements for and in behalf of speed limits and their enforcement. I have been in cities where the natural flow of traffic was 10 mph faster than the stated speed limit and heard people say that if they raised the speed limit higher by that 10 then people would just drive 10 faster than that. So what does that tell us? Is the speed limit set 20 miles to low? Can you keep raising the speed limit eventually to infinity and people will continue to travel 10 mph faster even to infinity plus 10?


But Ed, we have always been told that speed kills. I must state the fact that I have yet to reach a speed that I spontaneously combust. Anybody that has witnessed a race will not that there is no magical speed that when it will cause the car to immediately burst into flames and sail into the stands wiping out many of the fans that came to watch just such an event.

No, speed does not kill. The misapplication of speed can. Does that mean that there is a skill level involved in the operation of our vehicles? Of course. Does that mean that the average driver out there is not being properly trained and their skills have not been developed enough to cope with any higher speeds than we currently allow? Possible but whose fault is that?

I’m sorry but I believe in people and their abilities to make good choices and to have capabilities that far exceed what they use on a daily basis. I believe that people can have common sense or at least develop it in the course of their lives to a point that they do not need to be told how to do every little thing. I believe that people have the ability to decide for themselves what is best for them and have the gumption to do it given the chance.

I would love to see a movement start on the interstate system. These roads were designed for safe 80 mph travel in the 50’s. Remember the cars we had in the 50’s. Remember that all those cars were not new then either. How far have we come, or rather how much farther should we be if we could only continue to advance our lives in a progressive manner? So what could we do?

Take all the speed limit signs down and replace them with “Slower Traffic Keep Right”. It is not making everyone drive at a set speed that creates a safe situation but having rules that make it possible for people of different speeds to coexist peacefully. “Slower Traffic Keep Right” allows for everyone to travel at the speed they are comfortable with and anyone that is comfortable traveling faster can move to the left, pass, and then return to the right at the speed they are comfortable with. People would know the rules and know what to expect from other people that knew what the rules were. People would use turn signals and rear view mirrors and be aware of those around them.

Drivers already know these things. Drivers use their turn signals and rear view mirrors. Drivers pay attention to what is going on around them. The look ahead and try to predict the possible actions of others around them. Drivers realize their own abilities of those of their cars and make decisions based on those abilities for the given conditions. Drivers know and care about these things. Real drivers also know just how slow the speed limits really are.

I have driven with the locals at speeds far faster than the stated speed limit but I have also driven with the locals far below the stated speed limit. 55 mph on an ice covered road in a heavy snow storm with gale force winds just isn’t going to happen no matter what the sign says. If we are smart enough to go slower than the speed limit as conditions warrant, then why aren’t we allowed to be smart enough to go faster as conditions warrant?

If you want to try something interesting, get in the right lane (where you should be unless you’re passing anyway) and drive 5 or 10 mph below the stated speed limit. See what happens to traffic around you. See what happens to you, how you feel, how relaxed or anxious you become. Can you make adjustments with merging traffic? Can you maintain that speed without absent mindedly trying to match the speed of others? Do you feel guilty for holding up others or do you feel empowered by it? Do this and you might learn as much about yourself as you do those around you.

It is all right to be different. All I want is the right to be different as much as I want you to have the right to be different. When we all can live differently together then will the possible become possible.

This is Ed Nef with a view from the Farr West.

Side trip to Ohio in a 300

Just a quick note to let everyone know that I am still alive and kickin’. I had to go TDY last week to the lovely state of Ohio. We saw the coldest temperatures in the area since 1994, -13 degrees Fahrenheit. Throw in a little wind and it is cold.

The rental car was a Chrysler 300 with a V6. I am guessing it was a V6 even though I didn’t raise the hood. It just acted like there wasn’t an overload of power. Although the ride was o.k., it is a car that I would rather ride in than drive if that tells you anything. In fact I was just fine with the other person driving on this trip except for the side trip I took to the Dayton Art Institute.

By the way, the Dayton Art Institute is a wonderful place to visit. They have quite a varied selection of items from all parts of the world. I had been there once before and discovered new things with this visit. I didn’t have a lot of time to explore but it was still worth the effort to go. Admission is free (which is always a plus) and supported by donations. The museum is open late on Thursday’s which is the only way I would be able to see it as the working day usually last until 5:00. Unfortunately all too many things such as museums close at 5:00 pm meaning that a working trip leaves very little chance to experience the local culture. In an effort to accommodate the working stiffs, many of the museums have one night a week with extended hours and I am glad. It is just a matter of finding out which night and working your schedule around that night.

Back to the Chrysler, I was disappointed. The 300 name has brought about some classic cars and when Chrysler decided to resurrect the name I had high expectations for another classic in the making. The styling does draw on the spirit of the originals but doesn’t fully capture the classic nature that belies its history. There are too many references drawn from other model lines that weakens the uniqueness that the 300 should be. A prime example of this is the aftermarket addition of a flying “B” emblem for the front end to give the car the mistaken appearance of a Bentley to those that would not know.

As I said before this was a rental and therefore a base car. Quick calculations of the mileage suggested less than 20 mpg for the tank used, which for a slightly underpowered V6 and several easy highway miles was rather disappointing. Again this may be due to my high expectations for the current state of cars but it seems that Chryslers are still not known for being high mileage vehicles, (in more ways than one).

The on-center feel is a large dead zone, but thankfully it did track fairly straight. I hate it when you get a car that likes to wonder, constantly requiring input. This trait was not present here. But when you did turn the steering wheel and you expected it to return to center, too often you needed to assist it in returning by spinning the wheel back yourself, especially if you were trying to hustle your way along. This is not a slalom machine and will never be mistaken for one. It feels bulky.

Slick roads provide a safe and easy slow speed way to check the handling response for many cars. A quick trip to an empty parking lot after a fresh batch of snow revealed that yes this car is rear wheel drive. It also should that this car did not come with anti lock brakes or traction control. This did not turn out to be a problem for this car as it had a good set of tires that allowed it to perform as requested.

The car will understeer when pushed hard in the right conditions but will also hang the rear out with application of power. Doughnuts are quite possible in slick conditions. Feedback was sufficient to counter any adverse reactions as well as control the drifts at these slower speeds. At higher speeds on dry pavement however I would use much more caution with this car. As mentioned earlier, the steering does not react on its own very quickly while the power from the V6 would not be enough to generate its own oversteer corrections. With a proper set of tires and driven well below the limits I think the car would display fairly neutral handling.

But then handling is not what this car is all about. This car is about the appearance of luxury at an affordable entry point. As I referred to the aftermarket add-ons before it seems that many buyers agree. Beyond the rebadging, I have seen paint jobs, darkened windows, over bassed stereos, and the totally ridiculous oversized wheel and tire packages applied in a large portion of the 300 cars out there. Personally, this has not increased my desire for the 300. If anything it has made me lump it into a category with the Buick Regal from the 80s or the Pontiac Grand Prix from the 70s. The 300 will be prime lowrider candidates in a decade or so when the used market will be flowing with them.

When I alluded to mileage before, I need to expand on that here. Chrysler to me has made what I like to call a good 80,000 mile car. That is they seem to be worn out by about 80,000 miles. In this day of Hondas and Toyotas that easily see 150 to 200,000 miles with many going well beyond that, an 80,000 miler doesn’t make enough economic sense to me. Now I know that there are examples of Chryslers that have way more miles than 80K and my association is based more from the 3 decades previous to the last one but I still believe that a good judge of a cars lifespan can be based on its past. If you are looking at any new car and want to see what you can expect in 5, 10 or 15 years go shopping in the used car lot and see what an average used car like the one you are looking at is like. Between that and consumer reports, you might want to reconsider a purchase. Cars are too expensive to allow yourself to buy on impulse.

That said, I must admit that I still like Chrysler/Dodge/Plymouth and I wish them well. The auto industry needs all the competition it can handle and especially from the innovators. Chrysler has been a leader in the automotive world and brought about change by introducing new ways of thinking such as the Dodge Viper, the redesigned Ram truck and the minivan.

Chrysler along with all auto makers is walking a fine line now. I hope that they do not choose the path of mediocrity. I hope that they do not choose the path of politically correct compliance. I hope that they do not choose to trade quality for cost control. I hope that they do not give up our passions.

This is Ed Nef with a view from the Farr West.

I Hate Fine Print, Pt. 2

The last example is also an example of expectations but not in a good way. Every now and again I like many will get mailed advertisements from local car dealers that are having a special sale that you just have to attend. In fact, with this special mailer you have been selected to be a possible winner of a possible fabulous prize. This particular mailer came from the Ken Garff automotive group. Since I have had previous dealings with them, from lousy shopping experiences to an outright maintenance sham run on my wife’s car when it was in for some repairs, my expectations for this mailer from this dealer were running rock bottom.

The type of mailer is a dead give away as to what to expect on the inside. They are structured much like a Publishers Clearing House Sweepstakes mailing. The cover has a place to scratch off to reveal what you will win, $2,000.00, $1,000.00, or $500.00. The wording with this is “Current Resident, Scratch off now to see if you’ve won“ and “If you are a winner call the event hotline” and as always the words came with an asterisk or footnote reference. I love the fact that it is addressed to resident. Before I even begin to look for something to scratch the spot with I go looking for the detail behind the asterisk.

This one at least had the details of the asterisk on the mailer. I have noticed many advertisements from car dealers that will have the asterisk on the advertising copy but neglect to include the fine print. It must be a gimmick to get you in the door so that you can read the fine print more conveniently in their office.

So what did the detail of the asterisk have to say? Along with the other footnotes that needed additional detailed information I found buried in the list that “The scratch off amount must be applied as a discount towards a new pre-owned vehicle purchase only. No cash value. Void where prohibited. See dealer for complete list of applicable inventory. Odds of winning $2,000 are 29,998:30,000. Odds of winning $1000 are 1:30,000, odds of winning $500 are 1:30,000. Each offer may not be used in conjunction with any other offer.”

Now if that wasn’t funny enough at the bottom of the footnotes it reads “In the event there is a dispute regarding the interpretation of this advertisement or is application, then at the dealers sole option this advertisement shall automatically be amended to read ‘This offer is good for $1.00 off the MSRP of the vehicle(s).’ The remaining offers shall automatically be deemed void and the language describing them shall automatically be deemed deleted.” I couldn’t make this stuff up if I wanted to.

So did I go running in to see what I “won”? Of course not. Remember what I said about expectations. Well this is one time that they exactly met my expectations for them. After previous dealings and experience, this is exactly the kind of shenanigans I would expect them to pull. You might even say they exceeded expectations but in this case that is not a good thing.

One quick side note. Their regular advertising on radio and TV has the closing line that they “back up every car we sell”. I always wondered if that was because none of the forward gears in the transmission worked.

Back to part 1.

This is Ed Nef with a view from the Farr West.

Slower Traffic Keep Right, Pt. 3

So what would happen if all the speed limit signs were brought down and replaced with signs that read “Slower Traffic Keep Right”? I know that some out there have thought that no matter what speed limit sign was put up, drivers would still drive 10 mph faster just like they do today. That argument would eventually loose out as you could continue to raise the speed limit and eventually find a satisfactory speed with which fewer and fewer would want, let alone be able to go any faster. In fact back in the good old days a new road would be built and they would send out engineers to survey the average speed of drivers on a given section then set the speed limit and the next 5 mph increment for which 85% of the traffic was traveling in their natural speed mode for that section. This seemed to work pretty well and still indicates that people will find a speed that feels about right for a given road and the vehicle they are using.

An interesting side note about speed is that the current interstate system that was built in the 50’s was designed for 80 MPH travel. This was for cars that were also designed in the 50’s that had suspension systems, and tires, and brakes that were designed in the 50’s. Cars have evolved some since then and most cars handle and brake better than the cars of 20 years ago let alone 60 years ago yet speed limits in many areas of the country are still lower than they were back before the national 55 MPH speed limit.

Another interesting side note. During the days of the national 55 MPH speed limit, I had on several occasions exceeded the national limit and contrary to popular belief I did not spontaneously combust nor did I have a blow out and go careening out of control off an embankment, nor did I wipe out classroom of school children, or even take out any wondering small or large animals. In fact I have safely, and I stress the word safely, exceeded the speed limit on several occasions were the only consequence of doing so was to arrive at my destination on time or early, refreshed, invigorated and ready for the prospects that destination had in store.

There is talk that Utah will be raising the speed limit from 75 to 80 on some rural sections of the Interstate. This will make it the highest speed limit in the nation if it is true. That honor used to belong to Montana for a short time when its daylight speed limit was set at “Reasonable and Prudent”. This was the closest we have come to having an authentic speed law for a freedom loving nation. Yet, because one man’s reasonable is not always another man’s prudent it became too hard to enforce and it had to be given up. Truly a sad day for the nation.

If you have never driven out in the west, again do not prejudge. There are vast sections of long straight well made and maintained roads for which a modern car could safely travel 100 mph without concern. In fact there is a 36+, mile stretch of I-80 just east of the Nevada border that doesn’t have a single curve or bend or hill or anything. It has its own beauty about it as it runs along the Bonneville Salt Flats but it is a section of road that can be fully appreciated in a lot less time.

Also by way of comparison, I have driven on two lane roads back east that have speed limits set 10 mph faster than would the equivalent road out west. One of the roads I enjoyed the most was on the Blue Ridge Parkway (the greatest thing to come out of the depression) as the speed limit was set at 45 mph. I think they intended most folks to slow down for the corners.

Now one point of note needs to be made here. Road conditions might be such that speeds traveled could and should be lower than speed signs posted. Weather may play a factor in driving conditions as well as traffic congestion and road debris and potholes and any other factor that may be around on any given trip. The deal is that the driver still has to make judgments and decisions based on any given situation in order to make what can be considered safe journey. The driver is still required to be present.

And therein is the hope of the individual. Smart cars, and smart roads and mass transit and rural renewal developments are all there to reduce your ability to have to act on your own cognizance and there are many that will strive to force that issue under the guise of some civil suitability such as safety, ecology, conservation or what have you. But if they can not solve all your mobility needs and you still have to meet those needs on your own and are willing to fight to keep that right as an individual, then we still have a chance.

It is a dangerous path we tread because it is so easy to get suckered into the arguments of giving up freedoms for the common good, but once lost they are seldom won.

Back to Part 1, or Part 2.

This is Ed Nef with a view from the Farr West.

Slower Traffic Keep Right, Pt. 2

I have driven in Germany (among other places), and have found it to be one of the most ordered places to drive in worldwide. For those that have not experienced it, do not prejudge. I admit it has been awhile since my last visit and I understand that things change; I even hear tell that there are speed limits on more and more sections of the autobahn. Whatever your views on speed, be it known that Germany without a speed limit had a better fatality rate per miles driven than the USA did during many years of the national 55 MPH speed limit. What was it that allowed this to be so? As I said before, it is a well ordered place.

Germany has some core rules that they make sure drivers know, not just have a passing familiarity with, before they are issued a license. When all the drivers know the rules and are expected to play by those rules, then you can safely make expectations for what the other drivers will do in most any given situation. This makes for a much smoother driving experience no matter what the speed.

Drivers in Germany know how to use a turn signal, know how to use rear view mirrors, know how to yield to the right of way and know who has the right of way at any given intersection, they know proper passing techniques, they know how to merge, and they know that slower traffic keeps right. Not only do they know how to do these things, they actually do these things. That may be the key difference.

I think that traffic laws and driving habits are a metaphor for a society, and slower traffic keep right is one of the greatest indicators of the state of a nation. Slower traffic keep right is an indication of the harmony that exist within a society.

There was a comedian (I wish I could remember his name) that had a bit about anyone driving faster than him was crazy. “Look at that driver, he’s nuts. Driving that fast is going to kill someone, he must be insane.” While anyone driving slower was a moron, “Would you look at this guy, c’mon all ready, were not getting any younger, what an idiot.”

Slower traffic keep right is a way to allow all drivers to peaceably coexist on the roads today at the same time. Those that wish to travel faster can as well as those that wish to travel at a more leisurely pace. This is a way to recognize that we are not all the same, that we all have different skills and abilities and needs and desires, and that each drivers’ needs can be met despite those differences. This also allows for changes in needs and skills and desires of the driver to meet whatever needs apply at the time.

Slower traffic keep right reflects the abilities of the drivers and the faith of the lawmakers in turning over trust to those drivers. How much daily detail decision making ability is left in the hands of individuals and how much is mandated or dictated or directed and actively enforced is a real indicator of how much freedom a nation enjoys. That is why I think traffic laws are a pretty good reflection of the level of freedom and liberties a nation’s people have. The tighter the reigns are held on simple daily tasks, the less likely headway will be allowed in other areas and aspects of life.

On to Part 3, or back to Part 1


This is Ed Nef with a view from the Farr West.

Slower Traffic Keep Right, Pt 1

Slower traffic keep right. How simple is that? It is probably one of the most important rules of the road and yet it seems to be harder and harder for people to play by that one simple rule. In fact, I find it often faster to be driving in the slow lane because there is less traffic there.

This is not a new phenomenon; I have observed it for many, many years now. It used to be confined to big cities and heavy traffic congestion areas but it is expanding into all roads traveled. I used to think that it was just a Utah thing also since they have some of the worst drivers on the road but I need to correct that as the bad habits observed in Utah are not that uncommon on most of the US roads now. It is highly disturbing, and I will comment on other habits later but for this time I want to focus on the most obnoxious of poor driving etiquette, the Left Lane Bandit.

I did not come up with the label Left Lane Bandit; I think that it was coined by a writer at Car and Driver a few decades ago. The irritant had just started to appear and this was and still is the best way to describe it. It took heavy roots during the national 55 MPH speed limit though I am sure it had presence long before that. You can hear instances in some of the old car songs.

Basically it is when a vehicle insists on driving in the passing lane even though it is not passing anyone and there are other vehicles that are traveling faster than they are, or at least trying to travel faster. Not only is this dangerous it is down right rude.

Granted, some drivers just don’t know any better. I have talked to some of these Utah drivers and found that they were taught in driving school (which was part of the high school system) that they were to travel in the other lane to allow other drivers to merge onto and off the freeway. (This was probably the only way they could think of to teach new students how to merge since they don’t do that very well either.)

I have also talked to drivers that think it is there right to travel in that lane, they are going the ‘speed limit’ and there is no reason for them not to let the world revolve around them. This is a biggie for some and was even more so during the national 55 MPH speed limit. It also created what I termed the ‘rolling roadblock’ were two or more cars (depending on the number of lanes available) would travel down the road side by side at the ‘speed limit’ without regards to anyone else on the road. This would make for one heck of a blockade and a whole lot of frustration. This has become less common since they raised the speed limit in many states though if you do happen on to one, beware because there is usual a traffic cop at the head of it.

Continue on to Part 2.


This is Ed Nef with a view from the Farr West.

Most cars bland

Most cars are bland and uninspired. The only reason for this as far as I can see is that most people are bland and uninspired. From the engineer to the customer we are lacking in innovation. Need too often overrides want when it comes to the cars we choose.

I am a car guy. I really like cars. I like to look at cars, I like to drive cars, I like to test cars, I like to talk about cars, I like to ride in cars. I like cars.

When I was much younger, it didn’t take much to get me excited about cars. I liked to look at anything on the road and imagine me behind the wheel someday. As I got older, I became for discerning and it took more and more to get my attention. Now it seems that 95% of what I see on the road holds no interest for me at all.

Part of this came from the cookie cutter look of so many of the cars out there. The current state of design has most cars looking pretty much like all the other cars. There are a few unique cars that are worthy of a glance if only because they are unique.

As cars age and you see fewer and fewer of a vintage on the road, its rarity makes it unique and you can find yourself taking a second look. This does not mean they are great cars or even good cars. The Pinto or Gremlin would fall into this category. They are not great but they do get noticed because they are unique.

Some people have lovingly kept the older models alive and well looked after and their pride shines forth. These kind of cars almost always garner a look. After all, you can tell a fellow car guy when you see one.

Then there are the exceptional models that have merit all on their own. These cars catch my eye no matter what year or what shape they are in. Corvette, Porsche, Ferrari, Cobra and Pantera will always catch my eye, seeming by magic.

Of course there are other odd models and various brand offerings that do it for me also. Certain Mustangs, Cameros, and Firebirds will entice me but not all. Some of these were real dogs. Most of Toyota offerings look fairly bland as are most Japanese offerings on this side of the pond. Hondas looks come and go on their bread and butter machines, though I must admit that a CRX still gets me ever time.

So what is it that draws my attention the most? What is the common element that binds my fascination? It is the fun factor. If I find myself asking “How much fun would it be to drive that?” I know I will be taking a longer glance. For some cars this is the out and out aspect of performance but for most it is an appearance of the enjoyment factor. That is why the CRX is so high on the list and why a Suzuki Samurai rates well.

The standard for fun changes as you factor in affordability. Then all of a sudden real cars must stand for something and must deliver your needs within in your means. It is all fine to dream but I find out a long time ago that it is much more fun to be on the playing floor than watching from the bleachers. This is also were handling and gas mileage take precedence over looks and status. Besides, with our excess of traffic cops and arcane traffic laws I would just as soon go about my business unnoticed thank you very much.

I have been fortunate enough to have driven many cars and many miles. I still have a passion for it all. I would rather be driving than fixing, or washing, or mowing, or anything. Duty takes its toll though and so I must work to pay for the things I like to do. But if I am careful and choose well I will continue to enjoy what the automotive world has to offer. Maybe not always at the leading edge, but at least I am in the game.

This is Ed Nef with a view from the Farr West.