smooth1

So are they designing or offering a replacement floor mat then? I have to say I'm a bit confused here. I think NHTSA is folding to some public demands for accountability. Don't we all know that floor mats that don't hook in slide up to the front of the foot wells? Are they recalling all the aftermarket floor mats that don't offer the hook in feature also? No matter what make or model? I know Toyota/Lexus is going to bear the heat for this no matter, I guess I just don't understand why they are recalling the floor mats in all those models. They can't all be the same floor mat that caused this accident? Are they saying the floor mat was hooked in and can easily unhook and slide to the front and under the accelerator? I really think this recall is going to cause even more issues as people who want floor mats in thier car are now going to take them out, and buy some aftermarket floor mats that are even more dangerous as they aren't "fitted" now. And for those who spend the money to get custom fitted floor mats are going to attach them the exact same way the mat that just came out was. How did that solve anything? It just seems like more politics then answer.

With the car off: 1) with the odometer in the full vehicle mileage display, press the trip odometer button in and hold it. 2) with your foot off the brake, press the start button. 3) Wait until the odometer display begins to flash 00000000. 4) Release the trip odometer button. 5) Turn the car off. It's now reset for another 5k miles.

I'm going to go and look at a Porsche Cayenne tonight. lol!!!

I just saw this question, sorry. The differences between a motorcycle helmet and a car helmet isn't so much about the distinction between car and motorcycle, it's more about arrow dynamics and wind buffeting. So, with vehicles where the operator is outside and directly exposed to the exterior the helmet needs to be designed to remain stable in high wind velocities, such as formula one, CART, and etc. etc. If you look at those helmets, they are actually designed to match the body flow and the seat back all come together to ensure proper support and safety in a crash. Helmets used in cars with windshields don't really need the additional design considerations. Hence you shouldn't use them for motorcycles and exposed velocity situations. In some cases, as you begin to speed up, the wind force will start to suck the helmet right off your head. If your on a motorcyle and tilt your head down more to prevent that, then the helmet starts to waggle left and right uncontrollably. They do make the visors wider for more side vision cleareance also so you don't have to turn your head in the direction your looking as much, as the stability of the helmet is more designed for front to back and not side to side. Another difference is the internal air flow and cooling designs. Most motorcycle helmets use the force of the wind to aid in cooling and visor anti fogging. Where as most auto helmets use a forced air flow attachment as there isn't enouph ambient air force to push affective amount of air though the helmet. Ah that makes a lot of sense! My main confusion was why car helmets have such a narrow opening. Wouldn't they also benefit from a larger field of vision? Yeah, somewhat, but at the sacrifice of shell integrity. In a car you can turn your head left and right much easier than you can on say a motorcycle doing 100+ mph because your not having to fight the wind drag. In some cases, as I have experienced in the past, once you get up over say 180 mph on a motorcycle, you can't turn your head to the left or right, as you probably won't be able to turn your head back forward using your neck muscles. You have to duck under the windscreen. And if you pop your head up over the windscreen to much to fast, it can jerk your head back pretty hard. So you need a well designed helmet for those applications. That's why they make the vision feild a bit larger for high wind velocity helmets so you can, (as your trained to do in racing) keep your head forward and use your eyes to look left and right more with your periphreal vision. In motorcyle racing, we are taught to look through the corner, apex and exit. So your head is always in the direction your moving, and to stay level, even at full knee dragging lean angles. When I race on the track, the only time I need the wider vision opening is to make sure the passing line is open........LOL!!

Go here:How to's Should be the same.

Damn!!! I just called, that car is sold! I would have to. I spoke with Carol in the pre-owned dept. So, if another one comes in with that price on it, she said I would be her first phone call. Yeah man. That car with that mileage was a awsome deal! Thanks for the look out Kyle. :)

ok, I just looked at the Buick Enclave, and I don't think so. It has a nice shape to it, but the interior lighting color makes it look like I'm playing Tron from the early 80's! What is up with that minty blue/green light everywhere? It's almost like someone sat on a tube of toothpaste and it squirted all over the place. And the seats are way over stuffed! LOL!! They're like a big puff ball,,,lol!! Yeah, I think Buick is still chasing the 60+ crowd. I don't know,,,I keep looking back at the ML 350 and it's looking nicer and nicer to me. The dealership has called me twice now, I haven't returned thier calls yet. If I could find a low mileage 08 Lexus LS 460 for under $50k my problems here would be solved. Well, atleast I would have a different set of problems in that I would take the LS and the wife would still have to find something. But then I wouldn't care what she wanted, so long as it was under our agreed price. LOL!!!

Well, last night I decided I just can't do the Sienna. Or any minivan. My wife just won't have it. So we have to add that to the definatley not list. cduluk: HahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaahahahahahahahahahaahahHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAH(BREATHE) hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Ahh......No. This is going to be my wifes primary car, but our family bus/play mobile also. So I will be driving it once in awhile. But we both have to like and be happy with it. I'm not basing it on her, but I am keeping her in my consideration. Along with my other family/travel needs. Kyle Petree : Hmmm, a Buick huh? I feel 10 years older just saying that name, but I do know that I need to break out of some of my classic "stereotype" views. So I will go and look at one of those. Audi makes a descent car, so long as you have a full warrentee on it and a convenient dealer location to take it to. They use a self designed propriatary diagnostics systems that you can only get if you are an authorized Audi tech shop. And there are very few of those outside of the dealerships because they are really expensive scanners, and diagnotics equipment. It was Audi's attempt to keep all the work in house, and circumvent some of the ODB II systems. Not to mention that Audi has this uncanny need to reinvent the wheel over and over for some reason. And let us not forget the huge recall that is about to take place for Audi and the "Sudden death" issues they are wrestling with concerning the new transmissions. I can easily understand where SW03ES is coming from regarding Audi/ Volkswagon. It's almost hard for me to understand that the same people who are in charge and design Audi/Volkswagon also make the Porsche 911 GT3. (Which by the way, if I could afford one of those I would just get my in-laws a bus pass.) LOL!!!

I like Ichiba spacers. I've used H&R and few others. But in the dozen or so times I've spaced rims for people, the Ichibas seemed like a better quality and a perfect fit. BUt my opinion is that so long as your using hub centric spacers, any quality, well named and reputable aftermarket mfgr. will do the job just fine. I never advise going over 20 mm though. If you decide to go that much, then it's better to get new rims with more offset. Then "tune" the rims stance with spacers. Here's a link to Ichiba, but you can get them from most aftermarket shops you may have used in the past and trust. Ichiba spacers

Maybe...but in getting more features for less, you may wind up compromising quality and refinement. You should drive one. They are INSANE to drive, its like driving a sports car...thats an SUV. If I were buying one of those SUVs...the FX would be right up at the top of my list. The styling grows on you too...The Murano is also very nice...but not as fun to drive as the FX. I totally forgot about the Murano. I wouldn't buy an MB because of the long term reliability and repair costs. That said, I would lease an MB. It wouldn't be a vehicle I'd buy and drive for 200,000 miles like a Lexus though lets put it that way. Have you driven the RX? The RX is a nice vehicle...and the new one has a LOT of bells and whistles. you know,,,,,, I'm pretty open minded, so my neighbor on the corner has one. I'll stop and chat him up about it. IF it goes ok, then I'll go and test drive one. Oh sure. The RX and the ES make up the loaner car fleet at our Lexus dealership. I would be ok with the RX, but I have a concern for how high it sits and my mother in law's ability to get in and out ok. That was the one thing extra I liked about the Sienna with the floor being so much lower.

I don't know, from what you describe, I would do coilovers instead. Like Tien CS's or Tenabe Sustecs. The reason I say that is because then you can raise the car more for the winter if you like, and lower it in the summer, and you can tune the ride to be more stiff or softer to ensure your getting the ride you want. I've actually found that a bit softer in the front and a bit stiffer in the rear end provides a nice even ride. They're fully adjustable, not just ride height adjustable. Coilovers don't mean you have to be lowered. And the F sport line is just the name of the accessory line. They aren't direct parts off the IS-F.

I'm glad to hear someone understands my point. It has to look good first. I'm not makin payments on a fugly looking car just cause it has an ok interior and I can afford it. I'll find another way until I can afford what I want. It has to be able to seat up to 5 or so people. We just want a full size car or something that offers enouph space for luggage, the mother in law, etc. etc. I don't go offroading. I've never had to scale the side of a mountian or traverse huge boulders. But things like AWD that are geared to safer road handling in severe weather conditions are attractive to me like the 4matic, or Lexus' AWD versions, and Audi etc. etc. I want leather, and lots of bells and whistles. Nav., auto AC, great stereo system, sun/moon roof. you know, loaded. I want good gas mileage. I don't want to be chained the gas pump. 20 mpg averages are ok. But higher is better. I don't need to tow, but I would like to be able to if the need or desire should arise. I figure if I'm getting a big enouph car/truck then why not right? And no, I don't have any kids. And we aren't having any, but my mother in law is getting sicker, and my aunt Ruthie in in the hospital right now. Lugging them around and the trips to Miami and back, and when you add in the rest of my family here, I just think it would be better to have a larger vehicle. Right now all we have is a Volvo S40 sedan, it has four door like the IS, but it's also small like the IS and I have the Nissan, again, small 4 door. Actually, the Nissan is even smaller. lol! So, I'm thinking that I want to trade/sell the Nissan, get something bigger, and maybe even include sell/trading the Volvo also. The wife is open to what ever I decide, but I we both have to agree on it obviously. (I actually think she has more of an issue with a minivan than I at this point.) lol! I was leaving the RX/ES/GS for last. I'm trying to be open minded here and really wanted to see what is out there before going to the Lexus dealership and just buying another one. lol!! And to put it forward, can I get more for less by going in another direction? I haven't looked at an SRX yet. But it is on my list also. The Infinity FX is way fugly and odd looking to me. The Murano's look way nicer, but I haven't given them the close look up yet either. And why wouldn't you buy a MB? Just curious. So far, the ML is my front runner. But it's also at the budget limit. So, if I can find something I like for less, it may opt for that instead. I really like the new Highlanders also. But we're back to Toyota's and I really want to see what else is out there first. The Ford Flex......my Dad would love for me to be driving a Ford again. The new Taurus is on my list as well, but I haven't looked at one up close yet. So here's my No, definately not's so far: Chrysler/Dodge anything (I'm going to look at the new 2010 Grand Cherokee, but I have my doubts going in.) Ford Explorer's/ Expeditions. (To fuel thirsty) Hummers Full size 4 door pick up trucks Chevy Tahoe/Suburban Chevy Equinox/Traverse

Ok, so I went and looked at a fully loaded Sienna Limited today. Yeah man, that was pretty nice. That thing was like my recliner at home! A few odd things I did notice like no keyless start, and manual tilt/telescopic.( yeah I know, spoiled picky.) Also still a DVD based nav., no HID's, and the orangy yellow wood trim is not my preference. Which seems to be the only color available for some odd reason. The one I looked at MSRP was $40k. With some medium density haggling, I got them to $34K. (appearently they are matching the $4k discount GM is offering, and I also noticed 10 year/100K limited warrentee stickers on all the windshields in the lot also. So, on a whole, not a bad option at all. To be honest, I didn't consider a minivan before. And to be more honest, I have to say that my inner child is somewhat throwing a tantrum right now. I'll volley this idea of a minivan across the left and right hemispheres for bit first. LOL!!!

I'm currently looking for a second vehicle that is a bit bigger, (seats 5 people, larger storage for the golf clubs and or luggage for longer trips.) but gets good gas mileage, and offers some nice toys to play with and comfort my wallet while driving. It can be an SUV, wagon/crossover or a sedan. And I'm wanting to keep it under 50k. I'm willing to give up some luxury for better pricing, but the price has to be really lower, and I have to still like it to want to buy it. So hidious new Acura's are out. Alright, so I went to a GM dealership over the weekend to talk pricing. Before I go any further, let me start by saying that the sleazy BS car salesman proffession is alive and well in america. I made the mistake of driving my Lexus to the first dealership. Yeah, the first 20 minutes was him just talking about my car. Once we made it into the office, he actually said, and I quote: " Our buyer took a look at your car, so we can give you $21k for yours (Mine is already appraised at $31k trade in value), with the GM discount of $4k, that brings the price of the Tahoe to $52,720 less the trade and add the amount owed on the Lexus." So then he said "So how much did you want to put down then?" I said how much are you really selling me the Tahoe for?" His answer was $52,720.00. I just looked at him, and he then says"We aren't really discounted the Hybrid. They are a hot item and everyone wants one." I just smiled and said I had to go. On my way out of course the salesmanager comes out as I'm getting into the Lexus and says wait, can we work this out?, I said No thanks, and left. So, in review, I decided to switch to the Nissan Sentra, and went to a different dealership. As the sales person walked up and unlocked the Tahoe I was looking at, he said " We have a GM discount right now of $4k, and we are matching that with "dealerdollars" to make it $8k off just so you know. I shook my ahead ok, and we looked at the Tahoe in front of me. That stupid compartment thing on the center console was broken again, so the salesperson assured me that would be fixed before I took delivery. Yeah ok, whatever. So I test drive it, and we go inside to talk. They eventually offered me $2500 for my Nissan, ( a 1998 Nissan Sentra GXE with 148K miles on it.) and take about $10k off the Tahoe, but then offer me a dumb finance rate of like 8%. So the Tahoe wound up being about $48.5k after it was said and done with tax. As I left the last ditch "please buy our Tahoe price" we can take another thousand off but that is the bottom. I left. I went to the MB dealership, and well, on a 2009 ML320 Bluetec Deisel 4matic with a PO2 luxury package, a tow hitch pkge with 4400lbs. towing, was $49.5. after haggling. But then I made the mistake of looking at a 2010 E350 while I was there also. Man is that a nice car again. I think GM is off the table already. I do like the look of the Tahoe, but that's about it. Once you start to put it under close scrutiny it falls apart quickly. If the Hybrid Tahoe was say $35-40k max. I can see that as a justifyable price range for the Tahoe. Knowing what I'm giving up, but understanding I'm saving a significant enouph dollar amount to make it worth it.

Yeah, you can put spacers on it, I would go with atleast 15mm. I changed out my rims and went from the stock 50mm offsets to 38mm offsets and I think I could still use 10-15mm spacers on top of that.

I just saw this question, sorry. The differences between a motorcycle helmet and a car helmet isn't so much about the distinction between car and motorcycle, it's more about arrow dynamics and wind buffeting. So, with vehicles where the operator is outside and directly exposed to the exterior the helmet needs to be designed to remain stable in high wind velocities, such as formula one, CART, and etc. etc. If you look at those helmets, they are actually designed to match the body flow and the seat back all come together to ensure proper support and safety in a crash. Helmets used in cars with windshields don't really need the additional design considerations. Hence you shouldn't use them for motorcycles and exposed velocity situations. In some cases, as you begin to speed up, the wind force will start to suck the helmet right off your head. If your on a motorcyle and tilt your head down more to prevent that, then the helmet starts to waggle left and right uncontrollably. They do make the visors wider for more side vision cleareance also so you don't have to turn your head in the direction your looking as much, as the stability of the helmet is more designed for front to back and not side to side. Another difference is the internal air flow and cooling designs. Most motorcycle helmets use the force of the wind to aid in cooling and visor anti fogging. Where as most auto helmets use a forced air flow attachment as there isn't enouph ambient air force to push affective amount of air though the helmet.

nice job as usual Army. Can I ask how much you normally charge for these? I was just wondering and if you had any plans on expanding, maybe getting a detail shop going? Or is this just a side job thing?

Sure they do. My dad got $12,000 off his Sierra last summer (no owner loyalty, no rebate from a GM credit card, etc.). It had a $53,000 sticker. And, he didn't spend hours haggling back and forth. It's a black on tan turbo diesel z71, so it wasn't an off color, and it hadn't been sitting there for months and months. He told them that's what he'd pay (after he and I researched it online), and they took it because that's the going rate for GM trucks and SUVs because they aren't $50k vehicles. I've seen on some forums that people come across Yukons and high trim Tahoes that have been sitting on the lots for months, and they get even better deals (that's where the $14k came from). It's not like a Japanese car where roughly 10% off is a good deal. Here's a quick example of a base model Tahoe with $8k off. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2009-NEW-Ch...d=p4506.c0.m245 LTZ for $55k sticker for $46k: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2009-NEW-Ch...d=p4506.c0.m245 Those are buy it now prices. A good negotiator could get even more off. And I'm sure a Tahoe owner would wonder the same thing! I, for one, would be far more inclined to get a Tahoe...scratch that I'm a Ford guy, the Expedition since the nearest MB dealer is a 140 mile trip away. $30k for that Tahoe is a good buy (bluetooth, stability control, 3 rows of seats, V8 engine, towing package, etc.); if I had a family or a need for a SUV, I'd seriously consider it since the Highlander, Pilot, and most other crossovers just don't do it for me. I was so dissappointed with the Tahoe I didn't discuss pricing, so I'll go there this weekend and talk hardball to see what the real price ends up at. But if they ARE discounting that much, then that just goes to show you that the GM mentality hasn't changed much at all. After what they have done to the tax payer, why not just offer their cars and trucks for an honest price?

He probably felt he could stomp the brakes hard enough. For many years fighter pilots, for example were dead set against a "deadman" switch, that levels out a jet, if the pilot goes unconscious. The bravado fighter pilot logic was that if a fighter pilot is turning so hard that they lose consciousness, the deadman control won't help, it'll just mean the enemy fighter pilot has an easier target. I'm just saying sometimes the cop mentality of "I can handle it" may have played into not switching to neutral. But equally bizar; a driver or passenger that calls 911 during 'out of control' acceleration? assuming one DID call 911, what were they expecting a 911 operator to do ... have you ever talked to one of these people? All too often, 911 operaters are just low paid folks who takes a LOT of info down (even in a murder/home invasion situation) asking names, number of people involved, location, addresses, license numbers, etc ... frustrating, though I suppose necessary Wow. Even though you weren't in the car, you magically know that 'he felt he could stomp on the brakes hard enough' and even though you didn't know the officer, you know he also had a 'cop mentality of "I can handle it". You put Kreskin to shame - http://www.amazingkresking.com When it comes to 911 operators, what exactly do you think they are supposed to do when you call? Ask names, number of people involved, location help is needed, suspects..etc. etc. Yes, they ask this so that the officer knows where he or she should go and what he or she will be walking into when they arrive at the address. You do realize, that even while they are talking to the caller and taking down all that frustrating information that emergency services will already have been dispatched? Yes, a miracle of modern technology, the two way radio, allows the dispatcher to update the officer as he or she is enroute to wherever the caller needs them. Yo, we are just having a discussion. No one really knows what he was thinking, we are just speculating. How do you know it wasn't what he was thinking? I had something like this happen to me before. I don't normally wear boots, but this day I was. I was coming up on a stop light and transitioning my foot from the throttle to the brake when it got stuck between them. Because of the heavy sole I couldn't feel with my foot what was going on, so when I pushed on the brake, I was also pushing on the gas pedal. The harder I pushed on the brake, the more throttle I was giving it also. Of course you panic at first as you feel complete loss of control as your watching the stopped traffic at the light rushing in your direction. I couldn't steer the car to the left into on coming traffic and there were other cars in the right lane next to me. I reached down and thew it into neutral and the car came skidding to a stop not 2 inches short of hitting a huge box truck in front of me. Thank god the light was red for awhile so I could regather myself and get my heartbeat back under control. Even after the light changed to green, I had to pull over and try and figure out what happened. Once I figured out it was my boot, I took them off and drove the rest of the way in my socks. And of course we know it's neccassary. But when your watching an emergency happen in front of you, involving your family and loved ones, and you call 911 your in that state of mind, it's very difficult. Imagine your the passenger in that car and you tell them whats going on and they ask you for your address, "WHAT?" WE ARE IN A CAR THAT IS OUT OF CONTROL ON MAINSTREET AND YOU WANT TO KNOW MY ADDRESS? That phone call to 911, even though the information would be needed, and no one is faulting the operator, or anyone on the emergency response side over this, just wouldn't be able to offer any help in time. There are unfortunatley times in people lives when they have to save themselves. People panic, and their brains freeze for some reason. They can't find the handle quickly enouph to think of solutions instead of a flailing panic response. It's just how some people are wired. Again, no ones fault here. What happened is what happened and it's very unfortunate and sad. I think some peoples expectations are just s bit higher for someoene who should have been used to emergency situations, and also have advanced driver training.

Theres a "How to" thread pasted at the top of this forum. In it is a "How to change you oil" pictorial step by step on an IS250 graciously done by one of our members. You should check that out. ;)

wait, you have an RX300 and the Toyota dealership won't do an oil change on it? That's stupid! You should call the Lexus dealership and explain that you have a Toyota Camry and live 2 miles away, if you brought it in would they be able to perform an oil change service on it for you? See what they say.

They do if the service takes long enough, and with a GM, that's not uncommon! My dad has gotten a couple loaners due to lengthy warranty work needed on his GMC truck (which is a POS.). They give you a slip to take over to Enterprise (who is on site at his dealer), and they bill directly back to the dealer. It's not like at Lexus or Acura (where after you tell them what you want, they say there's a silver xx outside with the a/c running, that one is for you), but if they need it for a while, they'll give you a loaner. Given that GM is not a luxury dealer, I don't think it's unreasonable for them to be selective with doling out loaner cars. I can say, though, the new Malibu is a fantastic car. I drove one (3.5 LT) from Las Vegas to New Orleans, and I really enjoyed the car. Great performance, efficiency, quality, and superb looks in and out. I've got to agree with Steve, ML vs. Tahoe is apples and oranges. Sure, same prices, but they are going after two totally different customers. Most people get $8k-$14k off of a GM truck/SUV. I think $8k-$14k off of a MB is highly unlikely unless it's leftover or if it's brown or some other undesirable color. 8-14k off? no way. Let me clear up a quick point here. I'm not saying that GM is crap across the board. They can make a good car. Do in fact. I'm not so much argueing the comparison of a ML350 to the Tahoe. It could just as easily be XX SUV against the Tahoe. I'm more pointing at a $50K + Chevy Tahoe! I know people want what they want, and Chevy is there to serve them, but in my opinion, it's stupid! I almost can't think of any good reason to own a Tahoe when you look across the board and look at what is available in that price range. Given the circumstances today, the fuel cost issues, the jobless, and economy, they almost have to put that huge "Hybrid" print on the sides of it so you can look all the other drivers in the eyes while your tooling down the road! lol!!

But smooth, the comparison isn't fair. Buyers aren't going to cross-shop a Tahoe and an ML350...not real buyers. Thats like saying why would you buy a Sienna Minivan when the 3 series BMW is the same price. The statement makes no sense. If a buyer needs/wants the minivan...they aren't even ever going to drive a 3 series BMW. Same is true with the Tahoe, if they want a big American truck-based SUV with a V8 that can tow their trailer or boat...they aren't even going to look at the ML350. The ML350 buyer might look at the Cadillac SRX...or at least Cadillac would like them to. Demographically the two vehicles go after entirely different buyers an comparing them is pointless. Go drive a Sequoia and compare it...thats fair. They sell plenty of Tahoes anyways... It also isn't fair to compare Chevy dealers to Lexus or Mercedes dealers. First of all service at Lexus and Mercedes costs like 3 times what it does at Chevy. Compare a Chevy dealer to a Toyota dealer and that would be more fair...they're pretty comparable. The Chevy dealer is not a luxury car dealer...nor does it pretend to be so. Its just like Ford, Toyota, Honda, whatever. Toyota has plenty of $50k+ models...and even a $70k model...the Land Cruiser...with the same dealer quality as GM. Actually the new 2010 SRX no longer has the V8 option and is cheaper. Its FWD/AWD like the RX. The previous SRX was RWD/AWD. Ummm, actually the ML has a 10k mile oil change interval verses the 3,500 mile interval for GM. So even if it was 3x's more, it works out to be the same as GM's. Lexus and most others are at 5,000 mile intervals. I think BMW also does the 10k mile intervals now, along with that free maintenance program they have. And from all the cost of ownership reports that I've seen, the Tahoe is actually the highest! I'm a real buyer. And I did. And your right, you can't compare em. It's like comparing an outhouse to your master bathroom. While the outhouse may have a few advantages, I just don't see them being built next to our homes anymore. I really wanted to give GM a shot. I have to say I was very disappointed. Do me a favor. Go to a GM dealership, open a Tahoe and get in. Look at the center console between the driver seat and passenger seat. I'm not exaggerating this. There is a compartment with a flip up lid on it that in every one I sat in, which must have been atleast 5 or 6 Tahoes where that lid doesn't even come close to fitting properly. One of the Tahoes was missing that lid altogether, and in fact, when I drove the one I did, as we exited the lot and I rolled over the entrance/exit to the street, the bumps caused the lid to flip open! Now I know, it's just this little compartment, but if they did that there, then what about all the other stuff I can't see? (shakes head in disappointment.) So, if you had a family of 5, and had 60K to buy a vehicle, you mean you wouldn't even consider which one, the Tahoe or the ML350? Why wouldn't you? I think you should really look at the cabin space of both. In fact, the ML350 actually offers more seating space then the Tahoe per seating passenger in head room, and leg room, and the back seats on the ML350 are way nicer than the ones on the Tahoe. The wheel base on the Tahoe is only 2 inches longer. The truck just sits 2 inches higher so it looks so much bigger, and the engine compartment is huge on the GM. The Tahoe does offer more cargo space. But the towing capacity of both are also more than ample for the weekend boat or jetski's. I just don't see these as so far apart as you seem to. And, from what I've seen of the GM line, if passenger space, cargo space and towing capacity were the true needs of the buyer, then the Chevy Express 1500 van would be the ultimate buy at under $30K and offeres staggering passenger space and an even higher towing capacity than the Tahoe. But who wants a van right? When you can have a giant SUV? I still maintain that the Tahoe is out of it's price range. It's a dinasour that I think GM would be better off just doing away with, or making it a smaller version and dropping the Equinox or Traverse.

Another one already? ;) Happy birthday Bren....lol!!

I'd agree with you except that 90% of the Toyota lineup is actually built in America. Toyota doesn't have to deal with the UAW which helps, but its not the entire problem. Biggest problem is years of building sh!tty cars that Americans just didn't want. Steve, your points are correct. I'm not debating the "magazine" classifications and how they look on paper. I'm more approaching this as a real buyer. And I'm sorry, but when I test drove a Chevy Tahoe a few days ago, (it seats 5) and then test drove a Mercedes Benz ML350, (that also seats 5) and then say to myself that these are both the same price, all I can do is laugh! The Tahoe is no where near the ML in anything other than size. And a non hybrid ML still gets better MPG's than a Hybrid Tahoe. Not to mention the ML has 4matic AWD and a 7 speed sequential touch shift auto trans. Even without going into the office to play hard ball the salesman dropped the price in the lot on the ML to $51K with a PO2 package! That includes touch start, dolby digital surround sound by Harmon Kardon, 40 gig harddrive and hard drive nav with real time traffic, parkmatic, and a whole bunch of other useless but cool stuff on it! And I get to go to a posh Mercedes Benz dealer for service, where I can choose to wait in thier huge living room style area, or cruise the internet cafe while they bring me finger sandwiches and sodas, or I could just choose to take a loaner car to continue my day. GM offers instead, a more truck stop approach, with thier 2 week old coffee/stale newspaper smelling vinyl floored waiting room. A state of the art 1980's 21'' color TV with rabbit ears barely pulling in a local news station all the while listening to that constant digital announcement buzzer on the PA system looking for Bubba Johnson in the accessories department while I lean on a set of gumball machines so my a$$ doesn't fall asleep on the most uncomforatble, barely intact plastic chairs they could find. And no car loaner programs to get around it either. GM needs to step up on alot more before I can honestly call them competitive at $50k + offerrings. The Volt coming out holds alot of promise, and so does the Orlando Concept and the Cruze. But one of my biggest fears about those right now is with the amount of pressure that the government and upper Mgmt. at GM is under to turn out some company saving models, that they don't "cover up" some problems or issues that would be detrimental to production dates and expectations. It wouldn't be the first time. I'm not in any way saying that it is the case here, I'm just airing my opinion about GM. I almost forgot to tie this back to the SRX. The SRX is a much better competitor and has so much more potential. It seats the same amount of passengers, V8 option, computer controlled suspension, fully loaded, MSRP is $57,000.00 less the same $4000 rebate makes it $53,000.00. And atleast there they have a rug in the waiting room, a 32'' flat screen and give out free popcorn. lol!!