"DasWauto" (DasWauto)
03/08/2014 at 14:30 • Filed to: Best of Oppositelock
8
15|
"DasWauto" (DasWauto)
03/08/2014 at 14:30 • Filed to: Best of Oppositelock | 8
| 15 |
Assembled here are the best Oppositelock posts from Wednesday and Thursday. Today we've got sleazy sales tactics, rose coloured glasses, how much slower the 2014 cars are and more.
!!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! - Automatch Tom
As an automotive buyer's consultant I have dealt with a lot of salespeople. Most of them are good, some of them not so good. In my last installment, I told you how to spot the good ones. Sometimes we are not so lucky. The absolute worst sales experience I ever had didn't happen at a car dealership; it happened when I needed windows for my house.
!!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! - Whitetrashsteve
From the Greek words meaning, "pain from wanting to return home," it afflicts most people. It's the reason so many are willing to neglect factual information for the comfort of the familiar… It's the reason we romanticize the high-maintenance, unsafe, inefficient, and underpowered cars of yesteryear, despite the fact that today's cars are faster, more reliable, more efficient, and far safer than those manufactured even two decades ago.
!!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! - Fractal Footwork
Before you and your pals go off knocking around the new 2014 Formula 1 chassis for being slow enough to stop the world, it may be best to attain some statistical data to back up your arguments.
!!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! - -Amateur
We see them everywhere, but what the hell do they mean and where did they come from? Ferrari: The logo was first seen on Italian fighter planes flown by the top ace Francesco Baracca back in WWI. Enzo met Francesco's mother after a race who gave the nudge, nudge, wink, wink idea for him to plaster them all over his cars as a symbol for good luck…
!!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! - Jonny Edge
It was the 3rd of July 2013, and I was absolutely astonished. I re-read the message from Nissan UK three, maybe four times. Maybe it was even more than that. This was really going to happen, and I felt like the luckiest bloke on earth. 'Congratulations Jonny you have won our contest and are off to Goodwood's Moving Motor Show on the 11th of July, and you get to drive the Nissan Juke Nismo up the hill!'
!!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! - Jonny Edge
Perhaps I'm a bit grumpy this morning, maybe the single cup of coffee hasn't quite been enough to get my brain working to the point where I can avoid getting annoyed by the slightest thing. Or perhaps I have a point, and the following rant is perfectly reasonable.
!!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! - Automatch Tom
The X4 might just be the smartest car BMW has made. Now before you all try to revoke my Jalop card, let me explain. The X4 is a compact crossover, you know who wants compact crossovers? EVERYONE! O.k. not everyone, we want wagons and Miatas, but the people that actually buy new cars want compact crossovers.
!!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! - With.a.G
All the talk about the Koenigsegg One:1 and its bonkers 1 BHP/kg power to weight ratio got me thinking. First of all, the mixed unit systems in "BHP" and "kg" grates on me for aesthetic reasons, and the fact that the number is "1" is a happy accident but ultimately meaningless. Even deeper than that, however, is the fact that dimensional analysis reveals that it is not immediately obvious how to massage this metric into a dimensionless number that can be used as a figure of merit for automotive performance.
!!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! - TheDailyTurismo
The first generation Toyota MR2 was a lightweight 2-seater budget sports car built from 1984 to 1989. A speedy version had a small Roots supercharger mated to an inline-4 cylinder making 145 hp...not exactly a screamer by any standard. Stick a big V6 from a Toyota Avalon into the back and suddenly things get exciting. Also check out !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! .
!!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! - highmodulus
While the Alfa 4C is pretty car, there are several huge problems that will likely doom the car here (and likely elsewhere). 1. Alfa's well earned reputation for poor quality and massive, jaw dropping depreciation. Top Gear UK had a good discussion on this point. Alfa's reputation in the US is even worse. 2. It is really expensive, especially for that engine…
!!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! - ed-petrolhead
The brazilian auto industry history is curious. Between 1976 and 1990, our economy was completely closed, meaning we could not import nothing. Because that, many gearheads projected and built cars in garages, and started small businesses selling them for other people. The vast majority of them was based on VW Beetles, VW Brasilias and VW Kombis, because they were readly available and were quite cheap (compared to other options). The "fora-de-série" culture grew large, and became a very important part of our automotive history… We begin now, with the Cintra 959.
!!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! - -Amateur
Nobody ever suspects the Chevrolet Beretta, and that's the beauty of it. It's the most versatile tuning platform ever created for those who want the ultimate bang for the buck performance. It's the car you never knew you wanted!
!!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! - Harrison Voorhees
I ride bikes, I have friends, and I often find myself travelling to places with no pavement. Therefore, I now lust for a full cab, short bed, Toyota Tacoma TRD. Probably none of you know me personally, but take my word for it, this vehicle seems highly out of character for me. It is far too reliable, sensible, and dare I say even boring for a Jalop to be seen in. But it's also perfect.
!!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! - DrivingImpaired
Two years ago, driving a Mazda3 hatch, the word "mod" wasn't a part of my vocabulary. However, things quickly changed in the days and weeks leading up to the purchase of my BMW 335 coupe. It all started with a little basic innocent car research that brought me to the numerous BMW forums out there. From there, the floodgates opened. I started convincing myself I needed car parts I had never even heard of before!
!!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! - BigNSlow
If you were born in the former Soviet Union you will most likely know this vehicle but have never seen it in person. If you are from any other part of the world chances are you probably weren't even aware it existed. Meet Soviet era minivan named "Start".
!!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! - Blake Noble
It never fails. Every auto show season, there's at least one automaker who rolls out a concept version of a new SUV that is — although they vehemently deny it — bound for production. That's all well and good, except when they somehow manage to lose the back two doors on the way to reveal day.
!!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! - Mkolabin
Hello Oppo, I'm back. Or, I'm still here but I'm actually posting something. And by something, I meanChasing Die-Cast Cars which is a weekly (I hope?) attempt by yours truly to attempt to try and summarize the latest Hot Wheels (and etc) posts made b you, my fellow die-cast addicts and Opponautohaulics.
!!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! - mr_benjamin_rolland
So this is one of those "Cadillac" things everybody is always on about. I like it. If the first gen CTS re-launched Cadillac into the 21st century, the second gen proved that the former "standard of the world" was ready to take its title back.
The Best of the Rest
Dr861 !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! . Quarterlifecrisis !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! and !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! . Harris Lue !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! . Thomas Nourse !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! . Feather-throttle-not-hair !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! and !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! . FreddsterExprs !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! . Reigntastic !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! . Jagvar !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! . AncientOfDays !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! . 505Turbeaux's !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! . BiTurbo228 !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! . Jesuschrysler !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! . Briannutter1 !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! . RotarylessLover !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! .
As always, If I've missed something and you would like me to include it, let me know.
Fun Discussions
There were several posts that asked questions and sparked some good discussion on Wednesday and Thursday. Take a peek and chime in on some of those listed below:
The Oppo Guide: How To Drive Like an Asshole
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Cars In Their Natural Environment
!!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!!
If you had the resources, what vehicle would you save forever?
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Would you Rather: Black BAT German Edition
Coolest Car In A Random Ass Town: Wollongong (Australia)
Match a car to a personality 18
What is the shortest country you crossed by road?
DD, Track, Burn, Small Bimmers edition
What's the best/worst looking 911?
Opinions on the 3rd-gen Beetle?
Embarrassing maintenance mistakes?
What's The Most Exclusive Auto Community on The Web?
Stupid swoopy-roofed BMWs, ranked
Coolest Car In A Random Ass Town: Reykjavik: (Iceland)
What does oppo think of... Scion Tc
Pick a comfy/fast cruiser for somewhere that doesn't get snow
Just the #tips
Greatest product review I have ever read
Paralyzed biker speaks out about NYC Range Rover Confrontation
EVO goes over the Civic Type R Concept with Gabriele Tarquini!
Very Stupid Automobile Tire Commercial
Sleeper! 440HP AWD 2000 Honda Civic EX
Any questions for Need For Speed director Scott Waugh?
Bahrain named 1st corner after Schumacher
This Is Ukraine's Abandoned Tank Graveyard
Chrysler has ordered 93 original Dodge Vipers… be destroyed
V8 Supercars in Slow Motion: Adelaide 2014
Ukrainian rally driver voices his opinion about the conflict in his country with his livery
Corvette price increases so GM can offically gouge buyers
Red Bull asks Toro Rosso for help
Honorable Mentions
These posts have already been shared with Jalopnik directly but deserve to be mentioned again because they were first posted on Oppositelock:
Elon Musk completes Tony Stark transformation with Senate hearing
Legend Of The Mid-Engined Aston Martin
Phone-based infotainment systems snub safety with heavy visual focus
8-Bit Miata Drifts Chuckwalla Stage
What If Every Car Had a Power-to-Weight Ratio of 1?
Want to participate on Oppositelock? Check out the !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! as well the !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! to help you get started.
J. Drew Silvers
> DasWauto
03/09/2014 at 00:09 |
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I always check these out before they hit the front page to see if I missed anything in the feed over the past few days. There is always something good I didn't catch. Thanks again.
quarterlifecrisis
> DasWauto
03/09/2014 at 15:57 |
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Wooo, I'm best of the rest x2. Movin on up the world!
The Dummy Gummy
> DasWauto
03/09/2014 at 16:32 |
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What is the criteria to get on one of these things?
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DasWauto
> The Dummy Gummy
03/09/2014 at 17:11 |
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Good question and it's a little hard to define. I look for things that are well written, funny, interesting and/or thought provoking [or any combination of the above].
The Best of the Rest section is generally for posts that are shorter or more picture oriented (mostly the latter), such as when people attend events, buy a car or do some work on one, etc.
The remaining sections are pretty well self-explanatory.
Of-course If I miss something, don't hesitate to point me to it.
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The Dummy Gummy
> DasWauto
03/09/2014 at 17:33 |
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Sounds good. I never knew what the criteria was. If page-views and stars drove it or what.
I will try to make you all laugh harder in the coming weeks haha. Thanks for the help!
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DasWauto
> The Dummy Gummy
03/09/2014 at 17:37 |
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Nah, nothing to do with page views or stars, I just try to find what's good.
Jonny Edge (@thejonnyedge)
> DasWauto
03/09/2014 at 19:47 |
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Thank you once again, can't believe I'm liked that much!
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Jonny Edge (@thejonnyedge)
> DasWauto
03/09/2014 at 19:57 |
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I was going to ask, do you have any tips to improve my writing? Is there anything I can do better or change? I'd really like to learn and develop.
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DasWauto
> Jonny Edge (@thejonnyedge)
03/09/2014 at 20:09 |
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Heh, I'm hardly a writer so I'm not exactly a great person to ask about that. I'm a fan of things that get points across concisely without superfluous fluff. I'm bit of a spelling/grammar nazi too so errors on that front bug me, especially when I screw up myself. :)
I can't think of anything specific about your posts that I'd improve (I don't make any effort to remember such things). That said, If I see anything that I'd do differently on future posts of yours I'll make an effort to point it out.
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Jonny Edge (@thejonnyedge)
> DasWauto
03/09/2014 at 20:11 |
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Thank you! I just imagined that you might read more than anybody else here so you might have a better eye for small details and things. I think some of my spellings might be different or wrong because I write in my UK English, but I think most people don't mind that do they?
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DasWauto
> Jonny Edge (@thejonnyedge)
03/09/2014 at 20:17 |
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Hah, I do read a lot of posts but in many cases I either only have time to skim, or I read so many that they don't stick beyond me deciding where to put it in a Best of Oppo.
I definitely don't mind UK English. I'm in Canada so I'm used to the Queen's English as well. If anything, American spelling irks me sometimes. I doubt anyone minds, or even notices most of the time.
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Jonny Edge (@thejonnyedge)
> DasWauto
03/09/2014 at 20:21 |
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That's alright then I'll stick to the spellings and phrases I was brought up with! Recently I've been applying to various places trying to get some experience writing. Everybody has to start somewhere! I'm just kicking myself because I didn't realise that this is what I wanted to do until now. If I was young I could have gone to journalism school and all sorts. Still, then I wouldn't have got experience with cars. Maybe that's where I hold some cards.
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DasWauto
> Jonny Edge (@thejonnyedge)
03/09/2014 at 20:36 |
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I don't know how difficult it is to make a living as a writer, especially an automotive one, but I gather it's not easy. I write an occasional post when a subject hits me and I think I'll keep it to that. I imagine I'd struggle if I were to try to make myself write.
Oppo can be a great place to practice and as you've surely noticed the editors often promote posts from here - which I imagine is not a bad way to build a writing CV. Keep the posts coming, I've enjoyed them so far and I'm sure I'm not alone.
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Jonny Edge (@thejonnyedge)
> DasWauto
03/10/2014 at 07:52 |
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I imagine it's one of the hardest fields to get into due to the popularity and 'sex appeal' of the subject matter. I find it quite easy to write, I don't know why I just seem to. I could write two or three pieces a day but I try to limit myself to one so that I've always got something in reserve.
I'll keep them coming, I've just started a little series so I'll be working on that as well as my occasional features. With any luck, you and the rest of the community will continue to rate them! Thanks for the support so far. It's very much appreciated.
JayR727
> DasWauto
03/10/2014 at 11:04 |
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My dad: "What are the rear-end options for the Ram 1500?"
Dodge salesman: "Regular or four-wheel drive."