Croc

Swallow the pride and let them buy it for you and have you pay them back. I really don't see what the big deal is, I mean you are still paying for it, it's just the "leasing entity" is mom and dad. Why not? It's only a handout if you aren't paying for it. Consider it a "financing option." Look, man, I know where you are coming from, but let's look at the alternatives: 1) Use the parents, get the car, and demonstrate your responsibility with payments. 2) Don't use the parents, potentially jeopardize a friend's driving record AND insurance premiums if an accident occurs regardless of who is at fault, and pay through the nose with financing charges and leasing premiums. Derr...option 1 makes the most logical sense.

Honestly, I'd wait until you don't need a co-lessee. It's just too risky for the other person, and I can see trouble ahead. Plus, I've watched waaaay too much Judge Judy to know you might not be friends with the co-lessee much longer if you two go through this.

We use real, but half the family is allergic. One of these years we will switch to artificial.

When you have the right basis of comparison, any car can seem nice. GM for years only compared its new cars internally to the ones it replaced, not the entire market segment in which the new cars competed.

what's with the rear wheel wells? I really don't see the HUMMER competition...is the HUMMER portfolio even marketed in Europe?

As of now, the supply shortages somewhat undermine your argument for the Milan and Zephyr. The Fusion is the only one NOT facing a shortage as of now.

Actually, today's generation is just very savvy. You forget, we grew up and came of age with the internet. We are very adept at finding information quickly. We can make entire PowerPoint presentations in an hour or two thanks to Google. Presentations used to take days and lots of overhead transparencies. Thing is...loyalty really has nothing to do with car purchases any more than other consumer goods. You see, if I want a vehicle, I want to get one that suits my needs the best. Why should I sacrifice satisfaction just because of the badge on the car? I like GM, but if I see a vehicle at another camaker that I like better, I will go for that car. For example...If I were in the market for a midsized car, I would ignore GM and focus on the new Fords. Why? Because they are better vehicles. I would also look at the new VWs. They satisfy my needs. Yes, there are a lot of uninformed people out there, but I don't think it is so much a generation thing. If anything, this younger generation is far more open-minded than baby boomers, who swore off domestics in the late 70s and early 80s.

yea...we've been meaning to talk to you about that, AAS...

We already know the Sebring is a chick car. But as far as chicky convertibles go, it isn't half bad. First time I was in Cali my mom and I upgraded to the convertible at the rental car place and we drove the 405 from LA to San Diego and back...quite the drive and surprisingly traffic didn't suck too much. Lots of fun...and I got a decent neck tan. -- As for the G6, I don't care about launch problems...I am working under the assumption that yes the vehicle is coming, but that no, they didn't fix the interior at all. The Sebrings always had at least decent interiors.

GM needs to ape this...

Meh...for Dan Neil, this was a pretty tame review. I'm satisfied.

I like the Sebring convertible. It's fun and breezy. If GM hadn't cheaped out on the G6 interior the convertible would be great. As of now, the only good midsized conv. is that of the SAAB 9-3.

The Malibu has dorky taillights. The G6 has cheap taillights. Interiors of both are lacking. I wish they were freshened with good interiors. Then I might feel compelled to like the exteriors more.

Yeah, you're prolly right. The real fight will be at the Isuzu display...

Alero really isn't that impressive of a car, no offense. I'm pleasantly surprised he only complained about the gas. My aunt had an Alero rental, and her family comes from a long line of pro-American drivers. She only requests domestic company cars and currently drives a Grand Marquis. She hated her Alero rental and called it a POS. After riding in it with her I would tend to agree: buzzy engine, rattly cabin and dash, harsh ride, noisy ride.

But now they have the Mariner Hybrid. I've seen a Milan or two near campus...which is one or two more than I was expecting to see in 2005.

Sounds like Christmas came a few weeks early for Josh!! Seriously man I want a full review. Stat. ^_^

cool.

Any dealer could make the swap for you if you wanted them to. The prospect of a $30,000 sale or no sale would prolly let you get it for free if not a very minimal fee.

Heavens no! Why on earth would we do that? What a silly thought...

Good! BRING ON THE SNARK! If anyone even remotely expects me to gush over much of anything he will be sorely mistaken...I am incredibly nit-picky at car shows.

watch it or I'll make it HOURS...i jest but there prolly will be a line outside of the Mariner Hybrid and Milan.

Yea, some have a cancel function if they are not desired. I do not know if the SSR has that feature or not, but I have seen SSRs without illuminated DRLs.

Nah it isn't a dig at you...though it is a slight dig at someone else. I am warning you though...prepare to spend some time in the Mercury section. I'm gonna be a little b!tch about that just fyi. After doing the marketing research for my paper on Mercury...I want to do some "field research" of my own...those new Mercury vehicles are great, and if it's true the Milan might be getting a Hybrid version in a year or so I might have to consider it, or a Mariner Hybrid, as a car...

I like the Stratus coupes. The sedans suck though...