Consumer Reports

i had an aircraft mechanic sell me his Saturn for scrap price because "the timing belt exploded".

The truth is a serpentine-belt idler pulley died. He didn't think it would start in that condition, or that I should even try. I drove it straight onto a trailer. $15 later I had it back on the road. The belt itself wasn't even damaged. Nevermind that belt has nothing to do with timing, and the engine uses a chain anyway....

never asked which airline

In reply to Furious_E:

Ugh, shouldn't have done that:

http://reading.craigslist.org/cto/5235844352.html

being an engineer does not automatically make someone a "car person". I work with an office full of engineers. I can't think of a single one other than myself who even changes their own oil.

Ah yes, Consumer Reports. Everyone is obsessed with reading/researching and concluding what is best. It's almost like a constant need to have the verified best without any objective thoughts put into it. I fall into this trap, I hate it, I see myself doing it and try to get out of it. It's almost agonizing too buying something you know has flaws but you like. It sucks because MAJORITY of people I know are the type mentioned above and are quick to remind you of flaws. I sell TVs as a part time job (do it so I get a discount on my other hobby; movies and games). People like to bring in Consumer Reports, what most people can't realize is it's an Opinions piece, even though CS delivers it as set in stone defacto review.

I'm really trying to cut down this behavior too, condone it in myself and those around me.

As a side note and something related, I've become very comfortable with the idea of owning a 2015 V6 Mustang in three years or so. As I couldn't afford one right now when shopping for a car. Even thought it's not the Defacto one to get, "Dude, you could get the Ecoboost which has better economy and is faster". Yes I could, but the v6 doesn't simulate engine noise, takes regular gas, and doesn't have the extra repairs of the turbo and direct injection. But still there's a voice inside of my head to not get the V6 because THATS THE ONE THE MAGAZINE SAYS NOT TO GET.

Ian F wrote: being an engineer does not automatically make someone a "car person". I work with an office full of engineers. I can't think of a single one other than myself who even changes their own oil.

Word. I'm an engineer at a literal engine company yet I'm that weird one that actually touches the darn things for fun.

They did a report on the Toyota Matrix calling it smooth, and peppy. They did a report on the Pontiac Vibe calling it harsh and buzzy. Its the same car with the same engine. Berk you Consumer Reports.

Edit: Seems that Adrian and I read the same stupid thing.

maschinenbau wrote:

Ian F wrote: being an engineer does not automatically make someone a "car person". I work with an office full of engineers. I can't think of a single one other than myself who even changes their own oil.

Word. I'm an engineer at a literal engine company yet I'm that weird one that actually touches the darn things for fun.

Well, a few of us work for car companies. And there are very few car guys who work here.

IIRC, the number of people who work for an OEM who have come to the challenge is under 10. 4 of them were on my team.

As long as one knows how to filter CR data and information. On the other hand, as an OEM, it's also important to not dismiss, as it's such a powerful tool for consumers.

I take what CR says with a grain of salt. These people could review a range of things in one issue from cars to dishwashers to blenders.

http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/magazine/2014/04/top-picks-2014/index.htm

If we go down the list here we find that what someone said is true, Consumer Reports is really just interested in finding out what is the best appliance in each category for the job. In that respect the RX-8 fails. It gets terrible gas mileage, early ones are known to blow up motors (they altered the engine warranty to account for this so you can't say it doesn't happen with regularity) the automatic version is neutered in power and rev range and therefore terrible and shouldn't even exist, the motor uses oil by design which many people don't really understand leading to user fails on maintenance and the value of the thing drops like a rock as soon as you drive it off the lot (mostly because of all the aforementioned issues).

That said, it's a hell of a fun car to drive at the limit and probably has some of the best driving dynamics at the limit of any stock car I've ever come across.

IIRC, Driving Enjoyment is measured by how quiet and smooth the car is by Consumer Reports. As others have said, they are grading it as an appliance, not as an enthusiast's tool.