Nearly 40 Years of the Honda Civic

Strict guidelines must be adhered to for a used car to be known as certified.

At the very minimum, to be even considered for certification, a Honda must be less than six years old. Or it must have less than 80,000 miles on it. Seven-year-old cars with 50,000 miles are ineligible. Just as five-year-old cars that have 90,000 miles are ineligible.

Factory-trained technicians evaluate all major systems on each vehicle. They also can recondition any Honda part not meeting strict standards. If the part cannot be sufficiently made for use, then a genuine part is used.

The local Honda dealer is also required to run a CARFAX Vehicle History Report, which costs the buyer nothing. This report contains a vehicle's documented history. It uncovers any reported incidents the DMV has received. If a car has been damaged by flood or fire, this report will show it. If there is a history of engine troubles, odometer alterations, or being salvaged, this report will show it.

Every Honda dealership keeps a copy of this report. Customers can access them at any time. In many cases, reports can even be accessed online.

The most comprehensive evaluation is the last test given. This is known as the 150-point inspection. It is a detailed evaluation of the vehicle's appearance and working mechanics. But before this 150-point inspection, verified documentation and manuals must be looked at.

The manuals include the new car warranty manual and the owner's manual. There is also the warranty booklet and a report on the history of the car's title. Documentation would include a verifying of the radio code and a copy of the 150-point checklist, when completed.

An inspection of the Vehicle Identification Number is done first by checking the door jamb's VIN label, all VIN repairs or recalls (if any), and the VIN plate. Found on a list of basic replacements are coolants, tires, floor mats, air filters, and oil filters. All fluids levels are notated and the closest scheduled maintenance is also given. Other things evaluated and replaced are brake pads and shoes and wiper blades.

A road test is next. What are the vehicles starting and idling temperatures? Do they run hot or cold? How does it drive or accelerate? Are those sounds normal or signs of a problem? Does the car drift when steering and do all gauges work properly?

The car is then given a thorough going-over to find any unauthorized aftermarket modifications. Rims, exhaust systems, headlights, transmissions, and more are gone over with a fine-tooth comb. The overall appearance of both the interior and exterior are part of this evaluation.

If the vehicle passes the exhaustive inspection, it can be made available for the showroom or lot. Anything that fails inspection is replaced or reconditioned. If replacement or reconditioning are not possible, the car fails the evaluation and will not be sold. This is how customers can be confident that Certified Used Honda Cars are in good shape.

The Honda Civic stormed North America in the fuel hungry times of the early 1970's. The Civic was first sold in North America in 1972, although it was named the 1973 Civic. honda odyssey recalls

Yellow Lamborghini Gallardo for Rent

One way to almost certainly end a marriage is to take the decision to take a battered VW Campervan and attempt to restore it. It is a decision my parents took just over a year ago.

They bought a rusted 19878 bay window camper in the summer of 2008 and set about refurnishing, repainting and renewing with childish vigour. They had it lowered or 'slammed' to apparently blend it with all the new, hip V-dub youngsters at the regular meets they attended. Sadly, they ignored the fact that they were in one of their mid-life crises whilst the other drivers could barely reach the pedals. The meets were full of long haired Cornish surfers, leather jacketed German enthusiast with their iron crosses, and crazy, spray can wielding youths. My parents turned up wearing the sort of holiday outfit you see red-raw Brits sporting in Cyprus.

Nonetheless, after fitting a rock n' roll bed and splashing out on some 15" alloys they decided to take this van, now christened 'Rosie' to Cornwall for a weekend by the sea. Two people sleeping for three nights in an ex hippie's bandwagon is not a good idea. When they argued where was there to go, except out in the rain? They returned, fed up with each other's company but still determined to see through their restoration project, like some petrol-headed Griff Rhys Jones's.

Next up was the installation of a brand new £2,000, 1641cc twin carbon engine. The difference in speed was minimal, barely exceeding 60mph. I rarely allowed myself to venture anywhere in this van, but when I did I noticed how bad the roads around were. You could feel every lump, bump and pothole; even going over crisp packets and newspapers would throw the VW into a frenzy.

So now, after £10,000 work of upgrades and facelifts, what have they got from this experience? A cleaner, slicker yet still uncomfortable, archaic Used Volkswagen with a built in fridge and furry dice? No, they have a story and a wonderful piece for automotive history. The ride is like being thrown about by an angry horse, the gearstick grates when changing up from 2nd and the smell of sweaty head banging Led Zeppelin fans still lingers, but it is a beautiful looking thing. And despite all its faults, can somehow make you love it, even if you fall out of love with each other in the process.

What's in a Lambo that can arouse emotional reactions and invoke a cosmos of images? Is it the Lamborghini's razor-sharp headlights, long edgy lines of body work, deep side air intakes or maybe the fact that it is a luxury car that makes it a wonderful sight to behold?

A rental company in Washington, DC is giving everybody (but basically those who can afford only) the chance to drive a Lamborghini Gallardo. Capital Dream Cars will soon have the Lamborghini as part of their rental fleet. Oh yes, believe it or not the Capital Dream Cars, Washington, DC's premier exotic car rental service is happy to announce that the Lamborghini Gallardo is the latest addition to its fleet of world-class rental automobiles.

honda odyssey recalls

Honda Odyssey Recalls

1997 Models: In some cases the EC indicator of the 1997 C320, lighted up and lead into problems relating to air conditioner refrigerant. This can be easily repaired by replacing the refrigerant pressure sensor.

1998 Models: Some 1998 C-Class models like C320 were fitted with batteries from popular car accessory producer Hoppecke. Later, these batteries caused huge problems in the car. The schedule of maintenance of the battery may be less than it required to keep the correct electrolyte levels that the element required. When the electrolyte level was low, it resulted in speeding up of battery grid growth, which in turn increased the chances of battery damage, flashing and bursting. The dealers will replace the battery under the factory recall. They will also fix a schedule to the battery chamber so that you don't forget about its maintenance.

1999 Models: The 1999 C320 series also suffered from the same battery related problems as the 1998 models. This problem required immediate battery replacement and a proper schedule allotment.

2000 Models: Fortunately, no major defects were reported in the 2000 C320 models.

There were always some problems with the mass air flow sensor in any Mercedes C320 model. This problem resulted in glowing of the "Check Engine" light and it also caused other problems in the car which were related to its performance. It also caused off-idle hesitations during winters or cold conditions. In these cases it is required replace the mass air flow sensor.

The final conclusion:

The biggest conclusion that we can draw from the above statements is the fact that this series of C-Class models manufactured by Mercedes Benz would require a very costly maintenance regime. However, these problems are mostly avoidable. A C-Class can be purchased at a comparatively lower price because they have a low resale value than other models. Sports loving people may look for the very stylish Kompresser model. If you are interested in buying any C230 version then just check the CARFAX report before sealing the best deal.

The chances are you can remember exactly where you were, who told you and what you did when you heard about the attack on the World Trade Centre (Twin Towers) on September 11th, 2001. I do. I had just come out of a Sales Meeting on the 3rd floor of our building near Heathrow and everyone was crowded round various computer screens and televisions aghast at what was happening on a crystal clear September morning in New York. It is still as vivid today as it was the morning after and just a week from the event. So why do we hold on to such dramatic memories more than others?

A survey carried out by the University of Manchester, commissioned by Yesterday, a UK TV channel, sheds some light on what we remember and how. It looked at peoples recollection of events and compared shared high profile events with more personal landmarks. The findings are astonishing. It seems we remember shared high global events and personal successes more than family or personal landmarks. Take for example the following:

82% of people surveyed could recall the detail of their hearing of 9/11 compared with only 72% being able to recall the same level of detail about their wedding day.

honda odyssey recalls

Where Were You on 9/11?

Then in 1987 came a racin in the sun; the solar powered auto race across Australia. The GM sponsored solar powered Sunraycer won. GM followed up with the 1990 Impact electric car. The car was aided in design by techincal experts AC Propulsion and Hughes electronics. The futuristic looking ride was the precursor of the EV1. The car was well ahead of the pack except for its lead acid battery bank.

1994, GM started up the PrEView program. The program provided 50 custom built Impact EVs for evaluation. 14,000 people applied to be testers. Motor Trend Magazine called the car "Fantastic". A modified Impact hit a world record183mph.

In one of those interesting twists of fate, the Impact was so well received that it influenced the California Air Resources Board to craft the now famous and defunct Zero Emissions Vehicle (ZEV) mandate. The ruling specified increasing electric car production quotas from the major auto manufactures from 2% in 1998 to 10% in 2003. Gm appeared at first to be all with the mandate, Chevy S-10 pickup trucks were fitted with electric drive motors.

Then, Toyota, Honda, and Nissan showed their support by producing their own EV prototypes. Ford converted its Ranger pickup trucks to electric, and released the Ford TH!NK EV. Electric car conversions blossomed. EVs were indeed on a roll.

The Impact evolved into the 1996 EV1. The car was a hit from the start. Celebrities drove the car and provided free advertising. We remember the local TV anchorman driving the EV1 on camera while providing a steady stream of positive comments. Production was limited, and the EV1 could not be bought and paid for. The car could only be leased, but the future looked good for the electric car. 288 of the 1996 version with lead acid batteries were leased.

GM at this time was already expressing EV doubts in public. The company viewed the PreView program as a failure, yet continued with EV1 development, along with a promotional ad campaign. The hot-cold attitude of GM did not go unnoticed. Citizens repeatedly demonstrated support for the EV1, spending time and money on what they considered to be correct and well done.

In 1999, major improvements were made to the battery pack and drive electronics. In yet another curious move, the number of leases made available was restricted despite an increase in demand for the leases. GM did not seem to obey rational laws of supply and demand.

Then in a reversal, GM issued a recall for 450 EV1s. There were technical problems with the battery packs. 200 of the cars were re-fitted with Ni-MH battery packs.

In 1999, the EV1 production line was stopped after making some 1100 cars. In 2002, recalls of the EV1 were begun, consumers reacted. There were attempts at negotiation. There were protests. In the end, the cars were re-claimed and stored away in a warehouse. The EV1 program was officially ended in 2003. This is the same year that the CARB ruling regarding was repealed, aided by a phalanx of auto industry and cloaked oil company legal types.

The story ends with the crushing of nearly every single EV1. The efforts against EV1 smashing were many and well documented, as demonstrated in the film "Who Killed the Electric car". honda odyssey recalls

Where Were You on 9/11?

Then in 1987 came a racin in the sun; the solar powered auto race across Australia. The GM sponsored solar powered Sunraycer won. GM followed up with the 1990 Impact electric car. The car was aided in design by techincal experts AC Propulsion and Hughes electronics. The futuristic looking ride was the precursor of the EV1. The car was well ahead of the pack except for its lead acid battery bank.

1994, GM started up the PrEView program. The program provided 50 custom built Impact EVs for evaluation. 14,000 people applied to be testers. Motor Trend Magazine called the car "Fantastic". A modified Impact hit a world record183mph.

In one of those interesting twists of fate, the Impact was so well received that it influenced the California Air Resources Board to craft the now famous and defunct Zero Emissions Vehicle (ZEV) mandate. The ruling specified increasing electric car production quotas from the major auto manufactures from 2% in 1998 to 10% in 2003. Gm appeared at first to be all with the mandate, Chevy S-10 pickup trucks were fitted with electric drive motors.

Then, Toyota, Honda, and Nissan showed their support by producing their own EV prototypes. Ford converted its Ranger pickup trucks to electric, and released the Ford TH!NK EV. Electric car conversions blossomed. EVs were indeed on a roll.

The Impact evolved into the 1996 EV1. The car was a hit from the start. Celebrities drove the car and provided free advertising. We remember the local TV anchorman driving the EV1 on camera while providing a steady stream of positive comments. Production was limited, and the EV1 could not be bought and paid for. The car could only be leased, but the future looked good for the electric car. 288 of the 1996 version with lead acid batteries were leased.

GM at this time was already expressing EV doubts in public. The company viewed the PreView program as a failure, yet continued with EV1 development, along with a promotional ad campaign. The hot-cold attitude of GM did not go unnoticed. Citizens repeatedly demonstrated support for the EV1, spending time and money on what they considered to be correct and well done.

In 1999, major improvements were made to the battery pack and drive electronics. In yet another curious move, the number of leases made available was restricted despite an increase in demand for the leases. GM did not seem to obey rational laws of supply and demand.

Then in a reversal, GM issued a recall for 450 EV1s. There were technical problems with the battery packs. 200 of the cars were re-fitted with Ni-MH battery packs.

In 1999, the EV1 production line was stopped after making some 1100 cars. In 2002, recalls of the EV1 were begun, consumers reacted. There were attempts at negotiation. There were protests. In the end, the cars were re-claimed and stored away in a warehouse. The EV1 program was officially ended in 2003. This is the same year that the CARB ruling regarding was repealed, aided by a phalanx of auto industry and cloaked oil company legal types.

The story ends with the crushing of nearly every single EV1. The efforts against EV1 smashing were many and well documented, as demonstrated in the film "Who Killed the Electric car". honda odyssey recalls