crazy americans

[SprintMWU773V]

Have been away in the US for a bit and would like to report that they are all up in arms because their fuel is about to nudge through the $3 per galon (US). I visited a Ford dealer while over there to nose round a proper Mustang V8 and told the guy how much fuel was at home and he needed to sit down afterwards. He moaned at $3 per galon as he said it was making life more expensive for him though sympathised with out plight here.<br>
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Decided that US cars are worse than I thought too. We hired a Chysler Sebring convertable which over here comes with a creamy smooth V6 and a nice auto box. Our one was US spec with a massive 2.4 litre 4 pumping out an alleged 150bhp! When mated to a power sapping slush box I can report it had no performance whatsoever. The finish was dreadful, the roof made terrible noise at speed, it drank fuel, handled terribly and was metallic Gold.<br>
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Worst thing was filling with fuel. Our local "gas station" had 5 different grades of unleaded fuel! Anything from regular to hyper premium super rocket mix. Their octane system makes no sense either regular was lsisted at 86 and the rocket fuel was 91. Something to do with altitude?<br>
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Anyway avoid driving in the US or buying a US car as if you didn't already know. Just have to pity our friends who drive a Focus and ended up hiring a Focus over there too, apprantly it's also slow, hopeless, badly made and handles badly too.<br>
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Mark

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[LewisK]

Octane ratings are different over there I think.....<br>
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Yes, that 2.4 may only make 150BHP, but it'll last for 300,000 miles without being touched (probably!)<br>
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It's like the Northstar V8s, 100,000 mile service intervals! Go team! <!--EZCODE EMOTICON START :rollin --><img src=http://www.ezboard.com/images/emoticons/roll.gif ALT=":rollin"><!--EZCODE EMOTICON END--> <br>
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They do make some nice stuff though - we've got a Jeep Cherokee, 2.7CRD - really nice car, comfortable, goes well, seems well built (few rattles mind).<br>
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I'd love a black Hemi 300C too. Evil beasts!<br>
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<!--EZCODE IMAGE START--><img src="http://auto.mielofon.com/chrysler/300c/ ... <!--EZCODE IMAGE END--><br>
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Yus sir!

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<!--EZCODE FONT START--><span style="font-size:xx-small;"><!--EZCODE ITALIC START--><em>Crazy! I mean like so many positive waves, we can't lose! You're on!</em><!--EZCODE ITALIC END--></span><!--EZCODE FONT END--></p><i></i>

[george]

yes lewis it' goes on for ever seen reports of that engine covering that mlg with no problems at all 100000ml belt changes too they have also a turbo srt4 which on a stock bottom end can hold 450 +bhp no issues<br>
north star is an awsome eng look for the buggy versions all chrome !!!<br>
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not a great fan of diesel but thats a lot beter than the vm italian jobby v6 merc derived eng<br>
and the sebring can be had with the v6 it's actualy a mitsubishi lump had a stratus in fl good mpg but it is flat i supose

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[SprintMWU773V]

Dodge brand does an estate type 300, looks the business hope it comes here. I agree a Northstar V8 or pretty much any US 6/8cyl lump is worthy, just steer clear of the 4's!<br>
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Mark

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