GM reports $2.5B 3Q loss, could run out of cash in 2009

[Ban Hammer 13,352]

Buy a BMW. Always reliable and you get 4 yours free servicing to boot. They also leave a bottle of bubbly (not shite stuff either) in the trunk and give you a decent key ring. I saw a BMW earlier today in a custom purple color. The driver looked a bit "council" so I just let it go.

but when that time frame runs out...

you buy a new BMW

which is a great way to throw money out the window quickly. to really get your money's worth, it's best to keep a vehicle longer than that. i've had the camaro for 12.5 years and the truck for 6.5 years.

and bmw's suck gas too.

[NickD 203]

Honda, hardly any maintenance. All you need is an oil change, tire change, timing belt change, spark plug change once in a long while except for oil.

Not my experience, struts, brakes, suspension, and exhaust systems last no long on a Honda than any other car, and that timing belt is a PITA. Critical as most Honda engines are of the interference types and if the tensioner seizes, a limited lubricated ball bearing, the single screw that holds it in place vibrates loose, of that belt just wears thin and snap, can lead to major engine repairs. Extremely expensive to replace, many Honda dealers also like to replace the water pump and alternator at the same time ending up in a $2,500 buck bill. But if you replace the tensioner yourself, just the water pump, and replace the brushes and bearing in the alternator, can get by for around a hundred bucks. But wish I had small Japanese hands for doing that.

Shame on GM for dropping the Cavalier, uses a engine oiled timing chain for a DOHC engine that will last longer than the engine. Actually got a good deal on it, 04 sports coupe with a five speed, listed out for $16,300 but with rebates, the fact I owned two other GM vehicles with rebates, and my GM card, got it for $7,000.00 cash. Has a stainless steel exhaust system on it, did have to do a brake job recently with 55,000 miles on it, but other than that, has been trouble free. If I set the cruise for 55 mph, not easy to do with my wife in the car, can get 42 mpg. But tend to drive a lot faster so only get 36 mpg, always 31 mpg around town. Have the large alloy sports wheels, best winter car I have ever owned, it just goes, but watch out for 4WD SUV's, they don't stop any quicker than a 2WD vehicle and will slide right through a stop sign.

Looked at the Cobra and test drove one, got a backache before I left the dealership and thought I was piloting a blimp, no wonder why GM is going broke. Cavalier is using all corrosion resistant brake components, after four years of road salt, still looked like brand new.

Honda and Toyota is still living on their laurels of the 80's, my entire family plus me were driving Honda's and Toyota's, but domestic back then was a bad joke. In 92, the Japs devaluated the buck, and adopted the same ####### as the domestic cars in the 80's, none of my family are driving Honda's or Toyota's today, nothing but problems with way overpriced replacement parts, like 260 bucks for a two buck blower motor, they wear out too.

When I purchased my Cavalier, saw a 97 Civic in the lot with 140K on it with a price tag of $8,900.00, let some other sucker pay that much. Japs were trying to get the US market, did, and have been cleaning up on it ever since.

[spookyturtle 9,466]

Drag racers used to mod their civics to tout the performance because parts for it were so cheap. There are tons of mods for them too. Although, I don't mod it myself, but, it's cheap to maintain.

Drag racing Civics.

[SMOKE 1,426]

Drag racers used to mod their civics to tout the performance because parts for it were so cheap. There are tons of mods for them too. Although, I don't mod it myself, but, it's cheap to maintain.

Drag racing Civics.

that makes laugh everytime. sure you've got a 4 cyl. import running 11-12 second 1/4 mile times & it only cost you $5500 in modifications.

[spookyturtle 9,466]

Drag racers used to mod their civics to tout the performance because parts for it were so cheap. There are tons of mods for them too. Although, I don't mod it myself, but, it's cheap to maintain.

Drag racing Civics.

that makes laugh everytime. sure you've got a 4 cyl. import running 11-12 second 1/4 mile times & it only cost you $5500 in modifications.

I'd like to see an 11 second Civic with only $5500 invested in mods. It's a 16-17 second car stock. It will cost a fortune to take 5-6 seconds off of that time.

[SMOKE 1,426]

Drag racers used to mod their civics to tout the performance because parts for it were so cheap. There are tons of mods for them too. Although, I don't mod it myself, but, it's cheap to maintain.

Drag racing Civics.

that makes laugh everytime. sure you've got a 4 cyl. import running 11-12 second 1/4 mile times & it only cost you $5500 in modifications.

I'd like to see an 11 second Civic with only $5500 invested in mods. It's a 16-17 second car stock. It will cost a fortune to take 5-6 seconds off of that time.

rework the head (over sized intake & exhaust valves)-$1200, forged pistons & moly rings-$660, cold air induction-$350, ceramic coated hi flow header (exhaust manifold)-$500, catback performance exhaust-$550, over sized fuel injectors (50psi)X 4-$600, adjustable fuel pressure regulator -$325, reprogram computer-$250, 175 hp nitro system(tank-wires-hoses,nozzels & trigger)-$1100 = $5535.00 = stick you to the back of the seat.

[Donna A 4]

my husband baught a bmw last year and there was no bubbly in the trunk... oh yeah my gm product also does get better gas mileage then that damn over priced bmw.

I don't know what to tell you !! I've had bubbly and flowers too!

the best they have done for him is unlimited free hand car washes and let me tell u they dont do a nice job either...leaving it dirty probably looks better.

[Donna A 4]

Honda, hardly any maintenance. All you need is an oil change, tire change, timing belt change, spark plug change once in a long while except for oil.

Not my experience, struts, brakes, suspension, and exhaust systems last no long on a Honda than any other car, and that timing belt is a PITA. Critical as most Honda engines are of the interference types and if the tensioner seizes, a limited lubricated ball bearing, the single screw that holds it in place vibrates loose, of that belt just wears thin and snap, can lead to major engine repairs. Extremely expensive to replace, many Honda dealers also like to replace the water pump and alternator at the same time ending up in a $2,500 buck bill. But if you replace the tensioner yourself, just the water pump, and replace the brushes and bearing in the alternator, can get by for around a hundred bucks. But wish I had small Japanese hands for doing that.

Shame on GM for dropping the Cavalier, uses a engine oiled timing chain for a DOHC engine that will last longer than the engine. Actually got a good deal on it, 04 sports coupe with a five speed, listed out for $16,300 but with rebates, the fact I owned two other GM vehicles with rebates, and my GM card, got it for $7,000.00 cash. Has a stainless steel exhaust system on it, did have to do a brake job recently with 55,000 miles on it, but other than that, has been trouble free. If I set the cruise for 55 mph, not easy to do with my wife in the car, can get 42 mpg. But tend to drive a lot faster so only get 36 mpg, always 31 mpg around town. Have the large alloy sports wheels, best winter car I have ever owned, it just goes, but watch out for 4WD SUV's, they don't stop any quicker than a 2WD vehicle and will slide right through a stop sign.

Looked at the Cobra and test drove one, got a backache before I left the dealership and thought I was piloting a blimp, no wonder why GM is going broke. Cavalier is using all corrosion resistant brake components, after four years of road salt, still looked like brand new.

Honda and Toyota is still living on their laurels of the 80's, my entire family plus me were driving Honda's and Toyota's, but domestic back then was a bad joke. In 92, the Japs devaluated the buck, and adopted the same ####### as the domestic cars in the 80's, none of my family are driving Honda's or Toyota's today, nothing but problems with way overpriced replacement parts, like 260 bucks for a two buck blower motor, they wear out too.

When I purchased my Cavalier, saw a 97 Civic in the lot with 140K on it with a price tag of $8,900.00, let some other sucker pay that much. Japs were trying to get the US market, did, and have been cleaning up on it ever since.

actually the cobolt replaced the cavalear and thats what i am building. they seam like a good car if u like small cars. i have a grand prix and love it.

[spookyturtle 9,466]

rework the head (over sized intake & exhaust valves)-$1200, forged pistons & moly rings-$660, cold air induction-$350, ceramic coated hi flow header (exhaust manifold)-$500, catback performance exhaust-$550, over sized fuel injectors (50psi)X 4-$600, adjustable fuel pressure regulator -$325, reprogram computer-$250, 175 hp nitro system(tank-wires-hoses,nozzels & trigger)-$1100 = $5535.00 = stick you to the back of the seat.

What about machine shop work, balancing, blueprinting, etc so that it will last for more than one run? How long will the bottom end stay together running a 175 shot?

[actually the cobolt replaced the cavalear and thats what i am building. they seam like a good car if u like small cars. i have a grand prix and love it.

Cobalt is a much better car than the Cavalier.

[IAMX 3,055]

When I purchased my Cavalier, saw a 97 Civic in the lot with 140K on it with a price tag of $8,900.00, let some other sucker pay that much. Japs were trying to get the US market, did, and have been cleaning up on it ever since.

You just proved something here. If Civics were really that bad, 1) they wouldn't still have many 90s models still available, especially with the high mileage seen on them, and 2) the depreciation value would be much steeper as they should be failing left and right. Fact is, despite your troubles with Civics, the market suggests they are the most reliable and, logically, the most sought out for people who want a good mileage vehicle without a luxury price.

[Marilyn. 340]

like I said our car is a 1997 Honda accord, which makes it over 10 years old.. we bought it used a few years ago for about $2000 or so... it still runs pretty good and with a little minor work we probably could get another 5 years or so out of it.. the only thing we have had to have done so far is the normal oil changes.... and we did have to replace the radiator once...

Edited November 9, 2008 by *Marilyn*

[w¡n9Nµ7 §£@¥€r 123]

Buy a BMW. Always reliable and you get 4 yours free servicing to boot. They also leave a bottle of bubbly (not shite stuff either) in the trunk and give you a decent key ring. I saw a BMW earlier today in a custom purple color. The driver looked a bit "council" so I just let it go.

but when that time frame runs out...

you buy a new BMW

which is a great way to throw money out the window quickly.

eh, money schmoney

We have a 2000 Accord and a 2006 Elantra. The Accord is now near 110k miles, runs great but was problematic early on but it was all warrantied. The Elantra has been problem free so far.

[w¡n9Nµ7 §£@¥€r 123]

My next car might be a GM since I get a supplier discount. I have no idea how substantive that discount is, though, so who knows.

[Ban Hammer 13,352]

Buy a BMW. Always reliable and you get 4 yours free servicing to boot. They also leave a bottle of bubbly (not shite stuff either) in the trunk and give you a decent key ring. I saw a BMW earlier today in a custom purple color. The driver looked a bit "council" so I just let it go.

but when that time frame runs out...

you buy a new BMW

which is a great way to throw money out the window quickly.

eh, money schmoney

We have a 2000 Accord and a 2006 Elantra. The Accord is now near 110k miles, runs great but was problematic early on but it was all warrantied. The Elantra has been problem free so far.

money schmoney? elitist!

[S and S 12]

Honda, hardly any maintenance. All you need is an oil change, tire change, timing belt change, spark plug change once in a long while except for oil.

Not my experience, struts, brakes, suspension, and exhaust systems last no long on a Honda than any other car, and that timing belt is a PITA. Critical as most Honda engines are of the interference types and if the tensioner seizes, a limited lubricated ball bearing, the single screw that holds it in place vibrates loose, of that belt just wears thin and snap, can lead to major engine repairs. Extremely expensive to replace, many Honda dealers also like to replace the water pump and alternator at the same time ending up in a $2,500 buck bill. But if you replace the tensioner yourself, just the water pump, and replace the brushes and bearing in the alternator, can get by for around a hundred bucks. But wish I had small Japanese hands for doing that.

Shame on GM for dropping the Cavalier, uses a engine oiled timing chain for a DOHC engine that will last longer than the engine. Actually got a good deal on it, 04 sports coupe with a five speed, listed out for $16,300 but with rebates, the fact I owned two other GM vehicles with rebates, and my GM card, got it for $7,000.00 cash. Has a stainless steel exhaust system on it, did have to do a brake job recently with 55,000 miles on it, but other than that, has been trouble free. If I set the cruise for 55 mph, not easy to do with my wife in the car, can get 42 mpg. But tend to drive a lot faster so only get 36 mpg, always 31 mpg around town. Have the large alloy sports wheels, best winter car I have ever owned, it just goes, but watch out for 4WD SUV's, they don't stop any quicker than a 2WD vehicle and will slide right through a stop sign.

Looked at the Cobra and test drove one, got a backache before I left the dealership and thought I was piloting a blimp, no wonder why GM is going broke. Cavalier is using all corrosion resistant brake components, after four years of road salt, still looked like brand new.

Honda and Toyota is still living on their laurels of the 80's, my entire family plus me were driving Honda's and Toyota's, but domestic back then was a bad joke. In 92, the Japs devaluated the buck, and adopted the same ####### as the domestic cars in the 80's, none of my family are driving Honda's or Toyota's today, nothing but problems with way overpriced replacement parts, like 260 bucks for a two buck blower motor, they wear out too.

When I purchased my Cavalier, saw a 97 Civic in the lot with 140K on it with a price tag of $8,900.00, let some other sucker pay that much. Japs were trying to get the US market, did, and have been cleaning up on it ever since.

I have a 2006 Honda Civic. At this time they changed it and now it has a timing chain instead of a timing belt so no worries about it having to be changed and the costs incured by that. Though I bought the car in 2005, so far I haven't had any problems other than regular maintenance and I had to get a new battery.