GM crisis ... and your thoughts buying a new Corvette now

<drb> wrote in message
> Seriously is it wise to buy a new Corvette now in the face of this
> crisis? I'm not talking how good the deals are and I don't mean ANY
> disrespect for the Corvette owners or such especially the ones who
> have bought a new one recently. I realize no one has a crystal ball
> to predict the future with any certainty but any thoughts on this
> crisis?
>
> Let's suppose the worst case scenario, which I think is I buy a new
> (2008 or 2009) Corvette and GM goes out of business thereafter. What
> happens next? Where do we all get our parts from perhaps years later?
> Does anyone know of any other cars in this predicament from years ago
> and what happened to their part supplies? That might help us
> understand I think the Corvette future saga (in the worst case
> scenario). Personally I don't think the worst case scenario will
> happen but I'm just wanting to be prepared for the worst. I'd hate to
> think my $45,000 car is undriveable due to lack of parts. I don't
> care about its value because I'm not treating it like an investment
> when I buy it. I'm buying it in the hope of driving it for the rest
> of my life but that, I expect, will require replacement parts down the
> road.

There will always be an aftermarket to get parts.

I don't believe the federal government will let GM and Ford die. At the
worst, they will go bankrupt and reorganize, which will get them out from
under the labor contracts and retiree health-care costs. They will continue
as ongoing enterprises. We need a domestic auto industry, and besides you
can't throw that many people onto the streets. The unemployment benefits
would cost the whole country (which, I know. probably is already
bankrupt...) probably more than the bailout money that they're asking for.

Am I in favor of a bailout? Yes. I think it would be cheaper than the cost
of letting them fail. I DO HOPE (and I believe it's true) that GM and Ford
have learned that in the face of global competition they will have to design
and build better products at less cost. They have been downsizing, but I
for one hope they don't end up downsizing to zero.

AJM
'93 40th Anniversary coupe, 6 sp (both tops)
 >> Stay informed about: GM crisis ... and your thoughts buying a new Corvette now 

wrote in message

On Nov 11, 7:46 am, drb wrote:
> Seriously is it wise to buy a new Corvette now in the face of this
> crisis? I'm not talking how good the deals are and I don't mean ANY
> disrespect for the Corvette owners or such especially the ones who
> have bought a new one recently. I realize no one has a crystal ball
> to predict the future with any certainty but any thoughts on this
> crisis?
>
> Let's suppose the worst case scenario, which I think is I buy a new
> (2008 or 2009) Corvette and GM goes out of business thereafter. What
> happens next? Where do we all get our parts from perhaps years later?
> Does anyone know of any other cars in this predicament from years ago
> and what happened to their part supplies? That might help us
> understand I think the Corvette future saga (in the worst case
> scenario). Personally I don't think the worst case scenario will
> happen but I'm just wanting to be prepared for the worst. I'd hate to
> think my $45,000 car is undriveable due to lack of parts. I don't
> care about its value because I'm not treating it like an investment
> when I buy it. I'm buying it in the hope of driving it for the rest
> of my life but that, I expect, will require replacement parts down the
> road.

REPLY: Parts will be available ; either factory parts/aftermarket
parts . If youre in the market for a new Corvette, Id say hold off a
little longer because the Corvette could get devalued temporarily if a
take-over comes about which will make it a Buyers Market .

Really? They just upped the price. It has been a buyers market. Anytime you
can purchase below cost it is a buyers market.
 >> Stay informed about: GM crisis ... and your thoughts buying a new Corvette now 

I am in the toy train business. K-Line made some nice trains but went
belly up. Lionel bought them out and a large hobby shop took care of
K-Line repairs very poorly and would not support warranty claims.
After three years, Lionel is starting to come up to speed. Parts are
a big problem.

There are plenty of Corvette specialty shops out there - I use one
instead of a dealer. If they can get the parts we will be fine.

Alternatively, Corvette is a gem in the GM line and would probably be
picked off by BMW, Porche, or ... The car sells well in Europe as
evidenced by its' new headlight arrangement.

I am keeping mine - no foreign iron (or fiberglass) for me.

Bob Drake
Alexandria, VA

drb wrote:
> Seriously is it wise to buy a new Corvette now in the face of this
> crisis? I'm not talking how good the deals are and I don't mean ANY
> disrespect for the Corvette owners or such especially the ones who
> have bought a new one recently. I realize no one has a crystal ball
> to predict the future with any certainty but any thoughts on this
> crisis?
>
> Let's suppose the worst case scenario, which I think is I buy a new
> (2008 or 2009) Corvette and GM goes out of business thereafter. What
> happens next? Where do we all get our parts from perhaps years later?
> Does anyone know of any other cars in this predicament from years ago
> and what happened to their part supplies? That might help us
> understand I think the Corvette future saga (in the worst case
> scenario). Personally I don't think the worst case scenario will
> happen but I'm just wanting to be prepared for the worst. I'd hate to
> think my $45,000 car is undriveable due to lack of parts. I don't
> care about its value because I'm not treating it like an investment
> when I buy it. I'm buying it in the hope of driving it for the rest
> of my life but that, I expect, will require replacement parts down the
> road.
 >> Stay informed about: GM crisis ... and your thoughts buying a new Corvette now 

It may already be a buyer's market. I was down at the local dealer for a part
today and boy did they have a line of 'vettes.

BTW, what really jacked my jaws was that that they GAVE me the part I needed
(oil pan drain gasket). Then he GAVE me another one.


wrote in message
If youre in the market for a new Corvette, Id say hold off a
little longer because the Corvette could get devalued temporarily if a
take-over comes about which will make it a Buyers Market .
 >> Stay informed about: GM crisis ... and your thoughts buying a new Corvette now 

That is one of the bad things that happen to companies that advertise they
are going out of business. They have a more difficult time selling
equipment that needs them around to service them.

However, whenever there is money to be made, someone will provide. There
will always be a need for GM parts and service. If GM doesn't provide them
then an aftermarket company will.

I say go ahead and buy the Corvette. Personally I am waiting for a 5 L
Vette with a 7500+ rpm rev line. 4 valves per cylinder, variable intake and
exhaust timing, direct injection, OH cam and a whole lot less weight.

I guess I will just keep waiting. One of these days, GM will be slightly
more elegant in the way it develops horsepower.

Vito


<drb> wrote in message
> Seriously is it wise to buy a new Corvette now in the face of this
> crisis? I'm not talking how good the deals are and I don't mean ANY
> disrespect for the Corvette owners or such especially the ones who
> have bought a new one recently. I realize no one has a crystal ball
> to predict the future with any certainty but any thoughts on this
> crisis?
>
> Let's suppose the worst case scenario, which I think is I buy a new
> (2008 or 2009) Corvette and GM goes out of business thereafter. What
> happens next? Where do we all get our parts from perhaps years later?
> Does anyone know of any other cars in this predicament from years ago
> and what happened to their part supplies? That might help us
> understand I think the Corvette future saga (in the worst case
> scenario). Personally I don't think the worst case scenario will
> happen but I'm just wanting to be prepared for the worst. I'd hate to
> think my $45,000 car is undriveable due to lack of parts. I don't
> care about its value because I'm not treating it like an investment
> when I buy it. I'm buying it in the hope of driving it for the rest
> of my life but that, I expect, will require replacement parts down the
> road.
 >> Stay informed about: GM crisis ... and your thoughts buying a new Corvette now 

Sophisticated engineering solutions are like
sophisticated people -- they don't have to work!
--
pj


Uncle_vito wrote:
> That is one of the bad things that happen to companies that advertise they
> are going out of business. They have a more difficult time selling
> equipment that needs them around to service them.
>
> However, whenever there is money to be made, someone will provide. There
> will always be a need for GM parts and service. If GM doesn't provide them
> then an aftermarket company will.
>
> I say go ahead and buy the Corvette. Personally I am waiting for a 5 L
> Vette with a 7500+ rpm rev line. 4 valves per cylinder, variable intake and
> exhaust timing, direct injection, OH cam and a whole lot less weight.
>
> I guess I will just keep waiting. One of these days, GM will be slightly
> more elegant in the way it develops horsepower.
>
> Vito
>
>
> <drb> wrote in message
>> Seriously is it wise to buy a new Corvette now in the face of this
>> crisis? I'm not talking how good the deals are and I don't mean ANY
>> disrespect for the Corvette owners or such especially the ones who
>> have bought a new one recently. I realize no one has a crystal ball
>> to predict the future with any certainty but any thoughts on this
>> crisis?
>>
>> Let's suppose the worst case scenario, which I think is I buy a new
>> (2008 or 2009) Corvette and GM goes out of business thereafter. What
>> happens next? Where do we all get our parts from perhaps years later?
>> Does anyone know of any other cars in this predicament from years ago
>> and what happened to their part supplies? That might help us
>> understand I think the Corvette future saga (in the worst case
>> scenario). Personally I don't think the worst case scenario will
>> happen but I'm just wanting to be prepared for the worst. I'd hate to
>> think my $45,000 car is undriveable due to lack of parts. I don't
>> care about its value because I'm not treating it like an investment
>> when I buy it. I'm buying it in the hope of driving it for the rest
>> of my life but that, I expect, will require replacement parts down the
>> road.
>
>
 >> Stay informed about: GM crisis ... and your thoughts buying a new Corvette now 

You may want to review the meaning of elegant solution. Cause what you
say you are waiting for, ain't it. It is here now.

Uncle_vito wrote:
> That is one of the bad things that happen to companies that advertise they
> are going out of business. They have a more difficult time selling
> equipment that needs them around to service them.
>
> However, whenever there is money to be made, someone will provide. There
> will always be a need for GM parts and service. If GM doesn't provide them
> then an aftermarket company will.
>
> I say go ahead and buy the Corvette. Personally I am waiting for a 5 L
> Vette with a 7500+ rpm rev line. 4 valves per cylinder, variable intake and
> exhaust timing, direct injection, OH cam and a whole lot less weight.
>
> I guess I will just keep waiting. One of these days, GM will be slightly
> more elegant in the way it develops horsepower.
>
> Vito
>
>
> <drb> wrote in message
>> Seriously is it wise to buy a new Corvette now in the face of this
>> crisis? I'm not talking how good the deals are and I don't mean ANY
>> disrespect for the Corvette owners or such especially the ones who
>> have bought a new one recently. I realize no one has a crystal ball
>> to predict the future with any certainty but any thoughts on this
>> crisis?
>>
>> Let's suppose the worst case scenario, which I think is I buy a new
>> (2008 or 2009) Corvette and GM goes out of business thereafter. What
>> happens next? Where do we all get our parts from perhaps years later?
>> Does anyone know of any other cars in this predicament from years ago
>> and what happened to their part supplies? That might help us
>> understand I think the Corvette future saga (in the worst case
>> scenario). Personally I don't think the worst case scenario will
>> happen but I'm just wanting to be prepared for the worst. I'd hate to
>> think my $45,000 car is undriveable due to lack of parts. I don't
>> care about its value because I'm not treating it like an investment
>> when I buy it. I'm buying it in the hope of driving it for the rest
>> of my life but that, I expect, will require replacement parts down the
>> road.
>
>
 >> Stay informed about: GM crisis ... and your thoughts buying a new Corvette now 

"Uncle_vito" wrote in message

> That is one of the bad things that happen to companies that
> advertise they are going out of business. They have a more
> difficult time selling equipment that needs them around to service
> them.
>
> However, whenever there is money to be made, someone will provide.
> There will always be a need for GM parts and service. If GM doesn't
> provide them then an aftermarket company will.
>
> I say go ahead and buy the Corvette. Personally I am waiting for a
> 5 L Vette with a 7500+ rpm rev line. 4 valves per cylinder,
> variable intake and exhaust timing, direct injection, OH cam and a
> whole lot less weight.
>
> I guess I will just keep waiting. One of these days, GM will be
> slightly more elegant in the way it develops horsepower.
>
> Vito
>
I think they are already doing that although not in a 5 liter or
Corvette. Myself I'd never touch one that has an OH cam, not required
as I see it. What was that short lived Corvette with the boat motor
that doubled the price? What does NASCAR have for a rev limit on their
V8?

"General Motors has released the first details and images for its new
Chevrolet Cruze, which is scheduled to make its world debut at this
October’s Paris Motor Show. Joining the recently launched Insignia
sedan, the new Cruze has been developed from the ground-up as a global
model and will eventually be sold in Europe, North America and Asia.

The Cruze has been designed for the European market and will be
available with two gas engines and one diesel engine upon its launch
in March next year. The gas engines measure 1.6 and 1.8L and develop
112hp (82kW) and 140hp (103kW) respectively. Both feature variable
valve timing on the inlet and exhaust sides to improve fuel economy
and boost low-end performance. The oil-burner is a 2.0L turbodiesel
and develops 150hp (110lW) and 320Nm of torque. A five-speed manual
will be fitted as standard but a new six-automatic will also be
available.

The North American version of the car will replace the current Cobalt
and is set to receive its own powertrain lineup and trim options.
Power for the American version is expected to come from a 1.4L turbo
four-cylinder that’s good for 40mpg (5.88L/100km) on the open road,
and likely to get close to 30mpg (7.8L/100km) in city use. Production
will be handled at GM’s Lordstown assembly plant in Ohio, most likely
in early 2010, with first sales to start soon after.

Built around the Delta 2 platform - the first GM vehicle to use the
new architecture - the Cruze will be the forerunner of the
replacements for many of GM’s cars around the world including the HHR,
the Cobalt and Opel’s Zafira.
For the Asian market the car will be badged as a Daewoo and is
expected to go on sale about the same time as the North American
version."
 >> Stay informed about: GM crisis ... and your thoughts buying a new Corvette now 

I am impressed with the technology but am totally turned off by the name.
Cruze. I would almost be embarassed to pick a name like that. Let alone
with that spelling. Similarly the Saturn Vue minivan. Another stupid name
and stupid spelling. I supposed it is pronounce like VIEW, in which case it
should be spelled as such.

GM names its vehicles such that it is almost an embarasment to be seen in
one.

GM should be allowed to go BK. Then a company needs to come in and buy it
for pennies on the dollar. Throw out the unions and all management. Put in
new managment and workers who really want to work to make better vehicles
and not see how much money for how little work they can get away with.

Vito


"Dad" wrote in message

>
> "Uncle_vito" wrote in message
>
>> That is one of the bad things that happen to companies that advertise
>> they are going out of business. They have a more difficult time selling
>> equipment that needs them around to service them.
>>
>> However, whenever there is money to be made, someone will provide. There
>> will always be a need for GM parts and service. If GM doesn't provide
>> them then an aftermarket company will.
>>
>> I say go ahead and buy the Corvette. Personally I am waiting for a 5 L
>> Vette with a 7500+ rpm rev line. 4 valves per cylinder, variable intake
>> and exhaust timing, direct injection, OH cam and a whole lot less weight.
>>
>> I guess I will just keep waiting. One of these days, GM will be slightly
>> more elegant in the way it develops horsepower.
>>
>> Vito
>>
> I think they are already doing that although not in a 5 liter or Corvette.
> Myself I'd never touch one that has an OH cam, not required as I see it.
> What was that short lived Corvette with the boat motor that doubled the
> price? What does NASCAR have for a rev limit on their V8?
>
> "General Motors has released the first details and images for its new
> Chevrolet Cruze, which is scheduled to make its world debut at this
> Octobers Paris Motor Show. Joining the recently launched Insignia sedan,
> the new Cruze has been developed from the ground-up as a global model and
> will eventually be sold in Europe, North America and Asia.
>
> The Cruze has been designed for the European market and will be available
> with two gas engines and one diesel engine upon its launch in March next
> year. The gas engines measure 1.6 and 1.8L and develop 112hp (82kW) and
> 140hp (103kW) respectively. Both feature variable valve timing on the
> inlet and exhaust sides to improve fuel economy and boost low-end
> performance. The oil-burner is a 2.0L turbodiesel and develops 150hp
> (110lW) and 320Nm of torque. A five-speed manual will be fitted as
> standard but a new six-automatic will also be available.
>
> The North American version of the car will replace the current Cobalt and
> is set to receive its own powertrain lineup and trim options. Power for
> the American version is expected to come from a 1.4L turbo four-cylinder
> thats good for 40mpg (5.88L/100km) on the open road, and likely to get
> close to 30mpg (7.8L/100km) in city use. Production will be handled at
> GMs Lordstown assembly plant in Ohio, most likely in early 2010, with
> first sales to start soon after.
>
> Built around the Delta 2 platform - the first GM vehicle to use the new
> architecture - the Cruze will be the forerunner of the replacements for
> many of GMs cars around the world including the HHR, the Cobalt and
> Opels Zafira.
> For the Asian market the car will be badged as a Daewoo and is expected to
> go on sale about the same time as the North American version."
>
 >> Stay informed about: GM crisis ... and your thoughts buying a new Corvette now 

"Uncle_vito" wrote in message

> For mileage and CO2 emission requirements GM is going to have to do
> some major wizardry on their engine lineup. I suspect that is one
> of the things they need the $25B bailout for. Get them over the
> emissions and mileage hump that they hadn't anticipated and allowed
> for.
>
> I will bet the next Corvette will have the OHC, 4 valves per,
> variable valve timing, 7000 rpm redline we all know GM is capable
> of, but they hold back becuase of the cost and because the fanatic
> Corvette owner already buys anything they put out with the Corvette
> name on it.
>
You want to put a time frame on bet for that engine? I'm in for some
money on a reasonable time. I think you're dreaming and I still see no
need for the engine being an overhead cam but will concede to the
variable timing which you'll never own anyway unless you live well
over 90 years.

The Corvette already exceeds the tougher California standards. It used
to have a different model but not since the LSX engines were
introduced and proved themselves.
 >> Stay informed about: GM crisis ... and your thoughts buying a new Corvette now