Date:         Wed, 7 Apr 1999 02:21:06 +0200
Reply-To:     Per Lindgren <lindgre@ONLINE.NO>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Per Lindgren <lindgre@ONLINE.NO>
Subject:      Re: German vs. Japanese motors
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

ARKADY MIRVIS wrote:

> I met many Germans-mechanics who reluctantly admitted that Japan builts
> excellent motors: they may be less friendly in service, but accuracy in
> machining and metal is outstanding.  ARK.

Japanese cars may be of great accuracy in the shop, and they have copied many
elements from Germany (and US), but they have never been able to copy the feeling
of driving a German car. We had a Mitsubishi Van (L400) at work, we drove 90000
kms (56000 miles) in 15 months, without any problems. The only problem was
impossible to fix, the car drove like a container. Harsh ride, no handling,
terrible in winter, too high gearing, bad seats etc, etc. Now we drive a MB Vito,
it has had many problems (ABS gone twice, power locks gone twice, DRLs gone once
(mandatory), interior plastic breaking, lousy build quality ++), but it is
beautiful to drive, except for the seats. Compared to the Mitsu, the Vito is
virtually a sportscar. We all want a Transporter of course, but the head office
is buying either MB, Mitsu or Ford, so we wont get a VW yet.

PerL
88 Syncro
Arendal, Norway