They have made a lot of changes over the years including armor, threat tracking and even armaments. If someone isn’t doing their job they shouldn’t get hit and if one did make it through it will take a bit more than one shot to take one down.

You for got more guns than an A-10, can track and target more threats than an A-10 and more defensive options than an A-10.

In an active war zone where they think the gunship would be of use they have no less than 2 in the area at all times but they tend to only fly at night. I have a BIL that was the EWO on one and would do 6 to 9 month rotations in ‘the big sandbox’ a number of years back.

I don’t recall the exact number of AC-130s currently in service but I want to say less than 20 sounds to be in the ballpark. You are correct in that they are a larger more demanding craft and they are more susceptible to ground fire in general. This is why they typically fly at night, have a dedicated crew member…

Another reason to have a button or switch for your heated seats outside of the Infotainment system...

This here sums up pretty much all that GM* is producing today.

Same. Go team lights!

I suspect that this phenomenon is due to Auto headlights. People that have auto headlights figure the lights will come on when they need to and thus give them no second thought. I have found that often on foggy mornings it can be plenty bright out and thus not triggering the auto-headlight sensor. It doesn’t stop with…

Honest question: If one were to live in a state without annual (or any) vehicle inspections, what is stopping one from purchasing the Euro or Canadian spec headlights and associated equipment and installing them on their otherwise US spec vehicle?

Looks cool and all but I’d replace the roof top tent with bike racks and go from there. I can’t imagine sleeping on top of it would be more comfortable than sleeping in my hammock.

Or.. you could get a New Charger Scat Pack for $35k.

You should check out the mid to high spec, R/T on up, Charger/Challenger/300 (do they still make the 300?). The ‘19 I drove a few weeks ago had most of that (minus the ammeter) as the optional readout between the gauges as well as Top speed, 0-60 time, 0-100 time, Fuel economy, and several others I can’t think of…

If you think you don’t care for instant coffee I dare you to go and spend $6 on a jar of Cafe Bustello.

I must have gotten lucky... I have 11 and 13 year old boys at home and both are voracious readers. 

I do not doubt Mazda knows their market nor am I suggesting they should not have AWD as an option. I was merely countering the writers suggestion that the AWD Mazda 3 is the only Mazda 3 you should buy. Snow does not necessitate AWD. I may not be as far north as Quebec but I am more than familiar with snow and driving…

Counterpoint: I live in MN. We get snow. We have hills. I do not have AWD and have yet to be stuck, stranded or otherwise wishing I had AWD. Once or twice this season I thought ‘gee, snow tires may not be that bad of an idea’ but it didn’t last long enough for me to drop a grand on a second set of wheels and snow…

You’re fun. Have a star.

Perhaps we need better sightlines from 99.95% of the market...

I loved that bit!

That comment was more directed at the car I have now and towards cars in general, not specifically at the Mazda.