“only a Ford technician can recover the data”

Because traction and stability control is really just a software extension of the powertrain. The TC software F1 was using was intended to maximize performance without regard for the driver possibly doing something crazy to cause a wreck, it wasn’t ever intended for safety.

I’m pretty sure every new USDM vehicle already does the “black box” thing as an extension of OBDII. I’m not a huge fan of that either, but not being able to turn off TSC would be absurd. Besides limiting the ability to get out of heavy snow or mud, it would render any sports car useless on a track and any 4x4 vehicle…

I bet you also think that the TSA and the Patriot Act were great ideas that are keeping everyone safer. I am not defending what these C&C idiots do by any means, but we don’t need more nanny state bullshit to protect us from yet another statistically insignificant risk.

Yes, I believe all newer Fords do this when 911 Assist is activated after a crash. Source: The Raptor in the Rednecks w/Paychecks 90ft jump video.

Does Volkswagen get any conscious benefit from the a sense of a “German” or “European” identity in its products anymore? Do a significant number of buyers care about where their vehicle was designed and whether that circumstance has any benefits or detriments?

I’ve been impressed every time I’ve been in a new Hyundai or Kia rental over the past several years, but when I see clapped out lookin’ ones on the road that are only 4 or 5 years old, I can’t help but wonder if its because they aren’t durable, or if its just because they have low resale and appeal to trashy folks…

Girl I was dating back in high school once walked up to a Geo Tracker in the parking lot instead of my TJ, then continued to do it just to spite me after I pointed out the obvious differences.

TL;DR - Wheeling is 80/15/5% Skill/Equipment/Fucks Given

Tell that to the modern taxis of the world that rack up half a million miles or more before they are replaced. As long as the manufactures don't start purposefully building junk, I think the more efficiently used vehicles will actually last just as long.

Actual Sysadmin chiming in here who’s responsible for supporting lots of Macs and PC’s. Both Macs and PCs can last many years if you buy Pro level hardware, not sub-$1,000 consumer or pro-sumer craptops. The Mac hardware is becoming more appliance-like and non-user serviceable, but this is a trend that will be…

AT&T reassembled and is now bigger than they were before the breakup, arguably they do have more competition in regards to long distance telecom now due to the internet and cell carriers. TWC and Comcast are working towards snapping up every regional cable company out there besides Cox and Charter so far, they pretty…

You must live somewhere where it rarely rains sideways and/or precipitation never freezes. My TJ footwells turned into a skating rink on several cold mornings before I just gave up and pulled the drain plugs out for good.

Yeah... like Time Warner Cable, Comcast and AT&T. They’re doing a great job!

I’m sure some EPA sympathizers will be by shortly to tell you how TDIs directly killed numerous children, killed all of the plants in their yard and one time even blew soot all over the front of their Yukon Hybrid.

Go to the stealership and complain about your Wrangler leaking into the interior, I dare you. They will stuff black Permatex putty into every joint on your soft top. Don’t ask me how I know this. Just pull the drain plugs out and keep on Jeepin on, its one of the quirks of a Wrangler.

*crickets*

Clearly you’ve never been to Indiana.

Most investment firms allow you to invest the money from your HSA once you reach a certain amount in the account

I wouldn’t really consider multiple HSA’s to be a good investment in retirement, the interest yields barely keep pace with inflation as it is right now. If there are any administrative fees, you’re probably losing money even though it doesn’t appear so.