[V8] The perennial question returns: How much is a V8 worth?

[diemarthadie at aol.com]

I had a Taurus wagon failing MD state inspection because the center seat belt on a split front bench wasn't latching properly.? I asked the tech if I could simply remove the belt and anchors since no one could ever sit there as my wife and I are 8 inches different height and the seats never line up.? He said, "Sure, if I hadn't already seen it".? Since he'd seen it, he had to fail it if it didn't work.? All original and safetly equipment counts, so Roger might very well have an issue in ME.? I sat in the lot at the mechanics and cleaned and bashed the stupid latch around until it worked twice with him watching.? 5 years later it still has never been used...

Never attempt to follow all the wisdom of a state inspection process...


-----Original Message-----
From: Ed Kellock <ekellock at gmail.com>
To: v8 at audifans.com
Sent: Wed, 26 Sep 2007 12:15 pm
Subject: Re: [V8] The perennial question returns: How much is a V8 worth?



Though I would be surprised if a V8 failed inspection due to missing
headlight wipers, we must keep in mind that this is not Roger's
opinion, it is his suspicion that the state of Maine would do so.
Considering his experience in other areas, at least the suspicion
seems valid.

Still, I wouldn't put headlight wipers in the same category as airbag
fault light being on or the ABS system being inoperative.  Those are
fairly common and standard systems, whereas how many cars even have
any system to clear the headlights.  Just my 2 cents worth.

I agree with Roger in terms of opinion of the two choices made by the
car's current owner.  I like the wipers.  They are one of the unique
elements of the car.  Removing then leaves much the same result as
when Jennifer Gray (Ferris Bueler's Day Off, Dirty Dancing) got a nose
job... she just doesn't look like herself any more.  And I don't like
most aftermarket radios.  This is most likely more a function of me
personally not being much of an audiphile so the actual performance of
the set is not primary.  I'm more about the car and not spoiling it or
attracting attention.  That flashy radio may be the one and only
reason why anyone would every bother breaking into any of these cars
these days.

These things would absolutely not prevent me from buying the car if I
that is what I wanted to do.  But that's just me.  I still have the
H&R's in my black car and that was one thing I said I would do away
with right away.

Ed


On 9/26/07, Dave Saad <dsaad at icehouse.net> wrote:
>
>
> Have to agree with Dave C on this one Rodger -
> By your
> interpretation, a missing chrome strip would fail inspection. I don't
> think they can legally be that picky.
>
> The intent is to make
> sure the cars are roadworthy. 99.9999% of cars on the road have no
> headlight wipers. If they did raise a stink, you would be well within your
> rights to demand that all cars without headlight wipers fail inspection.
> That sort of talk makes lawyers drool.
> That would get some attention
> though! Just think - only 1990 to 1994 Audi V8s would be allowed to drive
> in Maine!!
>
> The same goes for the cat overheat light. No other
> car has it, it makes no difference in how the system works, and should be
> considered on option just like an oil temp gauge.
>
>
>
> > ---- "Coleman wrote:
> >> Roger, I have serious
> doubts that the car would not pass due to the
> >> headlight
> wipers being omitted -- unless you felt some need to point it
> >> out.  Plus, I think they fall under the category of an option
> that came
> >> standard (if you will).  It's more of a
> convenience rather than a safety
> >> measure (and although weak,
> a similar argument could be made for heated
> >> seats and the
> Quattro system, e.g.).
> >>
>
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