<all> Service agreements, SUVs, thread protocol

["EREC - Duncan, Cameron" <CDUNCAN@smtpgate.nciinc.com>]

Service agreements:
When I recently purchased ('91 200T), I was offered a service 
agreement/warrantee, probably not as friendly as the "Platinum" plan 
mentioned recently. I was informed of the following:
...dealers buy these plans for much less than the policy holder must pay; 
maybe 5-15% of that amount.
...the policies do not cover common maintence items.
...other plans are available from the same carrier.
...you can obtain a plan from another company instead.
...the dealer's service dept. will typically argue that the repair your car 
needs is NOT covered, but will often cover it if you are VERY persistant.
...THE way to get the plan at a reasonable price is to include it in the 
vehicle purchase negotiations. The cost of the plan can be cut in half 
(according to personal experience of previous posters).

The general consensus on this earlier was...
...avoid these agreements (stacked in policy writer's favor),
...invest in sensible maintenance upgrades (regular fluid changes, maybe 
synthetics, etc.)
...and stick with the list.
..........................................
SUVs: (just my $0.02)
...good height, good visibility, percieved good mass (ie. survivability)
...good versatility (hauling stuff, people; visiting campgrounds, etc.)
...good "urban gorilla" capabilities (flooded streets, c*%ppy roads 
(potholes!))
...utilitarian interior that fits rugrat demolition (better than my leather 
interior)
(...how much snow would it take to stop a Quattro? Isn't much of it based on 
ground clearance? My one experience with slick, snow-covered roadways in my 
200 was just that--very slippery (didn't seem to be much the snow car, 
though okay) ! Now VERY envious of those with quattros.)
...........................................
Thread protocol:
I often rename the "Subject" title of many of the threads so I can 
catorigize/retrieve them better later. Other lists begin the "Subject" with 
the car type (ex....Subject: <5k> Brakes...or Subject: <90q> Timing belt). 
It sure makes finding info. on a topic or vehicle type a quicker search. How 
'bout it? thoughts? Dan?
...........................................
Cameron Duncan           '91 200T
Bethesda, MD             '91 Taurus SW
cameron.duncan@nciinc.com     '73 240Z