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National Car Test (NCT) Passed!

Friday Mar 03, 2006

Rainbow Car

I'd been told that the NCT was the reason that you don't see many old cars in Ireland. But then I wondered what happens to old cars here? Some seem to end up on farms or set on fire. I talked to a Nigerian man a few days ago who said that european cars often find there way to Nigeria where they are maintained for a long time. One of these old cars ended up in my driveway when its previous owner moved away. I'm amazed that our 19 year old car doesn't leak any fluids, doesn't have any corrosion is safe and doesn't pollute beyond the NCT limits (which seem to be less strict than the limits U.S. cars were required to pass in the mid 1970s.) I can certainly find fault with other aspects of Irish road safety, but I think the NCT is a good idea that should be imported to the U.S. Pollution tests only required in certain U.S. cities and as far as I know, very few U.S. states require a biannual safety test. Wouldn't this help reduce deaths, insurance costs, hospitilizations, and provide a needed boost to the U.S. auto industry?

Is it me, or does our car look a bit boxy, like the '66 rambler?

[4] Comments
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Posted at 10:55PM Mar 03, 2006 by bnitz in Living Abroad
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Brian, Dad gave me his 1986 NISSAN Maxima, runs fine and achieves 20/26MPG today! GREAT STUFF! My 'Project FIT' ware will be delayed until Q3-2007 as crucial product will NOT be available until Q1-2007. Marketing Slogan - "FERRARI performance, HONDA fuel economy, CHEVY price!" American manufacturered, Corn fed (E100)! Love that new T1 server ware!

Posted by William R. Walling on March 04, 2006 at 05:49 AM GMT+00:00 #

My dad gave me his '68 Plymouth Fury as a first car in 1988. I only had to buy a new transmission so it could go in reverse. So I know it's possible to keep cars in good shape well into their 2nd decade. Good luck with your venture.

Posted by bnitz on March 04, 2006 at 07:00 PM GMT+00:00 #

Brian, Thanks for your supportive comments. My second car, 1967 BUICK Skylark, was purchased from dad which coined a memorable statement, "don't look for cancer when it's only a cold!" Many times over these ensuing years I have realized the 'genius' of this comment. My new venture will require computing 'grunt' and multiple new SMB's (relocating to a state that welcomes SMB) with transportation industry alliances. I believe there is new SUN T2000 ware in my future! Keep you posted ...

Posted by William R. Walling on March 08, 2006 at 03:43 AM GMT+00:00 #

Its visual politics for the most part, rather than safety or emissions. If safety or emissions were the real priority, the consumer outrage would be huge here in the US, with way too many new cars failing to meet REAL LIFE safety or emissions standards. If they can't pass in the design phase, how much further short will they fall when tested after a couple years on the road. Although, I do have to admit that the lack of a floorpan, rockers, seat mounts, and totally out of spec tires in my rusted out 300Z is not exactly safe... but it sure is a blast to go fast on ice and snow.

Posted by Ron on March 10, 2006 at 09:22 PM GMT+00:00 #

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