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Yes, but only if the vehicle is under warranty. They'll tell the truth if it means extra revenue.
"A loophole in the gas guzzler tax provides automakers a free ride to build and market inefficient, polluting vehicles while taxpayers are left holding the bag."
No.1- It's not a "loophole" if it is specifically written into the law. A loophole is when a way has been found to circumvent the intent of a law or rule. The anti-everything folks like to use that "loophole" word to imply there's something unscrupulous about it. Like the over 6000 lb GVW tax write-off for business owners that is a tax LAW. How many times have I heard that referred to as a "loophole"?
No.2- These triplets we have all meet NLEV (National Low Emission Vehicle) standards for low emissions. They do not pollute any more than a similar weight and engine size car.
No.3- As far as taxpayers having to absorb the cost of us "gas guzzling SUV" drivers, for every extra gallon of gas I burn, I pay 40¢ more in state and federal tax. Therefore, for every mile I drive my TrailBlazer, I pay double the taxes someone that drives a 30+ mpg vehicle pays. No guilt here.
...
Like the over 6000 lb GVW tax write-off for business owners that is a tax LAW. How many times have I heard that referred to as a "loophole"?
The intent of the law was to make it affordable for farmers and such to own trucks which they need for their livelihood. If I buy a Hummer because I think it's cool and only use it to get groceries, yet still claim a tax deduction, am I not violating the intent of the law? That, my friend, is a loophole.
Frank
No, that would be breaking the law. If you take the claim on your signed tax return that the Hummer is used 100% for business and it's not, and/or you don't actually own a business and are willing to commit fraud against the IRS (lie) you'd be in big trouble if/when they cought up with you. They expanded it to business owners and increased the maximum to $100,000 because some of those heavy-duty trucks cost more than the $25,000 it was. Of course there is always someone there to cheat and abuse rules, but loophole, no.
Anyway, it's still a loophole because it was intended for farmers, but never says anything about actually needing a 6000 lb. GVWR vehicle. So if I had my own business selling insurance, I could deduct a Hummer but not a Trailblazer.
Tax Code 179
Jerry Reynolds, who wrote this, also has a local radio talk show on every Saturday afternoon, (WBAP 820, on the internet too). He never advertises Fords or his dealerships on the show! Good guy-I have personally dealt with him in the past.
"So if I had my own business selling insurance, I could deduct a Hummer but not a Trailblazer." Get a Trailblazer EXT and you can. Get one with a V8 too!
No, that would be breaking the law. If you take the claim on your signed tax return that the Hummer is used 100% for business and it's not, and/or you don't actually own a business and are willing to commit fraud against the IRS (lie) you'd be in big trouble if/when they cought up with you.
Is it just me, or when a GM vehicle has a problem, the dealer always lies to the consumer?? Is that cost-cutting or what??
Scott replied:
Yes, but only if the vehicle is under warranty. They'll tell the truth if it means extra revenue.
Unless they tell you that you need something done or a service performed when you really don't, which can happen with any make of dealer.
That's why it's good to also have an independent mechanic that you trust, especially after the warranty period, or if you want a second opinion in the warranty period.
I am surprised that I didn't get more comments about the TSB comparison between the '02 Explorer (207) Vs. the Envoy (33).
Happy New Year to all.
Chris
Happy New Year to all
Frank
Y'all have a Happy and SAFE New Year,
Tim
Any comments would be welcome..
Thanks
Must be nice to have a lot of money........Or perhaps it is a lack of sense....
~Ken
Perhaps many are out enjoying the snow. :-)
tidester, host
http://www.weather.com/weather/alerts/?alertId=26047&dbSeq=nu- ll
I'll let you know how the TB is in 3 feet of snow!!!!!!
By the way, where is the computer located that they plug into? I've never really looked for it. Thanks.
I just had mine done, NOT at the dealer, but by a known, trusted state certified tech I have dealt with in the past. He does both my vehicles. I'd almost bet money if you go to the dealer they will present you with a list of wiper blades, filters, fluid changes, and other maintenance items that you "need" to get done, to go along with the inspection, since they don't make much profit from just the inspection. Any shop that has the "Air Check Texas" sign out front is certified to do this test. Mine was done in about 15 min.
"By the way, where is the computer located that they plug into? I've never really looked for it."
OBD2 port they plug into is located under the dash, above the gas pedal. (Where my Carchip data recorder stays plugged in). Two "main" computers in these vehicles- PCM itself is under the hood on the engine, BCM is under the L-rear seat. They "talk" to each other via a serial data bus.
What do they check for in the safety inspection anyway? We don't have a safety inspection in Illinois. I guess we don't have to be told when our cars are not safe to drive.
Frank
-Check for broken or burned out turn signals, brake lights, tail Lights, license plate light and reflectors
-Check for missing or broken gas cap & seal
-Check operation and condition of seat belts
-Check parking brake function (does it hold the car)
-Window Tint (1988 or newer only, check too dark/below AS1 line on front windshield)
-Rear view mirror
-Interior high beam indicator, high beam switch, turn signal indicators
-Check wiper blade condition and operation
-EGR, TAC, PCV components (present/working)
-Check operation and condition of power steering and power brakes
-Check EVAP cannister and air pump
-Check operation and condition of headlights
-Exhaust System (including manifold, check for leaks, proper hangers)
-Check catalytic converter function (1984 or newer)
-Check tires (rim condition, tire condition, minimum tire tread, all lug nuts, splits/cracks)
-You must present proof of insurance at the time of inspection. Valid proof of insurance is required per state law.
-During the driving portion of the State Inspection Test, the vehicle will be checked for steering slack or binding, horn operation, brake stopping distance and parking brake function
Aldan93, I did go to Rochester over the holidays. If you look at satellite images of the area it snows non stop from Buffalo all down the South side of lake Ontario. You can off road on the road there!
Hope the triplet gang had a good holiday.
They normally do not have the minimum wage guys doing inspections. The inspector has to go though state training, certification, and keep updated, so the inspection personnel are not the bottom rung employees. When the inspector comes out and says your vehicle has a problem, most people probably take that person's word for it.
I'm having a problem with the wipers on my Envoy. When they are in normal mode, they wipe fine, but if they are in intermittant mode, they seems to 'stick' as the wiper tries to return from a wipe. This is annoying and causes lines of water to stay where it stuck and skipped. It seems as if it does not have enough power to return the wiper to the resting position. I tried cleaning the blades with vinegar and when that didn't work, I replaced them. Still no luck. Could the motor be failing? Could this be a defect in the intermittant mode?
Has anyone seen this before?
thanks,
-John
Has anyone seen this before?"
Yes X3. Problems with water getting in the motor cover that also covers the internal pc board that controls the wiper functions. Go get a new wiper motor [non-permissible content removed]'y at the dealer. NHTSA was supposedly studying these and possibly a recall coming.
GAM
I'm considering a JET chip or programmable module, a throttle body spacer, cold air intake kit and an exhaust (Borla, Corsa, JBA). Have any of you guys noticed significant performance improvement by going with these bits? I'm looking to dramatically improve throttle response, shift points and shift crispness.
BTW, last April I put on Eibach springs (1-3 inches lower and 25+% stiffer than stock) and BF Goodrich Comp T/A HR4s. They practically made the Envoy a 4,400 lb go-kart! The much-improved handling and straight-line tracking (highway speeds in particular) is amazing! Worth every penny and then some.
I just received a Volant cold induction system for my 03 Envoy today. I will install this week. Already have the Borla system. Did not notice a significant increase in throttle response with the Borla. Looks nice though.
From my understanding from other forums, the computer in the Envoy will over ride the jet chip or other programmable module after a period of time. I would like to get a Westers module if and when it becomes available.
What rear end ratio do you have?
The drive home last night I went thru several snow drifts that went over the hood!!! Its not that bad, trust me I've seen it worse!!! When you see the national guard out, its about as bad as it gets!!!!!
I don't think there's too much to be gained on the exhaust side either, since they're all cat-backs and don't have a header.
As for the chips, I suppose they adjust timing and air/fuel ratio and probably are pretty good,
but I don't have one (yet). I refuse to believe anyone who says that the computer overrides them over time. Come on! It's not Skynet that's in these things.
Problem with it here is, the vehicles that get the legitimate inspections are the ones that will likely pass. The scofflaws that drive the old clunkers I see every day buy these bogus stickers thinking they will get away with it. Makes a big underground market for bogus stickers. Then when a police officer pulls 'em over and runs the serial number on the sticker and it comes back invalid, then either the driver gets a $240 ticket, or goes to jail for outstanding warrants, and makes doing the needed repairs and getting a real inspection seem cheap by comparison, I am sure.
From the August 2000 Technical Description:
"The main processor operates at 24 MHz with 1 MB of memory. The electronic throttle processor operates at 22 MHz with 48 KB of memory. The controller monitors 11 engine sensors including crank and cam timing sensors, manifold absolute pressure sensor, oxygen sensors, and coolant sensors, as well as transmission sensors. The PCM manages all engine and transmission functions, as well as communicates with other vehicle Electronic Control Modules. Fueling is controlled by a speed density algorithm. This eliminates the requirement for a mass air flow meter. Additional key functions the PCM controls on the engine include the electronic throttle body, cam phaser adjustment, ignition system timing and starter engagement/disengagement. The PCM manages the electronic throttle, considering data such as drive-wheel slip and transmission gear. It controls throttle progression for maximum driveability and ease of operation. In conjunction with the cam phaser, the PCM optimizes valve overlap and allows sufficient
exhaust gas recirculation without a separate system."
And part of what these aftermarket add-on modules do is change the transmission shift points and firmness. This description is how the PCM monitors and actively adapts to changes with the transmission:
"The 4L60-E uses sophisticated electronics to modify shift patterns as conditions dictate. The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) monitors factors such as throttle position, vehicle speed, gear range, temperature and engine load. The PCM also measures changes in the operating condition of the vehicle, which occur naturally over time as components wear. Based on these measurements, shift timing and hydraulic line pressure are adapted to maintain optimum shift feel under different conditions - for example, during heavy hauling or trailering. This results in improved drivability and fuel economy. The PCM also allows the system to self-adjust for variations in each new unit, ensuring that every customer experiences consistent performance, and ensuring that the transmission will produce a constant high level of performance for the life of the car."