Renault Shares Drop on Apparent Fraud Probe into Emissions

For example, we didn't know that, until a few years ago, Subarus were prone to cracked head gaskets. We only learned that after it happened to us and the mechanic told us it was very common. Armed with new search terms, Google confirmed what the mechanic said.

I have never got my head around people who buy these vechicles filled with gadgets, and expect these gadgets to last for more than a few seasons. (I know this is offtopic, and the discussion is about emmissions and cheaters, but if customers realized just how hard it is to get these sporty vechicles to run terrific at all times right--while being essentially choked by a plethora of smog devices. Well they might not be so picky.)

I've sold cars. I've worked as a mechanic. I'm not going to spout off a lot of advice, but there's some things I feel should be said:

1. If buying used, forget about that "I need to bring my mechanic by, before I buy." That's used car lot advice. Not private sale advice. Bring cash if you wanted good deal. The better cars evaporate pretty quick.

2. Forget about all the gadgets. Roll up your own windows. A good heater on a used car is nothing more than an engine that's running hot, or the thermostat is missing or stuck. Look for vechicles that are built well. A used Toyota is a safe bet.

3. Early on learn a little about auto mechanics. Over a lifetime, you will be suprised how much you save. With today's three propriariary, computer cars--well it's more difficult, but then again, you have the Internet.

4. When buying a vechicle research the drivetrain, and engine. Is the drivetrain time tested? Is the engine reliable?

5. Forget about color, sear heaters, all the gadgets. They just Break down. My father's quote on electric Windows, "The day I can't roll down my own windows--take me out of my misery." My father was old school though. He always had an older vechicle, with enough modifications to outrun the State police--if needed. A Mickey's beer between his leg, and a lit Carleton in his lips. Car security was a kill switch running between the secondary wire on the distributer, and a switch in the cab, and a claw hammer behind the seat. Times were definetly different back then.

If it doesn't hurt, they won't learn.

The penalties for doing this need to be:

(1) Confiscation of individual wealth, and (2) Prison

The reason behind this reason is that as long as consumers keep demanding cheaper products, companies will continue looking for ways to lower their costs. Just take a look at poultry farms, they are living hells, but people don't seem to mind it as long as they can buy 6 chicken nuggets for 99 cents.

We can't have the cake and eat it too, we have to decide whether we want companies to be responsible or if we want to pay less for the products and services we consume.

[0] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_Duratorq_engine#1.6_.22Ti...

we only know authorities investigated on renault closely but the relation to the cheating scandal isn't confirmed

It will be interesting to see unfold, it could very well end diesel in consumer cars which would be unfortunate as I think there are real values to the diesel cycle.

If you want to be sure to not be affected, buy either a petrol / gas or electric car. I'm pretty sure tesla will not be affected by this..

Other brands offer hybrids but only on higher models (BMW hybrid only available on the X5 not X3 or Audi only offering it on the Q7).

(yes, I know, I could probably buy a small hybrid car, but we are looking for something with more space otherwise we would stick with our current one)