What’s the Scoop? — May 18, 2012

  • Guess who’s driving a SAAB again?
  • Can the US president save SAAB? (Fox News)
  • Geely to recycle old XC90 platform (China Car Times)
  • Mercedes-Benz gives the R-Class the Boot (The Car Connection)
  • What 7-Seater Cars are available in the US? (7 Seater)
Posted in Mercedes, SAAB, Volvo, What's the Scoop? | Leave a comment

New SAAB Mechanic in Painesville

The driver side fog lamp is missing on our 99 SAAB 9-5 wagon. But the wires still hang under the bumper. So, my youngest son and I removed the ugly green tape from the bumper and figured a way to attach things out of sight. Trent volunteered to do the job while I went inside to get something. When I came back he was under the passenger side trying to see how it was connected there. I was happy to see him using his noggin like that.

Posted in SAAB | Leave a comment

New Wheels: 2005 Volvo XC90 2.5T AWD

Anti-Skid-XC90We came across a deal that we couldn’t pass up. When the vehicle was traded in, the readout reported “Anti-Skid Service Required.” From what I have learned, that usually means there is a problem with the angle gear, the splined sleeve which couples the angle gear and transmission, and/or the control module for the AWD system. Replacing those parts amounts to a good bit of pocket change, and you really don’t know what it needs until you physically remove and inspect the angle gear. That takes a bit of work and a good bit of money. So, what was a headache to the previous owner became an opportunity for our family.

I looked through the 1½ inch thick folder of maintenance records and got the idea that this was a well maintained vehicle. Sharon and I both test drove the vehicle over the weekend and found it to be a nice car. We also prayed for wisdom as it’s easy for a “good deal” to rapidly become a “big headache.” (Anyone remember the red SAAB 900?) I also talked with the mechanic who serviced it and paid him to look it over one more time before the purchase decision. He told me that 20% of the time, the sleeve is all that needs to be replaced. And if it was the angle gear, I had already sourced one from Erie Vo-Vo for half the price of a new one. And it came with a lifetime warranty.

2005 Volvo XC90

So, we chose to buy the car and have the problem repaired. Still praying for God to take care of us, I waited for the results. A few hours later, the mechanic said, “You got lucky. It was only the sleeve.” You could call it that, but I chose to call it an answer to prayer. Further tests showed that the control module also needs to be replaced. But the price of repairs is much less than it could have been. So, we’re very thankful to now own a safe, reliable, and comfortable vehicle that meets the needs of our family and should last for many years to come. Hurrah!

Posted in Volvo | Leave a comment

What’s the Scoop? — 5/11/2012

2013 Mercedes SL550 at Leikin Willoughby Ohio

  • The 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL550 has arrived in Willoughby
  • What will the 2014 Volvo XC90 look like? (Left Lane)
  • Four versions of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe (MSN)
  • Rent payment may force quick sale of SAAB (Life with SAAB)
  • Porsche to release new Baby SUV (Automotive News)
Posted in Mercedes, SAAB, Volvo, What's the Scoop? | Leave a comment

Mercedes-Benz Commercial: You’ll Love Leikin!

Visit us at www.LeikinMotor.com

Posted in Mercedes | Leave a comment

Mystery Car 111

My sister took this picture in Bogota, Columbia and wonders what kind of truck it is. Any ideas?

Posted in Mystery Car | Leave a comment

On some days the birds win…

Posted in Humor | Leave a comment

Mystery Car 110 — Revealed

The car I saw near Gabrielle Brothers in Wickliffe looks an awful lot like a Studebaker Lark. But is it? It has the word Lark on the front fender and a V8 emblem on the trunk. It must be a Lark, right? Well … wait just a minute. Let’s think this through. It could also be an upscale Cruiser … maybe?

  1. The windshield is flat instead of wraparound. Wikipedia says, “For 1963, Stevens again restyled the Lark. The dated wrap-around windshield was eliminated and the entire “greenhouse” was lightened via the use of thinner door and roof pillars.” So, this is definitely a 1963.
  2. Certain upscale editions of the Lark had a longer wheel base and an extra pane of glass in the rear doors. The Cruiser had hinged rear door window vents. While this car has the extra glass, it doesn’t seem to have hinged panes in the door. So, this probably isn’t a Cruiser.
  3. The word Lark is inscribed on the front fender. Wikipedia says they removed this designation from the Cruiser models in 1963 to make the car seem more upscale. So, it’s definitely not a Cruiser.
  4. Note the chrome trim along the side of the vehicle. “Regals were simple badged as a “Lark” and received a thin stainless steel trim piece that extended from the tip of the front fender to the end of the rear fender.” This is the final clue.

I think that Mystery Car 110 is a 1963 Studebaker Lark Regal. The clues seem to point that way but if not I guess I’ll just have to find that car’s owner and ask him for myself.

_______________

Posted in Mystery Car | Leave a comment

Mystery Car 110

I saw this in the Gabriel Brothers plaza in Wickliffe, Ohio.

Posted in Mystery Car | Leave a comment

What’s the Scoop? — 4/23/2012

  • The USA will not get the new Mercedes-Benz A-Class? (0-60)
  • Volvo to offer a limited edition S60 T5 R (SwedeSpeed)
  • 8.5 favorites from Volvo’s first 85 years (MotorTrend)
  • SAAB Automobile has begun producing body parts again (SAABSUnited)
  • GM and Peugeot/Citroen form alliance to save $2 billion (4-traders)
Posted in Mercedes, SAAB, Volvo, What's the Scoop? | Leave a comment