Locate an Auto Repair Shop in Middletown Springs, Vermont

Middletown Springs, VT Car Consumer Discussions

Re: No-Point Option [skyline2007]

by fezo on Thu Mar 01 18:58:40 PST 2007

Needless to say you've got to find yourself another way to deal with the bad days, but let's get to the immediate problem. (I figure the cop already did the lecture thing....) One thing you'll find those giving advice in here are pretty consistent about is it can't hurt to try. Sure it could end up with the ticket holding up and getting court costs thrown in to boot, but it's not like they will hit you with an extra two points for trying. In all probability given the nineteen miles over the speed limit the cop likely already cut you one break because one more gets bonus points. This may be a decent sign. Anyway, you want to talk to te prosecutor. If you happen to have a family member who is a lawyer or actually want to spring for the cost of a lawyer's phone call most will call the prosecutor ahead of time so you know ahead of time if he's going to go along. I was lucky - my brother's a lawyer. If you don't have that you are going to have to get him at court before things start. Just ask a few people - you'll find him. The odds aren't bad that he'll cut a deal, but then comes the other part - the cop has to OK it. Some might throw in additional lecture on the way to signing off, but unless the cop genuinely hates the prosecutor he'll likely go along. If you happened to be in Middletown you could be in for some really lucky if the same prosecutor is there. Because there's a huge stretch of Parkway in Middletown this guy is used to cutting deals and does it quickly. I pled guilty to obstructing traffic at 69 in a 55 when I was really going 80. That stretch is now a 65 area and if you do 80 people will pass you. I do 75 there now and it happens all the time. BTW - one brother of mine beat out my obstructing traffic story when he got pulled over in NY State for speeding. He fought it and they pleaded down to a parking ticket!

Spring Click - RESOLVED!

by wooddorker on Fri Nov 18 04:49:13 PST 2005

Got a rear leaf spring tick? Bring it in! Yesterday, my dealer installed replacement rear leaf springs on my '05 TRD Access Cab (about 5k miles & 9-10 months old). I don't know if 2WD or non-TRD 4WD vehicles use the same rear spring Details on the new springs: They DON'T click and they DON'T have rubber pads. The bottom leaf has been reshaped to avoid slapping the leaf above. The leaves themselves look thicker than the originals. These appear to be version 3 of the spring. Version 1 clicked, 2 had rubber pads, etc... The part number is the same, as in there is ONE part number for the correct '05 & '06 leaf spring for my truck. The new design should automatically be used to fill the dealer's order. The parts guys were not able to order a new or old version. Some 2006 trucks have rubber pads attached to the leaves, this appears to have been an iterim fix. The tick was so minor in my truck, I actually had to point it out to my wife, and she missed it a few times. :D I mentioned it in passing at my dealership's service manager (Middletown Toyota), and they totally broke their ass to make it right. The truck is totally, absolutely freakin' PERFECT now. I love this truck, Toyota's support, and the dealership. I have a Jeep that had identical problems to the Jeep I owned _10_ years before it. Toyota appears to work extremely hard to correct problems on an ongoing basis. What a concept! :shades:

Re: Outfreakin' standing support! [sparky13]

by wooddorker on Mon Oct 31 04:48:41 PST 2005

"The fix that I did on it was to jack up the back of the truck to take the weight of the springs. I then took a 26" thorn resistant bicycle innertube cut it into lengths to fit the top of the bottom leaf spring (8-10" pieces). Split the tube pieces in half and with a little bit of superglue to hold them in place made my own rubber pads." 2006 springs have these pads installed at the factory. I walked the lot with the service manager and compared trucks. The only problem is that the 2005 and 2006 spring are the same part number. The service manager at the dealer (Middletown Toyota/Scion) ordered springs with the plan that we wouldn't install them unless they had the pads. He's already replaced two sets, but the replacements didn't have the pads. After spending a few minutes with me and listening to my description of the noise, we realized that rust and paint provide cushioning and prevent the noise. My truck, which sits for days without being driven, dosen't click on the first few bumps, and the springs he replaced were fine for a while, He now realizes that the others may come back. FWIW, this click is so minor, I was almost embarassed to mention it. The large hitch ball wrench I keep under the rear seat makes more noise. :blush: The best comparision to the noise is the "jingle" that older Toyota trucks made when they used a chain to suspend the spare tire. I had actually accepted it as one of those minor "truck character noises" that every truck or van I've ever owned has had. Toyota dosen't offer a retrofit kit, but the service manager planned on passing a contact up the line to suggest one. I'd rather have some pads glued in than have the springs replaced, if possible. We both agree that all parties involved would probably be happier not replacing entire spring assemblies. I've had other vehicles, a Subaru (clutch), several Jeeps (rear brake fluid leaks), and Nissan (you name it), with MAJOR warranty beefs where I was blown off over and over. "They all do it", "Can't duplicate the issue", etc... The Subaru clutch issue was even documented in several car columns and on the "Click and Clack" radio show. The oustanding treatment I am receiving from this dealership is refreshing. The purchase was a similar experience in that there were no games, no BS, no "undercoating" hard sells.

04 Toy Sienna LTD FWD

by davenow on Mon Feb 28 08:57:55 PST 2005

Averages around 21 mpg, but with the last few snow storms 19.2 and 20.4 respectively... town & country driving (hills) with occational open roads. Regular low grade 86 octane. can't wait till spring...

Details, details, details...

by hman92 on Thu Mar 04 19:37:41 PST 2004

Having purchased a 1999 Odyssey, I must say that it was the best van that I could have purchased. Is it perfect? Of course not. I like that improvements that have been speculated to be on the 2005 model, but I hope that Honda fixes a few of the small things that have gotten under my craw over the last 5 years: 1. Dome lights that time out! I have jump started this van more times in any 6 month period than any car I have ever owned (that is a 20 year span) simply because one of the kids (or dad) left a dome light on the previous night! 2. Coin holder that vibrates its contents if left open (known to fray nerves!). (Spring-loaded coin holder, please. 3. Larger sunglasses holder to fit the actual sunglasses case. 4. A gear shifter that does not impede my view of the fog light switch or stereo controls. 5. Power doors that close correctly below 20°F! 6. Power doors that a child could open or close if the power switch is turned off. 7. How about a light in the glove box? 8. Could we have some cushioning on the armrests? 9. Lumbar support? That is my minor wish list that I hope Honda includes in the 2005 Ody (in addition to more powerful engine with better gas mileage (VCM), TCS, VSA, side-curtain airbags, split "Magic Seat", continuation with 5AT, power lift-gate, roll down windows, in-dash 6-CD changer, DVD, Leather, etc, etc, etc....

My best MPG car

by jnowski on Sat Jan 13 17:01:23 PST 2001

'85 T-Bird Turbo coupe - K&N filter, Ford Motorsport intercooler kit, Borla exhaust system, Koni adjustable gas shocks/struts, Suspension Techniques sway bars, Ford Motorsport springs, stock wheels and brand/size tires. I filled up at Macon GA, immediately hit the freeway with the cruise control on, and rolled into my folks driveway in Middletown KY, (518 miles), almost on fumes. 15.4 gallon fuel tank equates to around 33.6+ MPG. I say "plus" because the car still started and got me to the gas station next morning. Not too bad for a midsize turbo 4.