FORD RECALL LATEST BLOW TO CAR MAKER

With the problems that have befallen Ford over the past decade or so, what is the last thing they need?  How about a recall that covers both commercial and consumer models? 

Yesterday, a Ford recall was announced that will affect approximately 1 million SUVs, trucks, and vans.  Apparently, Ford engineers have found a problem with an engine sensor that could cause certain Fords to stall and/or crash.  Thus far, sources indicate that at least 14 accidents related to the defect have happened.  Ford points out, however, that no injuries or deaths have been attributed to the defect.  Well, that’s good.  At least Ford need not add the costs of personal injury lawsuits to the significant cost of the recall.

The Ford recall affects all models sold between 2003 and 2007 equipped with 7.3 liter diesel engines.  Mainly the recall affects the popular Excursion SUV, the F-450 and F-550 Super Duty trucks and E-Series vans. 

The Ford recall shows that American cars are still seriously behind their foreign counterparts in manufacturing competency.  Ever notice how rarely you hear about a Toyota or Honda recall? When you do, the recall is for a fairly small number of cars?  Additionally, the Ford recall demonstrates the hassle of owning cars in general.

There is an alternative to car ownership. I’m not just talking about leasing or riding the bus.  How about joining an exotic car club?   Car clubs allow enthusiast members to enjoy countless exotic cars without worrying about recalls, depreciation, or maintenance.  www.exoticcarclubs.com is an online directory listing these fractional ownership and exotic car-sharing clubs nationwide. DFW Elite Car Club (www.dfwelitecarclub.com), located in Dallas, Texas offers its members access to over forty exotic cars and provides flexible membership plans to allow members to enjoy just the right amount of driving pleasure in the latest luxury and exotic cars every month.

“Spending a quarter of a million dollars on a new Ferrari doesn’t make sense for even hard core sports car enthusiasts,” says DFW Elite Car Club owner Ron Sturgeon. “Most enthusiasts crave a variety of driving experiences without the steep costs of depreciation and maintenance that come with a Ferrari. After all, what car enthusiast wouldn’t welcome a change to belong to a private club with a paddock of the best cars in the world?”

Indeed, the concept has been popular across the United States. Five of the county’s best clubs were profiled in a recent article in the Robb Report Collection.

To enjoy exotic cars without the ongoing commitment of a car club membership, you can also just rent an exotic car for the day or weekend.  Although it’s a little harder to rent a Ferrari in Fort Worth than a Dodge Stratus, www.rentexoticcars.net is a nationwide directory of  exotic car rental agencies and can make it much simpler to find the right exotic car rental in your home city.  DFW Elite Auto Rental (www.dfweliteautorental.com) is one such business in Dallas/Ft.Worth.  They stand out because of their exceptional collection of luxury automobiles and their ever-changing internet exotic car rental specials.  Precious Metals, Inc. is another excellent exotic car rental agency that serves Savannah, GA.

For a unique exotic car experience, consider a full day exotic car tour.  Tour participants drive several different exotic cars in one day.  DFW Drive Your Dream (www.dfwdriveyourdream.com) offers tours throughout Texas and features four different exotic car lineups of 5 cars each.  If you are looking for a heart-stopping stocking stuffer for an auto afficiando, check out these links to videos of past DFW Drive Your Dream fantasy car driving tours:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=2HMIqUx8T00

http://youtube.com/watch?v=wtyQq0zZl5Q

Written by G.D. Gregory.  If you are interested in having me write stories for you or seeing my portfolio, please contact me at ggpsu@yahoo.com.