Spearman's Blog

How in the #$!! did we get blown out by the Celtics?  

I understand that no NBA team has ever comeback from a 3-1 deficit, but I still had hope after game five, that the Lakers had some fight left in them. Who would have thought that they would just rollover in game six? Oh well “there’s always next year,” like they say.

To Dr. Buss and Kupchak, please go after some defensive minded player for next season ... Ron Artest is available (hint, hint).

Thank God I didn’t bet the house on this series. 

So I am what you call a car freak… As a boy I would play “That’s my ride” with the kids from around the way and over the years my appetite for the four wheel machines has intensified, which often benefits my friends and colleagues who are in the market for a new ride. So it was to my dismay when a good friend brought a 07 Chevy Malibu on the whim. Now I hate to burst anyone’s bubble, so when she pulled up to my driveway with the car, I smiled and congratulated her on the purchase… But my inner-being mourned for her purchase decision.

First of all giving the underachieving track record of American automobiles, why would anyone still purchase one? In my opinion the Chevy brand is a bit better then say a Ford (Fix Or Recall Daily), but honestly the only Chevy I would ever consider buying is a Corvette. Secondly, she paid about three thousand more then what she should have paid for the car. Lastly, if she had done a little research on the Malibu, she would have learned that Chevy redesigned the Malibu for 2008. Basically my friend is stuck with making payments for the next four years on an older design.

I truly wish she would have done a little research before buying the Malibu... It’s too late for her, but just in case any of you are in the market for a new car, below are a couple of my suggestions:
1. I LOVE my country but NEVER buy an American car. If you’re on a budget go with a Toyota or Honda (In that order) and if money is not an issue then head over to your nearest Lexus dealer.

2. Do your research! There are tons of Web sites like edmunds.com with info and even ratings on the various automakers and their platforms, so Google away. One site I often visit is conceptcarz.com.

3. Buy your car through Costco (costco.com)... Their auto purchasing program even beats out AAA’s purchasing program. In most cases, with Costco you end up spending a few hundred above invoice, which can save you thousands!

So I can official say that I’m no longer a Ford owner (Hallelujah!!!) … I finally got fed-up with dumping money into my 01 Ford Escape and gave it the BOOT! Now I’m “ridin dirty” in 07 Toyota Camry Hybrid (“Can you hear me now?”)… Only one word can describe this car and it’s WHOA! This car has made many a heads turn on the streets… it has a nice design, It’s fully loaded, has a V6 engine, a really cool navigational system and a EPA mileage estimate of 40 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on the highway. And of course I had to pimp it out with the 20 inch black and chrome Diablo rims (Thank you West Coast Customs Deals on Wheels). Oh yeah and it’s a Toyota, which basically means it will run forever. Plus as a thank you from Uncle Sam for being fuel efficient, I’m getting a $1,700 tax credit (Bling, Bling). I think it is safe to say that I will NEVER drive a Ford or an American car again… Don’t get me wrong I love my country, but hate our cars.

So while checking out the various auto brands at the 06, LA Auto Show, I came to one realization... THERE IS NO SPORTS CAR OR COUPE FOR THE BIG AND TALL PEOPLE!

Being a big and tall guy myself there's nothing cool about having to duck or squeeze to get in and out of a car...or even worst, having to drive with your knees in your chest, cause your seat doesn't adjust back far enough.

Just the other day I test drove the 06 Corvette and I loved everything about the car except for one thing... I wear a size 13 shoe and every time I hit the gas pedal my foot would also touch the breaks.

The auto industry really needs to offer a larger version of their current sport and coupe platforms. I really think this is an untapped market. Until then I guess people 5 11' and taller or on the plus size have to stick with sedans and SUVs.