最近の車のメンテに驚き 10月16日(火)

Octobre Dieciseis (Martes)
 新しい車に乗っていると、すべて車が教えてくれます。今回はメンテナンスのサインが出て、私はてっきり「オイルチェンジ」だと思い、朝市7時にトヨタまで行ってきましたが、担当者は「タイヤのローテーション」だというのです。
 私が「オイルチェンジは毎5千マイルですよね?」と質問すると、「いや今は一万マイルです」と言う。今回のメンテナンスはタイヤのローテーションで、毎5千マイルで行うそうです。ではオイルチェンジは? 毎1万マイルに伸びています。
 その昔、オイルチェンジは、3千マイルでした、もしくは3カ月でした。それがいつの間にか5千マイルに伸びた。それが今では1万マイルまで伸びているのです。
 これはどうして? エンジンの性能が良くなったからですか? それでも古い車は同じで、5千マイルか3千マイルだと思います。エンジンオイルの性能向上ではないと思っています。

 昨日の異常なランチの売り上げ、先週の月曜日の3倍もありました。これはなぜ?たまたま混んで、最後の最後2時前まで仕事していました。こうしてその週に来るお客さんが重なることがたまにあります。今日も混めば「ホンモノ」でしょうが、そこまで甘くはないでしょう。ちなみに昨夜のディナーは閑散としていて、これは期待通りでした。

 イタリア政府は来年の財政赤字目標を対GDP比2.4%とする予算案を承認した。今年の1.8%から大幅な拡大となり、市場からはイタリアが新たなユーロ債務危機の震源地になるのではとの懸念の声が出始めています。欧州ではギリシア、スペイン、ポルトガル、そしてイタリアがガンです。外貨を稼ぐ木がない国はダメということでしょう。

 昨日のアジア株、上海以外はすべて上げています。今日のダウ先物も上げていますが、これからは上海株の動きに注目、これが引き金になるでしょう。
 上海株が落ちればハワイが風邪を引く? みたいです。先日、ある人から聞いた話。ハワイではコンドの建設ブームが止まったしまったらしい。その原因が中国人の投資が消えた。博打好きの中国人が株で損して、お金を持ちだせない。それに加え当局の規制もあって?たぶんこれまでのように外国にお金を持ちだすことができなくなっているのでしょう。ということはロス近郊のこれまで中国人が買い占めていたような住宅ブームも終わる。これがアメリカ景気に水を差すことになるのかも?

 4万ドル以下で買える高級セダン
Slide 2 of 17: $35,605 | U.S. News Overall Score: 7.4/10The Lincoln brand has been reinventing itself the past few years with a number of new or significantly improved models like the Continental sedan and Navigator SUV. While the MKZ sedan is more affordable than its two siblings, it gets lost in the crowd of sportier luxury sedans. The MKZ is quiet, comfortable, and features a solid list of standard features, such as parking sensors, a rearview camera, 11-speaker audio system, 8-inch infotainment screen with Ford’s SYNC 3 interface, dual-zone climate control, and 10-way power-adjustable heated front seats.The base 245-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder is available with a choice of front- or all-wheel drive - although choosing the latter will cost you about $1,900. You can add leather seating and wood trim while still keeping the price below our $40,000 limit. However, this Lincoln lacks an edge when it comes to standing out among rivals with more engaging drives.リンカーン MKZ $35600
Slide 3 of 17: $28,100 | U.S. News Overall Score: 7.5/10The Acura ILX fails to live up to the expectations that come with the Acura badge. Based on the same platform as the Honda Civic, the ILX doesn’t do enough to distance itself from its mainstream beginnings. One positive is that the ILX starts below $30,000, with fully-loaded models hovering near our $40,000 pricing cap.Only one engine is available, a 201-horsepower four-cylinder that sends its power to the front wheels via an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Performance is fine for daily commutes, but it pales in comparison to what you get with many luxury sedan rivals. At least the ILX is frugal on fuel, earning an EPA-estimated 25 mpg in city driving and 35 on the highway. That still doesn’t hide the fact that the interior lacks high quality materials. The ride and handling are solid, though uninspiring when it comes to actual driving enjoyment.Acura ILX $28000
Slide 4 of 17: $32,700 | U.S. News Overall Score: 7.7/10As the least expensive vehicle in the Mercedes-Benz lineup, the CLA is something of a double-edged sword in the luxury sedan segment. On one hand, the punch of the 208-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine and agile handling prove this isn’t simply a budget-minded version of a luxurious German car. The CLA is truly fun, at least when viewed from the front seats.The rear seating is cramped and the suspension might be too firm for shoppers who prefer a quieter, more cosseting driving experience. At 13.1 cubic feet in capacity, the trunk is nicely sized and a hands-free trunk lid, opened with a swipe of your foot under the rear bumper, is available. Standard features include synthetic leather seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, forward collision warning with automatic braking, a driver drowsiness monitor, 14-way power-adjustable front seats, and two USB ports. All-wheel drive can be added without pushing beyond our $40,000 limit.Mercedez CLA$32700
Slide 5 of 17: $35,725 | U.S. News Overall Score: 7.7/10The XE has the athletic handling you’d expect in a car sporting the Jaguar badge. Steering the XE around tight corners is a joy, especially since the nicely balanced suspension ensures the ride is stable and never gets rough over imperfect surfaces. Now, if only there was more room in the rear seat for actual passengers. It’s awfully cramped back there, and this alone could be a deal-breaker for many car shoppers.The standard engine is a turbocharged four-cylinder that delivers 247 horsepower to the rear wheels. Adding all-wheel drive, via the 25t AWD trim, still keeps the XE within our budget. Then again, you might think the XE’s dour-looking interior belongs to a much less expensive car. There isn’t much in the way of a luxury look and feel to this cabin, it’s too Spartan in its overall design and layout.Jaguar XE $35000
Slide 6 of 17: $33,000 | U.S. News Overall Score: 7.9/10The Acura TLX is a good value on paper, given its lower entry price compared to many rival sedans. With a starting price of $33,000, the TLX comes standard with features such as a 7-inch touch screen and 8-inch infotainment display, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, moonroof, a rearview camera, and AcuraWatch. This latter item includes a long list of active safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and lane keep assist, to name a few.The standard powertrain is a 206-horsepower four-cylinder that comes mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission and sends power to the front wheels. Upgrading to the optional 290-horsepower V6 engine, coupled to a nine-speed automatic and Acura’s Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) still keeps the TLX under our budget. While faster overall than the four-cylinder, the V6 still trails sportier rivals in terms of power and athleticism.Acura TLX $33000
Slide 7 of 17: $35,200 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.0/10The Infiniti Q50 delivers a lot of what you want in a luxury sedan, especially when it comes to power and the availability of all-wheel drive. While the base 208-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder is fine, it’s the optional V6 that really gives the Q50 some firepower. You can upgrade to the V6 engine without going over our $40,000 limit. However, you’d be unable to add anything else to the car if you choose the V6.As it stands, the Q50 Luxe trim comes with the entry-level engine, but includes features like a moonroof and a rearview camera. Fuel economy with the four-cylinder is reasonable, with the Q50 earning 23 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway. The trunk of the Q50 is also spacious for the class, with more than 13 cubic feet of space.Infiniti Q50 $35000
Slide 8 of 17: $31,950 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.1/10The A3 is Audi’s smallest sedan, though it does a great job of feeling like a larger, more expensive vehicle. This is a great small luxury car if you want spirited performance, agile handling, good fuel economy, and a high-tech cabin fitted with the latest tech features. But if you need a roomy rear seat and spacious cargo area, the A3 suddenly starts to sink in our ranking system. There’s no getting around the fact that this car’s small dimensions take a sizable chunk out of its practicality.A 186-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder is coupled to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Upgrading to the Quattro all-wheel-drive A3 keeps the price below our budget, and it also brings along an even peppier 220-horsepower turbo four that comes paired to a six-speed dual-clutch automatic.Audi A3 $32000
Slide 9 of 17: $34,100 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.1/10The Volvo S60 places a lot of emphasis on comfort and safety, no matter where you might be seated. This smooth and capable luxury sedan remains true to Volvo’s safety ethos, as proven by its long list of standard safety features and strong ratings in tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).The best value in the S60 range is the T5 Inscription model, which starts at $36,950. Not only does this trim level include features like navigation and a rearview camera, it’s longer wheelbase delivers an extra 3.4 inches of rear legroom. The standard turbocharged four-cylinder delivers a stout 240 horsepower to the front wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission.Volvo S60 $34000
Slide 10 of 17: $38,210 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.2/10The Lexus IS straddles the line between a sport sedan and a small luxury car. In some ways, the IS does an excellent job juggling these two criteria. Its engines are energetic and the ride remains nicely isolated, even when the pavement is anything but perfect. Inside, you’ll find an upscale interior with plenty of quality materials, though the infotainment system is fussy and has a frustrating interface. The trunk is also small for this class, with only 10.8 cubic feet of room.An optional V6 delivers 311 horsepower, but that powertrain pushes the price beyond our spending limit. This means relying on the standard 241-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder, which is coupled to a smooth eight-speed automatic. While it works at being comfortable and a little sporty, the IS sometimes struggles to find a real identity in this competitive field.Lexus IS $38000
Slide 11 of 17: $34,900 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.6/10The BMW 3 Series is often regarded as the benchmark when it comes to small luxury sedans with great driving dynamics. The 3 Series is praised for its agile handling and balanced ride, but there’s no doubt this BMW has its hands full when fending off newer competitors. Staying below $40,000 means having to stick with the base 180-horsepower four-cylinder that can be coupled to a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmission. However, this engine doesn’t pack the punch you expect in a car wearing the BMW logo.At least you can still choose between rear- and all-wheel drive while keeping the price within our budget. You’ll have to go easy on the options though, because the 3 Series gets pricey once you start adding extras. Standard features on the base 320i include dual-zone climate control, push-button start, and synthetic leather seating surfaces.BMW 3 $38000
Slide 12 of 17: $38,195 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.6/10The Alfa Romeo Giulia is the perfect choice for someone who wants a luxury sedan with an exciting drive. This Italian sport sedan has incredibly precise steering, along with a 280-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine that provides strong acceleration whenever it’s needed. Not every one of the Giulia’s positive attributes is about driving fast, of course.Strong safety scores and an exceedingly simple infotainment system are two more plus points. There are a couple drawbacks, and these include a tight rear seat and trunk space that measures in at only 12 cubic feet. Still, when it comes to making an impression from the driver’s seat, the Alfa Romeo Giulia never fails to deliver.Alfa Romeo Giulia $38000
Slide 13 of 17: $38,950 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.7/10The Lexus ES is a hugely popular luxury sedan, largely because it’s so comfortable and upscale. Lexus has an enviable record when it comes to reliability, not to mention a reputation for excellent resale value. When it comes to driving, the ES is a smooth operator – perhaps too much of one, at least for shoppers who crave driving excitement. The ES has a supple ride and a powerful 268-horsepower V6 engine. This isn’t the most thrilling car to drive, but the easy-going ES melts away long stretches behind the wheel.The base price of $38,950 means there’s not a lot of wiggle room for options if you want to stay below $40,000. Standard features include leatherette seating surfaces, a moonroof, dual-zone automatic climate control, 10-way power-adjustable front seats, rain-sensing wipers, forward collision warning with automatic braking, and adaptive cruise control.Lexus ES $39000
Slide 14 of 17: $35,495 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.8/10The Cadillac ATS might surprise you, thanks to its spirited driving manners and strong engine lineup. In fact, the ride might be a little too firm for anyone who thinks a Cadillac, even a small and sporty luxury sedan, equates to a pillow-soft ride. The standard 272-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder has more than enough power, and you can add optional all-wheel drive while keeping the price below $40,000.A long list of standard features includes an 8-inch touch screen, OnStar 4G LTE with a built-in Wi-Fi hot spot, a 10-speaker Bose stereo, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and dual-zone climate control. The rear seating is cramped for adults, however, and the 10.4 cubic feet of cargo room is smaller than what you get in rival sedans.Cadillac ATS $35500
Slide 15 of 17: $36,000 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.9/10The Audi A4 hits all the right marks when it comes to being a highly capable and fun-to-drive luxury sedan. The car’s handling is agile – if a little numb, at least compared to its sportiest rivals – and the ride remains controlled, stable, and perfectly comfortable. One caveat with the A4 is that, if you want to keep the price lower than $40,000, you’ll have to forego the available all-wheel drive. That’s something of an Audi engineering hallmark, but adding it nudges the price too high.Still, the standard 190-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder is refined and economical, with an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 27 mpg in city driving and 37 on the highway. The cabin is spacious and fitted with high quality materials.Audi A4 $36000
Slide 16 of 17: $31,900 | U.S. News Overall Score: 9.1/10About the only thing the Kia Stinger doesn’t have is a luxury badge. In every other respect, this eye-catching sedan has the features and driving manners of a world class luxury sedan. From its punchy 255-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine, to the simplicity of its infotainment system, the Stinger excels in almost every area. Its cargo room is impressive, with a yawning 23.3 cubic feet of space provided by the rear hatch.You can add all-wheel drive while staying on budget, and there is a long list of standard equipment, such as leather upholstery, heated front seats, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, and dual-zone climate control. One of the only areas where the Stinger doesn’t stand out is in its mid-pack fuel economy numbers.Kia Stinger $32000
これ、上から下に行くほど評価が高いのですが、KIA買えますか? 現在現代とKIAは車が燃える騒ぎがありリコールの要請を受けています。おそらくリコールになると思います。3位のTASもそう、3万マイルまでは良いかと。その後、ガタンと性能が落ちますよ。というか、アメ車はリースする車であって買う車ではない。ドイツ車も同じことです。
一番の買いは、やはりLexusのESだと思います。いいとこ取りしています、LSで8万ドルを買うならESで4万ドルです。特に今回のESはデザイン的にもLSに近いし、まあとトヨタは今、全体的にスポーティセダンを目指しています。シャープなデザインで良いのですが、それがどれも似たり寄ったりで個性がない。

 
Tracking showers Today
 今日は軽く雨が降るかもしれません。明日から気温がガタ落ちします。最低が50度、最高が69度です。風邪を引かないようにしましょう。
 東京では風疹が大流行りで、昨年比で10倍以上だそうです。

 昨日、郵便受けに入ったいた封筒、中身は保険会社からの小切手でした。約1600ドルもあります。払い過ぎの返却のようですが、今はこんな額でもありがたいですよ。たまにこうして救われます。
 一連のワインの在庫圧縮は順調に進み、アイテム数を2割減らしました、売れるものだけを置き、それを回転させること。売り上げが悪いので在庫を抑えることしかできません。冷凍の中にも前に買ったもので使っていないものがあり、それも綺麗に整理しています。弁当の惣菜にするなどして、片付けています。
 売り上げ悪いと、在庫の見直しをする。そして冷凍庫が綺麗になる。良いことです。

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