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14 - The Oakville Beaver, Wednesday February 6, 2008 www.oakvillebeaver.com 2008 Honda Civic Si Sedan By Rob Beintema OAKVILLE BEAVER The kids were home for the holidays and the conversation came around to cars, as can be expected in a household that has seen 700 or so different vehicles parked in the driveway. "So, Dad, have you really slagged anything lately?" my son asked. This question came with the knowing grin of someone already predicting the answer. A train commuter with newly acquired automotive ambivalence, he thinks I'm too soft in my reviews. And, no, I hadn't really "slagged" anything lately. But that's only because, as far as I know, they've stopped making Edsels, AMCs and Suzuki X90s. The automotive world may not be perfect but Canadian plants are leading the quality drive, Brits have become almost competent and the Japanese haven't built biodegradable rustbuckets for decades. Korean cars don't smell like B.O. and cabbage anymore. The Germans keep bumping up the technology ante and the Swedes have discovered how to add sex to their safety cant. Even the used-to-be Big Three are building award-winners and really, really trying. As for the French and Italians, well, we might be missing something there but, frankly, nobody here seems to care. Or maybe I could pick on individual categories and, for example, knock SUVs down a few pegs as the over-priced, poser minivans-on-steroids that they really are. Or poke fun at nostalgia-mining, muscle car throw-backs. Or ridicule impractically-overpowered speed machines that cannot legally test their full performance potential on any public road. But, as the French philosopher Voltaire said three hundred years ago, "I might not agree with the kind of car you buy, but I will defend to the death your right to lease it." Or, at least I think he said something along those lines. To do automotive reviews, or at least to enjoy doing them, I think you have to do more than just critique, cut, slash and pro- mote homogenous, four-wheeled fuel-efficient appliances. I think it helps if you actually like cars and trucks. If you enjoy the mix, the variety, the different flavours of styling and design along with the holistic package of pluses and minuses that make each vehicle unique, special, and attractive to its own particular audience. So, could I be more critical? Well, maybe. Trouble was the next vehicle on my test list was a Honda Civic. Sheesh. Eight generations of economy car evolution into the art of sophisticated refinement. Almost a million and a half cars sold in Canada in since its 1973 introduction. "Hmmm, as far as getting more critical Continued on Page 15 Y OUNGS AUTOMOTIVE LTD. Auto trans, leather $ sunroof, 51,000kms. ' SALE AUTO GLASS & WINDSHIELD SALE Insurance Claims or Excellent straight purchase pricing includes Youngs' exclusive no leak warranty. YOUR LOCAL GOODYEAR SELECT TIRE DEALER 2002 VW Beetle GLS 2004 Nissan Sentra 1.8S 2002 Hyundai Accent GL Auto Service Auto Glass SPECIALS 13,990 Stereo, auto trans, $ air, loaded. 11,990 Air, stereo, auto $ trans, 4-dr., 1 owner. 6,990 COOLING SYSTEMS INSPECTIONS DONE HERE ON ELECTRICAL, DIAGNOSTIC, ENGINE, LIGHTS, TIMING BELT, RADIATOR AND COOLING SYSTEM, EXHAUST, SHOCKS AND SUSPENSION PENSION 2004 Lexus RX330 2004 Toyota Corolla S 2003 Subaru Forrester TUNE-UPS FROM Top of the line, luxury. BRAKE SPECIAL PER WHEEL $ 29,950 Sporty, 4-dr., auto trans. $ 13,990 Top of the line, all wheel drive. $ 16,990 $ 4995 $5995 (plus parts) 2004 Altima SE V6 2001 Toyota Sienna XLE 2003 Saturn Ion Some models extra (parts extra) Some models extra. WINTER SAFETY INSPECTION 72 POINT INSPECTION Includes Oil & Filter Repairs extra. Excellent quality windshields, side glass and back glass for cars, trucks & vans. Insurance claims... processed here... Leather, top of the line. $ 16,990 V6, 7-pass. van, top $ of the line, leather. 14,990 4-dr., auto trans., $ power equip. Warr. Some models extra. 7,990 $18,990 $7,990 $8,990 $6,990 $20,990 3990 RADIATOR $ 95 PRESSURE TEST 19 $ 6990 $ Yes, we can absorb deductibles on many vans. PS: CHIP REPAIRS FREE? (with Insurance) Fleet Cards Honoured Here PROTECT YOUR CAR WITH LUBRICO WARRANTY We Service All Major Fleet Accounts ON GOOD YEAR TIRES On the Spot Bank Financing O.A.C. FREE LOCAL SHUTTLE · OPEN SATURDAYS 297 Speers Rd., Oakville (N.E. corner of Dorval & Speers) Jeff Young Service Ken Young Sales Paul Samborski Service Brendon Brown Service 905-827-7477 Steve Fisher Glass Technician