On Thu, 21 Oct 2010 14:04:22 -0400, Jim Elbrecht wrote:
On Thu, 21 Oct 2010 12:02:28 -0500, dpb wrote:

LSMFT wrote:
...

It's an American lack of engineering intelligence. Replaceable parts
should be accessible. ...

BS.

I can give you a list of any number of non-US manufactured vehicles that
are at least as difficult if not worse for routine maintenance access
items...

My son's Audi seems to start every job with "Remove front bumper,
cowl, and radiator.g

I love it when the shop manual has no instructions for just the job at
hand. Ie: clutch job that has total engine removal as a step then
engine removal that has total transmission removal as one of the steps.
If you followed the steps you'd be taking the knob off the shifter and
dismantling the dashboard center console to do a clutch job.