Hi Mike, you made some good points, BUT
(1) Joe Duner isn't really trying to sell his car. Everything he has is always for sale. He's just that kind of guy. He is just only looking out for his buddy, Kenny (rhino king). Joe has had alot of sandrails and has a lot of buddies who have sandrails. He wouldn't lie to him about something just to try and sell his car. When you think of it, toddk is doing the same thing as Joe. He is selling his car and giving his opinion as well. The car might run really well. All Ecotecs are different. They are built by different builders, some have turbos and some don't, some are takin care of and some aren't. The Ecotec in todd's car may in fact run really well. I am sure Joe was just speaking from his experience. He has alot of it.
(2) RK IS doing all his own research. I have found that first (or even second) hand experience is the best form of advice. Many of us have friends that go to the dunes and know from there experiences, not just from our own. We wouldn't say the Ecotec is garbage unless we didn't know owners that have had em.
I'm not trying to stir up an arguement here. I just want to let you know that most of everyone who has posted up here are friends w/ RK and wouldn't give him any BS answers or input. It sounds like Todd's car runs really well...unlike most Ecotecs. We are all just speaking from experiance.
Whatever you do, Kenny, I hope you find a car that suits your style. ...which usually invovles stars and fruity colors. j/k