Keep Cruisin', Marv Spector

For the last 30 years or so, you could belly up to the service counter at Specter Off Road in scorching Chatsworth, Calif., deep in the Valley, underneath the red-and-white arrow that stretches the length of the squat stucco building. You'd first have to stroll past the long and dark row of dizzying Toyota Land Cruisers -- Japanese fire trucks, FJ60s with roof-mounted machine guns and a propane-powered 1973 Baja 1000 champion. Past the glass cases of old photos and model kits and RC cars from Japan.

July 11: Visiting a rival

I will take it to work all week, including Wednesday when I go to Santa Monica to drive a Nissan Leaf electric car. I wonder how they'll take to seeing a competitor in the parking lot. Not far enough to worry about range, though I will look for a charging spot in Santa Monica.

Subaru Exiga

Subaru has begun selling the new Exiga touring wagon in the Japanese market. According to the company, the seven seat Exiga was developed with 'panoramic visibility for the touring experience' and targets people who enjoy sports driving as well as practicality. Overall styling of the production car has not been changed much from the Exiga Concept unveiled at the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show.