I very seldom even consider working on a new car but special circumstance led to replacing disc pads on a newer Malibu. Instead of a snap on hubcap it had an outer disc, a center cap, and some fake plastic lug nuts---probably double an old hub cap cost. The lug nuts were a study in inflated cost. Instead of a hex bar that was drilled, tapped, tapered, and cut to length for a machine cost of pennies it began as round stock that was threaded for the fake lug nut, turned down to size for tapering, then tapered, drilled, tapped, and then transferred to a mill for the hex to be cut for the lug wrench to fit on. Of course this could all be done on a million dollar 5 axis mill with the costs being passed on to the buyer. Did any of you NOT buy a car/truck because of the hub caps or lug nut design?
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It was most likely made on a CNC screw machine but do agree with you. All the parts start to add up. I am sure that a specialized lug wrench is required as well. I have not purchased a new car since '89 (Red LaBarron Convertible). Newer cars have no real appeal to me and I have no desire to pay $30+K for a new car.