The Car Thread ... !

[D.T.]

I'm driving my 82 Fiat Spider (approx value $7k) and a $100 Vette hardtop goes by, my wife and I say in unison, "It's not a convertible!"
[doublepost=1491859970][/doublepost]

Hehehe, yeah, you really are a convertible person, or not. You don't hear of many people cross shopping a coupe vs. a convertible, if you KNOW you want a convertible, there is no substitute.

It's funny, even with other open roof designs like a targa, it's still not the same experience.

 

[Huntn]

Hehehe, yeah, you really are a convertible person, or not. You don't hear of many people cross shopping a coupe vs. a convertible, if you KNOW you want a convertible, there is no substitute.

It's funny, even with other open roof designs like a targa, it's still not the same experience.

The convertible driving experience has no equal and since the 1990s convertible tops have come a long way. They are quieter and lined so they are warmer in a cold environment. We leased a Sebring convertible while living in Minnesota and when we turned it in 4 years later, the top looked as good as new. I was impressed.

I agree about the Targa comment, T tops don't cut it. I'm driving a hard top Fiat 500 because I did not like the looks nor functionality of the accordion top, nor the rails that reduce that wide open feeling.

It's hard to let this go even if it's not a convertible.

Yes, I've posted this video before. A chill runs up and down my spine, every time. ​

 

[bunnspecial]

Good! Been protective of it and only has 70 miles on it. Washed it today and managed to put the first scratch on it already and noticed some swirl marks already despite keeping the wool mitt clean and going in straight lines.

That car deserves to be driven!

It would drive me nuts to have only put that many miles on a car like that after having it for a month.

 

[AustinIllini]

That car deserves to be driven!

It would drive me nuts to have only put that many miles on a car like that after having it for a month.

+1.

It's your car. Drive it. You're going to get all the things: dings, scratches, swirls...

What matters is the drive and how you feel driving it.

 

[0388631]

Fiat 500, Hunt? How often is it in the shop?

@A.Goldberg GLC63 is due to come out in the summer. Would that tempt you?

 

[BrettApple]

Wow, yeah, that looks terrific, and I've heard like you said, they're incredibly durable.

Holy smokes, that looks like a clean 4th gen, what kind of mileage / what's the story?

Thanks! I purchased it last October with just 43,000 miles on it. The original owner did the first 35,000 from 2002-2005 or so then the second owner only put on around 1,000 miles or less from 2005-2012, it mostly sat, then the third owner drove it a bit from 2012-2016 till I picked it up. I've already gone almost 4,000 in 6 months, more than I thought I would since I wanted to keep the miles down but its just so much fun! It just wants to be driven.

It is super, super clean. Even the engine bay was spotless when I got it and not a single crack in the leather. T-tops don't leak at all even under a power washer and the seal is still nice and squishy. Everything on it was 100% original when I got it other than tires replaced in 2005 and the oil. The only things I've done is swap out the stock head unit with one I can use my iPod with and with Bluetooth so I'm not stuck with AM/FM/CD only. And I put an SLP Loudmouth II cat-back on it to wake it up and hear the thing as the stock exhaust is darn quiet for what it is. But I kept both parts so they can always go back on.

It's a beauty. And a rare find to be stock and so clean. Not a scratch on it, inside or out that I could find. it is an auto though (4L60E). While I'd love a 6spd this was what I could find around here and it's certainly no slouch for an A4.

^ This one was taken yesterday evening out on our road trip to a waterfall that was really moving out in Cottonwood Falls Kansas. It was beautiful as was the sunset with all of the range burning going on in the Flint Hills. Drove through some smoke where there was fire right next to the road too. I had the top off on the way up but it got a little cool on the way back so I put them back on and took off the sun shades. Best of both worlds, stay warm plus be able to see the sky though the roof. I love them for that.

The worst thing about it is that I live on a gravel/dirt/sand road so I have to clean it every single time I take it out. But at least it's not black
[doublepost=1491922607][/doublepost]

Is that an alien spaceship in the clouds?

Ha! It took me way to long to figure that one out. I believe it's the reflection of the headlight bouncing off the lens. The iPhone tends to turn light like that green too such as sun spots in outdoor photos, it's always a little green dot so that's my assumption. But spaceship sounds cooler so I'll go with that.

 

[Huntn]

Fiat 500, Hunt? How often is it in the shop?

@A.Goldberg GLC63 is due to come out in the summer. Would that tempt you?

I've got 35000 miles on it (2012 Fiat 500) driving it from Albuquerque to Georgia and so far it runs like a champ, +40mpg highway regardless of what the sticker said. I've had several cosmetic items replaced on the dealer, shift knob, shifter boot, arm wrest (that was redesigned). The most significant item was a strip (metal?) at the top of the front windscreen where the paint bubbled up in the scorching Texas summers. The dealer repainted this, on them. The battery failed at the 1 year point. So far so good, no mechanical issues. This is a great little car for urban driving. It is peppy as is, I was focused on gas milage when I bought it, although sometimes I wish I had the Abarth turbo model.

​

 

[D.T.]

Thanks! I purchased it last October with just 43,000 miles on it. The original owner did the first 35,000 from 2002-2005 or so then the second owner only put on around 1,000 miles or less from 2005-2012, it mostly sat, then the third owner drove it a bit from 2012-2016 till I picked it up. I've already gone almost 4,000 in 6 months, more than I thought I would since I wanted to keep the miles down but its just so much fun! It just wants to be driven.

It is super, super clean. Even the engine bay was spotless when I got it and not a single crack in the leather. T-tops don't leak at all even under a power washer and the seal is still nice and squishy. Everything on it was 100% original when I got it other than tires replaced in 2005 and the oil. The only things I've done is swap out the stock head unit with one I can use my iPod with and with Bluetooth so I'm not stuck with AM/FM/CD only. And I put an SLP Loudmouth II cat-back on it to wake it up and hear the thing as the stock exhaust is darn quiet for what it is. But I kept both parts so they can always go back on.

It's a beauty. And a rare find to be stock and so clean. Not a scratch on it, inside or out that I could find. it is an auto though (4L60E). While I'd love a 6spd this was what I could find around here and it's certainly no slouch for an A4.

Wow, that's astounding, yeah, it looks new, and not in a overly detailed, dripping with Armor-All way, like it has a nice natural newness. Good stuff, thanks for the posts!

 

[0388631]

That's actually really refreshing to read, Hunt. Or you might have a really good Fiat on your hands. I've seen a few of the Abarths driven around town over the last few years. Very loud cars.

Wow, that's astounding, yeah, it looks new, and not in a overly detailed, dripping with Armor-All way, like it has a nice natural newness. Good stuff, thanks for the posts!

I hate that stuff. So many better products out there. A good polish, good wheel cleaner, steamcleaned engine and gel trim restorer will make most cars look brand new. I like the trim gel because it hydrates and protects the trim. I've used it on plain black hoses, too, to keep them from cracking.

 

[D.T.]

I hate that stuff. So many better products out there. A good polish, good wheel cleaner, steamcleaned engine and gel trim restorer will make most cars look brand new. I like the trim gel because it hydrates and protects the trim. I've used it on plain black hoses, too, to keep them from cracking.

Yeah, for quick cleanups, I use Meguiar's Quik (interior detailer), but also occasionally use a couple of Lexol products that includes a conditioner (to keep soft surfaces supple, protect from UV, especially in a convertible).

 

[0388631]

Yeah, for quick cleanups, I use Meguiar's Quik (interior detailer), but also occasionally use a couple of Lexol products that includes a conditioner (to keep soft surfaces supple, protect from UV, especially in a convertible).

Some of the Meguiar's products are actually good. I've got some of their 'pro' stuff. I tend to jump onto a sale, even if I save only $3 on a particular product. It's often impossible to find in stores and a crappy sale like that causes it to sell out fast.

Cleaning glass is tricky. I usually do a wet pass with a clay bar once a month and then wash it down. Then do a final clean with something like Stoner's glass cleaner, because nothing made car specific can come close to how clean Stoner's cleaner gets it. I'd say you're in a better locale to maintain your cars' looks. I doubt Vilano Beach has the smog of our state.

 

[Apple fanboy]

Thanks! I purchased it last October with just 43,000 miles on it. The original owner did the first 35,000 from 2002-2005 or so then the second owner only put on around 1,000 miles or less from 2005-2012, it mostly sat, then the third owner drove it a bit from 2012-2016 till I picked it up. I've already gone almost 4,000 in 6 months, more than I thought I would since I wanted to keep the miles down but its just so much fun! It just wants to be driven.

It is super, super clean. Even the engine bay was spotless when I got it and not a single crack in the leather. T-tops don't leak at all even under a power washer and the seal is still nice and squishy. Everything on it was 100% original when I got it other than tires replaced in 2005 and the oil. The only things I've done is swap out the stock head unit with one I can use my iPod with and with Bluetooth so I'm not stuck with AM/FM/CD only. And I put an SLP Loudmouth II cat-back on it to wake it up and hear the thing as the stock exhaust is darn quiet for what it is. But I kept both parts so they can always go back on.

It's a beauty. And a rare find to be stock and so clean. Not a scratch on it, inside or out that I could find. it is an auto though (4L60E). While I'd love a 6spd this was what I could find around here and it's certainly no slouch for an A4.

^ This one was taken yesterday evening out on our road trip to a waterfall that was really moving out in Cottonwood Falls Kansas. It was beautiful as was the sunset with all of the range burning going on in the Flint Hills. Drove through some smoke where there was fire right next to the road too. I had the top off on the way up but it got a little cool on the way back so I put them back on and took off the sun shades. Best of both worlds, stay warm plus be able to see the sky though the roof. I love them for that.

The worst thing about it is that I live on a gravel/dirt/sand road so I have to clean it every single time I take it out. But at least it's not black
[doublepost=1491922607][/doublepost]

Ha! It took me way to long to figure that one out. I believe it's the reflection of the headlight bouncing off the lens. The iPhone tends to turn light like that green too such as sun spots in outdoor photos, it's always a little green dot so that's my assumption. But spaceship sounds cooler so I'll go with that.

Nice car detailing. As for the lens flair issue, I get that on my gear sometimes and it cost in excess of £3000!

 

[0388631]

Wouldn't a hood work? I eliminate most lens flare using a hood. Also, I just noticed the other Camaro pics. Holy smokes, that's one clean car! When I see a car like that of that age, I know the owner truly loves that car or is into cars. That engine is back behind the front axle system, isn't it?

 

[D.T.]

Hahahaha, jeebus ...

840 HP / 770 lb-ft TQ

The Demon can hit 60 miles per hour in 2.3 seconds pulling 1.8 G’s, with a 9.65 quarter-mile drag time at 140 mph.

 

[0388631]

Do I spot dual supercharger inlets?

 

[acer]

What's everyone's opinions on extended warranty?

A relative just bought a new Honda and is considering a 7 year/100,000 miles warranty for $500. Is it worth it?

 

[0388631]

Could be a bit cheaper, but if the dealer is keen on selling it, see what he or she can snag in extras for free. That's really cheap for Honda, but usually their dealers will throw in some goodies to entice buyers. Better mats, extra trim pieces, cargo net and container, full tookit, remote service (if Honda even do this), etc.

 

[2298754]

Hahahaha, jeebus ...

840 HP / 770 lb-ft TQ

The Demon can hit 60 miles per hour in 2.3 seconds pulling 1.8 G’s, with a 9.65 quarter-mile drag time at 140 mph.

...Great. Yet another Challenger variant.

I can't believe our government wasted money bailing this company out (again)

 

[D.T.]

...Great. Yet another Challenger variant.

I can't believe our government wasted money bailing this company out (again)

I think the bailout was totally worth it for just this one ridiculous vehicle ...





Side note, my buddy who was shopping Hellcat Chargers, is pretty close to pulling the trigger, some real deals - he's a 4-door, big V8 kind of guy, doesn't want an import (like an M5). Should be fun since I'll get to abuse it

He's had a number of pretty amazing Chrysler/Dodges, like (I believe @Zenithal mentioned this above), a beautiful Plymouth GTX.

 

[Huntn]

Hahahaha, jeebus ...

840 HP / 770 lb-ft TQ

The Demon can hit 60 miles per hour in 2.3 seconds pulling 1.8 G’s, with a 9.65 quarter-mile drag time at 140 mph.

The lines of both the Charger and the Challenger are the cleanest, most reminiscint of the 60s-70s muscle cars. A hard choice, but I'd probably pick the Challenger.

Is a Challenger convertible not offered by Chrysler?? Every picture I found was by conversion companies. This custom built one is only $139k:

 

[quagmire]

Awesome engine and (straight line) performance in one of most horrible vehicles and brand. Ignoring FCA's quality issues, you have a vehicle that barely sold when it was introduced getting murdered by the 5th gen Camaro and S197 Mustang and as they got older and older and older, some how started to sell. The LX platform is ancient as crap based on an even older E Class platform.

But that is coming from a person who is in the know and has different priorities in a performance vehicle. Joe public sees a good looking vehicle, FCA marketing is doing a good job marketing the challenger lately, and it is the most practical car compared to the mustang and Camaro so it is easier to justify to the SO. All they need to do is get an R/T on the cheap and slap a hellcat badge on the trunk and they can brag about their cool vehicle.

Still props to Dodge for the Demon. At least it's a no apologizes vehicle saying I wil kick your ass in a straight line and doesn't pretend to be anything else besides the classic definition of a muscle car.

 

[puma1552]

But that is coming from a person who is in the know and has different priorities in a performance vehicle. Joe public sees a good looking vehicle, FCA marketing is doing a good job marketing the challenger lately, and it is the most practical car compared to the mustang and Camaro so it is easier to justify to the SO. All they need to do is get an R/T on the cheap and slap a hellcat badge on the trunk and they can brag about their cool vehicle.

You and I were never the target demographic for the Challenger, and Chrysler didn't really try to appeal/steal sales from Mustangs/Camaros.

The Challenger was always the heaviest, slowest, worst handling of the three, and it was always intended to be. From the onset in '08 it was designed to be a boulevard cruiser, truest to the lineage of the muscle car, and it never pretended to be anything else. It was/is marketed at boomers with too much money to blow who are overweight with back issues.

That said, I would now rock a Scat Pack all day long and make no apologies about it. It's amazing that FCA greenlighted both the Hellcat and the Demon, these are seriously awesome cars.

 

[0388631]

JLR must be desperate. A 4 pot F Type is coming out in Australia, and from what I gather, other countries following.

 

[quagmire]

You and I were never the target demographic for the Challenger, and Chrysler didn't really try to appeal/steal sales from Mustangs/Camaros.

The Challenger was always the heaviest, slowest, worst handling of the three, and it was always intended to be. From the onset in '08 it was designed to be a boulevard cruiser, truest to the lineage of the muscle car, and it never pretended to be anything else. It was/is marketed at boomers with too much money to blow who are overweight with back issues.

That said, I would now rock a Scat Pack all day long and make no apologies about it. It's amazing that FCA greenlighted both the Hellcat and the Demon, these are seriously awesome cars.

Yep. You got in before I got my edit in adding in my last paragraph.

It's not my type of vehicle. It's just amazing how despite its age, it is finding more sales success now compared to its first 5-6 years of its life. I do attribute it to the halo effect of the Hellcat and very good marketing.

 

[2298754]

I do attribute it to the halo effect of the Hellcat and and very good marketing.

I think it's more because of FCA's typical incentives and relaxed credit requirements for financing...
[doublepost=1492034412][/doublepost]

JLR must be desperate. A 4 pot F Type is coming out in Australia, and from what I gather, other countries following.

Saw that. What a joke.