The Car Thread ... !

[Huntn]

We are helping our Grandson buy a older vehicle, he reads a lot about cars and has focused on a 1997 Lexus lS400 95k miles, but the seller is asking $9700 for it which I think is high. His reasoning is it has a good track record, and I say it’s 20+ years old! He thinks that this era car has less stuff in it that can break versus newer highly computerized cars. All wheel drive is great but just something else to break. He is focusing on reliability.

I’ve been looking at the local Twin Cities car market and there are vehicles in the 2003-2010 age group at dealers that sell between $7-10k and some include drive train warranties (extra $$$, don’t know how much yet, because everything is closed today). Those cars are in the range of 110-160k miles. Anyway in this price range, any suggestions regarding this model car and others? Thanks!

 

[Matz]

Almost all my friends think that Cybertruck is as scary as the Japanese horror movies but for me this car is sort of a dream one. 800+ km range, 2.9 seconds acceleration, reinforced body. These are the main advantages for me. But unfortunately I will have to wait till 2023 for this car to be produced on an industrial scale.

My initial reaction to the Cybertruck was that it didn't look finished; it was a bit too planar. However, the design soon began to grow on me.

If I needed a new pickup, the Cybertruck would be on the short list. But of course I'd have to wait, too.

 

[44267547]

Almost all my friends think that Cybertruck is as scary as the Japanese horror movies but for me this car is sort of a dream one. 800+ km range, 2.9 seconds acceleration, reinforced body. These are the main advantages for me. But unfortunately I will have to wait till 2023 for this car to be produced on an industrial scale.

Well, the model that you’re mentioning with the 2.9 seconds from 0 to 60, that’s the ‘tri-motor’ model ‘Performance model’, and MSRP is $70,000. The base version of this truck is RWD, followed by the AWD model.

Edit:

In terms of appeal, that’s always subjective. We are used to seeing the constant bed/box for trucks for decades, and Tesla is known to do things different, and that’s what makes it so unique. People aren’t used to seeing such a concept that was put on paper now is a stark reality.

The Cybertruck as I mentioned in this thread, is in the running for my first truck ever.

 

[ericwn]

Almost all my friends think that Cybertruck is as scary as the Japanese horror movies but for me this car is sort of a dream one. 800+ km range, 2.9 seconds acceleration, reinforced body. These are the main advantages for me. But unfortunately I will have to wait till 2023 for this car to be produced on an industrial scale.

It’s kind of the futuristic vehicle I drew as a little kid and I’m somehow happy that someone is trying to make a real car out of it. And I say that while finding most pick-up trucks ugly …

 

[quagmire]

My initial reaction to Cybertruck was: WTF is that ugly thing!

my current view: It would be the truck I would buy if I wanted a truck.

 

[quagmire]

Anyone want to buy my Model 3 for $90,000?

Need to be able to afford this......

2023 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Elevates the American Supercar

The next chapter in the mid-engine Corvette journey begins today with the introduction of the 2023 Chevrolet Corvette Z06, a new American supercar that puts the world on notice. Arriving two years after the first production mid-engine Corvette Stingray debuted and captivated a worldwide...

media.chevrolet.com

Flat plane crank 5.5 liter V8 producing 670 HP with an 8600 RPM redline...... Voodoo says.... what?

 

[44267547]

I’m curious to what the markup will wind up being on the new Z06. We know the Shelby GT 500 hits the likes of $140,000, even the C8 is still ridiculously priced on eBay motors.

I reached a point where I’ve observed that I don’t really utilize all the power I have in my cars tracked, specifically my supercharged Camaro. Even though it’s an amazing ride, it makes you wonder if the people that buy these cars fall into that same scenario where it’s a grocery getter/garage queen. And there’s nothing wrong with that, but these cars really are designed to be tracked and actually ‘driven hard’.

 

[ionasdf]

My knowledge of American cars isn't perfect, has GM made a performance car with OHC V8 before or is that the first?

 

[quagmire]

My knowledge of American cars isn't perfect, has GM made a performance car with OHC V8 before or is that the first?

This is technically their 2nd OHC V8, but 3rd vehicle. The Northstar V8 was their first in house DOHC V8. The C4 Corvette featured a DOHC V8 from Yamaha.

 

[ionasdf]

This is technically their 2nd OHC V8, but 3rd vehicle. The Northstar V8 was their first in house DOHC V8. The C4 Corvette featured a DOHC V8 from Yamaha.

I never knew Northstar was OHC engine, always assumed OHV like just about everything else from that side of the ocean. C4 ZR-1 engine was actually Lotus design based on GM engine (according to few Googled sources, not that I would actually know). Fun to see OHC engines popping up in American cars.

 

[Matz]

With retirement being thrust upon me a few weeks ago, along with the resulting loss of my company car (and credit card), I had to reconsider my daily driver options. My 2014 Charger in its heavily modified form requires premium fuel and lots of it. Plus I want to limit the number of miles I put on it.

So I looked around for something more practical yet still fun to drive. I didn't want another sedan, so I looked at wagons and crossovers for occasional cargo hauling duties. My SO reminded me about a Chevy HHR she once owned and loved, and which she had sold to a friend that lived nearby. So we contacted her friend, who agreed to let me look at and drive the car, which now has 295,000 miles on the odometer (with no major repairs needed). I was quite pleased with the cargo room and the handling. I also really like the retro look of the thing. The power, however, left something to be desired (170 HP/167 TQ). Fortunately Chevy came out with an SS version in 2008. The manual transmission version puts out 260 HP/260 TQ; the automatic has 250 HP/222 TQ, presumably due to the auto's lesser torque handling capacity.

After a nationwide search, I found a 2008 HHR SS, with a 5-speed manual and 47,000 miles, in Victory Red (aka Arrest Me Red) and am in the process of buying it. It should be shipped here to the farm sometime next week.

Although it's not an economy car, as premium fuel is recommended, the gas mileage is significantly better than the Charger's. It will also reduce the number of miles I put on the Charger.

I intend to resist the urge to mod this car (except for upgrading the sound system and some of the lighting with LEDs), as it has plenty of power in stock form and a limited-slip differential.

I suppose it will take some getting used to, as I haven't owned a FWD car in quite a few years. I've read that torque steer is a problem in some FWD cars, but the LSD supposedly mitigates that to an extent. I am looking forward to driving a manual transmission again.

I'll post pics once the car arrives, but here's one from the dealer's ad:

 

[44267547]

I can relate to that. I had an Impala SS, one of the last years they actually made it. Obviously it was front wheel drive, however; before I modified it, the front torque is comparable to like a really strong dog on a leash that’s pulling you, that’s exactly kind of what it felt like. A lot of times, I found myself chirping the tires without even trying, but that was the 5.3L V8/four-speed automatic. To be honest, it’s almost too much power with that particular Impala.

I didn’t see any drawbacks to owning a front wheel drive vehicle, even though I didn’t drive my Impala SS in the snow, with the right quality all-seasonal Michelin tires equipped, and the weight of the engine/other components, FWD is still clutch when you need it. But in terms of how things have changed today, everything is going AWD for the most part, [partially being sedans are becoming a thing of the past], as well as FWD.

 

[cyb3rdud3]

I've been giving some TLC to the Golf MK2 GTI. Noticed some rust spots, and decided it needed a repair to stop this from continuing.

So...Here we are all metal work is done, and primer is on it...

But as my daughter finally managed to do her test after being cancelled for four time due to Corona, we quickly found a little intermediate car, and did a mini build. An old boy had it for 30 years, is in fantastic condition but his garage took him for a ride in my opinion as there was a bit of neglect in some areas; the shocks were bad, very bad, so we replaced them with an airlift 3 kit, and upgraded the 14" BBS to these 16" versions. The car was running hot, the radiator was bad, the circulation was bad, and the fan clutch may as well not have been there. So we replaced it all including water pump, belts and upgraded the alternator from 60A to 90A. It was also running with a lumpy idle, I noticed someone put aftermarket HT leads on it, and cut the CID lead, so put a BMW original set on, and cleaned all intakes along the way, also replaced the idle control valve and idle switch. It is running so good now. So she was driving in this lovely BMW E30 3 Series....

But... An inexperienced drive, and a rear wheel drive BMW meeting water with oil on a roundabout ended up in a drift past three exits, hit a kerb on a traffic island, and came to a halt with thanks to a metal pole. Oops, so that is going into the workshop later this month...

Ah well, my wife and I discussed and we ended up buying my daughter a more modern everyday driver. A mini version of my car :0
A nice little Range Rover Evoque in 3 door and all black. It is a great drive, even compared to my full fat Range Rover supercharged.

 

[44267547]

I've been giving some TLC to the Golf MK2 GTI. Noticed some rust spots, and decided it needed a repair to stop this from continuing.

So...Here we are all metal work is done, and primer is on it...

View attachment 1910099

But as my daughter finally managed to do her test after being cancelled for four time due to Corona, we quickly found a little intermediate car, and did a mini build. An old boy had it for 30 years, is in fantastic condition but his garage took him for a ride in my opinion as there was a bit of neglect in some areas; the shocks were bad, very bad, so we replaced them with an airlift 3 kit, and upgraded the 14" BBS to these 16" versions. The car was running hot, the radiator was bad, the circulation was bad, and the fan clutch may as well not have been there. So we replaced it all including water pump, belts and upgraded the alternator from 60A to 90A. It was also running with a lumpy idle, I noticed someone put aftermarket HT leads on it, and cut the CID lead, so put a BMW original set on, and cleaned all intakes along the way, also replaced the idle control valve and idle switch. It is running so good now. So she was driving in this lovely BMW E30 3 Series....
View attachment 1910100

But... An inexperienced drive, and a rear wheel drive BMW meeting water with oil on a roundabout ended up in a drift past three exits, hit a kerb on a traffic island, and came to a halt with thanks to a metal pole. Oops, so that is going into the workshop later this month...

Ah well, my wife and I discussed and we ended up buying my daughter a more modern everyday driver. A mini version of my car :0
A nice little Range Rover Evoque in 3 door and all black. It is a great drive, even compared to my full fat Range Rover supercharged.
View attachment 1910103

View attachment 1910104

Congrats. Love the photos. The black-on-black Evoque looks killer.

 

[ericwn]

I've been giving some TLC to the Golf MK2 GTI. Noticed some rust spots, and decided it needed a repair to stop this from continuing.

So...Here we are all metal work is done, and primer is on it...

View attachment 1910099

But as my daughter finally managed to do her test after being cancelled for four time due to Corona, we quickly found a little intermediate car, and did a mini build. An old boy had it for 30 years, is in fantastic condition but his garage took him for a ride in my opinion as there was a bit of neglect in some areas; the shocks were bad, very bad, so we replaced them with an airlift 3 kit, and upgraded the 14" BBS to these 16" versions. The car was running hot, the radiator was bad, the circulation was bad, and the fan clutch may as well not have been there. So we replaced it all including water pump, belts and upgraded the alternator from 60A to 90A. It was also running with a lumpy idle, I noticed someone put aftermarket HT leads on it, and cut the CID lead, so put a BMW original set on, and cleaned all intakes along the way, also replaced the idle control valve and idle switch. It is running so good now. So she was driving in this lovely BMW E30 3 Series....
View attachment 1910100

But... An inexperienced drive, and a rear wheel drive BMW meeting water with oil on a roundabout ended up in a drift past three exits, hit a kerb on a traffic island, and came to a halt with thanks to a metal pole. Oops, so that is going into the workshop later this month...

Ah well, my wife and I discussed and we ended up buying my daughter a more modern everyday driver. A mini version of my car :0
A nice little Range Rover Evoque in 3 door and all black. It is a great drive, even compared to my full fat Range Rover supercharged.
View attachment 1910103

View attachment 1910104

Definitely the luxury treatment for the kid but hey if you can swing it, why not. At the end of the day it’s also about security and these things from the 80s are just no comparison in that regard.

A few years ago I was rammed off the street by a young lady playing on her phone, she didn’t even see the stop sign and drove into the side of my then Golf V with about 60 km/h. My Honda from the 80s would not have protected me nearly as well, and I’d probably not be able to type this now.

 

[Matz]

After a week of owning my new-to-me 08 HHR SS, I have to say that I am very pleased with having found and purchased this car. There are currently only three or four SS models with the manual transmission listed in the entire US on Autotrader, and this was the best of the lot.

It is a hoot to drive! It feels quicker than the 6.3 second 0-60 spec suggests, and handles our twisty country roads with aplomb. On the highway the ride is firm but quite smooth. It got 27.5 mpg on the first tank, with mixed driving. I fully expect >30 mpg on a road trip. I've decided to run 93 octane, as it's recommended.

It definitely doesn't have the creature comforts that my Charger has. To remedy some of that I have a new sound system waiting to be installed, which will also add hands free calling and Apple CarPlay. I may add heated seats, as well.

The HHR's retro styling, go-kart handling, compact size, ample cargo capacity, and level of required driver involvement are a nice counterpoint to the Charger's weight, comfort, muscle car styling, and warp-drive like power. I'm actually liking this car more than I expected to. And it makes me appreciate the Charger that much more.

 

[44267547]

After a week of owning my new-to-me 08 HHR SS, I have to say that I am very pleased with having found and purchased this car. There are currently only three or four SS models with the manual transmission listed in the entire US on Autotrader, and this was the best of the lot.

It is a hoot to drive! It feels quicker than the 6.3 second 0-60 spec suggests, and handles our twisty country roads with aplomb. On the highway the ride is firm but quite smooth. It got 27.5 mpg on the first tank, with mixed driving. I fully expect >30 mpg on a road trip. I've decided to run 93 octane, as it's recommended.

It definitely doesn't have the creature comforts that my Charger has. To remedy some of that I have a new sound system waiting to be installed, which will also add hands free calling and Apple CarPlay. I may add heated seats, as well.

The HHR's retro styling, go-kart handling, compact size, ample cargo capacity, and level of required driver involvement are a nice counterpoint to the Charger's weight, comfort, muscle car styling, and warp-drive like power. I'm actually liking this car more than I expected to. And it makes me appreciate the Charger that much more.

View attachment 1916670 View attachment 1916671 View attachment 1916672

So first thoughts, is that red is almost like a ‘hyper red’. (And your photos aren’t even edited.) If you paste a few fire department decals on the passenger doors, nobody will ever bother you just in case you’re late getting to the grocery store. 😁

Undoubtedly, you probably have one of the more rare cars in this thread. Even reflecting back, I don’t recall a time I’ve ever even come across a Chevy HHR-SS. The only time I’ve ever even found these vehicles, was for like utility use from companies. So I think you have a car that no one has likely any knowledge on, and gathering from the photos you’ve posted, it looks almost factory new. Chevy did some really unique things with the whole ‘SS branding’ in those 06-08’ years, similar to what we saw with the Cobalt SS (Offered both in turbo and supercharged variants), the Impala SS, HHR SS. I think the big difference is you can tell, the cosmetic package with the wheels and ground effects.

Given the extreme inflation right now with used vehicles, and in the rarity that car you have with the manual, plus in that condition with low mileage, I can only imagine you probably paid a premium. But that’s how I’ve always been to with certain rides, and just as much as it is to have a fun ‘side car’, it’s also just as equally fun to have a fun daily driver. I’ve said it before in here, if you’re not enjoying the ride that you’re driving, then you’re going to hate driving.

Enjoy. And share updates!

 

[Matz]

So first thoughts, is that red is almost like a ‘hyper red’. (And your photos aren’t even edited.) If you paste a few fire department decals on the passenger doors, nobody will ever bother you just in case you’re late getting to the grocery store. 😁

Undoubtedly, you probably have one of the more rare cars in this thread. Even reflecting back, I don’t recall a time I’ve ever even come across a Chevy HHR-SS. The only time I’ve ever even found these vehicles, was for like utility use from companies. So I think you have a car that no one has likely any knowledge on, and gathering from the photos you’ve posted, it looks almost factory new. Chevy did some really unique things with the whole ‘SS branding’ in those 06-08’ years, similar to what we saw with the Cobalt SS (Offered both in turbo and supercharged variants), the Impala SS, HHR SS. I think the big difference is you can tell, the cosmetic package with the wheels and ground effects.

Given the extreme inflation right now with used vehicles, and in the rarity that car you have with the manual, plus in that condition with low mileage, I can only imagine you probably paid a premium. But that’s how I’ve always been to with certain rides, and just as much as it is to have a fun ‘side car’, it’s also just as equally fun to have a fun daily driver. I’ve said it before in here, if you’re not enjoying the ride that you’re driving, then you’re going to hate driving.

Enjoy. And share updates!

It's called Victory Red. Funny you should mention the fire department decals, as I've been asked to do some administrative work for the local volunteer fire department (on a volunteer basis, of course).

The more I look at and explore the various nooks and crannies, the more obvious it becomes that someone has taken very good care of this car. That is more impressive when considering it has had three previous owners. There are no door dings, and very very few nicks in the paint.

Yes, I paid a premium, although it was not the most expensive pick at the time. Still, it was no more expensive than a Honda Civic of the same vintage, can haul more stuff, and is way more fun to drive.

I've already switched out the stock backup and side marker lights with LED bulbs. It's amazing how much brighter the backup lights are now. I did the same thing with my Charger; it makes quite a difference.

Today my sound system install begins. I'm upgrading all four door speakers, plus the tweeters in the A-pillars, adding a compact powered subwoofer, installing a new Sony head unit with CarPlay, and installing a backup camera. It's been awhile since I've installed a sound system in a car, so it will undoubtedly take me longer than I think it will .

 

[quagmire]

I never knew Northstar was OHC engine, always assumed OHV like just about everything else from that side of the ocean. C4 ZR-1 engine was actually Lotus design based on GM engine (according to few Googled sources, not that I would actually know). Fun to see OHC engines popping up in American cars.

Know this is a month behind, but I need to correct myself. This is GM's third OHC V8.... Completely forgot about the Blackwing V8 that came and went faster than you could blink..... Such a waste of a good engine......

I don't care if an engine is OHV or OHC. They deliver different experiences. I loved the LT1 V8 in my Camaro SS.

 

[ionasdf]

First drive with the winter car, still a lot of things to sort out but it's getting there.

I don't care if an engine is OHV or OHC. They deliver different experiences. I loved the LT1 V8 in my Camaro SS.

I don't have experience with either but I totally agree, and I don't understand why some people are so harsh on OHV's.

 

[44267547]

It's called Victory Red. Funny you should mention the fire department decals, as I've been asked to do some administrative work for the local volunteer fire department (on a volunteer basis, of course).

The more I look at and explore the various nooks and crannies, the more obvious it becomes that someone has taken very good care of this car. That is more impressive when considering it has had three previous owners. There are no door dings, and very very few nicks in the paint.

Yes, I paid a premium, although it was not the most expensive pick at the time. Still, it was no more expensive than a Honda Civic of the same vintage, can haul more stuff, and is way more fun to drive.

I've already switched out the stock backup and side marker lights with LED bulbs. It's amazing how much brighter the backup lights are now. I did the same thing with my Charger; it makes quite a difference.

Today my sound system install begins. I'm upgrading all four door speakers, plus the tweeters in the A-pillars, adding a compact powered subwoofer, installing a new Sony head unit with CarPlay, and installing a backup camera. It's been awhile since I've installed a sound system in a car, so it will undoubtedly take me longer than I think it will .

Do post pictures.

Honestly, I think you kind of have a ‘show car’ a little bit, one of those mixed bag car shows, where everybody brings whatever their car is. I wouldn’t be surprised if that car actually goes up in value, especially if it’s limited as it is with a manual, and in the condition you have it in.

Your HHR-SS actually makes me think of the Dodge Caliber SRT-4, which was a turbo charged 2.4 L (Produced for one year 08-09’). I knew a guy that had one, and he said the torque was just insane, being it was front-wheel drive, and it was only made for a very limited time.

This is the SRT-4 Caliber. You can see the similarities with the ground effects, wheels and Grill, almost cosmetically like your HHR-SS.

 

[ericwn]

First drive with the winter car, still a lot of things to sort out but it's getting there.

View attachment 1920570


I don't have experience with either but I totally agree, and I don't understand why some people are so harsh on OHV's.

This looks like a fun ride!

 

[bunnspecial]

I don't have experience with either but I totally agree, and I don't understand why some people are so harsh on OHV's.

I love the tech that goes into OHC engines and the amazing things they can do now.

I love the simplicity of OHV engines. You have one camshaft and a short chain driving it(or can even get rid of the chain completely if you want). DOHC V-engines have what seems like a mile of belt or chain.

I REALLY love nothing needing a 6" ratchet extension to change a spark plug on an OHV engine

The major handicap of an OHV is its ability to breath relative to OHC, or specifically DOHC engines. Of course this is also engine dependent, but working each design to its maximum potential a DOHC will still come out on top. There's also the ability to have truly independent control over intake and exhaust timing and other things like that.

At the same time, there's an inherent advantage in that OHV designs typically are physically smaller than an OHC engine of the same displacement and layout/number of cylinders.

I do remember looking at one oddball engine along the way. I THINK it was a 1.5L Riley 4 cylinder, probably mid-50s production. It had separate intake and exhaust cams, but they were mounted "high" in the block and operated the valves via short pushrods. It was a design that had a lot of the size and complexity advantages of a typical OHC engine combined with all the airfllow benefits of an OHV engine .

Of course I could be picky and point out that all of the engines we're talking about here are overhead valve engines, and our difference is whether the cam is in the block or over the valves. Most of us don't have flathead engines anymore outside of maybe our lawn equipment.

 

[Suture]

MR-2 as a winter car? You like to live dangerously! Love those cars though.

 

[Apple fanboy]

Gave the car a much needed wash. After a trip to a quarry on Friday it looked like I’d been rallying!