Random Thoughts - Part III The Search for Spark (No Politics)

[alex87f]

Originally Posted by 86-75309

I've been searching for a single vehicle that can combine the best aspects of the two I have now. The small, fun, sporty toy never gets driven until the weather gets warmer, the roads get the salt washed off and I have free time for strictly pleasure cruising. Even the daily driver-bulky stuff hauler doesn't get driven very often. Does anyone know of a fun-to-drive vehicle that can haul large bulky cargo when necessary, has a manual transmission, and doesn't suffer from an expensive Euro luxury surcharge when it comes to parts, maintenance and repair work?

Having just had a baby girl (and with the 86 my only car), I'm also considering a do-it-all car that can be both fun and practical.

So far, only two have piqued my interest:
-Mini Clubman S F54, but it's a bit small and has a reputation for not being that fun
-Audi S4 B8.5 wagon. I've yet to drive one, but they're AWD, have 333hp (and potential for 400+ at the crank with a remap and a pulley), and are spacious. I'm a bit afraid about parts cost though, and it looks like you guys can't have those in the US
-335xi wagon, but I'm no huge fan of BMWs

[soundman98]

Originally Posted by pope

Ranchero, El Camino, Holden Ute, Ford Falcon Ute. Sure the latter two would need to be imported from Australia, but there’s a company in Colorado (I think) that imports and federalizes them.

i don't know of anyone that federalizes the falcon utes. the colorado company deals specifically with the holden/g8 models. i want to say the falcon was a AU model only, so won't directly convert, which i suspect is why no one does it. or only GM fanboi's have money?

last i looked into that colorado company, it was going to be around $50k all-in. pontiac g8's with clean titles were around $25k, and the process to import and convert a ute was around another $25k. g8 prices have fallen to less than $20k now, but the importation of the body structure and labor to convert it hasn't fallen much so it's still likely to be a $35k-60k endeavor for what ends up getting titled/registered as a $15k 15 year old vehicle.

[soundman98]

Originally Posted by 86-75309

Among current vehicles that could work for me are Golf GTI or Golf R, Civic Type-R or the upcoming Integra Type-S. The GR Corolla is a bit on the small side. With the exception of the Jeep Compass and possibly a Subaru, neither of which I would qualify as "fun", there are no road-oriented CUVs that offer a manual. The off-road oriented Jeeps and the Ford Bronco sacrifice a lot of on-road (where I drive) performance to be able to follow trails deep into the wilderness (where I have no intention of driving).

In the past I had Golf Sportwagens, which were fun only in the broadest sense, and Audi A3s back when they were hatches with manual transmissions.

lol, i've actually been looking at 90's toyota corolla's. dead simple, obd2, generally undesirable from the outside so i can leave it unlocked with they keys in it, and if you ever saw the trunk space with the floating rear axle, it'll give a mob car a run for body counts!

also, puddin's fab shop has put his through hell, and it just keeps going..

[spcmafia]

Finally started to get the hang of these little shits. Very satisfied considering is my second time making Croissants. They are super buttery and flaky.

[spike021]

Originally Posted by spcmafia

Finally started to get the hang of these little shits. Very satisfied considering is my second time making Croissants. They are super buttery and flaky.

I would pay you in some form of coins for that! Nice work!

[pope]

Originally Posted by soundman98

i don't know of anyone that federalizes the falcon utes. the colorado company deals specifically with the holden/g8 models. i want to say the falcon was a AU model only, so won't directly convert, which i suspect is why no one does it. or only GM fanboi's have money?

last i looked into that colorado company, it was going to be around $50k all-in. pontiac g8's with clean titles were around $25k, and the process to import and convert a ute was around another $25k. g8 prices have fallen to less than $20k now, but the importation of the body structure and labor to convert it hasn't fallen much so it's still likely to be a $35k-60k endeavor for what ends up getting titled/registered as a $15k 15 year old vehicle.

Left Hand Utes in Denver show on their website and Facebook they convert Falcon Utes in addition to their primary focus on Holdens.

But yes, they are expensive.

[spcmafia]

Originally Posted by spike021

I would pay you in some form of coins for that! Nice work!

I will certainly send some on my next batch. I think by the third time I should have a pretty good grasp.

[humfrz]

Originally Posted by Sapphireho

Well, I'm realizing my wife is only happy when I am doing things I hate. Have I had time to go forward in garage organization and car maintenance? If course not. I'm fixing and prepping walls for painting, and doing home electrical. Next I get to fall a dead tree in my backyard. Yay!

And get this. I've been suffering from the strangest, most itchy rash lately. Dermatologist says it is ezcema, and have to lay off my hot tub. So one doc says hit tub for circulation, other says no hot tub for skin. Darn.

I can't help you with the first part -

However, with the second part, I suggest you fill the "hot" tub full of cold water. Your circulation will be improved because you will be moving around to keep warm and the cold water won't aggravate your eczema.

[humfrz]

Originally Posted by 86-75309

I've been searching for a single vehicle that can combine the best aspects of the two I have now. The small, fun, sporty toy never gets driven until the weather gets warmer, the roads get the salt washed off and I have free time for strictly pleasure cruising. Even the daily driver-bulky stuff hauler doesn't get driven very often. Does anyone know of a fun-to-drive vehicle that can haul large bulky cargo when necessary, has a manual transmission, and doesn't suffer from an expensive Euro luxury surcharge when it comes to parts, maintenance and repair work?

Yep.

[humfrz]

Originally Posted by weederr33

Here's my $3 question of the day: is RFID blocking necessary? Is it something you make sure you have for your wallet or do you think it's all blown out of proportion?

That's a no brainer -

[humfrz]

Originally Posted by alex87f

Having just had a baby girl (and with the 86 my only car), I'm also considering a do-it-all car that can be both fun and practical.

I would suggest that you just get a second car, as a family car.

[dpfarr]

What about a focus rs?

I think my real problem is my single file driveway. I could put three cars no problem on it. I could put on between my drive way and garage. There could even be one in my garage. I hate moving a car to the street, moving the next car to the street, and parking the first where the second one was in the driveway. I don’t enjoy thinking of that process with 3 vehicles.

I like having the brz as a dd I guess. I’ve asked my brother for his Tacoma he doesn’t drive anymore but I bristle at the idea of that ugly pos in my garage instead of my brz. These cognitive discrepancies that inhibit my days.

[soundman98]

Originally Posted by dpfarr

What about a focus rs?

bro, you finna hit dat vape bro? cherry vape smacks!





i don't think anyone's allowed to drive an rs without immediately getting it pop-tuned, and wearing a flat-billed monster hat, and minimum of 2 vape pens.

[dpfarr]

All the people I’ve met with them have been adults. Haven’t seen one with like anodized spike lugs and double spoiler here yet.