And the sad thing is, I remember seeing that loan payoff paper, within the past year at least. When new car time comes, I probably am going to buy it...mainly just because leases are a bit foreign to me. Plus, I figure with something like an Accord or Altima, I'll never be as upside-down as I was with the Intrepid, so I'd still have more freedom to trade, if something else came along that caught my eye.
Style-wise, I'm a bit torn between the two. I like the Altima, although I just don't find it as fresh as I used to. As for the Accord, up front it reminds me of the old Altima, or at least the facelifted 2005-06 models, so maybe that's why I don't mind it so much.
But, I haven't committed to anything yet, and I'm still not going to try to rush into anything. Although, as if to hurry my decision along, my '79 5th Ave died on me twice on the way to work this morning!
Go to autobrag.com -- punch in what you want and you will get offers that come from nearby dealers. They can't call or email unless you want to counter offer. No cost or obligation -- did it for a friend and got some decent offers but the friend backed out and bouught the leased murano.
Although, as if to hurry my decision along, my '79 5th Ave died on me twice on the way to work this morning!
Do you think it knows something?
Have you been checking the "Prices Paid" forums for the Accord and Altima? Lots of good information to be found there, if you're of a mind.
Also, have you considered a Sonata? Some screamin' deals to be had, given that the '11's are due out next spring. Plus, a longer warranty than Honda or Nissan.
You're probably thinking of the V8's in the E34's & E38's, with the nikasil or alusil issues. (I think the nikasil were the "bad ones"). As far as I know, the e39 V8's are fairly reliable, but require more maintenence $$ (but you go faster!). The 6 cyl. e39 wagons have either the 2.8 or 2.5, but not the 6 that's in the 530i sedan.
Problem is, the 5 is just so darned heavy. A 6-cyl is just not enough in that car, IMHO. I mean, the lightest E39 is what? 3500 lbs?
The 2.8 6-cyl auto does 0-60 in 7.9 sec, the 2.5 stick about the same. I know if I go much faster than that, I'll just get more tickets. BTW, there's a nice looking e39 540i wagon FS down the street from me (the place with all the Porsches FS), silver/black........
I went digging with a vengeance when I got home, found the Intrepid's loan payoff. It was the very last envelope at the very bottom of the very last box I could think of to look in!
So, I guess that's one step closer to renewing my ccba membership!
Also, have you considered a Sonata? Some screamin' deals to be had, given that the '11's are due out next spring. Plus, a longer warranty than Honda or Nissan.
I really hadn't given the Sonata much thought, but I guess it might be worth checking out. Plus, I should probably give the Fusion another look as well. I drove one briefly at the Ford Nationals in Carlisle this past June, and liked it.
Oh, I talked to my mechanic tonight, the one who's supposed to get my DeSoto running again. He kinda forgot that he was supposed to come get it. He's going to pick it up tomorrow. While talking to him, I mentioned about the Intrepid getting totaled, and he tried to sell me on, of all things, an '02 Corolla he had. Umm, no! Not gonna happen. So then he asked me about an xB. Yeah, right...maybe if I find a short chauffer and ride around in the back seat!
You're getting the DeSoto running again? Road trip!
Yeah, I figure it's long overdue. Plus, my 40th birthday is coming up...April 2, 2010, and I was hoping to get it roadworthy by then. Sort of a midlife-crisis birthday present to myself!
Gee, I can just see you getting a Sonata and visiting lemko....
Yeah, that would be a trip, wouldn't it! Y'know, one thing that might be making it so hard for me to settle on a replacement is that I really don't have any brand loyalty anymore. Back when I bought the Intrepid, it was the perfect choice. I liked Mopar, but more than that, the Intrepid just fit me better. Back then, the Camry, Accord, and Altima were all too small for me. And the base Intrepid just seemed like a lot more car than the base Impala or base Taurus at the time. Plus, the 0.9% financing certainly helped!
My only regret is that, at the time, I couldn't have afforded a nicer ES or R/T model. Well, I could have if I stretched it I guess. But my base model MSRP'ed for $20,950, while the R/T they had on their showroomfloor was around $27,000. I'm sure that would've been another $125-150 per month, been a bit more expensive to feed, and in the end, it still would've been a totaled carcass sitting behind my house, waiting for the tow truck to come get it.
Another problem is that nowadays, most cars out there are pretty good. Sure, it's still possible to get stuck with a lemon, but I think your chances are pretty slim with any brand, these days.
At one time, there was talk of Nissan and Mopar going in on a deal where they'd take Altimas and badge-engineer them into Dodges, to replace the lackluster Avenger. Kind of a shame that never came to be. I have a feeling something like that would be first on my list!
Yeah, I could see how this would be for you. Chrysler really isn't the Chrysler you bought from anymore by any stretch of the imagination.
You paid about what I paid for my 00 Accord EX. At the time that Accord wouldn't fit you. We're short in our family (my wife is the tallest member right now at 5'6" - an inch taller than I am) so it work fine. The new Accord is a different story. You'd probably be plenty comfy in it.
I don't know if it's me or what but in general I think newer car designs have kind of run off the rails. The Accord is OK but was a little bit of a disappointment to me. The current Camry is slowly growing on me - just in time for them to change it again. I do like the Altima and really like the new Legacy. The Fusion is nice, too, if you want to help support the Mexican economy....
2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
Andre, the Altima, Accord and Fusion would all be nice replacements. But, the Fusion sure seems to jump at the top for styling! That is one nice looking car in that price range and the fact the Ford is starting to turn a profit is good for an American company.
Happy Hunting! :P Mark156
2010 Land Rover LR4, 2013 Honda CR-V, 2009 Bentley GTC, 1990 MB 500SL, 2001 MB S500, 2007 Lincoln TC, 1964 RR Silver Cloud III, 1995 MB E320 Cab., 2015 Prevost Liberty Coach
Sorry to hear that. I've been reading your chronicles about your Intrepid for years and was convinced you were going to be a 200k miler. I'm intrigued about your fleet of cars. Any in good condition, or just keeping because of sentimental reasons? I have a good friend who has been loyal to Chrysler like you have been. He got married (1980's) and drove his father in law's 57 DeSoto 2dr to their honeymoon suite. He has had a Horizon TC ( I had an 84--and a good car), Volares, Dusters, Ram trucks, Dynasty, Cordoba, multiple mini vans including the current van, and 08 Ram hemi. He is crushed that he feels that Chrysler is no longer going to be a viable option for him for his next ride.
2021 VW Arteon SEL 4-motion, 2018 VW Passat SE w/tech, 2016 Audi Q5 Premium Plus w/tech
The Avus Blue M5 sold locally. The thought of finally ditching the Mazda and getting behind the wheel of another M car was really starting to lift my spirits. Now it looks like I'm going to have to dump @$1500 into the Mazda and drive the #%&#$! heap through the winter. Grrrr... :mad: :mad: :mad:
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
I was researching Altimas and they seem to be prone to problems iwth the 2.5 engine and other misc. misfortunes. Dropped by the dealer and drove a 6-speed Toyota Camry SE and have to say I was very pleasantly surprised. The suspension is taut and almost German-like, even more so than my 09 Accord was. Only problems is, if I get one it has to be Blue Ribbon Pearl and that is one hard color to find, especially with the Moonroof and JBL package!
Andre - good to hear that you were able to lay your hands on that payoff note. Guess it must be a Maryland thing.
When my son totaled the Tracker, we hadn't even transferred the paperwork into our name. Had to do that (and pay the sales tax on the transaction) before State Farm would cut us a check.
I hadn't thought of the Fusion as a replacement - that might not be a bad choice.
When I was looking for my last car, I thought about either a 300M or the Intrepid R/T - they had the 3.5L 250HP V6. Problem was, they were just a bit out of my price range. I think I paid something like $27-28K after taxes and fees (and aftermarket leather) for my L300. The Chrysler (and the Passat V6 4Motion I also liked) were around $30K before taxes.
I hear ya on the brand loyalty thing .. even if I wanted to, I can't buy another Saturn new. The local dealers are clearing out the remaining stock - there are some pretty decent deals, but I'm just not in the market at the moment.
I like the idea of the Sonata...great value and there have to be some great deals out there with the 2011 coming soon. The Fusion is another solid choice.
I just can't get into the Altima...it does nothing for me. :confuse:
what about a Malibu? I haven't driven one, but did sit in one (at the Auto Show), I think the sight lines might bother me, though that could be something I'd get used to.
And to put my 2 cents in. How about the Mazda6 , same platform as the Fusion and it has been out for about a year. So it may have better deals available.
I test drove one last year and found it very nice. It was getting a little to big for my taste, but the backseat was huge.
what about a Malibu? I haven't driven one, but did sit in one (at the Auto Show), I think the sight lines might bother me, though that could be something I'd get used to.
I drove a Malibu around on the show field at Carlisle PA back in 2008, at a GM test drive event. I did like it at the time...but I think I just got kinda tired of it since then. And when the updated Fusion came out, the Malibu just sort of slipped my mind. Still, before I make a final decision, the Malibu might be worth a revisit.
I'm doing a whole lot better, thanks for asking! My neurologist expects me to make a 100% recovery. I still have a little weakness in my left hand, left leg and right shoulder. I have a little numbness throughout my torso. But, I can walk, drive and do almost everything normally. I just can't run yet, if I try, I look like a stick man running! LOL! My legs stiffen up.
Mark
2010 Land Rover LR4, 2013 Honda CR-V, 2009 Bentley GTC, 1990 MB 500SL, 2001 MB S500, 2007 Lincoln TC, 1964 RR Silver Cloud III, 1995 MB E320 Cab., 2015 Prevost Liberty Coach
Sorry to hear that. I've been reading your chronicles about your Intrepid for years and was convinced you were going to be a 200k miler.
Yeah, I was hoping for that, myself! Although at my the rate I had been driving it, 200K miles was probably still another 7-8+ years away.
As for my other cars? Well, the movie "Christine" turned me on to the "Forward Look" era of Mopar when I was in 8th grade, and when I saw a picture of a '57 DeSoto I started wanting one, bad. I found the one that I bought in September 1990. It's in pretty good shape for its age, but mostly original. There's a little rust around the headlights and rear quarter panels. It's extremely dusty right now, hasn't been waxed in ages, but would clean up pretty nicely. Main problem right now is that it just sat for so long. I'm having a new gas tank put in, carb rebuilt, brakes re-done and converted to a more modern disc/drum setup, and then just the typical tuneup/belts/hoses/tranny service type stuff done on it. Mechanic's supposed to pick it up today, but hasn't yet.
I always liked the big '67 Pontiacs, ever since I was a little kid, and "Smokey and the Bandit" turned me on to the '76-77 LeMans (most normal kids would've been turned on by Burt Reynolds' Trans Am). And I've also liked Chrysler's 1979-81 full-sized cars...so that's how I ended up with them. They're all in pretty good shape, except one of my '79 New Yorkers has a habit of not always starting. I think it's moisture in the distributor cap, or something minor.
Oh, and my '85 Silverado, my Granddad bought new. Grandmom gave it to my Mom about 5 or 6 years after he died, and then in 2002 she bought a new F-150 and sold it to me. It's getting a little rough and rusty, but still gets the job done.
Now that I think about it, if I were buying a new vehicle, I think distance-to-dealer may sway my decision a little bit, though not a ton. When I had a Mazda, there were two dealers on the north side of Chicago. There are now ZERO Mazda dealers in the ENTIRE city of Chicago; closest to me is in Evanston (13 miles), not exactly far, but in this traffic, that's a solid half hour drive. Our 'main drags' (Cicero and Western Avenues) have had alarming amounts of closures (most recently, Mitsubishi and Dodge). I guess not such a big deal, but something to think about.
Oh, and my '85 Silverado, my Granddad bought new. Grandmom gave it to my Mom about 5 or 6 years after he died, and then in 2002 she bought a new F-150 and sold it to me.
You'll forgive me but the grandmom giving it to your mom and your mom selling it to you brings up the old Woody Allen like - "My grandfather on his deathbed sold me this watch."....
2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
I recently had a Malibu 4cyl as a rental and liked it. Good room, and I averaged 28mpg in mixed driving, which I thought was pretty good. Nice car, and a whole different league vs. the G6 that was my last rental.
The only permanent fix for this problem is the replacement of the short block with the equivalent block composed of Alusil, which do not exhibit this corrosion problem. After the problem was found, BMW issued an extended six-year, 100,000-mile (160,000 km) warranty to cover these engines at no cost to the owner.
The composition of the engine can be found by checking the serial number stamped into the engine block:
You'll forgive me but the grandmom giving it to your mom and your mom selling it to you brings up the old Woody Allen like - "My grandfather on his deathbed sold me this watch."....
Yeah, my grandmother was actually kinda pissed about that, too. However, my Mom & stepdad had just put around $700 into the truck, and were trying to sell it for something like $3000-3500 IIRC. So they let me have it for $1200. Initially I was going to pay them back $100 per month, but then I fell on hard times. This was late 2002/early 2003, right about where the recession bottomed out. Well, that other recession, at least. I think I paid her around $200 until I had to stop, but then when I sold my condo, I finished paying her. I just didn't want to leave my Mom or worse, my stepdad, with anything they could use against me in the future! I'd already dealt with that once before. In 1998, they gave me Mom's old '86 Monte Carlo. I got t-boned while delivering pizzas in it. First thing out of their mouth wasn't "oh my God, are you okay?!" It was "why were you driving THAT car?" Can't ya just feel the love? :sick:
Oh, speaking of the Silverado, it came in handy today. When the tow truck came out to pick up the DeSoto, we tried to push it out of the garage, but it wouldn't budge. It finally did sort of break loose, but then once we got it about half out of the garage, it just locked up and wouldn't move at all. I think one of the wheel cylinders is seized up, or maybe just the parking brake, from having been on for over 3 years. So, I got the pickup and we chained it to the DeSoto, and, reluctantly, whatever was holding it in place broke free, and it more or less rolled freely.
Thanks. So it looks like they figured it out during the M60 production, which is good cause, if I were to get one, it would be of the M62 generation (I believe).
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
I guess it'll need updating soon, though, now the the Intrepid is totaled. And I sold that Dart awhile back, although the new owner kept procrastinating on picking it up, and I was being too nice about it. But, as of about 20 minutes ago, it's finally gone! I kinda miss it, as that Dart and I went through a lot together. But it hasn't run in about 8 years. And it has 338,000 miles on it. And at this point, I think the only decent body panels are the trunk lid and the passenger side door. The new owner has delusions of fixing it up, but I have a feeling that the next time I pay a visit to the local Mopar-specialist junkyard, I'm going to see it there.
If you were considering the Fusion, would you consider the Hybrid version? It would off set your carbon footprint from the other fleet
Probably not, as I just wouldn't drive enough to offset the added cost of the hybrid. But, speaking of carbon footprints, I think I'm going to be lucky to break 10 mpg on my '79 5th Ave's current tank. Now that the Intrepid's gone up to the Spirit in the Sky, that beast is becoming my daily driver. Right now the trip odometer reads about 175 miles, and the gas gauge is showing just under 1/4 of a tank. Low fuel light comes on when it's burned off about 19 gallons. So my goal is to hit at least 190 miles before I see that light!
I think the '11 Sonata's sexiest angle is from the rear! From the side, it's okay, but doesn't look quite right IMO. But yeah, the front seems to be a mess. The current generation doesn't excite me, but I find it pleasant enough. I certainly wouldn't be ashamed to see it take the Intrepid's place in my driveway.
The 5th Ave had a low fuel light? Way back in 1979?
Yeah, and that got me a little spoiled. My first Mopar R-body was a 1979 Newport that I bought back in 1996. It would warn you about all sort of things...key in the ignition, door ajar, low fuel, ect. That gave way to a 1986 Monte Carlo that did none of those things. Needless to say, I ran out of gas once, and killed the battery once or twice.
BTW, that Desoto is a beaut!
Thanks...glad you like it. It's pretty filthy in that pic...give it a good bath and wax, and it does clean up pretty nice, for having paint that's 53 model years old! I'll be glad to have that thing roadworthy again.
Oh, the idea of having the DeSoto on the road has ME psyched. I'll finally amnage a trip to see that!
Well, if everything goes as planned, I'll be taking it to the Mopar show in Carlisle in July. But, in the meantime, if you ever find yourself in the DC area, gimme a shout!
Lemko's been wanting to see the thing for a long time, too. Grbeck actually got to ride in it, way back in 2002. I wonder if that's the last time the thing has actually been out of the yard? I know the last time I started it and moved it was in August 2006. I moved it out of the garage and into the center of my grandmother's circular driveway. Turned it off. Then it started to rain, and naturally it refused to re-start. :sick: But, otherwise, I can't remember the last time I actually drove the car out on the streets.
Oh, and today, as if on cue, as soon as the tow truck driver had the thing chained down and ready to take off, it started to rain...
I agree that is just not an attractive car at all. I mean if it has great mileage and performance them maybe that will out weigh the looks but I don't know.
I mean it looks like the whole front of the car has over sized flame surfacing.
I thnik it is kind of awkward, like it is trying too hard to be stylish. Flame surfacing is very 2004, and it's not going to be seen for much longer. I've read that it looks better in person...it needs to. And I still can't get into huge outstretched light clusters...IMO that's lazy design.
I know this post is now old, but it took me a while to find time two write down the colors of my 23 cars...
Reds: 5 [ 4 dark red, 1 bright red ] Blues: 5 [ 2 bright \ Ford “Grabber Blue” & 3 dark blue ] Black: 5 Silver: 4 [ including current ] Gray: 2 Green: 1 [ first car, in college ] White: 1
From some angles you can tell how tall the sides are. To get rid of that slab sided look they drew in that line down the side. I think it's way too overdone, just like the first Tiburon. It's too bad because I think the Azera and Genesis are beautiful looking cars.
I think I'm going to be lucky to break 10 mpg on my '79 5th Ave's current tank
Are there any cars you could trim from the fleet? To save on insurance, maintenence, & fund the new car? One or two even? Just an idea.
I've had 2 vehicles that got 10 mpg: A '67 Barracuda hatchback, 273 4bbl. (If I had a sick mind, I might think of getting another 1st or 2nd gen '60's Barracuda). And my '98 Range Rover, altho the lowest it got was 10.8, usually closer to 12 mpg. Didn't enjoy getting 10 mpg either time, altho it actually hurt less by the time I was able to (mostly) afford a Range Rover.....
Comments
Style-wise, I'm a bit torn between the two. I like the Altima, although I just don't find it as fresh as I used to. As for the Accord, up front it reminds me of the old Altima, or at least the facelifted 2005-06 models, so maybe that's why I don't mind it so much.
But, I haven't committed to anything yet, and I'm still not going to try to rush into anything. Although, as if to hurry my decision along, my '79 5th Ave died on me twice on the way to work this morning!
Do you think it knows something?
Have you been checking the "Prices Paid" forums for the Accord and Altima? Lots of good information to be found there, if you're of a mind.
Also, have you considered a Sonata? Some screamin' deals to be had, given that the '11's are due out next spring. Plus, a longer warranty than Honda or Nissan.
You're probably thinking of the V8's in the E34's & E38's, with the nikasil or alusil issues. (I think the nikasil were the "bad ones"). As far as I know, the e39 V8's are fairly reliable, but require more maintenence $$ (but you go faster!). The 6 cyl. e39 wagons have either the 2.8 or 2.5, but not the 6 that's in the 530i sedan.
Problem is, the 5 is just so darned heavy. A 6-cyl is just not enough in that car, IMHO. I mean, the lightest E39 is what? 3500 lbs?
The 2.8 6-cyl auto does 0-60 in 7.9 sec, the 2.5 stick about the same. I know if I go much faster than that, I'll just get more tickets. BTW, there's a nice looking e39 540i wagon FS down the street from me (the place with all the Porsches FS), silver/black........
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
So, I guess that's one step closer to renewing my ccba membership!
I really hadn't given the Sonata much thought, but I guess it might be worth checking out. Plus, I should probably give the Fusion another look as well. I drove one briefly at the Ford Nationals in Carlisle this past June, and liked it.
Oh, I talked to my mechanic tonight, the one who's supposed to get my DeSoto running again. He kinda forgot that he was supposed to come get it. He's going to pick it up tomorrow. While talking to him, I mentioned about the Intrepid getting totaled, and he tried to sell me on, of all things, an '02 Corolla he had. Umm, no! Not gonna happen. So then he asked me about an xB. Yeah, right...maybe if I find a short chauffer and ride around in the back seat!
Gee, I can just see you getting a Sonata and visiting lemko....
The later 528i and 530i (E39) was an inline-6.... as were all the earlier 533i and 535i models...
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Yeah, I figure it's long overdue. Plus, my 40th birthday is coming up...April 2, 2010, and I was hoping to get it roadworthy by then. Sort of a midlife-crisis birthday present to myself!
Gee, I can just see you getting a Sonata and visiting lemko....
Yeah, that would be a trip, wouldn't it! Y'know, one thing that might be making it so hard for me to settle on a replacement is that I really don't have any brand loyalty anymore. Back when I bought the Intrepid, it was the perfect choice. I liked Mopar, but more than that, the Intrepid just fit me better. Back then, the Camry, Accord, and Altima were all too small for me. And the base Intrepid just seemed like a lot more car than the base Impala or base Taurus at the time. Plus, the 0.9% financing certainly helped!
My only regret is that, at the time, I couldn't have afforded a nicer ES or R/T model. Well, I could have if I stretched it I guess. But my base model MSRP'ed for $20,950, while the R/T they had on their showroomfloor was around $27,000. I'm sure that would've been another $125-150 per month, been a bit more expensive to feed, and in the end, it still would've been a totaled carcass sitting behind my house, waiting for the tow truck to come get it.
Another problem is that nowadays, most cars out there are pretty good. Sure, it's still possible to get stuck with a lemon, but I think your chances are pretty slim with any brand, these days.
At one time, there was talk of Nissan and Mopar going in on a deal where they'd take Altimas and badge-engineer them into Dodges, to replace the lackluster Avenger. Kind of a shame that never came to be. I have a feeling something like that would be first on my list!
You paid about what I paid for my 00 Accord EX. At the time that Accord wouldn't fit you. We're short in our family (my wife is the tallest member right now at 5'6" - an inch taller than I am) so it work fine. The new Accord is a different story. You'd probably be plenty comfy in it.
I don't know if it's me or what but in general I think newer car designs have kind of run off the rails. The Accord is OK but was a little bit of a disappointment to me. The current Camry is slowly growing on me - just in time for them to change it again. I do like the Altima and really like the new Legacy. The Fusion is nice, too, if you want to help support the Mexican economy....
Happy Hunting! :P
Mark156
Hey, Mark! How you feeling these days?
2021 VW Arteon SEL 4-motion, 2018 VW Passat SE w/tech, 2016 Audi Q5 Premium Plus w/tech
Grrrr... :mad: :mad: :mad:
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
When my son totaled the Tracker, we hadn't even transferred the paperwork into our name. Had to do that (and pay the sales tax on the transaction) before State Farm would cut us a check.
I hadn't thought of the Fusion as a replacement - that might not be a bad choice.
When I was looking for my last car, I thought about either a 300M or the Intrepid R/T - they had the 3.5L 250HP V6. Problem was, they were just a bit out of my price range. I think I paid something like $27-28K after taxes and fees (and aftermarket leather) for my L300. The Chrysler (and the Passat V6 4Motion I also liked) were around $30K before taxes.
I hear ya on the brand loyalty thing .. even if I wanted to, I can't buy another Saturn new. The local dealers are clearing out the remaining stock - there are some pretty decent deals, but I'm just not in the market at the moment.
I just can't get into the Altima...it does nothing for me. :confuse:
25 NX 450h+ / 24 Sienna Plat AWD / 23 Civic Type-R / 21 Boxster GTS 4.0
I test drove one last year and found it very nice. It was getting a little to big for my taste, but the backseat was huge.
I drove a Malibu around on the show field at Carlisle PA back in 2008, at a GM test drive event. I did like it at the time...but I think I just got kinda tired of it since then. And when the updated Fusion came out, the Malibu just sort of slipped my mind. Still, before I make a final decision, the Malibu might be worth a revisit.
I'm doing a whole lot better, thanks for asking! My neurologist expects me to make a 100% recovery. I still have a little weakness in my left hand, left leg and right shoulder. I have a little numbness throughout my torso. But, I can walk, drive and do almost everything normally. I just can't run yet, if I try, I look like a stick man running! LOL! My legs stiffen up.
Mark
Yeah, I was hoping for that, myself! Although at my the rate I had been driving it, 200K miles was probably still another 7-8+ years away.
As for my other cars? Well, the movie "Christine" turned me on to the "Forward Look" era of Mopar when I was in 8th grade, and when I saw a picture of a '57 DeSoto I started wanting one, bad. I found the one that I bought in September 1990. It's in pretty good shape for its age, but mostly original. There's a little rust around the headlights and rear quarter panels. It's extremely dusty right now, hasn't been waxed in ages, but would clean up pretty nicely. Main problem right now is that it just sat for so long. I'm having a new gas tank put in, carb rebuilt, brakes re-done and converted to a more modern disc/drum setup, and then just the typical tuneup/belts/hoses/tranny service type stuff done on it. Mechanic's supposed to pick it up today, but hasn't yet.
I always liked the big '67 Pontiacs, ever since I was a little kid, and "Smokey and the Bandit" turned me on to the '76-77 LeMans (most normal kids would've been turned on by Burt Reynolds' Trans Am). And I've also liked Chrysler's 1979-81 full-sized cars...so that's how I ended up with them. They're all in pretty good shape, except one of my '79 New Yorkers has a habit of not always starting. I think it's moisture in the distributor cap, or something minor.
Oh, and my '85 Silverado, my Granddad bought new. Grandmom gave it to my Mom about 5 or 6 years after he died, and then in 2002 she bought a new F-150 and sold it to me. It's getting a little rough and rusty, but still gets the job done.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
You'll forgive me but the grandmom giving it to your mom and your mom selling it to you brings up the old Woody Allen like - "My grandfather on his deathbed sold me this watch."....
25 NX 450h+ / 24 Sienna Plat AWD / 23 Civic Type-R / 21 Boxster GTS 4.0
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BMW_M60
The only permanent fix for this problem is the replacement of the short block with the equivalent block composed of Alusil, which do not exhibit this corrosion problem. After the problem was found, BMW issued an extended six-year, 100,000-mile (160,000 km) warranty to cover these engines at no cost to the owner.
The composition of the engine can be found by checking the serial number stamped into the engine block:
M60B30:
1 725 970 - Nikasil
1 741 212 - Nikasil
1 745 871 - Alusil
M60B40:
1 725 963 - Nikasil
1 742 998 - Nikasil
1 745 872 - Alusil
Yeah, my grandmother was actually kinda pissed about that, too. However, my Mom & stepdad had just put around $700 into the truck, and were trying to sell it for something like $3000-3500 IIRC. So they let me have it for $1200. Initially I was going to pay them back $100 per month, but then I fell on hard times. This was late 2002/early 2003, right about where the recession bottomed out. Well, that other recession, at least. I think I paid her around $200 until I had to stop, but then when I sold my condo, I finished paying her. I just didn't want to leave my Mom or worse, my stepdad, with anything they could use against me in the future! I'd already dealt with that once before. In 1998, they gave me Mom's old '86 Monte Carlo. I got t-boned while delivering pizzas in it. First thing out of their mouth wasn't "oh my God, are you okay?!" It was "why were you driving THAT car?" Can't ya just feel the love? :sick:
Oh, speaking of the Silverado, it came in handy today. When the tow truck came out to pick up the DeSoto, we tried to push it out of the garage, but it wouldn't budge. It finally did sort of break loose, but then once we got it about half out of the garage, it just locked up and wouldn't move at all. I think one of the wheel cylinders is seized up, or maybe just the parking brake, from having been on for over 3 years. So, I got the pickup and we chained it to the DeSoto, and, reluctantly, whatever was holding it in place broke free, and it more or less rolled freely.
So it looks like they figured it out during the M60 production, which is good cause, if I were to get one, it would be of the M62 generation (I believe).
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
25 NX 450h+ / 24 Sienna Plat AWD / 23 Civic Type-R / 21 Boxster GTS 4.0
style was a good looking car
If you were considering the Fusion, would you consider the Hybrid version? It would off set your carbon footprint from the other fleet. :P
Mark
I guess it'll need updating soon, though, now the the Intrepid is totaled. And I sold that Dart awhile back, although the new owner kept procrastinating on picking it up, and I was being too nice about it. But, as of about 20 minutes ago, it's finally gone! I kinda miss it, as that Dart and I went through a lot together. But it hasn't run in about 8 years. And it has 338,000 miles on it. And at this point, I think the only decent body panels are the trunk lid and the passenger side door. The new owner has delusions of fixing it up, but I have a feeling that the next time I pay a visit to the local Mopar-specialist junkyard, I'm going to see it there.
Probably not, as I just wouldn't drive enough to offset the added cost of the hybrid. But, speaking of carbon footprints, I think I'm going to be lucky to break 10 mpg on my '79 5th Ave's current tank.
2016 Audi A7 3.0T S Line, 2021 Subaru WRX
Yeah, and that got me a little spoiled. My first Mopar R-body was a 1979 Newport that I bought back in 1996. It would warn you about all sort of things...key in the ignition, door ajar, low fuel, ect. That gave way to a 1986 Monte Carlo that did none of those things. Needless to say, I ran out of gas once, and killed the battery once or twice.
BTW, that Desoto is a beaut!
Thanks...glad you like it. It's pretty filthy in that pic...give it a good bath and wax, and it does clean up pretty nice, for having paint that's 53 model years old! I'll be glad to have that thing roadworthy again.
25 NX 450h+ / 24 Sienna Plat AWD / 23 Civic Type-R / 21 Boxster GTS 4.0
Well, if everything goes as planned, I'll be taking it to the Mopar show in Carlisle in July. But, in the meantime, if you ever find yourself in the DC area, gimme a shout!
Lemko's been wanting to see the thing for a long time, too. Grbeck actually got to ride in it, way back in 2002. I wonder if that's the last time the thing has actually been out of the yard? I know the last time I started it and moved it was in August 2006. I moved it out of the garage and into the center of my grandmother's circular driveway. Turned it off. Then it started to rain, and naturally it refused to re-start. :sick: But, otherwise, I can't remember the last time I actually drove the car out on the streets.
Oh, and today, as if on cue, as soon as the tow truck driver had the thing chained down and ready to take off, it started to rain...
I mean it looks like the whole front of the car has over sized flame surfacing.
Of course, it could be worse...You could always make a higher model resemble a super-sized Hyundai Elantra
Aah Asian automotive "style"...
but it took me a while to find time
two write down the colors of my 23 cars...
Reds: 5 [ 4 dark red, 1 bright red ]
Blues: 5 [ 2 bright \ Ford “Grabber Blue” & 3 dark blue ]
Black: 5
Silver: 4 [ including current ]
Gray: 2
Green: 1 [ first car, in college ]
White: 1
2016 Audi A7 3.0T S Line, 2021 Subaru WRX
Are there any cars you could trim from the fleet? To save on insurance, maintenence, & fund the new car? One or two even? Just an idea.
I've had 2 vehicles that got 10 mpg: A '67 Barracuda hatchback, 273 4bbl. (If I had a sick mind, I might think of getting another 1st or 2nd gen '60's Barracuda). And my '98 Range Rover, altho the lowest it got was 10.8, usually closer to 12 mpg. Didn't enjoy getting 10 mpg either time, altho it actually hurt less by the time I was able to (mostly) afford a Range Rover.....