Project Cars--You Get to Vote on "Hold 'em or Fold 'em"

fintail

Where was this dealer located?

sda

xwesx said:

sda said:

Why was the Q7 a bad experience?

It was all dealer. I mean, the car itself is just a used car, so that means it comes with some use history. But, the dealer.... OMG. The dealer. My biggest issue with them was the salesman and his blatant lie that the vehicle had no body damage. I sent him an email asking for a few detailed photos. He sends them to me. I asked about what looked like it could be body damage (previous, poorly repaired), he specifically told me that there was no blemish there, that the issue in the photo was reflection.

I pick up the car.... BODY DAMAGE, exactly where he told me there was not. In addition, we were treated like red-headed stepchildren when we arrived to pick up the car. They shuffled us off to an empty back room, including our luggage, until they could bring the car around for us. At that point, they offered to pull the car up to the side door so that we could leave out the back, at which point I told them that I preferred leaving out the front, and made a show of it a little as well.

The folks we dealt with there were just obnoxious. They were just not obnoxious enough during the buying process for me to go through with it, but afterward they were terrible. Terrible. I left them an online review to reflect as much.

I know you would have said forget it had you not travelled so far. I’ve had a few experiences where I had a
poor experience locally and I walked. That bites.

xwesx

fintail said:

Where was this dealer located?

Houston, TX

fintail

Too bad so far, you could have just refused delivery. Funny, before I re-upped a lease I inquired about a car in Dallas, and now I am part of a mailing list I don't recall signing up for. Yay!

xwesx said:

fintail said:

Where was this dealer located?

Houston, TX

fintail

I have the old dear out on the road today - I usually strive for Sunday drives, but I also want dry weather, and this time of the year, finding both can be hard, I think it has been 4 weeks since I last drove the car. Started on the first turn of the key and is running fine, had 2 people fawning over it at the gas station. And there's a quirk to make things fun, no turn signals at all now. Not a single blink, no noise, nothing. I can either pretend I am a BMW/Audi driver and embrace it, or put it tops on the list when the car goes in for its yearly checkup next year - I know what I will choose.

fintail

Out yesterday afternoon, got a couple thumbs up and got to honk the horn at a couple distracted drones, always fun as the horn is much louder than the emasculated version on most modern cars. I adjusted the idle speed control as something seemed off - this also must tie into timing or something, as it changes the way the car runs at all speeds. Fun doing this in my building's garage, as having the car idle for even just a few minutes shows how much old cars pollute. I canceled out a few Tesla and Prius yesterday . No turn signals at any point, it's going to drive me nuts. Car looked fine in yesterday's attempt at sun:

xwesx

Have you tried just replacing the flasher on it? These are often reasonably accessible on older cars - just plug and play.

fintail

Yep, it's a simple unit (would it count as a relay?) on the firewall. Not too hard to find NOS, and it was something like under $50, not too bad. Didn't change a thing.

texases

I'm betting on the switch in the steering column...

andres3

So I left the front right tire on too long at the track over a 3-day track weekend. Probably cooked beyond redemption (hard on the outside shoulder!). I might be able to get away with buying a replacement single tire just for track use (not a lot of miles with mismatched tires hurting the AWD drivetrain)....

Running counterclockwise is rare for SW tracks, and we were running counter-clockwise (hence, the front right tire dying first).

P.S. Tip of the Day..... don't try to change 2 tires for a wheel rotation (front to back) without using a wheel hanging tool. Add spacers and a giant Brembo 6-piston caliper, and it's impossible to mount a wheel without that tool.

qbrozen

andres3 said:

Running counterclockwise is rare for SW tracks, and we were running counter-clockwise (hence, the front right tire dying first).

P.S. Tip of the Day..... don't try to change 2 tires for a wheel rotation (front to back) without using a wheel hanging tool. Add spacers and a giant Brembo 6-piston caliper, and it's impossible to mount a wheel without that tool.

Was it a circular track? NJMP has a fairly balanced left-right ratio.

Ya lost me on this wheel hanging tool. No idea what that is or why I would need one.

andres3

qbrozen said:

andres3 said:

Running counterclockwise is rare for SW tracks, and we were running counter-clockwise (hence, the front right tire dying first).

P.S. Tip of the Day..... don't try to change 2 tires for a wheel rotation (front to back) without using a wheel hanging tool. Add spacers and a giant Brembo 6-piston caliper, and it's impossible to mount a wheel without that tool.

Was it a circular track? NJMP has a fairly balanced left-right ratio.

Ya lost me on this wheel hanging tool. No idea what that is or why I would need one.

It's basically a fake lug nut cylinder that you can unthread after you mount the wheel where it is supposed to go. Audi uses a 5-112 spacing. So it goes in one of the 5 spots. After you get an actual bolt or two on, you can remove the "wheel hanger."

It's very very very VERY hard to align the wheel with the 5 bolt holes, when you have a giant caliper almost as big as your wheel, and then 5 mm thick spacers spinning around when you touch them. The holes just don't align.

It's a road course with many turns, but no matter what you do, if you stay on track you have at least 360 degree more left turns going counter-clockwise.

ab348

Audi uses studs to hold the wheel to the hub, correct? As opposed to studs permanently mounted to the hub that you can hang the wheel onto and then attach it with lug nuts? I can see the need if that is the case.

andres3

ab348 said:

Audi uses studs to hold the wheel to the hub, correct? As opposed to studs permanently mounted to the hub that you can hang the wheel onto and then attach it with lug nuts? I can see the need if that is the case.

That's it! You hit the nail on the head. There is nothing to mount to or hold up the wheel with until you get at least one bolt/stud in place. Being circular, it is unstable until you get two points of connection.

kyfdx

Real racers convert to studs, and ditch the lug bolts.

qbrozen

andres3 said:

qbrozen said:

andres3 said:

Running counterclockwise is rare for SW tracks, and we were running counter-clockwise (hence, the front right tire dying first).

P.S. Tip of the Day..... don't try to change 2 tires for a wheel rotation (front to back) without using a wheel hanging tool. Add spacers and a giant Brembo 6-piston caliper, and it's impossible to mount a wheel without that tool.

Was it a circular track? NJMP has a fairly balanced left-right ratio.

Ya lost me on this wheel hanging tool. No idea what that is or why I would need one.

It's basically a fake lug nut cylinder that you can unthread after you mount the wheel where it is supposed to go. Audi uses a 5-112 spacing. So it goes in one of the 5 spots. After you get an actual bolt or two on, you can remove the "wheel hanger."

It's very very very VERY hard to align the wheel with the 5 bolt holes, when you have a giant caliper almost as big as your wheel, and then 5 mm thick spacers spinning around when you touch them. The holes just don't align.

It's a road course with many turns, but no matter what you do, if you stay on track you have at least 360 degree more left turns going counter-clockwise.

ah, thanks for the explanation.

Without doing the math, I can't say for sure, but I'd imagine a well-designed track could balance the left-right stresses through the use of differing radii and banking. Not sure they think about that, though.

xwesx

kyfdx said:

Real racers convert to studs, and ditch the lug bolts.

For unmodified wheels, I prefer the bolts versus traditional studs. They are inestimably easier to use than aligning the studs with the wheel holes.

All I need to do is set the wheel on the hub (there are ridges that align with the wheel's center bore) turn it a little to line up with the holes, and thread in a bolt. Simple, effective, and damage-free.

tjc78

I know these aren't fast, but would so love to have one someday

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/2003-mercury-marauder-6/

Pretty cool truck

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1979-ford-f150-custom-4x4-2/

Can't be many of these left

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1989-acura-legend-4/

stickguy

302 HP should move ok. Can always slap a S/C on it.

This is something I always wanted. Nicely done.

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1971-datsun-510-33/

stickguy

That legend looks nice also.

tjc78

That Datsun would be a fun little car.

A modern V6 Camry would smoke the Marauder. There are S/C kits available for them, I've seen quite a few for sale that way

fintail

Come to the PNW, those early Acuras are all still here.

That Legend is pretty amazing looking though, price seemed wacky until I looked at it, probably one of the best left. The brand was really relevant from inception through the 90s, now kept alive by CUVs.

kyfdx

In 1990, I was very close to buying a used '89 Legend Coupe (with stick). Couldn't get them down to my price range. Ended up with my '84 911, instead.

ab348

fintail said:

Come to the PNW, those early Acuras are all still here.

That Legend is pretty amazing looking though, price seemed wacky until I looked at it, probably one of the best left. The brand was really relevant from inception through the 90s, now kept alive by CUVs.

That Legend is really lovely aside from the ancient tires. Presumably it has not been driven in recent years, which would be somewhat concerning.

When those were new they were so far out of my price range I never could lust after one. I preferred the looks of the Vigor coupe to it too.

stickguy

I recall looking at Acura’s when they first came out. Drove up to jersey city or some such to the first dealer. So new they were selling out of the garage area. Was interested in the integra. That was pricey enough at about $12k. IIRC the legend was about 20k. No way that was squeezing into my budget in 1989!

kyfdx

Vigor was a sedan (at least in the US). That was our first lease. '94 GS model. My wife loved it. White over tan guts.

'89 Legend Coupe was pushing $28K MSRP, I think.

'92 Legend Sedan: $32K MSRP

'94 Vigor GS: $29K MSRP

stickguy

I remembered low. Integra as good, about 11-13k, but looks like legend sedans started over 23k.

qbrozen

tjc78 said:

I know these aren't fast, but would so love to have one someday

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/2003-mercury-marauder-6/

Pretty cool truck

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1979-ford-f150-custom-4x4-2/

Can't be many of these left

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1989-acura-legend-4/

I'm with you on the Marauder. Was just talking about that vehicle the other night, as a matter of fact.

stickguy

Old school version of your charger.

explorerx4

The 04 Marauder has an up rated 4R-100 transmission. I assume there is a reason for that.

fintail

Vigor coupe? I have no memory of that car.

Legend could be a sunny Sunday driver. I put no more than 1500 miles per year on the fintail anymore, and the last set of tires on it were something like 14 years old upon replacement - no visible signs of rot, due to mild climate and indoor storage.

ab348 said:

That Legend is really lovely aside from the ancient tires. Presumably it has not been driven in recent years, which would be somewhat concerning.

When those were new they were so far out of my price range I never could lust after one. I preferred the looks of the Vigor coupe to it too.

stickguy

OK, now this I love. My favorite year Corvette (yes, really). Though I would actually prefer a 350 SB. But I could live with the big lump!

love the colors.

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1973-chevrolet-corvette-454-7/

ab348

fintail said:

Vigor coupe? I have no memory of that car.

Must be early-onset senility on my part. I could have sworn I remembered one (can even visualize it) but can find no evidence of such a beast.

stickguy

they had a coupe version of the 3.2TL that replaced the Vigor. Maybe that is what you were thinking of. called the CL

qbrozen

stickguy said:

they had a coupe version of the 3.2TL that replaced the Vigor. Maybe that is what you were thinking of. called the CL

3.0 CL originally. ;b

fintail

I kind of low-key liked the CL when it debuted, the rear end seemed odd, but modern and trim. It wasn't a bad design for 1997.

explorerx4

Worth saving?
https://www.msn.com/en-us/autos/classic-cars/help-save-the-hawaii-five-0-mercury/ar-BBXH3gS?li=BBnb7Kz

stickguy

not if I am paying for it.

xwesx

It has not caught on as being a worthy project quite yet.... only $275 by a total of four people after eight days.

stickguy

Get one of the many car shows on TV to take it on. Like redoing the Brady bunch house!

fintail

Facebook Marketplace is "recommending" things for me again:

I bet this is fun to drive

More relevant to me but "ahead of the market"

I'd drive it

Stately, Mr. Drysdale

Blue on blue on blue

If /when I ever stop leasing and don't buy a late model used car, I could see myself in one of these

Or maybe one like this

Glasstop

Once absolutely everywhere here, now seen every blue moon - someone babied this

Grandma's baby

Stuck on the depreciation floor

No doubt a missing odometer digit, but looks very clean

Great colors, fair price, slightly crooked bumper drives me insane

Another modern classic, liking these more with time

I've always liked these, not so much the price

Hen's tooth wagon recently discussed

Great auntie's baby? Ritzy trim for one of these

Badge engineered unicorn

I'd drive it

Nice Panther

Excuse me?

I suppose I'd need it to complete the set

For 5K I could have a lovely old car

Love the color, but you're ahead of the market bud

Not many ordered one of these in this taxi-like color

Imagine this when new, great parts car anyway

tjc78

That 96 HPP Vic has the ultra rare memory seat option. I’ve only seen maybe three ever!

Funny thing the memory seat wasn’t available on the GM only the Vic and TC

We had a 92 Century like that that when I first started driving. Not an awful car but certainly not great either. It was reliable as a Timex!

ab348

That '62 Starfire is sweet.

The '99 Sable is interesting but overpriced.

The red Crown Vic looks great but the miles would scare me without a service history.

The '92 Century would make a fine winter beater.

tjc78

The miles on the Vic really wouldn't scare me. Good year there, and if there was ever a car that could run with some deferred maintenance it's a Panther.

Agreed on the Buick

explorerx4

Sable has SHO rims.

bhill2

That VW 411 is In the town I grew up in. I wonder if it is as slow as the '60 Falcon automatic that I drove then. Probably not, very few cars ever were.

stickguy

the 412 my Grandmother had when I was in HS was a total dog. What a nasty thing to drive.

fintail

Bot-hell (as I call it) huh. Once the last vestige of "affordable" housing on the eastside, parts of it have got out of hand this decade as well. I have a couple friends who live there, they like it enough, but the commute to Bellevue can easily exceed an hour.

A race between an early Falcon auto and a 411/412 would be amusing.

bhill2 said:

That VW 411 is In the town I grew up in. I wonder if it is as slow as the '60 Falcon automatic that I drove then. Probably not, very few cars ever were.

tjc78

explorerx4 said:

Sable has SHO rims.

I thought so too. I was never a huge fan of the jellybean Taurus/Sable. Ford couldn't have used more oval shaped items if they tried.

fintail

I like those first gen ovoid cars now because they are so 90s, they became retro. I recall some of the early ones had really busy interior cloth options, too. It was daring.