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Project Cars--You Get to Vote on "Hold 'em or Fold 'em"
I had a driectiona; tire mounted backwards once on e my '04 Focus. Had even just cleaned the 'out' side and noticed when I saw it was the dirty side after a flat repair..
2024 Ford F-150 STX, 2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
I suspect at some poorly managed high volume tire shops, that's a common occurrence. Employees probably have a numbers quota rather than quality.
Both of my prior AMGs had directional style tires, I remember checking the direction (they were fine). I remember the C43 had Yokohamas that would tramline like nothing I've ever driven, only on a particular road near me that had long shallow ruts.
Time to go install the new fuel pump assembly for the 2008 Forester. Hopefully no more than about 30 minutes to get that returned to right. I will take along the summer tires for the car, too, just to get that out of the way at the same time. Unfortunately, my lower back is killing me right now, so that's not going to help.
2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 2013 Ford F250 Lariat D, 1976 Ford F250, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100
Fuel pump project went well. I had the car back to running within about 30 minutes. Sadly, when I started to swap the tires over, I got all of three lug nuts loosened with my impact wrench before the battery died, and then the second battery I had with me was also dead. Figures!
I ended up doing that project by hand, but in the end it is now all done and the car is fully operational. Final cost was $420 for the fuel pump assembly (with shipping charges), about 3.5 hours of time (most of which was diagnostics).
2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 2013 Ford F250 Lariat D, 1976 Ford F250, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100
No, I haven't used it for that purpose in about three years, since I brought the Q7 home. I let a friend borrow it for two years, then took it back from him last summer while hoping to sell the Q7. That didn't happen, so I let another friend keep/borrow it over this last winter (mostly just to free up space in the driveway).
My son turns sixteen in a couple months, so my plan now is to turn it into the teen car when he actually gets his license. We'll see.
2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 2013 Ford F250 Lariat D, 1976 Ford F250, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100
Out again today, as the weather was fair and my friend with the 300CD I think gets a little restless and wants company. We aren't under any real kind of lockdown, time to get some air. The old dear had no troubles as usual, and got plenty of looks and a random passerby to ask a few questions. I did notice the brake pedal seems to be squeaking maybe a little louder - it has had an odd squeak since I've had the car. Otherwise, no news. The car seems to look best in muted sunlight:
And behind my friend's 300CD again, which is also a project he tinkers with constantly. Notice the brightness of the lights - he rebuilt them and lined them with foil or something. Might do that with my car. CHMSL is not stock on this car, but is off a 1986 MB - a common period piece that was on the car when he got it (also when he was 18, IIRC, this is his equivalent to the fintail):
So awesome you have had the car for as long as you have. I bought my 89 LTC when I was 22. I really wish I never sold it, would be so cool to still have it.
I am glad I held on to it. Maybe not an investment, but a sentimental item and and something that can relax me when I drive.
Although at the same time, I usually think if anything happened to the car, I probably wouldn't get another old car. If I did, not sure if it would be a car of this era. It would be hard to be constantly comparing one car to another.
I remember years ago there were some very nice forged Volk wheels for sale on Tire Rack because they were down to 2 left.. They had another 2 left in a dark grey, vs. the original 2 in bright silver. Hence, the massive fire sale; over 60% off if I'm remembering correctly.
It was suggested by an aftermarket car shop owner that you could place 2 on the left, 2 on the right, and no one would ever be able to tell you didn't match by looking at the car from just one angle at a time.
Suggestion, what do you all think of it? Would you do it if you liked the wheels??
'18 Porsche Macan Turbo, '16 Audi TTS, Wife's '19 VW Tiguan SEL 4-Motion
if they were reasonably close (like bright vs. medium silver) sure. I have seen that with mismatched hubcaps and if you aren't looking for it would never notice.
I remember years ago there were some very nice forged Volk wheels for sale on Tire Rack because they were down to 2 left.. They had another 2 left in a dark grey, vs. the original 2 in bright silver. Hence, the massive fire sale; over 60% off if I'm remembering correctly.
It was suggested by an aftermarket car shop owner that you could place 2 on the left, 2 on the right, and no one would ever be able to tell you didn't match by looking at the car from just one angle at a time.
Suggestion, what do you all think of it? Would you do it if you liked the wheels??
I remember years ago there were some very nice forged Volk wheels for sale on Tire Rack because they were down to 2 left.. They had another 2 left in a dark grey, vs. the original 2 in bright silver. Hence, the massive fire sale; over 60% off if I'm remembering correctly.
It was suggested by an aftermarket car shop owner that you could place 2 on the left, 2 on the right, and no one would ever be able to tell you didn't match by looking at the car from just one angle at a time.
Suggestion, what do you all think of it? Would you do it if you liked the wheels??
I'm a helluva cheap bugger, so I would probably do it if, 1., I needed a set of wheels anyway, and, 2., they were significantly cheaper than any other option that I was willing to put on my car.
And, yes, I would do it even if I didn't really care for these mismatched wheels. Just because function beats form (for the right price!).
2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 2013 Ford F250 Lariat D, 1976 Ford F250, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100
depends on the car too. If I bought some cheap spare car, and it just needed wheels I would be happy to do it on the cheap. I never change wheels though on newer cars. Just go with what it came with.
Heck, if they were the same style but different color, there are products that you can spray on, some type of colored flexible film, to change the color and look.
2021 VW Arteon SEL 4-motion, 2018 VW Passat SE w/tech, 2016 Audi Q5 Premium Plus w/tech
I've done plastidip. No ill effects. You'd have to REALLY botch it up to mess with wheel balance.
That was on the Fit, was it not?
I did do the Fit wheel covers. I’ve also used it on other auto parts. I have also resprayed silver volvo wheels with proper silver wheel paint. Those came out pretty good.
'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
Ah the flipper with the mcmansion background, I think I remember him. It looks well kept, I've seen them with 100K more miles on the clock - if it passed a good PPI, I wouldn't worry about more than the (high) running costs. It's a guzzler, devours brakes and tires, has some quirks (these can rust hard - seller claims no rust, I hope it really is a recent transplant), but these are generally solid if one keeps up with them. I had one of these cars for several years, the engine is a wonderful somewhat old school V8, IMO underrated in official output.
yes, it has low miles. but from the rust belt, and has rust. and basically, why would anyone really want this? What the heck are you going to do with it?
yes, it has low miles. but from the rust belt, and has rust. and basically, why would anyone really want this? What the heck are you going to do with it?
yes, it has low miles. but from the rust belt, and has rust. and basically, why would anyone really want this? What the heck are you going to do with it?
I like it. Nice color combo. Wouldn't want it with that drivetrain. Good candidate for this treatment:
I liked the more subtle conversion with the Buick/Olds 215 V8. It made for a nice driver without overwhelming the car. I prefer a more stock, conservative appearance.
2021 VW Arteon SEL 4-motion, 2018 VW Passat SE w/tech, 2016 Audi Q5 Premium Plus w/tech
the 215, or the Buick 231 V6, the car could handle OK. if you were going to go up into a HiPo 350, you needed to put a rear subframe, and maybe tubs, into it.
yes, it has low miles. but from the rust belt, and has rust. and basically, why would anyone really want this? What the heck are you going to do with it?
I like it. Nice color combo. Wouldn't want it with that drivetrain. Good candidate for this treatment:
I liked the more subtle conversion with the Buick/Olds 215 V8. It made for a nice driver without overwhelming the car. I prefer a more stock, conservative appearance.
Sad one from a fintail group, looks like this one was folded:
"Another waste. A year or two ago, somebody thought this ambulance was worth $6,500. Two months ago, it ended up at Pick-N-Pull in Calgary. I tried to get someone out there to get the 15" wheels I need for my Universal since they are only $8.99 each, but the vehicle has already been crushed."
that lexus is the Land Cruiser equivalent, right? Always thought they were far far uglier than the 'yota, though. I'm not interested in either of those. Land Cruiser maybe, but I don't know why. I'd much prefer a classic version.
'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
Get a PPI and budget for maintenance, but I am not aware of any severe issues with those. Of course, they are not something on my radar. I know someone with a 13 model who has miled it up a bit and has had few issues - but it is a diesel. The V8 model is the rarest, most are the V6.
Comments
Had even just cleaned the 'out' side and noticed when I saw it was the dirty side after a flat repair..
Both of my prior AMGs had directional style tires, I remember checking the direction (they were fine). I remember the C43 had Yokohamas that would tramline like nothing I've ever driven, only on a particular road near me that had long shallow ruts.
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I ended up doing that project by hand, but in the end it is now all done and the car is fully operational. Final cost was $420 for the fuel pump assembly (with shipping charges), about 3.5 hours of time (most of which was diagnostics).
2021 VW Arteon SEL 4-motion, 2018 VW Passat SE w/tech, 2016 Audi Q5 Premium Plus w/tech
My son turns sixteen in a couple months, so my plan now is to turn it into the teen car when he actually gets his license. We'll see.
And behind my friend's 300CD again, which is also a project he tinkers with constantly. Notice the brightness of the lights - he rebuilt them and lined them with foil or something. Might do that with my car. CHMSL is not stock on this car, but is off a 1986 MB - a common period piece that was on the car when he got it (also when he was 18, IIRC, this is his equivalent to the fintail):
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic
Although at the same time, I usually think if anything happened to the car, I probably wouldn't get another old car. If I did, not sure if it would be a car of this era. It would be hard to be constantly comparing one car to another.
It was suggested by an aftermarket car shop owner that you could place 2 on the left, 2 on the right, and no one would ever be able to tell you didn't match by looking at the car from just one angle at a time.
Suggestion, what do you all think of it? Would you do it if you liked the wheels??
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic
And, yes, I would do it even if I didn't really care for these mismatched wheels. Just because function beats form (for the right price!).
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
2021 VW Arteon SEL 4-motion, 2018 VW Passat SE w/tech, 2016 Audi Q5 Premium Plus w/tech
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
'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
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2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige
'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
Does it have any life left?
https://bringatrailer.com/listing/2001-mercedes-benz-e55-amg-27/
'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
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic
https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1972-chevrolet-vega-2/
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
'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
the other thing I saw that really called to me was a Checvy LUV with a 350.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Shouldn't this under-powered sedan have suffered 50% depreciation from the sticker by now? It's a good bit over that at the $60K asking price.
Is 520 HP enough for a big luxury liner like this?
Nothing depreciates like an A8 or variant. Carvana isn't exactly bargain city, either.
2021 VW Arteon SEL 4-motion, 2018 VW Passat SE w/tech, 2016 Audi Q5 Premium Plus w/tech
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
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...and maybe the hood scoop
Missed that at first against the green background.
"Another waste. A year or two ago, somebody thought this ambulance was worth $6,500. Two months ago, it ended up at Pick-N-Pull in Calgary. I tried to get someone out there to get the 15" wheels I need for my Universal since they are only $8.99 each, but the vehicle has already been crushed."
https://www.picknpull.com/vehicle_details.aspx?VIN=RNDpoGIGJeZy1W6D95xWUreBi&fbclid=IwAR3n3e68POYvmOMEtPDVYGfoOs3YgNPKSUNdJBpjSVFitjGGX3vifNPvgYI
(not a "220", but a W110 230)
'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
https://theautobroker.auction/vdp/16070455/BuyHerePayHere-2012-MercedesBenz-GLClass-4MATIC-4dr-GL-450-for-sale-in-Brooklyn-NY-11204
Or get an even cheaper luxury barge, probably lot cheaper to maintain. Old school luxury SUV. Part time 4WD with a selector lever!
https://theautobroker.auction/vdp/13672111/Used-2006-Lexus-GX-470-4dr-SUV-4WD-for-sale-in-Brooklyn-NY-11204
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
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2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
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Did you get a good deal? Be sure to come back and share!
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2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
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Did you get a good deal? Be sure to come back and share!
Edmunds Moderator
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
'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
Notice this car has the accessory protection trim - something I don't really care for, I am not unhappy that my car lacks it.
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic