The General Car Thread - The Facelift.

[The Two Jerseys]

Formula E doesn't even race on the full course at Monaco.

Fuck this race.

[Petrolheadia]

I heard that the motor tends to die on you.

This is a vehicle I think I would pass on.

Indeed, the rear suspension is likely too stiff.

[Petrolheadia]

Formula E doesn't even race on the full course at Monaco.

Fuck this race.

Hey, that was racist!

[Elwher]

This is a vehicle I think I would pass on.

Indeed, the rear suspension is likely too stiff.

You might be buried in repair bills.

[Novus America]

Indeed, the rear suspension is likely too stiff.

You might be buried in repair bills.

Perfect car for a one way trip though.

[Elwher]

You might be buried in repair bills.

Perfect car for a one way trip though.

As long as you don't blow a casket.

[Petrolheadia]

Perfect car for a one way trip though.

As long as you don't blow a casket.

The rods may be knockin' on heavens door.

[Cannot think of a name]

Formula E doesn't even race on the full course at Monaco.

Fuck this race.

What the fuck? What's the justification for that? Is it the FIA or something about the cars? If it's the latter that's off message and they should reconsider. If it's the FIA treating F1 as sacred that's business as usual.

[The Two Jerseys]

Formula E doesn't even race on the full course at Monaco.

Fuck this race.

What the fuck? What's the justification for that? Is it the FIA or something about the cars? If it's the latter that's off message and they should reconsider. If it's the FIA treating F1 as sacred that's business as usual.

I'll see if I can find anything on it. I wouldn't be surprised if it's just Monaco not wanting additional road closures.

EDIT: It's clearly not that, they run the Historic Grand Prix on the full course.

EDIT 2: I can't seem to find any actual justification aside from the FIA apparently just wanting to run Formula E on circuits between 1 and 2 miles long. The full course at Monaco is only lightly longer than that, so why they don't just run the full course and make it the series' marquee event is beyond me.

[Novus America]

As long as you don't blow a casket.

The rods may be knockin' on heavens door.

Joking aside, it actually would be pretty good for carrying stuff besides dead bodies.
Like luggage and stuff. And the occasional dead body when the need arises...

Probably has as much interior space as a full sized SUV.
Basically a wagon on steroids.

It is actually kind of interesting.
Even if you do not want to start a death metal band.

[Petrolheadia]

The rods may be knockin' on heavens door.

Joking aside, it actually would be pretty good for carrying stuff besides dead bodies.
Like luggage and stuff. And the occasional dead body when the need arises...

It's better to do it with a carpet and a black sedan.

[Elwher]

The rods may be knockin' on heavens door.

Joking aside, it actually would be pretty good for carrying stuff besides dead bodies.
Like luggage and stuff. And the occasional dead body when the need arises...

Probably has as much interior space as a full sized SUV.
Basically a wagon on steroids.

It is actually kind of interesting.
Even if you do not want to start a death metal band.

Back in the 70's a buddy of mine bought one. On occasion, we would dress in our suits, he would drive while I laid in the back. We would pull up at stoplights, I would sit up and wave to cars next to us. Reactions were varied.

[Cannot think of a name]

What the fuck? What's the justification for that? Is it the FIA or something about the cars? If it's the latter that's off message and they should reconsider. If it's the FIA treating F1 as sacred that's business as usual.

I'll see if I can find anything on it. I wouldn't be surprised if it's just Monaco not wanting additional road closures.

EDIT: It's clearly not that, they run the Historic Grand Prix on the full course.

EDIT 2: I can't seem to find any actual justification aside from the FIA apparently just wanting to run Formula E on circuits between 1 and 2 miles long. The full course at Monaco is only lightly longer than that, so why they don't just run the full course and make it the series' marquee event is beyond me.

That's as lame as the NASCAR chute at Sears Point that cuts out the Carousel, the track's signature turn.

In other news, I had a cool event in Hollywood today and so, today in car spotting:

A gold wrapped C7 Corvette which was too much on a car that was already too much.
An almost duplicate of my old 914, even sounded like mine. Loud and gasping for air.
A genuine 930
The Munster's car on a flatbed being delivered to George Barris' shop.

[The Two Jerseys]

I'll see if I can find anything on it. I wouldn't be surprised if it's just Monaco not wanting additional road closures.

EDIT: It's clearly not that, they run the Historic Grand Prix on the full course.

EDIT 2: I can't seem to find any actual justification aside from the FIA apparently just wanting to run Formula E on circuits between 1 and 2 miles long. The full course at Monaco is only lightly longer than that, so why they don't just run the full course and make it the series' marquee event is beyond me.

That's as lame as the NASCAR chute at Sears Point that cuts out the Carousel, the track's signature turn.

In other news, I had a cool event in Hollywood today and so, today in car spotting:

A gold wrapped C7 Corvette which was too much on a car that was already too much.
An almost duplicate of my old 914, even sounded like mine. Loud and gasping for air.
A genuine 930
The Munster's car on a flatbed being delivered to George Barris' shop.

Good news: NASCAR is going back to the full course starting this season.

The Chute hasn't even been entertaining since they stopped putting that big foam block to shield the angle in the wall.

[Novus America]

Joking aside, it actually would be pretty good for carrying stuff besides dead bodies.
Like luggage and stuff. And the occasional dead body when the need arises...

Probably has as much interior space as a full sized SUV.
Basically a wagon on steroids.

It is actually kind of interesting.
Even if you do not want to start a death metal band.

Back in the 70's a buddy of mine bought one. On occasion, we would dress in our suits, he would drive while I laid in the back. We would pull up at stoplights, I would sit up and wave to cars next to us. Reactions were varied.

Okay, now I do want to buy it

[Elwher]

Looking for suggestions, preferably from people who have owned or at least driven the vehicles, for an under 10K roadster, 30 years old or less. Considering replacing my MG Midget.

[Petrolheadia]

Looking for suggestions, preferably from people who have owned or at least driven the vehicles, for an under 10K roadster, 30 years old or less. Considering replacing my MG Midget.

Miata/MX-5 if you want the middle-of-the-road, reliable option (each next generation trades fun for comfort).
Z3/Z4 if you want to trade reliability for comfort, speed and handling.
Corvette if you want speed and power.

[Novus America]

Looking for suggestions, preferably from people who have owned or at least driven the vehicles, for an under 10K roadster, 30 years old or less. Considering replacing my MG Midget.

Miata/MX-5 if you want the middle-of-the-road, reliable option (each next generation trades fun for comfort).
Z3/Z4 if you want to trade reliability for comfort, speed and handling.
Corvette if you want speed and power.

Especially in the US, Corvettes are also easy to get parts for, and all sorts of after market stuff is available specifically for them.

[Petrolheadia]

Miata/MX-5 if you want the middle-of-the-road, reliable option (each next generation trades fun for comfort).
Z3/Z4 if you want to trade reliability for comfort, speed and handling.
Corvette if you want speed and power.

Especially in the US, Corvette’s are also easy to get parts for, and all sorts of after market stuff is available specifically for them.

Miatas ain't rare either.

[Novus America]

Especially in the US, Corvette’s are also easy to get parts for, and all sorts of after market stuff is available specifically for them.

Miatas ain't rare either.

True, but definitely less common than vettes.

[Auzkhia]

Looking for suggestions, preferably from people who have owned or at least driven the vehicles, for an under 10K roadster, 30 years old or less. Considering replacing my MG Midget.

Mercedes Benz SLK 230 Kompressor R170, treat yourself.

That's what I'd get, at least.

[Petrolheadia]

Looking for suggestions, preferably from people who have owned or at least driven the vehicles, for an under 10K roadster, 30 years old or less. Considering replacing my MG Midget.

Mercedes Benz SLK 230 Kompressor R170, treat yourself.

That's what I'd get, at least.

Knowing him, I think he wants something more... visceral.

Ah, I forgot the Boxster. Mini-supercar experience, but running costs can be a pain.

[Cannot think of a name]

Miatas ain't rare either.

True, but definitely less common than vettes.

Convertible 'vettes? I'm not going to make any definitive statements but the Miata has been a very successful car since 1989 and they're all convertible while not all 'vettes are. Plus I don't know that they're really the kind of roadster he's looking for.

If you're down for another old car, though, 914s are a blast. On the plus side, it's a Type IV engine which is VW easy. But to balance that out it's in the middle, the hood is small and you have to get under it to get most anything done, it's got a Porsche fuel injection system on it from the 70s but carb conversions generally make the car louder and less efficient and performance differences are negligible, If you get a 73 or earlier you have to move the fuel pump or on a really hot day risk vapor lock, 'comedians' will tell you it's the 'poor man's Porsche.' It will appreciate in value once you buy it though. A stock 2.0 from 1973/74 is zippy enough, but if you want more upgrade kits for the Type IV are numerous and with those you can start with a 1.7 that's cheaper and easier to find. It does seal up in shitty weather better than a regular convertible and there's no extra noise but you have to make decisions about the top before you leave.

Other problems is that most of them are unloved examples that you have to rehabilitate or more expensive than you're going to want.

I have tore around in a Miata and they're fun on a bun. I don't have long term experience with them but the two I've driven I had a blast with.

Convertible Mini Coopers are actually fun but with the top up you're so blind it borders on sketchy.

My only Fiat experience is my Uncle's 124. He had something fixed on it, bottomed the car out driving off the shop and broke the oil pan, having to turn right around and put it back in the shop and sold it the next week. I never got to drive it.

I reportedly loved the TR-3, but I was 3. My dad seemed to miss it.

[Auzkhia]

Mercedes Benz SLK 230 Kompressor R170, treat yourself.

That's what I'd get, at least.

Knowing him, I think he wants something more... visceral.

Ah, I forgot the Boxster. Mini-supercar experience, but running costs can be a pain.

I'm softy, but the Boxster is nice too.

If he has the means, the Honda S2000 is a blast to drive. (They tend to hold their value a lot better)

[Petrolheadia]

Knowing him, I think he wants something more... visceral.

Ah, I forgot the Boxster. Mini-supercar experience, but running costs can be a pain.

I'm softy, but the Boxster is nice too.

If he has the means, the Honda S2000 is a blast to drive. (They tend to hold their value a lot better)

He's got 10 grand.

One can buy an S2000 for $10k, but I'm not sure if it's a car one should buy. Sure, a Midget also ain't the #1 daily driver, but rebuilding an A-Series motor isn't an $8k job.