Dr. Orange Posted May 11, 2015 Share Posted May 11, 2015 There are car people here. Cars are cool. They're fun to talk about.So This is a vehicle general thread. Topics can stem from what do you like to drive to upgrades and even races or whatever Top Gear drove last week (remember that talking about the show is just for the Picture House). Also to keep this place interesting, this thread can be a Driving Helpline for those who don't know jack about what's wrong with their car.I'll start with myself. I got a '03 Olds Alero. The cherry red and spoiler base version. Thinking about putting new breaks, exhaust, and fixing the engine with a turbo kit.Be free. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CrypticQuery Posted May 11, 2015 Share Posted May 11, 2015 (edited) DID SOMEONE SAY AUTOMOTIVE THREAD-----Those late model Aleros were relatively decent cars from what I recall in terms of issues (they weren't falling apart as badly as some of the other GM cars made at the time), and they didn't suffer the horrendous badge engineering that GM pulled with the rest of Oldsmobile's lineup before putting the poor marque out of its misery. I would love to see some photos, and must advise you that attempting to put new "breaks" on your car might be problematic. I'm a sucker for the gigantic landyacht sedans of yester-year. Usually throughout the 1970s and a few select models of the 80s are my favorites, and they're generally American-made. Think Oldsmobile 88s, Cadillac DeVilles/Broughams, Chevrolet Caprices, Dodge Diplomats/Plymouth Gran Furys, Ford LTD Crown Victorias/Lincoln Town Cars/Mercury Grand Marquis, etc. I will admit that ownership of the aforementioned vehicles can be difficult in a densely packed, Northeast urban city, especially with rust considered, but I will persevere one of these days. As of the moment I'm automobile-less, but I'll hopefully be amending that in the near future. And I wouldn't mind sharing my, albeit limited, knowledge on automotive maintenance. If this thread gets enough attention I would not be against pinning it.-----1983-1989 Plymouth Gran Fury/Dodge Diplomat 1986-1989 Town Car 1987-1990 Chevrolet Caprice 1983-1987 Ford LTD Crown Victoria1988-1991 Ford LTD Crown Victoria 1971-1976 Oldsmobile 88 1987-1992 Cadillac Brougham Early '70s Cadillac DeVille Edited May 12, 2015 by OneUnder Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
InfinitySquared Posted May 12, 2015 Share Posted May 12, 2015 (edited) I've got a soft spot for older American cars from the '60s-early '70s. The designs were really well thought-out (aethestically speaking), the ridiculously big engines had at least some get-up-and-go, and the general optimism that oozes from their designs is infectious. After the mid-70s up 'til not even a decade ago, honestly could care less. The designs were boring, the build quality was abysmal, the general ethic was tasteless and downright backwards. There were little glimmers of good ideas here and there, like the Buick GNX or Lincoln Mk VIII (dem doors tho), but it was all mostly bland. I will say that as ze Germans continue to fall into creating a gazillion new submodels and trim levels (wtf is a 4 series? Why does a "gran coupe" have 4 doors? Why can't I control my goddamn AC without fucking with the radio?), the Americans are starting to get their act together. And the British continue to be....well, who gives a shit about Jaguar and Bentley anyway?I'm more of a fan of BMW's, since my parents drive BMWs and Acuras (with the occasional Honda and Mercedes). My first car was a '99 750iL that we'd had since new and served my dad and my brothers well. Wonderful car, although it did try too hard to be a nimble racer when it was really just a big ol' cruiser (kinda like an opera singer putting on spanx to look like a supermodel). Sadly, it gave up the ghost last summer, and I've got my mom's old Acura MDX instead. It's pretty alright, basically a Honda CR-V with moar leatharr, although it's really not my style. I utterly load SUV's, CUV's, and "crossovers", because they're basically everything wrong with upper-middle class suburbia in a car. It doesn't really have the larger-than-life character that the BMW had (ie: understressed V12), but get it up to 2500rpm's and it becomes a bit more playful on the road Edited May 12, 2015 by InfinitySquared Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr. Orange Posted May 12, 2015 Author Share Posted May 12, 2015 I'm a sucker for the gigantic landyacht sedans of yester-year. Usually throughout the 1970s and a few select models of the 80s are my favorites, and they're generally American-made. Think Oldsmobile 88s, Cadillac DeVilles/Broughams, Chevrolet Caprices, Dodge Diplomats/Plymouth Gran Furys, Ford LTD Crown Victorias/Lincoln Town Cars/Mercury Grand Marquis, etc. I will admit that ownership of the aforementioned vehicles can be difficult in a densely packed, Northeast urban city, especially with rust considered, but I will persevere one of these days. As of the moment I'm automobile-less, but I'll hopefully be amending that in the near future. MMMMmmmm dem yesteryear boxy cars.My personal favorite is the Buick Grand National 1986. It's got the rev, it's got the power, it's got the feel of Murica. Plus that jet black look christ this is the car the FBI picked you up in if you were E.T. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CrypticQuery Posted May 12, 2015 Share Posted May 12, 2015 (edited) MMMMmmmm dem yesteryear boxy cars.My personal favorite is the Buick Grand National 1986. It's got the rev, it's got the power, it's got the feel of Murica. Plus that jet black look christ this is the car the FBI picked you up in if you were E.T.+9001 on that point! Though I will say that I prefer the look of the OEM wheels below. Edited May 12, 2015 by OneUnder 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vy'drach Posted May 12, 2015 Share Posted May 12, 2015 (edited) All about the 1972 Buick Riviera ('71 and '73 are also acceptable). Also, the king of kings, the 2001 Dodge Viper GTS (ACR also acceptable). Edited May 12, 2015 by Vydrach Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CrypticQuery Posted May 12, 2015 Share Posted May 12, 2015 (edited) All about the 1972 Buick Riviera ('71 and '73 are also acceptable).There's nothing quite like that boat-tail. The '65 also deserves to be added to the list of desirability IMO. Edited May 12, 2015 by OneUnder Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr. Orange Posted May 12, 2015 Author Share Posted May 12, 2015 +9001 on that point! Though I will say that I prefer the look of the OEM wheels below.Dem spokesAll about the 1972 Buick Riviera ('71 and '73 are also acceptable). Also, the king of kings, the 2001 Dodge Viper GTS (ACR also acceptable).That had one interesting boat tail. Props to GM for the experiment but the viper...Amazing car design, I love how the hood is like huge, like looking down a horizon but that MpG would kill me. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
InfinitySquared Posted May 12, 2015 Share Posted May 12, 2015 (edited) My dad's first car was a brand new '77 (I guess) Buick Riviera, of which he has no fond reminiscences. It apparently had a nasty tendency to pull violently to one side upon even the slightest acceleration. FWIW, here's the Infinity family fleet. All of our cars are pimp afmedad mommy older brother My oldest brotherHe just takes my mom's Beetle We be stylin' Edited May 12, 2015 by InfinitySquared Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vy'drach Posted May 12, 2015 Share Posted May 12, 2015 Only the '71, '72, and '73 Rivieras had the really unique design, the other years were more... standard, as far as looks go. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Naza Sutera Posted May 12, 2015 Share Posted May 12, 2015 ZOMG SOMEBODY STARTED A CAR TOPIC HNNNNNNNNGGGGGGGGLemme see if I can catch up with you guys...So currently I drive an '08 Ford Focus. I stepped down from an '05 Audi Allroad Quattro 2.7T due to the thing falling apart on me faster than I could keep up. It was a great car, and while I don't usually complain about how expensive the repairs and maintenance could be, especially since the car was a little older, the fact was that I needed to get to work on a regular basis, and I couldn't deal with a car that needed to be in the shop every two weeks. So thats why I retreated to something American-made that sips on regular unleaded.But yeah. The Focus. It is a great car and its fun to whip and weave through traffic when you have road rage. I got it in november of last year and it has had not major issues. And that's the thing though: the cheaper cars are easier and cheaper to take care of, while those european ones will get you fucked up if you don't have your money and priorities together. My advice to anyone who is interested in european cars: you don't have to be outrageously rich to own one of these cars, though some extra money does help. You just need your shit together like I said, make "enough" money (i put that in quotes because its subjective), and do your research before making the jump. Ask mechanics, ask owners, ask google, ask the dealer....--Wait, I was talking about the Focus, right?Its red, has a 2 liter powerplant, 4 doors, cloth seats, and a moonroof. I've come to find out that when I look for a car, its a dealbreaker if it doesnt have a moonroof. It needs a little bit of work done to it, but nothing major.I also have an '04 Volvo XC90. Its supposed to be getting fixed, but my ugly-ass mechanic is giving me the run-around and he's about to get sued. It broke down like a year ago, and I was able to put it in to get fixed... But that started in January, and its the middle of May right now... Yup, he's getting sued. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LoneWolf Posted May 13, 2015 Share Posted May 13, 2015 (edited) oh shit car threadI got into cars more recently, last two years or so. My taste is basically newer turbos and all the cars I played in various racing games as a kid (NFS: HP, GT3, NFS: U). Throwing out my top 10 cars off the top of my head in no particular order: Subaru WRX-STI (2006 & 2015)Nissan R34 Skyline (V-Spec II Nur & Z-Tune)Acura/Honda NSX (1995)Mercedes SLS AMG Black SeriesMercedes E63 AMG Wagon (2015)C7 Corvette Z06Ferrari F50Toyota Supra (1996)Nissan Fairlady Z Twin-Turbo (300ZX) (1996)Lancia Delta S4Currently I'm saving up cash for a 2004 Subaru Forester XT Turbo. Spacious and fast as fuck, especially with some STI parts. Edited May 13, 2015 by LoneWolf Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
InfinitySquared Posted May 13, 2015 Share Posted May 13, 2015 (edited) Only the '71, '72, and '73 Rivieras had the really unique design, the other years were more... standard, as far as looks go. I just find it kinda of amazing how the Riviera went from this Beautifulto this.......This is why too many cooks in the kitchen spoils the soup, kids. Edited May 13, 2015 by InfinitySquared Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CrypticQuery Posted May 13, 2015 Share Posted May 13, 2015 (edited) My dad's first car was a brand new '77 (I guess) Buick Riviera, of which he has no fond reminiscences. It apparently had a nasty tendency to pull violently to one side upon even the slightest acceleration. 10/10 would drive repeatedly, presumably while accelerating and counter-steering.----------@NazaThat generation of Focus always looked intriguing to me. It wasn't as hideous as the one that came before it (minus the hatchback version, that thing kicked ass), and while not as good looking as the globalized European styled model that came after it, it's still quite serviceable IMO.----------@LonewolfDid the '04+ models ever correct the Subaru headgasket issue that seems to plague the earlier models?----------@VydrachThough you have to admit that the CRT touchscreen available in the '86-'93 models was pretty awesome. ----------@InfinityI'd blame GM being GM for that. Though the Riviera of the latter year range was far from the worst looking car from that era out there IMO. I like it for what it is. Edited May 14, 2015 by OneUnder Sorry for that "@" replying. I mutliquoted everything, but while editing the formatting the quotes got deleted and I pressed save. Not my finest hour... 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Naza Sutera Posted May 13, 2015 Share Posted May 13, 2015 10/10 would drive repeatedly, presumably while accelerating and counter-steering.----------@NazaThat generation of Focus always looked intriguing to me. It wasn't as hideous as the one that came before it (minus the hatchback version, that thing kicked ass), and while not as good looking as the globalized European styled model that came after it, it's still quite serviceable IMO.----------@LonewolfDid the '04+ models ever correct the Subaru headgasket issue that seems to plague the earlier models?----------@VydrachThough you have to admit that the CRT touchscreen available in the '86-'93 models was pretty awesome. Hidden Content----------@InfinityI'd blame GM being GM for that. Though the Riviera of the latter year range was far from the worst looking car from that era out there IMO.What the hell? That dinosaur had a touchscreen? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CrypticQuery Posted May 13, 2015 Share Posted May 13, 2015 (edited) What the hell? That dinosaur had a touchscreen?Yup! One of the first, if not the first, of its kind in an automobile. It was capacitive if I recall correctly, and worked relatively well from what I've read. Edited May 14, 2015 by OneUnder Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr. Orange Posted May 14, 2015 Author Share Posted May 14, 2015 I just find it kinda of amazing how the Riviera went from thisto this.......This is why too many cooks in the kitchen spoils the soup, kids. Woogity woogity it flipped the direction the grill went. I chuckled a bit.oh shit car thread(dat list)I got into cars more recently, last two years or so. My taste is basically newer turbos and all the cars I played in various racing games as a kid (NFS: HP, GT3, NFS: U). Throwing out my top 10 cars off the top of my head in no particular order: Subaru WRX-STI (2006 & 2015)Nissan R34 Skyline (V-Spec II Nur & Z-Tune)Acura/Honda NSX (1995)Mercedes SLS AMG Black SeriesMercedes E63 AMG Wagon (2015)C7 Corvette Z06Ferrari F50Toyota Supra (1996)Nissan Fairlady Z Twin-Turbo (300ZX) (1996)Lancia Delta S4Currently I'm saving up cash for a 2004 Subaru Forester XT Turbo. Spacious and fast as fuck, especially with some STI parts.So many sweet rides, so many same car review videos we both watched. Also I might just say, if y'all gon add a list of good cars, ya gotta add some pic of each. Because it takes forever to look up lists on the Goog. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LoneWolf Posted May 15, 2015 Share Posted May 15, 2015 (edited) Also I might just say, if y'all gon add a list of good cars, ya gotta add some pic of each. Because it takes forever to look up lists on the Goog. Ugh fine06' STI (nice custom version, love the widebody kit)R34 V-Spec II NSX (current desktop wallpaper)SLS AMG Black Series (datass.jpg) E63 AMG (because sometimes I need to have space in the trunk) C7 Z06 F50 GT (ugly motherfucker but a favorite from NFS: HP as a kid) Supra (also ugly af but fast af) 300ZX TT (dat blue exhaust tips doe)Delta S4 (0-60 in 2.3 seconds on gravel) Edited May 15, 2015 by LoneWolf 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr. Orange Posted May 15, 2015 Author Share Posted May 15, 2015 Supra (also ugly af but fast af)Hush you self dat car is fab as fuck.Look at those eyes. Those are happy eyes. That's a car that looks happy. That's a nice car. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Owner/Technical Admin Sideways Posted May 16, 2015 Owner/Technical Admin Share Posted May 16, 2015 This was my first car, a 2007 Toyota Yaris hatchback. It was totaled in 2012 when I was rear ended on the highway.My current car is a 2011 Mazda 2. Same color and everything. My first car was an automatic, this is a 5 speed and is fun to drive. Someday I will own one of these. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
InfinitySquared Posted May 16, 2015 Share Posted May 16, 2015 (edited) 10/10 would drive repeatedly, presumably while accelerating and counter-steering.@InfinityI'd blame GM being GM for that. Though the Riviera of the latter year range was far from the worst looking car from that era out there IMO. I like it for what it is.My dad still actually instinctively pulls at the wheel to the right at green lights, 35 years later. Then again, he has a lot of bizarre driving quirks (two feet in an automatic? two feet in an automatic) so w/eHonestly, I still think GM's got a ways to go in styling. The Cadillacs are great, but the Chevy's are awfully nondescript and Buicks are...eughhhhhhhh Also, the chunky body and tiny windows trend needs to die. And CUV's too. Edited May 16, 2015 by InfinitySquared Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LoneWolf Posted May 16, 2015 Share Posted May 16, 2015 (edited) @LonewolfDid the '04+ models ever correct the Subaru headgasket issue that seems to plague the earlier models?(sorry, didn't realize you'd mentioned me)The EJ25D & EJ251 that've had the gasket issues got better factory gaskets later in their lives. Plus, that engine isn't in the 04' Forester that I'm looking at. I think the one in the 04' Forester XT Turbo is the EJ255. Same platform, 4 cylinder DOHC boxer with a turbo, something the EJ25D didn't have.I know one person with what I assume is an EJ25D who literally said "I don't know why my car overheats, I know the mechanic told me to replace my gaskets or something but I can't afford it">you can't afford to replace the entire fucking block>do your goddamn maintenence Edited May 16, 2015 by LoneWolf Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CrypticQuery Posted May 17, 2015 Share Posted May 17, 2015 (edited) Someday I will own one of these. ------ @InfinityThe current Buick Regal GS (in the spoiler tag below) doesn't look all that bad IMO, but the fact that most of the current Buick lineup is comprised of rebadged Opels surely puts a damper on the styling to an extent. I agree on the chunky body/horrendous visibility combination needing to hit the road though. ------@LonewolfIt's good to know that you haven't encountered the problem! That one person isn't going to have a good time in the future, that's for sure. Might be a candidate for r/justrolledintotheshop. One of the main reasons that I haven't looked at Subarus is because most of the ones in my current price range are either pre-2004 models or afflicted with the aforementioned headgasket defect (and if they're pre-2004 they're likely saddled with headgasket issues from what I've read). I also see your 1990s 300ZX and raise you the first gen, mid 1980s 300ZX. As well as a 70s 280Z. ------One of my favorite cars has always been the '70-'79 Lincoln Continental. Aside from it being massive, those hideaway headlights are awesome. I also neglected to mention the 1977-1978 Plymouth Fury/Dodge Monaco and the 1967/1968 Plymouth Fury as being some of my favorites as well. Edited May 17, 2015 by OneUnder Again, apologies for the "@" replying. Evidently editing my post deletes quoted ones which cannot be re-quoted... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
InfinitySquared Posted May 17, 2015 Share Posted May 17, 2015 (edited) The problem with the chunky body/tiny windows is that it's just terribly unsafe (and utterly hideous!), which is ironic because the whole point of it is to be safe in case of a roll-over (which is quite a problem with top-heavy cars and SUV's). I can't tell you how many times I've been nearly clipped in traffic by a car coming out of my gigantic blindspots. Not to mention, I live in a neighborhood with a rather large amount of little kids running around at pretty much all hours of the day, so there's always that mild fear in the back of my head whenever I back out of the driveway. Lane-monitoring/backup cameras in new cars do sort of get around it and are actually pretty handy, but my MDX (and my mom's Beetle) don't have them. The Beetle and the old 750i don't/didn't need them because they're nearly panoramic thanks to their being low-slung with thin pillars (the Beetle being a convertible also helps). You'd also have to be driving nearly upside-down to flip either of them, too. Edited May 17, 2015 by InfinitySquared Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Naza Sutera Posted May 17, 2015 Share Posted May 17, 2015 Speaking of Buicks, I've been thinking of getting one of their products, but I can't bring myself to make the jump. Although I like the Enclave and the Encore, one is too big and the other one is too small. I hear that in China, they started selling something called the Buick Envision...Obviously between the subcompact Encore and the full size Enclave. Like Goldilocks: just right. In Yurp, is going to be badged as the next Opel/Vauxhall Antara. As of the US, it's not so much about if as it is when it will reach American showrooms. I'm keeping my fingers crossed, however.Also, seeing as China is where the Buick Verano originated (called the Buick Excelle), they've already reached the second generation. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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