The SFO Car/Vehicle General Thread

[CrypticQuery]

Question about motoring shows: Do we prefer Fifth Gear or Top Gear? If we like Top Gear, do we like the original one or the American version?

Top Gear UK all the way, pre-destruction, of course.

[CrypticQuery]

Here's a quick update on my car search.  I called up a nearby dealership to see if I could come out and take a look at a '96 Grand Marquis.  The car looked to be in relatively good shape from the photos and was priced at $1500 - you can't go wrong!  Here's how that conversation went.

"Hello?  I'd like to come out and see that '96 Grand Marquis you have listed online."

"Sorry, bro.  It's on a truck to Pennsylvania."

BACK TO THE SEARCH AWAAAAAAAAAY.

[Dr. Orange]

Dood.

Used car search. 

Carsforsale.com

do it. 

Bby.

Then we race.

[CrypticQuery]

Dood.

Used car search. 

Carsforsale.com

do it. 

Bby.

Then we race.

 

I've been checking Cars.com, AutoTrader, CarsForSale, and Craigslist (through Search Tempest) daily and have only found a handful of candidates within a reasonable distance that don't appear to be complete pieces of shit.  I'm willing to wait for something good to come along though.

[CrypticQuery]

In an effort to revitalize this thread, I must say that sleepers are some of my favorite automobile modification styles out there.  As an example of this, take a look at the humble Ford Fairmont. 

 

It's right up my alley in terms of its styling (or lack thereof) since I seem to fall in love with cars that look like they were designed with nothing more than a ruler, but it was considered a sensible economic choice and not much else when it arrived on the market in the late 70s.

It just so happens that the Fairmont shares Ford's Fox platform with a few other cars, most notably the 1978-1993 Ford Mustang.  It also happens that many of the Mustang's aftermarket performance parts work well on the Fairmont.  There isn't much better than an unassuming, mundane monster!

(Skip to 0:17)

 

[InfinitySquared]

That looks like something every dad in every John Hughes movie would drive.

'80s cars, especially sedans, and especially American ones, just look like they were drawn by a 5-year old.

 

 

All these cars are missing is a gold star and a place on the fridge.

 

 

 

 

Edited August 1, 2015 by InfinitySquared

[CrypticQuery]

And that's why you can't help but to love 'em!

----

Does anyone have any opinions on purchasing a vehicle with an accident on its CarFax report?  The report is extremely vague, stating only that a collision with another vehicle occurred (which could mean anything from having a door backed into in a parking lot to a head-on collision I suppose).  Almost a year after the crash, the CarFax report states that the vehicle passed an New York State safety inspection and still possesses a clean title.  I'm probably going to take a look at it, but I figure that if the dealership won't let me bring it to a mechanic with a lift the sale will be off.  The photos look good, but I can't quite tell if the right front headlight is a little bit offset.

It's an '03 Crown Vic with 115k miles offered for sale for $2500 at a small, independent dealership.  Photos are in the spoiler tag below.  I'll have to have the window tints taken off, possibly replace/clean the headlights due to fogging, and touch up some paint on the bumpers here and there, but otherwise it doesn't seem to be half bad for that price point (provided that there is no lasting damage, of course).

Not that it has much bearing on the circumstances, but the Crown Vic, Grand Marquis, and Town Car are all body-on-frame as opposed to unibody.  Hopefully any potential lasting damage should be more evident because of this.

 

[Dr. Orange]

Does anyone have any opinions on purchasing a vehicle with an accident on its CarFax report?  The report is extremely vague, stating only that a collision with another vehicle occurred (which could mean anything from having a door backed into in a parking lot to a head-on collision I suppose).  Almost a year after the crash, the CarFax report states that the vehicle passed an New York State safety inspection and still possesses a clean title.  I'm probably going to take a look at it, but I figure that if the dealership won't let me bring it to a mechanic with a lift the sale will be off.  The photos look good, but I can't quite tell if the right front headlight is a little bit offset.

It's an '03 Crown Vic with 115k miles offered for sale for $2500 at a small, independent dealership.  Photos are in the spoiler tag below.  I'll have to have the window tints taken off, possibly replace/clean the headlights due to fogging, and touch up some paint on the bumpers here and there, but otherwise it doesn't seem to be half bad for that price point (provided that there is no lasting damage, of course).

Keep the Window tints unless they're shit because the money and time to remove them isn't worth it/ Also they make a car fucking sweet.

Fog on windows can be solved with a light sander pad and some solution. $25-$35 at Autozone. Cheaper than replacing.

Also ask/check the VIN number ans see what comes up and follow that cheat sheet I posted earlier on how to test a car and you should be good.

 

Do good. I believe in you.

[CrypticQuery]

Keep the Window tints unless they're shit because the money and time to remove them isn't worth it/ Also they make a car fucking sweet.

Fog on windows can be solved with a light sander pad and some solution. $25-$35 at Autozone. Cheaper than replacing.

Also ask/check the VIN number ans see what comes up and follow that cheat sheet I posted earlier on how to test a car and you should be good.

 

Do good. I believe in you.

I'm not sure if that level of tint is legal in NYC; I'll be sure to have that checked out.  Thanks for the input on removal as I didn't really have any prior knowledge on what to expect from that procedure in terms of cost though. 

CVPI headlight assemblies are cheap parts being that they were basically in production unchanged for over a decade, but it would be fun to give these an attempt at reconditioning if I do manage to score the car. 

I ran the VIN through CarFax, the National Crime Insurance Bureau's database, and the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration's database as well.  No positive hits save for the previously mentioned, vague accident damage listed by CarFax.

[Dr. Orange]

CVPI headlight assemblies are cheap parts being that they were basically in production unchanged for over a decade, but it would be fun to give these an attempt at reconditioning if I do manage to score the car. 

I ran the VIN through CarFax, the National Crime Insurance Bureau's database, and the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration's database as well.  No positive hits save for the previously mentioned, vague accident damage listed by CarFax.

If the headlights can be replaced for cheap, do it. For me it was pushing $260 and that's like ... no. So if it's cheaper with new then I feel, G.

But overall this sounds like a pretty solid car. It's weird that no damage can be pulled really but when you test drive this HORSE, unless you can like feel something off, really consider an investment to this.

[CrypticQuery]

If the headlights can be replaced for cheap, do it. For me it was pushing $260 and that's like ... no. So if it's cheaper with new then I feel, G.

But overall this sounds like a pretty solid car. It's weird that no damage can be pulled really but when you test drive this HORSE, unless you can like feel something off, really consider an investment to this.

Please send my condolences to your wallet in that case!  Aftermarket OE styled headlamps for the Crown Vic seem to hover around $30-$50 each, though I'm not sure if OEM ones are still purchasable besides new old stock. 

At 212 inches long, I'd say that a horse comparison is definitely apt.  I'm really hoping that this one turns out to be acceptable; the color is great, it was optioned for the front and rear cloth bench seats, the mileage is low, and the price is just right.  I'll keep you posted.

[CrypticQuery]

I'm working on an update to my most recent escapade.  It was ultimately unsuccessful, but I will share those experiences and a checklist I compiled for future use once I get it finalized!

[InfinitySquared]

Have you tried sheefting it into H?

[CrypticQuery]

In other news, Nissan finally put the nail in the coffin of the Xterra.  2015 will be its last model year.

http://truckyeah.jalopnik.com/confirmed-2015-last-year-of-the-nissan-xterra-1724836170

----

The Xterra is one of the last capable body-on-frame SUVs out there, and certainly offers a budget alternative to the Jeep Wrangler in terms of capability (the Wrangler starts at around $39k if I recall correctly, whereas the fully loaded Xterra is around $30k).  It's still a handsome looking truck in my opinion.  If Nissan would have supported it with a few more options, like a transmission with more gearing or a turbocharged engine variant to slightly decrease fuel consumption (hell, they're putting a Cummins Diesel in the new Titan.  Why not this?) it might have done a little bit better in the market.  I'm going to miss its rugged simplicity, and the fact that it's one of the only Nissan vehicles sold in the US that can be had without that awful CVT that they seem to be shoehorning into everything now, not to mention that it can be ordered with a manual (or traditional automatic).

[Dr. Orange]

RIP in peace Terra. You were a car. Every once in a while I hear someone getting one of these and LARP'n with this after turning the suspension into a Compton dream. 

 

Also in other news. A Pontiac crashed into me. Will post damage pics if anyone was interested, because holy shit the damage done to that car vs. my cement armor car.

[CrypticQuery]

Orange, surely you realize that you cannot tantalize us with the tale of a collision and not post photographs of the results of said collision.  I'm glad that you made it out well enough to provide that update, however.

[Dr. Orange]

#Justtakingtimetoremovethelisences

I don't die that easy-e G. 

My car.

Her car:

 

 

 

Ransom Olds looking out for me and laughing down GM's throat. 

Edited August 20, 2015 by Dr. Orange

[CrypticQuery]

Rear-end collisions especially suck, and I'd like to reiterate the fact that it's good to hear, or rather assume, that your neck is still intact. I don't know what GM did when putting the rear bumper onto your car, but they must have put a hell of a lot of effort into it!

More effort than they put into trying to save Pontiac and Oldsmobile, apparently.

[Naza Sutera]

By they way, Doc Orange, there is a secret way to restore your headlights. Get a felt scowering pad and some Raid bug spray and scrub. Helluva lot cheaper than replacing them or paying someone half a paycheck to restore them.

Edit: Oh and... Yeah. Her shit is fucked. Hope she has good insurance.

Edited August 20, 2015 by Naza Sutera

[LoneWolf]

Ayy lmao so I've basically been dead to SFO since I started my summer internship but like, figured I'd update on what I've been driving.

What's currently been taking me ~25 miles to and from work daily ended up being my dad's beater gen 6 Honda Accord. Gold exterior, tan interior, 150k miles. Not my car, but it looks exactly like this:

135 horses of pure mundanity. Fortunately it handles alright, so it ends up pretty fun to drive and has a decent stereo. Seats are comfy, AC blows cold. Paint is chipped and it's got some dents. But it works. Originally was on the hunt for an MR2 AW11 for cheap for the summer but I can't afford to park it at my university (because fuck paying $2500 a year for a spot).

Looking at saving up for an 06' STi, 2003 Bananaru (RARE COLOR!11!), or SW20 MR2 Turbo once I have the cash.

Edited August 24, 2015 by LoneWolf
AW22 =/= SW20, my bad

[Vy'drach]

Because giggles:

 

 

You are welcome.

[LoneWolf]

My parents bought a 2011 Toyota Sequoia. Even for how heavy it is, a 383 HP V8 still pulls HARD. The thing is like 5600 lbs and it still gets 0-60 in like 6ish seconds. Bummer that you burn a gallon of gas to go that fast. Can't imagine what that amount of horses is like in a lighter car.

[CrypticQuery]

^ Though I never personally cared for Toyota's late model luxury SUVs, if it works for them then more power to 'em.  Sounds like some quick fun at the very least!

---

This accurately represents used car shopping in the sub $4500 range.

 

[LoneWolf]

^ Though I never personally cared for Toyota's late model luxury SUVs, if it works for them then more power to 'em.  Sounds like some quick fun at the very least!

---

This accurately represents used car shopping in the sub $4500 range.

 

It's got punch and it's comfy as all hell (fully loaded). Also has a composite line in on the entertainment screen in the back. I pack my Gamecube with me when they ferry me to and from college.

Another thing: Once you have heated seats you can never go back. Once you have COOLED seats, well, that's some next level shit.

 

Jalopnik has a whole series of articles about their communist crapmobile:

http://jalopnik.com/tag/lada

[Mecha-Katt]

As I was so nicely invited to join here, to show you what cars are..let's say, my favourites and I would love to own them all xD ( who wouldn't?! )

Let's just with this one here -->

 

..followed by..

..though if you want and buy a second-hand car, they are way too expansive..and really, they aren't worth that much money It's even worse when you want a Lupo GTI.

 

..I choose the DTM Version because..ah..I love it xD ( And I perhaps want to mention, that my brother owns two BMW E36..a complete BMW Fan xD )

 

 

 

 

 

I kind of like that 'bulky' design a lot..I don't know why.

 

Well..those are the ones I can think of. But, most of the time I do prefer older cars. If I see all those new ones, they..I don't know..all look the same to me. Nothing special anymore, nothing unique...and let's not speak of quality D=

 

I actually have a photo of a very old Opel ( I think from the 1930s )on my phone I saw at one of our weekend trips. Sadly, my computer won't accept my phone anymore..so I can't show you the photo >.<;