CAR PEOPLE OF DXP......... I NEED HELP!

Ok, so I seriously need to buy a new car and I'm losing my mind. I don't know where in my chart it says this, but I HATE change...... I lose my shit every time I have to move, buy a new vehicle, end a friendship or relationship (well that part you guys know) and it becomes super stressful for me.

If there's anyone here who loves cars as much as I do I would totally appreciate the help!

So, here's the deal, I want to buy a roadster, but I'm not opposed to a small four seater convertible. I currently have a Solara convertible and will be keeping that so I'll still have a "roomy" car. Buuuuuuuuut, I want a toy and my Solara needs some minor body work which my brother and I are going to do together for fun. He's pretty talented and I like working on cars when it's not too hot, aaaaaaand since we're coming into the beginning of Texas spring, it's the perfect time.

There's a couple I like so far and I??ll do separate posts for each telling you what I do and don't like about each and include a link to an autotrader vehicle to give you a good overview of each in case you??re unfamilar??_. Problem is, on top of considering roadsters, now I'm considering restored classic cars. The thing is??_. I have a lot of requirements out of my vehicles, let me list them??_.

My cars have to:
1. Look fucking awesome.
2. Be comfortable enough to make 6 hour drives in.
3. I do not want a Mercedes or BMW because my brother will not work on them, too many special tool requirements and bullshit.
4. Have better than average crash ratings so I don't get —kilt??.
5. Have trunk space enough for two overnight bags.
6. Be a convertible (yes, I am going to have TWO and no I don't care how ridiculous that is??_).
7. I??d prefer it to be larger than a 4 banger, but I can compromise if it's awesome.

I??ve budgeted 30K or less, but if I go 15K or under I can purchase it outright no loans. I??ve reserved the 20K+ category for much newer, lower miles vehicles. It's really all about figuring out WHICH one I want and then finding one for the right price.

So here are some I'm considering:

Toyota Spyder — I??ve ALWAYS loved the body style of these cars and since they stopped making them in 2005 (really more like 2004), I feel like if there was ever a time to have one it's now or never. I test drove one about two weeks ago.
I love the body style , love it! LIKE REALLY LOVE IT. Bitches would be??_.. have to do the roll out exit to get out, and the ride has a lot of —road noise?? because it is so low to the ground. The road noise I can deal with for the perfect roadster??_. This one's kinda front runner??_.

For your enjoyment: http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ct=u&car_id=315092531&dealer_id=68849&car_year=2004&systime=&doors=&model=MR2SPYDR&search_lang=en&start_year=1981&keywordsfyc=&keywordsrep=&highlightFirstMakeModel=&search_type=both&distance=0&min_price=&rdm=1328755937395&drive=&marketZipError=false&advanced=&fuel=&keywords_display=&sownerid=42572558&lastBeginningStartYear=1981&end_year=2013&showZipError=n&make2=&certified=&engine=&dma=HOUSTON_SE&page_location=findacar% 3A% 3Aispsearchform&body_code=0&isFlashPlugin=true&transmission=&default_sort=&max_mileage=&color=&address=77009&sort_type=priceDESC&max_price=&make=TOYOTA&seller_type=b&num_records=25&cardist=1231&standard=false&rdpage=thumb> Toyota Spyder

Pontiac Solstice — I??ve pretty much ruled this one out for various reasons, but the trunk space, and placement of the cup holder (it's like behind my right elbow, wtf?) would make it a pain in the ass. Not to mention, it rides so light it feels like I could pick it up and put it in my pocket. If anyone had any good selling points, I??d listen, but I'm kinda over it??_

For your enjoyment:http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ct=u&car_id=314280398&dealer_id=63484139&car_year=2009&systime=&doors=&model=SOLSTICE&search_lang=en&start_year=1981&keywordsfyc=&keywordsrep=&highlightFirstMakeModel=&search_type=both&distance=0&min_price=&rdm=1328756342531&drive=&marketZipError=false&advanced=&fuel=&keywords_display=&lastBeginningStartYear=1981&end_year=2013&showZipError=n&make2=&certified=&engine=&dma=HOUSTON_SE&page_location=findacar% 3A% 3Aispsearchform&body_code=0&isFlashPlugin=true&transmission=&default_sort=priceDESC&max_mileage=&color=&address=77009&sort_type=priceDESC&max_price=&make=PONT&seller_type=b&num_records=25&cardist=202&standard=false??> Pontiac Solstic

Audi TT — Problem is, I don't really know anything about them and I have yet to test drive one. I did violate a few snooping norms and drool/peep in a few in parking lots??_. Does anyone know anything I might want to know about these? I'm not quite as much of a fan of the body style , but it looks really roomy??_

For your viewing pleasure: http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ct=u&car_id=311459821&dealer_id=64428237&car_year=2003&lastBeginningStartYear=1981&end_year=2013&model=TT&showZipError=n&pager.offset=100&search_lang=en&start_year=1981&dma=HOUSTON_SE&page_location=findacar% 3A% 3Aispsearchform&body_ style =CONVERT&search_type=both&body_code=1&first_record=101&isFlashPlugin=true&distance=0&default_sort=priceDESC&address=77009&rdm=1328756606930&marketZipError=false&sort_type=priceDESC&make=AUDI&num_records=25&seller_type=b&cardist=1075&standard=false??> Audi TT

Nissan 350Z — I test drove one of these as well and the suspension rides like my Solara which to me is pretty impressive. It gives a much more sedan type ride and that I love, the problem is the seat doesn't quite sink low enough for me, but it wasn't enough to sway me. In fact, I almost bought the one I test drove that day??_

For your viewing pleasure: http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ct=u&car_id=310656611&dealer_id=605391&car_year=2008&systime=&doors=&model=350Z&search_lang=en&start_year=1981&body_ style =CONVERT&keywordsfyc=&keywordsrep=&highlightFirstMakeModel=&search_type=both&distance=0&min_price=&rdm=1328756867192&drive=&marketZipError=false&advanced=&fuel=&keywords_display=&sownerid=38470175&lastBeginningStartYear=1981&end_year=2013&showZipError=n&make2=&certified=&engine=&dma=HOUSTON_SE&page_location=findacar% 3A% 3Aispsearchform&body_code=1&isFlashPlugin=true&transmission=&default_sort=priceDESC&max_mileage=&color=&address=77009&sort_type=priceDESC&max_price=&make=NISSAN&seller_type=b&num_records=25&cardist=1143&standard=false> Nissan 350z

Saturn Sky — I??ve kinda gone back and forth on this one, but like the Audi I??ve yet to test drive it??_. I just don't know how readily available parts and such will be considering the whole —No More Saturn?? thing??_. Plus it's really a knock of the Solstice anyway (but if it's designed better inside??_??_.)

For your viewing pleasure: http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ct=u&car_id=313604494&dealer_id=1359502&car_year=2009&systime=&doors=&model=SKY&search_lang=en&start_year=1981&body_ style =CONVERT&keywordsfyc=&keywordsrep=&highlightFirstMakeModel=&search_type=both&distance=0&min_price=&rdm=1328757257680&drive=&marketZipError=false&advanced=&fuel=&keywords_display=&lastBeginningStartYear=1981&end_year=2013&showZipError=n&make2=&certified=&engine=&dma=HOUSTON_SE&page_location=findacar% 3A% 3Aispsearchform&body_code=1&isFlashPlugin=true&transmission=&default_sort=priceDESC&max_mileage=&color=&address=77009&sort_type=priceDESC&max_price=&make=SATURN&seller_type=b&num_records=25&cardist=25&standard=false??> Saturn Sky

Then there's classic cars??_.. I don't know how wise it is for me to do that, but I??ve ALWAYS wanted too??_


Like look at this mother fugger - http://www.autotraderclassics.com/classic-car/1971-Chevrolet-Nova-581609.xhtml?conversationId=14237??> O??_..EEEEM??_..GEE!!!

Saggy - I'm a convertible whore and a sports car fanatic.... WHICH I MENTIONED ABOVE.

Taurus ain't cutting it.

READ THE THREAD OR GTFO. 🙂

I like practical and cost effective, so I went with a Chevy Equinox. But, you seem to want like a sports car, something a little more flashy that speaks to your clients - that's the Gem in you I suppose.

If you were my SO and bought one of those, I would cry. Just saying.... (I've done it before)

My gut... go with practical, cost effective and reliable... anything else is not worth the money!!! (says the Cap!)

We have the Fiat here, but I'm not into the shape of them. I want a true roadster.... it HAS to be sporty or I'm not getting the WOW vibe from it....

Think FUNCTIONAL!

Posted by lildol
I like practical and cost effective, so I went with a Chevy Equinox. But, you seem to want like a sports car, something a little more flashy that speaks to your clients - that's the Gem in you I suppose.

If you were my SO and bought one of those, I would cry. Just saying.... (I've done it before)

My gut... go with practical, cost effective and reliable... anything else is not worth the money!!! (says the Cap!)

I've literally NEVER owned a "practical, cost effective and reliable" car. NEVER.

1st - Mitsubishi Eclipse
2nd - Firebird Formula with T-tops with glass packs and other badass tweeks
3rd - Jeep Wrangler Sahara edition with 38 Super Swampers and a 6 inch suspension lift WITH leopard seat covers.... THAT BITCH WAS BAD
4th - Hyndaii Tiburon - fast and effing fun
5th - Toyota Solara.... if you can believe it, this was my compromise for a practical car with my ex who had a child, the backseat is deep enough and protected enough to have a small child in it

There have been others I have bought and sold for fun and kept for a year or less, but those are my majors.

I LOVE FUN CARS. Fuck four door cars (never owned one), fuck mini-vans and fuck any man who wants to put me in one.

Posted by MzSagittarius

Posted by GemsRaGalsBestPal
Saggy - I'm a convertible whore and a sports car fanatic.... WHICH I MENTIONED ABOVE.

Taurus ain't cutting it.

READ THE THREAD OR GTFO. 🙂

😢... It can be a sports car... If you put some stripes on it😢


You also said... Something nice, comfy for long drives, It was TOO fucking long! GOSH! I just read the bullets... Well, skimmed.


😢 Just offering ideas...

click to expand

I'm just jacking with you....

It does need to be comfy, but I meant as opposed to something like a Corvette, I test drove a z06 and told the car salesman I felt like I was getting into a car condom. There was NO ROOM to even more my knees around, literally like sliding my legs into a car condom.

Posted by lildol
Think FUNCTIONAL!

I mentioned above this car is more for a toy and I will be keeping my current vehicle which is plenty "practical".... Looks like this only it's cherry red.

No offense, but that does NOT look practical! How the hell would you sleep in that? And where would you keep your weeks worth of crap— :/

Posted by MzSagittarius

Posted by GemsRaGalsBestPal


I LOVE FUN CARS. Fuck four door cars (never owned one), fuck mini-vans and fuck any man who wants to put me in one.

Totally didn't even see this...

click to expand

HAHAHAHAHA.... yeah, I'd never be caught dead in either of those you just posted!

No shaggin waggon or soccer mommymobiles for me dude. GROSS.

I'm fun cars all the way..... I work way too hard to have a boring "responsible" car.

I like my cars to say.... "She buys new underwear weekly because she leaves them all over town. She's a fast girl."

Rather than.... "There's a woman who will bear me children and fold my socks."

It's cost effective LOL

Posted by lildol
No offense, but that does NOT look practical! How the hell would you sleep in that? And where would you keep your weeks worth of crap— :/

In my Solara?

Lildol - The Toyota Solara is a full size convertible. The back seat comfortably seats two people and the trunk can hold as much as any other sedan.... think Civic or Camry sized trunk, but in my opinion maybe even bigger. Right now in mine I have two full size pieces of luggage, a cooler, a box full of work supplies and a flat of water plus my emergency bag. It's REALLY roomy.

The seats lean all the way back so I'm lying flat, which I do nap occasionally in between appointments.

It's literally the BEST full size convertible on the market and I LOVE mine. LOVE IT. I will be keeping it and using it for most of my traveling, but I want a fun car for driving around Houston and to take on shorter work trips.

Posted by TV
the Nissan or the Audi.

the ones you suggested are sporty.

Have you ever owned an Audi? What do you know about them?

I'm assuming you like the look of those two better? Or do you have opinions about the manufacturers in general vs. the others I posted?

Posted by cowpuncher
One of the newer model jeeps with all the fancy schmancy GPS navigation crapola and stuff. My buddy's wife got one for her commuter vehicle, and it's great. Not sure of the exact model, because I'm a tightwad Capricorn, so I don't do foolish stuff like blow vast quantities of cash on brand new vehicles... I drive a used Chevy truck that I love, and will til the day it dies and I can no longer bring it back to life. 😉

You are in different circumstances though, you have to impress clients. Get one of the jeeps, get it in some chick-fashionable color that will match your toenails or however you gals pick that stuff, and you'll have a solid, reliable vehicle that will get you around, even in inclement weather, have ample room (theirs hauls their antique stuff home in the back, plus their toddler and associated arsenal of mobile baby-stuff, has a luggage rack on top, is comfy, and looks nice.

DUDE, I was waiting for you to show up.... but the whole point is this.... must be a sports car, must be convertible.

Somehow I knew you'd go for practical too, LOL. 😄

I also don't buy new, I did it once and I'll likely never do it again. The kind of cars I purchase aren't exactly the type that have all the incentives and manufacturer kickbacks.... When I bought the Tibby it did, but even still I could have gotten a better deal on the previous years model with low miles.... I just REALLY liked that year!

P.S. CP, I had a Jeep.... I posted about it here.... I'm sure it will make your dick hard (minus the seat covers), bitch was BAD! I was part of an off roading / mudding club and it was FUN! I ended up stripping the rear axle though, lol, luckily I had a friend who went in and cleaned out every last shaving.

Posted by GemsRaGalsBestPal


I've literally NEVER owned a "practical, cost effective and reliable" car. NEVER.

1st - Mitsubishi Eclipse
2nd - Firebird Formula with T-tops with glass packs and other badass tweeks
3rd - Jeep Wrangler Sahara edition with 38 Super Swampers and a 6 inch suspension lift WITH leopard seat covers.... THAT BITCH WAS BAD
4th - Hyndaii Tiburon - fast and effing fun
5th - Toyota Solara.... if you can believe it, this was my compromise for a practical car with my ex who had a child, the backseat is deep enough and protected enough to have a small child in it

There have been others I have bought and sold for fun and kept for a year or less, but those are my majors.

I LOVE FUN CARS. Fuck four door cars (never owned one), fuck mini-vans and fuck any man who wants to put me in one.

You're not listening.... I've BEEN THERE, DONE THAT!

I want a fucking sports car and I deserve a sports car.

Don't like it? GTFO and take your proposed co-dependancy with you. 😄

CP, this gets my dick hard..... I've always wanted to go classic, but I don't know if I'm ready...

Posted by GemsRaGalsBestPal
Then there's classic cars??_.. I don't know how wise it is for me to do that, but I??ve ALWAYS wanted too??_


Like look at this mother fugger - http://www.autotraderclassics.com/classic-car/1971-Chevrolet-Nova-581609.xhtml?conversationId=14237??> O??_..EEEEM??_..GEE!!!

I've been checking them out.... and while it's not exactly the roadster look I'm going for.... it's pretty badass. Problem is.... I'd have to buy brand new to get the convertible model which for me is a must.

Plus, when I buy a roadster, I plan on keeping my Solara as a "full size" car (I put that in quotes because the Solara is still a two door, but it's as full size as I'll ever get). If I bought the Challenger I'd probably get rid of it because one is no less practical than the other.

The Challenger is kinda manly for me truly.... the Firebird Formula was WAY more up my alley with all the curves and lines.

Posted by cowpuncher
I wouldn't necessarily call it "classic", I'm referring to one of the new Challengers.

now if you WANT to go classic.... a Road Runner or Super Bee, with a 440 sporting a six pack. You're going to get about 10 mpg that way, but you'll never be late for anything again.

I knew what you meant. 😄 We're having moon issues....

Anyhaps, the gas mileage is a MAJOR reason for not wanting to get the restored classic.... I could NEVER take it on my 300+ work trips.

Yep, I buy used too.... we hadn't mentioned the Cooper though we did discuss the Fiat which to me reminds me of that same boxy shape.

I'm going sports car.... for instance, the Toyota Spyder is my front runner at the moment....

http://photobucket.com/images/toyota% 20spyder" target="_blank">

I LOVE the lines of it....


*SIGH*

I guess I'll have to wait for someone else to show up and talk sports cars / roadsters with me.

Oh baby..... think about who you're talking to.... I'm a professional salesperson with professional salespeople as friends.... I've known waaaaaaaaaaay too many car salesmen to ever get "had". I've gotten AMAZING deals on every car I ever bought.

I've got 15K set aside to purchase a car cash. If I did something like the Challenger or the Nissan 350Z I'd need to take out a loan with my credit union.... which is also fine, but I'd prefer to just pay cash for this as a "toy investment". 😛

Even when I was not in the postion to purchase outright with cash I'd get financing through my bank / credit union and walk in with a blank check that had a spending limit associated.....

I'm always upfront about my intention to buy before I even test drive, really throws them off their game and let's them think they have me where they want me. It also puts them in psychological ownership of having already made the sale. While I'm off test driving they are figuring their commissions and monthly goal.... when I get back and say I'll walk if they don't meet my terms they freak because they've already been under the belief they sold me the car.

Psychology of sales is a beautiful thing.

OMFG..... where's Briana when we need her?

2001 Toyota MR2 Spyder Bright Pink Hello Kitty Edition

Posted by cowpuncher

Posted by GemsRaGalsBestPal
Oh baby..... think about who you're talking to.... I'm a professional salesperson with professional salespeople as friends.... I've known waaaaaaaaaaay too many car salesmen to ever get "had". I've gotten AMAZING deals on every car I ever bought.

I've got 15K set aside to purchase a car cash. If I did something like the Challenger or the Nissan 350Z I'd need to take out a loan with my credit union.... which is also fine, but I'd prefer to just pay cash for this as a "toy investment". 😛

Saving up cash, and paying as you go, staying out of debt if possible. YOU my dear are speaking my language. The less money we all give the Banksters, the better.

click to expand

Yeah, for realz.... the only debt I really have is what's left of my school loans.... I should pay them off with my higher commissioned months, but I've been playing or investing instead.... they're at low rates anyhaps.

I HATE GIVING PEOPLE MY MONEY. Interest rates piss me off. I don't really use credit cards for that reason alone. I just don't like the idea of them.... bleck to all the "cash back" and air miles..... I rack up plenty of miles as it is and I'm not a fan of the cash back cards. I have friends who use them and I see the sense in them, but it's just not for me. If I didn't put money into mutual funds and bonds I'd spend it.

When I was in my early 20s I had a 20K credit card (no friggen lie, Capital One was off their damn rocker). That bitch almost got my ass into SERIOUS trouble.

I will talk sports cars with you.

The Toyota Spyder you mention is one on my dream list. I can't actually sit in one and drive it, but I love their look. However, you are not going to get your two bags into that thing.

The Solstice/Sky guys are pretty nice. The have more carrying capacity, are convertibles, have quite good horse power and quite good handling. People sneer at them cause they are GM products.

The 350Z would be very nice. The TT are also quite good sports cars.

The reality is though, what you are describing is not an actual sports car. You simply aren't going to get the ride and room you want in that description. Have you looked at maybe an Audi A4? Pretty doggone sporty, decent ride, fairly affordable. I don't think they come in the convertible variety, though.

Could get a nice Corvette for that kind of money. A bit cliche, but a nice sports car.

Have you looked at the Subaru WRX and STi guys. They are remarkable sports cars in sheeps clothing. Can haul some stuff to. Not a lot, but more than most sports cars.

There is always the Miata. Once again, you are not going to get your two bags into it, and I unless I learn to drive with my knees, I can't have one.

If you want to spend upwards of $ 40,000 (yeah, I know, more than you got, me to, sigh) you could get yourself an Acura NSX. These are getting long in the tooth, but I would run you in the parking lot any day to get one.

And so, now it is confession time.

I hang my head in shame, and announce to the world

I Drive A Pontiac Fiero *quiet sobbing, hand wringing, and head hanging*

*psst*

Hey GemsRaGalsBestPal....

Its just me, dofacc

Over here, under my rock *fugitive wave*

Try http://www.carsurvey.org/<BR>
*slides back under rock*

Posted by dofacc
I will talk sports cars with you.

The Toyota Spyder you mention is one on my dream list. I can't actually sit in one and drive it, but I love their look. However, you are not going to get your two bags into that thing.

The Solstice/Sky guys are pretty nice. The have more carrying capacity, are convertibles, have quite good horse power and quite good handling. People sneer at them cause they are GM products.

The 350Z would be very nice. The TT are also quite good sports cars.

The reality is though, what you are describing is not an actual sports car. You simply aren't going to get the ride and room you want in that description. Have you looked at maybe an Audi A4? Pretty doggone sporty, decent ride, fairly affordable. I don't think they come in the convertible variety, though.

Could get a nice Corvette for that kind of money. A bit cliche, but a nice sports car.

Have you looked at the Subaru WRX and STi guys. They are remarkable sports cars in sheeps clothing. Can haul some stuff to. Not a lot, but more than most sports cars.

There is always the Miata. Once again, you are not going to get your two bags into it, and I unless I learn to drive with my knees, I can't have one.

If you want to spend upwards of $ 40,000 (yeah, I know, more than you got, me to, sigh) you could get yourself an Acura NSX. These are getting long in the tooth, but I would run you in the parking lot any day to get one.

YAAAAAY!!!! I'm so glad you??re here!

I loooooove the Spyder body style ! I won't need two bags every time and if it's a longer trip I plan on taking my Solara out instead as I will be keeping it. When I test drove one I had to fiddle with the seat A LOT to get it comfortable for me (I'm 5??9/5??10 depending on the damn day, lol). How tall are you?

The Solstice has SHIT for pick up, the test drive was a snooze fest??_. I??d like to take a Sky around the block??_. What do you think about needing parts in the future though? Or needing to find someone to fix something that may end up being outside my brother??s scope of comfortability (he does and has done all my repairs).

I know it's not an ACTUAL sports car, but people were throwing out practical bullshit and I was trying to get them to think more along my lines??_.. 🙂 I'm not as concerned with performance as I am with appearance.

I mention in this

Posted by dofacc
And so, now it is confession time.

I hang my head in shame, and announce to the world

I Drive A Pontiac Fiero *quiet sobbing, hand wringing, and head hanging*

DO YOU REALLY—??

What year? What kind of condition is it in? What color?

80's throwback huh? That's kinda fucking awesome!

oooops.....

other post cont....

I mention in this thread about how I test drove a z06 a couple weeks ago and it was like a car condom, it was soooooooo uncomfortable. I wasn't able to move my legs at all??_.. I??ve driven them in the past, but man, I forgot how tight they are. Seriously, it's like a CAR CONDOM. And clich? yes??_.

Come on man??_. This is NOT pretty at all, lol. http://www.autoblog.com/photos/subaru-sti-convertible/??> Subaru STi Convertible

I feel like the Miata is MAD clich? too, but I'm getting closer to test driving one just for the hell of it??_.
If I wanted to spend that kind of money I??d buy the Infinity G37 convertible or the Lexus SC430??_.. *drool*??_.. I'm closer to the point in my life when I buy something like that, but I don't think this purchase is it??_.. Although, I drool every time I pass one on the road.

Posted by cowpuncher
I hate giving people my money too. I don't have any credit cards, I just use my debit card. If I don't have money for it, I don't buy it, period. That's how I'm going to try to proceed with my little business too... build one amp, use the profit from that sale to build 3 more, reinvest, reinvest, etc. I allocated a certain amount for it to have a very humble start, I already own all the tools and most of the parts I need.. and if it grows it will grow, if it fails I'm not out much. I have been thinking of getting one, having the payment automatically drawn from my checking account every month, and just paying my auto insurance and netflix with it... but I haven't bothered as of yet.

Crapital One did that with me way back when too, and I got myself in over my head for a while. That's when I swore off of CC's and never looked back. They do that on purpose, they don't want you to be able to pay it off, they want to bleed you dry for interest for eternity.

Currently, when I get my finances built back up after being taken to the cleaners by the lawyer ex... I'm thinking that I will pinch every penny for a few years, and when I shop for property buy the land that I want, and just build a modest cabin on it to start. Stay out of debt, save up again... and every year build on another room. There are plans available for doing that where you end up with a nice place, that doesn't look like a patchwork quilt, when you are done.

Deep debt is basically slavery, I fear it.

I keep thinking you and I have a lot in common for having nothing in common, LOL. 😄

My beastie is a 1987 GT. It is maroon in color. At this point in time it looks fairly rough. I have spent my time and money on maintaining performance, rather than appearance, you see.

It is a pain in the ass to work on, I can tell you that. I can also tell you that professional mechanics pretty much throw me out of their garages if I take it in, it is such a pain in the ass to work on. I had a brother in law who did lots of autobody and mechanic stuff. His advice was "Become one with the car, Grasshopper." Thanks for nothin' dude....

I can on the other hand find parts for this thing. At least most of the time. I find them at places like Autozone, besides. GM uses lots of the same parts for lots of models. The point is, I am guessing that you would be able to find parts for a Solstice/Sky for a long time to come.

And as a detail, for lots of these V6 engines, you have to be getting time revved up pretty well before you start to feel the real power they are capable of. My little Fiero doesn't kick in until up around 3500 rpm. You can really feel the surge when it hits that power band. I am guessing (cause I have never actually driven one) that the Solstice/Sky guys would be the same.

^^^you have to be getting the thing pretty revved....

As for the Lexus SC430, yeah, I would run you down in a parking lot for one of those, to....

Have you ever considered doing the "poor man's paint job"? I helped a buddy do this exact same thing not too long ago and it actually came out awesome suprisingly enough....

I like to order parts from http://www.autopartswarehouse.com/ because I find they have awesome variety and value.

Dude, the Solstice, Sky and Spyder are all 4 bangers, lol.... FML. Some of them are turbo charged, but no "REAL" power.

I found that I really enjoy working on cars! I don't know about an 80's model, but it could be fun. Have you done anything really out of the ordinary?

Posted by dofacc
As for the Lexus SC430, yeah, I would run you down in a parking lot for one of those, to....

I currently have the Toyota Solara and I'm pretty damn fond of my ride.... but the ride on one of these? Fuck, it's like slicing butter with a warm knife.

Oh, oh, oh!!!!!

The Honda S2000. That is a nice looking little car.

I haven't ever sat in one, but a friend of mine did, and was telling me about it. He is about 6'2". He found that he simply couldn't drive the thing. The knee issue I have already mentioned. I am about 6'0". He thought that maybe I could manage to actually get into one, but he wasn't all that convinced. With your 5'10" you might have the same problem. But, it may be worth your time to check one out.

Huh, 4 bangers in the Solstice and Sky. I thought they came with a V6, opps.....

As for my Fiero, hmmm, I have had to replace about half of the front end. Ball joints, and the such. I have done a timing chain, major league pain in the ass. "Simple" things like new water pumps and alternators, hoses, and belts.

I have also pulled the steering column out at least once. I was just a bit concerned to see it was held in place by (if I recall correctly) one 1/4 x 4 inch bolt. Really, I been slamming this thing around like I was on a tilt a wheel, and that is the only thing keeping the steering column in place, hmmmm......
Redid the ignition key once to.

I have burrowed into the dash board more than once.

But, the misery of all miseries was that I have replaced the clutch in that thing. If you have ever done a "transaxle" you realize that you have to lift the motor to remove the transmission. An interesting project.
Fiero's are also very fickle. One small thing out of place, and you do it again, and you do it again and again until you get it right.

So, I the first time I did the clutch I was reading up on how to do it. I read people claiming that they could drop a tranny out of a Fiero in about 4 hours. "Lying Bastards!!!" was my opinion of that.
Over about a 6 month stretch, I pulled that tranny 4 separate times. Hey, guess what, I can drop a Fiero tranny in about 4 hours.

HAHAHAHA, that cracks me up.... sounds like my brother bitching about having to pull the fucking motors out of Mercedes to change the damn headlight. Tooooo funny to hear him bitch about that kind of stuff.

The S2000, like the Miata, in my opinion leave something to be desired in the body style . Although, the S2000 holds it's value very well.

Now that you mention it, the S2000 and Miata do look somewhat alike. I still like that looks of the S2000 though.

So, I saw where you mentioned "Classical" more than once. You can get a Camero SS of the 60's or 70's vintage. I really don't know how much they go for, but I am informed that "there are lots of them around, and they aren't all that special."
How about an 80's era IROC Camero. Those have a nice vintage look.
A Firebird can be nice to.

Of course, all of the above fail the gas mileage criteria.

Ahh, I see you have already had the "t-top" experience.

The t-tops were effing FUN!

So, here's what I'm thinking.... I'm thinking I might pick up a cash and carry Spyder and put a luggage rack on that bad boy.... thoughts?

I'm just so in love with that damn body style ..... I don't think I'm rational anymore....

Actually, a luggage rack isn't a bad idea.

I have someone near and dear to me who requires a wheel chair. Hmm, how does one carry a wheel chair in a Fiero? Well, one doesn't. One goes to the nearest boat/marine supply house and buys a couple of boat tie downs. These are the little T shaped guys that drop down into a metal frame and are then flat on the surface of whatever. The two I put onto the back "deck" of my Fiero. Once they were there they looked like they are supposed to be there. All silvery and shiny, you see.

I then use bungy straps to wrap around the wheel chair and secure it to the car. Works for luggage bags also, and quite well I am pleased to report. And what the heck, you can't see out the back of those things to begin with, so there is no real loss of visibility besides.