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Posted: Jan 12 2015 10:06 am

I used to be known as the Walking Kid of Chilliwack, because I walked EVERYWHERE. No distance was too far. I once spent 7 hours walking 18.5 miles (30km) to school. I slept through both my classes, but it was an experience. Anyway, I worked about 18 miles from home now, so I finally got my license and a car.

I bought a red 1990 Honda Prelude for $1000. It only had 118,000 miles (190,000km) on it. I bought it off a girl whose grandparents gave it to her, and though I have receipts for every repair the grandparents did, I think the girl just let it sit. It had no fluids in it whatsoever when I bought it, and I have so far I've had to replace the master cylinder, a rear caliper, a coolant hose, and a brake light socket that shorted out. I currently have a small oil leak, but I've put in some stop-leak recently. Oh, and I backed into a camper and cracked my spoiler Sad

Her name is Millenium Falcon (Millie for short).

So what do you guys drive, what's your car's history, how long have you had it for?

Joined: Apr 14 2006 Location: Lake Michigan Posts: 3332

I've had a grey 2005 Monte Carlo LT since December of 2007. I commute to work on the train, so I haven't put a lot of miles on it. Bought it with 8,050 miles, and it barely has more than 50,000 now. Still, it needs some work that I've been putting off cuz of other responsibilities. The brakes need maintenance (probably new pads), there might be a fluid leak, it's under recall for that dumb GM key issue, and the heat has stopped working since it got real cold here (probably just have to warm it up more, it did the same thing to me last year).

The wife has been pushing me to get a SUV or at least a sedan since we had a kid. I'm more willing to go the sedan route cuz I hate SUVs, but her 2010 Focus needs to be replaced soon cuz of all the miles she put on it commuting (she'll probably want a Fusion, she loves Fords), and we don't need two car payments when we're building a new home that will need to be paid for soon each month. I think the only SUV I would even consider is the Lincoln MKC, which is made by Ford, so would make her happy, but who knows if we can afford it. Plus, I might be changing jobs this year to one where I would have to commute by car, so I don't want to buy a gas guzzler. I'd be better off with a fuel efficient sedan in that case. I like the Chrysler 200, but my mechanic uncle thinks Chrysler has wiring issues historically and would require too much maintenance. The Nissan Altima or Mazda 6 would probably be better cars, but I have trouble buying foreign, even though it makes sense, and they're all assembled here anyway. My friends say I should get a Honda Accord.

Posted: Jan 12 2015 01:44 pm

I am definitely a Honda fan now. Before I bought my car, I was driving my room mate's 2003 Civic, and I loved that car too. I've heard good things about Accords, and probably would have bought one if I hadn't found the Prelude. Just good, reliable cars that are easy to drive, and will last forever if you maintain them. Parts for older models are really easy to find too.

Posted: Jan 13 2015 01:46 am

I drive a 1978 Pontiac Catalina. My best friend bought it from an old lady from his church who only used it to drive to church every Sunday morning, and then sold it to me because he wanted a car with better gas mileage. I bought the car before I had a driver's license (as I had ridden with my friend in it before and I knew it was a good car, and a deal at only $600), and like an idiot I let it sit in my backyard for a year and a half without touching it until I got my driver's license. Since letting a vehicle rot isn't the best or brightest thing to do to a car, since I started using it at the beginning of 2013 I've had to replace the alternator, brake lines, two batteries, the heating core, and an oil leak. I wish I had money for a new car, but life keeps draining my savings over and over so I can only spend money in increments on parts it needs replaced. Sad

As of right now it appears to be fine but I'm dreading the day the transmission goes out. I hate being poor so much.

As for the car itself, it "runs" fine. The air conditioner doesn't work, which has been a constant point of contention as not only do I completely suffer under the summer heat, but since the interior is insulated and the entire car is made of metal, it's basically a giant oven on wheels, constantly leaving me drenched in sweat any time I have to go anywhere during the summer. On the bright side, it retains its oven-like qualities during the winter (and the heater starts working in about three seconds). Its biggest drawback is definitely the gas mileage (a whopping 17 miles to the gallon, which is a huge problem due to my aforementioned lack of money). Parking in the thing (especially in reverse and, dear god, parallel parking) is an absolute bitch.To be honest, other than the fact that I feel so safe in it and the inside is incredibly roomy and comfy, I kind of hate it.

Posted: Jan 13 2015 02:01 am

i drive a 2013 kia soul. its black. runs well. AC works great especially since its needed out here in AZ. the heater works well too but not really totally necessary. other than that, no real story behind it. no name to it either.

prior to that i used to drive a 1995 honda civic. AC didnt work. the heater worked but dont really need it. the radio got stolen about a month after i got it. the tires were good. the brakes were good. everything was great about it, but then things started going to shit. had to replace the master brake cylinder. and then it started leaking oil. then the coolant hose broke and had to replace that. then the radiator cracked and thats when i decided to buy a new car.

i gave the car to my sister & she fixed the radiator, but then someone ran into her about a month later. she was fine but since the car was worth nothing, we didnt really get much from the insurance.

also, the civic was better at getting road head vs the kia soul since the center console was lower on the civic.

Posted: Jan 13 2015 03:09 am

Wow, username, my 90s Honda had the master cylinder go, a coolant hose break, and an oil leak! But, consider I got it for cheap, she still runs well, and everyone says my first car should be a piece of shit (and it really isn't), I can forgive it.

Joined: Apr 14 2006 Location: Lake Michigan Posts: 3332

Ross Rifle wrote:

I am definitely a Honda fan now. Before I bought my car, I was driving my room mate's 2003 Civic, and I loved that car too. I've heard good things about Accords, and probably would have bought one if I hadn't found the Prelude. Just good, reliable cars that are easy to drive, and will last forever if you maintain them. Parts for older models are really easy to find too.

You sound like my friends (one a mechanic), heh. I'm just having trouble getting over the hump of buying a foreign car, even though it makes sense. All my cars have been American. My first car was a silver 85 Dodge Aries K coupe that my Mom handed down to me. Drove that at age 16 in 96, until 98 when my parents blessed me with a black 96 Ford Thunderbird LX. Drove that till 12/07 when I got the Monte I mentioned above. The T-bird was awesome, but it fell victim to my laziness. Never again I said! - So I better get on fixing my Monte. At least the heat worked on it this morning! I'm glad the Monte is FWD compared to the T-bird's RWD. So much easier with the Monte in poor Chicago weather that way.

Posted: Jan 13 2015 11:46 pm

I have an 04' Ford Explorer XLS.
Used to be a cruiser, reusing the antenna for my cb radio and has about 92500 miles.
I've had it since november of 2013.
I replace brakes and rotors all around, new ball joints, replaced a cracked taillight.
I also wrecked it 45mph backwards into a snowbank. I also replaced rear bumper.
Also did I mention the truck was free? (don't worry it was a gift)

The vehicle before it was my first car, a 92' Ford Tempo.
Had around 60000 miles on it before rust murdered it.
ran great, only replaced the battery and air filter. (air filter was factory stock when I replaced it, shit was black as hell)

Posted: Jan 13 2015 11:53 pm

Ross Rifle wrote:

Wow, username, my 90s Honda had the master cylinder go, a coolant hose break, and an oil leak! But, consider I got it for cheap, she still runs well, and everyone says my first car should be a piece of shit (and it really isn't), I can forgive it.

yeah. my civic was a gift from a friend. he was going to sell it to me for $500 but he decided to just let me have it instead. hes loaded so he can get away w/ish like that, but it was still a hella cool gesture.

Posted: Jan 14 2015 01:30 am

I have a '98 Ford Ranger (since '98 ). Needed a truck for hauling hay/feed. The engine squeals, it's a bumpy ride, the seats are uncomfortable over long distances and the whole stereo system crapped out about seven years ago. But it still runs mostly fine. Actually the squealing was reaching an all-time high a few weeks ago, then, one evening after a truck-shaking start-up (and a 'check engine' light) it went back to near silence. The diagnostic computer said one of the cylinders had had a blockage, so I guess it worked itself out, because the engine hasn't died and nothing's fallen off. Laughing

The last problem I had was replacing the clamps for the battery posts, because the old ones had corroded away into nothing.

My truck is now old enough, itself, to drive...

Posted: Jan 14 2015 03:09 am

I picked up a 2012 Dodge Challenger STR8 392 after my divorce was finalized and my ex got my old spaceship Ranger Rover. I'm only ok with that because things were starting to go wrong and repairs on Land Rovers cost a fortune. The Challenger is red and I am enjoying the hell out of it, but not driving it much right now because of Winter. During the Winter I mainly drive a 2009 Toyota FJ Cruiser. The roads around my area go to shit during the cold months with potholes everywhere.

I have had many shitty cars over the years but my last few have been quite excellent due to an unfortunate event that brought about some extra money.

Joined: Apr 14 2006 Location: Lake Michigan Posts: 3332

I've seen a lot of Challenger's in my train station's parking lot. Sharp looking car.

Joined: Sep 17 2007 Location: The Opium Trail Posts: 3475

2014 Ford Focus Titanium. I've had it for almost a year. It was a graduation present.

Posted: Jan 14 2015 02:47 pm

Cattivo wrote:

I've seen a lot of Challenger's in my train station's parking lot. Sharp looking car.

It looks especially nice when I visit one of my buddies. He has a newer model Mustang and his roommate has a newer model Camaro. They all look great next to each other in the driveway.

Posted: Jan 15 2015 01:06 am

@om*d wrote:

Cattivo wrote:

I've seen a lot of Challenger's in my train station's parking lot. Sharp looking car.

It looks especially nice when I visit one of my buddies. He has a newer model Mustang and his roommate has a newer model Camaro. They all look great next to each other in the driveway.

Are you kicking yourself now that you didn't hold out for a Hellcat or Scat Pack? I would take either one in a heartbeat over any Ferrari or Lambo. (Unless they were pre 1970)

I got my beast. A 2003 Chevy TrailBlazer EXT that halls the herd around, and my work commute car is a cheap, but reliable as hell, 1999 Ford Escort. The thing is bulletproof, and get over double the MPG as the beast. Which is good since my commute to work is now 110 miles a day.

Joined: Aug 05 2008 Location: CA Posts: 867

I was driving a Chevy Cavalier until the timing chain went through the engine and pretty much totaled the car; apparently a common issue with that year and make. It was actually a great car and I had zero problems with it through the seven or so years I owned it.

As a replacement I was thinking about buying a truck but instead went with a 2010 soccer mom van (surprising it drives really nice, it feels like a UFO and it has more room than most trucks with the rear seats down).

I have never really been much of a car guy but I would probably go for an Impreza or maybe an Infiniti for my next car.

Knyte wrote:

@om*d wrote:

Cattivo wrote:

I've seen a lot of Challenger's in my train station's parking lot. Sharp looking car.

It looks especially nice when I visit one of my buddies. He has a newer model Mustang and his roommate has a newer model Camaro. They all look great next to each other in the driveway.

Are you kicking yourself now that you didn't hold out for a Hellcat or Scat Pack? I would take either one in a heartbeat over any Ferrari or Lambo. (Unless they were pre 1970)

I got my beast. A 2003 Chevy TrailBlazer EXT that halls the herd around, and my work commute car is a cheap, but reliable as hell, 1999 Ford Escort. The thing is bulletproof, and get over double the MPG as the beast. Which is good since my commute to work is now 110 miles a day.

Holy shit, 110 mile commute why! I hate driving almost as much as the act of having to eat food and the annoyance of wasting five hours or so of my day sleeping.

Posted: Jan 15 2015 10:18 am

Knyte wrote:

Are you kicking yourself now that you didn't hold out for a Hellcat or Scat Pack? I would take either one in a heartbeat over any Ferrari or Lambo. (Unless they were pre 1970)

Not really. I wouldn't mind a Diablo though. One of my dream cars. I'd have to live somewhere with better roads, as those types of cars are pretty low to the ground.

Joined: Apr 14 2006 Location: Lake Michigan Posts: 3332

Knyte wrote:

Which is good since my commute to work is now 110 miles a day.

I did a double-take at that. It's just insane. So many of your waking hours each week must be consumed by your commute. What, is that three hours per day spent in the car???

Joined: May 22 2008 Location: Goshen, VA Posts: 6544

Cattivo wrote:

Knyte wrote:

Which is good since my commute to work is now 110 miles a day.

I did a double-take at that. It's just insane. So many of your waking hours each week must be consumed by your commute. What, is that three hours per day spent in the car???

The city my friend lives in is about 100 miles away or so and it's less than 2 hours. Hell, I know people that live in DC, Houston, LA and they have just as long commutes because they live in shitty congested cities.

Posted: Jan 15 2015 03:00 pm

When I used to work in NYC it was about 75 miles one way, so 150 miles round trip. Depending on what time I left for and from work it was anywhere from a one hour drive to four hours each way.

Joined: Aug 04 2009 Posts: 2515

Mazda 2.

Posted: Jan 15 2015 09:32 pm

Cattivo wrote:

Knyte wrote:

Which is good since my commute to work is now 110 miles a day.

I did a double-take at that. It's just insane. So many of your waking hours each week must be consumed by your commute. What, is that three hours per day spent in the car???

That's 110 miles round trip, and 95% is freeway. Also, I work Graveyard, so that helps. I can get to work in about an hour, as there is little traffic on the roads, and the average speed on the Freeway is about 80 MPH. It's about 1.5 hours home, as I hit some bits of the morning rush.

It took some getting used to, but totally worth it. Living in Portland was horrible. Now I live in a beautiful, laid back, country town with extremely low rent, but still have my same decent paying job.

Joined: Apr 14 2006 Location: Lake Michigan Posts: 3332

Oooooh, round trip, ok. Not nearly as bad as I thought.

Posted: Jan 17 2015 12:18 am

Violent J wrote:

I stabbed the newspaper guy and took his little truck, now I stab people and drive away I'm like puttputtputtputt, my little newspaper truck runs on a tank of blood, I drive with my lights off all through the neighborhood

Just had to get that out of the way, sorry.

I drive a Honda, but if I had the cash I'd be sorely tempted to drive something obnoxious and flashy as I've always had a crush on lowriders (or their inverse, Donks), however in reality I'm practical and like to slip by unnoticed in the background.

So if I had the cash I'd probably just push a newer, slightly nicer, Honda. Confused

Posted: Jan 17 2015 03:54 am

What kind of Honda, Blackout?