by "fhrblig" (fhrblig)
Published 02/17/2017 at 10:28
by "fhrblig" (fhrblig)
Published 02/17/2017 at 10:28
Tags: AVERNERSARY
STARS: 11
Today is the ninth anniversary of the day I met my partner (now husband). We clicked so well it was almost audible. I moved in with him six months later and we got our marriage license in May of 2015, a few months after marriage equality came to Colorado. We’re total opposites, but it’s perfect.
That said, he is decidedly NOT a car guy. After we met he admitted he nearly bought a Jeep Compass once, so I never let him look for cars unattended. I mean, honestly he can drive whatever he wants... but I know what he likes and I can steer him away from something that he’d hate later (and he would have hated the Compass eventually).
From what I’ve pieced together from stories and conversations, before me he had a Plymouth Sundance Duster (first car), some generation of Nissan Stanza, a Ford Ranger that he bought without knowing how to drive manual and taught himself to shift, and a Saturn SL2.
Everything he’s had since I’ve known him has been an automatic. I don’t grudge anyone who prefers an automatic, but it is a shame he doesn’t get to use a manual regularly because he’s shockingly good at it. When I had my Fiat, I let him drive it once and it was like riding with someone on a track day. I was so proud!
When I met him, he had a black 2007 Suzuki SX4. We don’t have any pictures of it because a month later, he had a red 2008 SX4.
Both were AWD with automatic. I hated the 4-speed auto in these unless it was snowing, then it was PERFECT. This is hands down the best snow car I’ve ever driven. It’s hard to not want to fling it through snowy roads like a rally stage. His mother liked it so much she bought one too, though hers has a CVT. The CVT is actually WAY more pleasant to drive in dry weather, because the 4-speed auto tries to stay in 4th gear as much as possible regardless of whether it should be there. I had to fight with it to accelerate.
After he paid it off and Suzuki decided to leave the US market, we decided to trade it while resale values were still high.
He really liked the Juke when it came out. I hated them at first but then the styling quickly grew on me. It was an SV AWD, about the only thing it didn’t have were heated seats and leather. It was a pretty fun car, actually. The CVT wasn’t all that bad with the turbo. There’s some lag, but once the boost comes through it’s a blast. The AWD was not near as responsive in the snow as the SX4 was, unfortunately. It was fine, but it felt like there was a second or two delay before it would send power to the rears where in the SX4 it felt instantaneous. It’s too bad these things are so small inside. I thought the SX4 was cramped and had a small trunk, but this thing... wow. It also was hard to get our dog in and out of the back because of the shape of the doors. After a couple years, he got bored with it. Plus, I bought my Optima in late 2015 and he got the new car bug. We traded it in early 2016 for this:
A 2016 Elantra GT. We got a screaming deal on it, and I made them give us a lot for the Juke. I think at first they assumed because we were a gay couple that neither one of us knew much about cars or the buying process, but we held firm and got what we wanted. He’s thrilled with it so far. It is on the base end of the spectrum, but even those are still pretty loaded. It even has heated seats, something my Optima does without (it’s an LX). His car payment went WAY down and it will be paid off soon.
So, if you have a boyfriend/girlfriend/husband/wife/etc., what do they drive? Are they into cars like you are or do they merely tolerate your enthusiasm?
(And if you don’t have one, I sincerely hope you are as lucky as I was and have your perfect someone just show up one day out of the blue.)
"CB" (jrcb)
02/17/2017 at 10:33, STARS: 1
My girlfriend tolerates my love of cars, which means she’s going to hate me when I go to the auto show next week. She has/had a New Beetle TDI with a manual that she taught me how to drive standard on, and she’s currently driving an Elantra GT. It’s an alright car, nothing to write home about.
However, she has approved me getting a Mustang in the future, so I can’t rib on her too much.
"Bman76 (hates WS6 hoods, is on his phone and has 4 burners now)" (bman76-4)
02/17/2017 at 10:36, STARS: 3
"My X-type is too a real Jaguar" (TomSlick)
02/17/2017 at 10:37, STARS: 1
A Buick Enclave when her tracker finally died I convinced her to go semi luxury. We have one thing in common when it comes to cars we both drive them for a long time and lots of miles.
"Tripper" (tripe46)
02/17/2017 at 10:39, STARS: 1
My wife drives a 2017 3 pedal Forester. Her previous cars were: Ford Tarus wagon, Ford Escort, Hyundai Sonata, Cooper S. I loved the cooper, but could take or leave the rest of them, mostly leave.
She is not a car enthusiast although she rolls a manual transmission, and her dream car is an FD RX-7. She supports my love of cars, and because she got the Forester, it opens the door for me to get something even less practical/more fun for my next car.
"Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo" (thetomselleck)
02/17/2017 at 10:40, STARS: 1
"fhrblig" (fhrblig)
02/17/2017 at 10:40, STARS: 0
My partner actually likes going to the auto show with me, but he gets severe ADD and bounces from place to place too quick for my tastes. He does take pictures better than I do, which is a relief because I loathe taking pictures at car shows. I want to spend my time actually looking at them and going through them all.
"Milky" (jordanmielke)
02/17/2017 at 10:41, STARS: 1
Though she is planning on moving to Detroit and realizes she’ll have to get a car.
"fhrblig" (fhrblig)
02/17/2017 at 10:41, STARS: 0
He probably would have kept the SX4 if Suzuki hadn’t left. I think he’s going to keep the Elantra for a long long time.
"Stapleface" (patrickgruden)
02/17/2017 at 10:42, STARS: 3
My wife is a horrible driver, but don’t you dare tell her that. She’s hit the mailbox twice in two separate cars of hers, both Corollas. She’s also managed to sideswipe someone and nail road debris in my 2015 Civic, getting paint transfer on both sides of the front bumper.. I’ve never even put a scratch on my own car though, and it looks like shit. I think she subconsciously didn’t like me getting a new car every couple of years so she decided to wreck my resale value.
"Takuro Spirit" (takurospirit)
02/17/2017 at 10:42, STARS: 2
She’s kinda into cars? She won me over when dating telling me she was. Her first car was a Aries K wagon, which she hated. Then she got a Cutlass Calais 2-door, which she loved but it rusted apart. Bought a Focus after that... then we married and had kids so its been a string of family friend;y SUVs after that, and a couple minivans that she swore she’d never own, but she likes the practicality of them.
Currently she’s in a CX-5 but misses the turbo shove of her CX-7.
"fhrblig" (fhrblig)
02/17/2017 at 10:42, STARS: 1
That was mine for, oh, 17 years so I definitely know that feel.
"interstate366, now In The Industry" (interstate366)
02/17/2017 at 10:45, STARS: 1
Hasn’t existed for about 3 years now. My ex-girlfriend, however, drove a 4th gen Prelude (it’s how we met).
"Bob Loblaw Made Me Make a Phoney Phone Call to Edward Rooney" (braddelaparker)
02/17/2017 at 10:45, STARS: 2
Wife picked up a Q5 back in June. It is everything my cars aren’t, which is fine by me, I honestly love driving the thing because it’s so pleasant and the dog fits in it nicely.
She has a weird relationship with cars. She refuses to drive anything but an SUV, and kind of hates riding in my cars, but she loves my love of cars and gets all emotional when I get rid of a car, even if she didn’t like the car. It’s very weird, but she’s supportive and I can’t ask for any more.
On the other hand, she wants a Macan Turbo in 6-7 years when the Q5 has run its course, so I don’t know if I can afford this woman...
"fhrblig" (fhrblig)
02/17/2017 at 10:47, STARS: 1
Fortunately for me, he doesn’t like to drive anything I’ve owned. Even the Optima, for some reason. Then again, if we’re together he makes me drive every time.
The Elantra has a couple dings and dents now, but neither are his fault. The front bumper got tagged by some douchebag at our local supermarket. Then a couple months later, some idiot bumped his rear quarter panel on the interstate but no one ended up getting a ticket so we’d have to pay for our own damage repairs. Both are minor, but it’s frustrating.
"fhrblig" (fhrblig)
02/17/2017 at 10:48, STARS: 0
Minivans get a bad rap, and it’s so dumb. My Caravan was a handy beast to have around, until it shat its torque converter.
"mazda616" (mazda616)
02/17/2017 at 10:48, STARS: 1
My wife doesn’t give a shit about cars. She tries, since cars are basically my life. Bless her.
When we started dating at age 16-17 in 2006, I had a ‘99 Pontiac Grand Am GT and she had a ‘92 Pontiac Grand Am sedan with 32,000 miles that her great grandmother bequeathed to her.
When she went off to college with me in 2010, her grandma gave her a 2006 Chevrolet Malibu LT with 44,000 miles. It was a total lemon and we both hated it, despite it being given to us for free. The repair bills and times without a working car were too much.
The ‘92 Grand Am was immensely more dependable than the Malibu ever was.
In December 2012, after six months of marriage, we went in together and bought my wife a brand new 2013 Mazda CX-5 Sport FWD with 6 miles. Still have it today, with just over 42,000 miles. I have a near matching 2016 Mazda6. We are a zoom zoom family!
"Where have all the lightweights gone?" (sniderjadam09)
02/17/2017 at 10:50, STARS: 3
My wife wasn’t a car person when we first met, but the conversion has slowly happened over the years. She has enjoyed the occasional Cars & Coffee (especially when we were in Orange County for one of the last ones there), and she has been able to point out cars while we’re driving.
That being said, her knack for picking out cars is pretty damn good. When I first met her, she had a Honda Fit, and that car really grew on me. Despite the lack of power, it handled fairly well and has way more useful space I could ever imagine.
When the Fit was getting up there in miles, I started help her shop. I narrowed it down to 3-4 cars, and she ended up with a Ford C-Max. Once again, it earns high praises for useful space, and it has decent on-ramp acceleration for a run of the mill hybrid. It’s also a comfortable highway cruiser, too!
"Aremmes" (aremmes)
02/17/2017 at 10:51, STARS: 0
We used to have an 2008 SX-4 that my wife drove daily, a silver Touring AWD auto. She LOVED that car, but not enough to bother to maintain it and assumed that I’d do everything, but rarely gave me the time to actually work on it. I liked it for its ease of maintenance, ability to handle large loads, and sturdiness. It once decided to spin a rod bearing (she didn’t bother to maintain it, remember), resulting in the tick of death. Fortunately we got Suzuki to replace the short block under warranty. I intended to keep the car instead of cashing on its trade-in value when we finished paying it off, but a spaced-out old lady decided to sneak around behind a commuter train and run a red light right when I was crossing on the green, sending me to a jersey barrier and totaling the car.
"Takuro Spirit" (takurospirit)
02/17/2017 at 10:52, STARS: 1
I’d personally love a shorty minivan again for my DD. Our Mazda5 was great but a little too small.
"HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles" (hondasfordsvolvo)
02/17/2017 at 10:54, STARS: 2
My wife could really care less about cars, and tolerates that I spend so much time/money on them. She had a Chevy Caviler that I hated for about 6 years. It was her first car, and a graduation present. About two years ago the rocker panels fell out, and she agreed we needed to replace it. After 4 months of searching we found a car we agreed on. Her 2010 Tide Water blue, Honda Fit Sport. Basically she just wanted something cute, and purple. She got that. And I liked that it was a Honda, with flappy padels, and not completely retarded automatic trans. At the least it’s a massive improvement from her Caviler. And now that we have a kid I’d say it’s the perfect car for a 3 person family.
"fhrblig" (fhrblig)
02/17/2017 at 10:54, STARS: 4
I’ve trained him well over the years. He can actually identify some cars now. Sometimes he even takes pictures of cars he thinks I would be interested in.
"Mercedes Streeter" (smart)
02/17/2017 at 10:54, STARS: 1
She doesn’t drive. The risk of a behind the wheel seizure makes it so she can’t get a driver’s license, so she lets me run wild with the car love. She’s at least hesitantly supportive of me expanding my obsessions. :)
I just discovered that I can actually fit my two cars end to end in the space and still fit!
"Party-vi" (party-vi)
02/17/2017 at 10:54, STARS: 2
My wife bought a 2011 Honda Insight new, and it sites in our driveway like a soul-sucking black hole, threatening to take all things beautiful from me every time I walk by it. It is the bane of my existence. The car whines and groans to highway speeds, has the worst headrests I’ve ever had the displeasure of craning my neck to rest against, and uses cans and strings for a stereo system. The only good thing about it is with the super over-boosted steering you can fling this little fucker around corners like nobody’s business.
Her dream car is a plum crazy purple Challenger, so I’ve got that going for me which is nice.
"TysMagic" (twjeffery)
02/17/2017 at 10:57, STARS: 1
For a while we were both in Lincolns, I had an MKZ she has the MKC. Then I got my dream toy, the Abarth. The wife drives the MKC still, though “drives” is a very giving term. She put about 7500 miles on it the first year we leased it (she’s a great low mileage lease customer). She really really wanted the MKC when it came out. It’s been great for her and a reasonable small SUV when that has been needed. They’re rather affordable too for the options! The lease is coming due in June and we’re discussing if we are keeping it or not.
She isn’t a car person, but we have similar likes. She fell in love with the loaner 500t I had for a while, she really likes the looks of the Beetle, we went to the launch event for the F pace and that is really appealing (as a silent jag enthusiast this is my first choice), at the same time she still really likes the MKC...I’m glad we’ve still got a few months to get it figured out.
"DaftRyosuke - So Long and Thanks for All the Fish!" (daft-ryosuke)
02/17/2017 at 10:57, STARS: 1
My ex didn’t have a car. She wanted a Lamborghini though.
"fhrblig" (fhrblig)
02/17/2017 at 10:57, STARS: 1
Lack of power has never bothered me much. My Fiat was a blast in the curves, and it loved the low gears in the manual. My autobox CRX was like that too.
I’m intrigued by the C-Max. Loads of cheap low-mileage used ones are starting to pop up everywhere.
"fhrblig" (fhrblig)
02/17/2017 at 10:58, STARS: 1
He initially didn’t want to drive anything without AWD ever again, but I think I helped him over that fear.
If I ever win the lottery, I’ll get him one of those mahogany Macans. Those are nice and he’d love it.
"fhrblig" (fhrblig)
02/17/2017 at 11:00, STARS: 0
That’s a plus. I could probably get away with some kind of fun impractical car since he usually has something practical, but I have a long commute and I wanted a rolling sofa for it. I’ve embraced the beige.
"Sam" (samwellington)
02/17/2017 at 11:00, STARS: 1
Minivans are great. They’re like a living room on wheels. And captains’ chairs for everyone!
"fhrblig" (fhrblig)
02/17/2017 at 11:00, STARS: 0
Oh yeah, I can’t see living there without a car.
"punkgoose17" (punkgoose17)
02/17/2017 at 11:00, STARS: 2
My wife can identify cars now. She also buys me hot wheels and maychbox cars she thinks I would like.
"TysMagic" (twjeffery)
02/17/2017 at 11:02, STARS: 1
“My wife wasn’t a car person when we first met, but the conversion has slowly happened over the years. She has enjoyed the occasional Cars & Coffee (especially when we were in Orange County for one of the last ones there), and she has been able to point out cars while we’re driving.”
This is exactly what has happened with my wife. She even sends me pictures of cool stuff when she sees it. By that I mean Range Rover Classics or Defenders, which makes me...very proud.
"punkgoose17" (punkgoose17)
02/17/2017 at 11:03, STARS: 1
My wife and I share her 2004 Saturn Ion. She doesn’t like to drive so I drive 99.9% of the time.
"fhrblig" (fhrblig)
02/17/2017 at 11:04, STARS: 0
I keep trying to convince him to switch to leases because he could have a new car every few years like he likes, but no success yet.
I’m jealous of your Abarth, I’ve never driven one. My 500 Sport was good, but I wished it had the extra 30 hp of the 500T.
"fhrblig" (fhrblig)
02/17/2017 at 11:06, STARS: 0
I’m sad that the Insight was so hateful. I hope the Hyundai Ioniq doesn’t suffer the same problem.
I’d love a purple Challenger too. She has excellent taste.
"Sweet Trav" (thespunbearing)
02/17/2017 at 11:06, STARS: 2
2015 Camaro SS1LE, 2005 Yamaha R6 Aniversary edition and BIG RED a 1998 454 Big Block Equipped Extended Cab Long Box C2500.
"The Crazy Kanuck; RIP Oppositelock" (jukesjukesjukes)
02/17/2017 at 11:07, STARS: 2
For the Juke, there is AWD switch (left & below the steering wheel).
- 2WD = Front wheels: The wheel drive mode is in Two-Wheel Drive (2WD) when driving on a normal road. AWD light turns off For driving on dry, paved roads
- AWD = Distribution of torque to the front and rear wheels changes automatically [ratio; 100 : 0 (2WD) —-> 50 : 50 (AWD)] and the distribution of torque between the left and right rear wheels changes automatically depending on the slippery road conditions encountered.
- AWD-V = Distribution of torque to the front and rear wheels changes automatically [ratio; 100 : 0 (2WD) —-> 50 : 50 (AWD)] and distribution of torque between left and right wheel of rear wheels changes automatically depending on road conditions encountered [ratio; 100 :0 (2WD) —-> 50 : 50 (AWD)]. AWD light Illuminates For driving on paved or slippery roads
The AWD system is complex, but very good. What you described sounds like you had it in 2wd.
"fhrblig" (fhrblig)
02/17/2017 at 11:08, STARS: 1
Everything is an improvement from a Cavalier, but the Fit is a good choice. Plus those ones don’t have the CVT, do they?
"Tripper" (tripe46)
02/17/2017 at 11:09, STARS: 1
Understood as I had a beige mobile when I had a long commute. I already have 3 less than practical vehicles to take to work, but I’m going to approach Lotus Elise levels of impracticality with the next one. She only thinks shes ready.
"fhrblig" (fhrblig)
02/17/2017 at 11:10, STARS: 1
That sucks for her. I couldn’t imagine not being able to drive. I’ve even worked as a courier doing thousands of miles a month, and never got tired of it.
I keep forgetting to mention that one of my neighbors has a Smart almost identical to Tucker. They park it in their space along with two motorcycles.
"fintail" (fintail)
02/17/2017 at 11:11, STARS: 2
Single and not complaining, enjoying peace and a lack of drama.
But somewhat related, the prior owner of my fintail bought it for his wife. She either hated it immediately or ended up hating it, so it mostly sat around for several years, until I bought it. A nice piece of luck.
"fhrblig" (fhrblig)
02/17/2017 at 11:12, STARS: 0
Is it weird that the most appealing to me of these three is the truck? I would love to have a big truck as a daily but my commute is approximately 40 miles total. I’d be broke quickly.
"The Crazy Kanuck; RIP Oppositelock" (jukesjukesjukes)
02/17/2017 at 11:14, STARS: 0
What day are you going to the auto show?
"fhrblig" (fhrblig)
02/17/2017 at 11:14, STARS: 1
She’s got that VIIIIIIIIBE....VIIIIIIIIBE....VIIIIIIIIIIIIIBE!
!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!
"Bourbon&JellyBeans" (bourbonandjellybeans)
02/17/2017 at 11:14, STARS: 1
My fiancé drives a 2006 Pontiac G6 GXP coupe. Sunburst orange is the color’s name I believe. It was the top of the line G6 and only one step down from the G8, Pontiac’s halo car. Heated leather seats, leather wrapped wheel, moonroof, and an adequately powered V6 engine sent to the front wheels. Enough torque to do FWD burnouts on wet pavement. Unfortunately, the thing hasn’t aged well. It’s pretty much a turd at this point. I imagine it was a pretty sweet ride 11 years ago when it was new.
"fhrblig" (fhrblig)
02/17/2017 at 11:15, STARS: 0
I’m guessing it’s not a Red Line, eh? I drove one of those at a GM event once on a little makeshift track and it was terrifying and fantastic.
"TysMagic" (twjeffery)
02/17/2017 at 11:17, STARS: 1
Oh you must go test drive one!!!! You’ll fall in love.
To be totally honest, I really dislike the base 500. I had to drive one for about a month while they replaced my top and it was dreadful. Prior to that I had a 500t as a loaner (diagnosing that the top was bunk and a few other things) and we both loved it. Most of the power of the abarth with the turning radius of the base model. I think a two Fiat garage would be quite fun! The standard hatchback could actually carry things too. My abarth is a cabrio with the beats audio sub in the trunk - lucky to squeeze an overhead bin sized piece of luggage in it.
paint can for some sort of size reference.
"Jarrett - [BRZ Boi]" (jarrettw)
02/17/2017 at 11:17, STARS: 1
She drives this turd (not ours, but virtually the same):
Crossing my fingers that she’ll win the roll-up-the-rim Civic.
Edit: Since it wasn’t sold in America, it’s a Chevy Optra (Canada) (aka the Lacetti in the UK).
"fhrblig" (fhrblig)
02/17/2017 at 11:18, STARS: 0
My crappy little base Caravan had two benches, but they were easy enough to remove. Unfortunately, they were heavier than hell.
"fhrblig" (fhrblig)
02/17/2017 at 11:20, STARS: 0
Nah, it did that in every mode. I tried all of them. Don’t get me wrong, it did well in adverse conditions. The SX4 was just better.
"punkgoose17" (punkgoose17)
02/17/2017 at 11:23, STARS: 1
It is a sedan Ion III with 2.2L ecotec and 4 speed autmatic. It is depressing to drive.
"Sweet Trav" (thespunbearing)
02/17/2017 at 11:23, STARS: 1
I like the truck a lot too. she drives like 16 miles a day, and has averaged a max of 12-13 miles to the gallon in it. It’s not too bad considering it pretty much just idles at 45mph.
"fhrblig" (fhrblig)
02/17/2017 at 11:23, STARS: 0
My sister bought a G6 hardtop convertible shortly after GM killed Pontiac, so it was very cheap. She loves it, though I can’t believe she bought a black car with a black interior in Florida. Hers is loaded too. She’s 3 years older than me and has only had 4 cars, all of them GM.
"BritishLeyland™" (leylandcars)
02/17/2017 at 11:25, STARS: 2
Yeah, cool, but his is how you do it proper:
"fhrblig" (fhrblig)
02/17/2017 at 11:25, STARS: 2
It was sold here as a Suzuki Forenza, actually. But no matter what badge it had on the grille, they were all still steaming piles. You have my condolences.
"Bourbon&JellyBeans" (bourbonandjellybeans)
02/17/2017 at 11:26, STARS: 1
I tell her all the time I wish she bought the hardtop convertible!
Pontiacs are notoriously leaky though...
"Party-vi" (party-vi)
02/17/2017 at 11:26, STARS: 1
Your description seems confusing on AWD vs AWD-V. AWD-V applies more aggressive torque vectoring for a sportier handling experience on dry road surfaces while keeping the car in FWD mode during non-vectoring operations. A very awesome system for such a little car.
"fhrblig" (fhrblig)
02/17/2017 at 11:27, STARS: 2
Fortunately, the only drama in our lives is his family’s interactions with his brother (who is kind of a tool). They all love me and my family all love him.
"ZHP Sparky, the 5th" (e30s2k)
02/17/2017 at 11:28, STARS: 1
She drives the official car of Portland, OR – a Subaru
Crosstrek. We bought it before we moved here though, and honestly it’s a fine
car. Especially fun in the snow. Gutless but the CVT isn’t horrible and it
works as her commuter/our roadtrip car. This is only her second car, after her
2003 Jeep Liberty 4x4 that she had since high school. She cried the day we sold
that to a teenager looking for a first car, and it took her a while to get used
to something different. First day owning the Subaru she cried again with how
different it felt. But now she absolutely loves it and wants to keep it until
it dies (meanwhile I’m trying to talk her into selling it while it’s held on to
that Subaru anti-depreciation magic and get something newer, but I’m fine with
keeping it too). She’s a creature of
habit that I find endearing and hopefully her sentiment about never wanting to
let go of a car extends to her choice in husbands too :P
Especially after the show/ice storms this winter and my Spark EV not being able to even make it up/down our driveway after a storm (while her Subie was a hoot gunning up and down our hill with 2 feet of snow on the ground) she’s firmly in the “AWD for life” camp that I’m trying to get her out of. More alarming is that she’s insisting my next car be AWD as well. My response, fine – STi it is! It helps that she’s all about Subarus these days – she loved my Legacy GT wagon as well which in retrospect I should’ve hung on to if we knew we’d be moving to the PNW at the time. Oh and she loves hatchbacks, and refuses to drive anything bigger than her current car – so at least we’ll never end up in a 3 row SUV or minivan if/when kids show up.
"vicali" (vicali)
02/17/2017 at 11:29, STARS: 0
My wife had a super clean MkII Jetta when we met, I already had two so it worked well. Now she drives the Forester, and let’s me put rally stuff on it and TSD with it..
"fhrblig" (fhrblig)
02/17/2017 at 11:29, STARS: 0
I was able to get a cart load of groceries in my Fiat’s trunk lots of times without folding the seats. It shocked me that the Juke’s trunk was really not that much bigger.
"fhrblig" (fhrblig)
02/17/2017 at 11:30, STARS: 0
Unfortunately I never did get to take it up in the mountains and try out the AWD-V. It was his car, after all. But I wanted to.
"fhrblig" (fhrblig)
02/17/2017 at 11:32, STARS: 0
The top on my sister’s G6 hasn’t leaked, but she has had a very slightly leaky coolant hose since she bought it. I don’t know why she doesn’t fix it.
"Wacko" (wacko--)
02/17/2017 at 11:32, STARS: 1
when I met my wife in 2010-11 I was the one with a SX4,(6 speed AWD)and she had a 99 Tercel.
Now she has a 2011 White Elantra.
I have to ask why did he change the 2007 for a 2008?
nothing changed in those years. 2010 was when they changed the engines and trannies in the SX4.(which is why i bought mine in 2010)
I went to go try the SX4 that received my crashed SX4's engine last week, hoping to replace my wife’s elantra, but too much was wrong with it....
"MPA" (MPA)
02/17/2017 at 11:32, STARS: 1
My SO drives a ‘15 Sonic Sedan - 1.4T/Auto of course. no mods :D
"CalzoneGolem" (calzonegolem)
02/17/2017 at 11:33, STARS: 1
My wife is not an enthusiast and still can’t quite comprehend why one would be.
She drives a 2013 Kia Soul Base Auto. It’s a fine car and has done everything we’ve asked of it. It really is everything she wanted in a car but she thinks it is a bit ugly. She feels like her car is so ugly that I needed to get a nice looking car so she wouldn’t have to look at another ugly car, and that’s why I’m driving a Forester and not an Element.
Before the Kia was a 2002 Hyundai Sonata, before that was a first gen Lumina sedan, some others cars happened here, and her first car was a B body Delta 88.
"Textured Soy Protein" (texturedsoyprotein)
02/17/2017 at 11:33, STARS: 1
The SX4 and Juke have similar (generally speaking) electronic on-demand awd systems. It’s certainly possible that the calibration of the on-demand awd in the SX4 felt better than the Juke, at least to someone who was used to driving the SX4 first.
Also, AWD vs. AWD-V , the AWD-V does full torque vectoring and AWD does minimal torque vectoring to reduce tail-happiness in slippery conditions.
"fhrblig" (fhrblig)
02/17/2017 at 11:33, STARS: 0
My parents have a ‘91 Ford F15o 4x4 with a 5-speed and the 302 Windsor. I’ve told them that they have to sell it to me if they get rid of it. It’s so much damn fun to drive.
"fhrblig" (fhrblig)
02/17/2017 at 11:34, STARS: 1
That’s too bad. I always kinda liked the Ion’s looks, despite what nearly everyone else on earth thought of them.
"CB" (jrcb)
02/17/2017 at 11:34, STARS: 0
Next Friday. Going with my dad.
"Sweet Trav" (thespunbearing)
02/17/2017 at 11:36, STARS: 2
If BIG RED had the NV5400 manual it would be awesome, but it would also tow significantly less, and if it was a single cab, short box, it would be a drag truck, instead it’s our yet unproven tow vehicle and her winter ride.
"fhrblig" (fhrblig)
02/17/2017 at 11:40, STARS: 1
We looked at a Crosstrek, but for some reason he just didn’t care for it. Same with a Rogue, actually.
Hatchbacks, even 3-doors, are fine for kids. Hell, my sister and I grew up in the back of a ‘75 Civic, an ‘86 Civic, and a Nissan 300ZX 2+2. And by our teen years we were both several inches taller than both my mom and stepdad. Our dad? An ‘83 Jeep CJ7 (holy small back seat Batman) and a ‘73 VW Beetle. It builds character!
"The Crazy Kanuck; RIP Oppositelock" (jukesjukesjukes)
02/17/2017 at 11:40, STARS: 0
I’m probably going on Monday, my day off work & it will be quiet there. so I could can see the better cars more.
"fhrblig" (fhrblig)
02/17/2017 at 11:42, STARS: 0
He brought the ‘07 in for service, and they offered him a deal on a new one. It changed to 0% financing and they were selling really well at the time so he ended up a little bit ahead on the trade in.
"fhrblig" (fhrblig)
02/17/2017 at 11:46, STARS: 0
We rented a Sonic sedan with the 1.8/auto when we went to San Diego a couple years ago. I liked it, but man does the 1.8 get disappointing mpg.
"Mercedes Streeter" (smart)
02/17/2017 at 11:48, STARS: 0
She’s a “stay at home partner” type so it fits her well. She’s someone who’d rather be driven than drive. I’m slightly considering renting her dream car on our anniversary next month, but not sure how to work it lol
What colour is the neighbour’s smartie? :D
"shop-teacher" (shop-teacher)
02/17/2017 at 11:48, STARS: 1
Given the fact that my wife has been driving longer than many of the youngins around here have been alive, it’s kind of amazing that my wife has only owned three cars. When she was 16 she was given a hand-me-down ‘93 Chevy Corsica. She drove that for 13 years, and it was still running fine and just needed a brake job, when she decided to get her first new car. She bought an ‘06 Mazda 3 just a few months before I met her. She absolutely loved that car, and it was still in nearly new condition when we traded it in after eight years. The only reason we replaced it, was because kid #2 was on the way and the 3 would no longer be able to carry us all should we need it to. Now she’s got a Mazda CX-5, which I love and she likes but still misses her 3.
"ZHP Sparky, the 5th" (e30s2k)
02/17/2017 at 11:51, STARS: 0
Yeah there isn’t much that’s particularly charming about the Crosstrek – it’s just something that grows on you with use. Simple maintenance, practical, good safety equipment for the price, capable enough in rough weather etc. and really just being the right size. Even the Forester felt significantly bigger – which to her was a detractor and was space we didn’t need. The interiors have become better over the years, but ours is a ’14 which isn’t very appealing on the inside.
My mom had a Suzuki Cultus when I was growing up – and my dad had various generations of Corollas, which was perfectly sufficient for my brother and myself. Her mom had a VW Bug and a Volvo wagon – and her dad a Jeep Wrangler and then a Ford Ranger for the most part, so again she didn’t grow up thinking a minivan was the only option with kids either. Thus far we’re firmly in the wagon/small CUV/hatchback camp and hopefully will be able to remain in it.
"shop-teacher" (shop-teacher)
02/17/2017 at 11:51, STARS: 2
Things have changed, modern car seats are HUGE. You’re also supposed to keep them rear-facing until they’re two years old now. How big are the rear-facing seats? I could only just barely sit in front of the one we had in my Roadmaster wagon, and that was seriously uncomfortable.
"CB" (jrcb)
02/17/2017 at 11:52, STARS: 0
This Monday? Dude, hate to break it to you, but that’s Family Day. It’s going to be packed.
"TheTurbochargedSquirrel" (thatsquirrel)
02/17/2017 at 11:52, STARS: 0
What’s that you installed next to the mirror adjuster?
"If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent" (essextee)
02/17/2017 at 11:52, STARS: 1
What is it about the Juke? I counting you, I know 4 gay couples with one.
"fhrblig" (fhrblig)
02/17/2017 at 11:54, STARS: 1
Yeah, by the time some of these whippersnappers were born, I’d owned 9 cars already. And that was in just 6 years of having a license. Meanwhile, in 23 years of licensed driving, my sister is up to 4 cars. And two of them were mine to start with.
"fhrblig" (fhrblig)
02/17/2017 at 11:56, STARS: 0
I always forget about that. We grew up in the era of nothing after infant seats. Standing up in back seats of cars? SURE! Why not?
"Wacko" (wacko--)
02/17/2017 at 11:56, STARS: 0
I had 0% on my 2010 as well.
oh how I miss 0% financing.....
"fintail" (fintail)
02/17/2017 at 11:58, STARS: 0
You lucked out :)
"yamahog" (yamahog)
02/17/2017 at 11:58, STARS: 2
My fiancé, Mr. “LS SWAP EVERYTHING” himself, daily drives a 2015 Ferd Taurus SHO. Stock photo, he doesn’t have the flower power wheels though.
And he has owned this 86 Monte Carlo SS since high school:
Fun fact: I’m pretty sure he spent even more on suspension/wheels/tires last season than he did my engagement ring. #DINKLyfe
"The Crazy Kanuck; RIP Oppositelock" (jukesjukesjukes)
02/17/2017 at 11:59, STARS: 0
Don’t know, pulled the photo off the fourms.
"fhrblig" (fhrblig)
02/17/2017 at 12:00, STARS: 1
We do like the stylish cars, it seems. I suspect the Toyota CH-R will find its way into a lot of gay couples’ driveways too.
We give one of our straight car enthusiast friends a lot of crap because he’s owned nearly every car that ends up on the lists of “What Do Gay People Drive?” etc. A Jetta, Acura TL, several Miatas, etc.
"Wrong Wheel Drive (41%)" (rduncan5678)
02/17/2017 at 12:00, STARS: 0
My girlfriend drives a 2005 Honda Civic. She has affectionately named it “Bora” which is means “white” in some European language that I don’t remember. I actually really like that car since it is quite unassuming, comfortable, looks nice, and is alright to drive. I used to own a 1999 Civic so it brings back some nostalgia as well. It is a perfect car for her since its got low mileage, is well maintained, gets good fuel efficiency, and is nice and small.
She is not specifically into cars but she has grown to appreciate some of the stuff that I talk about constantly. We often rent nice cars together and she likes being driven around in “sexy cars”. She really liked the Cayman I rented as well as the Mercedes slk250. I think she really wants a Mini some day but I have to somehow convince her that driving a manual in LA is not a terrible idea. Also, that the turbo version is totally necessary because reasons.
Other funny tidbit. When I met her, her favorite dream car was a Ford Edge. Since being with me for 5 years now, her favorite dream car is now a Mini Cooper. So I feel like I have been a good influence!
"fhrblig" (fhrblig)
02/17/2017 at 12:01, STARS: 1
I think that’s for the turboencabulator.
"If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent" (essextee)
02/17/2017 at 12:04, STARS: 1
I would hardly call it stylish. Overstyled, maybe, but not stylish.
"MPA" (MPA)
02/17/2017 at 12:05, STARS: 0
I think my wife gets 31-32mpg ciombined, and she’s no leadfoot lol
"gmctavish needs more space" (gmctavish)
02/17/2017 at 12:08, STARS: 0
My girlfriend still hasn’t gotten her license yet....she lives two blocks from work, and her dad sucks at parking and hasn’t taught her how to park, so I need to fix that somehow. Whenever we do get her something, her favourites are Nissan Paos, and Jeep Grand Wagoneers. Those are expensive, so luckily she also loves LandCruisers, and Land Rovers, Series and Defenders....which are even more expensive. So I’m really not sure what she’ll be getting, but it’ll at least be interesting
"Wrong Wheel Drive (41%)" (rduncan5678)
02/17/2017 at 12:15, STARS: 1
A bicycle would be a massive improvement from a cavalier
"Bourbon&JellyBeans" (bourbonandjellybeans)
02/17/2017 at 12:16, STARS: 0
I see. My fiance’s G6 gets crazy levels of condensation built up on the inside overnight. If it’s frozen in the morning, it really sucks lol
"Wrong Wheel Drive (41%)" (rduncan5678)
02/17/2017 at 12:17, STARS: 0
Well either way if you wait a few days, you will likely be without a car if you stay in Detroit for too long.
"MR2_FTW - Group J's resident Stig" (MR2_FTW)
02/17/2017 at 12:17, STARS: 0
My wife has a ‘15 Honda Fit with a 6 speed manual. I love everything about it except the god-awful rev hang.
"fhrblig" (fhrblig)
02/17/2017 at 12:24, STARS: 2
Mmmmm, Monte Carlo.
"Your boy, BJR" (jerseyshoreben)
02/17/2017 at 12:29, STARS: 1
My girlfriend drives a ‘96 Camry LE. 4 cyl, auto. It’s green with a pink pinstripe and has been totaled twice. The headgasket blew last May, she had an 80 mile commute all summer long. Her father and I got around to fixing it just before Christmas. It’s held together with the hopes and dreams of him and I. It’s her only car, she’s had it 11 years now. I can’t wait until we are in a better financial situation so she can get a new car, because holy crap, although that thing is basically a hero status beater, I do not like her driving it. Luckily she works from home now.