by "Noah - Now with more boost." (antriebverliebt)
Published 11/03/2017 at 12:06
by "Noah - Now with more boost." (antriebverliebt)
Published 11/03/2017 at 12:06
No Tags
STARS: 2
In September it became obvious that the Q wouldn’t be passing inspection again without an inordinate amount of exhaust work. Furthermore, the rear struts were blown, the A/C was broken, it leaked an insane amount of oil, and had some nasty rust issues. So I bought something new and the Q left on a flatbed this morning.
My goal as a car enthusiast is to experience the widest variety of vehicles I possibly can. This old boat definitely helped me accomplish that. My first car, a 1989 635csi, was dramatically different in every single way. Daily driving a classic is fun, but it is also a little sketchy (especially during New England winters). I decided that I wanted something much newer for the safety features. The E24 didn’t even have a passenger airbag and of course, was designed with seventies so it wasn’t very safe in a crash. Old cars are fun and relatively safe on a nice clear day, but in the middle of a nighttime snowstorm? Not so much.
Over 2 years of ownership I probably spent around $1000 on repairs. Nothing needed to be replaced beyond wear items like tie rods and brake rotors. Those items were usually Nissan Pathfinder parts so they even stocked them at my local NAPA. Thus, it can be said that this car was actually pretty great to maintain all things considered. The V8 soundtrack and ultra comfy ride were nice too. I learned that I’m all about quick sedans, and hope to daily drive another V8 boat at some point. It was perfect for driving my friends all around New England for day trips and other shenanigans: the back seat was so nice that nobody ever called shotgun. The driving experience was fun too. At 4100LBS the car was no Miata, but still exciting enough to stick in 2nd gear, press the “sport” button to firm up the suspension, and go for it on some twisty roads. I’ll miss this car a lot.
So, if you’re thinking about buying an old Japanese boat for a daily driver, I highly recommend it. They offer 90% of the German experience without all of the headaches.
"The Crazy Kanuck; RIP Oppositelock" (jukesjukesjukes)
11/03/2017 at 12:21, STARS: 1
Time for a Juke.
"NojustNo" (front24200)
11/03/2017 at 12:23, STARS: 0
So did it get scrapped then?
"Noah - Now with more boost." (antriebverliebt)
11/03/2017 at 12:33, STARS: 0
Nope, donated to WGBH. It was worth well under $2k at this point, which I’d rather see in their hands instead of some dealership.
"Party-vi" (party-vi)
11/03/2017 at 12:34, STARS: 2
That is a fantastic interior shot.
"Noah - Now with more boost." (antriebverliebt)
11/03/2017 at 12:35, STARS: 0
This one seems sensible!
"Noah - Now with more boost." (antriebverliebt)
11/03/2017 at 12:41, STARS: 0
Thanks! I really lucked out that day, great light. DSLRs help too.
"ZHP Sparky, the 5th" (e30s2k)
11/03/2017 at 12:42, STARS: 1
Did these things seriously have some form of adaptive damper system where you could firm up the suspension? That’s amazing for something that old.
Beautiful car, how tough would it have been to get to pass smog?
"Noah - Now with more boost." (antriebverliebt)
11/03/2017 at 12:48, STARS: 1
Yeah I was surprised too, that was part of the “t” (touring) package, it had valves that opened/contracted an opening within the damper to restrict the flow of fluid and in doing so, make it stiffer.
We actually don’t test for emissions in MA (how ‘bout them apples!?) so even catless exhausts are fine, it just had massive leaks everywhere that developed over the last winter. It wasn’t even loud as I had patched all the holes, the sound itself was just off sounding enough to know there were a couple small leaks. The techs wouldn’t pass it at multiple places.
"The Crazy Kanuck; RIP Oppositelock" (jukesjukesjukes)
11/03/2017 at 12:50, STARS: 1
“Juke”
"If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent" (essextee)
11/03/2017 at 12:55, STARS: 1
Shame to see it go. It was without a doubt one of the coolest cars on Oppo. Here’s to hoping you get the same enjoyment out of your new wheels!
"Captain of the Enterprise" (justanotherdayinparadise)
11/03/2017 at 13:06, STARS: 1
“My goal as a car enthusiast is to experience the widest variety of vehicles I possibly can.”
I have similar goals. So far I’ve had
an AWD/4WD 2001 Ford Expedition Eddie Bauer
A RWD 2005 Ford Crown Victoria
A FWD 2005 Toyota Corolla (Current)
So I’ve rounded out the driven wheels. I’d like to pick up a manual as the next car but with my commute I think it would suck. They are all pretty different vehicles and I’ve learned a lot from each of them.
"Noah - Now with more boost." (antriebverliebt)
11/03/2017 at 13:09, STARS: 1
Thanks man! What a compliment! I’m really glad I got to go on the rally with it. The new wheels have been a lot of fun, I’m just hoping to continue my good luck with reliability for now.
"Discerning" (discerning2003c5z)
11/03/2017 at 13:10, STARS: 0
That’s not all, the first gen Q45 was available with true adaptive suspension with hydraulic actuators at each wheel back in 1991.
"Noah - Now with more boost." (antriebverliebt)
11/03/2017 at 13:11, STARS: 1
This is definitely the way to go! I’m worried about commuting with a manual, never done it. That was the saving grace of the Q’s auto.
"dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford" (dtg11)
11/03/2017 at 13:29, STARS: 1
I agree about trying to experience the widest variety of cars possible, my last (98 GS300) was an I6, RWD, midsize grand tourer sedan, while my current (05 TSX) is a 4 cylinder FWD small sports sedan. For my next I hope to get a luxo barge and/or proper sports car, maybe a 4WD suv like a Sequoia or Xterra.
"Noah - Now with more boost." (antriebverliebt)
11/03/2017 at 13:54, STARS: 1
I’m curious about SUVs too, IMO they are ideal for driving around a city with bad roads where you are pretty much offroading.
"DAWRX - The Herb Strikes Back" (karsonkinja)
11/03/2017 at 14:01, STARS: 1
Did it have any features you think you’ll miss?
"dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford" (dtg11)
11/03/2017 at 14:03, STARS: 1
I’m not far outside Chicago for uni and the roads here are terrible, not to mention the snow that’ll come sooner than I’d like.
"ZHP Sparky, the 5th" (e30s2k)
11/03/2017 at 14:14, STARS: 1
Wow, thats amazing. Local CL dreaming, I go!
"Noah - Now with more boost." (antriebverliebt)
11/03/2017 at 14:32, STARS: 1
Definitely. First and foremost, the sound of the V8. I miss that already. The interior in general too, the WRX is awesome but it is a loud rattle box with cloth seats and no space. But I got my fill of the luxury surroundings for a bit, and you kinda have to sacrifice them for lightness
"pip bip - choose Corrour" (hhgttg69)
11/04/2017 at 08:22, STARS: 1
buy another one?
or a Lexus?
"Noah - Now with more boost." (antriebverliebt)
11/05/2017 at 19:19, STARS: 0
at some point, for sure! always wanted to try a conservative VIP build