"Lemonhead" (lemonhead)
09/05/2013 at 18:58 • Filed to: None
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"Lemonhead" (lemonhead)
09/05/2013 at 18:58 • Filed to: None | 5
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That may sound strange, but it’s true. I don’t think you have to own a specialty car to be a car guy. I love my Altima, it’s a 2013 and does exactly what I want it to do – take me to and from my job comfortably and cheaply. I’m getting almost 35MPG and saving more than $200/month in gas over my old 2000 Passport.
I was really waiting for the Focus ST, but had to make a move more quickly than planned. The transmission in the Passport was going south quickly and the A/C already had packed it in, and, at 285,000 miles, it was getting a long in the tooth. So, rather than replace the transmission again, it was time to move on. My buddy is the sales manager at the Nissan dealership and got me the car at a great price and worked on the bank to get me a better rate. So, I paid $22K for the car rather than $29K for the ST (nobody was making deals for the ST). Got a great deal and I love the car. BTW, get the SV over the S – much better interior. Yeah, it’s got a CVT and I like it. It’s not designed to be a sports sedan, it’s designed to get mileage and the CVT achieves that.
So, yes, I drive what people call a bland car. But it’s MY bland car. I will be passing it down to my daughter when she gets old enough to get her license and know that she has a safe, reliable car.
The wife’s van just went through a month-long detailing. Okay, I didn’t work on it constantly, but I went through it inside and out scrubbing the mats, the carpets, the leather, fixing every door ding, nick, and scratch. Spent hours upon hours wet sanding touch ups and then buffing with my DA until it takes a sharp eye and the right light to find them. I still have plenty to do, but the van looks like a new car again.
Meanwhile …
I’m getting things together to find a late 60s Ford F100 truck. Plan on upgrading the engine and suspension to modern specs so it will have and EFI engine and IFS and will be my shop truck. It will take me some time to find the right truck at the right price. Because of the HOA restrictions I need to start with a running, driving truck since I can’t have inoperable vehicles on the property. That’s going to make it interesting to find one without breaking the budget. However, the hunt is part of the fun. Then, I’m going to find something to play with, maybe track day it, and turn my son into a gearhead. (See, build the truck first, then I have something to pull a trailer to haul the play car).
Like I said, I’m a gearhead. What I daily drives doesn’t have any bearing on that. So, to paraphrase Full Metal Jacket: "This is my Altima. There are many like it, but this is mine!"
Gamecat235
> Lemonhead
09/05/2013 at 19:39 |
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C'mon over to
http://oppositelock.jalopnik.com/
, I've added you as an author over there.
Also, you can edit this post and change it to post to Oppo, or just share it to oppo, that way it will end up over there.
Burrito de EJ25
> Lemonhead
09/05/2013 at 22:09 |
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I dig that you dig your car. A noble steed indeed.
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Lemonhead
> Burrito de EJ25
09/05/2013 at 22:28 |
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Thanks!
bourgeoisie
> Lemonhead
09/06/2013 at 11:51 |
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Unfortunately cars don't exist in a vacuum, and there are many Altima drivers on the road who seemingly loathe their car, and have internalized that loathing in a way that makes them some of the biggest dicks on the road.
I assume, as a self-proclaimed gear head, that you're doing your part to redeem that negative image, and that is commendable indeed.
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Lemonhead
> bourgeoisie
09/06/2013 at 13:01 |
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If someone is a dick on the road, it doesn't matter the package they are in.
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bourgeoisie
> Lemonhead
09/06/2013 at 13:06 |
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I beg to differ, certain makes (and models) have well known affinity for douche-drivers.
If the shoe fits, and all that.