"Decay buys too many beaters" (decay)
11/05/2014 at 17:39 • Filed to: None
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"Decay buys too many beaters" (decay)
11/05/2014 at 17:39 • Filed to: None | 5
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Sometimes surfing the internet, solving Rubik's cubes, or communicating via sign language with other motorists during rush hour just isn't engaging enough, so here are two ways to pass the time if you happen to own a mid 90s Saab.
First up we have the distance to empty computer. I've never had one of these before and it's actually pretty cool. That being said, I find myself drastically changing my driving habits just to affect the reading. Can I make it read 100 miles left on a full tank? Sure! Just drive around for a day without leaving 1st or 2nd gear. How about 500 miles on a tank? Yes! Just drive around all day at 20 mph in 5th and turn the car off on downhills, stoplights, offramps, and when you get pulled over for going 40 under the speed-limit. I find myself spending WAY too much time looking at this display, I don't know how people in Priuses can deal with it and still get in so few accidents!
Next up we have the brake light test. The idea here is to warn you on startup if your brake lights are burned out, but there is some fun to be had here. We have all played the "How long can I go without using the brakes?" game while stuck in traffic, but Saab actually thought to give quantifiable way to score ourselves. Basically, if the alert light on the dash goes out, you lose.
RamblinRover Luxury-Yacht
> Decay buys too many beaters
11/05/2014 at 17:53 |
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I don't know how people in Priuses can deal with it and still get in so few accidents!
Spoiler alert: people in Priuses mostly bought the car for reasons other than actually hypermiling. Hypermiling is for the first gen Insight.
Eazy-O
> Decay buys too many beaters
11/05/2014 at 19:00 |
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Huh, I never tried the brake light test. But then, I have to do a 3 point to get it out of the garage, so it could get hairy. :D
What engine do you have in there, if you don't mind me asking? How's it treating you?
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Decay buys too many beaters
> Eazy-O
11/05/2014 at 19:39 |
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Haha, for me its a straight shot for at least 10 miles. If I get really lucky with lights and roll slowly through 3 stop signs, I can get to work without using the brakes once!
Car is s a 2.3 NA, judging from your avatar you have the turbo? So far it's treating me pretty well. The engine has adequate torque that it never really feels under-powered, though the shifter is one of the loosest & sloppiest feeling I've ever experienced. Also every time I turn it on it warns me that the coolant is low. LIES!
Love the interior space, with the seats folded down and trunk cover removed, I can transport anything!
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Eazy-O
> Decay buys too many beaters
11/05/2014 at 19:59 |
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Yeah, mine's a remapped 2.3 low pressure turbo 9000. I've been wondering what the NA drives like. I got addicted to boost during the test drive, bought it the next day. :)
Shifter is a bit wonky, yeah, but I don't think I've missed a gear on it more than once or twice.
Mine keeps telling me to check radiator every now and then. The radiator's still there, what gives? :D
As far as space goes, SAAB hatches rule. I've taken it from Slovenia to Croatia, Italy, France, (a few kilometers short of) Spain, Austria, Germany, Switzerland and Liechtenstein. Only slept in a hotel once, due to girlfriend's health issues, but other than that, the trunk offers adequate sleeping for two people up to 6'1", with seats removed (I still need coffee, though):
With the hatch lifted, you can even cook a meal on the parcel shelf if it's raining.
It does so many things and I love it to bits. Now if I could only figure out why the 3rd piston ain't firing, I'll be a happy boy.
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Decay buys too many beaters
> Eazy-O
11/05/2014 at 20:11 |
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I searched high and low for a decent turbo (900 or 9000), but they were all either beaten to death, maintained poorly, or priced waaay to high.
And thanks for the tip! I'm sure I'll be using it as a mobile home over the winter for trips up the mountain once ski season gets underway.