"TheJWT" (thejwt)
06/17/2014 at 22:59 • Filed to: None
13
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"TheJWT" (thejwt)
06/17/2014 at 22:59 • Filed to: None | 13
| 16 |
"I'm getting my car on Tuesday!" I exclaimed to a co-worker one night several days ago. "It's a 1993 Nissan Sentra SE-R" (extra emphasis placed on the SE-R, as if that would help...) His response, an apprehensive "Nice?" probably gave it more credit than it deserved.
I reversed out of the driveway of the seller, who was $2000 richer than he was that morning. On the drive to the BMV, the seller explained the ins and outs of the car; the new parts he bought, how to drive it without destroying the competition clutch, how he and his friends would meet at Chipotle every weekend to race, etc... On the surface, the seller seemed like the kind of guy who you specifically wouldn't want to buy a car from (I'm fairly sure gang signs were flashed on the way to the title agency...) But as he enthusiastically explained how much he loved this car, I could tell he looked after it properly and knew what he was doing. After the paperwork was over with, I handed over the check, and assured him his car was in the hands of someone who would enjoy it as much as he did.
The drive home
The plan was to stop at the gas station down the block from the seller's house to fill up before making my way home. Still unfamiliar with the car, I backed out the the driveway with some difficulty, and made my way to the intersection. Arriving at the stop sign however, I started smelling something burning and began to see smoke coming from some unknown source. "Just my luck", I thought, "Two minutes in and it's already fucked". I pulled up to the pump, frustrated and nervous, and instantly figured out what was wrong. I went to pull the handbrake, and realized it was on the whole time. That problem worked itself out quickly.
The drive home takes about 30 minutes via I-80. It took me an hour and a half, not because I was driving slowly, but because I took the long, long way home. I made my way down empty country roads, some twisty parkways, and something I would experience much more frequently: mall traffic. Compared to the other cars I had driven regularly, a Jetta and a Fit, the Sentra is so much more visceral. It rattles and shakes (quite a bit), it torque steers under hard throttle, and makes a terrifying symphony of noises which I prefer not to think about just yet. The unassisted steering takes some getting used to, and my foot is going to be sore from the ridiculously heavy clutch.
Finally arriving home, I can begin to make my first car truly mine. After a wash and a good interior vacuuming, I peel off the window tinting and the tuner stickers, and try my best removing 20 years worth of brake dust from the wheels. Small steps in the face of trying to return it to mostly original, I know, but necessary regardless. It is only then which I take a step back and feel a true sense of pride in my purchase. Sure, the paint is crap, the hood looks like crumpled tin foil, the clutch is heavy, the exhaust is too loud, the AC doesn't work, and there's a large hole where a grille should be, but it's my first car, which means it's perfect in every way.
I can tell that this is the start of a beautiful friendship...
Oh, and before you ask, the Oppo sticker is already on its way.
Vince-The Roadside Mechanic
> TheJWT
06/17/2014 at 23:03 |
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I want an SE-R but can't find one maybe that could be car #2.
NotUnlessRoundIsFunny
> TheJWT
06/17/2014 at 23:06 |
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Major congratulations!
themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles
> TheJWT
06/17/2014 at 23:06 |
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Mod/Repair #1 - buy a good sentra hood from a junkyard. Paint it with black chalkboard paint. Then buy some chalk and make your own designs on the hood or use it to keep track of times at the drag strip or track.
Mod/Repair #2 - Get the front grill and fascia bits while you're at the junkyard and paint them to match your car....or go nuts and do like a silver or paint some accents on them.
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TheJWT
> themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles
06/17/2014 at 23:11 |
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I'm gonna get on that ASAP, I really can't stand the exposed radiator look. I also desperately need new tires, but I'm going to spend a little more money on that.
PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power
> TheJWT
06/17/2014 at 23:12 |
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Looks awesome! nice to see an actually good driving sentra here on oppo. The SE-R's used to be something special. Look at it now.... a CVT equipped trim level...
Vicente Esteve
> TheJWT
06/17/2014 at 23:14 |
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Congratufreakinlations!! It is a great choice, and I know you will enjoy the car a lot. Haha I laughed at your misfortune with the parking brake, and when I got my car I also immediatley took it to the gas station and the long drive home. Enjoy it!
Aaron Brown
> TheJWT
06/17/2014 at 23:20 |
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Dude I knew you'd do it! Congrats.
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TheJWT
> Aaron Brown
06/17/2014 at 23:30 |
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Thanks man! I couldn't be happier!
Roberto G.
> TheJWT
06/18/2014 at 08:15 |
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Did the previous owner used to fuck on that hood?
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TheJWT
> Roberto G.
06/18/2014 at 10:45 |
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That or tap dance on it...
A3R0
> TheJWT
06/22/2014 at 21:55 |
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What a perfect first car!
It kills me when a kid gets a brand new BMW that his/her parents bought for her as their first car.
Congrats and have fun with it! I can't wait to see it at the next C&C.
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TheJWT
> A3R0
06/22/2014 at 22:14 |
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Thanks! But it's sadly not coming to New York with me:(
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A3R0
> TheJWT
06/23/2014 at 12:12 |
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Well where are you leaving it? What state?
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TheJWT
> A3R0
06/23/2014 at 14:54 |
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Ohio, where I'm from
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A3R0
> TheJWT
06/24/2014 at 15:39 |
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Wow thats far! Are you going to have it for now and then just keep it there for trips down to Ohio once in a while.
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TheJWT
> A3R0
06/24/2014 at 15:43 |
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Oh no, I'm in Ohio for the summer! I live here, and I go to school in New York, that's why I'm there in the fall and winter. I might my able to take it up to school around thanksgiving though!