"WesBarton89 - The Way to Santa Fe" (wesbarton89)
02/28/2015 at 12:01 • Filed to: None | 3 | 0 |
So, I actually got the chance to drive it for the first time myself today, beyond more than a test. My fiancee had been the one to drive it to the inspection station, because of my work schedule. Anyways, impressions.
First off, I couldn't really get the car to its full potential, because of the CV boot, tie rod end, and control arm bushing that all need replaced. At first, the car showed signs of a vacuum leak (shout out to AMGTech on here for the knowledge!), but then it seemed to resolve itself after a few miles of driving. Not sure if the issue will return. My black Infiniti also had the same exact issue for some unknown reason, but only after heavy exposure to water. All the telltale signs, rough idle, shudder during idle, slightly sluggish, but it went away fairly quickly, though the engine idiot light stayed on. It ran completely normal though.
As I said above, I couldn't get the car to its full potential. With the parts I need, I didn't take it past 35.
But my god it drives super well. It accelerates effortlessly, the transmission shifts without a complaint, and it just feels really confident. I have to get used to driving such a low vehicle again after driving our Durango for a year, it's just way different. But overall, I love the way this drives. It's smooth, refined, and a tad bit sporty, and the VQ30 engine sounds wonderful.
All told, I only put 8 or 10 more miles on it, around town. But it starts up, drives, shifts, and after a little bit, gave me no more trouble. For 249,700 on the clock, and just $800, I'll take it.