"SlickMcRick" (slickmcrick)
02/09/2016 at 00:31 • Filed to: None
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"SlickMcRick" (slickmcrick)
02/09/2016 at 00:31 • Filed to: None | 2
| 13 |
It’s been a loooooong time since I last posted on Oppo. Just been lurking and have been extremely busy working. I’m bored with my current car and as usual it’s time for something different. My 2003 X5 has systematically destroyed my pockets and I want out before the next thing breaks. Here is a list of what I’ve replaced since September:
Passenger Window Regulator
Passenger Door Latch
2 O2 Sensors
Driver Door Latch
Driver Interior Handle
Radiator Cap (Kept saying low coolant so I popped the hood and found the culprit)
Engine Oil Filler Cap (Oil was mysteriously burning and I could here valves ticking so tracked that down as well)
Driveshaft
Transfer Case
Driver Side Rear Door Carrier (Still haven’t replaced so currently Left Rear door is permanently closed).
In short I’ve spent an astonishing amount on this car and I’m through!
I wan’t something fun to drive and under the $10k mark since I’ll be financing and have a budget set in mind. I also prefer something that gets better than 22.5MPG on the highway even on it’s best day. City mileage is a measly 16MPG, fortunately prices are still low for premium.
I’ve always had this weird attraction to the HHR SS and two have popped up in the nearby area. They also happen to be in my favorite color. They’re about the same price with approximately the same mileage. I plan on calling both dealerships and asking which has Brembo Brakes because I REALLY want one equipped with the Performance Pack.
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Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
> SlickMcRick
02/09/2016 at 00:37 |
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A 13 year old X5 does sound like a terrifying ownership experience.
bob and john
> SlickMcRick
02/09/2016 at 00:38 |
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they arent bad from what i here. I have a freind with one built up to 550 WHP.
he breaks a lot of shit. its a small side-effect
daender
> SlickMcRick
02/09/2016 at 00:39 |
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Former HHR owner chiming in: I hope you like low-tier plastic GM interior because it’s BAD. Heck, just thinking about that McDonalds PlayPlace-like plastic surface is bringing back chills.
However, those SS turbo cars are STUPID FAST, like...you can tell where most (if not all) of the R&D budget was spent.
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SlickMcRick
> Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
02/09/2016 at 00:41 |
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And everyone else is telling me that since I put so much money into it I might as well keep it! Each time they mention it I ask how much they plan on putting toward my next repair bill....have yet to get anyone volunteering there wallet as tribute. I will say this about it. It rides comfortably, pulls great at speed and was awesome in the blizzard we were hit with. Didn’t get stuck once.
That said I’m over the entire experience and am ready to move onto something a little more “fun”.
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SlickMcRick
> bob and john
02/09/2016 at 00:45 |
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I’d stop at the GM Stage 1 Tune. 290HP and 315 LB/FT is good enough for me. They handle decently and look good (to me). Also it’s a rare vehicle that only people “in the know” would really notice, though the bright red may make sleeper status slightly harder to achieve.
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SlickMcRick
> daender
02/09/2016 at 00:48 |
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Meh. It’s all about the driving experience to me. I’ve had bad interiors and cracked dashboards. Nothing can be worse than a rusted floorboard letting water in like I had in my ‘90 Escort lol. What made you get rid of your HHR though?
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Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
> SlickMcRick
02/09/2016 at 00:53 |
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Yeah it’s like a failing relationship that you desperately try to make work. You put in soooo much time and emotion and work and grief, surely it cannot all be for naught!
OpposResidentLexusGuy - USE20, XF20, XU30 and Press Cars
> SlickMcRick
02/09/2016 at 01:29 |
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I would tell you buy Toyota something (4runner/GX470) but that mileage wont work. So if your looking for something with good gas mileage and fun to drive... I hate hate hate being this guy but the answer might be Miata. I can’t believe I just said that.
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SlickMcRick
> OpposResidentLexusGuy - USE20, XF20, XU30 and Press Cars
02/09/2016 at 01:49 |
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I plan on getting a Miata sometime in the future. Maybe a year or two from now. Want to get a NB and do a Honda J32 swap into it. Need something with more than two seats unfortunately.
DanZman
> SlickMcRick
02/09/2016 at 03:29 |
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I’m not sure about the SS, but my sister has a regular HHR with a manual trans and that car is miserable to drive. Its the only car I have ever driven and wished that it was an auto. Also, the interior is beyond terrible. Oh and the car has sounded like the front mounts are broken since the day it was new.
On the plus side, if you get one, you should get a plate that says “HH ARRR”.
NotUnlessRoundIsFunny
> SlickMcRick
02/09/2016 at 05:19 |
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My X5 was an ‘04 and your repair list brings back bad memories. It’s really what turned us off buying another BMW, unfortunately.
Don't know anything about HHRs, but totally understand the desire to simplify and remove dependence on unobtainium parts from the Fatherland. Best of luck!
That's gonna leave a mark!
> SlickMcRick
02/09/2016 at 06:06 |
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E 46 330 2 or 4 door, 325 as another option.
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daender
> SlickMcRick
02/09/2016 at 10:43 |
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Driving a first-year base model automatic in autocross sucks...even if I took first place in the championship for my class. Mine lived a hard live as a rental in Hawaii before it became a beater for my parents. By the end of the season the interior was starting to fall apart and one of the CV joints was starting to click under hard cornering.
