"RyanFrew" (ryanfrew)
12/05/2013 at 11:55 • Filed to: Beautiful Cars, Ugly Performance
6
76|
"RyanFrew" (ryanfrew)
12/05/2013 at 11:55 • Filed to: Beautiful Cars, Ugly Performance | 6
| 76 |
All too often, a car will strike me as really attractive, and then it will suck. A few examples come to mind instantly for me and I'm wondering what else you all would think of:
Chrysler Crossfire
The Crossfire has polarizing looks, but I have always liked it a lot. It's one of the only <$15,000 cars on the road that I can't take my eyes off of. Sometimes I still kick myself for not considering one more seriously before buying my R53. If I had bought one, I could get my ass kicked even worse at the local autocross! The SRTs weren't as bad, but overall, the Crossfire was just a bad version of an already mediocre Mercedes. Interior isn't its strong suit either - these were designed when Daimler was busy gutting Chrysler.
Hyundai Veloster
A car that looks this fast should not be this slow.
Honda CR-Z
When I was born, my parents both drove CR-Xs. They sold the first one promptly when I arrived and the other when I was 3 or 4. My mom still loves to tell the story of me riding around in my Cozy Coupe mumbling, "No one asked me if I wanted to sell the CR-X. I liked the CR-X. We should have kept the CR-X". Turns out, I was right. A stock CR-X si with a manual? Impeccable taste, young Ryan. Anyways, the CR-Z was supposed to be the second coming of one of the most fun cars of all time. Needless to say, that's not what we got. Looks great though.
Every Maserati in the last 20 Years
Maybe this is where I'll get flamed. Maseratis are gorgeous. They are also perfect for the individual who wants to pay Ferrari money without Ferrari performance.
MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner
> RyanFrew
12/05/2013 at 11:57 |
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I'm with you on the maserati.
Ilike_cougars
> RyanFrew
12/05/2013 at 11:58 |
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Have you heard the sound a Maserati makes?
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RyanFrew
> Ilike_cougars
12/05/2013 at 12:00 |
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Yep. It's beautiful. Like I said.....lotsa show, not enough go for the price. Also, this is random, but the Quattroporte I rode in had the most uncomfortable seats of any production car I've sat in, literally ever.
Jagvar
> RyanFrew
12/05/2013 at 12:01 |
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I'm sure there are people who will defend it, but come on. It was a nightmare.
Gamecat235
> RyanFrew
12/05/2013 at 12:01 |
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FYI - the first image would have worked, you just needed to resave the post after the first posting. I did so and it worked (I occasionally resave posts and re-insert images when I notice that they don't post correctly. I don't edit things otherwise).
CalzoneGolem
> RyanFrew
12/05/2013 at 12:01 |
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Prowler
How many more Mopar products can we add to this list?
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Gamecat235
> RyanFrew
12/05/2013 at 12:02 |
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I have a small bone to pick with that last statement of yours.
HammerheadFistpunch
> RyanFrew
12/05/2013 at 12:03 |
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Ferrari money? I don't think so, but they are pricey.
Tom McParland
> Gamecat235
12/05/2013 at 12:03 |
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I have noticed this as well, especially with video and Tweet embeds.
Fed(oo=[][]=oo)uken
> CalzoneGolem
12/05/2013 at 12:05 |
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I'd say the vast majority of them, post-Oil Crisis.
Goshen, formerly Darkcode
> RyanFrew
12/05/2013 at 12:05 |
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Actually Maseratis are cheaper than Ferraris. The GT is way more affordable than the California.
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Fed(oo=[][]=oo)uken
> Gamecat235
12/05/2013 at 12:05 |
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I love the MC12, wayyy more than the Enzo.
PRBot II
> RyanFrew
12/05/2013 at 12:05 |
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Le Stealth.
For Sweden
> Gamecat235
12/05/2013 at 12:06 |
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You mean the Ferrari with a body kit?
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RyanFrew
> HammerheadFistpunch
12/05/2013 at 12:06 |
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Just looked it up. You're right. GranTurismo has an MSRP of ~$123,000. There is a very long list of cars that I would take over that thing for $123,000
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Gamecat235
> For Sweden
12/05/2013 at 12:07 |
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Why do you think I choose the one picture I did of the MC12 out of millions out there?
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RyanFrew
> Gamecat235
12/05/2013 at 12:08 |
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Note taken. Thanks.
BoxerFanatic, troublesome iconoclast.
> RyanFrew
12/05/2013 at 12:10 |
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Crossfire would be my favorite car on there. An art-deco alternative SLK coupe or canvas-top convertible... Some nicer wheels would help it a lot. (one of the few cars that calls for chrome or something glossier and more dramatic than the stock aluminum wheels.)
Veloster is hideous
CR-Z looks like a car-sized dust-buster on wheels, and I hate a hanging body colored roof without A-pillars. It irks me to no end on the Nissan GT-R and C7 Corvette, also.
I am almost always one of the few or alone in not liking the looks of the Maserati Gran Tourismo coupe... the front is too beak-y, with that schnozz of a grille, and the roofline is awkwardly transitioned in the C-pillar area... and it just looks like a bit of a mess of a coupe design, after previous Giugiaro Maser coupes looking so clean and good.
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HammerheadFistpunch
> RyanFrew
12/05/2013 at 12:11 |
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Beauty isn't cheap. Im with you in that I can think of lots of great stuff I would rather have for 123 large, but I don't spend a lot on cloths either.
zadtheinhaler
> Jagvar
12/05/2013 at 12:11 |
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I am sure that it drives brilliantly.
Between visits to the mechanic.
davedave1111
> RyanFrew
12/05/2013 at 12:11 |
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Didn't exactly suck, but if only it had the performance to match the looks...
Bad Idea Hat
> RyanFrew
12/05/2013 at 12:12 |
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I am going to catch so much flak for this but;
I always got a Karmann Ghia vibe off of this car for some reason. Was kind of a mess, though.
Party-vi
> RyanFrew
12/05/2013 at 12:13 |
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Methinks we have a misunderstanding of what "beautiful" is. The Veloster is neat and cool looking but not beautiful. The same goes for the CR-Z.
Also, the cheapest Ferrari you can get is $200k (this being the California). A Maserati is $80,000 less. You're not paying Ferrari money at all.
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Bad Idea Hat
> Bad Idea Hat
12/05/2013 at 12:13 |
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And because I like crazy people with crazy ideas, here's this;
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RyanFrew
> Party-vi
12/05/2013 at 12:15 |
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I think that the CR-Z and Veloster are beautiful in comparison. You're right about the Maserati though. Still not a justified $120k
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Party-vi
> For Sweden
12/05/2013 at 12:15 |
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Though the miracle of science and plastic surgery they managed to take that Italian model and make her into something beautiful to look at.
Milky
> RyanFrew
12/05/2013 at 12:16 |
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GTFO, what the hell else would I want to get for less than 10k? I'm not a bro so a camaro or mustang won't do, I don't want to replace a engine every 50k so I'll stay away from the RX8, and I'm too much of a hipster to get a Miata when 2 of friends all ready have one.
You can keep your FWD subcompact, I'm quite happy.
McLarry
> RyanFrew
12/05/2013 at 12:18 |
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Crossfire = beautiful? Beg to differ...
PatBateman
> RyanFrew
12/05/2013 at 12:18 |
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A few years ago, my buddy had a Gran Turismo. He knew I loved the car (visually) and tossed me the keys so I could take it for a spin. I was on Cloud Nine. Started it up... OH that sounds good!! Got it out of the parking garage... People staring!! Yes!! Pulled it onto the road with no one around, slammed the go pedal down and... AND... Nothing. It felt like a Mustang GT towing a trailer.
I was heartbroken to say the least. All show, no go.
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Party-vi
> RyanFrew
12/05/2013 at 12:19 |
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But the GT is priced accordingly. An Aston Martin V8 Vantage is $120k, An R8 is $120k, etc. A nicely equipped 911 slots in around $120k. Why is the AM or Audi worth more than the Maser?
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RyanFrew
> Milky
12/05/2013 at 12:19 |
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LOL - Like I said, I regret it all the time. I also have a '67 Mustang, so you and I are just going back and forth today.
Takuro Spirit
> RyanFrew
12/05/2013 at 12:22 |
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Shut up, I like them.
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RyanFrew
> Party-vi
12/05/2013 at 12:23 |
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If you want looks, the AM has it in spades. If you want performance, the R8 is the best option, although I also think the R8 is better looking than the Maserati. 911 is a 911 - doesn't justify itself to anyone because it is the obvious uncreative choice. Better performance than the Maserati (probably) and better looking to some people. I would take any of those three over the Maserati
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Milky
> RyanFrew
12/05/2013 at 12:23 |
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There is no back and forth, you said my car sucks … we are enemies on the internet now.
KB Garage
> CalzoneGolem
12/05/2013 at 12:23 |
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Came to post this. How disappointing.
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McLarry
> RyanFrew
12/05/2013 at 12:23 |
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That Maserati, though... Came out of a restaurant once to find one parked next to my car. SO beautiful... Nice in pictures, epic in person. I agree it doesn't live up to its looks, though... You'd be better served with an F-Type V8S - faster, cheaper, and even better looking.
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Party-vi
> RyanFrew
12/05/2013 at 12:25 |
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The Aston Martin wins my vote for looks, the R8 would be neat but I'm not too keen on it, the Porsche would slip under the radar and the Maserati I'd love the most until it's first service bill.
pauljones
> RyanFrew
12/05/2013 at 12:33 |
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The Chrysler Crossfire does not suck. In SRT6 form, they could hand a 350Z its ass around the Willow Springs road course by a surprising margin. As for their interiors, the truth was quite the opposite - they had the best Chrysler interior at the time, and they were actually quite nice for the price.
As for Maseratis, I don't think that you are approaching them from the right mindset. It's true that on the one hand, Ferrari has made it a point to slap them around like a red-headed stepchild, and constantly prevent Maserati from getting anything better. But by the same token, Maseratis also fall into a slightly different (if overlapping) niche than Ferraris. Ferraris, for the most part, are sports cars that are capable of grand touring duty. Maseratis are grand touring cars capable of sports car duty. Subtle differences, but important differences.
Shiftright
> RyanFrew
12/05/2013 at 12:43 |
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Maseratis do not cost Ferrari money. Not even close. Do some basic research. They cannot compete w Ferrari performance because they are owned by the same company. Also, every car magazine that has tested a Quattroporte, Coupe and the new Ghibli raves about them. What the hell are you smoking?
Vin
> RyanFrew
12/05/2013 at 12:44 |
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Maybe this is where I'll get flamed. Maseratis are gorgeous. They are also perfect for the individual who wants to pay Ferrari money without Ferrari performance.
I won't flame you per se, but yeah - this is as silly as the "should've gotten a Corvette" argument. Not everyone wants Ferrari performance; not everyone cares about performance, period. People buy cars solely based on how they look, and that's fine. That said, the GranTurismo's job is in the name: Grand Touring. It does that job quite well, even if there are cars that are better.
I mean, are you also confused when people who can quite easily afford an SL63AMG, elect to buy the SL550 instead ?
shpuker
> RyanFrew
12/05/2013 at 12:45 |
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Eh? The Veloster is not Beautiful by any stretch. It's bad ass, but not beautiful. And it doesn't suck, they're actually not half bad in turbo form.
GhostZ
> RyanFrew
12/05/2013 at 12:49 |
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4G Misubishi Eclipse. 3G possibly too, though it was at least somewhat light.
Thunderbird too.
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RyanFrew
> Vin
12/05/2013 at 12:51 |
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Ironically, I'm confused by every SL except the SLS. Maybe I just fail to understand touring cars.
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Gamecat235
> Party-vi
12/05/2013 at 13:00 |
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Were I able to recommend this more than once, your notification box would explode.
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Vin
> RyanFrew
12/05/2013 at 13:20 |
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tl;dr - I think it's like smoking: it's relaxing, and there's a social aspect to it that gives a little thrill as well.
Smoking is pointless and without any tangible benefit, but damn if smokers aren't the most sociable, engaging people I've met (in their own way). It's fascinating; I'm not the most outgoing person so it's something I've always admired. But for a smoker, more often than not I've seen "Hey can I get a light/bum a cig?" turn into a full-on conversation about...well...anything really.
I've seen the same phenomenon in GT cars. They turn heads; they engage gearheads and non-gearheads alike - maybe not positively, but if you like attention then it's doing its job. Rides in GT cars are relaxing: highway cruising is fun, and if you wanna turn on the drama a bit by passing a semi-truck or SUV, you get rewarded. Otherwise ignorable things like driving tunnels provide a bit of unexpected theater as well - ESPECIALLY in a GranTurismo, lawd Jesus. GT cars are also absent of the typical sports car ticks like rattling parts, amplified wind noise, or feeling like it will explode upon contact with a pothole; plenty of people can tolerate that sort of thing on a daily basis (myself included), but there's a difference between being comfortable with something and something being comfortable - the latter being a GT car's primary focus.
Casper
> RyanFrew
12/05/2013 at 13:48 |
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How can you have a list like this and not include the Fisker Karma? It has to be one of the most stunningly beautiful failures I have seen in a long time.
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MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner
> Takuro Spirit
12/05/2013 at 14:49 |
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you better shut up because vette motor.
*EDIT: and colored door panel fasteners
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MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner
> GhostZ
12/05/2013 at 14:50 |
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For the record I saw a Thunderbird do a burn out recently lol.
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MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner
> PRBot II
12/05/2013 at 14:50 |
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Why does this suck?
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MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner
> Bad Idea Hat
12/05/2013 at 14:51 |
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I think they were cool, my big problem is the badge color didn't match the cars and was a god awful teal.
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PRBot II
> MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner
12/05/2013 at 14:56 |
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Well, I've never driven one. But everyone who has says it weighs as much as a boat, and handles like one too. Of the haters left that haven't driven one, they all point to the fact that it's a rebadged Mitsubishi.
Regardless, the Stealth remains one of my favorite cars ever... it's the car that got me into loving cars before I was old enough to drive.
Plus the last gen Eclipse was already mentioned.
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MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner
> PRBot II
12/05/2013 at 14:58 |
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Haha ok, well I've always been in the belief that it's a slightly smaller Mitsu with the same power and AWD system.
It's also always been a game slayer in Forza. That's my only experience with it lol.
1337HPMustang
> RyanFrew
12/05/2013 at 14:59 |
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Lol I'd have the crossfire and the crz waaay before I'd ever consider a new mini pooper. You done goofed Ryan Frew
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Takuro Spirit
> MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner
12/05/2013 at 15:00 |
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Because retro
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RyanFrew
> 1337HPMustang
12/05/2013 at 15:05 |
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New one? Mine is an '05 if that matters. Also drive a '89 944 and '67 Mustang, so RWD is covered. Mini is better in snow/fuel econ
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PRBot II
> MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner
12/05/2013 at 15:06 |
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Well I'm glad someone questioned my answer, because I really don't think it sucks. I was just catering to the audience. The Stealth to me is like what the Porsche 959 is to Richard Hammond.
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MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner
> Takuro Spirit
12/05/2013 at 15:08 |
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If this article was "Beautiful Cars that DON'T Suck" This would be on the list.
Also, there are 3 in my dad's car club and they get trophy's at almost every show.
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MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner
> PRBot II
12/05/2013 at 15:08 |
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Hahaha, happy to help!
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1337HPMustang
> RyanFrew
12/05/2013 at 15:11 |
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Then I take back what I said. I'd only use one as a beater, albeit an expensive one. Glad you think the same way.
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Takuro Spirit
> MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner
12/05/2013 at 15:13 |
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Really? I thought everyone hated them because they were heavy, slow, and handled like wet poop.
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MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner
> Takuro Spirit
12/05/2013 at 15:33 |
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I don't know anything about driving them but its got a nice v8 and cool old styling.
I'm a fan.
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Takuro Spirit
> MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner
12/05/2013 at 15:35 |
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Me either. Me too.
Oh, and they were pricey as hell when new. And from what I've seen, they hold their value.
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MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner
> Takuro Spirit
12/05/2013 at 15:36 |
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Yeah my dad was looking for one in that ridiculous yellow. He would only buy it if it was that yellow. He couldn't find the right color/mileage options for him so he bought a Silverado instead.
langadamd
> PRBot II
12/05/2013 at 15:41 |
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I loooooved the stealth when I was a young'n.
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PRBot II
> langadamd
12/05/2013 at 15:43 |
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It still remains one of my favorites. That boomerang spoiler, man. Gets me every time.
Dusty Ventures
> CalzoneGolem
12/05/2013 at 16:12 |
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Prowler should be king of this list
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Dusty Ventures
> KB Garage
12/05/2013 at 16:13 |
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It looks so good, especially from that angle, I still kinda want one
Saracen
> RyanFrew
12/05/2013 at 18:18 |
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The only beautiful car on the list is the Maserati.
With-a-G is back to not having anything written after his username
> RyanFrew
12/06/2013 at 11:48 |
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Audi TT? It may not suck, but it looks SOOOOOOO GORGEOUS that it's a shame it's merely a competent Audi and not a Cayman Killer.
All Motor Is Best Motor
> GhostZ
12/06/2013 at 18:10 |
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My sister has a 3G Eclipse. You can literally hear the gas slosh around in the fuel tank.
thegrover
> RyanFrew
12/07/2013 at 00:32 |
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I bought a Honda CRX Manual new in 1984. What a fun car, second only to my current Miata in fun to drive. Both more fun than either of the two Corvettes I have owned.
4thwall
> Takuro Spirit
12/07/2013 at 06:38 |
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What the hell is that??
I_AmDeath
> PatBateman
12/07/2013 at 22:10 |
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I saw a quattroporte this summer and before I saw it I heard this amazing sound that sounded like he was going reallllly quick. And it was just going the same speed as everyone else.
QCGoose
> PatBateman
12/07/2013 at 22:11 |
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Not surprising considering it weighs about 4200 freaking lbs.
It and the modern Challenger are both at least about 600 lbs overweight.
SpeedSix
> zadtheinhaler
12/09/2013 at 23:56 |
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And junkyard.
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zadtheinhaler
> SpeedSix
12/10/2013 at 07:38 |
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Work with me here, I'm trying to be nice!