Crappy Cars & Illogical Decisions

"Burt" (Burt) 01/05/2014 at 11:50 • Filed to: Chevrolet, Impala, Crap

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My car is the antithesis of a Jalopnik reader's car. It is big, it is slow, it is front wheel drive, and it is an automatic. The interior is full of fake wood and hard plastic, and it's not even brown or a diesel. It's the base trim of the model range, and the sporting version, the "good" version, was voted the worst car GM made during the recession era. My daily driver is a 2009 Impala LS, that car you tried to avoid at Hertz, and I like it. I said specifically in my review of my wife's !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! that I don't want to drive around in a refrigerator on wheels, yet I own a car that provides the smallest adrenaline jolt you can get this side of a Prius. This is not a car that I should like, and I'm sure several of you will point that out to me below in the comments, probably in all caps. Regardless of that, it's a car I'm fond of, and it serves as a helpful reminder to me to respect everyone's choice of car, not matter what they drive.

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I hated the Impala when my parents bought it back in 2009, and hated it for a variety of reasons. It was slow, boring, had no rear cupholders (which is a big deal to a kid who spends time back there) the dash was ugly, and to my ignorant eyes, the grill was already rusting! It actually wasn't, I was just an idiot and the chrome was merely dirty, but to me, it was another reason not to buy the car. At the time, I wanted my parents to buy a Mazda 6 sedan, which all of the magazines I read told me it handled much better, and you could get it with a manual. The Impala rocked the 4T60e four speed auto, which on a fun-to-use scale of 1 to 10 is just above being castrated by a blind man with no hands wielding a rusty spoon. Regardless of what I said, my parents were not swayed, and brought the big red couch-on-wheels home.

My opinion changed after I started driving it. Our previous car, a 1997 Chevrolet Malibu, was the only thing I had any real experience driving, and compared to this, the Impala was smoother, quieter, quicker, and had a better sound system. The handling limits were hilariously low, but the combination of traction control and tires that would howl for mercy long before they would let go meant that I never wrapped it around a tree while learning to hustle it. I started getting compliments from friends on the color, and how nice it was, and it became OK in my book. It stayed this way until my sophomore year in college, when my parents let me take it to school, and basically let me have my way with it.

Over the next two and a half years, the car has been de-badged, de-chromed, and had a host of suspension upgrades installed, including springs, sway bars, and strut braces. I traded my parents my steel wheels for their alloys, and got experienced with Plasti Dip. I've done everything in this car, from senior prom to getting married to my first autocross; its road tripped to the beach more than once, and survived a deer collision and ditzy girls in parking lots. Despite the car's flaws, I love it, and I'm honestly glad my parents got it. They were crazy gracious enough to title it over to me, so now the future of the car is in my hands. It needs work, and while I'm far too broke to attend to it now, it will get the attention it deserves eventually. Which is a shame, really, because it needs that six speed pronto.

GhostZ > Burt 01/05/2014 at 11:54

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I still believe being a Jalop is about caring and liking what you drive.

The worst jalop crime is indifference. I'll take an Impala LS over that any day.

Burt > GhostZ 01/05/2014 at 11:56

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Well said sir. Well said.

Jayhawk Jake > Burt 01/05/2014 at 11:57

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The beauty of the Oppositelock community is that while we certainly prefer certain things in cars, we still find enjoyment in any car.

I had a rental impala once, it was the worst driving thing I've ever been in. But in your case it's more than that: it's your car. That makes it special to you, and I can't fault you for that.

jsmizira > Burt 01/05/2014 at 11:59

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And here is the kicker nobody really thinks about. When the chassis is dead or you get another daily driver the fwd engine and trans can become mid engine rwd gold dreams are made of. Start welding.

Burt > Jayhawk Jake 01/05/2014 at 12:02

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Well thank you. The suspension work I've done to it has been a night and day difference. It still doesn't handle well, per say, but It is significantly less turd-like. I have a friend who had a MKVI GTI with a stage 1 tune, and during his second (third?) autocross, and my first, I edged him out.

Burt > jsmizira 01/05/2014 at 12:03

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I really really want to do a rear wheel drive conversion. It's been done on the W-body platform before, but I have neither the time, skill or resources do do it any time soon.

Storkington > Burt 01/05/2014 at 12:04

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I feel you man. I drive an Avenger, one of the worst cars in the eyes of jalops.

Burt > Storkington 01/05/2014 at 12:06

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We should find someone with a Camry, and someone with a Smart, and have an anti-car show.

TwinCharged - Is Now UK Opponaut > Storkington 01/05/2014 at 12:18

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Funny thing is, I've always liked the way the Avenger looked.

The Opponaut formerly known as MattP123 > Burt 01/05/2014 at 12:18

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It's all what you make of it. For many a year my DD was a 92 Grand Marquis. To most people, its an old fart car. To some people, it at least has a V8 and RWD. There's a fair number of folks here, including myself, who see the many other virtues the Panthers offer. Cause like I said, it's what you make of it.

Nighthawkwill7, Hoon Depot Manager > Burt 01/05/2014 at 12:18

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I actually drive a '97 Malibu LS and I agree with you wholeheartedly.

Your car is your car and you become attached to it regardless if how enthusiast worthy it is or not.

Todzzgod > Burt 01/05/2014 at 12:19

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My friend had an impala just slightly older and it ate brake pads like a fat guy on cake. Did they fix that or do you have the same problem?

heliochrome85 > GhostZ 01/05/2014 at 12:19

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COMMENT OF THE YEAR

bobrayner > Burt 01/05/2014 at 12:20

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You're not breaking any Jalopnik rules. Irrational decisions about cars are the very heart of Jalopnik.

Turd-Polisher > Burt 01/05/2014 at 12:21

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My car is the antithesis of a Jalopnik reader's car.

I suspect more than a fair share of people commenting on here don't have "cool" cars, "fast" cars, or otherwise drool-worthy cars.

Jalop is about driving what you brought... driving it well... and having a good time doing so.

Dslay04 > Burt 01/05/2014 at 12:26

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I have the same story. I had an 06 impala LT throughout college and my first job. I met my wife when I had that car and I still have some fondness for it. I got rid of mine when it started needing more and more work.

King Ginger, not writing for Business Insider > Burt 01/05/2014 at 12:27

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The most Jalop car you can have is the one you own.

The most un-Jalop thing a person can do is to hate on what another person drives if the other person really loves it.

It is as simple as that.

Burt > The Opponaut formerly known as MattP123 01/05/2014 at 12:29

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Exactly! My grandfather had an '84 Grand Marquis for a short time actually, and I miss it.

Storkington > TwinCharged - Is Now UK Opponaut 01/05/2014 at 12:30

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I actually have the blacktop edition which really looks good.

Burt > Nighthawkwill7, Hoon Depot Manager 01/05/2014 at 12:31

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I quite liked the '97 when we had it. Does yours have the 3100? I thought all '97s had it, but I'm not sure.

TheMoosiah > Burt 01/05/2014 at 12:32

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Wonderful write up. Makes me look back oh so fondly on my '93 Ford Escort. Long live beaten beaters!

TheMoosiah > Burt 01/05/2014 at 12:32

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Wonderful write up. Makes me look back oh so fondly on my '93 Ford Escort. Long live beaten beaters!

Burt > Todzzgod 01/05/2014 at 12:32

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Mine hasn't been too bad about it (although it does need new pads at the moment) but the best way to fix it is to install the police heat shields. They let more air in, and GM recommends doing it.

Jayhawk Jake > Burt 01/05/2014 at 12:33

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T wasn't the handling I hated, it was everything. The steering feel, the seating position, the interior, the radio...it was just a terrible car. Of course it was rental fleet spec, so it was probably the worst of the worst impala

F1guy hates duck billed F1 cars > Burt 01/05/2014 at 12:33

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First off, I myself like what you have. I think that the looks are nice, but the red is meh.

But the point is, YOU love it. You've made it your own, and that is awesome. You've modded her, auto crossed her, and fell in love.

Personally, my gf thinks I'm more in love with my GTO than her, but that's another take for another day.

Bravo man, that's the sickest non-RWD Impala ever. I, and every other Jalop here, tip our hats to you.

Burt > bobrayner 01/05/2014 at 12:34

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That is true, isn't it?

Fuel_of_Satan > Burt 01/05/2014 at 12:35

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I used to have a Camry (1986 "V10" liftback body). After it had been stolen for the 3rd time in 6 months the cops finally told me that these were very popular among the joyriders because all you need to get in and start it is a butter knife.

Rectified since then though by, possibly influenced by Jalopnik, buying a manual diesel wagon, though its in red rather than brown.

Professor-Lavahot > Burt 01/05/2014 at 12:35

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This is my car. There are many others like it, but this one is mine. My car is my best friend. It is my life. I must master it as I must master my life. Without me, my car is useless. Without my car, I am useless. I must drive my car perfectly. I must drive better than my enemy, who is trying to kill me. I must get to the exit before he does. I will. Before God I swear this creed: my car and myself are defenders of my country, we are the masters of our enemy, we are the saviors of my life. So be it, until there is no enemy, but peace. Amen.

/drives a soulless gray Civic with soul

BlazinAce - Doctor of Internal Combustion > Burt 01/05/2014 at 12:35

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I always thought the argument over jalop and unjalop cars was kind of bull, to be honest. The Jalopness of a car always seemed to depend more on the owner than the car itself, at least to me, and I see nothing wrong in enjoying a car, even if it's nothing but a honest to goodness workhorse.

Plus, you know what they say, it's more fun to drive a slow car fast, than a fast car slow, and they're right, you know. My family's "fleet" usually includes a smaller, economy type hatchback, right now a brown Chevrolet Onix, and, while it's nowhere near fast and light, it's still fun to drive because I can go flatout in it and still be under the speed limit. I can drive it as flashy as I want, with tires squealing, engine screaming, minor slides on every corner, and not risk dying a fiery death.

JDiesel > Burt 01/05/2014 at 12:35

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What's so bad about a Camry? Yes, the pre-2013's were extremely beige, but the ones are actually pretty nice and they last forever.

Charlie B. Sharenative > GhostZ 01/05/2014 at 12:35

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Agreed, but still would not do the Impala...

DollaMoneyAve > GhostZ 01/05/2014 at 12:36

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#COTD

Burt > Turd-Polisher 01/05/2014 at 12:36

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I agree. Wait, you mean everyone on here isn't driving an E30 M3 or a 911? ;)

Burt > Dslay04 01/05/2014 at 12:37

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That's understandable. Mine's still fairly low mileage, so it'll probably stick around for a while.

Burt > TheMoosiah 01/05/2014 at 12:39

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Beaters are the most fun. They're the fastest too...

The Biebster's got a P71 (Formerly not Justin Bieber) > Burt 01/05/2014 at 12:40

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I've always thought these had a nice, understated look. I wouldn't buy one, but I certainly wouldn't be opposed to getting one for free.

Burt > Jayhawk Jake 01/05/2014 at 12:41

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What steering feel? Who needs steering feel? I've considered trying to do something about that, and the seats, and the interior, but there are no fixes currently in my budget. Also, don't be fooled, non-rentals aren't any better.

roadsterrunner > Burt 01/05/2014 at 12:41

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My first car was a 3rd gen eclipse, widely hated by the jalop community, I loved it though. 205hp was plenty to get into trouble with, and the massive understeer taught me to trail brake. The bose sound system was good, and the front seats were ridiculously comfortable. It was a good car and as far as I know it's still going strong somewhere in San Francisco.

BlazinAce - Doctor of Internal Combustion > Storkington 01/05/2014 at 12:42

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I ran out of arguments against the Avenger when I met a friend of a colleague who's currently studying in Springfield, MO. The dude has a black Avenger as his Daily Driver and, I shit you not, two 67 GTOs (among other cool cars) in his garage, on of them still being restored.

If I remember correctly, I actually made a post about it a while ago, because he's not the only guy with a 67 GTO among my friend's classmates.

SteveySpills > Burt 01/05/2014 at 12:42

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My Mini has a CVT, can I come too?

JDiesel > Turd-Polisher 01/05/2014 at 12:42

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I never really though about that but you're probably right. I personally drive two nice, fast cars(not trying to sound like an asshole) but some of the coolest car people I know drive boring, slow cars.

The-Ever-Socially-Apathetic TBAL > Burt 01/05/2014 at 12:42

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You learn to love what you love. The first car I ever truly gave the beans to was a 1988 Sunbird LE. It too, wasn't anything special.

But it helped me learn a lot about driving dynamics, and how to push a car to the limits. Just because it's slow, doesn't mean you can't have fun with it.

You can make any car your "own" with a few modifications and enough time spent together.

Burt > F1guy hates duck billed F1 cars 01/05/2014 at 12:43

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Thank you sir! There was a nicer gray one at the dealership when we got this one, but as my dad knew, chicks do dig the red. What year GTO do you have?

Struts MacPherson > Storkington 01/05/2014 at 12:44

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One step away from a Sebring. I'm truly sorry for you.

Burt > SteveySpills 01/05/2014 at 12:44

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Yes. It's not an S, is it?

TheMoosiah > Burt 01/05/2014 at 12:44

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Only to be outdone by newer rentals with the coverage. ALWAYS get the coverage.

The Opponaut formerly known as MattP123 > Burt 01/05/2014 at 12:45

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Todzzgod > Burt 01/05/2014 at 12:45

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Cool. Thanks. He still has the car but doesnt drive it and said he would let it go cheap to me if I ever needed a car and I do now.

Burt > Fuel_of_Satan 01/05/2014 at 12:49

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3 times in 6 months? That's ridiculous.

CaseyUmadLanken > GhostZ 01/05/2014 at 12:50

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Unless you drive one of the vehicle jalopnik hates, IE Aztek in which case being a jalop is about being a huge biased asshole.

strokeofgenius > Burt 01/05/2014 at 12:50

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I get it. I Loved a GM N-Body grand am with the 3.0L V6. It was not fast nor did it handle well. What it did do is run forever and it was cheap. I bought it for 300 and spent 200 getting it running. It ran for 100,000 miles and I did some basic upgrades to the suspension and wheels. I put it into a demolition derby since rust finally consumed it at 300,000 miles. It ended up winning the demolition derby because the larger cars just knocked it around with little real impact(except that 225 electra that twisted the front left strut tower). At the end of the derby, the car was driven to the junk yard. That car refused to be murdered. Long live the beater cars!!

Nighthawkwill7, Hoon Depot Manager > Burt 01/05/2014 at 12:51

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Yeah, it's the 3100.

I think the non LS cars might be 4-cylinders but I'm not sure.

Thumos > Burt 01/05/2014 at 12:52

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Better to hoon an Impala than parade a Ferrari

Burt > Professor-Lavahot 01/05/2014 at 12:52

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Woah. Did you come up with that?

Mike Kopstain > Burt 01/05/2014 at 12:58

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There NOTHING wrong with that car. The first car I was enthusiastic about was a 1995 Ford Taurus GL and I loved it.

You can take that on good authority too... I own W Body Store and I imagine some of those parts probably came from us... Or ZZP. I'll forgive you if it's the latter. :-)

F1guy hates duck billed F1 cars > Burt 01/05/2014 at 12:58

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Chicks do like red... Makes you stand out.

I bought a 2004 GTO with the 6-Speed manual. She's my first "bought" car. I'm 23, and I've always had hand-me-downs. I love her. Quick, loud, and SO unassuming.

dieabe > Burt 01/05/2014 at 12:59

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Haha it's from "full metal jacket" a must-see film

KurtBroz > Burt 01/05/2014 at 13:02

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Nobody makes a bold, red color like GM. I love the GM red... I have the same color on my Camaro.

JimSlade > Burt 01/05/2014 at 13:02

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I once drove an impala SS 2009 300miles around a nascar track. That thing was great!

Good for you for liking what you own and drive!

dogisbadob > Burt 01/05/2014 at 13:03

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Does it have the front bench seat? Because that would be awesome! Too bad the Impala and Avalon don't offer it anymore :(

Fun fact: the bench seat was even available on the Impala SS with the V8!

GeeEcksPee > Burt 01/05/2014 at 13:05

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Autocrossing bland/crappy/non-sporting automobiles has always given me the fizz. As the old Jalop proverb goes, it will forever be more fun to drive a slow car fast than it will be to drive a fast car slow.

RandoorRandolfs > Burt 01/05/2014 at 13:06

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Full Metal Jacket prayer, nicely adapted for one's car instead of one's rifle. A+

GeeEcksPee > The Opponaut formerly known as MattP123 01/05/2014 at 13:09

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Tune that bitch up and you can humiliate Preludes and the occasional Lancer at the dragway!

But importantly, as you said, it's all about what you make of your favorite car. It can be worse than anything on the road as far as numbers/performance figures go, but if it's got soul, then nothing else matters.

Burt > BlazinAce - Doctor of Internal Combustion 01/05/2014 at 13:10

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I agree with you, and until I read your post, I'd never heard of an Onix before. Is if fwd? Also, your interior is so much nicer than mine...

AJ_Lethal > King Ginger, not writing for Business Insider 01/05/2014 at 13:10

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this guy speaks the motherfucking truth

Burt > JDiesel 01/05/2014 at 13:11

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It's another steroetypical "un-Jalop" car. I have a buddy with a Corolla S, and it's nice enough as well.

The Opponaut formerly known as MattP123 > GeeEcksPee 01/05/2014 at 13:12

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Exactly. Don't hate a car for what it can't do. Love it for what it does great.

Charles Moseley > Burt 01/05/2014 at 13:12

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Your only crime here is driving a car that bores everyone else around you. It is good that you like it, though :)

PardonMyFlemish16 > CaseyUmadLanken 01/05/2014 at 13:12

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Or even worse... A COROLLA *DRAMATIC MUSIC*

Burt > The Biebster's got a P71 (Formerly not Justin Bieber) 01/05/2014 at 13:12

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Thanks, I think there are a couple of angles that work well for the car.

TheB1ackAdderr > Burt 01/05/2014 at 13:12

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My car is basically the same as yours but older, a 2000 Bonneville. It's my first car and at first I was disappointed because it seemed boring but it's what my parents could afford. I too have grown to like it, not love it though. There's a lot broken on it but there are some redeeming qualities. For example, even though part of the suspension is broken, it still handles better than my mom's minivan that doesn't have a broken suspension. The stereo is also good considering it's stock and 12-13 years old plus the 3.8 V6 sounds better than my mom's 3.3 V6. Actually, the 3.8 sounds good compared to many other cars I've driven. I also love the color of it. I rarely see another car in dark green.

After detailing it for an hour.

Burt > roadsterrunner 01/05/2014 at 13:13

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That's awesome! What did you replace it with?

Burt > The-Ever-Socially-Apathetic TBAL 01/05/2014 at 13:14

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It is more fun to drive a slow car fast than a fast car slow, right?

Burt > TheMoosiah 01/05/2014 at 13:15

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Preach it. I've actually got renter's insurance through my insurance, it somehow made my policy cheaper.

TheSergeMeister > Storkington 01/05/2014 at 13:15

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New avengers in all black and rt or srt trim (not sure if there is an srt) actually look kinda cool

ZeGerman > Burt 01/05/2014 at 13:15

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Respect. You don't have to own a special or flashy car to be a car enthusiast.

Burt > The Opponaut formerly known as MattP123 01/05/2014 at 13:16

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I just wept a single tear of joy. Bravo.

Sinanigans > Burt 01/05/2014 at 13:17

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Reminds me of my first car (actually it wasn't really my car), a manure brown 85 Camry with an auto. My God I still love that car. Being an Oppo or a Jalop has nothing to do with having a nice car and everything to do with being a gearhead. I salute you :)

Burt > Todzzgod 01/05/2014 at 13:17

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No problem, but if it's high mileage, be wary of the transmission. If it's slipping and rough, it's on the way out.

Burt > strokeofgenius 01/05/2014 at 13:19

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Wow, that's impressive. At least GM's crap is durable crap.

Burt > Nighthawkwill7, Hoon Depot Manager 01/05/2014 at 13:20

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It's a solid little motor. Swapping in a 3400 and a Getrag 284 5-speed would make is a ball.

BlazinAce - Doctor of Internal Combustion > Burt 01/05/2014 at 13:20

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Yup, FWD, with a somewhat anemic 1.4 liter engine and a 6 speed auto, which makes for an odd combo to say the least. But it also keeps the car throaty when you punch the gas, even if you're not moving too much, haha...

My parents nicknamed theirs Baby Rex because of the throaty exhaust.

Burt > Thumos 01/05/2014 at 13:22

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Amen.

HansKlues > Burt 01/05/2014 at 13:22

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If you can't be with the one you love, then love the one you're with.

Nighthawkwill7, Hoon Depot Manager > Burt 01/05/2014 at 13:23

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I'll add those mods to my Christmas list for next year! Sounds like a proper hoon weapon.

Burt > Mike Kopstain 01/05/2014 at 13:26

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You own the W-Body Store? What the what? No parts have come from there yet, I've bought a couple of things from ZZP, and everything else has been from a company that doesn't just cater to Impala, like Dorman and Addco. I've even got BMW parts on it. If you guys ever want to do any cam/valvetrain work on the 3500/3900 motors, I'd love a mild cam, but no one works with this engine. Also, I've been talking to Milzy about the 6 speed swap.

The Vibe Guy, Apparently > Burt 01/05/2014 at 13:27

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I like your Impala. After driving a few at my valet job, they aren't as terrible as they were made out to be, and I really liked them. I prefer them over some of the other cars I drove (most of which were CUVs and SUVs). As someone who owns a car that has been called out on Oppo and the front page for being boring, I think I'd just like to say... I unashamedly own a Pontiac Vibe 4-speed automatic, and I love it more than anything. I just bought it a set of coilovers! And, funnily enough, I too want to convert to the six-speed (manual in my case).

Some Jalops hate on boring cars, but it's really the idea of them I personally am not a fan of. I really like Toyota as a company. They make good, honest cars that are easy to work on. Heck, three of the cars in our immediate family have the same 1.8L 4-cyl and 4-spd auto (the other two are Chevy small blocks). They are just... vanilla. Bare bones. They make the consumer bread-and-butter for the people who are too lazy to care about what they own. They have the vanilla triple-scoop waffle cone, they just need sprinkles. And with the GT-86, Lexus LFA, and F-sport series, they are gradually getting some.

Anyway, thank you for sharing your 'boring' Impala with us. And never stop modding.

Burt > F1guy hates duck billed F1 cars 01/05/2014 at 13:29

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Color me jealous. There's a blacked out GTO around here running a cam and exhaust, and it sounds and looks THE business.

Burt > dieabe 01/05/2014 at 13:29

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I should. It's a film I keep hearing I should see, but I haven't gotten around to it.

Burt > KurtBroz 01/05/2014 at 13:30

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I like it too, particularly when it's clean, but it's proved to be fragile paint on my car. How has your held up?

BlazinAce - Doctor of Internal Combustion > dogisbadob 01/05/2014 at 13:30

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Amen, Bench seats are awesome for allowing... certain things that you can do with females, that individual seats turn into a bit of a hassle.

Burt > JimSlade 01/05/2014 at 13:31

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Thanks! How in the world did you get that opportunity?

BlazinAce - Doctor of Internal Combustion > Burt 01/05/2014 at 13:32

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It's the Rifleman's creed, slightly adapted to replaced the word rifle with car. I had it written down with a few other words swapped as well, not exactly an original idea, but still cool. :p

Burt > BlazinAce - Doctor of Internal Combustion 01/05/2014 at 13:32

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It doesn't, unfortunately. The center console compartment is handy though.

Burt > GeeEcksPee 01/05/2014 at 13:34

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It is a lot of fun. There's a guy in my region with a bone stock Saturn Aura who is seriously quick. The guy's got skills.

Ad_absurdum_per_aspera > Burt 01/05/2014 at 13:36

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Engine starts? Wheels go 'round? Brakes eventually bring it to a halt? Windows keep the cold rain and snow on the outside? Lots of people have paid more to get less...

I actually liked the Impalas we had in the motor pool (postdating some subgenerational engine improvement that brought an increment of smoothness at idle and power at highway speeds). They were kinda like the Impalas of old, but in a good way: comfy in a family-car sort of way, adequately powerful, versatile, dependable, and not that bad on gas. I even thought they were nice looking. (Best of all, they replaced Dodge Stratuses that made me fantasize about putting a big rock on the roof, sticking a road flare down the gas hole, and telling my boss it'd been hit by a meteor.)

Of course, "roomy" is relative. The only time I ever rented one was when we went up for my older son's wedding. I ended up doing an unanticipated amount of taxi service for various parts of the combined family, and... well, the rated capacity of five passengers is pretty much a legal fiction; I bitterly regretted having passed up the rental-desk clerk's offer to upgrade to a Town Car for an extra $10 a day. But four adults can be genuinely pretty happy in there.

I daily a 2001 Forester whose odometer will turn over for the second time any day now. Like its recent predecessors in my driveway, the inherited '91 Corolla and the secondhand-beater '89 and '86 Camrys (thankfully with five-speed stick), it isn't a dream car and doesn't really maximize any parameter, but it performs valuable functions for not a whole lot of purchase or operating expense, and does that with both reliability and longevity, which has a beauty all its own. I try to drive it well and appreciate it for what it is; and here's one of the things on which I agree with my dogs — going in the car is almost always better, regardless of the car!

Burt > Sinanigans 01/05/2014 at 13:38

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Thank you sir, I reciprocate your salute.

Burt > BlazinAce - Doctor of Internal Combustion 01/05/2014 at 13:40

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That is a handsome little car, is the 1.4 the same one in the Cruze/Sonic?

Burt > TheB1ackAdderr 01/05/2014 at 13:42

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That is a very handsome green. You should fix the suspension, and add powaaa!

JamesBob-TX > Burt 01/05/2014 at 13:42

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Beyond many of the issues people find with GM W-Body cars they are some of the most versatile, durable and cheaply main-table cars on the road. I own a carlot and as such can drive pretty much anything we have in stock at that time or one of my own vehicles but when we have a nice W-Body in stock I always find myself gravitating towards it. It is hard not to love a car that does everything you ask of it every-time and never asks for anything in return, they are the "good mutt" of the car world, unappreciated by most but revered by their owners.