Oppo, be honest..

"K-Roll-PorscheTamer" (k-roll390) 07/14/2014 at 02:28 • Filed to: winter

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Could a 280zx be reliably used as a winter car in Michigan?

Because I found this one that looks easily fixable for $1000.

!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!

I think it'd be fun.

Denver Is Stuck In The 90s > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 07/14/2014 at 02:30

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Can It: Probably

Should You: NO

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > Denver Is Stuck In The 90s 07/14/2014 at 02:31

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Would a Mustang fair better in your opinion?

HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 07/14/2014 at 02:31

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yes. or you could restore it. I mean look at those wheels.

cabarne4 > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 07/14/2014 at 02:32

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I daily drove a '75 Beetle in Kentucky in the winter. Unless you're in UP or get lake effect, our winters were pretty similar. Old RWD is fun in the snow, you just have to not be stupid. Leave lots of room, don't go too fast or try to slow down or turn too quick... Oh, and you're going to spin out at LEAST once every winter.

I survived without any crashes.

Denver Is Stuck In The 90s > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 07/14/2014 at 02:35

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Probably, I would just be worried about finding parts for the Z in the winter plus there were more fox bodies made than 280Zs so You wouldnt feel as bad turning a classic into a winter beater if it were a mustang

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 07/14/2014 at 02:36

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Just my .02

You dont need a Mustang or Datsun in winter. The mustang will be a bitch to drive and the Datsun will turn to rust after 1 winter.

Get a crappy fwd car or AWD truck/SUV. A 4x4 Chevy blazer would be perfect. Or a Neon or something that isnt old and rusts easy or powerful and RWD.

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > cabarne4 07/14/2014 at 02:36

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I live close to Detroit, does that help? I reckon snow tires and wheels would be all I need and common sense.

Denver Is Stuck In The 90s > cabarne4 07/14/2014 at 02:37

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THIS is a Good Idea

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles 07/14/2014 at 02:37

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I could do both, and swap out the wheels for a winter setup.

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > Logansteno: Bought a VW? 07/14/2014 at 02:38

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Especially if his plans are to have a 944. One practical, cheap to insure Blazer is a great idea.

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > Logansteno: Bought a VW? 07/14/2014 at 02:39

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Well you see that's the problem. I don't want another fwd car right now, I can't nor will I ever drive a truck and I hate Neons and have had bad driving experiences with a couple; Plymouth and Dodge. And an SUV with a manual? I'm never going back to auto.

Denver Is Stuck In The 90s > Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies 07/14/2014 at 02:39

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Or he could get a pickup, that way he has a tow vehicle year round

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies 07/14/2014 at 02:40

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Shit, a Blazer on snow tires should get through Damn near everything. And be dead reliable while doing it.

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > Denver Is Stuck In The 90s 07/14/2014 at 02:40

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Yeah I was thinking Fox for the longest time but I guess I don't know what I want for a winter car. I do know what I don't want though.

GhostZ > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 07/14/2014 at 02:41

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Throw some 50lb salt bags in the back and you'd be fine. Rear end is a bit loosely suspended, but is still better than a Mustang. Even better if you swap in an LSD.

Source: Driven both a Mustang and a 280ZX in the snow.

The rust is the only thing you need to worry about, which is necessitating cleaning, repairs, and repainting.

Denver Is Stuck In The 90s > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 07/14/2014 at 02:42

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I said in another comment you should get an old manual pickup like a C10 or F250, that way you would have a winter beater and a year round tow vehicle all in one

PS9 > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 07/14/2014 at 02:42

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What's wrong with the FoST?

AM3R > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 07/14/2014 at 02:42

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Why not just drive the ST in the winter?

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > Denver Is Stuck In The 90s 07/14/2014 at 02:43

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Or get an early Trailblazer, it can tow 6500 lbs. with 4WD.

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > Denver Is Stuck In The 90s 07/14/2014 at 02:44

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But I can't drive a truck.

Denver Is Stuck In The 90s > Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies 07/14/2014 at 02:44

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not a bad idea and the early ones were smaller so it would be sorta nimble

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > PS9 07/14/2014 at 02:44

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Might be selling it.

Denver Is Stuck In The 90s > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 07/14/2014 at 02:44

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Why not?

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > AM3R 07/14/2014 at 02:44

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Because I might sell it by the end of the year

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 07/14/2014 at 02:44

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Blazers were sold with manuals I'm pretty sure.

Its a winter beater, it doesn't have to put a smile on your face when you drive it. That's what the 944 is for. It's to get you from A to B in a foot of snow.

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > Logansteno: Bought a VW? 07/14/2014 at 02:45

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Shit, my 4Runner on snow rated mud tires would go places in the snow that cars on snow tires couldn't go. Note: Snow was not encountered in Alabama, it was a winter in Pennsylvania.

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > Denver Is Stuck In The 90s 07/14/2014 at 02:45

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I despise them, next to mini-vans. Too big for me and too damn high. I hate sitting up high in vehicles period.

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > Denver Is Stuck In The 90s 07/14/2014 at 02:46

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Well I meant '02 and up with the 4.2 Atlas. They weren't too big by any means. Plus, dat straight six.

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > Logansteno: Bought a VW? 07/14/2014 at 02:46

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Yeah, but I don't need to regret buying it and suffering while driving it either..The only truck I've ever driven was an S10 manual. I hated that.

PS9 > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 07/14/2014 at 02:47

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Gonna trade your new car for a super-old one? What's going on here?

Denver Is Stuck In The 90s > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 07/14/2014 at 02:47

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I dont believe in stereotypes:

http://detroit.craigslist.org/mcb/cto/453893…

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > PS9 07/14/2014 at 02:48

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It's complicated. http://oppositelock.jalopnik.com/okay-oppo-here…

Denver Is Stuck In The 90s > Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies 07/14/2014 at 02:48

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The ones that were basically a jimmy or the ones that were basically an envoy?

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > Denver Is Stuck In The 90s 07/14/2014 at 02:49

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Can't do it. I drove a '96 with a stick and hated it. But yeah, I reckon the S10 would be the only exception to the tall-truck stereotype.

samssun > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 07/14/2014 at 02:50

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Impreza, Legacy, B5 S4, R32. All available with awd, stick, and oldness.

GhostZ > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 07/14/2014 at 02:50

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Also, looking at the pictures of the car itself, the floor boards are probably shot. Ask for pictures of the floor boards, the battery tray (DEFINITELY GET PICTURES OF THE BATTERY TRAY) inside the rear wheel well, and around the rear hatch. If those places are rusted, there's a good chance the underbody and frame will bite the dust soon too. However, if the rust is restricted just to the paint and outer body, that's not so bad.

At the very least, this is step-1 toward building your own Z. The engine and drivetrain are very desirable for swapping into a 240z.

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > samssun 07/14/2014 at 02:51

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Can't find one in my budget.

PS9 > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 07/14/2014 at 02:51

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...you live in a neighborhood where everybody's garage is packed with a zillion cars and the smallest house is one extension away from being a supermarket???

Denver Is Stuck In The 90s > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 07/14/2014 at 02:51

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Or a ranger, Ive been pondering getting a ranger and a bed cover, and lowering it to sedan height, maybe installing a panther front end, and a coyote, but thats a fantasy

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > PS9 07/14/2014 at 02:52

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No?? That's definitely not it.

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 07/14/2014 at 02:52

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I'm just saying you're gonna hate driving RWD in the snow. Trust me, I far more enjoy driving the 4x4 Silverado or FWD Vue than I do my RWD Safari. It's plain scary a lot.

I'd get some FWD car. Seriously. Since trucks aren't your forte.

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > Denver Is Stuck In The 90s 07/14/2014 at 02:52

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K-Roll-PorscheTamer > Denver Is Stuck In The 90s 07/14/2014 at 02:53

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Isn't there anything that's not a truck or a van or an SUV that I could feasibly use?

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > Logansteno: Bought a VW? 07/14/2014 at 02:54

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But there are no more FWD cars that interest me. -_-

Other than the two I have had currently, there's nothing that comes to mind.

AM3R > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 07/14/2014 at 02:56

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Woah I didn't see that coming.

My suggestion: pick up an old BMW. RWD, easy to find manuals, pretty good winter cars.

Denver Is Stuck In The 90s > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 07/14/2014 at 02:56

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Yes, but I was thinking more tow vehicle for the 944 + winter beater. If you could pull it off It would be the ultimate vehicle

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > AM3R 07/14/2014 at 02:57

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Now this is something I could do! What should I look for there? I don't know Bimmers.

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > Denver Is Stuck In The 90s 07/14/2014 at 02:58

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Is there an AWD car I could use?

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 07/14/2014 at 02:58

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There has to be ONE goddamn FWD that will be fine to live with in winter! You're just too set on a RWD car to think about it.

Denver Is Stuck In The 90s > Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies 07/14/2014 at 02:59

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So, Envoy I was thinking more this:

Couldnt find a good 2door trailblazer photo of this vintage (I know they exist) So, heres a blazer zr2

PS9 > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 07/14/2014 at 02:59

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There was a bit of hyperbole there, but this is what I was talking about. 4 cars to each giant house minimum.

This picture makes me think I'm doing something wrong with my life. I'm grinding away at two jobs and still can't get ONE car...

Denver Is Stuck In The 90s > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 07/14/2014 at 03:00

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Maybe an outback, it might have the towing capacity. I'll have to do some research to make sure

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > Denver Is Stuck In The 90s 07/14/2014 at 03:02

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Those are good, but they don't pull quite as much as a TB. Also, the Trailblazer is pretty freakin quick, so it can be fun. It doesn't take long to get past 120... trust me.

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > Logansteno: Bought a VW? 07/14/2014 at 03:02

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I'm not getting another Focus. I don't want a Fiesta or an Escort. I'm never driving or riding in another Cavalier again. I will never drive a damn Neon or any Dodge for that matter. I refuse to drive any Toyota, Hyundai or Honda too. What's left?

Denver Is Stuck In The 90s > Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies 07/14/2014 at 03:03

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I know their fast Ive been in one piloted by a maniac. I dont recommend getting it up to 100 in downtown denver, its not fun

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > PS9 07/14/2014 at 03:03

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Usually it's just the FoST, Windstar and Magnum in the driveway. the 911 stays in the garage but I took that picture the day my dad and I took it out for a drive.

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 07/14/2014 at 03:04

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S10's are dogs, that isn't really a good starting point in the truck world.

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > Denver Is Stuck In The 90s 07/14/2014 at 03:04

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I like Imprezas, but I hear there are head gasket problems?

AM3R > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 07/14/2014 at 03:04

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what's your budget? What kind of car would you like? List me any must haves and I'll try to "match" you to the perfect bimmer!

They are very good cars to drive in the winter. The heated seats in mine almost eliminate the need for heat, and I'm not even exaggerating.

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies 07/14/2014 at 03:05

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I guess? Even so, I'm not built to drive one.

Denver Is Stuck In The 90s > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 07/14/2014 at 03:05

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Ya, those types of issues are common, But do you really want an impreza to corrode in the winter?

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 07/14/2014 at 03:06

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Late 90s, early 2000s Nissan Maxima. 3.0l V6, FWD, manual, not too terrible to drive IIRC.

Damn you're picky.

heliochrome85 > Logansteno: Bought a VW? 07/14/2014 at 03:07

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he's got a death wish. I lived most of my life in northern indiana and michigan, and this thread is proof positive that OP is trying to kill himself. Michigan winters are NO JOKE. a rat trap 70s datsun, RWD, and manual is about as far away from safe as one could get.

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > AM3R 07/14/2014 at 03:07

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$2-3k, must have manual trans, I'd like a two door, but if I have to get a four door than fine(would rather not though), I like compacts or just small cars in general. I don't like black or white cars. I don't want a hatch or a wagon right now for the time being. I definitely do not want a 4-cylinder either; it's time to move up to a 6.

That's really it.

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > Denver Is Stuck In The 90s 07/14/2014 at 03:08

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I don't know? My friend daily drives an '05 WRX. I don't know jack about Subarus. -_-

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 07/14/2014 at 03:08

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If your worried about fun, remember, anything can be fun in the snow. If you are going to invest in a second vehicle, it realistically needs to be practical. I've had plenty of fun drifting turns in the snow with this:

Plus, when you inevitably over cook your turn and end up in a ditch, you can just drive out. I'm not saying you need a lifted SUV, but there are plenty of cheap, manual 4WD SUV's out there.

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > Logansteno: Bought a VW? 07/14/2014 at 03:10

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I didn't think I was being picky. I have set criteria and restrictions for what I'd like; now that I have full decision in what I can get, I'm taking out and excluding to find the right one; that's not to say the FoST was bad.

Denver Is Stuck In The 90s > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 07/14/2014 at 03:10

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I'm the type of person that If my only car was even remotely cooler than a prius, when the weather is bad I'd garage it and take the bus. Im a compulsive automotive preserver

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > Denver Is Stuck In The 90s 07/14/2014 at 03:11

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That's why I didn't use to live in Suburbia. I miss the country.

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies 07/14/2014 at 03:11

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Like.....I haven't a clue. I don't do SUVs, so I haven't a clue in that department.

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > Denver Is Stuck In The 90s 07/14/2014 at 03:13

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I see. I generally see it unsafe to take a bus where I am, so that's not happening. It's either drive or walk, and walking would be impossible.

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 07/14/2014 at 03:15

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Usually reliable, as long as you get midsize or below you'll get about the same MPG as an old Mustang, RWD when you want it to be, cheap to insure, easy to work on, if you do it yourself it's cheap to work on, you need to haul a 944 for some reason you can, you can haul friends or lay your seat down and tell them it's broken, you can do other things with the back seat folded down... Shall I continue?

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 07/14/2014 at 03:15

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It's up to you, but it sounds like you have a damn death wish with your criteria.

Rwd

Manual

Coupe IIRC

So, a sports car. A sports car in Michigan winter. It's just not what you need in a beater.

Denver Is Stuck In The 90s > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 07/14/2014 at 03:16

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The public transit system is actually really good in denver, comparable to san francisco. So the bus is doable for me. Why is it so unsafe in your area?

AM3R > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 07/14/2014 at 03:16

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this is almost too easy, get an E36!

reliable inline 6, old enough to be found in your price range but modern enough to still be in good, DD worthy condition. They still have stuff like heated seats to make early winter mornings tolerable. Huge aftermarket if you want to upgrade it. Handling is superb. Throw on some winter tires and you'll be fine in the winter.

Not hard to work on, so don't be scared of picking one up that needs a little bit of work. I can also promise you that if you decide to sell it after one winter you'll likely be able to sell it for exactly what you paid, maybe even more!

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies 07/14/2014 at 03:19

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Seeing as I'm not sleeping, do go on.

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 07/14/2014 at 03:20

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Just find an old Cherokee, Blazer, 4Runner, or Pathfinder and at least test drive it.

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > Denver Is Stuck In The 90s 07/14/2014 at 03:20

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I just don't trust it; and it has nothing to do with being close to Detroit at all. Well, maybe a little.

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > Logansteno: Bought a VW? 07/14/2014 at 03:20

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Could I have Manual and Coupe at least?

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > AM3R 07/14/2014 at 03:21

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Now there's all those engine options and what not. Which would I need with I6?

PushToStart > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 07/14/2014 at 03:21

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dude, your winter beater is just that- a beater. It's not something that you're getting to enjoy driving or working on, it's a car that works well, that you don't mind getting damaged and is reasonably safe. If you don't believe me, ask around. Pretty sure majority of the people here on Oppo that have winter beaters didn't buy them for fun. I'm not saying to go buy anything that might work, there should be a level of likeability to a certain extent, but you gotta be realistic, man. You're getting a Porsche, so you might have to compromise to make this plan you've made work.

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > PushToStart 07/14/2014 at 03:23

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I just can't find anything else likable. I've been looking for 6 hours and nothing.

Denver Is Stuck In The 90s > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 07/14/2014 at 03:23

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It cant be that bad, I take the train downtown because thats where I got to school. I'm not gonna drive downtown week after week, I just dont wanna deal with driving/parking in a big city with narrow one way streets, constant construction, and a lot of tourist traffic. Its just not worth the hassle

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > Denver Is Stuck In The 90s 07/14/2014 at 03:24

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But the other thing is that I live so close to everything that a bus isn't necessary, nor are their routes close to my destinations I don't think. And I doubt they're very sanitary either..

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 07/14/2014 at 03:25

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You can go see places you've never been able to go year round(and I have friends in that area, so I know they are there), carry all the tools and tires you would need if you were to say, autocross said 944, not worry about potholes, and also did I mention they are fun to snow drift and jump through snow piles? Also, provided you go with the Jeep or Toyota, the aftermarket is pretty big. Maybe not for the engine, but swaps are relatively cheap and common.

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 07/14/2014 at 03:25

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Yeah. Which are exclusively sold by every company you eliminated.

Civic Coupe, available manual

Accord Coupe, available manual

Neon coupe, available manual

Cavalier coupe, available manual

Cobalt coupe, available manual

Sunfire coupe, available manual

Do you see the problem? They're all sold by the manufacturers you ruled out.

Denver Is Stuck In The 90s > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 07/14/2014 at 03:26

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Well no bus is sanitary, you should get some bus pants

samssun > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 07/14/2014 at 03:27

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The Z probably isn't then either, unless you can do work yourself and don't mind it being out of commission. An old beater Subaru would be my choice.

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies 07/14/2014 at 03:28

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I'm also worried about rolling over around corners..I kinda have a bad habit of taking corners at a pretty decent speed. Drifting just adds more ice to the frosting I think...Where can I go?

AM3R > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 07/14/2014 at 03:29

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All of them besides the 318i are I6. Ideally I'd look for a 328is (basically the next best thing to an M3) but you'll still have fun in any I6 E36. They are veeeery easy to mod to make more power. If you ever miss the boost from the ST you can easily find cheap turbos.

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > Logansteno: Bought a VW? 07/14/2014 at 03:29

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I didn't rule out Pontiac did I? Oh! I forgot about VW!

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > Denver Is Stuck In The 90s 07/14/2014 at 03:30

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I've watched every episode of every season and do not remember "bus pants".....Odd.

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > samssun 07/14/2014 at 03:31

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That's reasonable.

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > AM3R 07/14/2014 at 03:32

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I like! I found this one?

http://detroit.craigslist.org/wyn/cto/454641…

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 07/14/2014 at 03:32

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You do understand the Sunfire is a Cavalier under the skin, right?

Get a G5 or G6 coupe. Both were sold with manuals.

You want something reliable right? Please dont get a VW if that's the case.

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > Logansteno: Bought a VW? 07/14/2014 at 03:33

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Oh......Can I find a G6 for $3-4k?

And no VR6?

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 07/14/2014 at 03:34

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Wider tires and possibly spacers. I haven't had a problem with mine. I have taken many a corner too fast, and even made a friend cry because he thought I was going to flip. Just get to know it's limits before you start hooning it and you should be fine. I've taken a ditch side ways at 40 and didn't flip. Just know to use throttle and not brakes, it's better to overcook than to catch.

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies 07/14/2014 at 03:36

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What about an Escape?

AM3R > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 07/14/2014 at 03:38

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pretty nice besides the minor rust. I've never dealt with rust but see how low you can get the car. Not bad at all, especially considering the price.

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 07/14/2014 at 03:39

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Those are FWD based, but it probably wouldn't be as top heavy. It would just be harder to find AWD and a manual.