Oppo QOTD:  Whats The Best Detroit Commuter?

"Milky" (jordanmielke) 04/07/2016 at 11:05 • Filed to: Detroit, Crossfire, QOTD

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Surprisingly the city that was built around cars is incredibly hard on cars. Detroit is a hostile place with !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! and even worse road conditions. How would you get around the motor city?

If you want a challenge pretend your budget is $15-30k, your commute is 45 minutes and it takes you through the hood and rich suburbs.

For Sweden > Milky 04/07/2016 at 11:10

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A $10,000 2004 Lexus GX470

https://detroit.craigslist.org/okl/cto/552766…

jimz > For Sweden 04/07/2016 at 11:12

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Walt is displeased.

OPPOsaurus WRX > Milky 04/07/2016 at 11:14

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you could probably get one at a gov auction (probably not)

Milky > For Sweden 04/07/2016 at 11:15

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Holy miles! I was hoping to have less miles than my current 160k. But that would probably be more reliable.

JustAnotherG6 > Milky 04/07/2016 at 11:16

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Anything in rally spec? WRX is the easy answer, but install a set of long throw suspension on a beat up old corolla and you are good to go.

Daily Drives a Dragon - One Last Lap > Milky 04/07/2016 at 11:16

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*crunch.

Justin Hughes > Milky 04/07/2016 at 11:16

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Milky > OPPOsaurus WRX 04/07/2016 at 11:17

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Was waiting for a ex-military vehicle, only took 2 replies.

SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie > Milky 04/07/2016 at 11:17

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Buick Roadmaster. So Detroit and so America, I can’t even.

djmt1 > Milky 04/07/2016 at 11:17

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An XJS would probably eat up those bumps (among many other things) without a care in the world. Plus V12.

dsgolson > Milky 04/07/2016 at 11:18

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I use my ‘84 300TD to get around Detroit, it works pretty perfectly

Milky > Justin Hughes 04/07/2016 at 11:20

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Let me help you with that.

(during Detroit’s race riots)

Justin Hughes > Milky 04/07/2016 at 11:22

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Tried and true.

vondon302 > Milky 04/07/2016 at 11:22

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2011 p71 3000ish. Never take anyrhing to the hood that you really cherish.

Milky > JustAnotherG6 04/07/2016 at 11:23

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Does this count?

Milky > Daily Drives a Dragon - One Last Lap 04/07/2016 at 11:24

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HAHAHAHAHAHAHA

You’re funny. Could I borrow that dragon though? Flying about the road sounds nice.

Mr. Giraffe > Milky 04/07/2016 at 11:28

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Alright hear me out (this picture is just an example, any similar beater car will suffice). You can pick something like this up for a great price, and parts are plentiful and cheap. Since it would be a beater, you would not give a crap about horrible roads or dings and dents from horrible drivers. Then because you did not spend much on it, you have leftover money for a fun weekend car or whatever else your heart desires.

Milky > dsgolson 04/07/2016 at 11:28

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How fast she go?

I also hit like 90 everyday, love going the opposite way of traffic for my commute.

Looks damn pretty though.

Milky > SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie 04/07/2016 at 11:29

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Dem white walls.

Bonus points for sounding great with some exhaust work.

RutRut > Milky 04/07/2016 at 11:30

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Jeep Wrangler (hardtop only if you want to keep your stuff). Short wheelbase so easy to get around and park, can go over curbs if necessary, still mobile when the streets never get plowed since no one pays taxes, low gears keep it semi-lively on urban streets, easy to replace the inevitable failed ball joints on.

I guess a XJ works too.

Milky > djmt1 04/07/2016 at 11:30

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This scares me.

Stapleface > Milky 04/07/2016 at 11:30

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I know it’s cliché, but with that kind of money, buy yourself a fleet of retired P71's. You’ll have plenty of spare parts, and these are built to take a ton of abuse.

If I have to get a new car, I'll probably go with a Wrangler. Stock they could probably take more abuse due to the shitty roads then most other vehicles.

Milky > vondon302 04/07/2016 at 11:34

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If I were going that route it’d have to be something like this.

dsgolson > Milky 04/07/2016 at 11:36

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It’ll cruise at 90 all day! A bit noisy, but comfy as hell and very stable.

-this space for rent- > djmt1 04/07/2016 at 11:39

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Those wheels would need weekly straightening.

Ssfancyfresh > Milky 04/07/2016 at 11:40

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Nothing from this list.

My buddy’s mom was a teacher for DPS. She always drove a base Dodge Caravan. Her car was stolen at least 4 times in 2 years. One time it was recovered full of stolen merchandise.

I don’t like to shit on Detroit. So I’d like to provide a fair response to your question. The perfect car should be American. It should have tires and a chassis that can withstand abuse. And it should be invisible.

I kid.

Probably this.

yamahog > Milky 04/07/2016 at 11:43

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I can tell you what I *do* drive, lol

My gym is in Corktown and I mainly drive my K1500 Blazer. Decent ride even on shitty brick roads, no clearance concerns, gets out of its own way relatively well on the highways, rusty enough to not worry about destroying it in the winter, and doesn’t scream STEAL ME. The downside is 12 mpg but at least gas is cheap here and it’s got a 30 gallon tank.

I haven’t had any bad experiences driving the Camaro downtown (yes, even stopping for gas) but I try to avoid it for the sake of my wheels/tires/suspension.

Can’t say I’ve ever taken a motorcycle to Detroit, though it would be easier to dodge potholes. I have a pretty serious lock but I tend to be paranoid even parking my bikes in Royal Oak, so haven’t bothered.

In your price range, I might look at used Grand Cherokees, Tahoes, etc, or delve into the precarious used Subie market if you want something smaller.

Urambo Tauro > Milky 04/07/2016 at 11:46

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Can confirm, both of those pictures are equally identifiable as Detroit.

Daily Drives a Dragon - One Last Lap > Milky 04/07/2016 at 11:49

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Nope. He’s not available to borrow. SavetheIntegras has already asked.

yamahog > vondon302 04/07/2016 at 11:50

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It really depends where you’re parking. Detroit’s not one uniform Mad Max set and most folks from the suburbs don’t go to “the hood” when they go to Detroit. Unless they’re trespassing, ogling ruin porn, and being jackass slummers in general, at which point it’s hard to be too sad if something happens to their car.

The Dummy Gummy > Milky 04/07/2016 at 11:50

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Easy

vondon302 > Milky 04/07/2016 at 11:53

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Too true. Those are on my wish list. As are these and its in your budget.

http://www.cargurus.com/Cars/l-Used-20…

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > Milky 04/07/2016 at 11:54

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Milan has taken it pretty well in stride (I’m one of the soon to be displaced I-275 commuters), but I’d say a Panther platform would work great. Preferably something Mercury or Lincoln which was designed to ride a hell of a lot nicer than a p71.

If I don’t have a budget I’d pick the new Fusion Sport which has technology to keep it from falling into pot holes, that’s the ultimate answer.

vondon302 > yamahog 04/07/2016 at 12:00

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True but Ive had more than a few bad experiences downtown. Greek town used to be fun now after 10pm I gtfo.

yamahog > vondon302 04/07/2016 at 12:05

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Sorry to hear that, you mean the garage itself or at the bars?

Danger > Milky 04/07/2016 at 12:12

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We had HD full-size vans for work last summer. They were terrible due to the awful road conditions. I’d go with a buggy with long travel that is road legal. I once saw a pothole on a public road that was so large and deep that it had an office chair placed inside to warn people.

vondon302 > yamahog 04/07/2016 at 12:18

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Stayed the night at Greektown. Casino after a show at the Fox. Shooting in greektown that night. Couldn’t get to sleep until 4 am cause of a party that the hotel wouldn’t do anything about. Woke up to find my car scrathed up and wipers pulled off. I’m not even going to bring up my Freedom fest story cause that one I should have known better so I’ll take the blame on that one. ;)

Milky > Urambo Tauro 04/07/2016 at 12:31

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#MyLife. I live close to where that top pic was taken, so actually my life.

Milky > Ssfancyfresh 04/07/2016 at 12:34

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I think it really depends on where you park. Besides last weekend when I got backed into I’ve had no bad experiences. 6 years going too, for me and my friends. But for the whole time I’ve been parking in gated or security patrolled, lots/garages.

Milky > yamahog 04/07/2016 at 12:41

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Michigan Ave is seriously the worst.

But I seriously have no idea what I want. A Miata’s soft suspension would cope well with Detroit’s roads, I think. A C6 would be nice, but low. I cant be a subie bro. And I have no need for practicality, so why get a SUV? The (first world) struggle.

yamahog > vondon302 04/07/2016 at 12:42

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That blows, sounds like some rowdy assholes running around :( We stayed at Greektown for bf’s cousin’s wedding and fortunately didn’t have issues sleeping or parking.

Milky > vondon302 04/07/2016 at 12:44

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Drives Mustang, lists two other Fords, lives around Detroit .... you work in Dearborn don’t ya?

Sorry to hear about your shitty experiences downtown though. My luck in the D has been great. Knock on wood. But you’ll usually find me off the beaten path at a hipster ass place.

yamahog > Milky 04/07/2016 at 12:47

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Might want to get a hardtop for the Miata if you’re planning to drive it year round.

JustAnotherG6 > Milky 04/07/2016 at 12:47

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Hell yes!

Milky > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner 04/07/2016 at 12:49

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My honest reaction to that was “ho shit thats amazing”. Thats how shitty our roads are, local car companies invent stuff like that.

But I’m sure you’ve seen my other posts, 4 door sedans aren’t really my thing. I just keep debating what to get.

Also I’m sorry for your future commute.

gawdzillla > yamahog 04/07/2016 at 12:53

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probably need some good locking bolts for that hardtop for it to not get stolen

vondon302 > Milky 04/07/2016 at 12:54

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Ha ha close. Work in Warren but I married a Dearborn girl.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > Milky 04/07/2016 at 12:55

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oh you “I don’t need 4 doors” people.

I wonder if a Challenger would float over bumps well, they’re the largest of the 2 doors.

You know you want that hemi

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > Milky 04/07/2016 at 12:56

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Michigan Ave in Corktown is basically a torture test track. I’ve given up on running the Corktown 5k for St Patrick’s day because I’ve almost destroyed my ankles running on Michigan Ave in past years.

We’re brick, no we’re stone, no we’re asphalt and over and over again. infuriating on foot.

vondon302 > Milky 04/07/2016 at 12:59

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And it should. Yikes

Milky > Danger 04/07/2016 at 13:01

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Something rally-ified would be great too, my Crossfire is genuinely stiff.

Milky > yamahog 04/07/2016 at 13:06

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A friend just got a PRHT NC, would make it a lot better in the winter.

I’m just planning on doing a bunch of test drives this summer.

Milky > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner 04/07/2016 at 13:07

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Shit you not I was just looking at used donk’d challengers. Add some more sidewall and it’d be killer.

Could also get plum crazy purple, mhmm.

Amoore100 > Milky 04/07/2016 at 13:08

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Never been to Detroit, but from what it sounds like, this would be perfect:

Milky > vondon302 04/07/2016 at 13:09

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Damn! If you ever see a red Crossfire speeding down van dyke/mound, sorry.

yamahog > gawdzillla 04/07/2016 at 13:10

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I think you’re overestimating the amount of people who want Miata hardtops and underestimating the amount of people who would slash Miata/Jeep soft tops for kicks or theft.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > Milky 04/07/2016 at 13:11

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2nd one is epic

WOULD DRIVE

Join in on rally cross lol one hell of a modified RWD

Milky > gawdzillla 04/07/2016 at 13:12

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Security patrolled garages work well enough.

vondon302 > Milky 04/07/2016 at 13:18

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Lol and I’m not a cop.

Yeah its mine. +1 on the Crossfire that’s on my wish list too.

If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent > Milky 04/07/2016 at 13:25

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Best vehicle for Detroit is probably an armored car.

Steve > Milky 04/07/2016 at 13:54

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I don’t go into Detroit for anything.

Milky > Steve 04/07/2016 at 14:46

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Yea its scary, best to stay in the ‘burbs.

Milky > If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent 04/07/2016 at 14:54

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I haven’t been shot at yet.

Milky > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner 04/07/2016 at 15:01

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Tempted. Can probably get a good deal now on older R/T’s and SRT’s. I do really miss having a V8 in my life.

Could also get a police push bar for rally lights.

I’m kind of loving this idea right now.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > Milky 04/07/2016 at 15:04

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LOVING IT

under budget with sweet hood:

http://flint.craigslist.org/cto/5521589373…

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > Milky 04/07/2016 at 15:05

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also under budget, and based off the house behind it, he had the money to baby it and properly maintain it:

http://detroit.craigslist.org/okl/cto/551807…

(bonus-manual)

If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent > Milky 04/07/2016 at 15:19

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“In other news, a tornado hit downtown Detroit yesterday, putting out several fires”

Santiago of Escuderia Boricua > Milky 04/07/2016 at 23:29

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A friend of mine is 100% guaranteed that the best would be a trophy truck/prerunner.

Personally, I love my FRS here. Nimble enough to dodge potholes in the summer. Torsen diff to drift all winter

Santiago of Escuderia Boricua > RutRut 04/07/2016 at 23:33

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$600 xj!

Santiago of Escuderia Boricua > Milky 04/07/2016 at 23:34

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Dude, David Tracy is selling that Moab XJ... Do it

Milky > If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent 04/08/2016 at 10:01

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Hey now, we only burn everything one night a year!

This is actually a real thing . People told me about this my first year in the city so we to my friend’s rooftop and could see sooooo many fires. Crazy to think now there is only like 100 fires on devils night, compared 800 in 1980's.

Milky > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner 04/08/2016 at 10:24

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Yea I’m making a manual a must for my next car. Things like RWD/2 door/convertible are wants ....

Typing that out makes me want a C6, Bah I’ll just go test drive cars this summer and go from there.

Milky > Santiago of Escuderia Boricua 04/08/2016 at 10:27

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Speaking of that I am actually disappointed with the amount of snow we’ve gotten this winter. I buy RWD for a reason dammit!

And actually a little upset I’m doing bachelor party things when theres a rally cross close to me. I think I’m going to have to get into that to fill my drift needs.

Milky > RutRut 04/08/2016 at 10:35

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I’ve already had a few jeeps (XJ&ZJ) when I lived out in the country. Having one again but not being to go off road all the time like I used would just make me upset.

Not a bad idea though, esp. since a friend has a Wrangler.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > Milky 04/08/2016 at 10:39

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Man it sounds like if this is going to be a daily driver car that you use year round and in Detroit the Challenger is your best bet if you’re staying American.

RWD, 2 Door, manual, V8

Well, I suppose if you want Convertible though you may have to shift over to Mustang or Camaro. Either way it sounds like a Pony car is your answer.

Milky > Stapleface 04/08/2016 at 10:41

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My parking garage is $45 per car, I don’t want a fleet of anything lol.

Wrangler is great suggestion. But I’d be sad because I don’t live out in the woods, next to sand dunes like I used to.

Milky > Mr. Giraffe 04/08/2016 at 10:44

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But then I’d have to drive a beater to work :/ My ‘04 Crossfire is already about the oldest/cheapest car in the parking lot ... I swear everyone here pays about $300 for a Ram/Charger/Fusion lease. Unless you make more money and get a CTS.

RutRut > Milky 04/08/2016 at 10:57

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Have you been down 14 mile lately? Should not count as a road.

Milky > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner 04/08/2016 at 11:03

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Ugh I know. V8, RWD, manual and cheap. All things I like. But its so obvious and there are tons around. Is my hipster showing?

Milky > RutRut 04/08/2016 at 11:05

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I have not, but I drive by it everyday on Mound. I cant imagine its too much worse.

RutRut > Milky 04/08/2016 at 11:10

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Pretty similar. I love my F250 but it would terrible if I had to work and park downtown all the time. Can handle the roads and the weather, but turning radius and size are no bueno.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > Milky 04/08/2016 at 11:15

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It might be.

What qualifies as Cheap? You gave a hell of a budget above. You gotta pull a me and just get something a little different.

Milky > RutRut 04/08/2016 at 11:39

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F250 ... were you at Mable Bar the other weekend? IT WAS YOU!!

http://oppositelock.kinja.com/oh-fuck-off-17…

But I feel you. My Crossfire really cant handle the roads. Stiff suspension, no tire sidewall, the interior rattles ... I like it don’t get me wrong, but I’m looking forward to upgrading.

RutRut > Milky 04/08/2016 at 12:15

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Not I, plus I’m not a big enough asshat to run around the with ball and receiver in all the time.

Milky > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner 04/08/2016 at 12:20

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Yea I meant cheap for what you get. I’m assuming test drives will help me choose.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > Milky 04/08/2016 at 12:39

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Yeah, I just mean you can find some pretty cool cars at 15-20k, just depends on what you reaaaalllly want.

Milky > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner 04/08/2016 at 14:14

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Well I really want an Elise or C6 .... I should just test drive one and impulse buy. Life is short right?

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > Milky 04/08/2016 at 14:53

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shorter if you drive those over the bumps in detroit.

Might end up with CTE from all the hard hits...