"JalopJeep" (JalopJeep)
09/24/2016 at 23:45 • Filed to: None
12
14|
"JalopJeep" (JalopJeep)
09/24/2016 at 23:45 • Filed to: None | 12
| 14 |
Remember me?
I’m the guy that wrote this.
!!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!!
!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!
Talk about conviction. I’ll take most of those beliefs to my grave.
However, as the title hints, times have changed. The XJ tanked on me 3 weeks ago (starter, quickly replaced), then again on Tuesday. U-Joint at the t-case exploded and the rear drive shaft bounced and dragged off the asphalt at 70mph, absolutely annihilating it. Simply put, I couldn’t continue to put money into a vehicle that was so clearly not fit for 60 mile round trip commutes. It was akin to giving a 32 year old running back a big guaranteed money contract. At 191k miles, it’s time to part ways. I was absolutely devastated. While standing on the side of the highway waiting for the tow truck, I remember feeling the same way I did when my parents called me at college letting me know that they were going to put the dog down. It was my first car and I made more memories in those seven years than any book could even begin to contain. Which brings me to my next chapter.
I needed a new vehicle.
And I needed it fast.
I live in Nashville and frequently pass the Carvana “vending machine” on the highway. I picked up my car from the bay that the red Bimmer is parked in that picture.
Long story short, my Carvana experience was nothing short of incredible. I bought the car sight unseen, financed through them, and picked it up Friday night in Nashville. The whole process once I got to the “dealership” took about 30 minutes. It was almost as easy as buying a pair of shoes online. They offer 7 days no questions asked returns if you are not satisfied with the vehicle. So about that vehicle;
A 2012 Volkswagen GTI.
I got to watch it come out of the “vending machine” tower and get taken to the delivery bay on a giant Roomba-like moving pad. It was delivered unbelievably clean, brand new tires, a full tank of gas, and something I have been missing for the last seven years; sweet, sweet air conditioning.
As I described to some of my friends, this thing is a giggle factory .
I was prepared for a driving experience similar to my mother’s ‘05 V70 R. And I wasn’t disappointed. The obvious difference being the AWD of the Volvo vs. the GTIs FWD. I’ll do a more in depth review at some point but my God is this thing a hoot. My particular GTI has 41k miles on the clock and the interior looks and feels like it rolled off the assembly line yesterday. The fit and finish is outstanding and it is truly a wonderful place to be. The DSG is absolutely sensational, the dual-clutch is definitely a departure in terms of performance, feel, and sensation compared to a typical torque converter box. The “DSG farts’ on high rev shifts make me grin and laugh maniacally. It makes such a great noise and the 2.0litre pulls like a hoss. The paddles are a nice touch and it’s truly rewarding to pull through the gears with the DSG. It’s so precise, predictable, and mind-bogglingly quick.
I’ve burned almost half a tank of gas since friday night in the GTI. I absolutely love it. I am so happy I did not make the mistake of going full econo-box and hating my very existence. There will be more to come about the GTI. This is just the beginning of a new chapter.
My citroen won't start
> JalopJeep
09/24/2016 at 23:51 |
|
Honest question, how is it not having steering wheel buttons? I haven’t had a car without that in years and I’m afraid I’ve become soft and will crash while tuning the radio if I ever buy another sportscar.
RallyWrench
> JalopJeep
09/24/2016 at 23:52 |
|
I can understand the sorrow of parting with a memory machine, but you’ve made a good choice with the GTI.
|
JalopJeep
> My citroen won't start
09/24/2016 at 23:56 |
|
I didn’t even think about it until you just mentioned it. I never listen to local radio, only music from my iPhone or Chicago sports talk through the Radio.com app, so I use the AUX cable for that. It takes probably milliseconds for my hand to reach from the steering wheel to the volume knob.
|
JalopJeep
> RallyWrench
09/24/2016 at 23:58 |
|
Yep... how’s this for juxtaposition?
|
RallyWrench
> JalopJeep
09/25/2016 at 00:06 |
|
Two vehicles I’d be happy to have.
Stef Schrader
> JalopJeep
09/25/2016 at 00:13 |
|
I looooove those wheels! Also, the car vending machine is neat.
Flavien Vidal
> My citroen won't start
09/25/2016 at 01:17 |
|
Hey, I haven’t had a car with that in 10 years :)
It was a 1997 Mazda 626 lol
TheD0k_2many toys 2little time
> JalopJeep
09/25/2016 at 01:41 |
|
Did they include a vape pen and matching air ride suspension colors?
trolllollolollollool
|
JalopJeep
> TheD0k_2many toys 2little time
09/25/2016 at 01:58 |
|
God I hate the bagged Golfs with monoblocks... such a fugly thing. Plastered all over Instagram.
|
TheD0k_2many toys 2little time
> JalopJeep
09/25/2016 at 01:59 |
|
Its too bad thats all people seem to do with them...
|
JalopJeep
> TheD0k_2many toys 2little time
09/25/2016 at 02:06 |
|
Well you can rest assured this one will be tastefully kept. I cannot stand the camber crowd. This one is going to stay completely stock save for intake and possibly catback. Moving to Boston in March so FWD or AWD was a necessity. Going to try and grab steelies and snow shoes at some point moving forward
|
TheD0k_2many toys 2little time
> JalopJeep
09/25/2016 at 02:13 |
|
ah yes that is always nice in the winter. But here in MI where i get lake effect snow i prefer a diesel f350 for drifting lol
mazda616
> JalopJeep
09/25/2016 at 08:02 |
|
I’ve passed by the Carvana in Nashville quite a few times. I always thought it was a really cool concept. I’m glad you had a good experience!
Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies
> JalopJeep
09/25/2016 at 08:49 |
|
I too made a similar class change.