Oh lord, not another Oppo user...

"Taylor Martin" (tjmartin) 06/28/2020 at 17:43 • Filed to: None

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This entire post will just be me wielding the new and wonderful power that is creating an Oppositelock post. I’ll likely end up sharing opinions on cars I really like, or stories of things I see on the road, I don’t really know yet. I like cars, but I’m no blogger, and certainly no photographer (that thumbnail picture is one of the first photos I’ve taken while in public. Not exactly a fan of whipping out my camera, but capturing this beast in the wild was too important).

Here’s a car I really like. (1969 Volkswagen Squareback... but you probably already knew that)

I’m not all that mechanically inclined either. If you showed me a picture of a car I’d likely get it mixed up with something else, then make a wrong guess, but I’m trying. It’s took me ages to notice the differences between a Camry and the Corolla, at least in the either 2010's when they looked like this:

So, I’m hopeless when it comes to car knowledge, and I’m terribly unreliable when it comes to using any form of social media. What gives? Why would I want to write stuff on Oppositelock? Simple: I enjoy it, as do all of you. And so far the community here has been fun to be around and chat with. I got connected with i86hotdogs, who drives a transit van in rallycross events (which to me is radical), I’ve learned about a ton of different cars I’d never heard of thanks to the DOTS posts (still have no idea what DOTS stands for... pathetic I know), I even found a guy on here who drives the same car as me!

She’s a 2012 Acura TSX SportWagon named Iris (yeah yeah I’m a sentimental son of a gun, sue me). I found her at a tiny Mitsubishi dealer in middle of nowhere Maryland, and in my 2+ years of ownership I’ve yet to see more than 50, and only two of the other Acura TSX wagons I’ve spotted have been this color (Basque Red Pearl to be exact). I’d call it a rare car, but that just makes me look like I’m showing off, so I won’t call it rare.

Long and short of it is that I like cars and I like talking about them and now I’m surrounded by people who actually know what they’re talking about. I’ll write stuff I know about and learn about what I don’t from other automotive enthusiasts /geniuses such as yourself.

I look forward to posting more things as time goes on, from actual structured articles to... well... random stuff like this. Until next time.

CB > Taylor Martin 06/28/2020 at 18:26

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Welcome aboard! Enjoy your time here! Stay out of the basement.

Also, DOTS stands for “Down On The Street” and is used for car spotting.

Lovely TSX! And it’s a great colour too!

wafflesnfalafel > Taylor Martin 06/28/2020 at 18:53

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pretty sure PT Cruiser owner stole those ventiports off a 49 Buick

Taylor Martin > CB 06/28/2020 at 18:59

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Down on the streets. Makes sense. That Cruiser was a DOTS find too. No promises on the basement thing though. Curiosity killed the cat but I so happen to be a human, not a silly feline.

415s30 W123TSXWaggoIIIIIIo ( •_•))°) > Taylor Martin 06/28/2020 at 19:02

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I love my TSX wagon t ech , I would never part with her. I got very lucky finding what appeared to be a grandma owned car with 46k miles. Do you have the retractable cargo area cover? I am so jealous if you do, mine was missing or they didn’t go for the option. They charge $450 for it at the dealer, it’s a damn Honda Accord part everywhere else in the world, I’m currently looking at ebay in the UK and Oz, a lot of previous generation parts, so far none for my 2011. 

WilliamsSW > Taylor Martin 06/28/2020 at 19:05

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*sees PT Cruiser with flames and ventiports*

*reports user for offensive content*

Gorgeous TSX!  Welcome aboard!

415s30 W123TSXWaggoIIIIIIo ( •_•))°) > wafflesnfalafel 06/28/2020 at 19:07

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Yeah, autozone plastic stick on, that’s about what I expect for someone willing to drive a PT Cruiser. In Hawaii I had a neighbor who was a Fre nch woman from New Caledonia, she saw one and wouldn’t stop talking about how much she liked it. Poor woman. 

Taylor Martin > 415s30 W123TSXWaggoIIIIIIo ( •_•))°) 06/28/2020 at 19:18

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The fact that it was missing the cargo cover was one of the reasons my mother nearly didn’t approve of the car. She wanted me to protect stuff in my trunk but, truth be told, if I was filling my trunk I was FILLING it and it wouldn’t matter regardless. She also said that I’d have to buy it, and I wasn’t going to, so if I ever do want to protect stuff in the trunk I throw a black sheet over top of it.

I’m jealous you have the tech version, I only have the tiny display that shows a radio station and the time, and oddly enough mine was also a granda car (a grandma who heavily smoked, but that stench is gone). And just like you I plan on holding onto this sick station wagon for as long as I can, if not as long as I live.

Taylor Martin > WilliamsSW 06/28/2020 at 19:18

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I wanted to report my eyes just for noticing it, but thank you my friend!

KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time > 415s30 W123TSXWaggoIIIIIIo ( •_•))°) 06/28/2020 at 19:23

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Type-S wheels I see you

415s30 W123TSXWaggoIIIIIIo ( •_•))°) > Taylor Martin 06/28/2020 at 19:27

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I have tinted windows with a dark grey interior, it’s very hard to see in the back area. I just want it to be complete! I will keep looking for Accord parts in other places, people know what they cost here, it’s ridiculous to charge that much at Acura when they are $150 in other places for the Accord. Don’t lose any keys either, I had one fob and I had to get another and it was like $400, maybe because of the tech package though. 

415s30 W123TSXWaggoIIIIIIo ( •_•))°) > KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time 06/28/2020 at 19:27

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I love these wheels

sony1492 > Taylor Martin 06/28/2020 at 19:34

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Welcome!

I don't think anyone really cares if there was a difference between the camry and corolla from that era, don't even see those camrys much anymore.

WilliamsSW > Taylor Martin 06/28/2020 at 19:55

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I may or may not have posted uglier cars at some point.

Taylor Martin > 415s30 W123TSXWaggoIIIIIIo ( •_•))°) 06/28/2020 at 20:55

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My keys will break before I lose them, I have my  other backup key locked away in a safe, but that’s only if I’m desperate.

Taylor Martin > sony1492 06/28/2020 at 20:57

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Still, there are so many out there it gets a bit repetitive you know?

Maxima Speed > sony1492 06/28/2020 at 21:15

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I mean...... I do.

sony1492 > Maxima Speed 06/28/2020 at 21:20

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ClassicDatsunDebate > Taylor Martin 06/28/2020 at 23:20

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Welcome Taylor Martin.

Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available > Taylor Martin 06/28/2020 at 23:45

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Welcome! You’ll find your niche here pretty fast. When you have an eager audience, you’d be surprised how much more you notice. I’ve become a lot more willing to whip out the camera to capture some interesting stuff down on the street to post here. It’s nice to have people who are interested in your hopelessly nerdy ramblings about how the Great Wall Hover H3 was an exact copy of the Isuzu Axiom.

That is such a lovely color for a TSX! You'll fit right in here if that's any indication.

Bylan - Hoarder of LS400's > Taylor Martin 06/29/2020 at 03:20

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ONE OF US!

Welcome! Oppo is for both cars and stuff, and that is a very cool wagon. Clearly you know something about cars! 

pip bip - choose Corrour > Taylor Martin 06/29/2020 at 04:37

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kill the PT Cruiser!

RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars > Taylor Martin 06/29/2020 at 07:04

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Welcome to the community! :D

I’m that weird guy who likes FIATs (especially classic ones), French stuff (especially if it’s 2CV-based, and/or small and/or or rear-engined), kei cars and Eastern Bloc stuff! :P

i86hotdogs > Taylor Martin 06/29/2020 at 07:47

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We’ve not only connected, but you helped me kickstart one of the coolest most fun things I’ve been a part of. Your artistic skills are top notch, and I’d recommend you to anyone who needs their idea put into color on paper.

Taylor Martin > Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available 06/29/2020 at 11:51

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Feeling super at home already, and I had to go do a google search on the Axiom and H3 but the resemblance, at least physically,  is uncanny haha.

Taylor Martin > i86hotdogs 06/29/2020 at 11:53

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And it was an absolute pleasure to work on it with you! If you know anyone who needs a hand I’d be happy to help them out. A pal of yours is certainly a pal of mine.

Taylor Martin > RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars 06/29/2020 at 11:58

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It’s an odd ball little car, but this is one of my personal favorite Kei cars and I think it’d tickle your fancy.

I don’t know what it is about this little Nissan Pao but I love it to bits. N othing wrong with wacky french stuff either, I like the 2CV (especially the original price range ).

Taylor Martin > ClassicDatsunDebate 06/29/2020 at 11:58

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That’s my name, don’t wear it out.

Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available > Taylor Martin 06/29/2020 at 12:00

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I think you'll like it here. 

Snuze: Needs another Swede > Taylor Martin 06/29/2020 at 13:21

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Welcome aboard!

in middle of nowhere Maryland

A fellow Marylander? I’m originally from Frederick .

now I’m surrounded by people who actually know what they’re talking about.

Bahahahaha... we’ll show you!!!

Seriously though, you’ve stumbled on a great group of people. Welcome and enjoy your stay. 

RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars > Taylor Martin 06/29/2020 at 14:13

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Yay, Pao! Jason Torc hinsky from Jalopnik has one! :D

I think my favorite Pike Series was the BE-1, personally. Also, technically the Pao isn’t a kei car because it’s engine is larger than 660cc...not sure it fits the physical dimensions either...not being a jerk, just trying to remember things about it! :)

Taylor Martin > RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars 06/29/2020 at 14:31

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I thought I read  somewhere that it was... maybe in its time... regardless, no offense taken, I’m no expert so the majority of what I say will likely be wrong, I’m glad you remembered all that for me haha!

Taylor Martin > Snuze: Needs another Swede 06/29/2020 at 14:34

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Woohoo Maryland! I grew up in Montgomery County, but got my car in Glen Burnie. Don’t live there anymore though, college brought me to Florida, but I go back any chance I get for the colder weather and the crabs.

Snuze: Needs another Swede > Taylor Martin 06/29/2020 at 14:52

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That’s awesome! My folks both grew up in MoCo.  I actually live in Northern VA now, but work in Bethesda and spend a lot of time up at my folks.  I go down to Florida somewhat regularly for work.  

Taylor Martin > Snuze: Needs another Swede 06/29/2020 at 16:14

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It’s a small world after all!

RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars > Taylor Martin 06/29/2020 at 16:44

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Haha, no worries! Nope, not a kei! It’s only one class size UP from kei class, but the engine is too large (1000cc, kei class is restricted to 660cc) and as it’s based on the K10 Nissan Micra, it’s dimensions are slightly too big as well. Paos were built ‘89-’91 and kei regulations actually changed in ‘90 so the regulations of it’s period would’ve actually been 550cc for an engine size for kei cars, so pretty much half the Pao’s capacity....pretty crazy!

This is a pretty good article I had bookmarked on them if you ever wanted some more details! :)

https://www.autotrader.ca/newsfeatures/20190522/find-of-the-week-1989-nissan-pao/

Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available > Taylor Martin 06/29/2020 at 20:51

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Literally the first post I ever made here I had about three people recognize the location in the background of the DOTS. I’m Atlanta area, which is vast enough to make so many people recognizing a random suburban Chipotle worrying but also kind of funny. There’s enough of us that there are probably several around you in Maryland. I’ve enjoyed the local commentary from Under_Score and the others.

Taylor Martin > RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars 06/29/2020 at 21:18

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That is crazy, but the more details the merrier! And now that I know it’s not actually all that bad a car there may come a time where I invest in one. Not that I wouldn’t invest if it was a deathtrap, I just feel better about doing it now.

RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars > Taylor Martin 06/29/2020 at 21:25

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I’m planning on importing a FIAT 126p and a Piaggio Ape TM P703, so I will be king of amusing deathtraps :P

whatuptkhere > Taylor Martin 06/30/2020 at 11:22

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Re: thumbnail pic

There’s a guy out here with a Falcon Ute that I’ve tried so many times to photograph in traffic, and never got the shot.

It’s a teal/sea green metallic paint finish. The rear window has a printed applique in the same manner as bus advertising, featuring the characters from Pirates of the Caribbean. There’s a sticker on the rear that says “MY OTHER CAR IS THE BLACK PEARL”, and a handful of other little mods.

I have no idea if it’s serious or ironic and it twigs me out every time.

415s30 W123TSXWaggoIIIIIIo ( •_•))°) > Taylor Martin 06/30/2020 at 21:05

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Well I found a cargo cover thing in England for the Accord there, same same. It’s a nice used one and even with shipping it’s half the cost of the dealer price at Acura. If you ever want to look on Australia or UK ebay the part number is 233599366101 which real parts dealers will use, they call those things parcel shelves, load cover etc.. as well. Having my windows tinted makes it almost not necessary but I want it complete!

Taylor Martin > 415s30 W123TSXWaggoIIIIIIo ( •_•))°) 07/01/2020 at 06:16

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Oh I’ll definitely be taking a peak. My mother the “not so masterful seamstress ” basically threw together a black sheet and some bungee cords to make the worst fitting trunk cover that has been a hassle to operate anytime I’ve had to use it. Recently threw it away since I don’t live there anymore, but I’d love to have that. Thanks a million!

ItalianJobR53 - now with added 'MERICA and unreliability > 415s30 W123TSXWaggoIIIIIIo ( •_•))°) 07/07/2020 at 07:35

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Those are C5Z06 speedlines!

(Close enough)

415s30 W123TSXWaggoIIIIIIo ( •_•))°) > ItalianJobR53 - now with added 'MERICA and unreliability 07/07/2020 at 12:13

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They are similar, but the Acura have a nice rounded edge to the spokes , I just want to touch them. 

Mercedes Streeter > Taylor Martin 07/12/2020 at 19:18

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Belated welcome to Oppositelock!!! When you joined I was deep in a journey taking a $500-ish Ford Ranger across the country for the Gambler 500 OG.

I'm the crazy person sitting on a cache of several motorcycles, 3 smart fortwos, an Audi TT Quattro, a Nissan Xterra, the aforementioned Ford Ranger, and maaaaybe soon a school bus. lol

Taylor Martin > Mercedes Streeter 07/12/2020 at 21:47

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I saw your post on that a little while back, but may I just say what an adventure! Owning a school bus just seems fun. Practical? No. But fun? Absolutely! When I have 500 bucks to spare, a route planned out, and am packing some mechanical knowledge I’ll certainly set out on one of these trips myself, but until then it’s fantastic to see folks out and doing it!