Comments on: Daily Podcast: Time to Drive

By: menno

menno — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 16:34:38 +0000

I’ve also considered a 20 year old Mercedes diesel for multiple reasons. Dual purpose (survivalist-mobile – you can put veggie oil in and run it). Could be a back-up car to tow our pop-up trailer. Fun-mobile (ok maybe not “that” fun). Fairly safe. Can be cheap to buy (but not fix).

My pal and colleague who sits next to me at work has an air cooled VW as his daily driver and a 1990 Porsche 911 for fun.

By: menno

menno — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 16:29:43 +0000

I “had” a car which was supposed to be for “fun” only (since I use what everyone considers to be a totally boring car as my commuter – my Prius).

Trouble was, so many Michigan drivers suck SO badly, and my “fun” classic car had absolutely no safety features (being a 1962 1/2 Corvair Monza Convertible) – I said – this is NO fun.

And sold it. Just before the economy took a dump. Heh heh.

I’m contemplating another classic car now. Something HUGE so if/when the local imbecilic drivers (both women and men) drive into me while they are texting/talking on the cell phone/yelling at their kids/dog/spouse or all of the above, I might have some chance of living through it.

Except that huge dinosaur-mobiles are a) inevitably US manufacturers (and I’ve sworn off if at all possible) and b) not fun.

Perhaps a 1994-1995 Subaru SVX?

Any other ideas from the TTAC bestests and brightestests?

I only have a few thousand to spend on a fun-mobile. An air bag would be nice.

By: HarveyBirdman

HarveyBirdman — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 16:21:27 +0000

Jonny,

I’m glad your friend listened to you as well as the voters at TTAC. I do admit being surprised that she paid attention; I’ve had far less luck giving car advice, with my friends seeming determined to do the exact opposite of what I recommend.

Looking forward to your G8 GT review, especially given your defense of the GT500.

By: jimmy2x

jimmy2x — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 06:19:00 +0000

Got to drive my son’s S2000 last weekend. Reliable and the most fun I’ve had with my pants on in a long time.

By: jurisb

jurisb — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 03:12:17 +0000

My friends have Focus,mediocre finish and materials, terrible reliability, recently replaced power window mechanism, now the gearbox is out of order. It is previous generation Focus that is sold in US as the next gen Focus. Based on mazda3 platform, tuned and built in germany by german engineers. Us will get the current euro Focus next year.

By: Andy D

Andy D — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 01:07:22 +0000

Spent Labor Day at the Rolex Event @ LimeRock. I rode shotgun in an 86 M535i during the BMW parade lap. Trips made to and fro to the hotel and dinner were on some good twisties.
After driving around metro Bahstin in an E 150 all year, it’s fun to let out my 528e on some fun roads.

By: thetopdog

thetopdog — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 23:41:53 +0000

A guy in a G8 GT did a pretty good job keeping up with me on I-95 between Boston and Providence. I was doing anywhere from 85-110 in my C6 too, so we were going at a decent pace. I was impressed

By: TriShield

TriShield — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 23:24:02 +0000

I’ve owned my G8 GT since the beginning of July and am absolutely thrilled with it inside and out. It’s a fantastic car and I got it for a bit under MSRP which is a fantastic price. It’s averaging 19mpg city too. My previous V6, FWD midsize car was slow, terrible to drive and only averaged 20mpg overall. Quite an upgrade I’d say.

By: quasimondo

quasimondo — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 23:03:04 +0000

But I am confused as to why you can’t get reliable with fun.

Because the two are mutually exclusive terms.

See: Toyota

By: Jonny Lieberman

Jonny Lieberman — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 22:15:36 +0000

Michael Karesh:

Interior ambiance? You’re kidding, right?

Anyhow, I’ll save it for my review.

By: jkross22

jkross22 — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 22:14:05 +0000

Jonny,

Really looking forward to your review of the G8 GT. I like the look of it, and like the idea, but after reading Micheal’s review a few months ago, figured it was just the marketing spinmeisters pumping it up.

Sounds like it’s a different car with the V8. Weren’t they supposed to have a stick available this year?

By: Phil Roast Beef

Phil Roast Beef — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 22:12:38 +0000

I have a 2003 Focus SVT which is the American version of the ST 170. I get a lot of negative reactions when I explain why I drive it to my friends who own more prestigious, more reliable or more efficient cars. And sometimes I wonder why I didn’t get something more practical after a trip to the repair shop or when it comes time to replace tires. But plainly put it is a blast to drive and the most fun car that I could afford. Thanks for the reminder, Justin.

By: Michael Karesh

Michael Karesh — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 22:07:49 +0000

Jonny:

Depends on what you’re looking for. For “fun to drive” I’m not sure it can be better than they say. For interior ambiance…

By: Jonny Lieberman

Jonny Lieberman — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 21:22:57 +0000

ppellico: I’m betting it’s better than they say.

By: Richard Chen

Richard Chen — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 20:59:41 +0000

Dueling minivan communities: SiennaClub vs OdyClub.

By: ppellico

ppellico — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 20:53:54 +0000

I am supposed to drive the G8 Thursday…hope it is as good as they say.

But I am confused as to why you can’t get reliable with fun.

Seems they did it with Mazda cars.
The 3 series is fun and reliable.