Car lovers?

I could be down for a meet up. Driving my old Jetta down to NC was the most fun I've had with the car. Went off the beaten path in Virginia and loved the twisty, hilly, rural 2 lanes roads.

I'm not too familiar with NC, but living in Southeast Michigan where's it's a 1/4 mile straight line from stop-light to stop-light had me loving the Durham area roads.

The condition of the actual roads is much nicer and smoother, too. Now, if you could just do something about those speed limits.

I have recently gone back to school, so unfortunately I am having to sell my race car. With management permission, here is a link to the listing.

I'm thinking about getting an aftermarket media player. Any bodyknow of one that doesn't look like I need to be in high school to own it? I want a factory look just with up to date technology.

EverythingsTentative wrote:

I'm thinking about getting an aftermarket media player. Any bodyknow of one that doesn't look like I need to be in high school to own it? I want a factory look just with up to date technology.

I kinda wanted that too when I got mine. I think one of the best things that helped was I got one with fully customizable colors (RGB all have 256 levels to set in 2 zones) so I could make it not just bright blue or red. It still looks a bit out of place, but I've been happy with it. Crutchfield is a great place to start (they're based in Charlottesville, VA). You'll get everything you need (minus tools like wire stripper and such) to do your specific car make / models installation, and if they miss something, they'll overnight (possibly only in VA) it to you for free after talking through the issue on the phone with you. I ended up with this (discontinued) unit.

ElectricPi wrote:

It is easy to forget how much fun it is to race when you take some time off. This weekend was awesome:

I know what you mean. I was at Thunderhill Raceway last weekend - a break of over 4 months. Man that was fun. Only problem was I took some rides with some serious tuners and now I think I'll be posting on the "Silly Purchases" thread soon...

Saw this beauty at the dealership and wanted to drive away with it so bad.

IMAGE(http://img12.imageshack.us/img12/5599/20130126164132670.jpg)

I hate that I see them on the road now. I want one so bad. What was sticker price on that one? Just curious what they're actually charging for the things.

I wish rallycross was a thing here. It looks like crazy fun.

karmajay wrote:

Saw this beauty at the dealership and wanted to drive away with it so bad.

IMAGE(http://img12.imageshack.us/img12/5599/20130126164132670.jpg)

Haven't seen any in the wild here yet, they should start appearing soon. If I was in the market I'd struggle to choose between the ST and the Renault Megane RS Trophy. The Ford would probably win on practicality though.

Thin_J wrote:

I hate that I see them on the road now. I want one so bad. What was sticker price on that one? Just curious what they're actually charging for the things.

They had it at 30 something. It did have a moonroof and a couple of the ST3 features even though it was listed as an ST2. I only glanced at it cause I asked the guy right away about the X-plan pricing. Their stated x-plan pricing for the car would be 28,293.

So really silly question, but what's the feel of shifting via paddle shifters? Moving an old school shifter around gives you a thoroughly shifted feeling, if that makes any sense, and for whatever reason it's part of the fun of driving. Anyone switch from that to a manual with buttony bits and have an impression? I'm looking at something with buttony bits, and I fear and mistrust change.

They suck, in my opinion. I mean, I get the necessity for fast and accurate shifting in a touring car or Ferrari or something that requires pinpoint accuracy in speed and precision handling, but other than those few applications, I much prefer a shift lever at my side. What car are you looking at that has the option?

The part of a manual I like is the control. If an automatic with a manual shift option gives me that I'm good.

I may be the exception though.

You still have the control, but there is no 'mechanicalness' to it like there is with a stick. You could just be pushing a button, it is pretty much the same sensation. At least on BMWs.

I got a Miata STO, does that count? Love it, tho, I am running in the snow. It's fun, but rough in the long run if I want to keep the car. Have it since 4 years now.

It was imported from the States to Canada. Only 1500 were made. The tag in my car tho is somewhat scratch, and can't make out which one it is.

WipEout wrote:

They suck, in my opinion. I mean, I get the necessity for fast and accurate shifting in a touring car or Ferrari or something that requires pinpoint accuracy in speed and precision handling, but other than those few applications, I much prefer a shift lever at my side. What car are you looking at that has the option?

Either one of the lower tier Audis or a used Boxster/Cayman. The time is now while I'm still young and stupid w/o dependents.

If a flappy paddle gear box is responsive, then they can be fun, but still not as good as a proper manual. Yeah, Wipeout is right, my mini van doesn't need them.

Miashara wrote:
WipEout wrote:

They suck, in my opinion. I mean, I get the necessity for fast and accurate shifting in a touring car or Ferrari or something that requires pinpoint accuracy in speed and precision handling, but other than those few applications, I much prefer a shift lever at my side. What car are you looking at that has the option?

Either one of the lower tier Audis or a used Boxster/Cayman. The time is now while I'm still young and stupid w/o dependents.

That is indeed the time for many such things.

I still miss my G35 coupe.

Miashara wrote:

So really silly question, but what's the feel of shifting via paddle shifters? Moving an old school shifter around gives you a thoroughly shifted feeling, if that makes any sense, and for whatever reason it's part of the fun of driving. Anyone switch from that to a manual with buttony bits and have an impression? I'm looking at something with buttony bits, and I fear and mistrust change.

I hated it at first, but I've gotten used to it for everyday driving, and I pretty much always leave my car in paddle-shifter mode. It also a little more sluggish than I'd like, but the tech has probably come a long way in the last five years and I'm not exactly in a Ferrari anyway. I like that I still have control over what gear I'm in, but I miss some of the connection with the car, not only in the shift lever but also in the clutch. It's a reasonable compromise as my significant other really hates manual transmissions, but I'd go back to a manual in a heartbeat.

One thing to watch for, the paddle shifters in my car rotate with the steering wheel - which is absolutely moronic in my opinion. Imagine if, when your wheels aren't straight, you sometimes had to push down on the signal post with your right hand to signal a right-hand turn. It's like that. I've encountered this problem in other Acuras as well, but I think most other manufacturers have more sense than this.

Generally, the idea is that the left/right paddles stay with their corresponding hands. It's a design bred in racing, as a race car driver should ideally have his/her hands on the wheel at all times, while still needing to shift through corners and such. As such, that design has carried over to pretty much any car that boasts some sort of "sport" mode, I guess just so they can call themselves legit. Why cars that are in no way made for racing (like my Honda Fit Sport) have this feature is beyond me.

Yeah, it makes sense how it might have evolved this way - but as a real driver in my 4-door sedan driving around town I sometimes have to think about which paddle I'm using to avoid a jarring mistake. If I could have them remain stationary as I turned the wheel so that I could just move my hand over and tap the control knowing it's the right one, I'd definitely do it.

The new s-tronic (a double clutch manual) in the Audi is sweet. Much better than the older r-tronic (single clutch manual).

As I've been taught during track schools, your hand should never move from the wheel - not even to shuffle. So shifting up is always on your right finger tip and down shifts at your left finger tips. Only when you've turned the wheel 180 degrees should you move your hands and, unless you're rallying, should never happen. My ideal hand position is "quarter past nine", with the thumbs hooked above the spoke of the wheel. The fingers are loose on the wheel. To turn, pull down with the appropriate hand. This works very well for me and I'm pretty fast around a track. Of course, a supercharged V10 with 710 hp does help....

Moggy wrote:

As I've been taught during track schools, your hand should never move from the wheel - not even to shuffle. So shifting up is always on your right finger tip and down shifts at your left finger tips. ... This works very well for me and I'm pretty fast around a track.

Well, I agree for around a track - but I really only use my car around the city. I guess I just wanted Miashara to think about where they are mounted for daily driving use. As I said, I still use them all the time, and now that I'm forced to think about it more it's really only an issue in 90 degree corners at low speeds, and I'm probably not supposed to be shifting then anyways.

BushPilot wrote:

the paddle shifters in my car rotate with the steering wheel - which is absolutely moronic in my opinion.

I take it back, but I do feel like a moron when I make a mistake with them. However, I would still take them mounted on the steering column rather than the wheel for a car that'll never see anything resembling a track. Rotating shifters make sense on the track, and in the end it's still probably a personal preference for routine driving. Bottom line, I'd still go back to a stick shift with no argument at all.

Rainy/snow flurry-ish night.

350Z, meet Bambi's mom. Bambi's mom, meet 350Z.

Could have been worse. Headlight, front bumper, fender.

I'm not crazy about cars or anything, but with our recent purchase of a brand new Fusion, I'd like to take care of it. While the future is fluid, we'll be driving it as long as possible.

Is there anything I can do to take care of that shiny new exterior that doesn't involve me spending hours a week on it? ie, touchless car wash once a week if there's snow and slush and salt and sand good enough, or should I be doing something else?

edit: Can I get any fun OBD2 doohickeys that have a decent Android app?

General Crespin wrote:

I'm not crazy about cars or anything, but with our recent purchase of a brand new Fusion, I'd like to take care of it. While the future is fluid, we'll be driving it as long as possible.

Is there anything I can do to take care of that shiny new exterior that doesn't involve me spending hours a week on it? ie, touchless car wash once a week if there's snow and slush and salt and sand good enough, or should I be doing something else?

edit: Can I get any fun OBD2 doohickeys that have a decent Android app?

Solid waxing job should be the first order of business.

Coldstream wrote:
General Crespin wrote:

I'm not crazy about cars or anything, but with our recent purchase of a brand new Fusion, I'd like to take care of it. While the future is fluid, we'll be driving it as long as possible.

Is there anything I can do to take care of that shiny new exterior that doesn't involve me spending hours a week on it? ie, touchless car wash once a week if there's snow and slush and salt and sand good enough, or should I be doing something else?

edit: Can I get any fun OBD2 doohickeys that have a decent Android app?

Solid waxing job should be the first order of business.

I recommend Brazilian.

General Crespin wrote:

edit: Can I get any fun OBD2 doohickeys that have a decent Android app?

I got a sub $15 bluetooth one off of Amazon. I use it with the Torque app.

Coldstream wrote:

Solid waxing job should be the first order of business.

It's cold outside, can I wait until it warms up? >_<

MannishBoy wrote:
General Crespin wrote:

edit: Can I get any fun OBD2 doohickeys that have a decent Android app?

I got a sub $15 bluetooth one off of Amazon. I use it with the Torque app.

Thanks. I can't find anything that cheap, maybe I'm missing it? Or is it gone?

MannishBoy wrote:

Rainy/snow flurry-ish night.

350Z, meet Bambi's mom. Bambi's mom, meet 350Z.

Could have been worse. Headlight, front bumper, fender.

So. $2800.

IMAGE(http://i458.photobucket.com/albums/qq310/andysonlinepics/Cars/Deer-w_zps98a7b873.jpg)

General Crespin wrote:
MannishBoy wrote:
General Crespin wrote:

edit: Can I get any fun OBD2 doohickeys that have a decent Android app?

I got a sub $15 bluetooth one off of Amazon. I use it with the Torque app.

Thanks. I can't find anything that cheap, maybe I'm missing it? Or is it gone?

I see several. For instance, this one.