Rides - past, present and future.

Considering how much I like cars and bikes and karts and racing and going fast in general, it's surprising that I haven't done a post like this one before.  It's simply an automotive history of sorts - a list of cars I've owned, and cars I would like to own one day.  We did a similar exercise before about the "dream garage" or whatever you'd like to call it.  This is a bit different because it lists cars you've actually owned, which I think says a lot about a person.  Not that I would have this list in my signature line on a car forum, because that is LAME!

We'll start with the senior year ride.  And since I grew up in NYC, I'm talking about college, not high school!

1) 1990 (?) Civic Wagon.  I didn't actually own this car, but I claim ownership since I was the one who sent it to its demise.  Originally owned by my brother-in-law, who sold it to my brother, who let me drive it to/from school.  I moved out of college in this car, and got into the first accident on Broadway.  Second accident was in Chicago, which sent Grandma to the hospital (God bless her, she was a strong woman) and cut our cross-country trip short.  Don't know how we limped back home to NYC, but we did.  Then I think the car was junked.  I think this is how the wagon obsession started.

2) 1991 (?) Infiniti G20 sedan.  I can't believe I forgot the model year!  I know it was an early model since the 1993.5 got the high-port (or is it low port?) version of the venerable SR20DE engine.  I also know it was a '91 or '92 since I had the dreaded 5th gear pop-out!  I remember getting a heavy-ass package from UPS with my new transmission in it.  It came from a G20t model, so it had the factory LSD, though I don't think I put it to good use because I was just a punk ass kid street racing bum at the time.  I also remember my Greddy exhaust which I thought sounded great.  I think this car is still sitting around the parent's farm somewhere.

3) 2000 MR2 Spyder.  Moved to Cali so I had to get a convertible.  It was the peak of the dot-com boom and we all thought we were living the good life.  Well, I did for a few months before my company closed and I was making car payments with unemployment checks.  Great car though, glad I was able to keep it for so long.  I didn't put the top down as much as I should have.  This car got my started with real driving, i.e. autocrossing, twisty road rallies and open track days!  I sold it to a nice woman at Stanford medical school, and I still look around for another one considering how cheap they are.

During my MR2 ownership I went through a bit of a Nissan fanboy phase.  Kids were just starting this "drifting" thing and 240sx's weren't completely ridiculously overpriced just yet.  I may have helped contribute to their price inflation...

4) Smashatch - that's the name for the first 240sx I bought.  A tree had fallen on the hatch and it was completely fubar'ed.  Of course, I thought I could just take a Sawzall to it and make myself an El Camino.  I was wrong.  Living in an apartment with no parking didn't help.  I sold it for 3x the price.

5) Creamy - yellow and grey two-tone coupe.  I thought it was hot shit, but it probably was just shit to everyone else on the road.  It had a working HUD which was nuts for 1991 in-car technology.  Cleaned it up a bit, removed some tacky vinyl and drove it around for a bit.  Replaced 3 of 4 fuel injectors so there wouldn't be gas spurting all over the hot engine. Sold it for more than twice what I paid.  

6) OneLiner - black 240sx coupe with R32 Skyline taillights and the almighty SR20DET!  The name is a play on the Japanese name for the 240sx hatchback (180sx) and the Coupe body with GT-R lights.  Most people would call it a OneVia (for Silvia), but I had to be different.  This car was awesome!  Super light chassis, craptastic tires and stout power from an otherwise stock SR.  Probably only 200hp, but it felt like a lot more.  I even went to the track once, and despite the plastic-fantastic big-wheel like traction afforded by $100 tires (meaning $100 for ALL FOUR), I had lots of fun.  My buddy called it the "Beater Battle" since he brought out his 'other MR2' to have some fun.  I sold this one for a tidy profit as well.  I would still get another one.

7) 2004 WRX wagon - this was the "family car" to replace the Spyder.  It was still a compact sports car, but with rear seats that could (barely) fit a baby seat.  Had the works done to it, but unfortunately I never got to track the beast.  Went to a Subie rally once, but everyone was just sitting around.  I took her up Mt. Hamilton myself and boy was that fun!  Brembos were amazing, Stage 4 upgrades on the EJ20 was ridiculous.  It still oversteered a bit, but you could just manhandle the car and it would do no wrong.  Didn't help me improve as a driver, but it was an awesome car.  Sold it to a good friend of mine at work, so I know she's in good hands.

8) 2008 VW Passat wagon - yup, another wagon.  This was the first German car and we got it at a very good price.  I wanted an STI wagon, but it wasn't any bigger than my WRX.  The new A4 Avant is nice too, but about $10k too much.  And it felt slower than the Passat, which has the same motor, but doesn't carry the weight penalty of AWD.  It's a family wagon, FWD is fine.  I'm actually surprised by how much I like this car.  I don't think I would ever "love" it, but it's a dman fine vehicle.  The small details in design and functionality really make you appreciate good engineering.  I expect to drive this one for a long while, at least until the kids are out of school (elementary, not high).

That's the list!  I'm actually disappointed that it's only 8 and not 10.  I could count the G35, but I always think of it as the wife's car.  If it were mine I would have modified something (anything!) a long time ago.

-Hong

What is that? A VW Passa?

As is customary of al(most)l my cars, I had to take the little chrome letters off the rear of the PeeDub (Passat Wagon).  The emblems were actually quite small and rather tastefully done, but we've got a tradition to uphold!  

Can you believe people actually post on car forums asking how it's done?  I mean, seriously!  If you need to ask, maybe it's too hard for you...  I started with the T and was surprised to find I could just pry it off with my fingernail, right in the cold cold garage.  Usually people will suggest some assortment of heat, fishing line, floss, chemicals, knives, spatulas, crowbars...

I should post some pictures, but the FF is now a "        ". It was a PASSA, a PASS, an ASS and an SS at one point or another. Wendy actually thought "ASS" was funny and said I should leave it like that for awhile. I love that girl!

I did hit it with a little adhesive cleaner, but overall it was quick and painless.  A really easy "mod" that changes the look of the car for the better.

-A.s.s

Proud to be an... Columbian?

No, not Colombian.  Though they do make fine coffee, and uh, *other* exports.  I got an e-mail from the President today.  No, not *that* President.

President Bollinger from Columbia University.  I don't mention it much in day to day life, because out here on the West Coast, people haven't even heard of Columbia!  How crazy is that?  Shouldn't everyone know the 8 Ivy League schools off the top of their head?  (Yes.  And Brown is the one you're forgetting...)  Well, good 'ole Lee (that's what we call him) sent out the expected note that one of our OWN (no, I'm not Black) was elected to the highest office in the land (world?).  President Elect Barack Obama is a Columbia College grad just like me.  

Well, he transfered in, but that's still pretty hard to do right?

Yesterday was a historic day in American History.  Now let's see what we can do with all this change...

-Hong

Three Car Garage.

It's every red-blooded American's dream - the Three Car Garage (TCG).  Maybe it's just every motor-oil-blooded American's dream.  Well check it out!  

I didn't think we could fit three across, but there's plenty of space.  Mostly because Max's ride is so SMALL.  

I just picked it up tonight and am thinking the maiden voyage is tomorrow morning.  Wendy thinks it too dangerous for her little king, but I'll make sure he wears his helmet and takes it easy on the 'Go' pedal.  At least until he gets the hang of it!

I'm already thinking of what mods I could do to his kart.  Drop it, some stickier tires (plastic has such a low coefficient of friction!), maybe a paint job...

-Motor Daddy

Recent Rides.

It's been a while huh?  Just been spending time with The King and his Mommy.  I gotta get that kid to update his blog as well.  Had a few minutes at lunch and wanted to put some words down about cars I've recently seen/driven/bought/sold.

GT-R.  Finally saw one in the flesh (metal?).  Going to get The King from daycare.  Of course, Palo Alto would be where I would spot the Godzilla.  Also saw a Can-Am Spyder there a few months ago.  Both are pretty rare.  And both will be mine one day.  The Nissan was the same color as the one I own... in Gran Turismo 5 Prologue.

Just got back from vacation and we got to "pick a car" off the Enterprise lot.  We were slated for a Pontiac G6, but that's an ugly beast and it looked like your typical rental.  Saw they had a 300C, Charger and a white VW Passat! (more on this later).  We passed on those because they're considered 'premium' cars and would cost more.  No need to waste $ on a rental.  I saw a Malibu in the corner and asked if that was the same price.  I was surprised that it was since it was bigger and newer than the Ponti-crap.  Overall I was impressed with the Malibu, though I still wouldn't buy one myself.  It had lots of room, decent power from the Ecotec and a decently finished cabin.  GM really did up it's game with this one.  Too bad 90% of it's lineup is still crap.  I wouldn't chuckle-under-my-breath if someone told me they bought a Malibu.  I'd consider putting my own cash down on a G8 GT or a CTS-V now.

I also drove a Jetta 2.5 "Wolfsburg Edition".  I think the "WE" trim is just some cosmetic stuff, so I would have to say a base Jetta is a solid car.  The motor has good torque, and no real top end - though it makes good grunting noises.  The cabin is nice and it does the "euro sedan" thing well enough, at a competitive price.  I would recommend this to anyone looking for a cheap european car.  I assume the Rabbit is equally competent given the shared chassis.

Speaking of which, the MKV also rides under the Passat.  Which is why I was driving a Jetta loaner.  We had to get the windshield replaced on our BRAND NEW car because the (other) VW dealership is staffed by idiots.  We got the car in a dealer-trade, but it was missing a wiper and someone had turned on the wipers leaving a nice long scratch in the windshield.  The service guys at Winn VW aren't the brightest bulbs either, but I insisted they replace it.  It's just as bad as a long scratch on the side of the car, and I was looking at it every time I drove!

Other than that, the Passat Wagon has been a joy to drive.  Sure it's nothing like the WRX, but that's the point.  It's LARGE, quiet, comfy, gets good mileage and does a decent impression of an entry-level luxury car.  It was such a logical decision that I feel like I've been slowly getting to know the car, and I like what I'm finding. VW ownership is like finding small gifts in the form of thoughtful features (tap-to-pass blinkers, driver-side glovebox, etc.).  Well, at least until those things break and I end up in the service bay.  AGAIN.

I also managed to put in a short drive in the G35 after about a month away.  Wow.  What a great car.  I had forgotten how awesome the VQ35 was, and what a marvelous chassis the FM platform is.  Just coming out of the driveway and around the first corner I was smitten once again.  The G has held up very well over these last 3.5yrs and still is a joy to dive into a corner with.  The power was nice, definitely missing from the Passat and a different experience from the WRX.  The steering wheel is one of my favorite features, and makes the plastic-fantastic of the PW an even bigger letdown.

Which brings us to the WRX wagon.  I was worried about smog testing, but a switch back to the stock exhaust and she passed with flying colors.  Not bad for 300+hp.  Now she's officially "not mine".

Now I just need to chip the Passat.

-Hong

Sold the Subie. :(

It's the end of an era.  My wifey would say that the "Reign of Rice" is over.  I sold the WRX to a friend from work tonight.  It was with mixed feelings that I handed over the keys.  I enjoyed my time with the "STI wagon", but I also know it was going to be in good hands.  Rob had a WRX and and STI before, and in a way, this third Impreza will be a combo of those two.

I'll have to make another post about the new whip after I've given her the proper break-in (and first mod!).

I guess I can't be considered a "Ricer" anymore.

-Strudeler

Four more years? Yes Please!

Today was our 4th anniversary and it was awesome!

Dropped off the baby genius in the morning, and he wailed as usual.  This kid really loves his Mommy!  Hung out at the Stanford Mall until stores opened and the Mrs. bought herself a nice new coat (with a lot of pushing).

After that we went to the Tesla Motors showroom, and I sat in a Roadster. It's a pretty nicely tarted up Elise. I've always wanted to check one out in person and it did not disappoint.  Then we did a spa session at Watercourse Way - very hot/cool and relaxing.  I can see why my wife likes to do this stuff! 

For lunch we hit up a Brazilian steakhouse (all you can eat!). After we stuffed ourselves silly, we went to test drive the new A4. Wen liked it more than I expected, but I think she'd rather have a new G35 (or G37!).  I only wish that Infiniti made a wagon to go head to head with the Avant.  Well, there is that EX35 CUV/Crossover/tall wagon thing.  It has surprisingly little legroom in the rear, even less than it's chassis-twin (the G35 sedan).

At this point, Momma bear missed her baby bear too dearly so we went to pick him up early.  Hit the pool for a bit and just relaxed the rest of the evening with a good movie.  What a great day!  I can't wait to see what the next four years brings!

-Hong

Gimme a break!

Break me off a piece of that Kit Kat bar!  Well, it was bound to happen.  I thought I haven't had a bad ankle injury since I moved to California, but my wife reminded me that I did something stupid at the pre-Super Bowl flag football game one year.  So maybe it's been about 5 years injury free... until this past Thursday.

We were playing our usual lunchtime game, had a good number of people on the court and things were getting, uh, competitive.  I went for a drive and got bumped pretty good.  Should have finished stronger. Next play I come back and Sully's shooting an open shot outside.  Not on my watch!  I went hard for the ball, and it turned out to be too hard.  Landed on his foot coming down and I heard the all too familiar POP!  

This pic is from day 2, it's a small fracture on the fibula so recovery should be no problema

Pain.  Shit. F*&K!  I needed to sit down, but I knew what happened.  I hopped off the court and just dropped to the floor.  Dang, I remember how badly these things hurt.  How am I going to drive to work tomorrow?!?

The guys were cool, and everyone came over.  I felt bad since they stopped the game, but it was towards the end of the lunch hour anyway.  Long story short, the swelling was immediate and looked very strange in location and size.  I went to the hospital and got some x-rays.

Broken Ankle!  People joke about it in basketball (i.e. point guard trash talking), but apparently it happens all the time.  2 weeks off the foot (crutches suck) and 4+ weeks recovery.  I think I'll pick up golfing again.

-HQ

Bad Car-ma week.

Last week sucked big time! Monday I get pulled over by CHP and I was only doing 70 in the left lane. I moved over when I saw him come up, but then he pulled in right behind me. Then he went on my right, and paced me for a 1/4 mile. When he went behind me again I knew it was coming, but it still sucked when the lights came on. I pulled off the 101 and sat on the highway off-ramp (see below) for my first misadventure of the automotive kind. Turns out I wasn't speeding (duh!) but he pulled me over for TINTED WINDOWS.

SO LAME!

The fact that it was March 31st wasn't lost on me. Go ahead and make your quotas buddy. Cops have to deal with Car-ma too!

Just three days later, the cruel hand of Car-ma strikes down upon the Scooby Doo yet again. I'm driving home from work, and see the 101 is becoming a parking lot. I get off a few exits early thinking the surface streets will be faster. It normally is, but today this stupid lady in a minivan in front of me decides to STOP at the Yield sign. I guess she doesn't know the difference between the two. I come to a stop on the off-ramp (I'm starting to hate these things), but the guy in the Jeep behind me doesn't. BAM! My poor unmolested wagon is gonna need a visit to the bodyshop. I should stop here, because I haven't gotten the estimate yet. At least his insurance called and admitted fault, so it's going to be fixed up (borat voice) "real nice" .

One last note, CHP was completely unprofessional and semi-abusive, even though I was just in an accident and did nothing wrong. I guess it's too much to ask them to DO THEIR JOB and help motorists in need. Sorry my taxes aren't enough for you buddy!

-Very Angy VG