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The BladeForums.com 2024 Traditional Knife is ready to order! See this thread for details: https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/bladeforums-2024-traditional-knife.2003187/
Price is$300$250 ea (shipped within CONUS). If you live outside the US, I will contact you after your order for extra shipping charges.
Order here: https://www.bladeforums.com/help/2024-traditional/ - Order as many as you like, we have plenty.
What do you drive?
- Thread starter soupah
- Start date
CallsThunder
Basic Member
- Joined
- May 10, 2004
- Messages
- 621
I drive a 2000 F-150 but I wish I had my first. It was a '68 Ford, three speed on the column and I loved it. Wasn't in great shape so I bought a new Nissan pickup when I went off to school. I'd love to have a restored old pickup and just use my wife's Honda van when the whole gang needs to ride together.
DanR
DanR
- Joined
- May 18, 1999
- Messages
- 15,395
We have a '05 Camry SE and an '86 Ford F 150 Lariat Crew Cab with the long wide bed and a shell on top.
We have just over 13,000 miles on the Camry and 196,000 on the pickemup truck.
The Camry gets an average 25 mpg around town and the Ford gets 16 mpg around town. On the road right after we first got the Camry it averaged 31-32 mpg on our trip to Phoenix, Tucson and back. The old Ford used to get 21-22 mpg on the road and rides like a Caddy.:thumbup:
I'd like to have a new '07 Camry SE with the 262-282(?) horse V6 but it'd just get me in trouble. The 160 horse 4 cyl we have is fast enough.
Or I keep tryin to convince myself anyway.
We have just over 13,000 miles on the Camry and 196,000 on the pickemup truck.
The Camry gets an average 25 mpg around town and the Ford gets 16 mpg around town. On the road right after we first got the Camry it averaged 31-32 mpg on our trip to Phoenix, Tucson and back. The old Ford used to get 21-22 mpg on the road and rides like a Caddy.:thumbup:
I'd like to have a new '07 Camry SE with the 262-282(?) horse V6 but it'd just get me in trouble. The 160 horse 4 cyl we have is fast enough.
Or I keep tryin to convince myself anyway. 
- Joined
- Oct 25, 2004
- Messages
- 3,178
VW '04 Jetta TDI. As my rear license plate holder reads, "TDI owners do it with direct injection." (The TDI badge is actually a German acronym, but the Americanized version -- turbo direct injection -- works just fine.)
Real numbers: approximately 45 mpg on my commute (mixture between highway and winding backroads, although I tend to do the same speed on both), over 50 mpg on straight highways. These are not guesses or wishes, these are fact; I log my fuel consumption between fillups using my trip odometer and receipts, and I always fill up at the same pump at the same station. I can actually tell you the difference between the fuel at the station I use and most others (2.1 mpg) and between the regular #2 and the #2 doped with Power Service. (Another 1.3 mpg.) Muscle car enthusiasts track their quarter-mile times. TDI owners track their fuel consumption. It's a testosterone thing.
Driving is...fun. And unusual. The power curve is completely different than any gasser that I've ever driven, due to the relatively narrow powerband and the variable geometry turbocharger. It lugs up to 1900 RPM. At 2000, the turbo starts spooling, you hear the characteristic whistle (much like a semi, but quieter), and the car goes. 2000-3000 is an invisible hand pushing me firmly into the seat. Torque tapers off quickly after that and while max horsepower is around 4000, I almost never go that high. Hit 3, go a bit more, and shift. Both the engine and the transmission seem to like this best. It's said that people buy horsepower and drive torque; while critics focus on the 100 HP figure, I find myself most impressed with the 177 ft-lbs. of torque. A 4-cylinder isn't supposed to drive like this...especially an economy model. And to think of what VW could have provided us if this country had decent diesel fuel...
First gear is too low and it feels like the economy car that it is. Hit second with high RPM's, push the pedal, and things are suddenly more fun. The tires chirp and the tachometer starts moving. Get ready to shift -- you'll be at 3 in less than a second. Third and fourth are less fun. Fifth is almost as good as second: the car gathers itself like a sprinter crouching, the tach goes over two, and off she goes like the little Autobahn cruiser that she was meant to be. 100 doesn't feel much different than 60, although one should pay better attention to their surroundings...especially on the back roads, where the speed limit seldom exceeds 45.
The powerplant demands attention. Monitor throttle setting, monitor RPM's. Shift frequently -- the powerband is narrow and the fuel cuts off without throttle pressure, so downshifting is not only advantageous for acceleration, but it's vital for best economy. I've driven the automatic version of this car and I can't recommend it. This engine needs a master. It cannot operate properly on its own. I don't use cruise control for this very reason. The car demands a firm hand for best performance. As much as I enjoy mine, I can't recommend it for most in this trim. It took me 10,000 miles to figure out how to drive it, and I'd been coached.
The cornering is acceptable. I still miss RWD and oversteer, and the stability program takes the fun out of things; I sometimes turn it off when the roads are wet. Engaged, pushing the car past its limits results in a loud THUNK and a rapid straightening of the track -- effective, but not enjoyable. The suspension is firm enough to connect me to the road but not enough to work my kidneys.
The 1.9L diesel is reputed to be bulletproof. Mine has been so far. The electronics are...well, less than bulletproof. I haven't had any problems in the last 10,000 miles besides a passenger window that occasionally closes itself without being asked. The infamous VW window problem has reared its ugly head twice, but hasn't appeared in a while.
What would I change? No MP3 player (fixed) and no sixth gear. It needs a sixth gear. It doesn't, actually -- 60 mph is right around 2000 RPM in 5th, buth the way that I drive, sixth would be nice. I have my own little Autobahns marked out.
I put approximately 500 miles per week on my car via my commute. It is still fun to drive. That's my highest compliment. The fuel consumption doesn't bother me either.
The "Is that a diesel?" stuff ended last year. I placed a sticker on the back window just in case: "Yes, it's a diesel."
Last year, while filling up in Puyallup with premium diesel (not available around here), the woman at the counter noted my car at the diesel pump and said, "You know that you're pumping diesel, right?"
"Yes, ma'am," I said.
"And just how far do you think you'll go with that?" she asked.
"I'm shooting for 800 miles. Wish me luck," I answered. I refill around 650, but I could've gone a bit longer.
She didn't get the joke.
Say what you want about German cars, but I still think that they're the most fun to drive. (As we VW owners like to say, "I'm driving this because I couldn't afford an Audi.")
When I'm ready for my next car, I'll be looking for something like this. (But hopefully the electrical stuff will work right.)
Real numbers: approximately 45 mpg on my commute (mixture between highway and winding backroads, although I tend to do the same speed on both), over 50 mpg on straight highways. These are not guesses or wishes, these are fact; I log my fuel consumption between fillups using my trip odometer and receipts, and I always fill up at the same pump at the same station. I can actually tell you the difference between the fuel at the station I use and most others (2.1 mpg) and between the regular #2 and the #2 doped with Power Service. (Another 1.3 mpg.) Muscle car enthusiasts track their quarter-mile times. TDI owners track their fuel consumption. It's a testosterone thing.
Driving is...fun. And unusual. The power curve is completely different than any gasser that I've ever driven, due to the relatively narrow powerband and the variable geometry turbocharger. It lugs up to 1900 RPM. At 2000, the turbo starts spooling, you hear the characteristic whistle (much like a semi, but quieter), and the car goes. 2000-3000 is an invisible hand pushing me firmly into the seat. Torque tapers off quickly after that and while max horsepower is around 4000, I almost never go that high. Hit 3, go a bit more, and shift. Both the engine and the transmission seem to like this best. It's said that people buy horsepower and drive torque; while critics focus on the 100 HP figure, I find myself most impressed with the 177 ft-lbs. of torque. A 4-cylinder isn't supposed to drive like this...especially an economy model. And to think of what VW could have provided us if this country had decent diesel fuel...
First gear is too low and it feels like the economy car that it is. Hit second with high RPM's, push the pedal, and things are suddenly more fun. The tires chirp and the tachometer starts moving. Get ready to shift -- you'll be at 3 in less than a second. Third and fourth are less fun. Fifth is almost as good as second: the car gathers itself like a sprinter crouching, the tach goes over two, and off she goes like the little Autobahn cruiser that she was meant to be. 100 doesn't feel much different than 60, although one should pay better attention to their surroundings...especially on the back roads, where the speed limit seldom exceeds 45.
The powerplant demands attention. Monitor throttle setting, monitor RPM's. Shift frequently -- the powerband is narrow and the fuel cuts off without throttle pressure, so downshifting is not only advantageous for acceleration, but it's vital for best economy. I've driven the automatic version of this car and I can't recommend it. This engine needs a master. It cannot operate properly on its own. I don't use cruise control for this very reason. The car demands a firm hand for best performance. As much as I enjoy mine, I can't recommend it for most in this trim. It took me 10,000 miles to figure out how to drive it, and I'd been coached.
The cornering is acceptable. I still miss RWD and oversteer, and the stability program takes the fun out of things; I sometimes turn it off when the roads are wet. Engaged, pushing the car past its limits results in a loud THUNK and a rapid straightening of the track -- effective, but not enjoyable. The suspension is firm enough to connect me to the road but not enough to work my kidneys.
The 1.9L diesel is reputed to be bulletproof. Mine has been so far. The electronics are...well, less than bulletproof. I haven't had any problems in the last 10,000 miles besides a passenger window that occasionally closes itself without being asked. The infamous VW window problem has reared its ugly head twice, but hasn't appeared in a while.
What would I change? No MP3 player (fixed) and no sixth gear. It needs a sixth gear. It doesn't, actually -- 60 mph is right around 2000 RPM in 5th, buth the way that I drive, sixth would be nice. I have my own little Autobahns marked out.
I put approximately 500 miles per week on my car via my commute. It is still fun to drive. That's my highest compliment. The fuel consumption doesn't bother me either.
The "Is that a diesel?" stuff ended last year. I placed a sticker on the back window just in case: "Yes, it's a diesel."
Last year, while filling up in Puyallup with premium diesel (not available around here), the woman at the counter noted my car at the diesel pump and said, "You know that you're pumping diesel, right?"
"Yes, ma'am," I said.
"And just how far do you think you'll go with that?" she asked.
"I'm shooting for 800 miles. Wish me luck," I answered. I refill around 650, but I could've gone a bit longer.
She didn't get the joke.
Say what you want about German cars, but I still think that they're the most fun to drive. (As we VW owners like to say, "I'm driving this because I couldn't afford an Audi.")
When I'm ready for my next car, I'll be looking for something like this. (But hopefully the electrical stuff will work right.)
Cutshaw
Moderator
- Joined
- Aug 15, 2004
- Messages
- 7,274
I'm driving my old '94 Toyota Previa 4x4 Van with a big, honking Yakima rack on top. It sorta reminds me of the old Scooby cartoon van. It holds all of my camping/kayaking gear. As I get older, I appreciate being able to unroll the thermarest and sleeping bag in the van when traveling or camping gets ugly.
My wife gets to drive the 2004 Honda CRV.
My wife gets to drive the 2004 Honda CRV.
- Joined
- Jun 8, 2005
- Messages
- 4,761
The TDI is a neat car...my mother only drives diesel mercedes, so diesels are pretty familiar to us. But I think the thing that kills it is the 0-60 time in over 10 seconds. The one 0-60 time I found for the TDI was 11 seconds flat. The VW R32 was almost roughly fast enough to be a fun family car, averaging 0-60 in just over 6 seconds, but really, we need to see more sub 6 second VWs from the factory. And no more FWD. Of course, they did score that sweet Audi dual clutch (I think they're calling it the DSG) transmission. That's way faster than a manual gearbox in the real world.
http://cars.about.com/od/volkswagen/fr/pp_06jettatdi.htm
If you have the time, you should check out a Mercedes CDI. That thing puts out like 380 lbs of torque and gets 35 mpg, I think, while weigh 4000 lbs. Amazing.
As per German cars, there's only one real german car left these days, that's Porsche. Everything else is the same engineering as every other car...straight sixes, v8s, straight fours...throw in the occasional v10 or v12....they're virtually all front engine. Porsche kept it real....rear, flat sixes...air cooled until 96....real classic designs....the timeless 911....
I'd like to see VW come out with another Porsche designed car though and return it to its roots.
http://cars.about.com/od/volkswagen/fr/pp_06jettatdi.htm
If you have the time, you should check out a Mercedes CDI. That thing puts out like 380 lbs of torque and gets 35 mpg, I think, while weigh 4000 lbs. Amazing.
As per German cars, there's only one real german car left these days, that's Porsche. Everything else is the same engineering as every other car...straight sixes, v8s, straight fours...throw in the occasional v10 or v12....they're virtually all front engine. Porsche kept it real....rear, flat sixes...air cooled until 96....real classic designs....the timeless 911....
I'd like to see VW come out with another Porsche designed car though and return it to its roots.
My first car was an '80 Hatchback that was fine, but didn't handle all that well and was woefully underpowered. I bought a new '92 hatchback and have nothing but great things to say about it. I gave it to my brother(who has four kids that are getting towards driving age) with full confidence. My current ride is an '06 sedan that I haven't fallen in love with yet. I keep waxing nostalgic for the '92. I'm not all that impressed with the current road feel, rear visibility, handling, or gear ratios in the manual transmission. Also, it gets less MPG.
- Joined
- Mar 26, 2002
- Messages
- 1,861
2001 Cadillac Eldorado -- black with black. Like a hole cut in the night. Great car. Most powerful front wheel drive coupe made that year. 300 hp. Marvelous 32 valve Northstar engine. 25 mpg expressway, 16-17 around town.
2002 Astro Van LS another great vehicle. Silver grey.
motorcycles:
1988 Honda Shadow VLX 600, wineberry red. Custom Hard Krome exhaust.
1959 BMW R 69 with Steib TR-500 sidecar. Waiting for Kis to help me finish restoration. Black with white pinstripes.
1957 Russian Cossack/Dnepr/Ural with custom enclosed sidecar with luggage rack and skylight. Black.
2002 Astro Van LS another great vehicle. Silver grey.
motorcycles:
1988 Honda Shadow VLX 600, wineberry red. Custom Hard Krome exhaust.
1959 BMW R 69 with Steib TR-500 sidecar. Waiting for Kis to help me finish restoration. Black with white pinstripes.
1957 Russian Cossack/Dnepr/Ural with custom enclosed sidecar with luggage rack and skylight. Black.
- Joined
- Nov 11, 2005
- Messages
- 1,076
2000 Ford Range
or
1993 Buick Lesaber
or
1993 Buick Lesaber
I drive a 2005 Honda CR/V. It gets 27-28 on the commute if I don't need the ai rconditioning, the roads are dry, and it is not snowy.
It does about 19 in town, but much better on the highway. I have averaged about 25-26 over much of the 33,000 miles I already put through it.
My wife now has the 2001 Toyota Camry, 4-cyl.
It is lighter than the Honda, but only got about 28 on the commute.
I just got tired of spending thousands to fix American cars. The dead tranny in the Ford Windstar (80,000) put the nail in the coffin for American cars for me. Everyone I have known with a Windstar or Explorer has had transmission trouble.
It does about 19 in town, but much better on the highway. I have averaged about 25-26 over much of the 33,000 miles I already put through it.
My wife now has the 2001 Toyota Camry, 4-cyl.
It is lighter than the Honda, but only got about 28 on the commute.
I just got tired of spending thousands to fix American cars. The dead tranny in the Ford Windstar (80,000) put the nail in the coffin for American cars for me. Everyone I have known with a Windstar or Explorer has had transmission trouble.
CallsThunder
Basic Member
- Joined
- May 10, 2004
- Messages
- 621
MauiRob said:2005 Toyota Tacoma 4 door. TRD off Road package with big tires
Nice. Have you seen the commercial of the kayaker that parks his Toyota 4X4 on the beach. While away the tide comes in flips the truck all the way over, beats it against the rocks and then leaves it in the same spot it was left. The person returns, gets in and drives away. Being in Hawaii, you can try that and take some pics for us. Strap a khuk on the front grill and we'll see how it does.
DanR
- Joined
- Dec 28, 2003
- Messages
- 4,793
Dave Rishar said:
LOL! I get 17 mpg. and have to use Premium, which is close to $3.50 a gallon right now out here. Best I did was 22 MPG on the way to AZ for the SWKK last year. But it is a blast to drive (even though it isn't German.
) I pegged it at 110 and set the cruise control and left it that way for over 2 hours on 10 East across the desert. It didn't even quiver, and is way better on gas at higher speeds. Top end is at least 30 on top of that (I removed the 127 MPH limiter with a tuner). I've had it to about that out on a runway, but have been too chicken to go further.The mileage sucks horribly around town though.
Norm
- Joined
- Aug 8, 2006
- Messages
- 64
I drive a solid black 1993 Pontiac Formula Firebird with a LT-1
corvette v-8 engine and a 6 speed borg-warner manual tranny.
Puts out close to 300 hp with a custom exhaust system.This is my
4th Firebird been driving them since I was in high school during the
70's. Love em!! Car gets about 27 mpg on the Hwy in 6 th gear.
My weekend ride is my beloved 2000 BMW R1150GS The best
dual sport ride on the planet.Goes anywhere does just about anything
you want it to. 50 mpg on the HWY.Took it on my vacation this summer
and logged about 1600 miles in the mountains of Arizona.GREAT FUN!!!
corvette v-8 engine and a 6 speed borg-warner manual tranny.
Puts out close to 300 hp with a custom exhaust system.This is my
4th Firebird been driving them since I was in high school during the
70's. Love em!! Car gets about 27 mpg on the Hwy in 6 th gear.
My weekend ride is my beloved 2000 BMW R1150GS The best
dual sport ride on the planet.Goes anywhere does just about anything
you want it to. 50 mpg on the HWY.Took it on my vacation this summer
and logged about 1600 miles in the mountains of Arizona.GREAT FUN!!!