New car

Post by **XMEN Gambit** » Sat Oct 06, 2007 1:05 pm

So I've been working late a lot lately. I was headed home about 7:30 one evening last week and got smacked (hard) while sitting at a red light. Obviously, the other guy's fault. Anyway, insurance totaled my '01 Escort and finally got me a check on Thursday.

I hate car shopping. Really. Especially under duress like this. Waded through piles and piles of ads online, used car search resources, got a carfax subscription, etc. I wanted an efficient reliable durable vehicle for my 60-mile/day commute, and (since I hate car shopping) one I wouldn't have to replace for a while, and reasonably comfortable. Thursday night I found an ad that was placed that day for a Civic EX (pretty much exactly what I wanted) at a reasonable price, unlike the inflated prices we typically see around here on these. Called the guy that night, arranged to look at it first thing next morning, liked it, and gave him a check to hold it for me. Showed up that night with the dough, picked it up, and this morning turned in the cars that I'd rented or borrowed. Whew.

As I said, Civic EX, 4-spd auto, 48k miles. Moonroof, AM/FM/CD, alarm, keyless entry, power locks/windows. Grey interior. Unfortunately it is black - excuse me, "Nighthawk Black Pearl." Nice enough color, but I'd prefer something lighter in a climate like Texas. And I'll have to replace at least two tires fairly soon. Driver's seat rocks a little bit fore and aft when (de/ac)celerating, which I'll quickly find annoying. Some pretty minor interior flaws.

Overall I think I'll be happy with it for quite a while.

BTW, one car I'd borrowed was an '02 Impala. That's a pretty nice ride - might get one next time I'm looking for a trip car.

The Spleen · Post by **The Spleen** » Sat Oct 06, 2007 6:04 pm

Tough news, Gambit. Glad to hear there were no injuries.

I think you'll love the Honda.

Post by **XMEN Gambit** » Sun Oct 07, 2007 2:24 pm

Pictures!!

BlackRider · Post by **BlackRider** » Sun Oct 07, 2007 6:54 pm

You got the wrong transmission.

Actually, it looks like you found a straight, clean, little Honda there. Hope you like it.

Post by **XMEN Gambit** » Sun Oct 07, 2007 7:53 pm

You mean, I shoulda got a stick? I like standards, but clutching kills my knees on my stop-n-go commute. Ain't so young as I used to be. I gave up on manual trannies a couple of cars ago.

XMEN Ashaman DTM · Post by **XMEN Ashaman DTM** » Sun Oct 07, 2007 11:28 pm

Sweet deal, Gambino!

XMEN Iceman · Post by **XMEN Iceman** » Mon Oct 08, 2007 8:54 am

Nice Bud!!!!

BlackRider · Post by **BlackRider** » Mon Oct 08, 2007 10:33 am

True, manuals aren't much fun in stop'n'go traffic, but I simply can't live with an autotragic. For some reason or other they realy drive me crazy. Never in the right gear... shifting when I don't want them to and not shifting when I do. That and all the cars I've driven w/ autos seem very unhappy at posted speed limits. They always seem like they want to shift... or worse... they keep shifting up and down with the slightest change in throttle position. Maybe a semi-auto............

But yes, you found yourself a nice little car..... but is it just me or are all the windows tinted? It may be an illusion, but it looks as if the entire windshield is tinted. Doesn't the tint make things worse in Texas?

Post by **XMEN Gambit** » Mon Oct 08, 2007 12:00 pm

The windshield is slightly tinted, the sides and rear are more so. Doesn't seem as much in RL as it does in the pic.

The tint usually makes things better - the idea is to not let the light in where it's absorbed and turns into heat. The IR inside a car can't get out even with clear glass. At least this is what I am given to understand.

XMEN Ashaman DTM · Post by **XMEN Ashaman DTM** » Mon Oct 08, 2007 2:16 pm

Yes. Most glasses can't pass IR. Trust me.

XMEN Iceman · Post by **XMEN Iceman** » Mon Oct 08, 2007 2:47 pm

I trust anything that Asha tells me about energy waves.

Snicker!

Post by **XMEN Gambit** » Mon Oct 08, 2007 3:13 pm

"I don't see no pointy ears, boy, but you talk like a Vulcan!"

Admiral Leonard McCoy
Star Trek: The Next Generation
Encounter at Farpoint Part 1

XMEN Ashaman DTM · Post by **XMEN Ashaman DTM** » Mon Oct 08, 2007 6:05 pm

I have been known to let people know about pressure waves and diffusion with examples. Just an FYI...

XMENPorsche · Post by **XMENPorsche** » Mon Oct 08, 2007 9:44 pm

Sorry about your accident but it looks like you got yourself a good, reliable econobox. Somehow or another it just fits you.

Spinning Hat · Post by **Spinning Hat** » Tue Oct 09, 2007 1:00 pm

It doesn't really surprise me you'd pick a small car like that. It looks good, and they run forever, so you may have to wait until your next accident to replace it..