Automotive enthusiasts?

@BadgingBadger  
dude, I love offroading. my mom had an 1987 Chevy S-10 Blazer… dad liked to go offroading all the time. It was a guilty pleasure to sit shotgun in that little truck! I kinda dream of having a nice Wrangler… to take the top off and just enjoy some random trails! (or snow for now)
 
 
@BarryFromMars  
Yes! a Honda Insight. reminds me of this video Doug is one of the coolest youtube people along with Mr. Regular!
 
 
@BarryFromMars  
Ah that back tailgate makes that the coolest station wagon ever! I loved looking at those weird things as a kid!  
Speaking of the Tornado, I’d personally love to have one of the early 90s ones with a touchscreen dashboard! those are so fascinating for their time.

@BarryFromMars  
Yo, you gotta fix up that Dodge. it would be so great to get one back on the road again! You ever see those TV shows where someone gets a car restored in memory of loved ones? I think that makes it even better…

@RainbowDash69
 
Here’s one of the more extreme aerodynamic mods for an Insight:
 

 
I haven’t ridden in one, stock or modified.
 
As for the 1991/1992 Toronado I never knew they had this. Thanks.
 

 
@RainbowDash69
 
I haven’t seen those TV shows but if get the title I think I will work on it. There was a 77 Ford F350 Stakebed too but I’m not expecting to keep that if I even get these trucks; I’d just want to get the Ford running nicely, make it presentable, sell it and afterwards work on the Dodge. Funny, I inherited my other Grandfather’s car and now I may end up with these trucks too. I wonder if the Dodge has its original doors? The passenger side has a door lock but the driver one doesn’t. The engine isn’t original, not surprising for its day. A previous owner seemed to be pouring motor oil in the doors to prevent rust which worked, I did near the same on another car when I sprayed Fluid Film in doors.

@BarryFromMars  
Lol I am impressed. people get quite insane with MPGs. I am no professional, but driving slowly with my 1999 Olds Alero gets 18.5 mpg all in the city! Whooooo…
 
You ever hear of Saabkyle04? he did a video of a Buick Reatta with one of the same touchscreens… that’s how I found out! quite awesome!
 
Gee, you have quite the good selection of old cars. I wish you luck in the work, it is painful but so very worth it in the end. :) too bad my family didn’t keep their old cars

@RainbowDash69
 
Yeah, the Insight can get over 80 HWY when modified enough and with enough things going right with it. 100 wouldn’t sound out of sight but that’s with a lot of engine off coasting which is illegal in some places and requires a lot of paying crucial attention to the environment around.
 
There are a few easy mods to make MPGs increase. Depending on the state of your Olds’ engine maybe you could switch oil E.G. if you’re using a 10w30 use the same brand’s 5w30. It’ll most likely still protect the engine as well when hot although you could check the data sheets between the two online to compare; those get more details. If you were using STP Oil Treatment or Lucas’ Engine Treatment stop using it, they thicken oil which will lower MPG. I changed the oil in a 3.3 Caravan that had 10w30 with STP (15w40 equivalent, I read; horrible for winter) to Pennzoil Platinum 0w20 for short trip winter driving and the MPGs went from 10.x-11.x to 13.x, no kidding. The battery was getting weak too and it allowed the van to crank over easier. Then again 0w20 isn’t recommended in summer or for all vehicles that require an xw30 maybe except in winter, I haven’t read all manuals.
 
I’m familiar with Saabkyle04 but not that Buick. I knew some Caprice models from the late 80s had what may be the same touchscreen computer you’re talking about but I didn’t know what they looked like, thanks.
 
Thanks but most of the cars I posted photos of aren’t my own cars, I just found them on the internet. Sorry if I didn’t make that clear. :p I do have literally a couple of older cars to work with (if going pre-1995 is “older”) and the oldest is a 1984 Caprice 4-Door Sedan which was my other grandfather’s. I’m not counting the trucks as the titles haven’t been transferred.

@BarryFromMars  
Wow, that’s a wild tailgate design; I can imagine they’d be a nightmare if something went wrong, though.
 
I’m pretty sure that blue car in the background is a Jensen Interceptor:  

 

@Flying Pancake
 
Ah, thanks. So this is what my Father was talking about. Nice rear window and it reminds me of a mid 80s Jaguar XJ6 just a little, it’s mostly the wheels and front end.
 
The Clamshell wagons are a demolition derby favorite even now but are banned in some places, they’re give or take 5,000 pounds and they used to be abundant; around 141k were Buicks. I haven’t tallied the numbers for Chevrolet, Oldsmobile or Pontiac. Still, 40 years later they’re a lot scarcer.

Nice to see other wagon enthusiasts around here. I think a wagon is the ideal form for a daily vehicle: the cargo space of an SUV with less weight and better handling because it’s closer to the ground. The longer roof line also looks better than a sedan in my opinion. It’s too bad America can’t appreciate wagons like Europe. On the bright side, we’re going to get the Jaguar XF Sportbrake next year.
 

 
Pretty, isn’t it? The performance should match the look too.
 
Now if only there was a Jaguar dealer within 50 miles of me.  
And I had the money to buy one new.  
And “Jaguar” and “reliability” belonged in the same sentence.

@kleptomage
 
A lot of times when I drive my Mercury Wagon people comment on it, it did have a refinish shortly before I bought it yet it seems as if Wagons have gotten to a point (in my local area of Pennsylvania at least) where people like looking at them again at least from a nostalgic viewpoint.
 
That Jaguar does look sleek IMO, it’s not as long as I’d like in a vehicle (I’m coming from the “Does it fit a 4x8 sheet of plywood in it?” question here) but I’m surprised Jaguar is even making a Wagon. And yeah, I’m familiar with Jaguars a little; my parents had a 1985 XJ6 and while it didn’t catch on fire as a considerable number in America did it still fell into disrepair once we moved from Pittsburgh area. Funny to think it happened within 2.5 years once it became our only car. The flywheel lost some teeth according to my Father which made it difficult to start and I’m trying to understand how that could happen.

@BarryFromMars  
I’m looking to replace my old Hyundai in the next year. I want something modern with more power and much better handling. The handling of my car is vague at best and in the snow it’s dangerous. If I wasn’t stuck where winter lasts for five months I would have a lot more cars to choose from.
 
Yeah, my Father likes to apply the “Can it fit a full sheet of plywood?” test too. That’s why he previously had a Chrysler minivan. I say previously because it rusted in two years even though it was parked inside. My Hyundai despite its faults has been fully exposed to the elements for 10 years and is holding up great.
 
Jaguar is rebuilding their brand. They have a graceful new style, competitive offerings (even a crossover ‘cause ‘Murica), expanded warranties, and a brilliant sports car in the F-Type. I’d like to believe the new Jags are more reliable but I’d still be leery of owning one long term.

@BarryFromMars  
Hm, I use synthetic oil in my car… that might be why the mpg is good for such an old car… I hardly drive the thing so the oil is getting pretty old.
 
ah I know what you mean. all is clear now :D
 
 
@kleptomage  
yes! it’s a sexy beast!! I like this Jag way more than their F-pace crossover. the body lines match Jaguar’s styling a lot better in wagon form. I am excited to see videos of it, I bet the exhaust sound is amazing! one of my favorite parts of the new Jag lineup is how incredible the exhaust notes are

@kleptomage  
That is a very nice wagon; now to wait 20-30 years or so until I can actually afford one…  

 
That rationale always drives me nuts- do manufacturers ever consider that maybe the reason Americans won’t buy wagons is that almost no manufacturers actually offer them? VW makes wagons, and they sell just fine (pre-dieselgate, of course), Volvo makes wagons, and they sell fine (when was the last time you saw a Volvo sedan?), and Subaru makes something that approximates a wagon, and it sells like crazy.
 
I’m just hoping that the “crossover” segment eventually fractures enough that some of them become real mass-market wagons again. The Flex in particular gives me some hope for that:  
 
Ford adamantly calls it a crossover, but seriously, how is that not a wagon?

Is it just me or does the Honda Fit 2010 (which my parents used to own) look like a squirrel?  

@RainbowDash69  
It’s amazing how good even the regular V6 F-Type sounds.
 
@Flying Pancake  
More like five years. The value of Jaguars drop like a bucket of rocks after they leave the lot. Last night I was browsing Carmax and found a 2013 XF supercharged for only about $25,000.
 
The Flex is a wagon. One could argue it’s a small van but it’s definitely too long to be a crossover. Automakers can be weird about names, from Nissan trying to call the Maxima a four door sports car to BMW insisting a car with four doors is a coupe. In the case of the Flex I think it’s because Ford believes there is a stigma against wagons, like we’re still in the 70’s when woodie wagons were family haulers. Odd then that the horizontal grooves in the sides of the Flex evoke wooden panels.
 
Sorry to crush your hope but the Flex is being discontinued. Flex sales were cannibalized by the Explorer, people don’t like the boxy style, and it’s overpriced for what it is. It looks like wagons are going to remain a niche market for the foreseeable future.
 
@BadgingBadger  
The downward angled grill and licence plate give it a bucktoothed look.

@BadgingBadger  
Now that you mention it, it does have kind of a squirrel/chipmunk face, doesn’t it?
 
@kleptomage  
Yeah, I know the Flex is being discontinued. Still, the fact that Ford was willing to build a wagon instead of yet another SUV-shaped thing makes me hopeful someone will try again. And it’s still got until 2020, right?

@BadgingBadger  
big chubby fat squirrel :3
 
 
@Flying Pancake  
Isn’t that just like the Dodge Journey? a short and long crossover meant to be a minivan-killer? I don’t like that mindset, where people hate minivans so manufacturers just make short crossovers with little space. Yet, those same people used to love wagons but then left the wagons for minivans??
 
Everyone should face it, you can’t beat a minivan at the minivan’s game… but they will try for sure!
 
the new Subaru Outback is in the same strange spot, it is supposed to be a wagon, now it is a crossover. (I love the Outback now!) Subaru has its own market though, the owners seem to be loyal  
 
I mean, what’s not to love?!

@Flying Pancake  
Until 2020, yes. I think the failure of the Flex is only going to enforce the perception that America hates wagons but it would be nice if another brand tried to make a more attractive wagon at a reasonable price.
 
@RainbowDash69  
The Outback has become much larger over the years. It’s now more an SUV than a wagon. The 2012 Outback is a loud rickety bucket of bolts. The road noise is so bad I have to yell to carry on a conversation between the front and rear seats at speeds greater than 30, the headrests are rock hard, the suspension thumps over every imperfection in the road and because roads in the Upper Midwest are maintained to the same standards as mountain goat trails, it’s not a comfortable ride. Credit where credit is due though, Subaru’s Symmetrical All Wheel Drive is the best in the industry. The Outback smashes straight through snow that would have my car immediately stuck.

@kleptomage
 
Dunno what to say on newer vehicles, the newest thing I have access to which isn’t mine is a 2001 Impala.
 
Your Dad’s Van may have rusted out BECAUSE it was parked inside. The idea is Snow + Anti-ice concoction + Warming Up in Garage = Rust. I’m planning on running this Suburban through winter but it has little rust on it already and I sprayed Fluid Film in most places including inside rocker panels so hopefully it withstands the elements. I will not park it inside, I’ll just leave it out.
 
Dunno what to say of newer Jaguars, certainly they’re not quite the same since Ford acquired them in the 80s but I still wonder too. Maybe one would be good for 250k with a driver who’s not keen on maintenance?
 
@RainbowDash69
 
I prefer to always use Synthetic (Unless I use Bio-based Synthetic) but there are times to refrain from it. Pennzoil Platinum 5w30 may be best in your case if you need a 5w30 or 10w30, their 5w30 is the thinnest at startup 5w30 I know of in Walmart.
 
@Flying Pancake
 
It’s kind of a Minivan and Wagon in one. shrug I did see a nice looking Subaru Crosstrek yesterday, it’s not long enough to be LAND YACHT though.
 
@BadgingBadger
 
…
 

 
It’s the headlights and “nose” curvature, isn’t it? In that way yes it does.
 
@kleptomage
 
BMW insisting a four-door is a coupe… I may or may not be feeling like this upon hearing that:
 

 
Well how were they defining it since “Coupe” now seems to include “Not Coupe”? Um… Yeah, I’ll take that cake please but light on the sugar.
 
@RainbowDash69
 
Might as well post a photo of that Subaru Crosstrek mentioned earlier.
 

 
All Wheel Drive. TBH these Subarus and Volvos (XC70 for example which I’ll post a photo of below) don’t look all that bad to me as far as a Wagon goes if I were only looking for something smaller.
 

 
@kleptomage
 
Oh. Now I wonder how the Crosstrek compares to the Outback?

@BarryFromMars  
The Crosstreck has a real nice design. it doesn’t look very large to me, it is one of those crossovers that has a short rear end… I like ‘em! someone in my town has one in that same blue color… they got one when it first hit the market
 
It’s funny we talk about sedans being coupes when coupes can also be called sedans! This right here is a Chevy 2-door sedan :P  
I guess it really has to do with the sloping roofline. I’ve heard of 4-door-coupes for a while, not just from BMW (though BMW can do whatever they want and get away with it)

@BarryFromMars  

 
AFAIK there was no anti-ice concoction involved and whether a vehicle is parked inside or outside in winter it’s subjected to the freeze/thaw cycle. Body panels rusting in two years is unacceptable.
 

 
It gets better. The 4 series Gran Coupe is a sedan that is secretly a hatchback that wants you to think it’s a coupe.
 

 

 
The Crosstrek is an Outback with less cargo space and a weaker engine. I don’t see the appeal.

@kleptomage  
a hidden hatchback? so can I call it a hatchback instead? it makes more sense!
 
The Crosstreck has better fuel economy? easier to park? idk haha

@RainbowDash69  
I’m not entirely sure about the Journey, but the Flex has tons of space inside. (And looking at their dimensions, the Flex is noticeably larger.) I got to drive one once and it felt kind of like driving around in a living room; unless you really needed sliding doors, I can’t imagine that a minivan would be able to do much better than the Flex. Plus, how many minivans can be had with a police interceptor drivetrain?
 
@BarryFromMars  
The Crosstrek is significantly smaller than the Outback; one’s effectively a lifted hatchback, the other’s more like a lifted wagon. The Outback also has much more powerful engines available than the Crosstrek.
 
 
@RainbowDash69  
For the coupe vs. two-door sedan designation, I’ve always thought it was down to whether or not the rear seats were meant to be occupied for any real length of time; if they’re not (or not there at all) then it’s a coupe, if they are, then it’s a sedan. And if it has four doors, then in my mind it’s a sedan, regardless of what name the marketing department dreamt up. Is there really a stigma attached to the word “sedan” that would make people want to avoid it?

@RainbowDash69
 
… To make things easier I Googled:
 
http://www.automoblog.net/2009/02/12/coupe-vs-sedan-whats-the-difference/
 
OK, that makes it easier.
 
@kleptomage
 
Oh. Funny being I don’t have the same experience, what year was the van? My Mother was driving a 2000 model from Mid 2008-October 2016. It’s rusted now but still, odd.
 
… That… HatchCoupe thing… Weren’t there cars like it before like the Jensen Interceptor mentioned earlier or is that not how the Jensen works?
 
Ah well. At least aesthetically the Crosstrek doesn’t look too bad on my first glance but yeah, not long enough for WAGON utility.

@kleptomage  
Bizarre naming aside, I really wish all sedans were liftbacks like that; they’re so much more practical than just having a tiny trunk opening.
 
 
@RainbowDash69  
The Crosstrek does have really good fuel economy for an AWD vehicle: 26/33 mpg. I have read a few complaints that it’s underpowered and stuck with some questionable transmissions, though.
 
@BarryFromMars  
Yep, the Jensen is a liftback too:  

@Flying Pancake  

 
What if it’s a big coupe like a Dodge Challenger that can actually fit adults in the rear seats?
 
@BarryFromMars  
I forget exactly what year the van was. It had to be at least a 2010.
 
@Flying Pancake  
The liftback is not a bad design if you must stick to a sedan but a real hatchback would be better and a wagon better still.