They look like great fun to drive.

This will be my 3rd. I had a '92 C-4 convertible I sold back in early '04. I would have had the C-6 three years next month. I kiss it goodbye Wednesday morning.

Congrats! I'm seriously thinking bout picking one up in another 3-4 years. Soooooo jealous! Let me know what it's like. I'm afraid to test drive one at the moment......

On a side note, I raced one a few months back in Bernice. My Mini Cooper S. We got up to about 120.He was just getting ready to pass me and he brakes down to 65. I thought he saw a cop and I was going to the hoosgow! LOL! (For the record I had nothing left to give. He probably had 200 horse left untapped. LoL. But I'd a taken him in the corners!)

Even the car snobs from Top Gear (British) loved it. As I said, I'm afraid to test one out. I'm afraid I'll fall in love!

"The Ferrari is made by craftsmen in Marenello. This is made by two fat blokes in Kentucky."

Go fuck yourself, Jeremy.


The 1:23 mark;

Love the show, but I'm hip.

would absolutely show up at Buckingham palace in chromed cowboy boots and chaps! Queen mum me are!

and said it was a masterpiece near the end.

But there was one episode where they had one in the hangar they shoot in with the crowd and he was "taking the piss out of it" as they say in Jolly Old.

He seems to be of the mind that if it isn't a Ferrari or an Aston, it's crap.

This has to be a 2014 model, based on the posting date of the vid;

I have to go touch meself

Nice.

Just me and occasional groceries at the moment.

Not even a pup pup to share it with!

I’m still tooling around in my ‘86 VW van.. The only upside is that my kids would not be caught dead riding in, let alone borrowing it..

I can merely sit!

I work my ass off.

I just figure I might as well enjoy the money I earn, right?

Sure...this car can do 160.

It can also do 65!

Getting a new car is always great, isn't it?

And driving a manual. Wow! It's all I've ever driven and I got my first license in 1964. While I appreciate that others may vastly prefer an automatic transmission, I've decided that when I can no longer drive a stick that will be my sign it's time to give up driving.

Took drivers ed in HS back in the 70's and we had a VW bug that was the only stick. I insisted the teacher put me in it. Out of a class of 30 or so, only 4 of us wanted to drive that car.

Started driving tractor trailers the year after I graduated in 1978, and started over-the-road in '87.

Driven everything from a 3 on the tree to a 15 speed Road Ranger. Never a dual stick though (A 5 over 4)

Honestly, these days the stick shift acts as a theft deterrent as well.. Ive seen several stories over the last few years where a car thief would take a stick shift vehicle and abandon it 3 blocks away because they didn't know how to drive one!

I know that I'm as safe from car-jacking as I can possibly be, because so few people under the age of 60 or so can drive a stick. It probably helps that my current car is an '04 Honda Civic, which is as undesirable a car as is out there.

While it's been a decade since I last bought a car, a while back I bought three cars in 18 months, thanks to cars being totalled. It was always interesting going on to a lot and insisting on looking only at cars with manual transmissions. Most salesmen under 40 or so had never known a woman who could drive a manual transmissions. Their mothers almost never had. Back when my sons were in high school, in the early 2000s, their friends were always impressed when they noticed I was driving a stick. Go mom!

I cannot begin to imagine driving a tractor trailer. I have always and only driven small cars. Like so many my age my first car was a Beetle. So was my second car. I'll spare you a complete list, but the largest vehicle I owned was a Subaru Outback. My (now ex) husband had a Toyota 4Runner and I drove it maybe six times. I hated how bit it was.

What is a dual stick?

Last edited Mon May 15, 2023, 10:42 AM - Edit history (2)

But I must say, my VERY FIRST question is, why on god's green earth does any truck maker think there's a need for 20 gear shifts? Really? Especially if at some point it takes two hands, meaning both hands are off the steering wheel at the same time.

I learned on a three speed on the steering column in 1964. My first car was a '59 Beetle (convertible which gave me a LOT of street cred in my sons' eyes) which was obviously a 4 speed. My current car, an '04 Honda Civic has 5 speeds. I think. I'm so used to it that I'm sometimes surprised that I'm in a particular gear because I don't recall shifting.

6 I get. 7? Someone needs to explain that to me. Above that strikes me as overkill. Although I suppose with a very heavy load there might be some sensible rationale. But still, 20? Really?

I know just enough physics to understand. Thank you!

Honestly I think it’s just GM engineers having a bit of fun!

I’ll let you know how useful that 7th gear is!

I recall back in about 1978 when a friend lent me her Mazda that was a 6 speed and I was very nervous driving it, even though I was already driving a Beetle with 4 speeds. Maybe the Mazda was 5 speed. That was a very long time ago and I've forgotten the details.

But yes, I'll be interested in learning how useful that 7th gear is.

I’m taking I-10, speed limit 70. The cruise has been set at 78 (and still being passed like I am tied to a tree) and the rpm’s are at 1900. 29 mpg.

So if the 7 speed can run the same speed at say 1700 or so, even with a 460 hp six liter engine, I should make better than 30mpg on the way home

driving on a freeway. And that's with five speeds. Not sure anything is actually gained.

However, if you are loving that car, that's the only thing that matters.

It has been so long since I have had an accident, Geico should pay ME!

I can't afford an clunker let alone a nice vehicle so I go wiithout a vehicle.

A working stiff, like many millions of Americans.

Not trying to sound supercilious, but you have it within you to change your situation. Don't ever let anyone, including yourself, tell you different. And you aren't alone. I've gone for years without owning a car and many more owning complete shitboxes..

Not everybody should drive, or have to. Long commutes are a curse, especially for short money in winter.

That being said, HERETICS New missile is not as spendy as it looks from a distance. Compare cost of ownership to a high end SUV, and factor in his ability to keep it sharp, it can look pretty good.$$$$&¢¢¢¢¢😉

local public transportation or, for us older folks, some kind of senior service.

When I first lived in the Washington DC area I lived without a car for my first seven years. And that was before the Metro opened. I finally bought a car only because I wanted to take classes at the local community college and getting from home to school then back home and finally to work was simply not feasible without a car.

Nearly ten years ago when I was divorcing and had decided to move to another part of the country, I seriously considered the DC area mainly because of the good public transportation there. Had I moved there I'd have given up owning a car, but I decided on Santa Fe instead. So I still have a car. But someday I'll relocate to some other part of the country (this is highly dependent on where my son, currently in a PhD program in astronomy at George Mason University in Fairfax, VA winds up) and I sincerely hope to wind up in a place with very good public transportation so I can give up driving.

I agree about long commutes being a curse. I have never fully understood why anyone would be willing to submit to a long commute, even though I understand some of the realities that lead to them.

I have no way to get groceries or make a doctor's appt when I have to..I have to depend on other's for rides and according to his/her schdules..not when I have to.I am retired and live on social security and I am a very good driver. How dare you question my compencto drive when you know nothing about me. I live in the mountains in a very isolated area and I have gone days w/o groceries. I am glad you are so well off that you can be so condescending when others do without.

Chillfactor, I, too, have to depend on others for rides and the lack of independence is often frustrating. Furthermore, when I lived alone, I also went without groceries for several days at a time.

That being said, it did not seem to me that Mopar151 was questioning your competency to drive in his/her post # 40. Nor did I sense any unkindness was meant.

Discerning someone's "tone" in this sort of written communication can be tricky. A good rule that I try to keep in mind is to give folks the benefit of the doubt and assume that they aren't being deliberately insulting or mean spirited. Not everyone can express themselves best with the written word and some people just have a brusque style.

Only when someone is consistantly lacking in understanding or a willingness to respect the other person's point of view do I take a "tough" tone when responding.

A Heretic I Am was certainly trying to respond kindly to your first comment in post # 31. Perhaps you interpreted his/her suggestions as glib, because he/she certainly did not know that you are retired and live in an isolated area. The points
made about changing one's situation in post # 34 were, no doubt, meant to be encouraging and he/she did try to empathize with you by noting that he/she had gone without a car at times, too.

Now I am going to make a point as gently as I can, because my purpose is not to insult. OTOH, I can understand your POV if you don't like my opinion.

Your comments in post #31 struck me as self-pity tinged with a little resentment. That's why A Heretic I Am pointed out that he/she was "just a working stiff".

The OP was meant to be a bit of good-natured showing off in celebration of something nice happening in Heretic's life. It was posted to the Automotive Enthusiasts Group because Heretic just plain wanted to share his/her enthusiasm.

Are you an Automotive Enthusiast, Chillfactor? Why else post in that group and what was the point of your statement in post # 31?

Mind you, I haven't said a word about cars in my post so maybe I am the one completely out of line. It's just that I am new here and I have noticed some members having reactions to others or making comments that remind me of a famous saying, (my own, actually ) that, "Some people go around in this world in bare feet, just waiting for someone to step on their toes."

Given a choice, I think it's important to assume the best when possible, and dismiss negativity if the point being made doesn't further the discussion.

And, THAT, as they say, is just my two cents. Peace to you, Chillfactor.

As for you, A Heretic I am, in an effort to join in on the primary discussion, BRAVO!

Thank you for sharing something nice. Congratulations on your hard work and I admire your forthright outlook on life and your wisdom in finding joy in a confusing world.

I am not an Automotive Enthusiast, but I appreciate enthusiasm when it doesn't start fires or shoot people. (You got that that was a joke, right?)

Good for you and may the blessings of St. Jay of Leno be upon you.

And I think that you've taken a good deal of offense where none was intended. I've driven enough shitboxes out of economic necessity to be well aware of the issues. As far as "condescending" - what I was doing was "not begrudging" someone for their flash new ride. The fact that our SS has been eroded to poverty levels really bites it, but that's no reason to be throwing shade on someone who works ass-busting hard to have a nice car.

If you're young, keep plugging away, working hard, being a good employee. Put aside a little money regularly...hopefully in a retirement account.

Then when you can afford a car...DON'T BUY ONE, ESP A PRICEY OR SPORTY ONE. Or buy a budget car. Buy only what you need, and put the rest in your retirement account. Read a few investment books (even if you don't understand them,you will learn a thing or two by osmosis).

Then when you're older and nearing retirement age, you will smile when you look at the amount in your retirement account, and will be very glad you didn't spend that money years ago on a sport car. Not that there's anything wrong with a pricey car. But for someone who may not be able to have both a good retirement account and fancy cars, go with the retirement account. (Heretic seems as if he can have both.)

Really. Take it from a workin' gal, who used to be very poor. I worked hard, learned a vocation, moved away to find a good job, saved, saved, saved more. Went with a job that had a good contribution to my 401k. Worked a lot of O.T. Then....I retired early. You wouldn't believe how many of my coworkers resented me for it. Envious, I guess. But I sacrificed for it. I now have THREE investment accounts. (There was a time when I had to push my car to get it started in the morning to go to work. And didn't have $5 left after paying the bills and groceries.) If I can do it, as an underpaid female, YOU can do it. But you will have to forego some pricey luxuries. (I STILL don't have a smartphone! And won't get one.)

And never, never, never, get into a purchase that has you underwater on that car. Buy what you can afford. Buying a used car is not that awful. Better yet, pay cash for a car. Okay, I understand that you might not be able to that when first starting out, but at that point buy less than you can afford. Then, when that car is paid off, put the car payment into savings for however long it takes to build up a serious down payment on the next car. By your third car you should be able to set aside enough money that from now on all cars are paid for in cash.

Among the worst things about being underwater on your car is that if you have the terrible misfortune to be in an accident, and even if it's not your fault, insurance will only pay whatever the car is currently worth. You still have to pay off anything else you might owe.

About a decade ago I'd had a car for a year. I'd bought it after a previous car was totalled. Paid cash for the car. Less than a year later, another accident, car totalled. Dammit! But the check I got from the insurance company was sufficient to purchase a replacement care, the same year, make and model. With no additional money out of my pocket. I'm still driving that car.

Oh, and I've written How to Buy a Car that I'm happy to share. PM me.

Corvette club and got to race at Daytona. They're so much fun. All manuals.


Congrats.

Your old '69 would be worth quite a bit these days, wouldn't it?

They are a lot of fun to drive, that's for sure.

Enjoy! Good to see you!

I don't blame you! Those are some very nice cars! Congratulations!

200 away at 6:25 pm

Nice wheels, though I'd prefer ,a '65 Mustang.

Nice ride.

When I was young we would throw loose change in the on the floor of our friends new car for good luck. If I were there I would toss some change your way.
I love driving a stick too.

Here's what it looks like now;



LOL...kidding.

Here's a few I took in the front yard, a week or so after I got it home. First sunny day that I had time;



. Should have gotten the hose out of the way! I like this shot. It's my 'puter wallpaper at the moment!









A short vid of my old and new side by side the day I picked it up:

Stunning! Absolutely gorgeous! Soooooooo sexy! Contests man. Seriously. I'm happy for you. And jealous! What'd you name her?

A reference from the first cut on the album "Kamakiriad" by Donald Fagen; "Trans Island Skyway"

I was born yesterday
When they brought my Kamakiri
When they handed me the keys
It's a steam-power 10
The frame is out of Glasgow
The tech is Balinese
It's not a freeway bullet
Or a bug with monster wheels
It's a total biosphere
The farm in the back
Is hydroponic
Good, fresh things
Every day of the year
Good, fresh things
Every day of the year

With all screens and functions
In sync lock with Tripstar
This cool rolling bubble
Is all set to samba
This route could be trouble
(This route could be trouble)

Chorus:
Steamin' up
That Trans-Island Skyway
Tryin' to make that final deadline
And if the lanes are clear
We're gonna drive a little harder
We'll be deep in the Zone by cryin' time

Say, there's a wreck
On the side of the road
Lots of blood and broken glass
The kid who was driving
I know from somewhere
Some kids just drive too fast
Wait just a minute
There's a beautiful survivor
With dancer's legs and laughing eyes
C'mon snakehips, it's all over now
Strap in tight cause it's a long sweet ride

Relax - put some sounds on
I'll brew up some decaf
C'mon kick off those heels ma'am
Now breathe in and sigh out
Let's get with the program
(Let's talk about the good times)

Chorus

We reach the sprangle
Just at dawn
These little streets I used to know
Is that my father
Mowin' the lawn
(C'mon daddy get in let's go)
C'mon daddy get in let's go
C'mon daddy get in let's go
C'mon daddy get in let's go
C'mon daddy get in let's go
C'mon daddy get in let's go
C'mon daddy get in let's go

We pull into Five Zoos
Past motels and drive-thrus
That noon sun is blinding
The tidepools are boiling
Below plates are grinding
(Let's talk about the good times)


And thanks!