caddycruiser

Seriously! What crap...

I've thought about these... But then I don't know...I like 'em though...and the price for such a big change is nice...

I've thought I have at a few points, at least for what I want, but then I finish something like the exhaust (a biggie I didn't see happening for a while) and right at the install am looking around the car going...umm. Right now I'm just focused on the new tires because that's the biggest real issue I currently have, between the shaking, instability and degrading ride, they couldn't come soon enough. Hope they're what I'm expecting. Next up, some little things, I think. A billet cap or two (not enough to LOOK added on aftermarket, just enough to be in between) underhood on the strut caps and such, and something... I've thought of getting the stock 19" wheels chromed too, via exchange, but go back & forth on that one because I like the stock versions and the cleared machined finish so much as is. With Pontiac gone, and with this car such an "ultimate" color/options/condition combo, I can't ever get rid of it, so I just have to keep the spirit alive!

Didn't think it was, hah. I expected a cool little exhaust shop, not the classic Chevy focused one I was at, with signs, posters, old plates, and, uh, those 3 cars...add in they were cheap & did perfect work, did I say I want to move to PA again? Hah! Otherwise, of notice, only saw another G8 at a gas station in PA...black V6 with what looked like 4 sales guys in it...anymore, I'm back to never, ever seeing one.

Corsa Cat-Back Exhaust Corsa is on! It's SO much different from stock...in ALL the right ways. Much throatier rumble (actually has a rumble) at startup & idle, and through the 1st 3 gears or so while accelerating it roars beautifully then mellows to a stock'ish hum. There are points when cruising the speed/RPM's/etc. are just right and it's quieter than stock. Love the roar, the car feels just a smidge different or it's my imagination, and it's so much more a 6.0L sport sedan now, yet still quiet and pleasant like stock cruising. Went from seriously muffled V8 car unless pounded to a roaring beast that quiets at the right times. Other cool something? Pops & crackles at times with deceleration...I've only really gotten a chance to hear it all highway in all automatic mode, but should be fun to keep trying out. Drove quite a ways to Lebanon, PA to meet another G8'r who had it on his since early summer and now just needed the money more, so it was a good deal for both and an EASY swap for the cool little shop he has work done at up there. 2 lifts, 2 cars side by side, exhausts swapped car to car. Kinda felt bad still when my stocker was back on his and he went to leave "is it even running? Heh..." but oh well. He'll be okay...in time Next up: New Goodyear tires, and by chance, I finally got the call they were in on my drive home today. Thank god. I can't stand the shaking, pulling, noise, traction-less, etc. worn summer tires anymore. Makes the car a handful, for sure. Hope I like the tires. Then...hmm...will need a new G8 project...

Had a new exhaust installed on my G8 at a very cool shop in Lebanon, PA (garsh, I'm racking up G8 miles like crazy...) called Old Gold Auto Inc. Didn't get the name until I peaked around more & figured out the logo with a Chevy emblem. These 3 classic Chevy examples sat inside, 1 currently at the first stages of re-do. LOVED them...and ORANGE!

Nope, none, they sold their last (2) fully optioned V6 models in the past month or so. It's Pointe in Penns Grove. That said, just as the local DE GM dealer did for someone recently, it's still possible to swap in a G8, no sweat. I was going to suggest a silver GT...package wise it would work for her, but then again it would be another sedan, it would be a big V8 when she really only wants to step up to a powerful V6, it has some odd switchgear & lacks interior details she's become used to in the Malibu, etc. Hits on some, doesn't hit on others, where the Camaro does more so. I'd still like to know her real reaction to the G8, having only been in it twice and driven once for 2 miles to town and back, but that's it. It's the Camaro "Camaro" that does it, which I 110% get, but you know... After getting my Corsa installed today, heehee Trying to decide if I'm going to take her north for shopping Monday or Tuesday. Hmm. Got a call today--someone must not have been busy--telling me she had been on NADA, KBB, and such through their bank system looking up the value of her Malibu. At least she seems realistic about that now, and that the # the local dealer gave her wasn't good at all. Hmm. The more I think about this the more I want the even cooler mom with a new striped Camaro...but at the same time...yikes...Avalanche->Suburban->Malibu->Camaro...the days of even a more than 2 person trip to the store, church, etc. is a different proposition. As are roadtrips. But who cares about that, really

I know! I still keep thinking...say you want a G8...say you want a G8...I have the BEST people/dealer/etc. ever that could have you the right one in a snap and with 0%...and still even without a nasty front plate bracket rivet job Unfortunately, I don't have a preferred Jersey Chevy dealer yet and the one recommended by my Pontiac guy up there is actually in northern Delaware. Still, extended the search for in stock cars, and at least 2 possibilities are in Jersey. Well, were, until I contacted one dealer and got a "our sale price on this unit is...$3k over sticker" (Pellegrino). Yeah, no. The other is just sticker and seems okay enough (Elkins). Heading north 3+ hours again tomorrow--my G8 is racking the miles up big time--for my exhaust install and hope to stop by at least one of the dealers on the way. Gotta love a PA Chevy dealer that has at least 10 Camaro's in stock at any given time...so much different than most of Delaware's "we had...one..." Then next week the official shopping trip.

Hah, yes Roger! Yes!

SO true...and everyone I know who drives one has pretty much exactly that "feel" of it...it's no different than a dishwasher, and the most boring, frequently drab one of all. I understand not everyone "cares" that much about their car, but in this world there are so many better choices even for boring to death people, they too often miss out. Oh well.

Oh, LOTS of Toyota people say things like that. Then they get into comparing which rattles and which crooked panels their Japanese "better than the US built ones" cars have, hah! Makes me think of the Edmunds.com threads that have been around for years with nothing but talk of new Avalon shoppers test driving multiples to "find the one with the least or no noticeable throttle/transmission lag". And that's accepted as normal. Of course. Seriously. I used to read these long chats and just... ...

I'd agree with it all, and in this aspect, actually mirrors exactly what he says daily. And as I agree, "just close the door on one vs. the other...you'll see it" when we were most recently talking about a craptastic new chintzy Camry vs. a solid little tank of a Malibu. At least things like the "it's floor mats...no, we'll replace gas pedals...well, really, it's not either of those..." Toyota recalls give GM loving people like my mother (proud ) ammo when a certain Toyota loving co-worker says things like "yuck, I'd never drive a Chevy". "Oh, really...did you see the news today?" Oh, Toyota, and that continued perception of being gold...yet, get in a new Camry, Corolla, etc. or even look at them, and be amazed at the cheapness and even sloppy build quality more recently.

This is insane...a lawyer...seriously..."I have a friend who..." Give me a break. On the other hand, people do private sales of cars with active loans on them every second of every day, I just don't know how the payoff typically works. I'd assume situations like OCN's, ideally, but even then, this seems extreme. Hmm...

Mmm, fun, can I get on this list? I love writing reviews and used to years back, after various tests Then again, I just test drive and then buy so many of the latest as it is...eh...

Again, funny the difference in people's thoughts. My brother is an auto body tech, and constantly comments on the "structure" and how different brands and models are really built, and that the Toyota, Kia, etc. vehicles he works on are scary in regards to assembly. Last example he gave me, somewhat, was how the lights, fenders, front structure, etc. all go together on a Camry "vs. something like a Malibu that's much more solid". I know he's skewed in saying so, but at the same time, an interesting perception conversation. Has your father had problems with his Chevy or just "tired" of them in general? Again, it's all a perception, personal experiences, etc. thing and interesting to hear about different stories.

Oh...lots. Very common repair. In the end, if the structure isn't badly damaged, the roof is just another panel Of course, on a Toyota...well...yeah...

The fact that it's so different in every state is another one of those "huh?" I got used to the DE system of the plate goes with the car, and every time you get a new vehicle that wasn't already plated (or was and they kept it), you got a DE cardboard temp tag. They last a while. Depending on how long the title work takes, that's a good thing. On the other hand, you can't just get a temporary if, say, buying a car out of state...you have to get it back to DE, then do it all. So in my father's case buying a Chevelle from Jersey years ago--and many cars before that--yep, tags from an old/current vehicle just on to not attract attention, and a careful cruise home. Not recommended, but after seeing what went on in that case with the DE DMV, yes/no/yes/no we can't/etc. for weeks, it was the simplest way in the end. I bought my G8 new in Jersey and, however odd to me, no anything..."we just put a dealer ad plate on the bag and this registration in the back window". Okay. Drove home with no plates, just an advertisement one and the window registration. Again, weird...and weirder depending on the state. Still with no registration, I didn't like driving around DE with dealer ad tags from Jersey, so I put my old plate that was being transferred, on it by day 2 and that was that...no issues until papers came. Good luck with this, but really, using old tags seems to be about the only answer in this case unless you can go through whatever the "proper" rigmarole is, something we've yet figured out. My father is 110% by the book with these things, yet after so many calls, so many DMV visits, etc. it was the only answer he could come to. 1) Drop the truck off/meet at bank. 2) Get a ride from there? Take the plates from it with you? 3) Pick up new ride, pay, put old truck's tags on and go...carefully. 4) Back in PA, do all the papers, taxes, etc. Need a ride or such? Someone here could probably assist...

Quick update, again. All seemed quiet today until I was told "take a day off next week, I want to go Camaro shopping ASAP". Okay then. Got it. Already have a route planned, of sorts. One in DE, then into PA (as of now, Oxford, Warminster, and wherever else) to see how things go. Talked to the dealer in Oxford tonight finally on the phone after several emails and liked the trade # he "seemed to remember" but we'll see on that. So far, better #'s on everything via email than an in person local deal. Duh duh duh. G8 gets a Corsa on Friday, and I'll be up in PA. Camaro shopping Monday or Tuesday with the dog slow Malibu (hah!), puttering up once again? We'll see. She's in the mode of "as long as..." when it comes to options, depending on me. I brought up a Cyber Gray/Black 2LT RS I've been emailing about and that was good until "what about stripes? Does it have stripes? I want stripes." Mentioned another Silver/Black/Black stripes one and that got a smile "Yes!" "Big wheels?" I could probably bring up yellow and get a look...and she did like the white/orange one...but gray or silver again it seems. And dark interior only, the all too light Titanium Malibu interior is nice but it's hard to keep it that way.

Back from my Wednesday-Sunday trip...oh western PA and its filth. What the poor G8 looked like upon arrival, but not for too long after. Some other sites along the way: And lest I forget the old B&W Hard Rock, Cocoa & Joe Christmas commercials that play on a local NBC station back in PA: Hope everyone else had a great or at least relaxing time! Ah, to reality and on a Monday to boot...

You know what else is, like before? The 1968 Dodge Coronet "prized possession/heap" sitting behind her parking spot at the house, that's my father's latest acquisition. The last time an old bomb project appeared, a certain someone made a base minivan turn into a loaded Chrysler 300M in a matter of weeks and therein went that story. But sheesh, now getting daily complaints in regards to "I want power!" or "this thing sucks"? Never expected that. Makes me think, back at the time, had I instead insisted on a 2LT V6 Malibu as I had for a few months...hmm. And it continues. My latest "idea" is a push that the Malibu value is only going to drop further with another calendar year change, so get a roll on it already. Oh, the world of wanting and buying new cars...

Now back from western PA and our annual Thanksgiving day trip, an update. 1) Still no Camaro. Daily talk of it and now she's to the point of talking about "when" she's going to buy one to my father, my grandparents, etc. 2) She's driven my G8. Shame only around town and I wouldn't let her move the seat properly (well...), but she seemed to like it. Didn't say a word. Only "I want a car with power... ..." 3) I started jabbing with the idea of "my G8 is a 4 door version and with a lot more room not only than a Camaro but your Malibu..." She likes it, but it's no Camaro. It'd be a fun 4-door she'd drive while still going "Oooh, look, a Camaro!" 4) Now in addition to talking about buying a Camaro, I get daily complaint reports about how low on power/efficiency the Malibu is. a) Mom: "I want a car with power...I want a car with power...I want a car with power...I want a Camaro..." b) Dad: "This thing is awful, it won't kickdown, it's revving its life out to just cruise, and the mileage is horrible. 22mpg barely?!? You never should have bought a 4-cyl in a car like this." c) Me: "Well, you have to be used to it...the 6-spd cars are much better...I had a V6 one...this was one of the first ones built, 4-spd and all...it's not bad...it's a great car, slow, but great..." Today everyone got back to DE and while washing the PA filth off the Malibu, mother dearest again commented "I want my Camaro" like she was washing a temporary rental car. Then told me "he called it a piece of $h! on the highway today...", and "I'll just keep driving it as is" like it was a chore. Never thought I'd hear that about such a nice car, even low on power. I think the Malibu needs a cookie and a belly rub Oh boy. Mixed Malibu feelings. I'm still impressed by the look and feel of the car both in touchy-feely and on the road after 2 hard years and 24k miles, and in a lot of ways over my G8, but at the same time that Camaro bug has bit and the poison keeps dripping in. The other thing...room/practicality. The Malibu as is is a nice combo for her DD uses, a little tight on trips but not terrible, and dandy if out with friends, etc. Really what fits the "uses" is something like an Equinox size, price, and otherwise, but she won't consider anything beyond a Camaro for the obvious reasons. A G8 is still a wildcard, but either would be a whole new world of car for her and that's why she wants it. As much as I want this to happen, honestly it has me a bit nervous... Happy Late Thanksgiving...duh duh duh... To brighten this story up a little more, the intermission, an Imperial Blue 1LT Camaro I snapped at dealer today with my brother, nearing home.

You got it The scarier thing? My father was telling me the story in a way to "prove" something to me about GM, the Malibu, and more so the local dealer I talk about all the time and/or try to recommend. Like he drank the Koolaid. Borger started with a perfect example of this. "Why'd you buy 2 Rav4's?" They were a good deal. "Was it the best little crossover you tested?" I don't know, I only went to the Toyota dealer after the newspaper ad price I saw...Toyota's are always the best. Scary...but SO true of the real world. Even in regards to price. Someone will "sort of" be willing to try/want a new Xxx from another manufacturer, but unless the price is out of this world too in a lot of cases, no thanks. At least we have vehicles like the new Equinox/Terrain that are knocking so many people's socks off just based on the package, the price is almost a side factor...but thankfully also just right.

Better deal...oh, good move there. Really good. Sounds like the kind of person my father works with who had a Civic that was a few years old, "really liked" the new Malibu and wanted to step up a size, asked my father about my mother's and his opinion and went to ONE dealer locally to check one out, drive again, and go to buy. The result? Still a yes on the car but he didn't like the too low trade value they gave for his Civic, said heck with GM and the Malibu all together and went to a Honda dealer farther away "because they gave more for his Civic" and bought an Accord. An Accord that, and I quote, was described as "it's nice, I liked the Malibu, but this was a better deal." Why he didn't try another Chevy dealer, why he didn't, etc., etc. all just to go back and buy an Accord because they gave him the trade price he wanted? As I said, then he really didn't like or want the Malibu then, it was all about the easy deal. A valid point to make, absolutely, and you get one shot with a lot of people, but alas.

Heeheehee

Over a week later, new tires still aren't in and the Corsa swap got delayed. Sheesh. So, off to Siberian western PA I come with an exhaust hum & worn summer tires, yay.