caddycruiser

No, you can't--just the cloth'ish stuff, and the special seats. Same for the heat. Kind of like how the Malibu SS and such was a year or so ago.

I had the EXACT same thing happen to me in October. I was going down the a 4-lane street, oddly in the left lane instead of the right as usual, and changed lanes to the right before a red light ahead...right in front of a McDonald's exit. The problem? A very nice, but not paying full attention lady in an Outback pulled out at the same time into a non-existent. I moved to the right while still moving forward, and her front driver's side bumper corner first hit the front door and then pulled backwards. It felt like a bumper car hit, honestly, and I didn't expect THAT much. Well, until I moved forward to the first street pull off and heard street noise through the bottom of the doors. Was bad, bad, bad...shifted my back door, peeled all the heavy chrome panels, smashed the front door, caved in the quarter panel, etc. Fixed it up enough to drive (which I did from mid October until Thanksgiving) then a month in December to fix, again thankfully all because I was able to get every single part used and cheap AND the shop was thrilled to take it all. But oy, what a process. At first, I thought it was going to be blamed partially on me somehow (especially with the lady's "Well, it's probably 50/50" to which I said nothing, but with the police report which took over a month and my very detailed docs, her insurance decided in a matter of a day to accept 100% fault. So...good luck. I've been there, and don't want to do it again. Sometimes I think "if I just hadn't changed lanes" but at the same time, she still would have pulled out and caused an accident either with me or with someone else and still maybe hit me, so it may very well still have happened. Best advice. Be nice and cordial to everyone--idiots and all--but persistent daily or more, give pictures and diagrams and describe everything in intense detail, and all will work out.

I know. Thanks for pointing that out again :AH-HA_wink: The issue here, of course, is size and practicality. Of course, 9 times out of 10, it's me an a small bag...but don't want to be claustrophobic or just REALLY lacking the ability to carry something if need be, like a box. Well, that, and fuel mileage. An Ecotec, so not bad, but not equal to a typical FWD Ecotec vehicle either. Don't know. Too bad there aren't other Kappas. I think I'll add a Solstice to my test drive list that I'm too busy to start checking off.

Hah :AH-HA_wink: I somehow keep coming back to them after ideas outward...so not an unlikely thing. Still nailing down what I "want" for the dough. Know what I was thinking yesterday? I love mom's Malibu, my rental too, and others, but the past couple of days I've really seen my liking for RWD with the Fleetwood, boat-like an all. Just like the balance. Not a must have--and can't be as next to nothing is anymore--but I was wishing there was a small Pontiac or something sedan, Ecotec and RWD. Remember the Kappa based sedan idea? Yeah, that... And what did that lead me to? Used Solstice. 2006's and a few 2007's are now in the $16-18k asking price range, a lot with little use. That fulfills the RWD and Ecotec part, plus looks awesome...just too bad there's no space, etc. Then again, when you go small...therein comes that argument again "how much do you NEED for daily?". I just wondered if I could fit in one...well, I could, but the comfort factor. Well, and the convertible factor, too. So, yeah, hah. Sunday=HHR. Monday=Solstice. Today? Not sure yet.

He spent all day trying to get his Roadmaster running again--only with him does changing your tires and the car being parked for a couple of days mean something mechanical will then also go wrong. Little help from me, except for playing "okay, crank it" several times and helping him decipher parts that might be it. Then out to dinner at the golf course clubhouse last night, which was fine--but not his style, hah. Neither my brother or I got him anything, so, well, that was it I think. Mom got flowers on Mother's Day, in my usual last ditch attempt.

Sounds good. This is one of many sites: http://www.c2e.info/rpocodes/

A restored old Mini, in yellow, last night...steering on the passenger's side and all. I've heard of this car locally from someone at work (making fun of it, sort of, as he was behind it in a drive thru once), and it really stood out on the road for that size. Great looks, too, and an awesome little buggy--makes it clear why they came back and are so successful. Like the Beetle.

Exactly, which I'm keeping in mind--that last gen Malibu (and those cars in general) weren't heavy, and the aerodynamics helped. With the 2.2L, my '07 just zinged right along without a struggle ever. That orange example is just a typical 2.2L 1LT--very common. The 2LT package includes the 2.4L among other things, or you can throw the 2.4L option alone on a 1LT for a little under $600. Reading forums, it seems like real owners--as expected--recommend driving all the combos you can, with both engines and both stick and auto, when trying to decide. Still, one of many things, if and when the Cadillac sells. This thread continues to help me think of things, for sure

Briefs. I've tried boxers a few times, and just can't stand the flopping (ahem...) and all the extra material. Like short shorts, but no support from undies. In the same way, commando is in between...I need the support to keep things where they should be, but it's at least without the bunched up fabric of boxers. 22 years, and I haven't changed much in this regard despite some tryouts. Even still stick to yourr basic Hanes...thin whites at night and typically a bit softer colored variety during the day. Fascinating discussion :AH-HA_wink:.

Hah, nope...unless it's my funeral. Already have 2 of those, in the slightly more compact yet still palatial variety.

That's what I've been wondering. I was really pleased with the 2.2L in my '07 Malibu rental--especially the 37+ highway mpg--but question it in the blockier HHR. The 2.4L definitely has more spunk, but also has a touch lower fuel mileage...which may be worth it. If I get around to actually testing things, I hope to do both back to back.

Today? Back on the HHR, hah. Awesome look, hatch/wagon, Ecotec, GM toys inside, great prices, etc. Went on Autotrader to peak around at some lightly used '08s out of curiousity, and saw this brand new one (typical, but WOW, perfect color/trim for me theoretically): MSRP: $20,255 Sale Price: $16,990 At a dealer in NC, but that's just an example of what can be had anywhere...well, the price is a bit better than most, actually, but still. I think one of my favorite combos is just like this--a 1LT with the chrome package, and really not much else. I wonder what the 2.2L vs. 2.4L are like in one of these. Also, there's special Shadow Edition ones for the spring that were painted Black Granite and came with the Sport Suspension and the originally G6 chrome wheels, for little extra. Cool look, and I like the pearl black...mostly. At least these sure come in several color combos I like (to the extent it would be a challenge to decide on one), and especially a range of features and such to the liking. Wonder what I'll really like tomorrow again

Can't wait to see more of it! My Regal driving brother still is jealous. One of our neighbor's put his '88 Monte Carlo SS up for sale a couple of days ago after it had sat in the driveway for a long time, and he replaced it with a really cool '05 Park Avenue Ultra. I think it was $2000 OBO in "fair condition" (ad in the paper), and the bro said it wasn't bad at all. He wanted it...and I jokingly said sure, just suprise everyone and have TWO G-bodies in the driveway for a total of 6. He didn't, thankfully. By mid yesterday it was gone, but not sure if that meant it really went away or what. Have fun with picking it up! :AH-HA_wink:

Yeah, who knows, like I said, up in the air 100%...the more I think about it and explore, the longer the list grows. If as currently thought, the only sticking point is not wanting to exceed a discounted/pre-down payment price of about $17.5k. That limits it quite a bit, at least with new, but there's still also a LOT of things. Gas mileage as high as possible, quality, resale/value, style, features is about the order of requirements.

Well, it's not "offered" as much as it's ONLY a Mary Kay corp. only orderable item, and one that by their contract has to be repainted over with white when the cars are turned back in to sell at auction. Has always been Deville's and DTS's mainly, but they've also made some CTS's and even a select few STS's and SRX's for special execs.

Yeah, as much as I love mom's Malibu...the price on a base Aura, especially one with a few thousand on it, isn't bad. I've considered it from time to time. The cheaper not as well trimmed Malibu, basically, with a more Euro look.

A Mary Kay car?

Yeah, I'm rethinking the Scion thing...I think that's really far from "me". HHR still possible, I just wonder about actual economy and weight, etc., the Fit of course, and the Astra. I think the Astra could win IF pricing was better. They're still not selling at all and piling up, yet are the one Saturn with zero discounts either still. And after just taking mom's Malibu out for a short store run...yep, I still want one. Last week when a dealer had LS's in the paper for $17,999 (well, it was partially a mistake, and they're now in the $18k's), it was a big hmm. There's a black granite & titanium 1LT sitting at the dealer here still...woo. Then as much as I love looking at it and driving it, I think I really want something more practical and with a hatch and a bit of height more. Just don't know yet. Maybe once I start driving things. SO many to try.

More ideas...Scion. Yes, an awful Toyota;) Another "stumbled on", but I was watching a comparo of a Honda Fit and a new Scion XA, where they actually picked the XA. Read up more on it, and it really seems like a great midget package--apparently more substantial and refined than the Fit, but still with great economy around 30 and up. Looks bizarre, but that's okay. Fitting price, too. As the selling and ideas continue...

New gold on tan with tan top Bentley Continental GTC convertible...at...Wal-Mart. Hah! Stopped there yesterday to grab a few things, and ended up following the GTC through the lot (little old lady, too, crawling along), out onto the highway. Gorgeous car, even in old lady gold.

Yes, I actually stumbled on that while browsing a Cadillac dealer's site back in May...signed up then. Plan to use it should I stay GM. Not sure what it is...but I all of a sudden have a thing for that '08 Vibe. Not as nice as an '09, but GM, nicely equipped, and $16k'ish. Just a thought and one of many, in my spinning head. Well, that, and still Fit...it's one thing I'd jump right into yesterday and today. No regrets, right price, resale almost equal to MSRP, etc. Another hmm. Borger...yes, I shall email. Check either later or in the morning :AH-HA_wink: As long as the Fleetwood goes to a deserving home, I'm all for it. Trying to make a nice enough deal so that such a thing will happen, to someone I'd know.

Well, more official, I finally bought For Sale signs at the store today :AH-HA_wink: I've been avoiding it, because--despite how much I want it sold--I really want it to go to a great home and can't stand the thought of entertaining, uh, questionable or ghetto-fab interest in it. Well, that, and just driving around with For Sale signs...but the car gets so much attention, could help. Time to get some ads up, forum things, etc. Still don't know 100% on what a replacement could be--I was just reminding myself today not to get too far ahead of myself, as I need to see what I will have to work with when it really is passed on--but the choices are focused, still. Despite what many have said, the Honda Fit is still in the #1 spot. Price (lowest of what I'm considering), efficiency, and quality are why--and especially so, the insane resale on them. Not to plan for that, but always a good thing. Then still the Mazda 5 (which I still really like, and finally saw again today, but keep thinking "too big"...even though in a nice way), HHR (a bit porky and common, but I like 'em...randomly today the local dealer sold BOTH that they had in stock, even the stick shift 2LT...I think the 0% is finally moving them out), Vibe, Fusion/Milan, Mazda6, etc. Not sure, still. But lots of things in the theoretical range, for sure. Oddly I've been intrigued now more by the leftover '08 Vibe the dealer here has in black with nice options...nice price too, but a last gen design and I'm not sure, especially in comparison to the other newer things I like. Same for the '09, which seems great, except for the higher price then. And had a great Milan/Fusion vs. Mazda6 chat today. A co-worker has both a Milan I-4 stick and a Mazda6 I-4 stick, so who better to ask. I never knew they were both sticks until today--"I like to drive fast and have fun, and just have to have a stick"--and her recommendation was telling. She drove the Milan today, which I've always liked from styling to the interior, etc., and I asked her how it was. "It's okay, but I'll tell you, I really like Mazda a lot more." I asked why and said, you know, they're on the same base in reality..."Yeah, but they're nothing alike. The Mazda is so much tighter and just handles so much sharper. I never knew about it when I bought the Milan until I then met my fiance and he had the 6. Then I couldn't believe I could have had one of those for the same price. I tried to trade the Milan for one, too, already." She likes the Milan, but was so overly definitive..."Definitely, go with the Mazda if you like to drive anything like me. Much more enjoyable car." Hah. I'm still not sure on the whole sedan vs. small hatch/crossover either, but this was a great conversation. Moved the 6 up in my head more, if car, end of the gen and all. Also really moved up the stick idea...I want one. I just need to drive a stick...I have no doubt it wouldn't be an issue, it's just one of those big questions now I'm also pondering, if I have the choice, auto or stick, what would I REALLY want to live with everyday? It's a 50/50. It continues...and if anyone, anywhere, might know of someone interested in such a Fleetwood...send them my way :AH-HA_wink:

Fun choice anyway--and a looker, for sure--especially a few years old with decent mileage and an extended warranty. That's generally a very attractive proposition, and I hope it works out well. Just NO more DUI or anything remotely close to it, for sure--but you know that now;)

The Lucerne? I've never been impressed by the Lacrosse in any way (not a bad car...just nothing great, and it's old), but the Lucerne is very well done. Well, at least if you stick to CXL and above (i.e. no mushy cloth seats and 16" wheels). Feels very high quality and like a tank, and the materials--really--are great. Feels pretty ritzy in a subdued way. We considered an '06 CXL at one time, and I loved it, my only complaint (well, if you call it that) was unusually loud roar from the 3.8L, more so than some other cars or maybe just because everything else noise-wise is so silent, but cruising at 55 I could get over 30 mpg, so still great. The Lacrosse seems generally well recepted, too, as far as solidity, quiet, and gas mileage but isn't a standout in any particular way. It's just the last of the old & solid GM's, pre sophistication and styling injection. A last hurrah of the old timers, and now the LAST of the last for '09 to have the classic 3.8L.

Oh yeah, big fan, and seriously would. My issue is, even with the awesome mileage, diesel is even further so expensive...that extra economy is at least partially a wash. Before so, and when cheaper, seriously yes at the front of the line.