jlgolden

Quickie update: After a week and a half with my new Si, I'm still grinning every time I drive it (700 miles so far)...it's such a pleasure to row through the gears and carve corners with confidence. None of my previous cars were this well-balanced and entertaining...not even my '02 Sentra SE-R. Simply driving the Honda gently - which I do 99.9% of the time - I find satisfaction from the interaction of the powertrain, steering, brakes, suspension. There have actually been no let-downs (hey, I expected the firm ride and road noise!) I got the "clear bra" installed by a reputable company in Houston: http://www.cleartechpro.com/index.php?prog=products

Funny...funny...but adding stickers, stripes, wings, suspension kits, or anything aftermarket is not my style. I like the car as it is: clean lines, tasteful badging, zippy & confident performance. Nothing to shout "look at me...look at me!" The Civic is real smile-maker...it an adult go-kart, and I have no interest in trying to make it into anything else. I plan to add the "clear bra" shield on the front bumper-hood-fenders, the genuine Honda kits for XM sat and i-pod, and a cargo tray in the trunk. When I want wilder ride, I'll take my Kawasaki Ninja out of the garage.

I'll seek out the Honda forums, eventually. This site has been my source of chatter, gossip, and info since 2002, when I was still driving my '01 Alero...or maybe that's when I had my '02 Sentra SE-R. I originally found this site in '02 when I googled for pics of the "upcoming / refreshed 2003 Chevy Cavalier". Wow. Look, I'm a car nut in general...and I will keep this site bookmarked and check in often....just as I have done for YEARS. I love the car market and I'm always interested in car talk. So I'll have to learn how to chat with the rice-burner crowd very soon

The speedometer placement is in a good line of sight. My eyes barely glance down from the road straight ahead... Whereas a traditionally located speedometer, much closer to you, requires focusing down directly at steering-wheel distance and then refocusing up on the road. The fact that it's a digital display makes for even quicker reading...the brain processes the information quickly, easily...again, very natural. It's a simple delight, a very refreshing & pleasant alternative to conventional designs - in my opinion - although the spacial relationship may seem odd to some folks.

I came to a point where I said "the hell with it" and set forth on another path: When I was trying to make a career change last year, I was frustrated after a number of interviews that got nowhere. Took time off work, made up excuses about where I was going, got all dressed up, blah blah blah. The interview that was the last straw: As I sat waiting to be called in to chat with yet another hiring manager at a well-know car rental company, I thought to myself: "If this interview gets the same sh*tty results as all the previous ones, I'm going back to college to prepare myself for another career route...this is exhausting and it's sucking my confidence down...." I set my mind to it, and am now persuing a Mechanical Engineering degree...in additional to my BBA in Marketing (which has not gotten me the results I hoped for).

What a great-looking car... The HHR is very attractive and appealing. They are a great dollar value, too. I'm sure you will really enjoy it

We grabbed the camera and took the pics as soon as we pulled in the driveway - coming home from the dealer. I then removed the "Gillman" sticker from the trunk, just minutes after the pictures were taken. I don't mind leaving the dealer's license plate inserts on until my tags & registration arrive. Should have the plates in a couple of days. Considering personalized plates.

I've always liked smooth, heavier cars...with power...my "old" 2004 Grand Prix was my favorite. I should have kept it and never got the Mariner. The 2006 Mariner I traded was very useful for hauling camping gear, shopping, loading bags of mulch & plants @ Home Depot. It had a top-notch sound system and a luxurious interior. Acceleration was better than average. Auto transmission was jerky-lunging at times (typical Ford). Routine handling was crisp, but it was not athletic. Braking was clumsy at best. Overall it was a nice ride...with solid constuction and a good reputation & Consumer Guide rating. Actually, interior squeaks and rattles were adding up fast, and it had a slight tick-tick-tick from a suspect exhaust leak...for 15 seconds at cold startup. The front suspension clunked going into the driveway....grrrrrr...annoying. Anyway...my point is I decided I was ready for athletic, light, and nimble. Screw utility...the Honda's back seat folds down and I'll cram our landscaping & camping sh*t in there the best I can. Car shopping: No domestic cars really fit me this time. I wanted someting under $25,000, and 4-doors (or wagon) are a must. I've driven (rented) a G6, HHR, Cobalt....not bad at all, but I'm NOT feeling the love. The 2008 Malibu, '08 Vue and Astra are too far off...can't wait 6 more months. I looked into a Saturn Aura, Ford Fusion, VW Rabbit & Jetta 2.5, Subaru Forester, Subaru Impreza WRX wagon, Honda CRV, Civic EX and Si sedans. Scared about VW reliability. My honey - a Subaru loyalist - wanted me to fall in love with WRX or Forester, but I just did not "click" with those during the test drives. I would certainly LOVE a Legacy turbo, but the price exceeds my (self-imposed) cost cap and it's way too gay (ha ha ha) to have matching cars, right? (he has a new Legacy Spec B). I did not drive the VWs or Saturn, but I did test drive all the others. The CRV was great...handled very well. But again, I really wanted a more exhuberant, sporty image. The Civic's interior layout fits my size very well. Clutch pedal, shifter, arm rest, steering wheel (tilt & telescoping!), and other controls are in a very natural position. If I had not chosed the Civic Si then I would have gotten the EX sedan. The Honda driveline refinement and overall feel is satisfying and not found in many other products. Even the turn signal lever feels like it was precisely engineered for tactile pleasure. Oh, and it's got a rumbly-boomy exhaust note...it makes me feel 10 years younger as I rev through the gears (responsibly...break-in period, remember?) and listen to that sweet little engine. The V-tec engine requires premium sake...I mean unleaded gasoline. I'm not terribly concerned with fuel economy...it should be cheaper to run than the Mariner. I'm pleased.

Here are better pics of my spiffy new Honda:

Guys, I have switched to "the other side". In my garage is a gorgeous 2007 Honda Civic Si sedan. Got it last night. My (trade-in) 2006 Mercury Mariner was fine, but I began craving something sportier, more athletic, and with more personality. Plus, I felt like the Mariner was a little too "feminine" somehow. After much online research and then a few test-drives, I was won-over by the Honda's styling, performance, reputation, resale, and little details like the finely-tuned & engineered controls. Example: the turn signal lever & a/c knob operation is VERY slick & satisfying. The interior ergonomics are perfect for me: I'm barely 5 ft 6 inches tall, and the clutch, shifter, radio, and steering wheel are all easy to reach. Good price, good interest rate, reputable dealer...all the ingredients are in place. I'm so thrilled!

That's me in the orange shirt...with my darling Charles and our little Oscar. We were camping at Rainbow Ranch (in Groesbeck, TX) when this picture was taken.

I've been in the middle of a workout and realized that my shorts were inside out (once) and on backwards (once). Done this with my underwear, too. I discovered a dryer sheet in my underwear one day in college. Itchy, scratchy.

Last night, my partner traded in his '04 Impreza STi for an '07 Legacy Spec B...which is now his THIRD Subaru. Those Subie owners sure are loyal! Previously, I never gave the Legacy much thought, but after some comparison and review, it's obviously athletic, smooth, quick, elegant...and the handling & grip in the rain is phenomenal...it poured on us all the way home from the dealer. I could keep building a list of positive Spec B attributes. It's a strong, compelling product. Great dealer. And there's a unique sense of "being a part of a club" when in the company of other Subie owners & loyalists. The Legacy is easily overlooked and under-appreciated in the marketplace. Here in Houston, Texas, Subarus are relatively rare...so it feels even more special to have a "limited item" like the Spec B in our garage. Looking at the pics of the 2008 Legacy on this site, I see no worthwhile differences. Again, it's a lovely car any way you approach it. I know we will thoroughly enjoy this sexy '07...once we learn how to use the nav system!

I miss the days of the T-Type Regal, Century, and LeSabre. I'd LOVE to see a LaCrosse with blackout trim, unique badging, seats, wheels. Hopefully the Super will fill this niche.

Ohh...I was drawn to respond to your topic heading: "Hi!, No, I'm not a Neon..." I always smiled and felt cheerful when I saw those cute "Hi!" commercials from the original Neon launch. It really was such a friendly looking car. Oh, uh, yeah...like everyone else here, I welcome you to our forums. I think most folks here are obsessed with a particular vehicle or vehicle feature / topic of some sort. Enjoy!

I like the Escape / Mariner since they have traditional SUV styling...nothing trendy or swoopy that requires an explanation...and nothing that will look out-dated or silly in 4 or 5 years. I bought a Mariner (over the Escape) due to the more luxurious interior detailing and the elegant exterior trim. Rides alot like a car, good turning radius...so-so fuel economy. Looks more expensive than it is. I really like the Chevy HHR's overall shape, proportions, size, and PRICE! Have not driven one of those, so unable to have any basis for a performance opinion. Turn my head to look every time one passes by. Strong emotional value in the design! The Equinox-VUE-Torrent have attractive bodies, but that's offset by the flimsy feel in the interior controls / door panels / dash tops. I've driven a VUE & Equinox and was quite put-off by these attributes. Also like the new Jeep Patriot...again, traditional styling is the main draw. Caliber interior (shared with Patriot?) is cheap & hard but feels durable rather than flimsy. OK, cheap interior? That's OK for the Jeep's mission. Honda Element -Good use of space, fun "youthful" styling, but sluggish and top-heavy, ponderous handling. Great pricing & dollar value! Looks a little too playful. I respect it's "Honda resale value" but not at the expense of daily enjoyment and dignity.

Little things I appreciate: -Automatic headlamps -Auto-dimming inside rearview mirror -Keyless remote entry -Keyless entry "combination keypad" on my new Mariner -A well-placed, wide center armrest -A high quality sound system with subwoofer, tweeters -Satisfying turn signal and wiper stalk engagements (much unlike an Equinox or VUE which feel like junk) -Satifying, solid door "thunk" when latching into closed position.

It's an SLT with pkg 4SA, optional quad buckets, Bose XM, roof rail cross bars. third row bench seat. Great features, great refinement. - Mom wanted the 20" wheels but Dad thought they were tacky. After some discussion, they decided on the standard aluminum wheels. What a nice rig!

My Dad has been ready to replace a 2000 F-150 that was worn-out. My parents have been long-time, loyal Ford buyers...I have worked for a Ford deale since 1992. Their first consideration was Expedition and F-150 Super-Crew. Mom currently drives (and LOVES) her 2002 Explorer. Dad was very interested in the Nissan Armada, and some of his co-workers suggested a Ridgeline. So he looked, drove, and then took Mom along to test drive again. And again. Mom & Dad's thoughts: Expedition and F-150 - good reputation and good $$ deal with my family plan pricing, but looks are a bit too bland. Performance feels weak. Armada - very impressive overall, great seats, nice image, good acceleration. I think my mom liked the exhaust note & dash design on this one the best. Ridgeline - Probably a fantastic choice..but uuuhhh...ugly...hello? Dad is an adult...the Honda looks like a $30K toy. He would not even test drive it. Where's the dignity? No way. He would be laughed at during the next family picnic. 2007 Yukon - best front seats (according to Mom), most tasteful & fresh styling, gorgeous ebony leather interior, overall felt the easiest to climb in, drive, park. Plus, the allure of an all-new "2007" model. So after about 3 weeks of car shopping, I negotiated & closed his deal on a 2007 Yukon yesterday. What a wonderful machine! Steel grey SLT with pkg 4SA, Bose, XM, center row buckets. Got it for $3000 off sticker at Beck & Masten Pontiac-GMC in Houston, TX. They were easy to work with and get my reccommendation, again. Chose this dealer since I have done much business with them in the past...it's where my '04 Grand Prix came from. Yes, I work for Ford and drive GM. Dad's purchase of this new Yukon is significant...about half our family is GM loyal and half is Ford loyal. I'm so glad my Dad gave GM a chance again!

1988 Cutlass Supreme Classic. Especially if it has bucket seats, floor shifter, and the rare "lace spoke" aluminum wheels. Almost bought one in 1993...regret not doing so now, even though it had bench seat and wire wheel covers....I was in lust with it.

In my teens and twenties, I always though I'd die in a car crash. Sometimes I still have flashes of two terrible scenarios in my mind: 1. A high speed oversteer, slide, spin, and collision into a concrete freeway divider 2. Getting broad-sided in the driver's door by a red-light runner. Now that I have a motorcycle...well...now my thoughts are even more morbid.

Yeah, I've misssed your inputs on bench seat & column shifters! Glad you are back!!!

Just a thought: Don't let your house insurance company know about the fire damage...they may make you tear-out and repair all of the damaged material (inclusing structural beams??? yikes!) in order to renew your coverage.

I'm learning that as I get older, accumulate more experiences, face unexpected changes, and meet different people... it slowly changes me and the way I react to my surroundings. - I have less stress, I've become less selfish, I'm more patient, flexible, and more understanding NOW than I was 5 years ago. I can now enjoy the present moment rather than planning too hard for "someday" or "later". - With all of this, I realize how flexible I can be with people who do not think like me...and people whose goals or outlook conflict with mine. Sometimes, it is better to be KIND than to be RIGHT. - Feeling like a better, more well-rounded person with time...I'm not afraid of getting older.

After too many costly car purchase lessons, I was cautious when I researched and bought my 2004 Grand Prix. - Most new vehicles depreciate steeply...the GP is no exception...and I knew from the start I'd need to keep it at least 3 1/2 out of the 4 years on the loan to break even and trade it without suffering negative equity. Only 18 months to go and it's paid-off! - But my research indicates that if I'd bought the '03 Accord I was cross shopping when I got the GP, I'd actually be $3000 closer to an equity position right now....even though the cars cost about the same new. - Granted, the Accord was a 4 cyl , and it lacks the visual "oomph" and aggressive character of the Pontiac...but we're only talking numbers here, not driving enjoyment and lust factor. - This is all food for thought when the next purchase time is here.