Cars - For Car Enthusiasts

Hello c/cars

Given cars are becoming more and more like modern computers and most people have some preference of what side of the wheel the indicator is on: It’s surprising that manufacturers don’t allow changing the stalk side via software setting

I’ve been looking at marketplace for a small car with good gas mileage that I can get cheap. I don’t mind doing work to it like replacing a clutch or dealing with a head gasket or engine replacement. The trouble I’m having in my area ( Midwest United States) is that either mileage is well into the 200k range, price is unrealistic so I won’t bother trying to reason with them, the car is more of a headache than it’s worth (Chevy Cruze) or there’s more than one issue like transmission problem plus body damage. I could go up in price under $10k but I don’t see the up side in spending that much to get better gas mileage unless the car can go at least another 5-10 years.

I have a preorder for one. And I’ve been debating the best solution for a “stereo” Right now I’m literally thinking just a Bluetooth speaker that supports multiple devices so the other two drivers in the family can also use it.

My last car was made in 2008 and now I’m looking at the market for the first time in 15 years and it is strange and frightening to me. What’s up with the digital displays on everything? The rentals I’ve been driving don’t even have the option of showing a picture of a normal speedometer - they will only show the speed in digits. I find that while I’m driving, all I notice is “there are two digits, and the one on the right flashes often.” That’s true whether I’m going 15 or 75. Actually reading the speed requires conscious attention and distracts me from watching the road. I hate it. I never had to do that with a normal speedometer - my brain just subconsciously tracked where the arrow was. Is this something I’ll get used to? Or should I buy an older used car without a digital display? Right now it’s annoying enough that I’m thinking of doing that.

So my kid is super into cars as I am. My mom wants to give him her old 2004 Celica GTS for his birthday in a few months as kind of something for him to work on, and save up to fix up. I’m for the idea, as he doesn’t have much drive despite him being a hard working kid. So far, he does work hard to make money but he wastes it on candy. He has the drive but not any goal. He loves cars and is into fixing them up. Granted, he’s not old enough to drive yet, but that’s the idea. Giving him a car that he can care for and fixing it up, while he has time to do work, and learn will give him something that will give him an idea of the value of money and work. He has the work ethic, he just needs the goals and value understanding.

Best prices, customer service, variety, shipping etc. Just curious where everyone’s go to place to buy parts is?

@cars Bring back mini trucks! My 1990 ford ranger is everything a commuter should be. People do not need fast cars they need something reliable, fast enough to get you from point A to B, and a perfect sized bed to haul almost anything in your home. Driving is still a blast BECAUSE IT IS SLOW! If you have not driven a vehicle with less than 100hp then treat yourself to the joys of your nearest shitbox.

Hello, i have been driving Tesla for almost 3 years.

My car was written off and hauled away to scrap a few months ago. However, I still have the coded socket for the secure lug nuts (one per wheel).