Well...as my car hunting saga continues (now between a Jag XJ and a BMW 6 coupe) my girlfriend popped the most important question in the book...what should she get for a new car?
Naturally this came as good news to me. I hate Toyota and her 98' 4 speed auto Camry makes me nauseous.
Her budget is about 10k +/- a grand. She's looking for something safe, reliable, and good in the snow (though, AWD isn't a must) Stick isn't a must, but it's preferable.
Alright gentlemen, go for it!
Audi A4 Quattro or a WRX.
Quote from: the Teuton on September 21, 2008, 06:58:32 PM
Audi A4 Quattro or a WRX.
Reliable and reliable?
She makes trips out to western NY to see friends...I don't want her breaking down half way there.
Quote from: Submariner on September 21, 2008, 07:00:49 PM
Reliable and reliable?
She makes trips out to western NY to see friends...I don't want her breaking down half way there.
Damn right they're reliable. Why shouldn't they be? Camries are less reliable than any Audi or Subaru of all time.
She'll have the best luck finding a reliable stickshift car for $10,000 in an economy car that's a couple of years old. A 2007 Elantra would meet her requirements well.
Quote from: ifcar on September 21, 2008, 07:05:46 PM
She'll have the best luck finding a reliable stickshift car for $10,000 in an economy car that's a couple of years old. A 2007 Elantra would meet her requirements well.
gtfo with your elantras. she needs a 9-5 turbow
Quote from: Submariner on September 21, 2008, 07:00:49 PM
Reliable and reliable?
She makes trips out to western NY to see friends...I don't want her breaking down half way there.
Fine, be that way. A Civic Si then.
Late 90's XJR. :D
Quote from: 68_427 on September 21, 2008, 07:12:56 PM
Late 90's XJR. :D
the FIRST car that came to mind...
but RWD killed it...
What kind of Legacy will that buy? That's what I would get.
And, do not under any circumstances get a 6.
Quote from: Submariner on September 21, 2008, 07:22:27 PM
the FIRST car that came to mind...
but RWD killed it...
That's what tire chains are for.
Quote from: TBR on September 21, 2008, 07:24:30 PM
What kind of Legacy will that buy? That's what I would get.
And, do not under any circumstances get a 6.
why?
Focus SVT, EP3 CSi, 01 WRX.
small volvo
V70.
Used Focus
Mini Cooper?
Accord or TSX?
Quote from: nickdrinkwater on September 22, 2008, 05:14:23 AM
Accord or TSX?
TSX at 10K is probably not going to be that easy. It's nearly 30K new, it's only out for four or five years, and Acuras hold their value fairly well. An RSX/S would be a better bet (longer production cycle).
Accords would be easier, but it wasn't until recently that they sold the V6 sedan with a stickshift (04/05, I believe), and you don't want to end up with the shitty four cylinder, especially in coupe form, pretending it's a sports car. Right, Laz?
Saab 9-2X Aeros might be a stretch at 10K, but they are cheaper than comparable WRXs by a noticeable margin.
2000-2004 Legacy.
Quote from: NACar on September 21, 2008, 07:07:47 PM
gtfo with your elantras. she needs a 9-5 turbow
Could be worse
(http://www.cars2go.us/wp-content/uploads/suzuki-aerio-sx-yellow.jpg)
Quote from: Shift507 on September 22, 2008, 09:59:12 AM
Could be worse
(http://www.cars2go.us/wp-content/uploads/suzuki-aerio-sx-yellow.jpg)
:nono:
(http://www.saabhistory.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2007/02/9-3sportcombi.jpg)
:wub: :wub: :wub:
I'll have to see a pic of her so I can gauge her fashion style, before I can render my opinion. Lingerie or a bikini will do...
Quote from: NACar on September 22, 2008, 10:04:18 AM
:nono:
(http://www.saabhistory.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2007/02/9-3sportcombi.jpg)
:wub: :wub: :wub:
:nono:
(http://www.analogstereo.com/images/om/pontiac_sunfire.jpg)
:wub: :wub: :wub:
I've never met a girl who wouldn't drive a Sunfire. Get a bright yellow Sunfire automatic. She'll love it.
Why don't you ask her what she wants?
Quote from: the Teuton on September 22, 2008, 10:33:57 AM
I've never met a girl who wouldn't drive a Sunfire. Get a bright yellow Sunfire automatic. She'll love it.
Those and VW Jettas (particularly MkIVs).
Quote from: Tave on September 22, 2008, 02:34:25 PM
Why don't you ask her what she wants?
Win.
My girlfriend is looking for a car. I spent all this time suggesting stuff and looking for cars for her, but it seems like she's gonna get some shitty CRV because her dad knows someone that's selling one. Talk about wasted time.
Quote from: Tave on September 22, 2008, 02:34:25 PM
Why don't you ask her what she wants?
Safe, relatively good on gas...that's about it. She is leaving the decision up to me.
Quote from: Submariner on September 23, 2008, 07:33:38 AM
Safe, relatively good on gas...that's about it. She is leaving the decision up to me.
Which makes sense, as you're likely to have a better idea about cars than she is.
What's important is that you don't abuse her trust to tell her to get your preferred car over the sort of car you think she's looking for, based on her extended Camry experience and straightforward criteria.
Quote from: ifcar on September 23, 2008, 07:35:16 AM
Which makes sense, as you're likely to have a better idea about cars than she is.
What's important is that you don't abuse her trust to tell her to get your preferred car over the sort of car you think she's looking for, based on her extended Camry experience and straightforward criteria.
I told you, I already tried that with a late 90's XJR :lol:
I've always secretly wanted a WRX wagon, and actually, I can see it being a good car for her. Instead, I found an even cheaper 9-2X
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Cars-Trucks___2005-SAAB-9-2X-2-5-LINEAR-AERO-BEAUTY-1-OWNER-WARRANTY_W0QQitemZ160285004280QQddnZCarsQ20Q26Q20TrucksQQddiZ2282QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item160285004280&_trkparms=39%3A1%7C65%3A1%7C240%3A1318&_trksid=p4506.c0.m245
Safe, reliable? I know it's fun to drive and fairly roomy, but I need it fitting her criteria as well.
Quote from: Submariner on September 23, 2008, 07:39:56 AM
I told you, I already tried that with a late 90's XJR :lol:
I've always secretly wanted a WRX wagon, and actually, I can see it being a good car for her. Instead, I found an even cheaper 9-2X
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Cars-Trucks___2005-SAAB-9-2X-2-5-LINEAR-AERO-BEAUTY-1-OWNER-WARRANTY_W0QQitemZ160285004280QQddnZCarsQ20Q26Q20TrucksQQddiZ2282QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item160285004280&_trkparms=39%3A1%7C65%3A1%7C240%3A1318&_trksid=p4506.c0.m245
Safe, reliable? I know it's fun to drive and fairly roomy, but I need it fitting her criteria as well.
Are you looking for a car that you like that also happens to meet her criteria, or the best car by her criteria?
You can find newer, more fuel-efficient, and significantly roomier (for passengers at least; the Impreza has a tiny rear seat but of course a wagon will have plenty of cargo space) cars. And newer/lower mileage is an important part of reliability.
That 9-2X certainly isn't a bad choice though, if you're close enough to check it out easily.
Quote from: ifcar on September 23, 2008, 07:45:16 AM
Are you looking for a car that you like that also happens to meet her criteria, or the best car by her criteria?
You can find newer, more fuel-efficient, and significantly roomier (for passengers at least; the Impreza has a tiny rear seat but of course a wagon will have plenty of cargo space) cars. And newer/lower mileage is an important part of reliability.
That 9-2X certainly isn't a bad choice though, if you're close enough to check it out easily.
10k price cap.
Quote from: Submariner on September 23, 2008, 07:54:51 AM
10k price cap.
Used Yaris? Used Corolla? Not the most fun, but great female oriented fuel-efficent cars. Possibly a Scion xB or xA if she's "trendy".
Quote from: 2o6 on September 23, 2008, 07:58:00 AM
Used Yaris? Used Corolla? Not the most fun, but great female oriented fuel-efficent cars. Possibly a Scion xB or xA if she's "trendy".
I'll dump her before I see her in a Yaris, sorry. As for Scions...I can't say i've given them enough attention. The Xb is (IMO) the stupidest car on the market today, but its efficent and roomy, so I may have to bite the bullet on that one.
I'm choosing for her, so I get to have a little leeway :lol:
AWD is becoming more and more "necessary" to her than it was originally.
If AWD is necessary, the Impreza/9-2X or Forester may be your best choice. They're not particularly inexpensive or fuel-efficient, but they're more so than most AWD alternatives.
Quote from: ifcar on September 23, 2008, 08:16:30 AM
If AWD is necessary, the Impreza/9-2X or Forester may be your best choice. They're not particularly inexpensive or fuel-efficient, but they're more so than most AWD alternatives.
I found a 60k example going for 9.900. Granted, I have no idea what condition the motor, suspension, etc is in (the pictures of the car look great) but I minus well give it a look.
How are they, safety wise?
Quote from: Submariner on September 23, 2008, 08:28:39 AM
I found a 60k example going for 9.900. Granted, I have no idea what condition the motor, suspension, etc is in (the pictures of the car look great) but I minus well give it a look.
How are they, safety wise?
Three/four years old with 60,000 miles isn't particularly inexpensive for an economy car when you can pick up a brand new Elantra for under $11k.
But the Subarus have top crash test scores and decent available safety equipment, and the required AWD.
The only three letters you need to know: GTI
You can get a perfect 2002-03 MK IV model for around $10K.
(http://images.autotrader.com/images/2008/9/20/250/093/8657535774.250093403.IM1.09.565x421_A.562x421.jpg)
Cheers,
Madman of the People
Quote from: 565 on September 22, 2008, 08:38:42 PM
Win.
My girlfriend is looking for a car. I spent all this time suggesting stuff and looking for cars for her, but it seems like she's gonna get some shitty CRV because her dad knows someone that's selling one. Talk about wasted time.
Tell her a CRX is the same thing and persuade her to get one of those
Zach, is your priority to get the newest car possible within that price range, or are youy willing to go older for a higher end car?
If it's the latter, I suggest a Volvo. I have friends with a super old Volvo. They've gotten far more out of that car than they've deserved given what they paid for it and how they've treated it.
Quote from: dazzleman on September 23, 2008, 01:47:27 PM
Zach, is your priority to get the newest car possible within that price range, or are youy willing to go older for a higher end car?
If it's the latter, I suggest a Volvo. I have friends with a super old Volvo. They've gotten far more out of that car than they've deserved given what they paid for it and how they've treated it.
If I'm spending 10K on a car, I'm not going to be looking at an old Boxy Volvo 240 or 940.
If anything, get a S40, but the 2nd gen is the only desirable car, the 1st gens are horrible.
Have her get an S90/960! Good examples can be found for under $6000.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/xtra-clean-service-records-warranty-i31_W0QQitemZ270275936402QQihZ017QQcategoryZ6458QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/WAGON-LOADED-SERVICED-SUPER-CLEAN-MANTAINENCE-RECORDS_W0QQitemZ260290395736QQihZ016QQcategoryZ6458QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
Where do you live?? I live in Western NY(Rochester, represent!) where you said she takes trip to occasionally and year after year we get less and less snow so RWD might not be an issue.
Quote from: 2o6 on September 23, 2008, 02:26:09 PM
If I'm spending 10K on a car, I'm not going to be looking at an old Boxy Volvo 240 or 940.
If anything, get a S40, but the 2nd gen is the only desirable car, the 1st gens are horrible.
Horrible? Really? And you know this how, exactly? I've driven plenty of 2000-04 S40/V40 cars and believe me they are far from horrible!
They may have been a bit overpriced when new, but today they are a very good bargain. The light-pressure turbocharged 1.9 litre is a torquey little motor and the five speed auto (2001 and later) is the same as on larger Volvos.
$10K will get you a very nice example like this 2002 S40:
(http://images.autotrader.com/images/2008/9/20/251/872/8657371394.251872638.IM1.MAIN.565x421_A.562x421.jpg)
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ct=u&car_id=251872638&dealer_id=342967&car_year=2002&model=&num_records=25&systime=&make2=&highlightFirstMakeModel=&start_year=1981&keywordsfyc=&keywordsfyc=&keywordsrep=&keywordsrep=&engine=&certified=&body_code=0&fuel=&awsp=false&search_type=used&distance=25&marketZipError=false&search_lang=en&showZipError=n&make=VOLVO&keywords_display=&color=&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&min_price=1&drive=&default_sort=priceDESC&seller_type=b&max_mileage=&style_flag=1&sort_type=priceDESC&address=37221&advanced=&end_year=2009&doors=&transmission=&max_price=10000&cardist=13
That is NOT horrible! In fact, it's quite good.
Cheers,
Madman of the People
Quote from: Madman on September 23, 2008, 03:52:57 PM
Horrible? Really? And you know this how, exactly? I've driven plenty of 2000-04 S40/V40 cars and believe me they are far from horrible!
They may have been a bit overpriced when new, but today they are a very good bargain. The light-pressure turbocharged 1.9 litre is a torquey little motor and the five speed auto (2001 and later) is the same as on larger Volvos.
$10K will get you a very nice example like this 2002 S40:
(http://images.autotrader.com/images/2008/9/20/251/872/8657371394.251872638.IM1.MAIN.565x421_A.562x421.jpg)
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ct=u&car_id=251872638&dealer_id=342967&car_year=2002&model=&num_records=25&systime=&make2=&highlightFirstMakeModel=&start_year=1981&keywordsfyc=&keywordsfyc=&keywordsrep=&keywordsrep=&engine=&certified=&body_code=0&fuel=&awsp=false&search_type=used&distance=25&marketZipError=false&search_lang=en&showZipError=n&make=VOLVO&keywords_display=&color=&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&min_price=1&drive=&default_sort=priceDESC&seller_type=b&max_mileage=&style_flag=1&sort_type=priceDESC&address=37221&advanced=&end_year=2009&doors=&transmission=&max_price=10000&cardist=13
That is NOT horrible! In fact, it's quite good.
Cheers,
Madman of the People
\
He's trying to get an MT-Shift. It's auto only. Auto only and IMO was really boring........I'd rather have a 3-series or even a C-class of the same era.
How about this?
(http://carad.ebayimg.com/i1/04/a/000/79/17/f181_4.JPG)
60k, $9500. I have seen various AWD models going for a similar price, just none on ebay.
For maximum reliability, you want something newer and less complex. Recent Volvos are not known for the run-into-the-ground longevity of the RWD bricks of old.
How about something like this?? I'm sure you can find one near you that is a little cheaper.
V6, 5 speed, wagon.
http://autos.yahoo.com/used-cars/mazda-mazda6-cars136500577
or...
(http://i8.ebayimg.com/05/a/000/79/1c/5f79_4.JPG)
40k for around 11.5 thousand. I figure I could haggle something like that down a bit.
Quote from: 68_427 on September 23, 2008, 04:58:01 PM
How about something like this?? I'm sure you can find one near you that is a little cheaper.
V6, 5 speed, wagon.
http://autos.yahoo.com/used-cars/mazda-mazda6-cars136500577
I never thought of a Mazda 6...hmmmmmm. The only drawback is no AWD, so Im not sure if I could get her into one, but an excellent idea non the less.
Quote from: ifcar on September 23, 2008, 04:53:45 PM
For maximum reliability, you want something newer and less complex. Recent Volvos are not known for the run-into-the-ground longevity of the RWD bricks of old.
She would never go for one though.
Holy crap, are W8's that cheap?? I may be looking at my first car... And does she really need AWD?? I can't see a FWD car that size being much worse at all in the winter.
Quote from: Submariner on September 23, 2008, 05:00:53 PM
She would never go for one though.
Oh, I'm certainly not recommending one of those either. She has very simple criteria, which call for a simple like-new car. Not an older luxury car.
Quote from: 68_427 on September 23, 2008, 05:02:15 PM
Holy crap, are W8's that cheap?? I may be looking at my first car... And does she really need AWD?? I can't see a FWD car that size being much worse at all in the winter.
Does she need it? Probably not. Is it ingrained in her head that she does? Yes.
Don't worry I understand, since my mom bought her Outback she is the same way.
Quote from: Submariner on September 23, 2008, 04:58:35 PM
or...
(http://i8.ebayimg.com/05/a/000/79/1c/5f79_4.JPG)
40k for around 11.5 thousand. I figure I could haggle something like that down a bit.
+1
You need a W8, but it's too bad they only come with horrible automatics that suck at life.
Quote from: NACar on September 23, 2008, 05:17:58 PM
+1
You need a W8, but it's too bad they only come with horrible automatics that suck at life.
They were available with a 6-speed manual. Rare though.
Nick, I smell a V8 Quattro replacement for yourself in that VDub.
Quote from: The Pirate on September 23, 2008, 05:36:31 PM
They were available with a 6-speed manual. Rare though.
I must have one.
Quote from: Madman on September 23, 2008, 01:00:02 PM
The only three letters you need to know: GTI
You can get a perfect 2002-03 MK IV model for around $10K.
(http://images.autotrader.com/images/2008/9/20/250/093/8657535774.250093403.IM1.09.565x421_A.562x421.jpg)
Cheers,
Madman of the People
Too much of a risk, I say. Great when they work, but if VW's poor QC strategy affected the car they get, it will be in and out of the shop. I'd be more comfortable with a 2.5L I5 car from the fifth generation.
Quote from: NACar on September 23, 2008, 05:17:58 PM
+1
You need a W8, but it's too bad they only come with horrible automatics that suck at life.
Wrong. They had plenty six speed manuals in the mix, even in the wagon form, but the entry price is going to be closer to 20K than 10.
EDIT: I just saw the price on that one you posted. That's uncharacteristically low. I was searching for them just a few months ago and they were bottoming around 18K.
I just searched and they maxed out at about 14K.
Quote from: 68_427 on September 23, 2008, 06:19:29 PM
I just searched and they maxed out at about 14K.
Wow. I was looking at 2004 Passat 1.8Ts 5MTs and they were about that cost, if not higher.
What years are these cars you're seeing?
2001-2003, but also most had upwards of 70K miles.
I's say this one is a damn good deal.
http://autos.yahoo.com/used-cars/volkswagen-passat-cars136376863
It's an automatic.
I think I might have restricted my search to cars with in-mirror turn signals (like mine), meaning 2004.5; that could account for the high price.
If you come across any cheap stick W8 wagons give me a holler.
Sure, after I buy it. :thumbsup:
EDIT: Damn, I see what you're talking about.
http://autos.yahoo.com/used-cars/volkswagen-passat-cars136377899
Try and find me one without a front license plate bracket, eh?
Quote from: Raza on September 23, 2008, 06:11:28 PM
Wrong. They had plenty six speed manuals in the mix, even in the wagon form, but the entry price is going to be closer to 20K than 10.
I was replying to this, and manuals quite a few extra pennies.
Quote from: 68_427 on September 23, 2008, 06:39:30 PM
I was replying to this, and manuals quite a few extra pennies.
Demand > Supply, it seems.
Well...an update of sorts
We drove a saab 9-2x (if my memory serves me correct, it uses the engine from the WRX) and loved it. Plenty of power, handled like a dream (relatively speaking) had more than enough room for all of her stuff. Im going to get her to drive a B5 passat, and an S80, but I think she has the hots for this Subie.
Quick question. She has poor eyesight, and a fear of driving at night. I already installed Silverstars in her Camry (the clear ones, not ricer blues) but she says they aren't enough. Are grill mounted aux. lamps possible on this sort of car, or would I be better off simply getting brighter bulbs for the headlights?
Quote from: Submariner on September 29, 2008, 10:54:56 AM
Well...an update of sorts
We drove a saab 9-2x (if my memory serves me correct, it uses the engine from the WRX) and loved it. Plenty of power, handled like a dream (relatively speaking) had more than enough room for all of her stuff. Im going to get her to drive a B5 passat, and an S80, but I think she has the hots for this Subie.
Quick question. She has poor eyesight, and a fear of driving at night. I already installed Silverstars in her Camry (the clear ones, not ricer blues) but she says they aren't enough. Are grill mounted aux. lamps possible on this sort of car, or would I be better off simply getting brighter bulbs for the headlights?
The wiring harness should be ready for more lights. The WRX has them, so it should be more than possible.
PS Arc or Aero? Aero has the hood scoop (it's a WRX).
It had the scoop
Quote from: Submariner on September 29, 2008, 11:56:40 AM
It had the scoop
She's looking at a WRX with more refinement. It's a solid buy, but it's a premium gas kinda car.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u6ALySsPXt0
Quote from: the Teuton on September 29, 2008, 11:59:59 AM
She's looking at a WRX with more refinement. It's a solid buy, but it's a premium gas kinda car.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u6ALySsPXt0
She doesn't mind, and for the chance to drive this car to Costco, id be more than happy to pay the difference in gas.
One thing, though.
She wants nav, and she is dead set in an integrated unit. I think the integrated looks better, but I'm willing to bet it would cost more. the stock radio should be the same size as an after market unit, but any idea on the wallet damage?
OMG don't. Nav goes obsolete way faster than the car does. She will be cursing the nav for being a piece of shit in a year's time, because the $200 Garmin will be much snazzier than her junky integrated unit by then.
Honda wants $1.5k for their navs, I can't see Saab's being any cheaper.
Quote from: Laconian on September 29, 2008, 01:36:39 PM
OMG don't. Nav goes obsolete way faster than the car does. She will be cursing the nav for being a piece of shit in a year's time, because the $200 Garmin will be much snazzier than her junky integrated unit by then.
Honda wants $1.5k for their navs, I can't see Saab's being any cheaper.
Well, the (used) car she is looking at I don't think even had it as an option. I'm talking about the cost of an after market unit.
An aftermarket double DIN unit will probably be around $800. It should be able to work as a head unit and a DVD player as well.
I keep reading the title as "New girlfriend time".
:lol:
Quote from: Submariner on September 29, 2008, 10:54:56 AMQuick question. She has poor eyesight, and a fear of driving at night. I already installed Silverstars in her Camry (the clear ones, not ricer blues) but she says they aren't enough. Are grill mounted aux. lamps possible on this sort of car, or would I be better off simply getting brighter bulbs for the headlights?
This should do the trick...........
(http://www.it2.evaluand.com/gti/images/enduro04/lights.jpg)
Cheers,
Madman of the People
Quote from: Submariner on September 29, 2008, 10:54:56 AM
Quick question. She has poor eyesight, and a fear of driving at night. I already installed Silverstars in her Camry (the clear ones, not ricer blues) but she says they aren't enough. Are grill mounted aux. lamps possible on this sort of car, or would I be better off simply getting brighter bulbs for the headlights?
How about a pair of glasses?
I had the same issue when I got back from my deployment last year, and would imagine trying to fix that problem with anything but a new prescription as homicide/suicide.
Quote from: HotRodPilot on September 30, 2008, 07:55:45 AM
How about a pair of glasses?
I had the same issue when I got back from my deployment last year, and would imagine trying to fix that problem with anything but a new prescription as homicide/suicide.
+1 . My lady complained about her night driving experiences for a little while. One pair of glasses later, she's fine.
Also to Sub, careful with some of those Silverstars lights. They had an unusually short lifespan. I've talked to at least a dozen people with the same complaint. Phillips produces some bulbs with at least the same intensity as Silverstars I believe. I've been running Eurolite bulbs in my car for the past three years and so far so good. My silverstars lasted me four months. I had people echo similar longevity.
Getting more powerful headlights would be a good solution if the car was underlit to begin with, but if not it's one of the most prick-ish things you could possibly do.
If she can't see properly she needs glasses, not brighter headlights. And if she can't see well enough with new glasses she shouldn't be on the road.
Quote from: 93JC on September 30, 2008, 09:39:24 AM
Getting more powerful headlights would be a good solution if the car was underlit to begin with, but if not it's one of the most prick-ish things you could possibly do.
If she can't see properly she needs glasses, not brighter headlights. And if she can't see well enough with new glasses she shouldn't be on the road.
Srsly.
What a scary thought, people not being able to see properly but driving anyways...
Guys, she has glasses. Again, it's her being overkill and wanting something brighter for the long stretches of back road she travels. I can't say that the lighting is good or bad, because I haven't driven he car at night. I'm just wondering if it is at all possible. If the lighting is good she very well may not want it, but for now, its a added measure of security...no matter how irrational it may be (she is a woman, afterall)
Quote from: Northlands on September 30, 2008, 09:31:33 AM
+1 . My lady complained about her night driving experiences for a little while. One pair of glasses later, she's fine.
Also to Sub, careful with some of those Silverstars lights. They had an unusually short lifespan. I've talked to at least a dozen people with the same complaint. Phillips produces some bulbs with at least the same intensity as Silverstars I believe. I've been running Eurolite bulbs in my car for the past three years and so far so good. My silverstars lasted me four months. I had people echo similar longevity.
That's why I went with the uncoated ones. I've heard numerous horror stories stemming from the ricer blue coating found on some silverstars, but not on the clear.
Maybe HID lights should be part of your criteria, then. They are brighter but more focused so she can get the light she wants without scorching the retinas of the poor Miata driver a mile in front of her.
Quote from: Laconian on September 30, 2008, 10:54:02 AM
Maybe HID lights should be part of your criteria, then. They are brighter but more focused so she can get the light she wants without scorching the retinas of the poor Miata driver a mile in front of her.
She loves them in my car, but apparently they are few and far between on the 9-2X
Quote from: Submariner on September 30, 2008, 11:01:15 AM
She loves them in my car, but apparently they are few and far between on the 9-2X
maybe there's a DIY conversion kit or something?
Quote from: Vinsanity on September 30, 2008, 11:25:49 AM
maybe there's a DIY conversion kit or something?
There are, but due to aiming issues, I'm fairly sure they are illegal in Massachusetts.
Quote from: Laconian on September 30, 2008, 10:54:02 AM
Maybe HID lights should be part of your criteria, then. They are brighter but more focused so she can get the light she wants without scorching the retinas of the poor Miata driver a mile in front of her.
HIDs are also apparently easier on your eyes.
I never really noticed a difference between them. I've had a car with HIDs, which, admittedly I didn't drive much at night, but my mom's S500 had xenons and I've done a few thousand miles at night with them. I could take or leave them.
The HID's in the s2000 and the TL were awesome. Regular headlights look like wicker candles in comparison.
Quote from: Vinsanity on September 30, 2008, 11:49:59 AM
The HID's in the s2000 and the TL were awesome. Regular headlights look like wicker candles in comparison.
Indeed. I love them.
Quote from: Raza on September 30, 2008, 11:40:41 AM
HIDs are also apparently easier on your eyes.
I never really noticed a difference between them. I've had a car with HIDs, which, admittedly I didn't drive much at night, but my mom's S500 had xenons and I've done a few thousand miles at night with them. I could take or leave them.
'Xenons' and 'HIDs' are the same thing.
And they're not easier on your eyes. In fact, this study on NHTSA.gov (http://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/pdf/nrd-01/headlamp/VanDerlofske.pdf) says they're 40% more glaring.
I hate them with a passion and think they should be illegal.
Quote from: 93JC on September 30, 2008, 04:19:52 PM
'Xenons' and 'HIDs' are the same thing.
:huh:
I know. I was just tired of writing "HIDs".