Cory Wolfe

This is a chrome overload.

Ignoring the obvious differences to the previous Jetta, how would you compare it to other compact cars, such as the Cruze? (Not for me, but probably informative for others)

Indeed. I'll add it shortly. I've talked about it in previous years and encouraged fellow members to join, but no one has as of yet.

You're probably better off selling it with the lens for whatever you can get, which likely won't be much. Cameras don't hold they're value very well, especially an old film camera. As far as replacement, a high end digital is often flexible enough to tackle a wider array of photography needs than an entry level DSLR with stock lens. Something like a Canon Powershot SX30is or Nikon Coolpix P500 will probably suit your needs better than, say, either a Canon Eos Rebel XS or Nikon D3000 with the 18-55 mm lens they're generally sold with. To be honest, an 18-55 lens gives you a very limited range of what you can do. To get the same range as one of those "high-end" digital cameras, you'd likely need 3 or 4 lens's, which generally cost no less than $100 for a basic plastic lens. While the digital gives up some on quality and full control of all parameters, it will be a better value for someone who just does non-professional recreational photography. I only recently traded in my Canon Powershot SX10is for a DSLR. Before NAIAS, all of the photography was done with that camera and I've never had a problem with it. With the more serious intended nature of my photography, I simply outgrew and instead opted for a Canon Eos 60D at $1200.

This is good news all around. The Cruze Eco is still my choice of the compact class.

The Legacy will be getting switched to Mobil1 if it wasn't switched to synthetic previously. I also managed to get a K&N filter cheaper than the other Champ filters, so it'll get one of those, too. The CRX burns and leaks enough oil to keep it on dino oil in the meantime.

There's atleast one I need to add that you will probably want to attend.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ySq9WCcBcx4&feature=player_embedded

I could never afford to put the Legacy through my daily work routine. With my overall commute of 100+ miles a day @ 23 mpg of premium gas, it wouldn't take long to break me. My plan from the beginning was to use the CRX as my work car. This also saves me on insurance and wear/tear on the Legacy. All in all, two cars are cheaper than one. The Golf, on the other hand, is getting junked. Actually, no... a co-worker of mine is looking for a FWD demolition derby car. I'm pretty sure that's where its going.

Well, you know, after that. Though, funny thing... It's worked three times in a row today. It must have a mind of its own.

It might just be the applications in which they were used, but the Atlas line of engines hasn't had a reputation for good fuel economy. They've also never been put into anything other than a truck or SUV, so who knows, it might suit an old Catalina pretty well. It might be too much of an unknown, though.

As of yesterday, and not without additional issues, the CRX is back on the road after a lengthy hiatus. I finally bit the bullet and ordered a new radiator for it. After arrival, I spent a good half-a-day putting it in and removing the A/C components in the process. The latter was almost a necessary evil since some of it completely blocked removal of the radiator. Since the system will never be used under my watch anyways, I decided to gut the rest of it as well and in the process shave 50+ pounds from the CRX. Once everything was in and checked for leaks, I set off on its first drive in three months. Ten miles into said drive, the radiator cap bursts. Luckilly, I bought the coolant needed for any situations like that. I drive it as close to the nearest Advanced Auto as possible and walk to the rest of the way for a new cap. Back to the car, fill it up once more, and put the new cap on. It's good to go again. Another ten miles go by and one the smallest little coolant hoses that go from the exhaust manifold to the intake manifold springs a leak. After that's fixed and the system is filled up for a third time in one day, I head back home without issue. I'm looking forward to regain its fuel usage for work... 36 to 50 mpg FTW. On another note, the starter died over the remaining bits of winter apparently. Before embarking of all this work, it was completely unresponsive and I had to coast start it move it in position. After the work and for each time I had to fix the cooling system, I became acquainted with pushing the CRX and jumping in. What fun, I tell you. Next up is to finish touching up the paint. I only finished the driver's side previously.

And here's a beauty shot showcasing the foglight mod.

Again, properly designed and aimed fog lights will not blind an oncoming driver. Their purpose is to direct light below that of the headlights without glare and produce light at a lower candela. Otherwise, they're useless as intended and basically driving lights. Using them in the correct fashion that myself and others do is harmless when everything is set up correctly. Anyways, I just ordered a set of yellow Hella bulbs to aid in their proper use and will reduce glare moreso than white bulbs.

This is from 2005, but none-the-less adds some insight into the average daily commutes of Americans: ABC News Poll The larger, underlying point I was trying to make revolves around the distance needed to travel for one's daily commute. According to that poll, it's an average of 16 miles one way. Obviously, it's not necessarily a true reflection of the actual commutes experienced by all American's and it's surely changed after 6 years. Regardless, using that figure, most would need to enact major changes in ones work and living arrangement to viably live without an automobile. In most cases, public transit at that distance is far more inconvenient and generally underdeveloped, if it's available at all.

The worst offenders I see are usually European or high end Asian makes... so I doubt the issue is #1 and I can recognize #2 easily...its not #2. The only area that fog lights illuminate that regular headlights don't is where objects are moving that you cannot avoid over 30 mph. That doesn't necessarily mean they're not incorrectly aimed. Specifically speaking, the fog lights on my MKIII VW's are easily brighter than the headlights. As projectors, they have cut-offs to keep the beams below the line of sight for an oncoming driver. If aimed slightly higher than intended, you'll have a problem. Speaking of which, I eventually want to switch out the projectors in the Legacy for the vastly superior one's from the Golf.

This reminds me that I have a ton of untouched photography from my SX10is days. I haven't bothered to do much with my 60D beyond the auto show days.

Actually, those are perfect examples. I see those more than I do 3ers.

If you live within a city, walking for biking will never be an issue. I could easily see the need to forgo a car in such an instance. However, the majority of the country is vast and rural. For those who don't live within a highly populated community, a car is a necessity. My 40 mile daily commute would certainly be an issue without one.

Yeah, I need to visit you with a hammer. ;-) Say that again when you've blinded someone who ends up swerving into your lane. Wait... then why would you go running with only fogs and parking lights in the first place? I find the difference fogs on (without fog) or off to be so minimal, its not worth wearing the filaments out. In fog, I see some improvement due to the angle... but then again, I see pretty darn well in the complete dark if I don't have someone blinding me... so I've never seen fog lights to be much worth the hassle. I'm sure some fog/driving lights are quite effective... but many times at a cost of blinding oncoming drivers. If a set of fog lights blind an oncoming driver they are either 1) aimed incorrectly or 2) aftermarket and weren't DOT approved. Generally, the headlights will do more to blind someone than a set of fog lights ever will. The key is their aim due to their intended purpose. They aren't meant to shine down the road as far, they do more to light up the road directly in front and to either side of you. Fog lights are great at filling in what the headlights miss. The ability to use the fog lights independently of the headlights is mostly for use in the early evening or in parking lots.

They can't go too high without getting into Cadillac's space...they have the bling lux market covered w/ the Escalade..(the Yukon Denali seems to be in the same space). Cadillacs aren't really off-roaders. Perhaps Cadillac should morph the Escalade into X5/Cayenne territory, while GMC can focus on the off-road luxury.

Agreed. I'm currently dating a Jehovah's Witness with less issues than that. Are you into emotional masochism as well?? Jesus Christ... He grew up one, he doesn't currently practice, nor wish to thankfully.

Agreed. I'm currently dating a Jehovah's Witness with less issues than that.

I don't recall my GM cars being able to do that... in fact, IIUC, its against the law to drive here in NJ with parking lights and fogs only. Keep in mind, I only use the fog lamps in... surprise... fog. And fog is fairly rare here. The best fog light related feature... on the '04 GP GTP, you have to turn the fogs on EVERY time you start the car... so its less likely that you are driving with the fogs on all the time. A pet peeve of mine. It's probably a state thing. Most GM vehicles I've had experience with had the ability to do so. I drive with my fog lights on all the time. You can never have too much lighting on the road ahead in my opinion.

GAGT: Spruce Green Metallic Millenia: Deep Sea Mica Cutlass: Dark Maple Red Metallic Jetta: Toronado Red LY3D Cobalt: Victory Red Golf: Turquoise/Teal/Turkish Green LB6T CRX: Flat White! Legacy: Garnet Red