Blake Noble

Thanks guys. I'm glad it's finally over. I don't know why I was so reluctant to this car to start with. I'd like to think someone at Dodge had a picture of me on their desk and said, "Well, how about we build that guy a car next?" Additionally, those 8.0 second 0 to 60 times some of the auto rags were throwing out when the SE was introduced, well, take them with a little grain of salt. You can shave a little bit of that time down if you man up and use the AutoStick function and know how to effectively use the 3.5L. I broke in into 6 second territory with my car and that's not unheard of. Consider that some of the original V8 Challengers were slower than the SE with lighter weight, no emissions, and lots more torque and I think the performance of this car takes on a brand new light (read: underrated, just like the original). Pics are up here with new ones to come as soon as I wash it and have the tags thrown on it.

This car is, in fact, the definition of the title. I'm going to keep it well after it's paid off, but perhaps, after this one is paid for, I'll buy a white R/T in some form to keep it company. Better photos are to come (maybe I'll get a custom tag for this one).

So the Challenger can run on either 87 or 89 octane unleaded fuel and today I put about a quarter tank in it to see how far it would take me. Mixed mpg is rated at 20, but what I discovered was far more startling. The Chally only made that quarter tank last 30 miles using the Eco light in the trip odometer. A bit disappointed, I spent $50 bucks on a full tank of 89 octane gas and that just about tripled my mileage. After driving 40 miles the gauge hasn't really moved. The extra 11 cents per gallon (87 is $3.79 and 89 was only $3.90) might be worth it. But what I think is interesting is that I can remember 87 octane being of a much better quality than it is now, even at higher prices. The more I think about it, the more I think what's being sold as 87 octane just, well, isn't. Your thoughts?

The Challenger's ESP/TC systems (along with the ABS system) can be completely disabled by driving the car at around 10 to 15 mph and turning the key to run again. There are no negative consequences, although you have to stop and restart the car to turn the system back on again because the button on the dash is disabled. Driving the car this way also aids in bringing up the kinda slow 0 to 60 time.

Thanks guys. The GTO did have the power steering leak I suspected it had. Although it wasn't spilling fluid on the ground, I decided I would drive the car one more time to see if that was what would spur on the accumulation of fluid on the oil pan. I was right. Not only that, but the fluid level dropped after driving it. I gave the dealer two options: fix it before I buy it, or knock $500 off of the price. They first claimed they would fix it, then changed their mind later on that. They didn't want to knock any money off of the price of the car so I just walked away. The Challenger deal was solid. $3,500 for my trade which brought the price of the car down from an agreed upon price of $19,800 with TT&L (asking price was already at $20,900 but I had the dealer shave some change off because of a blemish on the lower corner of the front fascia; some jackass couldn't unload it off of the truck) to 16,300 with TT&L. A used 2010 Challenger with about 10,000 miles will set you back more than that. It's an SE model with a Customer Preferred Package that adds a set of $775 alloy wheels and touring tires. Sticker price on my car was almost $25,000.

Bingo. It's a left over 2010 model that came out to be just as cheap as the 350Z. It has 87 miles on it right now, 20 when I bought it. It was too good to pass up. I still think the 5-speed auto is pigheaded, but at least I can shut myself up about it using the AutoStick function (why in the world did I forget about that?).

1998 Chevrolet S-10 LS Fleetside | Indigo Blue Metallic | 2.2L I-4 | 5-Speed Manual | Regular Cab Pickup | Totaled 1998 GMC Sonoma SLS Stepside | White | 2.2L I-4 | 5-Speed Manual | Regular Cab Pickup| Traded 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme | Matador Red | Rocket 5.7L 350 V-8 | 3-Speed Automatic | Two-Door Hardtop Coupe | SOLD (To Father) 1998 Pontiac Firebird | White | 3.8L 3800 Series II V6 | 4-Speed Automatic | Two-Door Hatch | Totaled 1984 Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS | White | 5.0L 305 V8 | 3-Speed Automatic | Two-Door Coupe | Traded (to ...) 1984 Buick Regal (GN-Clone) | Silver | Rocket 5.7L 350 V-8/Olds 5.0L 307 V-8| 3-Speed Automatic | Two-Door Coupe | SOLD 1998 Chevrolet Camaro | Gloss Black | 3.8L 3800 Series II V6 | 5-Speed Manual | Two-Door Hatch | Traded (to ...) 2010 Dodge Challenger SE | Bright Silver Metallic | 3.5L HO V6 | 5-Speed Automatic w/ Auto-Stick | Two-Door Coupe | Currently Own I don't count the 350Z I had for all of three days.

Nope. Too many doors.

Guess this guage cluster.

It's a solid design and improves on what Chevy had with the current car. It should fair fine in the segment it slaves to win sales in, probably more so than any other Malibu that's debuted before it. I will admit, it has a slightly peculiar AURA about it ... maybe it's how the color works alongside all of the brightwork in the front 3/4 view.

A Toyota Blazer, Z?

The 350Z made me feel that way during the time I had it ... I'd shown up at work 45 minutes early one morning because I just wanted to get up and drive there.

Sign me up for a Holden Commodore SV6 with a six-speed row your own. (If I can, let me put in a special order to make it a coupe. )

Well, the dealer wiped the oil pan down and left a piece of cardboard underneath it overnight to catch what was up. Nothing wound up on the cardboard, so that pretty much rules out an oil leak or anything massively leaking. I'll give the power steering pump a good going over, but there is the remote possibilty someone might have simply spilled some of it while refilling the resevoir. I'll know what finally happens with this car Saturday. These guys have been helpful and straightforward so far and are willing to stand behind the car during the time of initial ownership, so ...

Well, it doesn't seem like there's anything that would be a showstopper. Your biggest issue is the PS fluid leak and I'd consider getting that fixed as a condition of the sale. The other stuff you could easily handle on your own. Ebay the 5.7 badge, nip/tuck the front end, and either put back the stock pipe, or take the opportunity to install a cat-back wen you're ready. The fact that he was willing to put it up on a lift to let you look it over is somewhat comforting. I've went looking for used cars and met owners who said to me, in these exact words, "Look, just take the f**king car." If I were you I'd bring a good mechanic (preferrably one with access to a OBD-II scanner) for a second look before you pull the trigger. As for the Chargers, I was pretty certain that the general consensus on the 2.7L is "stay away". I do know a few people with 3.5L powered LX cars, and as DF said they're pretty reliable and provide decent power for what they are. *turns to Dodgefan* Off topic, but is this 3.5 in any way related to the 3.5 in your Intrepid and in the 1st gen LH cars? It really isn't. The fact that the dealer is willing to stand behind it for 30 days and pay a 50/50 difference for any repairs needed during that time is also another big plus. They're going to call me in the morning and let me know what exactly the leak was. I know it was coming from somewhere around the front of the engine and somehow winding up back on the oil pan. It wasn't really a major leak but not what I would call minor either. I thought it was a oil leak at first until I noticed the color of the fluid was a brownish red and of a thinner viscosity than engine oil. If it is a power steering fluid leak then I would bet on it being either a bad pump, maybe bad lines. The hoses coming from the fluid reservoir also had power steering fluid residue on them, which only helps me to confirm that, especially considering the car wasn't low on oil, just getting due for a change. Depending on how the GTO badges were fixed to the fenders, I may just spend a few seconds with dental floss and rid the car of them completely. It's cheaper and does clean the appearance of the car up a bit. If they cover up the Monaro side indicator light holes, I may just throw a set of those on there and wire them up (can't be that hard). A muffler will be a must later. The car just seems a touch crude without it. A later, small touch maybe swapping out the basic grille inserts with the SAP ones. When I first started looking for a new car, I drove a 2.7L Charger and it left me pretty cold. Don't get me wrong, the Charger is a nice car, but the 2.7 leaves a lot to be desired. The 3.5 wasn't any slouch, from what I can recall. But that R/T still stands out. We'll see what happens on the Goat farm first.

Good choice - I'm sure Camino and Northstar will agree. Was the damage repaired? Look underneath for some broken brackets, etc. Make sure the structure is sound. What's your take on the Charger? I only ask because this, this, and this can all be had for mid-teens. Well I had the GTO on a lift today to catch any structual damage and leaks. The structure is fine. I can guarantee the hood, fascia, and driver's side front quarter panel were replaced. The hood was off alignment by a few millimeters and the driver's side GTO emblem read "6.0. Litre" instead of 5.7. Small things you don't notice unless you really look for them and it seems to have been put back right save for the wrong badge. Now, there is what might be a power steering fluid leak. I have the dealer looking into that. There were some modifications too. Nothing major, just a K&N cold air intake and a childish straight pipe in place of the muffler. I'm a little on the fence about it. We'll see. As for Chargers, I like them for the most part. But a lot of 'em you can buy for a cheap price, well, dont offer a lot for the money. I'd want at least the 3.5L. The 2.7 doesn't quite cut it. (The SE you linked to is at the same lot the Cobalt SS is at and, wow, were they assholes. The R/T may warrant some investigation depending on what happens with the GTO.)

I managed to calm down and decided I would give an '04 GTO I found a chance. I'll know something tomorrow. The dealer was upfront about this one having a minor run-in with a deer back in 2007. Let's see what my insurance agent says ...

I had managed to get the Z's mpg readout to 24.2 before I had to part with it. There's a GTO in Mt. Sterling but ... I don't know. It's $13,900 with 58,000 miles and the mileage doesn't quite agree with me. I know the LS1 can be efficient, but I don't know if I can make it work for me like I made the VQ. At this point, I seriously think I'm going to quit my job and just quit worrying about this load of $h! since I can't find reliable transportation like I want. Immature? I guess. But then again, if I'm going to pay a car payment every month, it had better damn well be everything I had ever wanted and not $h! the bed on me while I'm paying off the loan. The Camaro isn't worth the effort, so don't waste time suggesting that. If you can make a car like that work for you, then great. I'm tired of having to cough up money to fix it for one week at a time. I really hope someone steals it.

Eh, I'm not really that big on roadsters, as much as I would like a Solstice or Sky. The more I thought about a car like that, the less I liked the thought of driving one year round.

I don't want to ride a bike on an 80 mile round trip everyday to get to work. Bikes just aren't in my blood anyway. RE: Coupes being useless to haul stuff, I did manage to fit my 1978 Fender Bassman Ten in the back of the Camaro with the rear seat folded down. Google one of those amps. They're huge and weigh a good 80 pounds, so it's certainly not light or space friendly. But that's not all, I managed to squeeze a Marshall half-stack and three guitars in hardshell cases in it before that. Yeah, the 350Z wouldn't accept the Bassman, but so what? I have a smaller combo amp I use for practicing with other people and, yes, it would fit it and my Gibson SG. I can make a coupe work for me. Other people are just to lazy to really try.

Yeah, the RX-8 is not an option. My 350Z ... or what was my 350Z, had to be returned to the dealer. It was too good to be true. The Carfax came back clean, but when I went to get my insurance switched over to Nationwide, the agent revealed that it had been in two previous accidents with one sum totaling over five grand in damage and the other sum not even listed. It's last accident was two months ago in February. Honestly, if the dealer had been upfront about it, I wouldn't have minded. That car performed flawlessly for me and that's what mattered the most. But I will not support dishonesty. This entire experience has really soured me on cars completely. The 350Z really checked off every box for me the more I lived with one. Almost 25 mpg in mixed conditions, a tick over 300 horsepower, six-speed manual, and I got compliments in it everywhere I went. On top of that, I could afford everything it offered. I can't find another one with as many miles as mine had on it for a reasonable price and it's very disheartening. It was nice to look at the odometer for once and only see 32,000 miles staring back at me instead of 132,000. There isn't another car that will offer the same package to me. 2005 - 2009 V6 Mustang? That's a joke when you boil it down. The styling of the V6 models were honestly uninteresting without the Pony Package, and to be honest, the Pony Package V6 Mustangs were a little odd looking to me. It may get comparable gas mileage, but why doesn't it offer more power? 190 horsepower just seems so malnourished in a car of the Mustang's magnitude. I can't afford a 2011 model with better styling and the better engine. To top it off, the driving dynamics are worlds apart. To even play in the same ballpark, I would have to look at GT model Mustangs and sacrifice mpg for reasonable performance figures. Why should I have to make that trade off? To throw salt in the wound, most GT Mustangs for the same price I had my 350Z out the door for have 50K miles plus on them. This car isn't even an option, especially when you consider 85 percent of Mustang drivers are bonafide idiots and will drive them as such. Forget a V6 Challenger. That's more expensive and almost as bad. I might would change my tune if Dodge would have been smart and offered a manual with the V6, but no. There's always the boring, slightly boneheaded automatic you have to deal with. I can't afford a 2010 Camaro. If I could, I would have to deal with those steel truck wheels I've hated since the car debuted. Forget a Crossfire, if you were going to suggest one. Thinking of what it would cost to maintain the Mercedes-Benz running gear makes me sick. The Cobalt SS, the one car I could have made one compromise one, is out due to insurance reasons. On that note, Nationwide did NOT consider the 350Z a sports car. Yeah. Who knows? I don't need a sedan and the extra crap that comes with one. I don't need a wagon, as much as I thought I would like a Magnum at one time. Forget SUVs. I really don't want a small truck and I can't live with a full-sized one right now. I want a coupe. I want great performance. I want decent mpg. I want a manual transmission. I want rear-wheel drive. I want it to have decent mileage on the odometer. I want it to be priced affordably. And, to be honest, I want it to attract attention because it was nice, for once, to have someone else besides me think I had a nice car. I don't want some techno-whiz powertrain and I really don't want a bunch of bells and whistles I will never use if I can help it (cruise control, etc.). New cars are bull$h!, plain and simple, and when I find one I can live with long-term, it turns out to not be worth what I had paid for it and there isn't anything in sight to replace it with. I can't drive something from 1970 daily as much as I would like to. I swear, that black, $h!pile Camaro is a curse. It has been nothing but a drain on my wallet and a waste of my time. For almost a year and a half it has brought me nothing but grief and here I am back with it again, only this time the transmission is a 4-speed instead of a 5-speed (yeah, the trans is about to kick the bucket now).

Never mind. I can't catch a break.

I'll have pics up Tuesday when I'm not at work.

Bought a Datsun, but not the one I had teased. This one is vastly better, so I'll just spill the beans. It set me back a whopping $16k after snagging $3k for my black, disco era $h!pile and TTL was thrown in. It's red. It's a 2007 so it has the 306 horse 3.5L in it (fourth-gen T/A? pffffft). It's a 6-speed. It still has Datsun's powertrain warranty left until next July of next year. It has only $32k miles on it. KBB value is about $21,500 so, all in all, I don't think I did that bad. I think it's great that, when I first test drove it, the mpg readout was at 15.1 mpg. After a day with me, that's moved up to 18.3. 24.5 mpg is certainly doable. I won't need a car for the next six years. That's for sure. I made damn sure I did it right this time.

American Gothic in the front seat and Eddie Vedder in the back. Cool pic and cool car, Camino.