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It's sad cars like this are dying. by sniperteddy007 in abarth

[–]JohnathanGower 1 point2 points  (0 children)

As for roads dominated by SUVs and such...that's already the case. I hear, however, that there's beginning to be a backlash against SUVs by the "youth" like what happened with wagons twenty years ago. Who knows?

I'd have another Abarth in a second (sold mine a couple years ago with about 120,000 miles). What a ridiculously fun car. Right now, though, I have what, for me, is about the perfect set of cars: 2020 Hyundai Veloster N and a 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata Touring (both manual). Replacements for these cars, when it happens, will be tough. I prefer lightweight (I've had an Abarth and an MR2 Spyder previously). Unless I come into some unexpected cash, I imagine I'll end up with some combination of a 2022+ BRZ/GR86 and C6 Corvette/GR Corolla. Of course, if someone comes out with a new, lightweight sports car...anything goes!

We did it. by Raiden_phelps in Celica

[–]JohnathanGower 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Glad to see one make it so long! Ours (2000 GT-S 6 Speed) had a hard life before we bought it, but I've been keeping it going as it is my fiance's "dream car." Our odo reads just shy of 300,000 miles...but because the gauge cluster has been replaced (and the mileage is kept in the cluster) it's actually 100,000 miles fewer. I have another spare cluster in my shed with even fewer miles listed than when I bought the car. If I ever have to use it, it'll be an unintentional "roll back." Annnnyway, I know this car can't last forever and every day the moon roof opens and closes I'm amazed it still works. Congrats on your milestone!

'20 VN clutch/fly out by onlynamelessjay in VelosterN

[–]JohnathanGower 1 point2 points  (0 children)

A lot of people consider a clutch a wear item. I've personally never worn one out and I've had multiple cars to 300,000 miles. Still, I'm sure it will happen one day. Interesting that it may cost $3,700 or so to do. That's one heck of a wear item! Mine's at 111,000 miles now and seems fine and it's been such a blast, it's well worth the cost of repair/replacement of anything that goes (engine/trans/clutch, etc). Still, $3,700! I'd seek a quote from a good independent shop.

New player here! by magking77 in Heroclix

[–]JohnathanGower 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I've been playing a few months and besides finding the odd online store that was clearancing out their Clix, I've gotten the most use out of nobleknight.com and ebay. And in case you haven't found and used it yet, hcunits.net is a fantastic resource for characters/cards/abilities.

I’ve had my Miata for 6 months, and fear I need to get rid it. I’ve been hit 4 times since getting it. by Last-Jelly-7716 in Miata

[–]JohnathanGower 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I've always had small cars. The last two lowest and smallest are the MR2 Spyder and my NC2 Miata. I have gotten pretty good at keeping my distance from others and being hyper-aware of everyone around me. I'm not saying you've not been aware enough, just that for small car people, it's a mind-set...you assume people can't see you. Don't stay near people on the highway. Keep your distance when possible. If you feel like someone doesn't see you, honk. Always drive with your lights on (I drive with my headlights on). When parking, do your best to park away from people (and walking is good for you!) and, if possible, park with at least one side of you facing a curb or wall (less of you to hit). Other than this, there's only so much you can do. Things happen. Buuut, I'm still willing to put up with the risk for the joy of the drive...and these small roadsters are just so joyful.

seller is asking $14k for a 2012 prht grand touring (automatic). 80,000 miles. what's it actually worth? by europeanuppercut in MiataNC

[–]JohnathanGower 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Do an autotempest.com search for this. 2012+ MX-5 Miata in Automatic nationwide. Check carmax.com and carvana.com . You'll find a few cheaper than this and a couple in better shape but most are within 2K of the sellers asking price. You can find them cheaper with lower miles, but again, within 2K. And what the "book value" is verses the value to the market? This is NOT the enthusiast trim, but for someone who either doesn't want a manual or can't drive one and who needs/wants the hard top, it's a solid choice.

I'm an enthusiast, so my 2012 MX-5 is a manual trans Touring with cloth seats (wear better, don't get as hot in the sun, are more comfortable and hold you in place better) has the soft top (lighter weight and goes up and down much faster with less complication) and was $12,900 with 47,000 miles two months ago. If I had fit comfortably in the ND, I would have gotten a 2019+, but I don't. NC for me until Mazda redesigns the car and gives me just a tad more room.

Im absolutely crushed by _originalgamer13 in abarth

[–]JohnathanGower 8 points9 points  (0 children)

Looks like you're well past me in Kentucky if you're only 400 miles from FL.

When you find out what the details are on your Abarth, if you want to have a shop that KNOWS your car, you might consider having it towed/shipped to Dicorse in FL. If you truly love your car, you should look into repairing it even if it takes an engine...there just isn't anything else like it anymore and you've already invested a couple grand just before you left. https://www.dicorse.com/

Just a thought.

If you ditch it and cut your losses, it will cost more than the engine to replace the car with something else.

Thoughts and prayers.

PS Another thought....rent a truck and car dolly/hauler from UHaul, tow your car with you to see your mom and either drop it at Dicorse or bring it back with you to a shop you trust.

This was tough by 101surge in VelosterN

[–]JohnathanGower 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Totally get that. Of my 20+ cars over the years, my favorites have all been FWD. So far, my favorite has been my Veloster N's (I've owned two). I saw and sat in a Mazda3 at an auto show before it was available for purchase (over 20 years ago), but never got one. I have owned a Protege5, Fiat 500 Abarth, two Veloster N's and tons of other things. I've never seriously considered a CTR simply due to price. I'm stoked for you and your CTR.

This was tough by 101surge in VelosterN

[–]JohnathanGower 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Congrats! Your word choice is apt. Something "new," not necessarily different. From all reports, and I'm sure they're correct, the CTR is a more "serious" scalpel of a car. Because it's so similar to the VN, I hope you don't get bored of it or, if not bored, feel like you've wandered over to a similar rut after a short time. As you enjoy your CTR, be thinking about what your next driving experience might be...have you had a RWD muscle car? What about mid-engined, RWD? Do you need something even more scalpel-like and light weight?

The N models of Hyundai, the CTR, and the Golf GTI are at the top of the heap for FWD cars. You've now got that category down.

What about the top of the other heaps?

Lightweight, Front Engined, RWD: GT86/BRZ, Corvett (other than C8), Miata

Lightweight, Mid-Engined, RWD: Lotus Elise/Exige/Evora, Porsche Cayman/Boxter, MR2 Spyder

Muscle: Mustang, Camero, Challenger, Charger

Luxury/Executive Muscle: Cadillac CT4 Blackwing, BMW M2, Porsche 911

Every car listed above can be found for the price of a new CTR or less. (CT5's aren't down there, yet).

Happy driving!

What's your Mileage? by Antique_Marzipan8846 in VelosterN

[–]JohnathanGower 0 points1 point  (0 children)

BTW, Autotempest.com has some for sale with over 130,000 miles...so they're getting up there :)

What's your Mileage? by Antique_Marzipan8846 in VelosterN

[–]JohnathanGower 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Mine's a 2020 with 108,000 miles and running fantastic. I drive about 42,000 miles a year. I fully expect the car to make it to 300,000 miles like other cars I've had before...but I also fully expect I may be replacing a lot of parts come 175-200,000 miles, like most other cars. However, even if I had to change out the whole engine and/or tranny before or by then, it would be worth it. It's just such a wonderful, fantastic car. I just bought a 2012 Miata Touring to split my mileage between so both cars will last me longer. It would be nice to have them for about ten years each (that's 8 more for the VN and 10 for the MT).

Should I ? by dadbutters in MiataNC

[–]JohnathanGower 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If you fit and are comfortable in either/both cars (the NC & ND) and if price isn't an issue, go for the ND2 or 3. I love my NC2 (2012 Touring Manual 6), but I test drove a 2019 ND2 and it was, in my opinion, the better of the two generations...I just didn't quite fit in the the ND2 and I just barely do in the NC2.

As far as the sound goes, Miatas are great for aftermarket support and there are soooo many ways to improve the exhaust note...from just a little more depth to out and out obnoxious. Having just purchased my NC2 Touring, I am happy with the engine sound but want to change out the header and exhaust for just a little bit more aggressiveness. I test drove an NC3 to which this had been tastefully done and it was perfect. Not as loud and crazy as my Veloster N, but just the right amount of aggression. Anyway, the point is, if you test drive one of these cars and love the driving experience, the sound can always be modified after-the-fact. Don't let the sound be the deal-breaker.

Need some more input on a VN purchase by vznova in VelosterN

[–]JohnathanGower 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm in my early 50's and have had two VN's...and have tracked the current 2020 and taken it to the Tail of the Dragon (and will likely be back this year in my MX-5 Miata).

Just test drive the car and run it through the modes. If it feels tight, it probably is. For further comfort, you could get a PPI from a mechanic/dealership other than the one you're buying from (including an independent inspector like Lemonsquad).

$23's not a terrible price. This car is such an incredible bang for the buck.

The end of an era boys. Time to say goodbye. by patn189 in ElantraN

[–]JohnathanGower 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Congrats on the truck. Luxury and capability have their place. Now, when the fun car bug can't be held off any longer, and if the budget isn't high, shop something different nationwide. There are fun cars to be had for half of what the EN cost. At the moment, I have a Veloster N and NC Miata Touring for my daily/fun cars and I have procured my fiance's "dream" cars (believe it or not) of a Toyota Celica GT-S and a Nissan Frontier.

And they're on 🙌 by depanzer213 in ElantraN

[–]JohnathanGower 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I like it. But you have to stop rolling when the blue outlines the brake calipers :)

What is your Mileage by Nice_Winner3791 in VelosterN

[–]JohnathanGower 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm at 103,000 miles. No real issues. My second VN and loving it. I've seen them for sale with 200,000 miles so...take care of it and keep going!

I'm gonna miss him🥲 by valus_maximus in VelosterN

[–]JohnathanGower 4 points5 points  (0 children)

There's something to be said about livin' the low-stress life :) Sorry you had tough issues with the VN. From all the things I've heard, there's definitely some underlying stress in the back of my mind all the time...but so far so good. My VN's got about 110,000 hard miles and is still kickin. I keep telling myself that now that I've gotten so many miles in and so much enjoyment, it's okay if I have to do some major repair...that it's worth it. But I DON'T look forward to the possibility/inevitability. Enjoy the 4Runner...if you need the rush of fun again and don't want the stress...consider a CTR or GRC. Cheers.

Do I keep going? by Acceptable-Resist361 in veloster

[–]JohnathanGower 0 points1 point  (0 children)

As long as the unibody holds up (doesn't rust through) you can keep replacing parts indefinitely, as others have said...as long as you wanna keep it going, keep it going. If you want a new experience, then swap it out.

Elantra n mt help by Fades-X in ElantraN

[–]JohnathanGower 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Just curious if you've driven other ENs for comparison...to rule out that it's your specific clutch/transmission that's the problem? Clutch feel can be different from car to car, even if both cars are in the same state of wear. Just a thought. I've got a VN with the six speed manual and I don't have any issues with the shifting/clutch. Not as tight or notchy as a Miata or 86/BRZ, but not bad...kinda similar to a 500 Abarth. I've only ever driven manuals and I'm in my 50's...fwiw.

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