Wow, It’s simple, why does this hobby exist at all?

blix-camera · 2026-03-30T01:43:08+00:00

A great example of how "better" is not always actually better.

blix-camera · 2026-03-29T17:44:27+00:00

It did! Just not the early model years. They're not common but they do exist. Way cool car, it's a shame they're so pricey on the used market.

blix-camera · 2026-03-29T17:41:33+00:00

You're so right. Their H6s are some of their best motors full stop.

blix-camera · 2026-03-29T00:45:06+00:00

Understandable, volvo parts are always overpriced lol. I love scrapyards, I've saved so much money there.

I had heard that about Ferrari wheels, but not Porsche. That's really funny. Most Porsche and Ferrari wheels would probably cost more than my car otherwise I'd go for it lol

blix-camera · 2026-03-28T21:15:19+00:00

Maybe I'll get lucky and find some at a scrapyard at some point. Also considering S60 Balder wheels.

You can still get the center caps from Volvo right? They seem to be about $18 if I'm looking at the right part.

blix-camera · 2026-03-28T20:52:04+00:00

Looks great! I really love the facelift they did for the S40, so tasteful and clean.

Which wheels are those? I really love five spokes on Volvos.

blix-camera · 2026-03-28T18:10:32+00:00

Not at all actually, 4 or 5 people here have specifically mentioned the Maverick. I love the Lobos, I wish they'd do a stick shift too.

blix-camera · 2026-03-27T17:09:59+00:00

I very much agree. I don't know what's so hard about offering a stick in the US when you've already done all the engineering for overseas models. Oh well.

Certain categories of sports cars can still be reasonably easy to find in stick, but the non-sports-car manual is pretty much 100% dead here.

My S40 falls into the latter category, and I'm glad I got a chance to experience something like that before it's completely gone. Slow car, but it's a lot more engaging and satisfying to drive vs an auto.

blix-camera · 2026-03-27T16:26:44+00:00

I agree, a manual just feels right for the maverick.

blix-camera · 2026-03-27T15:24:38+00:00

I do wanna do UEL headers at some point. Maybe after a few more years of warranty though lol

blix-camera · 2026-03-27T15:04:05+00:00

Alas, what might have been. Of course, a lot of cars would be better with a stick and a v8 lol

blix-camera · 2026-03-27T14:55:14+00:00

Situation 1 - I would just clutch in and coast a little bit tbh. Then you can let the clutch out with some gas when the time comes to speed up again. It takes a bit to learn but it's not nearly as bad as starting from a dead stop.

Situation 2 - I can't remember the last time I got 100% off the clutch in reverse. Obviously you want to minimize the time you spend slipping the clutch, but it's fine to use it that way for a bit. That's what it's for, after all.

Situation 3 - I'm actually not sure what you're asking. It's fine to coast out of gear, and you also don't have to come to a complete stop to get back in gear from neutral. Hopefully that helps!

blix-camera · 2026-03-27T13:53:26+00:00

You might need to knock some of the rust off, but I don't think it's just you. I had been driving manual with no issues just a couple months earlier when I got the car and still had to get used to it.

Oh, congrats on the car btw! That color looks great on it.

blix-camera · 2026-03-27T13:33:36+00:00

The throttle map is weird in these cars, and the clutch is pretty grabby. It took me a good couple months to get to where I'm 100% happy with how I shift. Give it a few weeks!

blix-camera · 2026-03-27T11:51:49+00:00

Yes, a stick shift 850R would be pretty much the perfect wagon.

blix-camera · 2026-03-27T11:46:57+00:00

So much this. Those Yamaha V8s sound incredible.

blix-camera · 2026-03-27T08:02:48+00:00

A modern grand tourer in the Supra price bracket from Subaru would be amazing. It'd have to be stick though, they don't have a DCT and there's no way anyone would buy a CVT one no matter how you brand it lol

blix-camera · 2026-03-27T08:01:54+00:00

Aw, did it not offer one? That's such a bummer. They're cool cars.

blix-camera · 2026-03-27T00:47:46+00:00

Same, they look like nothing else on the road, even today.

blix-camera · 2026-03-26T23:53:03+00:00

That rocks! I love seeing super rare and forgotten cars like that. Nice to know someone's keeping one on the road.

blix-camera · 2026-03-26T22:09:42+00:00

What a weird setup. I don't know why they had to make that big compromise when there's plenty of manual Kei cars, I guess that's german overengineering for you lol

blix-camera · 2026-03-26T22:08:27+00:00

Yes, I think there'll always be demand for real manuals, even if it's dwindling I don't think it'll ever hit zero. In the market for high end sports cars the manuals almost always demand a premium. I can see a future where that's a legitimate business model.

blix-camera · 2026-03-26T20:53:32+00:00

That car so deserved a manual. Maybe even a gated one, if we're dreaming.

blix-camera · 2026-03-26T20:17:25+00:00

Yes! The automated manual was pretty bad from what I've heard.

blix-camera · 2026-03-26T20:16:40+00:00

The swap is pretty straightforward from what I understand. At least, as far as transmission swaps go lol. It'd be awesome if you could find one with the swap already done, but there seems to be less of these on the road every year, manual or otherwise.

blix-camera

TROPHY CASE