mODiFieD Import Car Blog

Why Automatics are Murder

Import Rival — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 07:18:44 +0000

RX-8 Shift Knob

One of the main obstacles I faced when looking for a new ride was that I wanted a car with a manual transmission. I would venture to say that about 98% of the cars on the lots had an automatic transmission. “Just drive it and you’ll like it,” was the hope of the salepeople. These I would not even bother test driving. Time was of the essence.

I had a few friends contact me to say that they found cars that I would really like, IF I was willing to buy an automatic.

… No dice.

I simply find automatics boring to drive. So boring, in fact, that I find myself literally nodding off at the wheel.

Some would argue that once you’ve shifted into the last manual gear, it’s just like driving an automatic.

No. It’s not.

It’s just personal preference, I suppose.

What do you think? Do you prefer cars with automatic transmissions or manual transmissions? Why?

– Import Rival

The Best Kind of X, Part 1

Import Rival — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 06:19:45 +0000

RX-8 Steering Wheel Badge

I’d been driving the same car for the past 11 years. A 1993 Toyota Paseo. I loved that car. She and I had so many memories. A couple of months ago she died — in a big way. She’d been getting sick, but I was in denial. I was hoping I could just keep patching her up. I hoped that she could last until the beginning of next year.

… That was not to be.

I’d been slowly looking for another car, but nothing caught my fancy. Everything seemed so predictable and hum drum. I considered a 2006 Honda Civic. Don’t get me wrong, I like Civics, but even the Civic Si did not tickle my fancy.

The salespeople showed me Dodge Chargers, Nissan Maximas, Nissan Altimas, VW Beetles, Scion TCs, Scion xBs, Nissan Cube (hideous looks!), Nissan Versas, and the beat goes on and on …

I wanted something a bit uncommon, something with LOTS of flavor and presence.

I chose a Mazda RX-8 … or rather she chose me.

– Import Rival

Handling a Tire Blow Out

Import Rival — Sun, 16 Aug 2009 07:11:51 +0000

A tire blowout is, simply put, a quick loss of air pressure in your tire. Blowouts are up there with skidding and hydroplaning when it comes to those little annoyances you might have to deal with if you drive long enough.

During a blowout, you have one goal and one goal only. That is to keep .. your … ride … under …control.

Doing two things will cause you to lose more control:

1. Putting your foot on the brake
2. Taking your foot off of the gas.

1. Instead, gradually EASE off the gas
2. Aim your ride in the general direction you want it to go
3. Once it is under more control, pull off the road to a safe area

Food for thought: If your back tire blows out, you’ll feel it more in the body and seats. If the front tire blows out, you’ll feel it more in the steering wheel.

Tire Rotation – How often?

Import Rival — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 12:00:45 +0000

Generally speaking, you should rotate your tires every 6,000 to 8,000 miles. Check your owner’s manual for schedules specific to your ride. When you do not rotate your tires, your ride becomes a pain to handle.

– Import Rival

Monthly Tire Checks

Import Rival — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 12:00:11 +0000

It is good to check your tire pressure monthly. During these checks, make sure you pay attention to the condition of your tires. Remove any objects that may have gotten wedged between the treads. Look for uneven wear patterns. If you see uneven wear, then it is time for a tire rotation. Stick a penny upside down into the tire tread. If you can not see the top of Lincoln’s head, replace the tire.

– Import Rival