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PaperclipPerfector  6mo ago (text post)   1987 thread views

Friday Fun Thread for June 13, 2025

Be advised: this thread is not for serious in-depth discussion of weighty topics (we have a link for that), this thread is not for anything Culture War related. This thread is for Fun. You got jokes? Share 'em. You got silly questions? Ask 'em.

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It appears that this forum is filled with city slickers in fancy German cars. What cars have you driven on a regular basis? If they were expensive, have you found them to be worth the extra money?

I have driven the following cars on a regular basis.

I have been driven around by my parents in the following cars.

I have never found fault with these cheap (not including the S60, I guess) cars (other than the Civic's poor rear visibility; I prefer hatchbacks to sedans) or seen any reason to get anything more expensive.

(Note that I purchased the Mirage, not to replace the Fit with it, but so that (1) I could sell the Fit back to my mother, and then (2) she could expunge from our household the Civic that I disliked. Another motive for getting the Mirage was FOMO on a car that was soon to be discontinued in the US market despite obviously being the best car there.)

The cars I have driven the most:

  • Mazda 323 (6th gen BF, 5MT), my first car. Interior was 100% 80s plastic including the seats. Supper zippy compared to anything anyone else in high school had. Surprisingly good rear visibility, probably because it was so short. Promptly riced then totaled by the guy I sold it to.
  • Honda CRX (1st Gen 1.6i Si, 5 MT). Probably the worst example you've even seen driving. The previous owner didn't believe in oil. No AC. Had to parallel park it every night with no power steering. Poor rear visibility. I miss it dearly though.
  • Toyota Prius (Gen2 XW20 "touring"). Probably the lowest total cost of ownership car in existence. Much safer and quieter ride for highway commuting than the CRX. Surprisingly spacious for passengers and cargo for the footprint. Very poor rear visibility. Possibly the pinnacle of transportation appliance.
  • Subaru Forster (4th Gen SJ, post facelift, 6MT). The least soul-crushing family mid-sized crossover I could find. The last of the standard transmission "regular car" Subarus before they switched to exclusively CVTs so the electronic nanny could take over.

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