Cars X Girl

 

Hopes for 2012

December 29th, 2011 · About Me, Cars I want..., Year Review

Along with reflecting on the past year, I’m somewhat big on planning for the next one. It’s kinda funny in a way, because I never know exactly what could happen. While it would be weird for us to be moved again so soon, it can happen. So I do take my plans with a grain of salt somewhat.

I’ve already mentioned my first goal before — selling my Miata and 240sx. It’s not what I really want to do, but in order to get to the next step I kinda have to. I can’t keep all my cars forever, and the aspect of such aintensive project like the 240sx has been just doesn’t hold the same appeal for me anymore. Something has to give when I dread thinking about parts that need to be bought and work that needs to be done. And the Miata…. Well, I just don’t drive her much anymore at all.

My second goal deals with the car I’ll have left after selling “my” two, the S2000. It’s a bit intimidating, because the one great thing about the other two were that parts were cheap. Not so anymore, but since she’ll be “my only” for a bit it should be okay. (The STi is taken care of by my husband and is the car he usually drives.) I’m planning on buying her a set of coil overs, KW Variant 3′s, since she probably could use the suspension overhaul. She’ll also be getting new tires, though I’m not sure what yet. I’ll also be buying a passenger seat rail for my Bride Zeta III that’s in the 240 right now and the S2000 will finally have matching seats again. Plus our first car to have two racing seats. (I’ll have to figure out something with harnesses……)

The S2000 also gets to be my race car in 2012. :) I’m hoping to do as many autocross days as I can and we’re hoping to fit a track day in somewhere as well. We’ll see how these good intentions go.

Not sure this counts for 2012, but shortly here we’ll be buying skid plates for the STi. This should kinda show our intentions on her direction….. :) My husband is continuing his search for rally lights for herthat both work and are okay with me. (I’m not super crazy about the idea of a set of four lights mounted to the hood….)

Basically, this is what I like as far as the rally lights go, but not sure how it would work with the skid plates we're getting... :/

On the rally vein, I’d really love to visit DirtFish in 2012. And if they have the big Subaru meet up again this year like they did last year I really want to go. Same thing if they do rallying in Oregon again….. We couldn’t go last year because it was right before my husband deployed. Basically, I’m hoping for a few more trips to cool events and places.

My biggest plan for 2012 is finding another car, though. While I intended to sell my two and downsize back to two, I should have known it wouldn’t quite work for me. I won’t be buying for quite some time, maybe not even in 2012 at all. But I’m working on getting the funds together to purchase a Porsche 911 SC. I’ve loved them forever, and have finally had enough with the dreaming…. Time to start doing. I’m not sure how or when yet, but I’m going to be working on this goal all year. (Much of it does depend on selling the two cars first, though.)

This is my dream!

Aside from all of that, I’ll be pretty pleased with myself if I continue to work on my photography. 2011 wasn’t my greatest year for it and I want to do better. My iPhone spoils me with its nice and handy camera and easy editing. I want to finally work on using my copy of Photoshop Elements and getting my Nikon out more. Maybe even getting the other two flashes I would like and getting that whole thing set up…. We’ll see on that, for now it’s not that high on my list.

2012 should be an exciting and fun year….. I hope.

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Farewell to 2011

December 27th, 2011 · 240SX, My Cars, Photos, Random, STi, Year Review

No, it’s not quite the end of 2011 yet… But I’m certainly ready for 2012 to get here. 2011 wasn’t the worst, but it wasn’t my favorite year either.

I figured it’d be worth looking back at some of the high points, though. :)

Highlights

For one, we brought home our STi. She’s been a dream to have since we picked her up at the end of April. She got even better when we added the little exhaust system and made her sound as she should!

The Miata and I managed to snag a little 3rd Place trophy autocrossing. Definitely a great moment. It was fun with the GoPro, too.

I got to enjoy driving around in my 240SX with her pretty Bride seat, even got her out to her first car meet!

At that same car meet, there happened to be these two together… Something I never thought I would see in the States!

I got to go to Canada with the Porsche Club, where I got to ride in a 996 911 Turbo. I have always, always, always had this thing for the 911 Turbo…. After riding in this one, there is NO doubt that I will have one some day. I LOVE them.

Of course, shortly after returning from Canada there was this red 997 Turbo that made me think it’s just fate and that I need to get one eventually…

I got to hang out at SOVREN and see two RUFs in one year! (After never seeing any!)

I got to see this beautiful 911 GT2 RS in the showroom along with the Carrera GT.

There was the video here of hearing the Carrera GT before she was shipped to California for the winter…

Oh, and the stop at the Ferrari dealership in Seattle. And seeing an F40 in person!

More Thoughts

Not everything was a high point, I’m afraid.

There was the fact that my husband was deployed, and between that and the runway being redone here he was gone for roughly six months this year. Yuck.

The other sad part was deciding to sell both my 240SX and Miata. Having four cars to myself and nobody to dictate which I drove when or where showed me that I just don’t drive them enough… My preference is really with the S2000. I’m hoping to sell them and put the money towards a third car that I don’t mind keeping hidden in the garage for the most part — a 911 SC.

I also kinda feel bad that there weren’t any great special moments with the S2000…. That will definitely be changing in 2012.

How will 2012 be different? Well…. That’s my next post. ;)

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More Porsche Love

December 22nd, 2011 · Photos, Porsche

Yup, this past Saturday it was that time again…. Time to go and say hi to the Porsches at the dealership. :)

With it being winter, most of them aren’t out. Even without the snow, it has been cold and icy and I don’t blame anyone for hiding their Porsches in the garage at this point.

Thankfully, the cold doesn’t keep people away, and there are always cars around the dealership to see!

Photos

Not my favorite BBS wheels, but not bad... (Needs more dish I think, but the 996 is nice!)

Nice Targa that was out. :)

I've been told these old Targas like to leak.... Definitely makes me feel better about my decision to look for a coupe only!

Another gorgeous red 911 with a whale tail.... ;)

This pretty 911 was more my style -- Not quite as old, and a coupe. Basically the car I want right here! :)

This very nice 2012 Boxster S Black Edition caught my eye... Gotta love how the Porsches inside were all wearing bows for Christmas! ;)

This and the next photo were just me playing with the positioning between the Boxster S Black Edition and a black 911 Cabriolet in the showroom.

Not sure which I like better, the Boxster in focus with the 911 lurking in the background, or making the Cabriolet the main focus?

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Odds & Ends #1

December 20th, 2011 · Odds & Ends, Photos, Random

Edit: Well, I tried to get these photos into the post with the captions I had added… Clearly, I’m still trying to figure out how to get posts to go up and look normal with the iPad. Sorry, I’ll keep trying to get it right! For now, there are captions up, even if the pictures aren’t big like they should be. :/

Since winter here is really blah for car stuff, I don’t usually do much…. But I still manage to accumulate random photos of things every now and then.

Most of these are totally random and they don’t really have anything to do with each other. So I figured I’d take all these random photos and compile them into some sort of just random post…. So here’s some odds and ends, and Iimagine I’ll do more of these until something else comes along. (Or just in between other things I find, go to, or come up with!)

The Odds & Ends….

 

 

 

 

 

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Why is Car Insurance More Expensive for Young Drivers?

December 18th, 2011 · Guest Post

Note: The following is a Guest Post. The new year is coming soon, and it doesn’t hurt to make sure your insurance is up to par. Having both the S2000 and STi to insure, I know it hurts… But it’s necessary. And you’ll always be glad it’s there if you need to use it.

When you’re buying car insurance for young drivers, you’ll notice that their rates are considerably higher than the rates that an adult would normally pay. In fact, there are occasions that, depending on what car the teen driver will be using, the insurance rates could be many multiples greater than the insurance for an adult. The reasons behind this are due to the set of statistics that law enforcement agencies and insurance companies use to determine an individual’s insurability. Because a young driver represents a greater risk for insurance companies, the corresponding rates are much higher than an adult with a proven track record of responsible driving.

Much of the reason for higher insurance rates for young drivers involves a lack of experience. While an adult might have 20 or more years of experience driving, a young driver might have no more than six months of experience. Although drivers’ education courses are intended to prepare drivers, and they do well at it, there is no curriculum that can effectively show someone how to drive in every situation to avoid an accident. Many of the reactions that adults have learned, such as proper braking distance, teens have not learned yet.

Another significant reason that car insurance for young drivers might be particularly high is the actual car they will be driving. Insurance companies take into account several factors when determining the insurance rates for a teen in a specific car. For one, they look at the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety crash-test records for the car. Cars that perform poorly will not qualify for lower premiums. On the other hand, cars that are typically considered powerful sports cars, even though they might have good safety records, will be considered dangerous. For most teens, the best insurance rates are found in small-engine crossover SUVs and four-door midsize and small sedans with four-cylinder engines. Finding a safe car among these options will help to keep your teen’s premiums as low as possible.

According to national teen driving statistics, motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death in 15-20 year olds. In addition, it has been found that as many as two out of three motor vehicle crashes that resulted in death of a teen driver cars driven by male teens. Of these, as many as 55% were found to have been speeding at the time of the accident.

Lack of judgement combined with other risk factors, such as a powerful, sporty car are what leads to greater insurance premiums for teen drivers. Having been stopped for speeding or other moving violations numerous times will result in much higher insurance premiums and even eventually the loss of driving privileges. When shopping for car insurance for young drivers, the best way to keep premiums low is to ensure that the teen knows the importance of responsibility behind the wheel. More importantly than reducing insurance premiums, this could save your teen’s life.

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Selling Cars: Do’s and Don’ts

December 15th, 2011 · Guest Post

Note: The following is a Guest Post. I found the theme went pretty well since, well, I’m selling two of my cars. And since it’s depressing, I’d rather not write on it myself. Enjoy!

Selling your own car can often result in more money coming back to you than a trade with a dealer would yield. The decision ultimately rests on forming a reasonable conclusion regarding if the potential extra money is sufficient to justify the time and effort of selling your own car. This is an important decision. Trading your car at a dealer is quick and convenient. The amount you will get will vary according to the age and condition of your vehicle, as well as the amount you are spending on the purchase. Whether you are taking the dealer’s financing or paying cash from your own account or a loan from another source will also affect the value of your old car.

Selling on your own may prove to be a hassle. You will be contacted by allegedly interested buyers who think nothing of tying your time for a whole weekend, but never bother to let you know if they have any intention of actually showing up to look. Others will express interest and then proceed to offer a series of excuses that all boil down to the same thing: they don’t have the money to buy.

If you accept this, have the patience to deal with it and the time to wait for a bona fide buyer to appear, there are some things you can do, as well as some things you should avoid to make the process smoother.

First, spend some time making sure you have the title for the vehicle. Nothing will scare off a potential buyer faster than a seller saying something like, “Yes, I’m the owner, but I don’t seem to recall where my title is.” This sounds simple, but a surprising number of people have not seen their vehicle’s title since they bought the car or made the last payment.

Next, spend some time cleaning your car. This will eliminate about 80% of buyer’s concerns about how the vehicle was driven and maintained.

If you plan to list your vehicle online, wash it, vacuum it and take the time to take some decent pictures. A front shot, a rear shot, some side shots and some from an angle, plus shots that clearly show the condition of the interior.

When describing your vehicle, get your facts straight. Internet buyers are very leery of sellers who can’t answer technical questions about their vehicle. Your lack of car expertise may be interpreted as someone trying to conceal something.

Never let anyone test drive your vehicle without you. There are insurance issues to consider, along with the risk that you will never see your car again.

While this process is in progress, visit insurancequotes.org to get a feel in advance for what it will cost to insure your next vehicle and also to access a substantial source of additional car selling/buying advice.

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Red WRX’s and STi’s

December 13th, 2011 · Musings, My Cars, Photos, STi

Perhaps the most amusing comment people make about our STi is how great she looks in red. It amuses me because I have always thought that STi’s look good in red…. They’re just so prolific in World Rally Blue that nobody pays much attention to red. (Funny enough, I’ve seen none of the new sedans in WRB…. In person I mean. They do exist.)

So, after Enkei posted a photo of an older WRX with STi trim dressed in red and wearing RPF1′s, I figured I could spend some time hunting down more red WRX’s and STi’s and sharing just how well these ladies look in red! ;)

The Cars

Enkei posted this photo of this WRX with STi aero and RPF1's and it made me wonder.... Why was there no stock red STi until 2008?!?!

Seriously, they look fantastic in red...

Another WRX. I believe the WRX had two different color Reds, while the STi didn't get a red from Subaru until Lightning Red.

*Like*

 

One for the hatchback fans....

 My STi

Of course, the biggest requirement for our STi was that she was red... So when this one popped up in our area, it was little question she'd come home with us.

I couldn't post up red WRX's and STi's without having mine included. ;) This is back when she was stock, and she's not now, but not too crazy either.

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My Expanding Love of Vintage?

December 8th, 2011 · About Me, Cars I want..., inspiration, Random

I have this new interest… And it’s kinda weird. I think, since it’s winter and nothing much is going to be happening here, that I’m going to figure out if it’s a passing thing or not.

My weird new interest is…..

Not sure what it is..... But vintage cameras have captured my interest!

Vintage cameras. Kinda random really.

While I really love photography, I’m a happy digital photographer. My only brushes with film that I can recall were disposable cameras given to me on vacations to play with. I sort of remember having a regular sort of point and shoot film camera, but nothing crazy.

My Nikon D3000 was my first SLR, and I still love her. Even if I don’t use her nearly as much as I should. :/

My interest in vintage film cameras mostly comes in the collectible and resale market. For me, it seems like a possible way to take something I enjoy (photography, cameras) with a way to make a little money off of it.

This probably has to do with: one, my recent sales of a few things on eBay — I mean actually selling things for once! Haha. And probably also to do with the fact that since I decided to sell some things on eBay I began reading blogs written by people who sell things on eBay.

Yup, work gives me way too much time to read…. I have read blogs that make me want to sell on eBay, refinish furniture and can pickles. Help.

Either way, in the end I’m just looking for ways to help save up for the next car I want to buy…. A Porsche 911 SC.

I've actually printed out this photo to keep as a visual reminder of what I'm working towards right now!

Seriously, how appropriate would it be paying for a vintage Porsche with profits from vintage cameras?! (Yes, I daydream way too much. I already know.)

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Yours, Mine, Ours?

December 6th, 2011 · About Me, My Cars

I’ve somewhat come to peace with my decision to sell my Miata and 240sx. Well, about as “at peace” as I can possibly be until the day I actually have to say goodbye to them.

Part of what makes it bearable, of course, is the fact that I’ll still have two fantastic cars to drive. The STi certainly isn’t going anywhere for a few years at least, and the S2000 I have vowed to NEVER sell. She means way too much for me and I draw my selling line at her. :)

However, I always really considered the S2000 my husband’s car, while the Miata was mine and the 240 became my project. I also consider the STi his, because it was more for him than for me. (I definitely benefit and I really enjoy her, but he drives her more than I do and what not.) In a way, selling my two leaves me with none.

Because I’ve decided to sell, my husband has pretty much “given” me the S2000. She’s now “mine.” I guess the distinction really came in as far as maintenance and modification costs — and I have now assumed the role of financial provider for the S2000. She’s also the car I drive more often than not, at least when the weather and logistics allow.

It’s still weird to me that I struggle with this “yours, mine and ours” concept when it comes to the cars. We don’t really have it drawn out, but we tend to drive one more than the others or what things for one more than the others. We share all the cars equally and have no issue paying for what they need.

For me, it’s more of a “proving I’m a car girl” sort of thing I guess. Somehow, having a car that my husband mostly paid to modify is less exciting to share than a car that I paid for the mods on. Like I said, weird, and probably a little stupid too. I’m just as much responsible for the modifications done to the S2000 as my husband is. I never pushed to have another S2000 because I joked that the only difference would have been color. (Actually, our taste is so similar that I never see us having “his and hers” cars. They’d be identical save for our color choices.)

I’m looking forward to saving up the funds and buying the S2000 a set of coilovers myself. She could use them, and I think it’ll help me get over my funk. At least that’s my hope.

(Not that I’m not already making plans for my next car that will be “all mine,” hehehe….)

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It Never Hurts to Ask!

December 1st, 2011 · Musings, Random

I hear it all the time, and I’m sure you do too — the saying that it “never hurts to ask.” I always remember one other about asking too — “If you don’t ask, the answer is always no.”

Usually I try to remember this with car people. Since I really enjoy taking photos of cars, occasionally I’ll ask if it’s okay if it’s not at a meet or something. Usually people are fine about it, but usually I just end up being a parking lot creeper. :P (Which is fine by me, ha. I’ll play the part of a creeper!)

Anyhow, this little tale doesn’t have much to do with cars, save for the fact that it has to relate to my new gadget toy, my iPad, which I’m going to be using to help me write more, and the fact that saving money on other things frees up more money to be spent on the cars.

The Sunday before Black Friday, I broke down and finally decided to order my iPad. As great as I am about spending money on the cars, I suck when it comes to bigger amounts on anything else that’s as much of a want as the iPad was. Either way, I got it ordered up and was glad to have it done and over with.

Enter in Black Friday. Now, I probably should have thought about it, but I accept that Apple products pretty much never go on sale. I’m fine with it, and really, I like just knowing how much it’ll be and being done with it. But, of course, even Apple has Black Friday deals. And my beloved iPad, which conveniently arrived on the day, was $41 cheaper. Ouch.

Normally I would just chalk this up to my luck. I have an odd history of this sort of thing happening with me and Apple things, so I figured it was more irony of my life. This time, however, I decided to do something I usually never do…..

I decided to call customer service and ask for a price match. I figured it was less than a week and maybe they’d cut me some slack. And hey, it doesn’t hurt to ask and the worse they could say is no and I’d be no worse for wear.

Of course, the answer was no. I wasn’t upset over it, and was proud of myself for asking. But instead of being able to price match, I was offered a case for free! Huzzah!!!

The case is sold in their store for $28, so while I’m still out $13 it’s still less than the $41 I was before I had even bothered to ask.

20111126-182824.jpg
^The cover they’re sending me. :)

I’m hoping this is enough to get me to learn the lesson finally and stop being afraid to ask people for things. It was a great victory for me, not only in terms of getting over my fear of asking but in actually getting a positive result.

Who knows, maybe next year I won’t be afraid to approach people about their cars….?! ;)

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