Book's vehicles thread: Now with Two Different Wheels-Post 339

[Joey D]

Fair enough, you were able to get a GM discount on it right?

You plan on doing anything to it? Rims maybe? Those tires are really narrow, a set of bigger, wider rims will make that car even more fun to drive and the OEM wheels are perfect for snow tires.

 

[TheBook]

Fair enough, you were able to get a GM discount on it right?

You plan on doing anything to it? Rims maybe? Those tires are really narrow, a set of bigger, wider rims will make that car even more fun to drive and the OEM wheels are perfect for snow tires.

Yep. College student discount took the final price down to just over $16,000. I traded the car in and tossed a bunch of money down, and ended up financing a little less than $13k.

I'm thinking about getting a set of 16" wheels when these tires are worn out (they came with the car, might as well get some use out of them, right? ) and using these for snow tires, same way I did with the Escort. That plus a tune should hold me. I hope.

 

[CodeRedR51]

Wow, that's a nice gain from that tune.

Edit: Auto or Manual?

 

[TheBook]

Manual. I wasn't going to settle for a slushbox this time.

 

[dudeguy]

1.8 or turbo?

 

[TheBook]

It's a turbo, 6-speed stick. The only reason I got the LT was because the turbo was available; I would have gotten the LS if I could have had it with a 1.4.

 

[homeforsummer]

Nice car 👍 I actually prefer the look of the sedan to the hatch, compared to most small sedans (I'm looking at you, Fiesta) it looks like quite a balanced design.

The 1.4T should be good for 40mpg highway too, so unless you thrash it everywhere it should save you a bit of gas over the ZX2 as well.

 

[TheBook]

I'm currently averaging just a hair over 36 MPG, but that's with an engine that's still being broken in, quite a bit of city driving, getting used to driving a manual transmission, and, of course, a bit of hooning around (at the legal limits, of course). The only thing I don't like about the design is the taillights of the sedan. They look like they're almost too big for the rear of the car IMO. Also on my list of pet peeves is the fact that the throttle "hangs" when I shift; I have to clutch, move the gear lever, then wait a couple of beats for the revs to come down before I let the clutch back out if I don't want to jerk it. But I'm getting used to it, and it still brings a smile to my face whenever I get behind the wheel.

 

[homeforsummer]

You can blame a slightly crude approach to emissions regs for the hanging revs. I don't know the benefit of it specifically, but it's something to do with emissions regulations (I expect it limits engine braking or something, meaning cars coast a little better), and tends to be more frequent on cheaper cars with smaller engines in my experience.

Does it have any sort of "sport" mode? You might find the revs are keener to die away (and indeed rise) if there's such a setting.

 

[TheBook]

You can blame a slightly crude approach to emissions regs for the hanging revs. I don't know the benefit of it specifically, but it's something to do with emissions regulations (I expect it limits engine braking or something, meaning cars coast a little better), and tends to be more frequent on cheaper cars with smaller engines in my experience.

Does it have any sort of "sport" mode? You might find the revs are keener to die away (and indeed rise) if there's such a setting.

Hm, I didn't know that, with regards to the emissions thing. I suppose if I really wanted to, I could back off the throttle a second before I disengage the clutch. I'll have to try that next time I drive it.

No, there isn't, which kind of sucks. Unless you count the point where boost kicks in as a sport mode...

 

[homeforsummer]

You may find that the revs are keener to both rise and fall after the engine is a little more run-in, too. And I wouldn't consciously change your driving style to adapt to it, you'll gradually get used to the smoothest, quickest way to drive it anyway.

 

[TheBook]

Well, I've got a few miles on it now (2,732, to be exact), and I'm bored at work, so now seems to be a good time for an update.

Service: I changed the oil at 2,000 miles just to get the stuff that the engine broke in with out. Oil filters are expensive, and it requires dexos1-certified oil (so dino oils in general and some synthetic blends are out). Used my employee discount on some full-synthetic Quaker State oil, and still paid $22 for the change. While I was underneath it, I removed a plastic tray that ran underneath the entire engine bay, as a) under-car servicing is nearly impossible with it, and b) GM stopped putting them on after the first of the year anyway (my car is a November '11 build).

Recalls: My car fell under two of them so far. One was for replacement of the fuel filler neck, and one was to reposition the airbag in the steering wheel. Thankfully, mine didn't fall under the infamous missing-brake-pad recall (seriously, look it up).

ICE: Sound quality isn't too bad from the stock stereo and speakers, but it still is a bit tinny and quiet. I'll live with it for a while, but I have a feeling that the sound system will be revamped eventually. My free trial of SiriusXM satellite radio ran out, and I decided not to renew it. This was a good idea, as three days afterward I got an email offering me a year-long subscription to the service for half off. I fully plan on taking advantage of this.

Driving: Rev-matching is still difficult, especially during the 1-2 shift, but I'm rapidly getting better. It's also quite the hypermiler; I was able to average just over 50 MPG over a mostly-highway, 80-mile round trip. When I'm not babying it, however, it will definitely get up and go. Also, dat turbo whine. It also handles pretty well, but the stock tires really hold it back. If my Drag wheels fit the Sonic, with the Falkens on them, I would have way too much fun with this car. As it is, I still have a lot of fun with it, and I don't regret buying it in the least.

 

[Joey D]

Finding wheels for your car is going to suck, a 5x105 bolt pattern is just as weird as my 5x108 pattern. However, Sparco does make the Assetto Gara's for your car and they come in just about any colour you could want. Doing 17" Lime Green or Orange Assetto's would look awesome on your car, and at 19lbs ea. they are relatively light weight. White wouldn't look half bad either, but green is the way to go! You can check them out on TireRack to see what they'd look like on your car.

 

[CodeRedR51]

Finding wheels for your car is going to suck, a 5x105 bolt pattern is just as weird as my 5x108 pattern.

Why the hell do manufacturers do that? It's like they will do anything to keep you from putting aftermarket wheels on it.

 

[TheBook]

Black car with green wheels? What am I, Ken Block? I was considering those wheels, but I think I'm going to wait a little while. Plus, I need to save some money anyway. Wheels are in the cards though.

 

[Joey D]

Why the hell do manufacturers do that? It's like they will do anything to keep you from putting aftermarket wheels on it.

Beats me, trying to find anything that was halfway decent in the 5x108 pattern was awful. I don't know why there just isn't an ISO standard for bolt patterns, like 4x100, 5x114.3, etc. I'm sure there is some rationale behind it, I just can't seem to figure it out/understand it.

Black car with green wheels? What am I, Ken Block? I was considering those wheels, but I think I'm going to wait a little while. Plus, I need to save some money anyway. Wheels are in the cards though.

there's always other colours, orange would be pretty cool too. The good thing is a set of the Assetto's would only be like $600-$700 which is pretty cheap for decent rims (they are made by OZ). As for tires, that's where it gets expensive.

 

[TheBook]

Beats me, trying to find anything that was halfway decent in the 5x108 pattern was awful. I don't know why there just isn't an ISO standard for bolt patterns, like 4x100, 5x114.3, etc. I'm sure there is some rationale behind it, I just can't seem to figure it out/understand it.

Me either, but either I work with what I have or get some adapters. Also, the gorram TPMS valve stems are like $200 a set.

there's always other colours, orange would be pretty cool too. The good thing is a set of the Assetto's would only be like $600-$700 which is pretty cheap for decent rims (they are made by OZ). As for tires, that's where it gets expensive.

I think any color that really contrasts wouldn't look half bad, actually. I haven't looked into tires yet, but they'll probably run me something like $200 a piece.

 

[Joey D]

For TPSM's talk to Discount Tire, they got mine for about 25% of what OEM Ford one's were. I can't remember how much I paid but it wasn't unreasonable. Also eBay has sets pop up from time to time, that's how I snagged the Cooper's TPSM's for the winter tires.

For tires consider the BFGoodrich g-Force Sport COMP-2's, I just got a set and I'm extremely impressed. The reviews around the auto world are really positive too.

 

[TheBook]

Or just get regular valve stems and deal with the TPMS light being on all the time. The sensors on my car don't have any secondary function, and I can check my own tire pressures, thanks. As for tires, I'll take a look into things when I get home, since I'm currently on my phone.

 

[Crisp]

So how zippy is it?

 

[TheBook]

Compared to the Escort, very. Compared to most everything else, it's not too bad. It'll definitely keep up with traffic, that's for sure.

 

[TheBook]

First service issue came up yesterday in the form of an illuminated air bag warning light. I called the dealership, they came and got the car (after sending two carloads of people, since nobody in the first one knew how to drive a manual ) and called me back saying that they have to replace the SRS module. Thankfully, it is covered under warranty, but I have to wait until the part arrives on Monday before it can be fixed.

 

[Joey D]

Make them give you a loaner car and don't let them charge you. You shouldn't be without a car because they don't stock things. I make the Ford dealer do it all the time.

 

[TheBook]

I tried, but they wouldn't give me one because "the car is still driveable". I countered with "it's also unsafe", but got no further. They also reset the air bag light, for the record.

 

[Joey D]

If you really get bored you can write to GM's customer relations department. They might be able to do something. Ford sent me $50 towards parts and service as a "sorry we are idiots". It isn't much but it at least makes you feel like you kind of won something.

 

[TheBook]

In all honesty, I'm not that worried about it. I wasn't planning on really driving anywhere, considering I walk to work and didn't have any plans for this weekend. I might write them and see if I can get a free set of pedal covers or something out of it.

 

[TheBook]

Outside of that issue, it hasn't been awful. I've had to take it back twice more for issues; one was a recall to literally ziptie the washer fluid hoses on so they wouldn't pop apart, and the other was a warranty (thankfully) issue that I've never seen.

I went to pick up some takeout for the family one evening. On starting the car at the restaurant, my instrument cluster went kaput. I had gauges, but they were showing either zeroes (in the case of the speedo) or dashes (everything else-even the odometer). Not only this, I lost most of my power steering assistance. I drove the three miles home using only my tach and traffic to gauge my speed, and couldn't start it after I parked it. The next day, everything was fine.

Ever called the dealer and told them your car was possessed? Try it once. Hilarity will ensue. They got it and could find nothing wrong with it, though they did replace a fuse (probably one that they blew while poking around). Since then, nothing bad has happened to it, and hopefully nothing bad will happen.

I've invested in a set of WeatherTech all-weather floor mats and Z-Spec pedal covers (still waiting on those) so far. Next week I plan on picking up a set of fog lights from GM, and I'm debating whether or not to install them myself. I've also re-gapped my spark plugs from the .021-.027-.027-.035 readings they were to .030. Throttle response improved a bit, but that's about it.

 

[TheBook]

My first modifications are the aforementioned pedal covers (no pic yet) and fog lights.

Before:

After:

If I had gone to the dealer to get it done, I would be about $600 poorer. By finding the parts on Amazon and doing it myself, it cost about $250 (depending on how much I get charged for them to enable the fogs in the BCM). Saving money rules.

 

[Yrkshrpudding]

.
my instrument cluster went kaput... The next day, everything was fine.

Happened to me once with my 04 Civic. I was running errends and when trying to leave the first store we had stopped at the entire cluster was dead. Drove it the 3 miles to the next store, went inside for 10 minutes, came back out and all was good. Nothing ever happened to it again.

Hopefully yours is just problem free in the future.

Oh, and congrats on the new car!

 

[TheBook]

Hopefully yours is just problem free in the future.

Oh, and congrats on the new car!

Haven't had any problems since then. And thanks!

So early December, it snowed a bit and the roads got a little slippery. My Hankook Optimo all-seasons took one look at it and were like "nope." So, as an early Christmas present, I made an appointment to get a set of General Altimax Arctics put on the OEM wheels. Upon arriving, I was informed that Discount were out of stock in that tire. So I ended up with a set of Bridgestone Blizzaks that seem to work pretty well, and I got them for half price. I'm going to need a new set of wheels/tires for the summer though. Or a motorcycle, which (at least one that I have my eye on) will run about as much.

Also, I picked up a Sonic the Hedgehog vinyl sticker for the rear window and put it on. You know, just because.