Summer 2016
Posted: Thu Apr 21, 2016 9:14
What's up guys/gals?
I have been away from the forum for a while...not sure if it's getting older or if life is just getting in the way. Regardless, the car is still in the garage, suspension changed out, new tune, no check engine lights (/knocksonwood), and is ready to be taken out on the open road!
There was a hot minute back in 2014 when I thought I'd trade her in on something bigger, AWD, automatic that can actually fit human beings in the back. I was so sure that this was the right move, as now I'm in my 30's I'm considered an old fart. I started to return her to stock, and exterior-wise, she looked like she did when I first drove her off the lot 7 years ago. It was when I started with the innards, I think I was taking off the top mount intercooler and decided that I'd sure miss the hell out of her. Because today, I'll be the first to admit that I'm probably a lot less inclined to spend a Friday evening installing an exhaust in the snow with my friends. Yet I know deep down that I still enjoy ratcheting the old thing from time to time.
So I compromised. I figured that trading her in I'd probably get peanuts on the deal. And I can't discount the countless hours, days, weekends I've spent on projects. Blood, sweat and tears have gone into this car, and I think I've done at least 2 of every bolt on. (Hopefully getting it right in the end!). I'll always attempt things by myself so I can learn (and save a few bucks along the way), but sometimes we need to call in a friend with some beer and pizza to help out, and sometimes we need an expert like the guys at Edge to lend a hand. Either way, it feels like it has always been time well spent.
Now she has a new friend in the garage, a 2013 Honda to keep her company. The Mazda stock wheels with winter tires bolted up to the Honda, so she looks sexier now IMHO. Getting a used Honda that could be a daily driver and snow mobile was a practical move that ultimately allowed me to keep the Mazda.
And to my point...we're going to have some nice weather this weekend and in the coming weeks. Who's ready for a cruise?!
Mazda and Honda can be friends afterall!
I have been away from the forum for a while...not sure if it's getting older or if life is just getting in the way. Regardless, the car is still in the garage, suspension changed out, new tune, no check engine lights (/knocksonwood), and is ready to be taken out on the open road!
There was a hot minute back in 2014 when I thought I'd trade her in on something bigger, AWD, automatic that can actually fit human beings in the back. I was so sure that this was the right move, as now I'm in my 30's I'm considered an old fart. I started to return her to stock, and exterior-wise, she looked like she did when I first drove her off the lot 7 years ago. It was when I started with the innards, I think I was taking off the top mount intercooler and decided that I'd sure miss the hell out of her. Because today, I'll be the first to admit that I'm probably a lot less inclined to spend a Friday evening installing an exhaust in the snow with my friends. Yet I know deep down that I still enjoy ratcheting the old thing from time to time.
So I compromised. I figured that trading her in I'd probably get peanuts on the deal. And I can't discount the countless hours, days, weekends I've spent on projects. Blood, sweat and tears have gone into this car, and I think I've done at least 2 of every bolt on. (Hopefully getting it right in the end!). I'll always attempt things by myself so I can learn (and save a few bucks along the way), but sometimes we need to call in a friend with some beer and pizza to help out, and sometimes we need an expert like the guys at Edge to lend a hand. Either way, it feels like it has always been time well spent.
Now she has a new friend in the garage, a 2013 Honda to keep her company. The Mazda stock wheels with winter tires bolted up to the Honda, so she looks sexier now IMHO. Getting a used Honda that could be a daily driver and snow mobile was a practical move that ultimately allowed me to keep the Mazda.
And to my point...we're going to have some nice weather this weekend and in the coming weeks. Who's ready for a cruise?!
Mazda and Honda can be friends afterall!
I figured I've never done a spoiler or side skirts or mud guards before on any car, but then I decided 'meh, you only live once'...IMHO, I think it makes her look more agressive.
