By some amazing stroke of luck, I ended up with our 2002 BMW M3 last night instead of the Honda Fit that I was scheduled to drive. Wee! (OK, the above picture isn't the best picture of the BMW but I thought it was pretty cool that it had the Ferrari, our other used long-termer, in its sight.)
Anyhow, as a play on Brian Moody's analogy between a cute girl and the G35 on his G35 post yesterday, I found our luxurious and very fast M3 to be like that extremely good-looking guy who seems to have lived a charmed life and who, in turn, is wayyy out of my league. It's not that I'm down on myself, it's that it's sort of intimidating and I wouldn't be able to appreciate it the way it SHOULD be appreciated...
I could jump a green light and speed up to the speed limit, maybe rocket onto the freeway via on-ramp, but I can't take this baby canyon-carving like it seems like it wants to.
All that power and I just wouldn't know how to handle it. It wouldn't be fair to the car and it wouldn't be fair to me. BUT I wouldn't mind being a passenger going along for a ride with a very experienced driver.
Caroline Pardilla, Deputy Managing Editor
All that power and I just wouldn't know how to handle it. It wouldn't be fair to the car and it wouldn't be fair to me. BUT I wouldn't mind being a passenger going along for a ride with a very experienced driver.
Caroline Pardilla, Deputy Managing Editor
briancam says:
01:18 PM, 02/21/08
In the end, you'd always be trying to look and act like something you're not - that would get old.
I see a BMW 1 series in Caroline's future. Convertible perhaps?
louiswei says:
01:29 PM, 02/21/08
G35 will fit Caroline great I think.
johnnyturbo says:
01:35 PM, 02/21/08
Y'all forget -- Caroline's got her heart set on a Mini Cooper.
greenpony says:
01:54 PM, 02/21/08
Those are some nice-looking gauges. Very German.
estreka says:
02:14 PM, 02/21/08
"BUT I wouldn't mind being a passenger going along for a ride with a very experienced driver"
Ok, this is getting pornographic.
caroscuro says:
02:22 PM, 02/21/08
estreka,
LOL stop!
rick8365 says:
02:33 PM, 02/21/08
....just toss me the keys.
cruiserhead1 says:
02:33 PM, 02/21/08
Is this blog sponsored by Match.com? ;-P
jriz says:
04:11 PM, 02/21/08
Shh. We don't discuss advertising on this blog.
In a completely unrelated topic, this blog will soon be known as the "Pepsi Presents Edmunds Long-Term Test Blog."
tlcruz says:
04:41 PM, 02/21/08
Oh Caroline! You gave the M3 the perfect "man" description! lol.
In other news, I know you're a big fan of the Cooper and it's manual. What's the numbers of manuals in the fleet? and the autos? Just curious! :)
redliner says:
06:17 PM, 02/21/08
hmmm, the M3 is kinda like me...*sigh* i wish.
bimmerjay says:
06:29 PM, 02/21/08
The Comments section of this blog wins the "Most Comments by the Edmunds Editorial Staff" award. :-)
jdub53084 says:
08:35 PM, 02/21/08
Sometimes its fun to drive a fast car just to get the sights and sounds. Sometimes its not about canyon-carving, just enjoying a nice car for what it can do.
joefrompa says:
06:41 AM, 02/22/08
Hi Caroline,
I've begun to feel the same way about my 06 Civic SI. Not that it's capabilities are higher, but my commute was originally 8 miles of twisty back roads...now it's 32 miles of straight highway or suburban stoplights.
Instead of everyday enjoying it's screaming redline and the feel of the steering suddenly going light, I get to enjoy it's jerky drive by wire programming, occasionally harsh ride, and high noise levels.
Whats the point in owning such a car when you NEVER get a chance to explore it's potential. Or even almost never.
On a more similar note to what you are talking about, all I can say is get a Porsche Boxster S. It's way more car than you'll ever be able to outdrive (on public roads), but for some reason that never matters. It's just a glorious thing to experience in every situation.
Those are the cars we should strive for :)
Much like spouses, for that matter...
Joe
louiswei says:
09:55 AM, 02/22/08
Joe, one solution to solve your current situation is to take your Si to the track.
joefrompa says:
10:44 AM, 02/22/08
Louis - It's february in Pennsylvania.
I live in a townhome sans garage.
The blessing of this car relies in it's (so far) ability to deliver care-free mile after care-free mile....I'm on 15k oil changes now (using AMSOIL and a synthetic oil filter, and actually driving 15k every 6 months). I rotate my tires every 2-3 months.
Aside from that, there's not much on the car to go wrong. So I guess I should consider that a blessing.
Joe
SubyTrojan says:
10:46 AM, 02/22/08
How far are you from Pocono Raceway, Joe? I know they have an infield road course there. Is there still a lot of snow on the ground over there? In the LGT, even snow wouldn't be able to stop you! j/k
hondacura4 says:
12:49 PM, 02/22/08
Dont be afraid Caroline as you have to start somewhere. I cant think of one car enthusiast that has never been intimadated by a certain vehicle.
I remember when I purchsed my wifes 2002 S2000 a couple of years ago. Its the 1st RWD sports car weve owned but not the 1st RWD car as before her 05 Odyssey she had a 2000 Lexus GS400.
Although I have quite a bit of "track time" it was with mostly FWD lightweight vehicles (my modified 95 Civic sedan). Of course a RWD car with this kinda of performance is on a much higher level as far as handling and feedback. Also It didnt help that I knew the AP1 (00-03) S2000s are prone to snap oversteer.
I took the challenge and slowly got used to how the car felt. Have I spun the car? Almost but not quite but its almost bit me on several occasions, but thats what makes these cars so enjoyable. Good luck.
joefrompa says:
01:47 PM, 02/22/08
Suby - 2 hours, give or take...
My Civic SI is shod with General Exclaim UHP in 215/45/17....they had their first rough time today (3-4" of snow with freezing rain falling on top of it)....nonetheless, they are considered summer tires by tirerack and all-season by General...
You know, I actually thought of you the other day. I said to myself, "I'm going to be excited to write in with a picture of the LGT once we get it, cause I know SubyTrojan will enjoy."
Subaru just starting offering 2 years 0% financing on all 08 models....getting closer to time...little longer :)
Joe
SubyTrojan says:
01:50 PM, 02/22/08
Joe, set up a CarSpace page already, will ya? :o) I'd love to see photos of the Si and LGT once the latter is in your, or rather, your wife's possession. Remember, happy wife = happy life! :o)
http://www.carspace.com