Reader's Long-Term Cars Long-Term Road Tests Archives

You remember Daniel. He had bought our long-term 2005 Ford Mustang GT and then sold it. But now he has a new Mustang that he has been modifying. Here are some new pictures. Looking good, Daniel.

Just wanted to give you a little update on the car, almost done. The body work is finished, I have the wheels on (18x9.5 front and the 18x10.5 I bought from you guys in the rear), exhaust is done (I am going to try to get an offroad mid pipe soon though), and I just ordered all the Steeda parts. Now all I need is the Progress Technology anti-roll bars and the Tokico D-Specs but they are still in development. I am also looking at a watts link and either a carbon fiber or aluminum driveshaft. We'll see, just depends how soon Tokico can get the shocks finished up. -- Daniel

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Categories: Reader's Long-Term Cars

Earlier this year we featured a story about our long-term 2005 Ford Mustang GT. After we sold the car, it changed hands a few times and eventually ended up in Finland (pictured above).

We love finding out what happens to our cars after they leave our fleet.

Daniel, who was one of its owners, sold the Mustang to a man in Finland and sent us this picture. Daniel now has a new Mustang that he is modding. He stopped by a few weeks ago to show us. Looking forward to an update.

Donna DeRosa, Managing Editor

Categories: Reader's Long-Term Cars

Calvin, better known to you as wongck, sent us these photos of his 2008 Lancer Evolution GSR. Here is what he had to say:
 
The influence from Gran Turismo, Initial D, and The Fast and The Furious has made me want an Evo for the past 10 years. In September of 2008 I became the proud owner of the Evo X GSR you see here. I'm sure many people have read the reviews and followed not one, but two long-term Evo's on Inside Line, but my car is slightly different and I hope other readers will enjoy it.

This is not a stock car and I have put a bit of money into modifying the car, but it is not as heavily modified as Inside Line's Project Evo. For power, I stuck with the bare basics; a Cosworth air filter, a GReddy cat-back exhaust, and a tune from HB Speed brought me the output up to 340whp. The suspension is lightly modified with a set of monotube coilovers from Stance, and the car itself is riding on Advan RZ wheels, 19x9.0, with 265/30/19 Pirelli PZero Nero tires.

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Categories: Reader's Long-Term Cars

Before we started publishing our driving impressions on the long-term road test blog, we had a 2005 Ford Mustang GT in our fleet. It was our project car at the time and we made some modifications. You can read about the car on the Inside Line Web site. Here are some links:

Project Mustang GT vs. Shelby GT500, Part 1

Project Mustang GT vs. Shelby GT500, Part 2

Long-Term Test: 2005 Ford Mustang

Our Mustang has changed hands a few times since we sold it a few years ago. We met up with Daniel at our Cars & Coffee Tweetup and he told us what happened to our old friend. Here's what he had to say:

I was 16 years old when I first saw the Edmunds Inside Line 2005 Mustang GT for sale by an owner in Fresno. At the time I had a 2005 Mustang V6 automatic. I knew as soon as I saw the car that I had to have it. I talked to the owner and worked out some details.

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Categories: Reader's Long-Term Cars

Ryan sent us these photos of his 2006 Nissan Altima SE-R. Here is what he has to say:

This is my 2006 Nissan Altima SE-R. I like to call her SE-Rena. While it is "just an Altima," the SE-R version is quite rare and was only built from 2005-2006. The SE-R model included a factory-installed custom air intake and exhaust package (adding an additional 10 ponies for a total of 260), an upgraded "sport" suspension, a new 6-speed manual transmission, unique gray/black leather seats, and of course the SE-R body kit. The SE-R package also comes with a nice set of 18" forged alloy wheels and Bridgestone Potenza 225/45R18 rubber. My car came equipped with every option available except the side airbag package and traction control.

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Jonathan sent us these photos of his 2009 Pontiac G8 GT. Here is what he has to say:

I purchased my 2009 Pontiac G8 GT in June of 2009. I want to personally thank the staff at Edmunds for their honest reviews of the G8. Your high opinion of the car was a huge part of my decision to buy this great automobile.

I considered the BMW 550i, but after driving the G8 and the BMW back to back, I simply could not justify the $50,000 price difference. I am so happy I bought my G8.

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Josh, better known to you as Orbit09, sent us these photos of his 2006 Honda Civic Si. I think this is the third reader's Civic Si we've had so far. It's obviously popular with enthusiasts. Here is what he has to say:

I bought it used in 2007 after researching and comparing it to a GTI, Mini Cooper S and an '05 Miata. It replaced my totaled '03 Accord coupe (the EX V6 with the 6 speed, RIP).
 
Within days I was experiencing the dreaded and oft-reported third gear issue and eventually had it replaced under warranty. Since then the car has been rock solid and as reliable as the tides.

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Categories: Reader's Long-Term Cars

Robert, better known to you as FoxGTR, sent us these photos of his 2001 Chevrolet Camaro SS and 2002 Pontiac Trans Am. Here is what he had to say:

Thanks for finally putting up a segment where readers can post their own vehicles. I've been curious to see what the readers and commenters of Inside Line personally owned. It's great to see a lot of people passionate about their vehicles.

My two vehicles are truly a part of the Long-Term Road Test. One is a 2001 Chevrolet Camaro SS, purchased in 2002 used when it had about 11,000 miles and currently has 78,600. The other is a 2002 Pontiac Trans Am WS.6 with 62,800 miles, also purchased used, with 22,200 miles in 2004.

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Sam, better known to you as IRVG37, sent us these photos of his 2008 Infiniti G37 Journey Coupe that has 15,000 miles on it. Here is what he has to say:

I absolutely love the VQ37VHR engine. I even love the harsh, strained NVH at 7K RPM. It's as spellbinding as trance and as powerful as the number that speaks for itself: 330 horsepower. Naturally aspirated.

To me, the G is so much more than just a 3 series alternative. It's the first and true threat to the technical excellence, engineering precision, and driving marvel that the 3 series has for so long taught us how to experience. The new VQ engine alone would make the G a great car, but it's the whole driving experience, the historical significance of the car that excites me everyday to be a proud owner of this awesome car.

This is my white G37 coupe, 2008 year model.

Thanks for sharing your photos with us, Sam.

P.S. If you want to participate in the Reader's Long-Term Car segment, click here to read the submission guidelines.

Donna DeRosa, Managing Editor

Categories: Reader's Long-Term Cars

Nicholas, better known to you as sellaturcica, sent us these photos of his 2008 Porsche Boxster. Here is what he had to say:

This is my 2008 base Boxster that I never, ever planned to buy.  I got this in summer 2009 as a leftover model with a certified warranty, I have 5,300 miles on the car. Porsche dealers seems to routinely have leftover new models well into the next model year. Picking one up is a good way to save a lot on the inflated MSRPs, particularly if you can find a nearly base car like this one.

I had been shopping for a new car for years, had driven a Mustang, GTI, Civic Si, E46 M3, WRX, GTO, 135i, S2000, Miata, Z4 and more. But this Boxster is a blast. It was the car that felt the best to me of everything I'd driven. I test drove it on a whim and ended up with it after years of tire kicking.

It handles better than I drive. It just sticks, I have trouble exploring anywhere near its limit.  The engine makes the most amazing sounds after about 3,000 RPM.  You can be doing 20 and put your foot in it and it sounds like you're going down the straight at Le Mans.  Tunnels and overpasses are great fun. It is not slow- you can get real illegal really quickly. I've bought my first radar detector. My 1993 Infiniti G20 didn't need one.

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Categories: Reader's Long-Term Cars

Brad, better known to you as fsunole, sent us these pictures of his 2008 BMW 328i. Here is what he had to say:

I know you guys are fans of the E90 body style (Your long-term 330i and M3), so I thought I would share my car with you and all the readers.

I bought my Platinum Bronze 328i back on July 31, 2008. I had crossed-shopped it with the Acura TSX with NAV. I had taken test drives of both and fell in love with the BMW. The TSX, while a great car, felt like a much larger vehicle and lacked the handling of the BMW.

Despite not having the sport package, the BMW still handles very well and makes the daily drive much more interesting. I had originally gone back and forth on the color while shopping, but now I'm very glad that I got it. I very rarely see another 3 Series in Platinum Bronze on the road, and it is a nice departure from the standard silver/white/black BMW. The car really changes color depending on the light and can appear anywhere from silver to deep brown.

I currently have 27,000 miles on the car, and it has performed flawlessly. So far the only "mod" (if it can be called that) I've done is getting the windows tinted, but I do plan on putting on the 18" M3 gunmetal rims and the M-Tech front and rear bumpers. And if you couldn't guess by my license plate, I'm a proud FSU alum and an accountant!

Thanks for sharing your photos with us, Brad.

P.S. If you want to participate in the Reader's Long-Term Car segment, click here to read the submission guidelines.

Donna DeRosa, Managing Editor

Categories: Reader's Long-Term Cars

Michael, better known to you as P71, sent us these pictures of his 2001 Ford Crown Victoria. Here is what he had to say:

I thought you guys would get a kick out of my "long-term" car, a 2001 Ford Crown Vic Police Interceptor. This is a real-deal cop car (a P71 VIN code, hence my screen name) that I purchased from the Oregon State Police in December 2007. It has a 4.6L SOHC V8 and a handful of modifications.

I have put 25,000 miles on the car since purchase including multiple High Performance Driving Events (HPDE / Track Days), clocking over 130MPH on Portland International Raceway (PIR)'s back stretch. It has also been successfully autocrossed, winning multiple SCCA STU-class victories.

Mostly though, it is drag raced. I've won multiple races and even won my local club's Season Championship in 2008.

Thanks for sharing your photos with us, Michael.

P.S. If you want to participate in the Reader's Long-Term Car segment, click here to read the submission guidelines.

Donna DeRosa, Managing Editor

Categories: Reader's Long-Term Cars

Jim, better known to you as Alpine M, sent us these pictures of his 2008 BMW Z4 M Coupe. Here is what he had to say:

I've attached some photos of my 08 Z4M. It was a replacement for my 03 350Z that saw its share of modifications as well.

My main attraction to the M Coupe was the rarity and uniqueness of it. I really enjoyed my 350Z in the time I had it, but in Southern CA it is tough to make your car unique. The M coupe offered that, plus an incredibly entertaining ride, further enhanced by some modifications from RPI and KW. The HRE's are probably my favorite part and I think they fit the character of the car perfectly. I've been on drives and runs all over here with it and the car never ceases to amaze me what it is capable of...so much more fluid, yet more raw than the Z ever was. It gets looks anywhere it goes (likely due to having one of the loudest exhaust setups I've ever heard) and is truly a joy to drive.

The downsides: ~12mpg (worth every cent!), can't enter most parking garages and it only seats two

other than that, it's the perfect CA 2nd car.

Attached are pictures from a joyride up to Lake Cachuma on San Marcos Pass near Painted Canyon, Malibu Winery off of Mulholland and Kanan, a shot from Bimmerfest last year and a few parking lot shots before a show last year.

Modifications:
HRE Comp90s
KW Variant 3 Coilovers
BMS Exhaust
RPI Scoop
Full Alpine Stereo - H660 Imprint Processor, PDX amps, Type X Speakers and 2 x 10" Subwoofers

Thanks for sharing your photos with us, Jim.

P.S. If you want to participate in the Reader's Long-Term Car segment, click here to read the submission guidelines.

Donna DeRosa, Managing Editor

Categories: Reader's Long-Term Cars

Sunny, better known to you as SHINJYO, sent us these pictures of his 2003 Subaru Impreza. Here is what he had to say:
 
This is my 2003 Subaru Impreza 2.5RS. I bought it September 13th, 2002 in San Diego, CA. (I still remember that was a Black Friday). I got this car because my Mom would only give me $20,000 and I didn't want a Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic, or anything below 150 horsepower. The only options were Nissan Altima, Civic SI and this Subaru Impreza. I didn't choose the Civic SI because too many people drive it and it is a top stolen car. I don't know too much about boxer engines and AWD, but I know this is a special one compared to those regular brands. I picked the Blue Ridge Pearl color for the same reason (special?) because WRX doesn't have this color, and my parents don't like red (like a Taxi in Hong Kong), black (like a hearse) or white (like an ambulance) car, and there were only three available in Southern California dealerships during that time.

I like my car because this is the first thing I have ever asked from my parents. During my childhood, I only got a present when I got an A in an exam. Like most new owners, I pretty much slept in my car during the first night. I didn't want to drive and just let it sit in the garage until it hits 7,000 miles. I also started washing it once a week (from day 1), waxing it every 6 months. All my friends think I am crazy, because I hate people sitting in my car and I don't like people touching here and there, pushing buttons, twisting knobs or even knocking my dash and windows. Especially, those finger prints on the body. I treat the car like a king (I think), I use 91 octane fuel since the first tank, oil change every 3,000 miles, timing belt+water pump replaced at 60,000 miles even though my mechanic thinks that its way too early.

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Categories: Reader's Long-Term Cars

Skylar, better known to you as protectrearth, sent us these pictures of his 2009 Civic Hybrid. Here is what he had to say:

I currently have 20,197 miles on my car. Hitting the big 20k just the other day!

I had purchased a 2006 Civic EX in the fall of 2006. It was a great car, but had its problems with tire wear. Around 80k miles, I started to notice a few things odd and decided it was time for a new car. I knew the Civic had been refreshed, and since I still loved my car, it made sense to just hop into another Civic.

I actually test drove the Insight as well, but I decided to wait for the kinks in that to be fixed, plus the Civic is bigger and is more stylish in my opinion.

Anyway, I opted for the hybrid version because I had always wanted to purchase one. After the test drive, I knew I had to have it. The Autostop feature, the extra gauges, and the phenomenal gas mileage made me fall in love. The Civic Hybrid also isn't as I DRIVE A HYBRID! as the Prius. Plus, the Prius would be like driving a loaf of white bread to work every day.

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Anthony, better known to you as ocramidajzj, sent us these pictures of his 2010 Mazda 6 s Grand Touring. Here is what he had to say:

I've been a loyal Mazda owner for the past 20 years. After living with a 2008 MS3 for 2-1/2 years I realized that I needed something a bit more roomy. The MS3 was a helluva fun car. Sadly, it wasn't happy unless it was being flogged 24/7. This grew tiring, especially when I didn't feel like zoom-zooming every second. It also didn't have enough room for two growing boys and a 6'2" dad in the cockpit.

During my search for a more flexible option I also drove Audis, BMWs, the Ford Fusion, Acura TSX, Honda Accord and even the Toyota Camry. None of them offered the same balance of practicality, sportiness, affordability, build quality or good looks.
 
It took a year to decide on the Mz6. I dove both the 4 and 6 banger variants and couldn't see myself trading down from 263 boosted horses to 170 adequate ponies. The V6 was the only way to go. After 24 years of driving sticks I wasn't happy with moving to an automatic. Even my wife drives a 5 speed (2006 Mz5). Despite this I felt the 6 was a compelling enough package to take the plunge. I picked up this black beauty and haven't looked back. Part of my decision was driven by your long-term blog on the Mazda 6 i GT. Of course, I think I made the better choice by going with the V6. :-) 

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Categories: Reader's Long-Term Cars

Eric, better know to you as stwok, sent us these pictures of his 2003 Honda S2000 that has 98,900 miles on it. Here is what he had to say:

My first car was a 1999 Civic EX Coupe with a 5-speed and I wanted a sports car. I bought the 2003 S2000 because of its amazing transmission and raw nature.  The engine is sensational with its 9000 rpm redline, until the Ferrari F458 Italia came out, the 2.0L S2000 had the highest output per liter for a naturally aspirated engine of 120hp/L.  Although the car is still stock, later down the road I want to get a K&N intake and new rims.

The blue tape was to protect my bumper from rock chips during my cross country drive from Maryland to California.

Thanks for sharing your photos with us, Eric.

P.S. If you want to participate in the Reader's Long-Term Car segment, click here to read the submission guidelines.

Donna DeRosa, Managing Editor

Categories: Reader's Long-Term Cars

Logan, better known to you as vwjetta03, sent us these pictures of his 2003 Volkswagen Jetta. Here is what he had to say:

I drive a gray 2003 VW Jetta 1.8t 5-speed. It has been in my family since February 2008, and was bought when I was 16 as an extra car for me to drive (in other words, I drive it, but do not own it).

I have put about 21,000 miles on it, and each mile has been driven with a smile on my face. I truly love this car.

Thanks for sharing your photos with us, Logan.

P.S. If you want to participate in the Reader's Long-Term Car segment, click here to read the submission guidelines.

Donna DeRosa, Managing Editor

Categories: Reader's Long-Term Cars

Fusionsport sent us these picture of his 2010 Ford Fusion Sport. Here's what he had to say:

I have had my Fusion Sport for 6 months now (at 5,500 miles). I love the power of the 3.5L, the way the Tuxedo Black Metallic paint shines in the sunlight, the design of the car, and all the electronics that aren't even available on cars twice its price.

Thanks for letting me share :)

I hope that others with a Fusion are enjoying it as much as I am.

Thanks for sharing your pictures with us, Fusionsport.

P.S. If you want to participate in the Reader's Long-Term Car segment, click here to read the submission guidelines.

Donna DeRosa, Managing Editor

Categories: Reader's Long-Term Cars

Benson, better known to you as shadrach2, sent us these photos of his 2007 BMW Z4. Here is what he had to say:

I spent years without ever succumbing to the lure of the roadster. Growing up on the East Coast will do that to you. Then I moved to California. Roadster weather all the time. First a BMW Z3 2.3. Super fun. What could be better? A pre-owned dakar yellow Z3 3.0, that's what. Fun, fast and loud (the color, not the car). I was set to stay with this guy long term because the Z4 never appealed to me at all. Until that day on the highway when I saw one that made me say "Hmmmm, that's really nice looking." Who'd have thought the refresh of '06 could make that big a difference? Not me, that's for sure. But it did. I was hooked.

A quick call to Ali at Santa Maria BMW and the wheels were set in motion. A 2007 BMW Z4 3.0si. I couldn't get yellow this time, much to my dismay, and so went for Montego Blue. (I like to be seen when I'm in a small car. Those SUVs are on the largish side and the more visible I am, the better.)

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Categories: Reader's Long-Term Cars