Orange

DSC_0373, originally uploaded by supafamous.

Assorted automotive type ramblings…

1. So my parents are in the market for a new car as both of theirs are now 7 years old. I’ve suggested that it’s time they reward themselves for all these years of hard work and that they get themselves something nice like a BMW. A BMW actually isn’t that expensive anymore compared to some of the other cars they could be considering like a Honda Accord.

In any case they’re looking at a small car, a hatchback that would be good for my dad’s handyman nature. My dad has also become enamoured with the new Subaru Impreza as he’s always wanted a Subie since they have all wheel drive. I introduced them to a VW Rabbit which turned out to be a very good car, much better than I expected and much more affordable than I expected.

I still think they should get themselves a nice car but it’s their call.

2. There’s lots that I hate about Yaletown (crappy food, snooty people) but the thing I love about it is that I get to hear some gorgeous engine notes. Nowhere in BC can you get to hear so many sweet sounds. It’s a near daily occurrence that I hear the racing engine notes of a Ferrari or the flat 6 blat of a Porsche. Sometimes I’m really lucky and get to hear a silky Aston Martin V12. Even a Ferrari at low revs is a marvel especially the F430 on deceleration.

3. I drove down to SF and chose the coast instead of the interstate for the scenery and the better roads. Unfortunately I was also burdened with an extra 450 pounds of cargo in the form of 3 passengers and their cargo. The weight ate up all of the car’s suspension compliance and took away the perkiness of the car. All the extra weight at the rear did damp out a lot of understeer though.

4. Drove the parent’s 2000 Honda Accord and it’s still a lovely car to drive. It’s not crisp like I like my cars but it’s no wonder Honda sells shitloads of these. The engine is 7 years old and is still a jewel – smooth power all around, nice noises and great fuel economy.

That said, the controls of my Protege5 are more to my liking – hopping back in reminded that the Protege5 has beautifully weighted controls and the type of clear information being fed back to me that I love. It’s such an engaging car to drive, always ready to take a run at a backroad. Were it not for the thrashy, underpowered engine I don’t know if I’d consider trading it in until it fell apart – cars this vital should be kept as long as you can. I only wish it had a Honda motor under the hood.

San Francisco

I’m back.

Terrific week in SF, I just love the city and the drive down the coast was awesome.

Drove back in a single day, 1540kms covered in about 16 hours. From 12:08pm to 1:38am I averaged 102kph including stops. Originally I was going to stop in Portland but I felt good at that stage and decided to give it a go.

Now I’m really tired.

San Francisco

Tomorrow I’m off to SF for a week to attend my cousin’s wedding. I’m driving and I can’t wait to leave, we’re going to take as much of the coast as we can and the roads there are fabulous.

Back on the 10th.

Later.