Guys & Ladies,

First of all, thank you for all of the tips (tech & general) that I've gained over the past 4 months. I'd never owned a 4x4 SUV, and had so much to learn--coming from the car world, and having owned a 2wd Expedition.

On Monday, March 10th, I traded my mint White 2001 Excursion LTD 4x4 V10 w/36k miles for a Torch Red 2001 Corvette hardtop, mint-no scratches/chips, 34k mi, 6spd, Z51 suspension, polished wheels, fresh Goodyear F1 GS run flat tires, B&B exhaust, fully loaded w/options, 6 yr-80k mi factory warranty. I knew the owner who'd just traded the Vette in 3 days ago, a very meticulous guy, easy on the car, with complete service records that amazed me--way above what even I'd do for maintenance. He was gentle on the car--a big consideration buying a used sports car. The extended factory warranty eases my mind completely. The car runs like a champ and feels like new.

The dealership gave me more than I imagined I'd get--only slightly less than I'd paid 4 months ago. The Vette was priced below that others in that condition/miles was going for.

Since I'd gotten used to driving the Excursion, it was a major readjustment going back to a high performance (and very low slung) sports car. Wow! I had to readjust my driving. I'd gotten used to trying to maximize fuel mileage, and now I'm just trying to stay off the loud pedal too much. An Escort Solo S2 radar detector was my first purchase. Window tint second. 18mpg when I'm on the gas/30mpg cruising at "higher speeds." Mandatory premium fuel does offset that a bit.

Examples: I go slowly over railroad tracks, speed bumps, and even the sharp dips into my driveway and certain parking lots. On the road, I notice that I can't see above things anymore, in fact I feel like I'm sitting on the ground. I must admit, driving the Excursion gave me a feeling of "invulnerability" in the subconscious manner of knowing that I was surrounded by over 3.5 tons of steel. Now I'm surrounded by fiberglass with only 3200 lbs of mass. Instead of using bulk, I use the loud pedal and handling to maneuver in and out of traffic. Fun in a different way!

This is a revelation to me, as I'd owned sportscars in the past (Mustang Cobra, 300ZX, RX-7). It didn't take long for me to forget all of that as I adjusted to driving my "tank."

My wife and I have no kids; so the passenger space won't be missed. The hardtop has enough space for groceries. Humorously--I love to hit the dance clubs & bars with friends, and found that my friends always wanted to pile into the Ex. Even if I wasn't the designated driver and all my friends were toasted, our designated driver used my truck to drive us all home. I never minded, but it did get old--I'm not a bus driver!

I guess I'll buy a beater Ford pickup for $1500 to tow my motorcycle trailer, and load my bicycles.

Interesting footnote--my Vette insurance costs $125 less per 6 months than my Excursion through a major insurer. I've got a immaculate driving record (1 speeding ticket in 7 years, no wrecks, no claims, mid 30s in age). When I asked why, in a positive way--the insurance co told me that the Excursion has a certain percentage of owners who aren't accustomed to driving such a large vehicle which results in claims (accidents, body damage from bumping things, etc). That was something I'd never have guessed. I called thinking my Vette was going to bury me for premiums. So much for conventional wisdom on my part.

I will keep checking in, as I've made a couple of good pals locally that I met through the site. I hope that my Ex finds a good home, and the new owner visits this site.

Thanks for having me aboard. I'll still be around.

Regards,

Karl

 

Sorry to hear that. Don't worry though, someone will throw you a rope next time it snows. I have seen trailers cheap lately for your freinds to ride in. GT 40 will be out soon, trade that ch@#y in for that! ! !