Iceland, 2019

Hello Oppos and lurkers

I’ve lurked off and on (mostly on) Oppo for many years, dating to the early Kinja era. Towards the end of Kinja, I ended up on Oppo nearly every day, and followed along to the Hyphen on the first day. I hardly comment, since words …. don’t come easy …. but there’s always time for a first post.

I’m in my 20s, in the Toronto, Ontario area, and I’ve always been into cars in some capacity since childhood. I still have quite a number of my childhood diecasts, and still collect. As my username alludes, I’m a fan of the oddball cars – there’s just something neat about something most people haven’t heard of, engineering decisions that are too avant-garde, or cars that are exceptionally irrational.

As a person who grew up in a family without anyone of an automotive background, though, the car hobby was always something admired from online or at a distance at shows, though I finally purchased my first car some time ago at the ripe old age of …24. I haven’t done much to it, though, not for a lack of desire, but a lack of ability, though I suppose I’m getting better. It’s always been intimidating for me to start or try new things, as a chronic overthinker with little confidence, so I guess Oppo will have to step up to the plate and help me in my automotive journey.

I suppose I’ve rambled enough for one post, so I guess you’ll see more soon!

My Saturn Astra was first registered!

Yes, it's a two-door Saturn Astra ...

And yes, it's a manual.

It's also the top trim, with every option (leather, 18-inch wheels, 6-disc CD changer) but the automatic transmission.

The first owner took delivery on March 21, 2009, for a leftover 2008 Astra, at Saturn of Lethbridge, whose weathered sticker is still on the hatch and whose owner's manual sleeve is still with the car.

It spent its' early life in Alberta, passing to the original owner's daughter at some point, before coming to Ontario in 2018. I actually don't know how many owners my Astra's had, but I'm at least the 5th. Carfax didn't tell me anything really except for the date of delivery, and some registration renewals - is that normal?

The owner who brought it to Ontario sold it to the PO, who sold it to me after a couple months, and minimal driving. My first time driving a manual on public roads was actually during my test drive (that's a story for another time). Through my ownership (almost 1.5 years), I've just had the filters, oil, and coolant changed. I think it's probably due for the timing belt and suspension refresh soon, though.

So yes, in a world where young people drive Nissan Rogues financed for 84 months or Hyundai Elantras with unrepaired body damage, I'm that weirdo with a stickshift Astra as my first car. It may be a shitbox with peeling clearcoat, faded lights, CEL, and suspension clunks, but it's my shitbox.

Happy 14th anniversary, Astra!

@AestheticsInMotion

Upvote for surprise cat content

@HammerheadFistpunch

Sure, but in today's world of rampant inflation, sometimes the store brand is fine enough.

@GibbsEmphasis

Since it's California, anything French perhaps.

@Sam-Blockhan @WasGTIthenGTOthenNOVAthenGTInowA4 @Taylor-Martin
@tysmagic

It'll be its own separate post soon ..

@CB said in A poll:

or are we throwing tortoises into the mix?

I would think that throwing tortoises is frowned upon.

@Qaaaaa

There's a 2jz swapped F100 or something that sticks out in my mind? I forget the owner though

I think it's this F-100, and if I recall, they went by 'More Power ... and some brakes' or something on old Oppo.

Timbit, asleep.

@Urambo-Tauro

Snuze works for a government agency, I think, so will they sue Hertz on his behalf if he's 'detained'?
Maybe that'll lead to real change, or maybe I'm thinking too much...

@pip-bip

I've been told it also needs lower control arms, but I'm probably also due for other things by now, since they're original.

@RallyWrench

Just curious, though, how bad are later Mini R56s in your opinion? Or compared to R50s and F56s?

@KngT

I see the Model 3 in the top position, but wouldn't the price drop have something to do with the January price cuts?

Pretty sure there was a bunch of hoopla from existing owners complaining of sudden devaluation.

@LooseonExit

Well, uh... at least Nissan offered the Kicks Colors Studio, a continuation of the idea from the Juke Colors Studio.
The two-toned wheels are actually kinda neat, and they'd look neat on some other car. That said, I don't think I've ever seen a Kicks Colors Studio in real life - I've seen a couple Juke Colors Studios.

@HammerheadFistpunch

Sure, but in today's world of rampant inflation, sometimes the store brand is fine enough.

My Saturn Astra was first registered!

Yes, it's a two-door Saturn Astra ...

And yes, it's a manual.

It's also the top trim, with every option (leather, 18-inch wheels, 6-disc CD changer) but the automatic transmission.

The first owner took delivery on March 21, 2009, for a leftover 2008 Astra, at Saturn of Lethbridge, whose weathered sticker is still on the hatch and whose owner's manual sleeve is still with the car.

It spent its' early life in Alberta, passing to the original owner's daughter at some point, before coming to Ontario in 2018. I actually don't know how many owners my Astra's had, but I'm at least the 5th. Carfax didn't tell me anything really except for the date of delivery, and some registration renewals - is that normal?

The owner who brought it to Ontario sold it to the PO, who sold it to me after a couple months, and minimal driving. My first time driving a manual on public roads was actually during my test drive (that's a story for another time). Through my ownership (almost 1.5 years), I've just had the filters, oil, and coolant changed. I think it's probably due for the timing belt and suspension refresh soon, though.

So yes, in a world where young people drive Nissan Rogues financed for 84 months or Hyundai Elantras with unrepaired body damage, I'm that weirdo with a stickshift Astra as my first car. It may be a shitbox with peeling clearcoat, faded lights, CEL, and suspension clunks, but it's my shitbox.

Happy 14th anniversary, Astra!

@davesaddiction

Cheesy? Sure, but it gets you moving

@CB

I spent early childhood in Richmond Hill, before moving to Markham, where we still are. I tried out Queens University, but it wasn't for me.

@MisterButtercup

I've... never actually developed a coffee habit, so tea's great!

@MUSASHI66

I'd love my own classic - I've wanted my own Corvair for years, but I'm space-constrained by Toronto's um.... exorbitant real estate prices.. Perhaps this year I'll make a Honda Super Cub happen..