About golfnut53083

golfnut53083

In the late '90's I had the pleasure of owning a Mitsubishi Diamante wagon that I really enjoyed. Had a very robust 3.0L V6 and a nicely appointed leather interior. My one and only fore into the Mitsubishi brand.

golfnut53083

Loved your article! I have been in the car business since 1976 and have seen so many different scenarios, never thought I would experience the situation we are in today. I seriously considered writing a sitcom about the never ending changes and stories that go on at a dealership. Never a shortage of material! Keep up the good work Hagerty.

golfnut53083 · ‎11-04-2022

The Pontiac 6000 STE AWD brings back a fond memory from the early "90's. As a young car salesman, I had worked my a** off convincing my GM to give Autotrader a try. He was convinced that this "internet thing" would never fly. I listed a '89 STE AWD on Autotrader and within a day had a gentleman from 2 states inquire about it. I sent him requested info and within 2 days he was loading the Pontiac on his trailer. As he drove off, our GM exclaimed that maybe there was something to this internet stuff after all!!

golfnut53083 · ‎05-04-2022

As owners of a Ford dealership from '63 to '80 and in a family of 4 kids 2 dogs and a cat we seemed to always have a Country Squire in the driveway. My brother and I always claimed the "way back" (as it was known). This allowed us the most distance from "the man" and allowed us to get away with lots of shenanigans!

golfnut53083 · ‎30-03-2022

As you can see by my user name, I love to golf. In the mid '90's I was the owner of a cherry red 1988 Pontiac Fiero Formula that was a hoot to drive. When I was nearly exhausted trying to get a golf themed personalized plate, I chose ONNREG. The only people that "got it" were dye hard golfers. Do you?

golfnut53083 · ‎18-03-2022

Came across a 1939 Chevrolet Master Deluxe Coupe when I was 17 years old for "just" $700. Non running condition, no problem. I learned all of these barn find tips the hard way and ended up selling it for $700 several years later. Oh well, live and learn!

golfnut53083 · ‎15-03-2022

Very interesting design but no doubt it's failure was due to not being available in "Waltz Blue"!

golfnut53083 · ‎31-01-2022

sounds like a real "whammer jammer"!!

golfnut53083 · ‎24-01-2022

Very interesting article. Reminded me of the Chrysler "Lean Burn" engines of the late '70's, early '80's. Hopefully with today's technology, we can make this work. Long live ICE!!

golfnut53083 · ‎07-01-2022

Back in the '80's when I was working at a small car lot, we always kept several Ford/GM/Chrysler trades that were junkyard candidates to have readily available replacement parts. It was like having our own private junkyard!!

golfnut53083 · ‎01-01-2022

My wife and I bought a new '94 SC2 and loved it but what I really appreciated about Saturn was their pioneering of true pricing their cars with little to no negotiations. Now 30 years later, due to reduced inventories/covid/chip shortages/blah-blah-blah, the market is gone to that strategy. Unfortunately, many dealers have taken advantage of the current situation and are pricing vehicles over MSRP (greedy b*****ds!)

golfnut53083 · ‎01-01-2022

Glad to see the SC300 on the list. I am on my second one and absolutely love the combination of luxury, sportiness, performance and ride. I call it the perfect highway cruiser (loves +100mph!) and still will hold 2 sets of golf clubs. (I am rarely late for a tee time). Cheers!

golfnut53083 · ‎31-12-2021

Rock star reliability and handling but I still like my Z3 better. With a color like "stahlgrau", you gotta love it!

golfnut53083 · ‎25-12-2021

brought tears to my eyes (and I'm a Ford guy!!)

golfnut53083 · ‎22-12-2021

why was there no heater in the 356?

golfnut53083 · ‎17-12-2021

You'd think that someone who is "assistant to" regional manager would drive a more prestigious car than a Firebird!! Go Dwight!

golfnut53083 · ‎14-12-2021

When we were learning to drive, my Mom took us each to the empty high school parking lot after a snowfall. There we proceeded to learn how to handle skids and emergency braking and turning in poor conditions. It was invaluable training and has helped me immensely through the years. Love you Mom!

golfnut53083 · ‎19-11-2021

Surprised you didn't mention a Platinum Expedition. With the amenities and the effciciency of the 3.5L Ecobooost it can perform and deliver good fuel economy in a luxurious cabin. Might not get the resale of the Lexus, but quite a bit less to purchase new!

golfnut53083 · ‎04-09-2021

In 1975 we took a 1974 Firebird Trans Am in trade at our Ford dealership. It had a 455 and a 4 speed and after driving Mustang II's and Pintos for the last several years, I was in love with this car. Unfortunately a teenager on their way to college isn't a good fit for the TA. Oh well, skunked again!

golfnut53083 · ‎01-08-2021

This article brought many good memories back as one of my buddies had a "wannabe" GTO Pontiac Tempest and another had a '70 GTO with a 400/4 speed that we had a lot of fun in! Super 8mm cameras were the latest thing and I would lay on the ground behind the GTO filming as he would do hellacious bleach burn-outs spewing clouds of white much to the delight of all our neighbors!

golfnut53083 · ‎27-07-2021

Really enjoyed the story. The love of travel has been a part of my family and friends as well. In 1974, at the tender age of 17, myself and 2 friends headed west to the 1974 World's Fair in Spokane, WA driving a 1964 Pontiac Tempest. We had many a wild tale that I am unable to share here, even though the statute of limitations would help! We even kept a diary, which we still bring out on occasion and enjoy it with a cold beverage.

golfnut53083 · ‎23-07-2021

Really enjoyed this interesting tale of automotive lore! I was going to school at Northwood Institute (now University) at the time and do remember the area you mentioned as a favorite spot of gearheads. In fact, as a Ford lover, I was in the minority at school with all the GMaholics! Love the shenanigans that you played with fooling them that it was "just" a 302!!

golfnut53083 · ‎14-07-2021

Being in car sales for 40+years, I have taught my fair share of customers to drive stick. The last one was very enjoyable as she wanted this Miata so badly but wasn't able to drive std. To see her face light up when I offered to teach her was totally worth it! She has enjoyed the convertible and the shifting immensely!

golfnut53083 · ‎11-06-2021

A friend of mine in high school (early '70's) used to buy these as basket cases and rebuild them to drive and sell. We used to laugh at him with our V8 Fords and Chevrolets. Who's laughing now!!

golfnut53083 · ‎05-05-2021

In 1974 I had the pleasure to drive a TA with a 455/4 speed. It was very memorable LOL!

golfnut53083 · ‎22-04-2021

I was a goofy 12 year old when these first appeared and I can remember looking at that rear wing and thinking somebody put a park bench on that trunk! As a Ford fan, it was fun to watch the competition between these and Ford.

golfnut53083 · ‎20-04-2021

I started in the car business in 1976 and one of the first cars I sold to family was a jet black 74 Javelin to my younger brother. Super clean and low miles. Unfortunately it didn't have a spare tire and when he had a flat, was stranded! We still laugh about it to this day!

golfnut53083 · ‎13-04-2021

I was fortunate enough to own the first, last and an in between years of the CRX and everyone had it's own character. From the base first year, the miserly HF to the exhilerating Si, they all were a blast! As an avid golfer, they could also swallow up to golf bags with ease!

golfnut53083 · ‎30-01-2021

Back in the day, Ford had an awesome "knit vinyl" that wore like iron and was also very comfortable. I would love them to bring it back instead of the current "Active X" material they are promoting for animal lovers.

golfnut53083 · ‎15-12-2020

I had a '39 Chevrolet Master Deluxe with a vacuum assisted clutch supposedly making shifting easier. Had a lot of fun repairing the vacuum leaks!!

golfnut53083 · ‎09-12-2020

Had a similar experience with owning many Civics, CRX's, and Integras never really looking at Preludes until I had a chance to pick up a 30k mile '91 Prelude Si 2 years ago. I was amazed at the overall performance and handling of the bone stock coupe. Absolutely loved having rpm's north of 5k!

golfnut53083 · ‎28-10-2020

Just parked my Z3 roadster in a steel building for the winter. I feel so much better.

golfnut53083 · ‎28-10-2020

I was disappointed that there was no mention of Ford's use of military grade aluminum in their trucks.

golfnut53083 · ‎11-10-2020

I'll never forget the ski trip my college buddy and me took to Killington, Vemont in his Pontiac Acadia (aka-Chevette). Piled with skis and equipment, we got searched at the Canadian border. They came up empty (heh-heh)!

golfnut53083 · ‎22-09-2020

Love your 7 rule guide to vehicle ownership. I can check off most of them and add one-a motorcycle.

golfnut53083 · ‎22-09-2020

I bought a Honda CX500 Custom new in 1979 and absolutely loved the size, water-cooled shaft drive in a smaller mid size bike. I just bought a 1982 similar version with 12k miles and fell in love all over again. Not the fastest bike, but a reliable Honda that can cruise the countryside with ease!

golfnut53083 · ‎12-09-2020

I recently purchased a 2000 BMW Z3 roadster for my wife. 54k miles, no accidents and rust free for <$10k. With the 2.8L 6 cylinder and a 5speed, it is a hoot to drive!

golfnut53083 · ‎01-09-2020

Have been trying to get my spouse excited about RVing for several years to no avail. After reading this article, I think I'll just shut up. Thanks!

golfnut53083 · ‎21-08-2020

In the early 70's I had a Chapparal dirt bike that I rode on one wheel as much as two. Had actually not thought of it for many years until I was watching an episode of "The Pickers" when they came across an old barn find Chapparal. Great fun for a 15 year old!

golfnut53083 · ‎21-08-2020

I have owned 2 Lexus SC300's and have found them to be the best built personal luxury coupes with just the right blend of power, handling and tech to satisfy the most discerning auto enthusiast.

golfnut53083 · ‎04-08-2020

A well written and heartfelt piece. I lost my mom 2 years ago and this brought tears to my eyes as well as some good memories. Thank you for your story.

golfnut53083 · ‎03-08-2020

My wife loves to tell the story of the time in the mid '90's when I picked up a super clean '93 Acura Integra LS at a bargain price. After I got it home I gave it the once over only to realize it had no AC! I "assumed" all Acura's had air and we know what happens when we assume!!

golfnut53083 · ‎24-07-2020

One of my favorite things to do to this day is jump on my 1982 Honda cycle and meandering through the country side taking a myriad of side roads attempting to get lost. Sometimes I succeed, sometimes I don't. But I always discover new places.

golfnut53083 · ‎03-07-2020

While travelling to our winter destination on the Gulf, I tired of the interstate and convinced my "time conscious" wife to travel the side roads. We were thoroughly enjoying the back roads when a coyote ran in front of us and I hit it squarely with the Forester! No damage to the Subaru, but we decided to get back on the interstate.

golfnut53083 · ‎20-06-2020

My father bought a Ford/Mercury dealership in 1963 and I had a front row seat to the Mustang intro and some glorious years for Ford products. I spent many an hour gazing at pamphlets full of Mach 1 and Boss 302 pics dreaming of the day I would be able to enjoy the raw power of Detroit muscle. My dad would often bring cool Ford offerings home. I remember him bring a "Cale Yarborough Special" home as well as a Cougar Eliminator. A seed was definitely planted and I have continued to water it with a plethora of performance cars. Thanks Dad!

golfnut53083 · ‎15-06-2020

For areas that are extremely "gunked up", I have had good luck covering the end of a flat screwdrive with a shop rag and loosening/removing the heavy stuff prior to applying a degreaser.

golfnut53083 · ‎12-06-2020

I started selling new Fords back in 1977 (and still am!) and remember what an improvement the '78 model was. I think there was like a 400% sales increase. It was a real boost to our sales as the other offerings were a bit weak.

golfnut53083 · ‎23-05-2020

I have owned 2 SC300's and they are truly a joy to drive. Hard to imagine them not becoming a future collectible as they were quite pricey when new. Some of the best blend of engineering, performance and sex appeal in the automotive world IMHO!

golfnut53083 · ‎09-05-2020

Absolutely beautiful examples of automotive excellence. Wish I could afford them. Instead, just bought my wife a low mileage BMW Z3 for an anniversary gift. Great way to celebrate 36 years of marriage and relieve the weird times we are in!

golfnut53083 · ‎05-05-2020

We are currently in the process of buying a BMW Z3 convertible. It has been a great diversion this strange time we are in. This article really spoke to me. Thanks!