stimpy2301
New member
Been lurking on the forum for a few weeks now, and I finally got around to snapping a few pics, so it's finally time for my formal intro.
My prior vehicle was 2004 Hyundai Tiburon GT (V6 6-spd). Bought her new in '04 and loved that car dearly for all 146K miles I put on her. As you can see (and can't see, in some cases) I performed many mods inside & out, and took excellent care of her. (I was an engineer on the Space Shuttle program, hence some of the epic pics.)
With the end of the Shuttle program, I recently accepted a position at Piper Aircraft -- which, unfortunately, makes for a 150+ mile (roundtrip) daily lots-o-fuel-burning commute -- and so I decided it was time for something with even better fuel economy. The trouble is, high mpg seems to come at a price: most high mpg cars seem to be the most hideously ugly and least fun to drive! I needed to find the best balance of fuel economy, overall price, fun, looks, and other personal preferences ... which led me to the Chevy Sonic.
And so I found this new 2012 LTZ hatch -- with all the features I required. Test drove it, and liked it WAY more than I expected. "New" was the kicker, though: After it was built, GM took ownership and apparently shipped it to the Epcot Test Track, where I assume it was (or was intended to be) on display in their big GM showroom. Later, the car was sold at auction to this dealership -- and this title change resulted in the car technically being "used". Better for me, as I was thereby able to land a new car at a substantial discount!
My Sonic has the 1.4L/Turbo & 6-spd, sunroof, and all the other LTZ features (heated seats, fogs, leather[ette], etc.), which were important to me! As you can see, the exterior is Cyber Gray, with the Black & Brick interior.
As far as mods go, already I've had the windows tinted (including windshield strip) and I CF-vinyl'd the bowties. Door sill plates and a sunroof wind deflector are on the way. (Had this deflector on the Tib, and took it for granted, apparently -- high speed in Sonic with sunroof open is SO loud!) I'm not planning on doing too much else to it ... but then again, that's what I said on the Tib!
I'm looking forward to learning from and contributing to this community! (Similarly, I was an active member over on NewTiburon.com, including contribution of over 10 DIYs.) Also looking forward to meets, where we can put faces with names (and cars)!
I'm in Brevard county, Florida, by the way. Just think Space Shuttle and you'll remember where I'm at!
(P.S. My Tib will be going up for sale in the near future, if anyone knows anyone who might be in the market...)
My prior vehicle was 2004 Hyundai Tiburon GT (V6 6-spd). Bought her new in '04 and loved that car dearly for all 146K miles I put on her. As you can see (and can't see, in some cases) I performed many mods inside & out, and took excellent care of her. (I was an engineer on the Space Shuttle program, hence some of the epic pics.)
With the end of the Shuttle program, I recently accepted a position at Piper Aircraft -- which, unfortunately, makes for a 150+ mile (roundtrip) daily lots-o-fuel-burning commute -- and so I decided it was time for something with even better fuel economy. The trouble is, high mpg seems to come at a price: most high mpg cars seem to be the most hideously ugly and least fun to drive! I needed to find the best balance of fuel economy, overall price, fun, looks, and other personal preferences ... which led me to the Chevy Sonic.
And so I found this new 2012 LTZ hatch -- with all the features I required. Test drove it, and liked it WAY more than I expected. "New" was the kicker, though: After it was built, GM took ownership and apparently shipped it to the Epcot Test Track, where I assume it was (or was intended to be) on display in their big GM showroom. Later, the car was sold at auction to this dealership -- and this title change resulted in the car technically being "used". Better for me, as I was thereby able to land a new car at a substantial discount!
My Sonic has the 1.4L/Turbo & 6-spd, sunroof, and all the other LTZ features (heated seats, fogs, leather[ette], etc.), which were important to me! As you can see, the exterior is Cyber Gray, with the Black & Brick interior.
As far as mods go, already I've had the windows tinted (including windshield strip) and I CF-vinyl'd the bowties. Door sill plates and a sunroof wind deflector are on the way. (Had this deflector on the Tib, and took it for granted, apparently -- high speed in Sonic with sunroof open is SO loud!) I'm not planning on doing too much else to it ... but then again, that's what I said on the Tib!
I'm looking forward to learning from and contributing to this community! (Similarly, I was an active member over on NewTiburon.com, including contribution of over 10 DIYs.) Also looking forward to meets, where we can put faces with names (and cars)!
I'm in Brevard county, Florida, by the way. Just think Space Shuttle and you'll remember where I'm at!
(P.S. My Tib will be going up for sale in the near future, if anyone knows anyone who might be in the market...)
