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|| SportsShooter.com: Member Message Board
What do you drive?
Daniel Putz, Photographer
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Jefferson | MD | USA | Posted: 9:54 PM on 06.12.09 |
->> Just curious mostly. I drive a Corolla, and it's perfectly suitable in terms of size. Though it is getting a bit cramped when I'm carrying all of my gear.
So, what do you drive?
(and no, your other car is most likely NOT a Millennium Falcon :p) |
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Robert Benson, Photographer
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Matthew Hinshaw, Photographer
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Prescott | AZ | USA | Posted: 10:11 PM on 06.12.09 |
| ->> I race around in a 1997 Honda Accord. It is a little cramped for a tall guy like me but it gets great gas mileage. It has almost 200,000 miles on it and I have not had any major problems with it. When I have all my gear with me (depending on assignment) I can get most of it into the trunk and backseat if needed. |
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Rick Rickman, Photographer
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Laguna Niguel | CA | USA | Posted: 10:19 PM on 06.12.09 |
->> I drive one of the finest photo cars available. It goes from 0 to 135 miles per hour is just under 8 seconds and holds the road likes it's on rails. It gets just under 30 miles to the gallon when you average better than 80 miles an hour and I can get all my lighting and camera gear in it. Best of all .... it's sooo much fun to drive! Everyone should have one.
John Cooper supercharged Mini Cooper S.
If you're going to be a self respecting Journalist you gotta get one of these. |
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Mike Doran, Photographer
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Petaluma | CA | U.S.A. | Posted: 10:21 PM on 06.12.09 |
| ->> 2004 Toyota Tacoma Pre Runner. It has a little over 112000 miles and it's well setup for my use at racetracks around the western half of the US. I average about 17mpg. and replace the tires every 65,000 miles. It has held up well in the 4 years I have had it. |
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Mark Scheuern, Photographer
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Grand Blanc | MI | USA | Posted: 10:27 PM on 06.12.09 |
| ->> I agree, Rick! My Mini Cooper S isn't a John Cooper Works but I do have some goodies on it like a 15% reduction supercharger pulley, cold air intake, S-Sport springs, sport exhaust, adjustable rear control arms, larger rear anti-sway bar... . I love that car. We also have a Mazdaspeed Miata (and a couple of less fun cars). |
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Erik Markov, Photographer
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Kokomo | IN | | Posted: 10:27 PM on 06.12.09 |
->> Pontiac Vibe. Going on 4 years now, almost 80,000 miles, gets anywhere from 25 to 45 miles to the gallon. Runs great this time of year, snow it's a little light for the Indiana winters we get but its okay. Like it cause the rear seats fold down for a flat cargo area. Comes in handy for some assn's where I may put the air mattress out and sleep overnite.
Mine in back looks similar to Robert's. Cabbage Case, rolling case, some camera bags. Whenever I open the hatchback, much of the time someone goes "Holy crap Erik, got enough stuff in there?" I'm pretty sure most people still don't realize just how much equipment photographers have in their cars. I think most people assume it's one camera bag with a couple lenses and a body. |
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Renay Johnson, Photographer
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San Diego | CA | | Posted: 10:35 PM on 06.12.09 |
| ->> I have a 2004 Jeep Wrangler that I actually take offroading. I went to the desert with some friends and fell in love with four wheeling so instead of the F250 I wanted, I got the Wrangler. Haven't caved to peer pressure since high school. Sucks on gas mileage but not on fun. I miss havng a truck because there is no room for anything and when you take the back seat out, you have room for only one passenger. It's only the third vehicle I have ever owned in my life and has 63,000 miles on it. It's lifted, has skidplates underneath, rocker panels on the sides and onboard air to air the tires back up on the spot. I'd like another truck but that's low on the priority list right now. |
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Delane B. Rouse, Photographer, Photo Editor
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David Seelig, Photographer
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Hailey | ID | USA | Posted: 10:44 PM on 06.12.09 |
| ->> I prefer a sedan but right now I am driving a suburu forester . Not bad on gas for all wheel drive at 60 I get 29 mpg at 75 legal speed limit here in idaho oh interstates it goes down to 25 mpg. I live in the mountains so awd for my only car is sort of a must. I had grand am with the gm 4 cylinder 155 horse power and got 30 mpg at 75 miles and hour I miss that. |
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Steven E. Frischling, Photographer
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Live HVN : Work SFO-NYC | | | Posted: 11:01 PM on 06.12.09 |
| ->> 2003 Ford Explorer and 1990 Volvo 245 |
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David Rossiter, Photographer
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Lethbridge | AB | Canada | Posted: 11:08 PM on 06.12.09 |
->> 4 year old Nissan Pathfinder and a fully restored 1966 Austin Healey in British Racing Green.
Ooooops sorry nodded off there for a moment -- the Healey was only in my dreams. |
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Christopher Anderson, Photographer
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Machesney Park | IL | U.S.A. | Posted: 11:27 PM on 06.12.09 |
| ->> My trusty 2002 Volvo S60 2.4T. Has 107,000 miles on it but still runs like the day I bought it. Still gets 24/32 MPG as well. |
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Michael Durisseau, Photographer, Assistant
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Santa Fe | TX | USA | Posted: 11:30 PM on 06.12.09 |
| ->> We have a Chrysler Sebring Convertible... |
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Adam Vogler, Photographer, Photo Editor
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Kansas City | Mo. | USA | Posted: 11:40 PM on 06.12.09 |
| ->> 2002 Jeep Wrangler that also sees service off the road. The milage ain't that great but it's nice to have an open air vehicle when hunting wild art and arriving on the scene of a hot news assignment, I've often gotten the shot before I even get out. It also comes in handy when the weather goes south in the winter and was a major asset when covering floods a few years ago. Four wheel high is a beautiful thing, when I was working in rural areas being able to drive pretty much anywhere was a definite benefit. Though now that I'm out of the boonies a lot of that utility is probably gone. I can get my light kit in the back-seat but only one passenger with it. |
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Walt Middleton, Photographer, Photo Editor
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Columbus | OH | USA | Posted: 11:43 PM on 06.12.09 |
->> I'm driving a 2009 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited... I got it with 2 miles on it just over 3 months ago... Now it has 6000 miles on it!!!
Go figure, I guess I drive too much. |
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Aaron Rhoads, Photographer
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McComb | MS | USA | Posted: 11:44 PM on 06.12.09 |
| ->> An International MaxxPro Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle. |
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Darren Whitley, Photographer
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Maryville | MO | USA | Posted: 11:46 PM on 06.12.09 |
| ->> Scion XB |
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Charles Baus, Photographer
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Palm Springs, Los Angeles | CA | USA | Posted: 11:52 PM on 06.12.09 |
->> Delane:
Who are you driving it for?
:) |
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Michael McNamara, Photographer, Photo Editor
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Phoenix | AZ | USA | Posted: 11:57 PM on 06.12.09 |
->> Rick, your Mini really does 0-135 sub 8? That's Veyron territory, and is better than a McLaren F1. If so, who is your dealer? ;)
I'm like Christopher with a Volvo S60 (2004 2.5T). It has 92,000 miles (I drove it off the lot with 200), and repairs are starting to get pricey. It also turns like a container ship...most U-turns become 3 point turns. It holds all of my gear and is comfortable, but the trunk is a little deep for me....I pretty much have to unpack and repack the whole thing at assignments.
I had an 03 Cooper S before the Volvo, and I could also get all my stuff in the Mini, but I had to keep the rear seats folded most of the time. My wife has a Passat wagon, and I might go that route for my next car. I love the extra space, and also like the extra legroom in back (the S60's rear seats are almost useless).
As an aside, I had to trade cars with my dad a few months ago, and he has a C6 Corvette. And all of the gear that fits in my Volvo fit in the back of the Vette (Think Tank rolling case, Tenba light case, softbox, light stand case, sandbags, extension cords, hand truck). So take all of your gear to the dealership if you're looking at something new...you might be surprised at what you can fit into a car. |
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Todd Spoth, Photographer, Student/Intern
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Houston | TX | USA | Posted: 12:01 AM on 06.13.09 |
| ->> 2007 Honda Fit Sport and a stage 3 VW GTi 1.8 Turbo. |
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Max Gersh, Photographer
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St. Louis | MO | USA | Posted: 12:11 AM on 06.13.09 |
->> I drive an old camry. That being said, my girlfriend just bought a Volkswagen Beetle TDI. It has a diesel engine and a 6 speed auto transmission. It doesn't hurt that it gets 50mpg+ hwy and usually 35-40+ city.
When I upgrade, I am definitely getting a diesel Volkswagen Jetta wagon for the storage and fuel efficiency. |
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Robert Beck, Photographer
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Carlsbad | CA | USA | Posted: 1:10 AM on 06.13.09 |
| ->> What car do you WANT to drive? I'm selling a late 2002 BMW 745Li with 68,500 miles on it. Drives like a dream, averages 24mph, holds a told of gear and if you need to get there in a hurry, this will be faster. For the assistants in your life everyone gets a heated seat. The ones in front can have a tush massage while driving and have the air conditioning blow through the seat back at the touch of a button. Don't want the neighbors to know you are shooting Brad Pitt at the pad? Drive him in with the rear/side shades up. Pony up boys and girls! $19k Sportsshooter Special! |
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Todd Spoth, Photographer, Student/Intern
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Houston | TX | USA | Posted: 1:12 AM on 06.13.09 |
->> Averages 24mph?
Take it easy there Grandpa! |
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David Harpe, Photographer
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Louisville | KY | USA | Posted: 1:37 AM on 06.13.09 |
| ->> 2007 Nissan Xterra. Bright Yellow. Gas mileage isn't as bad as you'd think. It's really rugged for storm chasing and offroad stuff, and it has a nice fold-down passenger seat which is designed to be used as a laptop desk. That feature actually works really well...just pop in the back seat behind the folded-down passenger seat and you have a decent place to work. It has enough room to carry both a video kit and a still kit plus lights. Works really well for what I do...much better than the CR-V it replaced. |
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Andrew Nelles, Photographer
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Chicago | Ill. | usa | Posted: 1:51 AM on 06.13.09 |
| ->> 2003 Civic 4-door. Holds what I need and is averaging 35mpg right now. |
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Max Waugh, Photographer
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Bothell | WA | USA | Posted: 1:57 AM on 06.13.09 |
| ->> I'm also an Accord guy. My "dream" car, and I'm quite happy with it. |
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Nick Morris, Photographer
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San Marcos | CA | United States | Posted: 4:55 AM on 06.13.09 |
| ->> 2003 Jeep Rubicon! This is my 5th Jeep. And a Sweet ass Jeep it is. |
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Michael Springfield, Photographer, Photo Editor
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Smyrna (Atlanta) | GA | USA | Posted: 6:01 AM on 06.13.09 |
| ->> I have a 2001 Ford Explorer to haul the gear and a 1994 Mustang GT Convertible (with a few minor adjustments) for fun. |
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Mike Brice, Photographer
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Toledo | OH | USA | Posted: 8:16 AM on 06.13.09 |
->> 2007 FJ Cruiser - great for the winter and hauling gear.
2006 Mustang GT Convertible - great for the summer. |
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Jason Joseph, Photographer
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Dublin | OH | USA | Posted: 8:38 AM on 06.13.09 |
| ->> Am I the only Subaru driver here? Man, you all are missing out! I love my 02 Outback even though it has 141,000+ miles on it. I haven't found a snow drift yet that can stop me! |
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Tim Snow, Photographer
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Montreal | Qc | Canada | Posted: 9:19 AM on 06.13.09 |
| ->> I have the good old beat-me-to-death-and -I-will-still-start '02 Corolla. I'd love to upgrade to a Matrix/Rav-4/Outback/X-Trail, but what can I say...I'm a freelance photojournalist, money isn't exactly flying at me right now... |
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Dianna Russell, Photographer
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Springfield | MO | USA | Posted: 9:32 AM on 06.13.09 |
->> My trusty ole 1996 Jeep Cherokee (119,000 mi) will be on the trading block SOON.
Move over hamsters . . .
currently lusting for a sweet little 2010 Soul!
http://www.kiasoul.com/?cid=sem&ppc=y |
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Darren England, Photographer
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Brisbane | QLD | Australia | Posted: 9:46 AM on 06.13.09 |
| ->> Funny, not many American cars making this list, no wonder the car industry in the USA is in the toilet............... |
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Stanley Leary, Photographer
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Roswell | GA | USA | Posted: 9:47 AM on 06.13.09 |
->> Toyota Sienna
Seats fold down for those large commercial jobs where need lots of lights and equipment. |
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Will Powers, Photographer
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Denver | CO | USA | Posted: 10:02 AM on 06.13.09 |
| ->> Since I was covering a lot of gorest fires, I bought a Toyota FJ Cruiser. I understand 2010 is the last year that they will be selling them. My wife drives a Prius. |
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Michael Ciu, Photographer, Assistant
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Lorain | OH | USA | Posted: 10:24 AM on 06.13.09 |
| ->> I have a Buick Rendezvous for when I need to haul a lot of stuff and Just bought my wife a Prius for long trips and daily driving. |
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Daniel Bates, Photographer
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Fayetteville | NC | | Posted: 10:25 AM on 06.13.09 |
->> '99 Buick Regal GS. 240 supercharged horses make for a great sleeper car.
Well, it's that or an AM General M1151A1 with Frag 5. |
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G.J. McCarthy, Photographer
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Dallas | TX | Lower 48 | Posted: 10:36 AM on 06.13.09 |
->> After driving my fair share of gas guzzlers over the years, the current "green trend" and, in general, concerns about the environment have really gotten me thinking about my carbon footprint.
So, a while back I gave up on the car and switched to a bicycle. It's not always convenient, and it can be rough when I have a bunch of gear, but I'm willing to put up with some sacrificing if it means leaving a better Mother Earth for my kids.
Still, I have a style and rep to uphold in this neighborhood, so I indulged a little ...
http://tinyurl.com/d7pzsa
Doesn't do so well on hills, but Dallas is pretty flat, so no biggie there. Quite the attention getter, especially from the police, which I can't figure out.
Just doing my part ... |
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Jim Colburn, Photo Editor, Photographer
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McAllen | TX | USA | Posted: 10:43 AM on 06.13.09 |
->> 2008 Honda Civic. Lots of space, good gas mileage (26city/36highway).
Subaru's are nice if you need the four wheel drive (my wife has one) but the gas mileage suffers (20city/28highway) because of the 4WD. |
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Jon Eilts, Photo Editor, Photographer
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College Station | TX | USA | Posted: 10:45 AM on 06.13.09 |
->> Am I really the only one here that drives a truck?
Dodge Ram 1500 Quadcab, 5.9L V8 |
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Mark Abbott, Photographer
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Durham | NC | US | Posted: 10:47 AM on 06.13.09 |
| ->> Toyota Tacoma and a BMW 1150RT |
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Kevin Seale, Photographer
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Crawfordsville | IN | United States | Posted: 11:04 AM on 06.13.09 |
| ->> 2002 Chrysler 300M |
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Brian Dowling, Photographer
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Philadelphia | PA | USA | Posted: 11:05 AM on 06.13.09 |
->> Wow, I didn't know Mini Coopers were faster than Ferrari Enzos. 0-135mph in 8 seconds!
I drive a VW GTI. Good city car and most importantly paid for. :] |
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Michael Fischer, Photographer
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Spencer | Ia | USA | Posted: 12:03 PM on 06.13.09 |
->> 2007 Toyota Prius averages 35-54mpg and holds a lot of stuff with the back seat down. Best car I've ever owned. Replaced a GM Blazer which always had the service light on. Touring package on it so it handles well. Not quick but VERY nimble
Rick, did you trade a Prancing Horse in to gain some speed? :D |
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Jack Kurtz, Photographer
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Phoenix | AZ | United States | Posted: 12:42 PM on 06.13.09 |
->> No one else in a Honda Element? Holds a ridiculous amount of gear, more than the Xterra it replaced, gets decent mileage (22mpg - 25mpg) and drives pretty well. Not as much as fun as my Xterra was, especially off the highway, but has better response and much better mileage. (My 2000 Xterra averaged 16-17mpg)
jack |
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Dan Powers, Photographer
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Appleton | WI | USA | Posted: 12:47 PM on 06.13.09 |
| ->> Got rid of my 1998 Jeep Wrangler and inherited my wife's 2002 Acura RSX two years ago...love this car. The wife is now driving a 2007 Volkwagon EOS hard top convertible which is a lot of fun. Hey...why do I always get the hand me downs? :0) |
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Philip Johnson, Photographer
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Garland | TX | USA | Posted: 1:02 PM on 06.13.09 |
| ->> Got a 2008 Ford Edge Limited, before that I had a '96 Saturn SL2. I love the room I have for gear in the Edge. |
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Andrew Villa, Student/Intern, Assistant
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San Jose | CA | United States | Posted: 1:09 PM on 06.13.09 |
| ->> I drive a 1994 VW Golf, it keeps going. Good little car, it can hold a decent amount of gear and people(which many from SSA's know) It is getting old though, but still gets around 25-27mpg. Hopefully this year I will be able to replace it, I'm looking towards getting something a little faster and more to drive such as a Subaru WRX or a GTI. |
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