So I'm stuck driving around town all the time to and from work and never getting a chance to hit the open road and leave 3rd gear. A result of this limitation (besides averaging 14-15 MPG) is erratic high-speed craziness from pent-up HP restricted frustration. Sure the Passport Escort keeps me from the radar traps but the stupid, mostly women drivers are also annoying in the way thet hesitate and go overly slow.

Another problem is body damage. I left it at a secured park-n-ride the last time I flew out of Seatac. When I returned, I immediately noticed that whomever F#$^er parked next to me scratched my side panel badly, probably with their luggage buckle.

I have already replaced the passenger front panel once from a stupid parking job I made next to a fire hydrant. Then last night I drove over a huge boulder and ruined the new one. Yes I had a couple beers in me, but my driveway is steep and rocky and I didnt see it on the side as I was backing in to park by my house. The flimsy front fiberglass 'bumper' was also wasted. Probably another $1000 to fix.

So now my 05GTO, one of only 1000 made with this same color and transmission combo, is getting trashed at a fast rate. Bad luck, stupidity? probably both. but I'd rather have some other kind of mechanical problem to dump cash into then visable body damage any day.

Yes I had a couple beers in me,

an easy fix, DONT DRINK AND DRIVE!!!

So I'm stuck driving around town all the time to and from work and never getting a chance to hit the open road and leave 3rd gear. A result of this limitation (besides averaging 14-15 MPG) is erratic high-speed craziness from pent-up HP restricted frustration. Sure the Passport Escort keeps me from the radar traps but the stupid, mostly women drivers are also annoying in the way thet hesitate and go overly slow.

Another problem is body damage. I left it at a secured park-n-ride the last time I flew out of Seatac. When I returned, I immediately noticed that whomever F#$^er parked next to me scratched my side panel badly, probably with their luggage buckle.

I have already replaced the passenger front panel once from a stupid parking job I made next to a fire hydrant. Then last night I drove over a huge boulder and ruined the new one. Yes I had a couple beers in me, but my driveway is steep and rocky and I didnt see it on the side as I was backing in to park by my house. The flimsy front fiberglass 'bumper' was also wasted. Probably another $1000 to fix.

So now my 05GTO, one of only 1000 made with this same color and transmission combo, is getting trashed at a fast rate. Bad luck, stupidity? probably both. but I'd rather have some other kind of mechanical problem to dump cash into then visable body damage any day.

If your one of a thosand feel lucky, some are one of 15, or 70.

You need a winter beater. And something that will absorb the little bumps of day-to-day. I suggest a used Saturn. Cheap to own and insure and they don't dent or rust but stand up really well in an accident- perfect winter car (good mileage too!)

i got into an accident myself and it took about 2 months for parts. that sucked