It does kinda have that dumb black “break” between the body-colored roof and the pillar like on recent Nissans. It’s supposed to look like the roof is floating or some BS. So like a removable roof, amirite?

Scrooge’s razor? 

That 1997 outback was 2,835lbs. The 2019 is 3,600-3,900. And it’s bigger, so I’m guessing the mpg is going somewhere. 

Agree. Our ‘13 Outback with a 2.5 and a CVT is objectively not terrible. It’s underpowered-ish, but the CVT does as good a job at being an automatic transmission as most “true automatics.”

Can we please stop with the silver-on-the-outside-black-on-the-inside wheel treatment now? It looks crap on a $25,o00 VW. And it looks even crapper on a $50K+ Lincoln. Especially when Lincoln used to have such amazing wheels. 

CP all day. BUT, that’s a sweet Forester. My mother in law had one the same year with a slushbox. And it DESPERATELY needed a manual. Slow kick-down and a decent amount of turbo-lag took a rad car and made it a sad car. For $7?

Slow.Clap.

Don’t ever change, Torch. 

We felt the blast, and we’re about 3 miles from downtown. 

That J6 badge is sweet!

Can we petition now for next year’s basketcase to be a 175?

I stripped a few wires, crimped a few connectors, pushed those connectors onto some metal contactors on the ignition module and distributor, wrapped a few bits in electrical tape, and headed back out to the garage,

This should be your new policy. When you buy a broke-down-ass-rustbucket-project, you should buy TWO. Between them you’ll maybe-kinda be able to cobble one together. 

Turo seems like an excellent on-the-sly way to long-term test drive cars you’re considering. Anyone have experience doing that? 

Have a star. Completely agree with you -- this dash is a great example of one that would have been ruined by trying to integrate it. It’s great looking, and the “tacked on” nature of the screen doesn’t ruin it for me. 

I came here to congratulate you on fine, vintage Torchlopnik. Very well done. 

This is the perfect brief for the Kia Stinger GT. But let’s be honest, get the Jaaaaaaaag. Or a Volvo V90. Because sexy wagons are sexy. 

Not all heroes wear capes.

I would love to understand how the budget stacks up vs. autocross. Do people spend insane amounts on tires? Or are they buying used at the llantas usadas place down the street?

Totally - my mistake. Meant Disco. It was my dream car in high school -- and rare back then. Good find.