I’m new to the 4.0L unit and that’s definitely true. I’m averaging 17.3 while usually being conscious about my speed and throttle. It’s a good engine, but it’s antiquated.

Yea. I bought an extended cab, newer, lower mileage Taco with the top-spec off road package, for less money than this. I even have clamshell doors! AND (!) I don’t have the blind spots of a cattle trailer either. Crack kills, homies.

Reading everyone’s recommendations and stories, what I’ve learned is that I need to get serious about cars. The most exciting I’ve ever owned is a V6 Mazda6, though I rode briefly in a gen2 Viper and an SS. And I drove an E46 M3 that was absolutely wonderful. But my own garage really needs some flavor.

My first tour overseas I went over on a rattlecan DC10 and came back on an old MD11, 7 and 9 hours respectively so not near as bad as the 17 hour. And I really like the C17 troop seating, it gives you something to look at (all the mechanicals) too.

Longest flight I’ve had the pleasure of enjoying was 13 hours from SFO to Taipei, economy all day baby. EVA air has decent econ legroom for my 6’0” self, at least. That was a struggle at times though, and adding 7 hours to that would be quite an ordeal.

Man I have GOT to get on a flight down to Oz one of these days. Way to make the sale. ;)

I took the back seats out of my Mazda2 and use it much the same way. But of course, it’s just a 2-seater now. :P

Reverse: I got booted from community college and lost my job in the same month, March 2008. I didn’t realize it was a wider phenomenon, being relatively naive and uninformed, but enlisted in the Army in June 2008 and narrowly missed the brunt of the recession.

Ugh. This is fantastic, but it is just reminding me of the growing need to rebuild or restore my Mazda’s transmission. *grindgrindclunk*

Woah, that is a good looking car/color.

Got a tiny Mazda2 next to my (stock for now, lifted soon) Tacoma 4x4 in my garage. I like the duality as well, cheers.

My 100 horsepower 1.5L engine just pissed itself in my driveway at the mere mention of the 7.3L.

That’s a great point. But, if Uber or Lyft mandate that their drivers wear front plates full-stop, it’d resolve some of that. They mandate four-door cars and certain ages, so it can’t be too big an imposition.

I’d go in with $4,000 cash and try, so I could put the other grand towards a manual swap and some refreshing. Working on the engine would be tough, but there’s a lot of life left in the mechanicals. I’d love to wrap it, update it, possibly lift it, and rock a mid-engined van. Sounds so fun.

Alright, well now I’m going to plan an overnight coast ride. Shamefully, despite living in N. California I’ve yet to ride the coast. I’ll do something about that by summer’s end.

Costume for an oddball car show? How hard can it be!

Ooh, I’ve never been to Radwood and I am within driving distance of Radwood NorCal! Guess that adds up to I’ll have to go!

California says: let’s do the opposite! Highest fuel taxes in the nation/potholes are still swallowing small children.

Leaving greased up project cars in apartment carports is one thing, and I can climb on board with that being... undesirable.

I could use one of those (anywhere) in California too. Every time I hit one of the 8-inch-deep potholes in my Mazda2, I reevaluate my life choices.