True Enthusiast Cars?

Recently I have been in search for, the perfect car. I have come to the exclusion that I don't believe that vehicle form exists in today's market. Its seems every vehicle I look at is fitted with foofoo frilly unnecessary equipment. Who needs a hands free phone adapter to listen to your cell through your radio, or a navigation system (driving is an adventure, unless you really really get lost), or perhaps a TV. Whats that point of all this? Do you hate driving that much that you wish to do something else? I think all these components are stupid and a waste of the driving experience.

What ever happened to the drivers car? The car that was geared towards driving and the thrill of driving? It seems today every vehicle owner wants their home amenities in their vehicles. I have been looking at the PT cruiser more recently then I used to. We as enthusiasts, love to drive, simply put. Some of us have the navigation, sure, some have the XM and Sirius radios, of course. Those items came equipped and we didn't complain at the extra options. However if you are that bored while your drive, then frankly you need a new vehicle.

When I first bought my PT it was all about the driving. I purchased the PT based on driver feeling and comfort, not options. Of course the price was nice too...however I shopped 12 other vehicles ranging from, Volvo's, to Mazda's, Toyota's, and even other American and non-American dealers. The one thing that sold my on the PT was comfort and drive-ability. This vehicle is not highly equipped nor had a massive horse power engine. It was simply fun to drive, no other way to say it.

Since my recent researching of new vehicles I find that, I cannot find, a vehicle that fits my priorities in a drivers car. What I like about the PT is the ability for the passenger to control the windows and other non driving essential utilities. One thing I find I hate the most about new cars is that the passenger is left to do nothing while the driver does everything. I can see it now, your trying to drive and the passenger keeps complaining about the windows, or the sunroof and the controls are out of the way. The driver must take their hands off the wheel to satisfy the passenger, what a waste! I want a car with every non-essential control right down the center so that the driver is concerned with only one thing, driving.

Driving the PT is raw and real with minimal computer buttons and things to worry about. No useless items to worry about figuring out or having to research through the manual. Do you think they have TV's in Nascar race cars? Almost like a debut Viper back in the 90's. Just look at the debut Viper, "Those rare early Vipers only 285 were built the first season (1992)--had nothing so civilized as air-conditioning, ABS, or traction control. Not even roll-up windows or external door latches. And no one seemed to care.*" Of course a machine like that, who needs all that stuff to worry about, just drive.

If I ever happen to ever become a vehicle reviewer, I think I would point out the obvious driver pluses and the possible driver minuses due from distractions. I think every driving enthusiast dreams of only one thing. Them and their car on an open rode, nothing more than that.

Colby
Kingkole02

References:
*Marc Cook, "Pre-Owned: 1992-2002 Dodge Viper", Motor Trend
http://www.motortrend.com/buyersguide/preowned/112_0408_1992_2002_dodge_viper

PT Cruiser Quaterly

Gets cancelled!!



Yes shocking. The magazine that has opened our minds to the PT world or added to it, is now being cancelled by Chrysler. Apparently Chrysler figures it can subsidized the publication through advertising. Maybe Chrysler can, but what happens to the real car put into a project run by advertising? It eventually gets dumped through lack of interest.

The PT Cruiser specific magazine also provided some incite to some other Chrysler vehicles on occasions. The magazine provided an insider world to a vehicle that seldom really knew they were a part of. Special articles can still be read on there website, www.cruiserquarterly.com.
This particular magazine's website also featured some key interests for cruisers looking for clubs or part distributors. If anything, some readers would join the forum and post messages on the board. Or clubs would join to get their name recognized.

Through the years we all have enjoyed reading the articles. Others have been dreaming of having their own PT shown in some issues. May no longer get the chance to make that dream a reality. Only time will tell.

Sadly it will be missed, forever? I hope the starting editor will find an avenue elsewhere.
Colby
Kingkole02