THSCC Forums

As you know, I'm running Kit's Mazda 3 in HS now, so the TransAm isn't my autocross car. While it runs well enough mechanically, now that I didn't have to sacrifice comfort in the name of motorsport, I decided I'd done without A/C and cushy ride long enough. I knew what I wanted: make, model, year, a yes/no list for a few options I cared about, and of course a budget.

Freshly inspired by Alex's S2000 experience, I dropped Atlantic Auto Exchange an email via their website.

Holland called me back within the hour. After reminiscing about the old days of THSCC, he asked a few questions to narrow down what I wanted, and then went looking. It took just a week for him to find exactly the right vehicle.

Everything that's been said on these forums about Holland and Chip is true. They make everything easy, from finding the right car -- and I knew I could trust them to assess one properly, they know cars -- to getting the paperwork in order and getting me on the road.

I know it sounds corny, but I actually said this to Holland as he was fitting the 30-day tag: This really is the perfect way to buy a car.


(What is it? Well, you all will probably tease me as much as Kit does for driving a beige SUV. It's a 2004 Lexus RX330, and I love it.)

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Martyn Wheeler
AXing Kit's '05 Mazda 3, #29 HStock
(when The Gonzo Symphonic allows)

That's good to hear. I talked with Chip for about 30 minutes one day about finding an E46 and he was really friendly and knew all of the problem areas associated.

I've never been a big SUV person (probably b/c I don't have little guys running around yet) but I drove an RX loaner from Johnson and it was waaaay better than I expected and was super comfortable.

Glad it worked out for you just as great as it did for me Martyn :)
Just like you said, they know cars. I would not trust just any used car salesman to pick the right car for me. But when I told Chip I needed a stock-legal car, he needed no further explanation.

I have had the car for about 6 weeks now and had no issues whatsoever with it. I know where I'll go when I'll be looking for a new toy! :)

Yup, have to give a big 2 thumbs up to Chip (and Holland) at Atlantic Auto. I worked w/ Chip and he found my new ride that's now sitting in the garage. I'm now the owner of a white on tan 07 mustang GT. VERY pleased w/ the overall condition of the car. A bonus is a Garmin GPS unit that had been hard mounted to the dash and Sirius radio...that's still active!

Drove it home at rush hour down Glenwood and got over 19mpg in traffic. Damn, can't beat that! Now I just need to learn how the drive this beast. See you in FS!

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Rodney

'08 Bullitt mustang, CAM 7
Autox VP '09-'10, President '11-'12, interim President 2nd half of ‘14
proud recipient of the Bowie Grey service award '12
Now just a guy driving a mustang....

Congrats Rodney!

edit - Do you know what rear-gear yours has?

no idea.... no window sticker w/ the car. If you can tell by the VIN or cover on the diff, then I need to learn how to decipher it. I would think the car has the taller standard gearing.

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Rodney

'08 Bullitt mustang, CAM 7
Autox VP '09-'10, President '11-'12, interim President 2nd half of ‘14
proud recipient of the Bowie Grey service award '12
Now just a guy driving a mustang....

FWIW, if you have the upgraded instrument cluster, you can watch your instantenous gas mileage.

While I can't recommend driving a Mustang in this manner, it is possible to get 22-23 mpg of mixed driving if you let that little gauge control your foot.

I've been averaging around 19-20 mpg if I stay around the speed limit but still enjoy getting to the speed limit.

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In need of car.

congrats Rodney. welcome to the Redneck Racing Club.

back when i had my '01 GT, Carolina Mustang Performance was a regular stop to shop. i assume they are still the place to shop for go-fast stuff.

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BenchWarmer Motorsports

another one of those damn LeMons heads

just another Chump

we are an Autocross Club Dammit............

I know I'm saying this right now and things may change, but other than pads and wheels/tires, no mods are planned for the car. I'm still paying CC bills for all the stuff I spent on the 328 and I need a few years to pay that beast down. Man, credit cards are SO easy to. It's the payback that's the bitch. I like the car the way it is, so stock it stays.

As for the redneck club, yup, now a card carrying member!

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Rodney

'08 Bullitt mustang, CAM 7
Autox VP '09-'10, President '11-'12, interim President 2nd half of ‘14
proud recipient of the Bowie Grey service award '12
Now just a guy driving a mustang....

I feel you there Rodney. You will find that a mustang is very challenging to keep stock though. The intake and tune for 30whp is always talking to me.

FS should be fun this year. Art did you make up your mind yet? you know you want to start the S197 class with us.

You should find the ratio printed on the bar code sticker on the diff housing cover.

In my experience, the fuel mileage reported by the instrument cluster is a bit optimistic. For the life of my '07 (23K miles), it computer claims 21.5 MPG, but my spreadsheet says 20.5.

Rodney, glad to hear you're leaving it in the garage during this week's rains. While the car has traction control, it can still get out of shape on wet pavement at moderate throttle levels.

Also, you'll find that the back end can exhibit a slightly abrupt bind/release/sidestep powering out of tight corners in the dry. (Worse than my 5.0) Just something to get used to.

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Art McDonald
Premier Amateur #518
2008 Dishman Cup
Pivot Cone Snob

Rodney is a waxer (but in a good way)

Mine is almost exactly 1mpg optimistic as well. So is the one in the 4Runner.
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In need of car.

Don't know about you guys but ford was nice enough to pre-rust mine from the factory, so rain isn't a problem. I think it's actually easy to handle in the rain as well. Beside's it's just a mustang. It's not like it can't get wet.

My thoughts exactly Michael. It's just a Mustang. I have a friend who doesn't drive his in the rain either. That just doesn't make any sense to me. These cars are actually fun do drive in the rain.

Take it out and drive it Rodney!!!!!

Now snow on the otherhand...

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Todd Breakey
STS 42 - 1992 Sunburst Miata
Dammit!
"You souldn't play leap frog with a porcupine. You might get hurt." - Eliza

Hey, it's a new, clean and shiny toy. I'm sure it will be no time before it's just another car to me, but right now....

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Rodney

'08 Bullitt mustang, CAM 7
Autox VP '09-'10, President '11-'12, interim President 2nd half of ‘14
proud recipient of the Bowie Grey service award '12
Now just a guy driving a mustang....