Finally Test Drove the Redline with the Top Down

[ZDShadow]

All,

Well, I got out in one of the Redline Automatic Sky's. It wasn't too bad, the acceleration is impressive. Enjoyed the power.

I was, however, really annoyed that at the lowest height of the drivers seat, I was still looking through the top bar of the windshield. I also noticed that it was a pretty snug cockpit at my size. (~300 pounds of man)

So, I took the limited funds that the wife and I have, and bought something with a back seat and a trunk. The wife loves it, and I'm pretty taken with it too. I expect it to be a good pacifier until a used SKY comes into the price range I'm willing to pay. Probably 3-4 years at least.

Here's the new convertible for us for the next few years:
2002 Mustang Convertible, 3.8L V6, Torch Red








I could not believe how clean and tight this car was. Everything was pristine. The rubber was new, the accelerator response was immediate. No lifter noise, just a nice throaty note. ( I drove a couple different cars that dealers were calling MINT, that were absolutely beat up, ridiculous ) Got this one for ~9000. A great deal on such a well maintained specimen. Very stoked about it. Now I'm just waiting for some sunshine. Oh, as for the drive, I love the power in the 3.8, but the steering rack and front end drive really "big". This car is significantly less nimble than the sky, and feels more like driving a truck or tank, but it seems appropriate for an american muscle icon. Anyway, happy motoring, and hope to see you all on the road.

[Bogie]

Originally Posted by ZDShadow

I was, however, really annoyed that at the lowest height of the drivers seat, I was still looking through the top bar of the windshield. I also noticed that it was a pretty snug cockpit at my size.

One VERY BIG rule about cars. If it ain't comfortable, it doesn't matter how good it looks...if you can't make it comfortable, you gotta move on. I'm talking fit...not suspension. Well, I guess it would include suspension too, as you get up in age (or if you have back issues).

I fell in love with the SKY on first sight. But I had to take the sit test. I told myself, if it doesn't fit right....I gotta walk. Just the reverse happened. It fit too well....I moved my buy date from May 08 to August 07.

[SkyBaby]

Being comfortable really matters.... It is a good thing Jade is mine and not my husbands.. or else.... She wouldnt be parked in my garage.... He cant sit that long in that low space without bending his legs a few times..... Jade fits me PERFECT...... SkyBaby BTW... The Mustang looks Good..... You can still make the runs and get togethers ...with the Skys/Sols.... we play nice with other convertibles... REALLY... we do!

[Gerry]

There's an upside to being "average" (5',9", 160lbs). You can fit perfectly in any car, so nothing requires too much fiddlin' to get comforable.

[SteveSky67]

I was a little unconfortable when i first took out the Sky, but I adusted well. Now I am very closter fobic and the first time i took it out on a long ride i had a few anxiety attacks, but they all dissapeared when the permagrin washed it away....BTW, the interior looks very clean for a 6? year old car, i'm not much a fan of Ford products, but to each is own...SteveSky67

[Jay_Sin]

Just to be clear, the Sky doesn't have lifter noise. It's the high pressure direct injection.

[ZDShadow]

Originally Posted by Bogie

One VERY BIG rule about cars. If it ain't comfortable, it doesn't matter how good it looks...if you can't make it comfortable, you gotta move on. I'm talking fit...not suspension. Well, I guess it would include suspension too, as you get up in age (or if you have back issues).

I fell in love with the SKY on first sight. But I had to take the sit test. I told myself, if it doesn't fit right....I gotta walk. Just the reverse happened. It fit too well....I moved my buy date from May 08 to August 07.

Agreed. The wife and I have been jammin' on the exercise and better eating again the last couple weeks...just have to stick with it for a change.

[ZDShadow]

Originally Posted by SkyBaby

Being comfortable really matters.... It is a good thing Jade is mine and not my husbands.. or else.... She wouldnt be parked in my garage.... He cant sit that long in that low space without bending his legs a few times..... Jade fits me PERFECT...... SkyBaby BTW... The Mustang looks Good..... You can still make the runs and get togethers ...with the Skys/Sols.... we play nice with other convertibles... REALLY... we do!

cool, I will keep my eye on the forums then. Thanks! I'm just happy I could get the wind in my hair ( in a solid, well kept car ) for under 10K.

[ZDShadow]

Originally Posted by SteveSky67

I was a little unconfortable when i first took out the Sky, but I adusted well. Now I am very closter fobic and the first time i took it out on a long ride i had a few anxiety attacks, but they all dissapeared when the permagrin washed it away....BTW, the interior looks very clean for a 6? year old car, i'm not much a fan of Ford products, but to each is own...SteveSky67

The leather and everything was immaculate and clean. Usually in the 6 year old Mustangs I saw a lot of hardened, cracking leather. This guy must've used a good leather conditioner or something to keep them nice. He clearly detailed the car regularly. Lot of pressure on me to keep it as nice though. :P

[ZDShadow]

Originally Posted by Jay_Sin

Just to be clear, the Sky doesn't have lifter noise. It's the high pressure direct injection.

You misunderstand what I meant...

I wasn't comparing my pacification convertible to a SKY.

I was pointing out that the engine was in great running condition.

That, versus a lot of used vehicles that make terrible lifter, pump, or bearing noises when you start them up cold. Let me tell you, I heard a lot of engines that were driven way too hard and would not have lasted long. Then I found this one.

It amazes me, what some dealers will take in trade or buy at auction sometimes. I went to take an in-person look at one I found online. It looked and sounded like a 16 year old kid drove the crap out of it and beat the hell out of the body too.

This particular dealership didn't even recondition the damn thing. The dealer had 14,999 in the window. Busted body parts, holes in the convertible top, stressed paint all over, high miles, Check Engine light was on even. Dealer wouldn't even pull the trouble codes for me. Told me they would sell it to me for 10k with a "Certified Used" 12,000/12 month warranty, but at that price it was as-is. I told them I wouldn't buy the car for 6K and could not run out of there fast enough.

There are some ugly used cars out there with premium prices, and idiotic sales people pushing them, that's all I'm saying.

[ZDShadow]

Originally Posted by Bogie

One VERY BIG rule about cars. If it ain't comfortable, it doesn't matter how good it looks...if you can't make it comfortable, you gotta move on. I'm talking fit...not suspension. Well, I guess it would include suspension too, as you get up in age (or if you have back issues).

I fell in love with the SKY on first sight. But I had to take the sit test. I told myself, if it doesn't fit right....I gotta walk. Just the reverse happened. It fit too well....I moved my buy date from May 08 to August 07.

I've got a few years to lose some weight too. :P

[ZDShadow]

Beautiful weather in SE Wisconsin the last few days. Been out with the top down every day! The wife is hooked on the convertible now too. ( woohoo, that means I've laid the ground work for getting skinny and buying a used redline in a few years. )