Automotive enthusiasts?

@ᎶㄖҜㄩ 乃ㄥ卂匚Ҝ
Broken latch?

@kleptomage
That’s my thinking.

@ᎶㄖҜㄩ 乃ㄥ卂匚Ҝ
I’ve no idea how to fix that. Just don’t try prying it with a crowbar. You’d probably break it if it’s not already.

@kleptomage
Worst part is I’m due for an oil change. I doubt Jiffy Lube would know what to do in this situation, so it looks like I’ll be looking for a mechanic first thing Monday morning.

@ᎶㄖҜㄩ 乃ㄥ卂匚Ҝ
Good luck with that.

@kleptomage
So a pretty low speed impact, that still is horrible though. Sorry to hear it and it is good insurance will work though it all and handle any issues. Slow but they do their job most of the time

@ᎶㄖҜㄩ 乃ㄥ卂匚Ҝ
The latch for a hood is really simple. Just one little cord attached to the release lever that pulls the actuator lever… Unfortunately it’s hard to reach any of that stuff with the hood shut lol

@ᎶㄖҜㄩ 乃ㄥ卂匚Ҝ
Try pressing on the hood where the latch is (kinda like you’re giving CPR) while someone pulls the hood release. 90% of the time this worked for me (I used to be a mechanic).

I’m like 95% sure my car is totaled because the repair cost is greater than the KBB value, so I’ve been thinking and researching what I should replace it with.

I wish I could have a fun car to tear up country roads, but the truth is I need something practical and comfortable for daily driving. A truck or full size SUV is too big, expensive, and thirsty. I’m considering a midsize SUV like a Honda Passport/Pilot, a Toyota Highlander, or the new Santa Fe Hyundai redesigned to look like a Land Rover. They’re not really what I want, but what I need.

@kleptomage
How about a wagon, Volvo V60 that kind of stuff

Volvo, Peugeot, Audi, BMW, Skoda, VW, Saab. They all have decent wagons.

@RD4590
Good wagon choices are limited in America.

I need something inexpensive and reliable, so VW, Mercedes, BMW, and Audi are out.
The Buick Tourx only tows 1,000 lbs and I didn’t think the seats were comfortable when I checked one out.
The Subaru Outback is not a wagon, despite what some say. It’s as big as an SUV.
I like the look of the current Volvo wagons, but the engines are no good. They’re overcomplicated and prone to failure. Plus, the nearest Volvo dealer is over an hour away.

Volvo is reliable enough I believe. My parents’ XC60 has been abused and badly serviced and it still runs alright.

Or how about something radical, like this Auzzie dude’s Alfa Giulietta with a tow bar 😛
https://www.alfaowner.com/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto,onerror=redirect,width=1920,height=1920,fit=scale-down/https://www.alfaowner.com/attachments/img_4784-jpeg.998379/

If there were like a modern version of the Buick Roadmaster wagon, I’d consider it. That was a neat vehicle if you can get past the wood sides.

Good news is I was finally able to get my hood open. Bad news is now I have to hold it down with bungie cables until I can get a new hood release system installed.

@kleptomage
I’d love to see a modern Caprice, myself. One that isn’t police only or rebadged as the SS for the civilian market.

I found a ’19 V8 Mustang I could afford. It looks sweet with orange paint and black rims.

But what would I do with it on a day like today when there was wet snow even winter tires struggled in?

If I lived in a better climate I could have a badass car. I’ll probably settle for a Honda Passport. At least that has a good V6.

@kleptomage

There is the Vauxhall Insignia wagon but they don’t sell it as Buick.

I just realized that the Oepl/Vauxhall Astra is sold in China as a Buick.
That leaves me a choice, since I’m urging my parents to buy a second car.
Ford Focus, Mini Cooper or this Astra?
I think no other car can give the same fizzing sensation that Alfa Giulietta gave me back in the UK, but at least they have the kick.

@RD4590
Not really the same type of vehicle. The Roadmaster wagon was RWD, had a Corvette engine, and was big enough to haul a sheet of plywood.

@RD4590
If the size of the Mini Cooper works for you, I’d try that one. They’re supposed to be fun little cars.

The hood to my car flew up and broke while driving on the freeway. Luckily I was near an exit ramp when it happened. Looks like I’m going to have to go to a body shop.

@kleptomage
I can’t think of any modern wagons you can fit a sheet of plywood in, all modern wagons are built form over function; automakers don’t make practical wagons anymore.

@ᎶㄖҜㄩ 乃ㄥ卂匚Ҝ
Oh shit. Can you keep the hood in place with a ratcheting tie down?

@midob
I like sporty wagons, but yeah they’re not the most practical option out there.

For pure practicality it’s hard to beat a full size cargo van. It’s basically a room on wheels and the load floor is shorter than a truck bed.

@kleptomage
The hood broke off at its hinges, it barely hang on by the window washer fluid hose. I had no choice but to take it completely off and cover the engine bay with a tarp, some bungie cables and a bit of duck tape. It’s sitting in the back of my car now with the rear passenger seats down.

@ᎶㄖҜㄩ 乃ㄥ卂匚Ҝ
Best get that fixed ASAP.

@kleptomage
I intend to. I’m going to start getting estimates first thing tomorrow.