New Aspire Owner Saying... Hello!

[97 Aspire 5 Speed]

Since I’m new here I thought I’d post a couple of photos of my latest addition to my “fleet”….





110K miles on it and I picked it up for 2 grand. Maybe a little high, but it seemed to be in excellent shape (excluding the dent… )

So far I’ve been pretty impressed with the reliability and “simpleness” of this Aspire. It is SO easy to work on compared to my other cars… Although some parts are just ludicrous in price!!! What is up with a TPS costing $100+!!!! I mean… it’s only a potentiometer!?!?!

I’m still getting used to not having any power, but every time I drive past a gas station, I think to myself, “Well, a little less power won’t kill me….”

Anyway, I’ll probably be lurking around for a while as I learn more about this car. I’ve been working on Fords as a hobby for many… way too many… years and it is always refreshing to see the similarities between the cars, even thought the Aspire was built by Kia, with the Mazda power plant for Ford… I’ll try not to ask any questions that I haven’t researched first.

Here are some links to my “other” rides.

97 Mark VIII:

http://images.andale.com/f2/115/106/353660/1092407350449_Clean_Driver_Side_Front.JPG

94 T’Bird:

http://images.andale.com/f2/115/106/353660/1094984574960_Clean_Nationals_Small.JPG

73 Cougar Convertible (w/my dad in the photo):

http://images.andale.com/f2/115/106/353660/1119128561979_Driver_Side.JPG

69 F-100 LWB:

http://images.andale.com/f2/115/106/353660/1113549103423_Truck_Driver_Side.jpg

[97 Aspire 5 Speed]

Re: New Aspire Owner Saying... Hello!

Since I’m new here I thought I’d post a couple of photos of my latest addition to my “fleet”….

Wow!!! Three days and nary a reply… :?

Thanks for making a guy feel welcome!! :cry:

[Guest]

Belated Welcome to you and that pretty red Aspire... Kind of surprised that the welcome wagon around here missed the post...

Anyways.. again Welcome to FF.Com

[jeffdjeffd]

Nice Aspire. I doubt 2 grand is too much for a 97 in such nice condition. I'd pay that, too.

I've been looking to get a 5-speed Aspire, but the prices keep going up, and I'd prefer a 4-door. Not many 5-speeds with 4 doors, I'm finding.

Have fun!
jeff

[2ndmouse]

the TPS for my toyota truck cost me 160.

nice car..... keep it nice I bet the price will go up with gas prices.

invest now... buy microcars.
:wink:

[krustyguitar]

Sweet Ride

Nice Aspire Dude, Love that paint. Check out my page www.cardomain.com/ride/846650

[Silv3rBull3t]

Rare to find one in that kind of condition anymore.. Keep that thing waxed up! 8) And once again another belated welcome! -Kyle

[SimonTuffGuy]

Looks pretty damn new.

Congrats on the buy and welcome (as you can see, the picture gallery is HEAVILY underused...).

[97 Aspire 5 Speed]

Thanks for the replies!! I was beginning to get a complex!!

The more I drive it, the more I like it. Now that I'm automatically "planning" driving maneuvers and know what it will and will not do, it is a lot more comfortable to drive.

Mental notes so far:
Do not pass (or attempt to pass) slow moving trucks that are going up hill!!
Do not let the tank get less than 1/4 tank unless you like walking!!
Use both hands while driving in heavy side winds!!

I’m sort of disappointed with the fuel economy as I was expecting about 38 to 40 mpg and I’m getting 32 to 34 mpg. Hopefully when the weather gets nicer, and I don’t have to run the A/C, it will get better. :cry:

But no major complaints so far!!

[Infinitrium]

Niiiiice. I think that's about the color my 94 SE should be. I should get at the paint with some rubbing compound and some wax. I did try a few small spots on the roof and the spoiler and it did make a very noticeable difference, but I don't think it'll come out as nice as yours.

[97 Aspire 5 Speed]

Niiiiice. I think that's about the color my 94 SE should be. I should get at the paint with some rubbing compound and some wax. I did try a few small spots on the roof and the spoiler and it did make a very noticeable difference, but I don't think it'll come out as nice as yours.

You should have seen how faded mine was when I picked it up!!! The hood, both fenders and the front bumper cover were nice and shiny (I'm pretty sure it has been hit, but I can't find any bent metal anywhere) but the rest of the car was very faded.

This photo sort of gives an idea. Notice how nothing behind the fender has any shine at all:


All I did was wash and hand wax it and I was amazed at how it shined up!!!

[Safety Guy]

Nice car, Mr. Aspire!

Karl

[fordaspiregv]

That is the best paint on an Asprie I have seen in years, even your side trim looks good. I also like the raised whites on your tires. Got any interior pics? We like pics here