I was shuffling through my records today, and noticed I passed the 20,000 mile mark recently. So I thought it'd be fun to take a look back at everything that I've done so far, repairs, experiences, and such.
The basics:
1995 S600 sedan, black/gray
110,800 miles
By the numbers:
17 months owned
21,900 miles driven
14 passes on the 1/4 mile
-13.988s @100mph best
3 autocross events
6 tires purchased
-2 more soon!
5 round trips from Louisiana to Illinois (650 miles each way)
360 rear wheel horsepower
3 times stopped for speeding
-0 tickets on record
100+ times asked if it was a V12!
The part replacement was mostly relegated to early in my ownership. By the time I'd put 10,000 miles on it, 90% of this was done. The past 5,000 or so miles have seen almost zero expenditure here. In total I've replaced....many parts. Generally from most recent:
Amplifier
Tail light bulb x 4
Ignition coil
Radiator, hoses
Body acceleration sensor
Clutch fan
Lots 'o' fuses and relays!
Dashboard lights
Climate control deck
Steering angle sensor
Tow hook cover
Door lock rod
Accumulators
Brake pads/sensors
Power steering reservoir+hoses
Camshaft Adjuster Magnet
Duo valve
Taillight lenses
MAF (or two or three)
Mirrors/wiring
Turn signal housings
O-rings in hydraulic suspension
Headrest tracks
Battery
Alternator
Radio head unit
I'm sure there are more I don't remember. What I was most surprised by in this process was that most of the parts weren't unobtainium expensive. I didn't notice a huge cost difference between what I paid for these and what I'd paid for Lexus and Nissan parts in similar-era cars. Overall cost so far has been pretty high, sure - somewhere in the realm of $5-6000 of parts & labor for what I was unwilling to do myself - but it's not far beyond the amount I'd done on other cars considering over-time. Most of it felt deferred too, I'm expecting (and have already experienced) a drop in the amount of money spent as time has passed. Moreover, unlike other cars of this vintage I've owned, I don't expect it to break when I go on long trips or drive daily, which is a boon for utility.
The most unexpected surprise for this old boat has been the sophistication and durability of its design. It's shockingly competent on a race track. Granted, your overall limit of grip is lower than most and the default understeer is monolithic. But the competence shines through when you're at the limit of grip. You can easily negotiate the slip angle and direct it through a slide in ways that make Miatas stare longingly. Weight transitions, while long, are smooth and aren't upsetting to balance. But the best feature of the setup is for drag racing. The chassis has so much grip set on the back tires that, despite all of that torque bursting at the back wheels, you don't spin the tires in a straight line. And that's on all-season tires. I can imagine it taking on upwards of 550 on stock size tires without breaking out.
The most disappointing thing for me, recently, has been the active suspension. When I repaired it, I could tell the difference like night and day. Perhaps since I had been stuck on sport mode my entire ownership previously. But after about 6,000 miles with it fixed, I have become so used to it that I really can't tell anymore when I switch it, which is kind of sad - it's like chasing a high, I would guess.
Anyways, this is getting quite long so I'll stop here. Comments, thoughts, ask anything.
The basics:
1995 S600 sedan, black/gray
110,800 miles
By the numbers:
17 months owned
21,900 miles driven
14 passes on the 1/4 mile
-13.988s @100mph best
3 autocross events
6 tires purchased
-2 more soon!
5 round trips from Louisiana to Illinois (650 miles each way)
360 rear wheel horsepower
3 times stopped for speeding
-0 tickets on record
100+ times asked if it was a V12!
The part replacement was mostly relegated to early in my ownership. By the time I'd put 10,000 miles on it, 90% of this was done. The past 5,000 or so miles have seen almost zero expenditure here. In total I've replaced....many parts. Generally from most recent:
Amplifier
Tail light bulb x 4
Ignition coil
Radiator, hoses
Body acceleration sensor
Clutch fan
Lots 'o' fuses and relays!
Dashboard lights
Climate control deck
Steering angle sensor
Tow hook cover
Door lock rod
Accumulators
Brake pads/sensors
Power steering reservoir+hoses
Camshaft Adjuster Magnet
Duo valve
Taillight lenses
MAF (or two or three)
Mirrors/wiring
Turn signal housings
O-rings in hydraulic suspension
Headrest tracks
Battery
Alternator
Radio head unit
I'm sure there are more I don't remember. What I was most surprised by in this process was that most of the parts weren't unobtainium expensive. I didn't notice a huge cost difference between what I paid for these and what I'd paid for Lexus and Nissan parts in similar-era cars. Overall cost so far has been pretty high, sure - somewhere in the realm of $5-6000 of parts & labor for what I was unwilling to do myself - but it's not far beyond the amount I'd done on other cars considering over-time. Most of it felt deferred too, I'm expecting (and have already experienced) a drop in the amount of money spent as time has passed. Moreover, unlike other cars of this vintage I've owned, I don't expect it to break when I go on long trips or drive daily, which is a boon for utility.
The most unexpected surprise for this old boat has been the sophistication and durability of its design. It's shockingly competent on a race track. Granted, your overall limit of grip is lower than most and the default understeer is monolithic. But the competence shines through when you're at the limit of grip. You can easily negotiate the slip angle and direct it through a slide in ways that make Miatas stare longingly. Weight transitions, while long, are smooth and aren't upsetting to balance. But the best feature of the setup is for drag racing. The chassis has so much grip set on the back tires that, despite all of that torque bursting at the back wheels, you don't spin the tires in a straight line. And that's on all-season tires. I can imagine it taking on upwards of 550 on stock size tires without breaking out.
The most disappointing thing for me, recently, has been the active suspension. When I repaired it, I could tell the difference like night and day. Perhaps since I had been stuck on sport mode my entire ownership previously. But after about 6,000 miles with it fixed, I have become so used to it that I really can't tell anymore when I switch it, which is kind of sad - it's like chasing a high, I would guess.
Anyways, this is getting quite long so I'll stop here. Comments, thoughts, ask anything.