daily driver speedsters

Ok,

I just want to know if any of you use your Speedsters on a daily basis or on a semi-regular basis. Just to get an idea of its reliability.

Thanks.

Good question, I'm guessing for the vast majority here these are fair weather fun cars. More than reliability, I think the hindrances to daily driving are more about creature comforts; lack of cargo & passenger space, no AC in summer, insufficient heat in winter, no rollup windows, rain (see Anything Goes message), reluctance to subject the dream car to rush hour traffic. Also there can be insurance issue. I have intention to use mine at least semi-regular, I am trying to work out an engine reliability problem and make it more rainwater-resistant.

I have put about 70k miles on mine in the last 7 years. A few of those years it was my only car and it did pretty well as a daily driver (Northern California).

Mine was a regular driver. I work from home so it was just short trips around town. I'm in Norther California too.

This is a pretty common question for new owners and it always comes down to one thing. What is the weather like where you live? If it's snows and rains a lot, don't figure on driving a standard speedster year round. You could however go with a Intermeccanica roadster and be ok.
-=theron

1500 miles a month or so is looking to be my average on the car, but then I also live in San Diego land of never ending sunshine and semi decent winter weather.

The only real problem that I have with the car is when driving it late at night, the heat is not usable, at least in my car. I have been very impressed with the way that my car is holding up as a daily, and have driven my S2000 maybe 3 days in the last two months.

Well one more problem, it takes a careful aim when washing the car as not to get water into the cabin. But I did rain test the car one day, 10+ hours or moderate to high rain with a good clip in the wind and not a single drop inside the car, well until I opened the door that is.

Oh man, I'm jealous. Guess yours just got a little more sealant in the right places.

I just happened to have a real, spelled steel and made by some company in Germany of all places, that I drove year round in 68- 69 for college that was about 20 Pa. miles of hills, snow, heat, humidity, other drivers. I loved it, always made it to class (at least the speedster didn't keep me from them). BUT I was 19 or 20 years old and would put the top down at abour 45 degrees, unless it was raining. I lived thru it but a 54, I am not sure I could do it now.
David in fresno

18,000 recreational miles in 2 1/2 years on a turn-key VS. Still Tight, Still Bright.

Jim

www.dubudee.com

Cold weather is okay, but I hate rain. Windows fog up, top leaks, windshield leaks. When it rains I take the 911 pickup or the Ranger pickup. Also, I hate driving my car at night. I sit so darn low that every car coming my way seems to have its high beams on. And, believe it or not, it had been known to rain in Vancouver....just watch any early X files (which were the best ones). Top down, 45 degrees, clear sky...beauty.
Ron

Jim always post a picture of his car, so I'm going to post a picture of mine....ha, ha to you Jimbo!
Ron

Got my IM August of 2002. have just over 15,000. drive it almost everyday, sun, rain, snow, cold. Live in Columbus, Ohio. I will be 55 the end of this February. I have a/c, heated seats, power windows and enough motor heat except for the below zero days.

Drive friendly, don't swerve.

Jordan,

I've seen you a few times near 23 and Wilson Bridge. I remember it sounding very nice, looks good too. Are you making the trek to Carlisle?

Arvin,

I don't generally drive my speedster in the winter (anymore), unless I have to. But I HAVE driven them all year round in the past. Not overjoyously wonderful, but not too bad either, hate the salt deposiots!
My biggest problem was heat, but I never had anything bigger than stock heater boxes. It may have been a little nicer w/ gas heat.

IMHO

CEH

Like Michael, I live in sunny San Diego, CA. I try to drive my Speedster atleast 2-3 times a week even if its just for small jaunts around town. I've only owned it since Oct '03, but I've racked up atleast 500 miles
Arvin- If you're worried about mechanical issues versus creature comfort) it's just as reliable as the good 'ol VW. Take care of it and it'll take care of you.

I'm just asking about reliability, since I live in Florida and I already drive a Miata (in which I NEVER use the AC), year round.

I think the Speedster would actually have more room!! So storage won't be a problem.

Jordan, what paint/interior combo is that exactly? It looks wonderful.

Got a pair of them. We use them daily. Yes, they can be a little uncomfortable in 'inclimate' weather, but buck up bucko. They look cool and it is managable. Also, we have other cars too. They are first pick on thunderstorm and icy days. Shortest or latest traveler gets the remaining ride. Funny how it switches over on nice days and the Speedsters go first. You rarely catch me in the Crown Vic on weekends.

I've driven my IM for two days once in the winter once...end of March. It was minus 30 here and the little electric heater (its about 600-900 watts I think) I use kept the windshield clear and barely kept me from freezing.

Of course I also windsurf in temps close to zero and used to think minus 30 was ideal to go dog sledding...

Brian

Brian,
You sir, are the MAN!

Actually Stan as I get older I wish I could just hibernate in the winter. I just can't take the cold the way I used to. I'm really looking forward to moving south in a couple of years...even bought a home last year in Niagara-on-the-Lake Ontario...nice two car garage with more than enough space for more.

Be able to take the IM on the Niagara Parkway then...a very nice drive. Right now (well not "right now"...its too cold) I can only drive the few kilometers around town here...the one and only "highway" out of town is gravel and destroys cars.

Soon....

But, I've been toying with either shipping the IM to Ontario to use when I go there or buying something else (more dependable...don't want to spend my trips working on the car) to store there for use. Maybe a Jag XK8 convertible, Merc CLK or even a 308/328. Just have to keep working on the wife... ;-)

Brian

Brian:

I think I can help you out here. Ship your IM to me (I'm just about an hour from N-ot-L), and I will 'look' after it until you move south.

It's win-win for both of us. Your car will be warmer, and I'll have something to drive all winter.

What do you think?

Bob
>>>>>>>>>>

You're up at U of G ... went there for a symester in 1987. Convinced my employer to send me to school, pay for it and continue to pay my salary. Some nice drives in that area.

I've had a few offers for "storage" of my cars but I think I'll rent storage at an undisclosed place...too many friends and relatives in that area.

Brian

Jordan:

I am interested in your experiences using your '02 IM as a daily driver. I'm near Toronto.

Lots of questions:

Was that your plan from the start, or did you decide to do that after you bought the car?

How is the car holding up? Are the top, carpets, etc. suffering from exposure to rain, snow and salt. How is the paint?

Are you seeing any rust on the chrome wheels and other places?

What precautions do/did you take - any rust proofing of the underside (I know it's mainly fibreglass, but there are metal components there)?

Thanks - I'm very curious as to this. It's frustrating having to park the car for so long in the Winter.

Bob
>>>>>>>>>>>>.