Driving an Out-of-Production Old Car: A Unique Driving Experience with Vintage Charm
When it comes to driving an old car that’s no longer in production, experienced drivers explain that it’s not about preferring old cars; it’s about our cherished vehicles growing old with us. This idea resonates with every car enthusiast, as the journey of growing up teaches us valuable lessons.
Vintage cars hold significance beyond being mere means of transportation; they carry childhood memories and are worth the effort. One of my friends drove over 2000 kilometers from Beijing to Guangdong just to savor the best “Bite Shark” delicacy. For him, the car became a spiritual sanctuary, embodying goodwill akin to family.
If you own an old car, the first challenge you’ll face is the bi-annual inspection. While not overly complex, passing the inspection can become a significant hurdle if the vehicle’s condition isn’t optimal. It’s crucial to purchase an old car in good condition. The inspections are a necessity, costing around 300 yuan each year, with visits to the inspection center required every six months.
Due to natural aging, rubber components inside the car, exposed to oxygen, sunlight, and driving conditions for over a decade, tend to lose their mechanical properties, becoming softer, more brittle, and prone to cracking. This necessitates the replacement of rubber components like floor mats, gaskets, and suspension bushings. Although rubber mats are relatively inexpensive, labor costs and time consumption add up.
Inspections have become a crucial aspect of ownership. Upon receiving the old car, timely replacement of all fluids is essential, ensuring they are topped up to the required levels. Fluids include engine oil, transmission fluid, power steering fluid, brake fluid, and rear differential oil (generally used in rear-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive vehicles). Water refers to windshield washer fluid and antifreeze.
In essence, owning an old car is no walk in the park; buying one may be easy, but maintaining it is a challenging task. This reality is perhaps the most accurate portrayal of every old car owner. Are you adequately prepared to acquire your dream car?
The Guangqi Honda, 8th generation Accord, currently clocking 118,000 kilometers, stands out with its top-tier features. It boasts an array of advanced features, including Bluetooth connectivity, cruise control, keyless entry, one-touch locking, external mirrors with anti-glare fold function, internal anti-glare rearview mirror, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, and eight airbags. The custom-modified convex lens xenon headlights enhance visibility. Despite its age, it offers richer features compared to many contemporary vehicles in the market.
Running on 6 fuel grades on the highway and consuming 9-10 liters per 100 kilometers in urban areas, it provides decent power. While not overly powerful, the 2.5 V6 version offers smooth acceleration, lacking the punch of more potent engines but possessing linear characteristics and a refined driving experience. The 6-speed manual transmission by Aisin operates smoothly, with well-defined shifting logic. It maintains stability and experiences minimal jolts even under intense acceleration. The only drawback is its relatively high fuel consumption, exceeding 12 liters per 100 kilometers on average.
Despite having covered over 200,000 kilometers, the old car has held up well. The suspension, comprising a front double-wishbone and rear multi-link design, ensures comfort, handling bumps on the road adeptly. Even with around 200,000 kilometers on the odometer, it remains a pleasant and quiet ride.
In terms of the interior, the extensive wood grain finish reflects the luxurious aesthetics of that era, although it might appear outdated today. The craftsmanship inside is commendable, with well-fitted decorative pieces and minimal interior noise. Despite some aging issues with engine mounts and arm bushings, opting for drawer replacements instead of a complete overhaul resolved most problems.
While there are occasional minor inconveniences, owning a vintage vehicle for over a decade has proven to be a rewarding experience. The familiarity and comfort of the old car outweigh the inconveniences associated with new technology, making it a preferred choice for many. The old saying holds true: “Cars are a means of transportation.” After years of driving, one truly comprehends that the most crucial aspect is the emotional connection and the feeling of the journey. Owning a decade-old car still feels like an excellent choice.
