When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Drove my dream car home about three weeks ago from Long Beach CA to Stanton ND. A 2001 mag red 6 speed coupe with 31k miles on it. Drive home was fantastic, with Utah, Idaho and Montana all having 80mph speed limits. The car still averaged 28.5 mpg. It was not babied either, every on ramp was taken with gusto. I was suprised by how quiet the car was, absolutley no squeaks or rattles. Very little wind noise, the only problem was the tire noise. Close inspection of the tires show cupping on both the inside and outside of the tires and the noise is surprisingly loud even at low speed. I have been lurking around here picking up knowledge for almost a year so I knew of a lot of things to look for. New tires and a lifetime alignment is in order soon. Kind of a shame because the tires are almost like new except for the cupping. This car has a torque curve like a table top. The pull starting at about 2k rpm is amazing. Car rides a lot better than I could of imagined. Stock shifter leaves a little to be desired and it doesn't like to be hurried. I read a lot of complaints about the seats, but they seem to be alright to me (sport seats). I am extremely happy with the car and when I walk up to it I think I am a lucky man to own such a beatiful car.
I agree with you, that is one of the prettiest versions of the car. I enjoyed the picture with the vista the best , and am glad to hear your report.
My car, and myself remain in so cal, but have distant plans for a car tour of the redwoods. Any picture of wide open spaces gets me thinking about car camping with the convertible, the second prettiest body style and best for me.
Always glad to hear from guys realizing some joy in life. A happy man never gets old, so the Vietnamese say. I always say , you can never have too many reminders to count your blessings. JUst looking at the car will bring me joy at times.
Had to chuckle looking at the pic with your Corvette waiting in front of a cattle guard...could be called a Corvette guard too! lol I probably would not cross with my Corvette either. Congrats and thank you for sharing your experiences. Wishing you many happy miles/smiles with your new baby. Greetings, Rob
Had to chuckle looking at the pic with your Corvette waiting in front of a cattle guard...could be called a Corvette guard too! lol I probably would not cross with my Corvette either. Congrats and thank you for sharing your experiences. Wishing you many happy miles/smiles with your new baby. Greetings, Rob
No no no... you hit those cattle guards at 70+mph and it's nothing but driving over a nickel or dime. We have those here in Colorado on some of the mountain twisty roads & they aren't too bad (and my '03 is as low as you can go).
As far as the tires cupping, it was likely due to under inflation. Wide tires like those on a Corvette need to be properly inflated to avoid such wear.
The reason for the cattle guard is funny. I was in the middle of Montana and nature was calling so I took an exit with a ranch access sign. When I got to they bottom of the off ramp I saw that there was no on ramp to get back on the interstate. My gps said to go right a couple miles. The road was a nice paved road so I thought what the heck and took off. When I got to the intersection the GPS said turn left, so I did. Then the road started up a little canyon, then it got narrower and no place to turn around until the top. When I turned around I saw the beautiful view with the mountains in the background and that's where I took the picture. When I got back to the off ramp I saw that all I would have had to do was turn around and look. The exit was on the same ramp that I came down. Boy did I feel like an idiot.
What a great looking car. Long Beach, California to North Dakota. Poor Corvette. When winter hits it won't have a clue what happened!! I was born in Fargo and know all about North Dakota winters. Kidding aside you will enjoy it for years I'm sure. Congratulations on a stellar purchase.
Observations 2k miles in
We have those here in Colorado on some of the mountain twisty roads & they aren't too bad (and my '03 is as low as you can go). 
