Questions re: possible 135 purchase

[Charles Kinbote]

Hello, everyone--

I am contemplating the purchase of a 135 as a fair-weather fun car. This would live in the garage for 4 or 5 months out of the year. I have a few questions on which I hope you can give me some guidance--thanks in advance!

1. Would I need to have the car continuously connected to a battery charger or could this be done periodically? I assume that running the engine for 20 minutes every week or so would not be sufficient (in addition to being a nuisance and potential CO hazard).

2. Would I need to put the car up on jacks, or would moving the car to a slightly different position periodically be necessary to ensure that the tires don't somehow suffer? I'm planning on keeping the stock tires until they need replacing.

3. I like the look of the Glossy Black trim, at least in the BYO image--I've never seen the stuff in reality. Any opinions on actual appearance and, more important, durability and scratch-resistance?

4. I plan to take advantage of the free leather in the Value Package. Any opinions on the durability of this material in a pretty cold Northeastern climate? I know there are forum threads dealing with different conditioners and the frequency of their application--I don't remember any discussions dealing specifically with cold climates. Also, I've narrowed my color choices to Black, Taupe and Gray. Any thoughts as to which color wears and ages best?

5. Anything else I should take into account?

Thanks in advance for your help!

[Cuz5150]

1. yes hook it up to a battery tender, that will keep a constant battery charge.
2. pump the tires to Max PSI, every month roll the car back or fourth about a foot or 2.
3. shadow trim is fine....no need to worry.
4. stick with the leatherette........ maintenance free.
5. If you are not going to be driving the car year around, i highly suggest that you order the car with the least amount of options. Get manual trans and M-pack and ipod/usb port.
Good luck...........

[Charles Kinbote]

Hello, Cuz5150 and thanks for your response. I realize in reading it that I wasn't clear about the Glossy Black question--I'm thinking of the interior trim. We've got the black shadowline trim on our 328 and I like that just fine.

CK

[Itanius]

Originally Posted by Charles Kinbote

2. Would I need to put the car up on jacks, or would moving the car to a slightly different position periodically be necessary to ensure that the tires don't somehow suffer? I'm planning on keeping the stock tires until they need replacing.

No need to do either. Check out some Flatstoppers... a curved surface you park your car on:
http://www.reverselogic.us/ReverseLo...tstoppers.html

Originally Posted by Charles Kinbote

5. Anything else I should take into account?

Enjoy your permanent smile.

[jc_lbc]

I don't really like the glossy black trim. It looks very plasticy to me and up close you can clearly see the metal flakes impregnated in it. Still, some people really like it. I prefer the aluminum (some people hate that too) or wood trims depending on interior color.

[BrokenVert]

Where in CNY are you? Im in Syracuse. I have both the showline trim (exterior glossy black trim) and Piano Black trim (Interior glossy black trim) I can meet up with you during the day or at night.

[Charles Kinbote]

Hello, BrokenVert--

That's very kind of you. My schedule is hectic for the next couple of weeks--let me get back to you!

CK

[Charles Kinbote]

Hello, Itanius and jc-lbc--

Thanks to both of you for your input!

CK

[jeremyc74]

1. You've got a couple of options there. Running the car for a few minutes every week would be plenty to top the battery off, or the battery tender will do the trick as well. You could also just disconnect one terminal (they're really easy in this car), but that might drop some of your settings.

4. The leather doesn't hold up so well in my experience, and a lot of other people have complained about it as well. If you can get the leatherette in the color you want, I'd go for that.