Extended Test Drive 2017 Ford Focus Titanium

While traveling for a friend's wedding we got a 2017 Ford Focus Titanium as a rental.
We got to drive this car on both highways and some more fun curvy roads. My ultimate conclusion for this driving experience is that it would be good to drive a Ford Focus ST or a Ford Focus RS to see if the handling capabilities are similar or better but with more communication, feedback, and feel.

Now, I will admit, my review of this car may be more positive than it perhaps would be if we did not get to drive it on the roads on and around Mount Penn in Reading, PA.

GrimmSpeed Front License Plate Relocation Kit

Now that I live in a state that requires both front and rear license plates (a first for my Subaru BRZ) I needed a way to mount the front license plate.

The problem for me is that Subaru's solution is to drill holes into the bumper.

Extended Test Drive 2017 Hyundai Accent

My wife had a 2017 Hyundai Accent as a rental that we used shortly after moving to MA.

Starting with the positive:

Grocery Shopping with a Subaru BRZ

This is another one for my unofficial mini-series on how much stuff you can fit into a Subaru BRZ.

What all fit in my Subaru BRZ this time?

Wash & C-Quartz Maintenance - Arlington Auto Detailing

I brought my car to Arlington Auto Detailing after towing my car behind an International diesel truck rented from Penske. This truck put out a phenomenal amount of diesel soot and completely coated the car.

They did a great job.

I picked them because when I was calling various detailers in the area none of them had experience with C-Quartz, that responded in a prompt manner. And since my car was previously coated this experience was paramount.

I plan to go again the next time I need a car wash or the next time my car needs a refresh of the C-Quartz. (Unfortunately I did not take pictures.)

Moving with International TerraStar 22' Truck

For our move from FL to MA we rented a 22' foot International TerraStar from Penske.

This time we hired movers to load in FL and unload in MA. Although we did unload some stuff in PA for my wife as she is still working in northern DE at this time. Our FL packers were great and setup the whole front of the truck to be stuff going through to MA and the back being accessible for what was being unloaded in PA.

Unfortunately I did not take any pictures of the loaded truck or with the trailer attached. But we towed Cagalli Yula for the whole trip on a car carrier (no leaving wheel on the ground with a rear wheel drive vehicle).

Paint Correction and C-Quartz by First Coast Auto Detailing

I brought my car to Jason at First Coast Auto Detailing because another detailer introduced new scratches and swirl into my car’s clear coat.
Jason did a phenomenal job. When he was done the car had no swirl and a very clean clear coat. I also had the car coated with C-Quartz, which at over a month now (service completed on 06/09/2017) is holding up very well. Using the C-Quartz spot detailer, properly diluted, wipes dirt and grime right off leaving a nice shine.
Honestly, I wish I had done the C-Quartz sooner. I am not sure that it would have prevented the rock chips that I find most disappointing (but my car is a 2014, so I did this rather late in the game).
Another great service that Jason offers is that he can / will garage your car in his garage (if needed) in order to make sure that the C-Quartz properly cures. This is importance especially if you do not have your own garage. Other detailers in the area that I consulted in the area who also do ceramic coatings (C-Quartz, Opticoat, etc.) did not have a garage of their own for curing (and were charging more for the service).
I would definitely recommend First Coast Auto Detailing and Jason for your paint correction, car cleaning, and ceramic coating needs. (Unfortunately I did not take any photos.)

Test Drive 2017 Ford Focus SEL

My wife and I had a 2017 Ford Focus SEL as a rental for a day. Unfortunately we did not take any photos or have a camera with us, so, if you want photos you will need to search for them yourself.

Here are our observations from our few hours with the car:

2010 Mazda Mazda3

My wife and I took a trip up to the Boston area for her grandfather's birthday. We got to drive a 2010 Mazda Mazda3 with an automatic transmission. There was an awful lot of snow fall over the weekend, so much so that our flight home was cancelled and we had an extra day up north. So, lots of snow and ice driving in the Mazda3.

Pictures for a Friend: 2017 Subaru BRZ Series.Yellow

A good friend of mine is looking to purchase a BRZ or two for his projects. But he lives in a part of Canada that does not have a lot of Subaru dealers and so asked me if I could photograph the Series.Yellow the dealership here had and a white and/or gray BRZ if the dealership had them. Unfortunately they only had the Series.Yellow.