My 1989 Buick Skylark 2 Door Custom Coupe.
One may ask why a Buick? Well, I'd say, "If it's not Scottish it's crap!" Well, enough of trying to sound like David Dunbar Buick (as if he ever did say something like that!) the founder of GM's very first vehicle division (it's been around 3 more years than Olds.) Actually, I have a Skylark because I got quite a good deal on it at the time I bought it. I was between jobs, and in order to get anywhere-I needed wheels. My mom was still using her ol' Sunbird at the time, so I had to get a car of my own. My first choice was a Grand Am of the same year as the 'Lark, but it would completely wipe out my account. I liked it because it wasn't too small (or big) and it performed and handled well. For about one grand less I could get the Skylark which was practically the same thing-but a Buick. So it was a frugal choice you could say. I bought it used in 1995 for $3000 and it is quite well loaded, so this wasn't such a bad idea after all.The Skylark is powered by a 2.3L DOHC Quad 4 Engine. Some may say it's small for a car this size, but this engine is more powerful and the car lighter than what some may expect. This results in a car that more than can hold its own against V6's in acceleration and gets over 30 MPG on the highway. Many an import driver has seen Skylark taillights pull away before they realize what has happened. I like that. Also the handling isn't bad although decidedly "Buick" in nature. Even though it's mushy, I've been able to drive the car sideways while having it go in the direction I want it to. This means it's quite predictable in nature when pushed hard. Even my el-cheapo tires will scrub quite a bit at limit before squealing (and sliding.) In this regard, it's better than some sporty cars.
Not too bad eh?
Well, not everything is perfect. Gotta fix this foam rot.
Nobody's gonna steal this stereo, but it's still plenty loud.
If you play Defender gotta rock this b**** to hyperspace!
Yeah, it's no serious pic. but I've gotta have some fun!
Some may call it the "Lark-ness Monster".
An exerpt from an email, which I think some of you may find interesting. Hope you like it!Date: Thu, 29 Mar 2001 13:45:54 -0500
Greetings fellow Quadfourum members,
I've been keeping track of some things while aboard ship, but haven't touched my car for a whole month. But I have somewhat interesting stuff to say.A trip of a thousand miles begins with a yet a single step, and a turn of the key.
The day before yesterday: My trusty ol' 'Lark started right up on the second try after sitting for a month while I was aboard ship doing combat exercises. Yeah you could tell that it needed to get the oil up there. Lifters making the timing sound bad even and all, but after about 10 minutes of idling and another 10 of slow driving it seemed to smooth out. Took it to Phillips Olds (Va Beach,Va) and had them recheck the tranny they worked on (no fee) and quick lube plus (good thing to do before a long trip.) They even washed it (was a dirty dog after sitting in the lot for that long), so I was pleased with the service there. Then I took it over to the storage place and gathered all my junk and stuffed the trunk and back seat (I'm a packrat I suppose.) Then went back to the ship for about 6hrs of Z's.
Day of the trip (yesterday.) Got up at 3AM all anxious and rip-roaring-ready to go. Grabbed all my things bundled up prior to trip, and got to the car and departed Norfolk, Va at approximately 4AM. Good timing in that regard I suppose. No traffic at all. The roads were mine. I owned them as far as I was concerned. I could have gone 100+MPH and not bothered a soul, but being that I'd like to get home without hassles and don't want any attention from the police I heeded the 75MPH speed that is generally allowed (though not necessarily the legal limit.) This isn't bad though. Apparently this is optimum highway cruising speed and I get decent economy. Made it a good way past Richmond on I-64 and was in the mountains, got off for breakfast and gas. After that, back on the road and pretty much uneventful cruising and the occasional pit stop for various reasons. Made it to Lexington, Ky a bit before noon and took I-75 north. Went through Cincinatti and then I-74 west. This is where people got goofy somewhere between Ohio and Indiana. Traffic clustered up and came to a crawl. I was thinking "Oh no, big wreck - there goes my time and fuel economy." But no, these people were just being dumb at the group level. I thought it was perhaps a news chopper or something, but from further observation it was a guy practicing visual flight and hovering or perhaps a surveyor, but some moron saw a low helo and slowwed down and the crowd followed suit. Leaving me a bit perplexed as to why anybody would stop for that (it didn't land on the road from what I can tell.) Ok, after that cruising was good. Onward to Indianapolis and then I-65 north. That's where they have the funny road construction signs. It's the only place where I've seen them. Nothing going on though, just signs and barrels - still moving at a decent clip even with the occasional cluster of traffic. I also managed my way around a couple of investigators that were checking out this truck that apparently spontaneously combusted. The whole front end of the thing was melted off. It left about 60ft of incinerated grass on the median (never came into my the lanes going my way, thank goodness.) What would cause a truck to do that, who knows? Anyhow, kept going north to Chicago about 7PM. Missed my turn to I-94 and took I-90 west instead. It cost a couple of bucks to use, but I owned the road for that price considering the traffic situation. Got seriously bumpy after leaving Indiana, but few other cars made travel good. Got onto I-94 northbound, and as anyone from the area knows, Chicago driving is completely darwinian in nature. That is survival of the fittest. You just have to be good, and definitely have an idea of where you're going. Finally made it past there and on to Rte 41, and home to Waukegan sometime after 8. Quite a drive home for my 13 days of leave. 1000 mi in 16hrs, not bad for about $50 in gas and a precautionary oil change beforehand for $20. Estimating that I got about 30-35 MPG, not bad for a car over 10yrs old. :) Also I feel I should get that driving ace card from Milles Borne (an obscure, yet fun card game) and stick it in my window (I think I deserve one.)
Advice for the road...
Be wary and always vigilant, that is the key. Respect, but never completely trust the other guy. Maintain your car, it may not be there for you if something vital falls apart. Know your limitations. Use rest stops, food, and gas breaks to stretch out and grab a snack. Nap in rest areas if necessary. If you must speed, do it in a manner that is safe. That means: don't go beyond what road conditions merit, no weaving through traffic (definitely a cop magnet behavior), no tailgating (I know I don't like anybody trying to crawl up my @$$), and maintain "the zone" (4 sec rule.) in front even if you have to slow down for "space invaders", and slow down for stopped vehicles, people, and construction areas (give 'em room too.) Also don't forget to keep your sides clear of others when possible as well. When you pass a truck, PASS THE TRUCK - don't dawdle. If he needs to move over or loses control for some reason - it is you that goes crunch. Use turn/lane change signals, it definetly helps to give somebody a clue of your intent. I know I appreciate it if the other guy has to get in my lane for some reason. Sometimes it's better to let the other guy go, never get in a pissing contest. You may think the guy's driving like a moron or jackass, just give him room and let him go. Better that he has his accident with someone else rather than you.I think that generally sums it up right there.
One other note, Quads though strong are economical. Unless you seriously modded it, a Quad getting less than 30MPG higway is either stuck in traffic or has something that is definitely wrong with it or the tranny.
Nellie the Skylark
Romanian Skylark (looks like my '89, but nicer inside)
