SPF Satisfaction

[Bill Wells]

Allen A:

on a scale of 1-10 with 10 a hi...i rate mine at a 15 and it is an early car still providing joy. dealer / tech support/ parts availability is superb whether you are the first time buyer or a used buyer.

these cars aren't like your typical civilian driver , if the gas gauge and parking brake is an issue, find somene to work on them.

my gas gauge in my 57 bird and my 65 mustang are erratic too. these tanks have a strange shape and the needle can drop fast once it gets below the half mark. however , the float level can be adjusted too if need be. mine fluctuated at one time, and now mine reads high when full and is about 8 gals left at 1/2 and at 1/4 is 4 gallons which is correct for a 16 gal tank. however, when your city driving is spirited and gas mileage low you have to remember there is not too many miles before 1/4 can get to empty. some folks use their trip odo for their mental faith gauge and fill up at xyz miles despite what the gauge says. i NEVER let it go below 1/4 as my city driving is 9 mpg due to right foot-itis (highway at 18) and 36 miles at 1/4 full leaves too many variables to worry about running out : traffic jam, station closed or whatever.

parking brakes. some are more limited than others, however, they too can be adjusted. doubt too many of any brand will feel secure on a steep grade without a tire block when fearful that someone might kick the shift lever out of gear. i carry a tire chock in all my cars for those steep grade mental security needs. my parking brake has been adjusted and is adequate for 90% of my parking needs including warming up on my inclined driveway. not too many of these (if any) have parking brakes that work like a modern day car.

Allen A, as a new owner, get to know your car better and its nuances and then start adjusting for your variables or learn to live with them. to rate a magnificent car like these a 7 after less than 2 wks because of a gas gauge and parking brake concern is a pimple on the a$$ of progress. there will always be something that needs tweaking on any brand....want more security, buy a new Miata or something else with warranty and take it back when you are not happy. My recommendation, stick with what ya got, get it tweaked as need be and learn its idioscynchrisies as all brands have one or another of some type....it aint a perfect world with any car !!! enjoy the ride, you got a good one. bill