Custom Cavaliers: Making a car your own

Something I've learned since I've been at Payne Chevrolet: It's sometimes hard to navigate the realm of car fanatics.

For example, those who aren't inducted into the world of custom cars might not realize how expansive of a universe it is. I think there were many Americans completely unaware of the practice until MTV premiered their "Pimp My Ride" reality show (and say what you will about MTV's reality programming, but that particular show did offer an interesting look into how cars were built and customized).

Obviously, folks like to customize their Corvettes and Camaros. That's the general perception about custom cars, right? That speedy sports and muscle cars are the vehicles put up for modification. But among some custom car enthusists, the truth seems to be the opposite: Corvettes are already good enough. Why not modify a Cavalier?

Yes, apparently the old Cavalier is a popular model to customize. The goal of many mod jobs seems to be to make an average car into something more. (I always wondered why Chevrolet offered SS options on a Cobalt, and this might be one reason why - to accomodate these customizers.) The Dodge Neon and the Honda Civic are also frequent targets for modifications. I've even seen photos of huge rims and wheels being put on Ford Tauruses!

Modifications can include huge spoilers, large rims, custom paint jobs with designs, making the car ride lower to the ground, and adding chrome anywhere that will sit still long enough.

While some will certainly dismiss these things as silly, I'd rather like to think that it's all about making a car your own. The truth is, there's a car out there for everyone. But sometimes it can be daunting to look at all the new cars on the lot and realize they're all the same. Some people want their vehicles to scream their name ("THIS CAR IS STEVE'S!!!"). Remember my friend's "Prince Purple" Chevy Celebrity? That didn't cost him thousands of bucks in modifications, and yet, that car was uniquely his. He made sure it was.

There's nothing like being an original, and for many people, part of being unique means making sure all your stuff matches your personality. I applaud these car customizers - may your lime green Cavaliers with flames down the side ride the roads for many years!!

The Check Engine Light

There is nothing in the world more discouraging than the check engine light.

Usually it comes on for no apparant reason to the driver. In that moment in which that unfortunate orange light blinks on, nothing seems to be different about the car except for the fact that the driver now feels the four steps of panic, irritation, dread, and finally acceptance.

The first stage is OH GOD THE LIGHT'S ON MY ENGINE IS ABOUT TO EXPLODE. This lasts only briefly since, as mentioned before, he or she realizes that not a thing seems to have changed.

The second stage is the face-reddening irritation of trying to figure out what the heck is going on. Why did this happen again? Why did it have to happen the day after I took the ol' gal to the car wash for a nice bath and an interior vacuuming? The day I was most proud to ride around in her?

Next, it's the cold, hard realization that this just might cost some money to fix. Jeez, doesn't this hunk of junk know we're in a recession? (Cable news told me it was the Great Depression Part 2!! Hmm, maybe my car only watches Sportscenter.) Sometimes, maybe the gas cap has just been screwed on wrong. And then other times, there's 600 bucks of repairs necessary.

Finally, there's acceptance. A lot of people out there "have a Guy." The Guy is the one you always turn to for auto repairs, and you know he won't try to screw you over. At this point in the Check Engine Light Saga, these people are able to take a deep breath, get the car home without crashing into that pink Celebrity that's driving too slowly in the next lane, and know that they can call The Guy tomorrow.

Usually, those without a Guy reach acceptance only after they decide that maybe I won't pay the cable bill on time this month, because I'm going to have to take it to some place I've never been and ultimately pay for a lot of crap I don't need because they know that I know nothing about cars.

If you are in the situation described above, without trying to sound too much like a blatant advertisement for our services, we've got a great service department here at Payne. Know that in these times a lot of the reliable dealerships are focusing on heightening their customer service even more, so to better establish consumer confidence in the auto industry. The long and short of it: your trusted GM dealer is not trying to screw you. (And you should definitely pay your cable bill on time, because Comcast is not so forgiving. Say goodbye to the "Cash Cab" marathons you love so much.)

And if you are considering letting Payne Chevrolet handle your repairs, stop by, say hi, and let us be your "Guy."

(...THAT RHYMES. AWESOME.)