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 In need of a couple answers regarding the Prowler as a daily driver.
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| Author | Topic: In need of a couple answers regarding the Prowler as a daily driver. |
C5 Frank Prowler Junkie From:Palm Beach Gardens, FL. |
posted 10-21-2001 11:59 PM
    
Hello to all..... Some of you may remember I am waiting for my lease to expire shortly before I get a new ride. I was pretty much set on a new Prowler. But just this last couple of weeks, I met a couple of Prowler owners that werent very happy with their cats! One said his will be dropped off to the dealer for the lemon law on Mon. He had both unfixable top leaks and rusty bumpers..... His new z06 is in and the cat goes back. He said the car leaks so bad it's impossible to drive it in the rain w/o getting very wet! The dealer couldnt fix it in 6 tries. The other man I met was in the process of selling his... he had a buyer and was kind enough to tell me his problems with his. He said that yes his top leaked baddly as well but it wasnt a big deal because he only drove it in nice weather. He also had a problem with the drivers door becoming loose and rattleing baddly twice. He also said his truck lid became misaligned as well. He said the car is very loose and rattles alot. Now I have rented 2 different Prowlers on many different occasions. The cars were both rentals that were driven as such! I did notice that the cars were semi-loose, but so are all rental cars. Being I never drove either in the rain I don't now about the leaks..... But the Prowler will be my everyday car! Rain or shine! I would appreciate your honesty and any experiences/problem with your cat!! I want one for sure, but I can't afford to have it not be daily drivable. Thanks for your help!!!!! Sorry to be so long winded too....... ------------------ |
ed monahan                    POA Lifetime Site Supporter Prowler Junkie Personal ScrapBook From:Cincinnati, Oh, USA |
posted 10-22-2001 12:59 AM
I can only comment on my own experiences. I have over 17,000 miles on my Prowler in 2 1/2 years. Obviously it is not my everyday car. First of all, how do you get rust on plastic bumpers??? Most of the tops do leak, some leak a very little bit, others leak a little more. There are replacement rubber parts available and should be covered under warranty. I am sure it is like everything else in life. How much can you put up with. If you want everything absolutely perfect, you probably won't be happy. There are a few Prowler owners that are absolutely perfectionist. Other people look at it as a hot rod and expect a few idiosyncrasies. It is not a Mercedes and it is not extremely quiet. Things may need to be adjusted. Some dealers are great, others are terrible. You have to make your own decision as to what you want. I am totally happy with my cat, but I don't drive it everyday. It is not very comfortable and there is hardly any room in it. I still love it. It is an unique car and most owners are happy, but definitely not all of them. ------------------ |
CJ POA Lifetime Site Supporter Prowler Junkie Personal ScrapBook From:Rochester Hills, MI USA |
posted 10-22-2001 01:35 AM
C5 Frank...... I have a 1999 Black Prowler that I waited three years to get! It was an anniversary gift from my husband. I just turned 12,000 miles on my cat and everyone of them has been a blast!! I have the 99 suspension, so it isn't as smooth as the new suspension, but I don't really notice it. I'm only 5' tall, so I have plenty of room in my cat. I love driving it and I could drive across the country and not be uncomfortable. My top leaks a little, but then I've only had it in the rain 4 times (not on purpose). Since I live in Michigan, my cat-driving season is shorter than some other owners. It usually begins in May and ends about the middle of November. I drive it every day that it's not raining! I've not had any other problems with my cat. I know other people have, but I haven't owned a car yet that didn't have some problems. I guess you have to decide how badly you want the cat and if you are willing to put up with some minor inconveniences! On the other hand, your cat may not have any problems! ------------------ Classic/Beautiful - I'm referring to the Cat of course! |
Harry Findley POA Site Supporter Cantankerous Ol Fart From:Joyce, Washington, 98343 USA |
posted 10-22-2001 04:21 AM
Frank---I've been enjoying my KAT for three years now and although I have other cars to drive, I prefer to Prowl in my Prowler. As for rust on the bumpers, yea--right! You said you've rented Prowlers before, so you know what the bumpers are made of---so now you tell me how in hell you can get rust on plastic? As for leaking top's, I live on the Olympic Peninsula in Washington St., not all that far from the "Olympic Rain Forest" and I don't have any problem with the top leaking. As you probably are aware, it has been known to rain even in the summer in Washington. You can have a completely cloudless, sunny day and five minute's later be experiencing a downpour -- so my top get's used quite a bit. Only problem I've had was the rear deck lid popping open, but D/C jumped right on the problem and fixed it. Also, no rattles in the door. I don't know "what" you rented, or how it had been cared for/driven, but all in all, the Prowler is a damn fine car. ------------------ |
Dave Mills POA Site Supporter Prowler Junkie Personal ScrapBook From:Johnstown, PA, USA |
posted 10-22-2001 05:43 AM
I have had my Cat since July of 1998. Yes the top does leak some. Yes, the car does rattle. Rusty bumpers? Don't understand that one. This is a hot rod made on a production line. If you think its gonna be perfect, forget it. As a daily driver, I wouldn't recommend that, but as the coolest ride ever, it has everything else beat. Either you love 'em or you hate 'em, there is no in between. ------------------ |
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Tom Prowler Enthusiast From:Lloyd Harbor, NY, USA |
posted 10-22-2001 06:08 AM
I drive my Prowler two days a week, about 100 miles each trip. My roof doesn't leak. I would not enjoy the car as much if it was my daily driver. It is cramped, noisy and it does rattle. I will drive it this morning and am looking forward to it, but if I had to use it every day I think the car would be cumbersome. |
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MidlifeProwler Prowler Junkie From:Silver Spring, Maryland USA |
posted 10-22-2001 12:58 PM
I have a 2000 Kat, with almost 13000 miles on it. It had a few shortcomings, such as the cd skipping, slight top leak, rattle, and moisture in the headlamps. I owned a C4 prior that had only 26000 miles on it, but I've replaced the ecm twice, alternator twice, cooling fan sensor, trans leak, intake manifold leak, ignition switch twice, amps on the speakers, cassette had to be repaired and so on and on. And I still loved that car until the Prowler came out. And I will cherish the Kat until something else better comes along. |
BeWare POA Site Supporter Prowler Junkie From:Acworth , Georgia , USA |
posted 10-22-2001 01:38 PM
I have owned my Prowler for 2.5 years and have 13,500 miles on it. So, no its is not a daily driver. The only interior noise I have is inside of the passenger seat. I only notice it when the top is up and that is rare. My top has two minor leaks which are strange because they don't leak every time. The only warranty issues I have had are a blown speaker and have the AC belt tightened. If it were a daily driver the thing that would probably annoy me the most is that it only holds 12 gallons of gas. I am a little on the heavy foot side and I could see where I would be filling it two to three times a week. Not only because of the small capacity, but the fuel gauge is not very accurate. I have driven my Cat from Georgia to Michigan twice and found it to be very comfortable and so does my wife. This last trip, we did between 10 and 12 hours on the road in one day. I am 56 years old and have a bad back. If you live in an area with bad roads you will likely hate the ride. But generally I don't find the ride to be a problem. We have good roads here. I am 5' 7" and weigh around 190 ibs. To me the interior does not feel cramped. I have owned many street rods and I purchased the Prowler instead of another street rod. So the Prowler has exceeded my expectations in every sense. I would not trade it for anything. ------------------
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Bob Goetz POA Site Supporter Mr. Real Rod From:Belle Plaine MN USA |
posted 10-22-2001 01:53 PM
My car is 3 months old, I've put 6,200 miles on it ( 3,000 pulling a motorcycle trailer ) the only time the top leaks is in the car wash, it has a few rattles and it now has some road rash on it, I'm 6.2 and 260 pounds and I drive this thing everywere it is not as comfortable as a C5 and never will be but as far as a funnnnnnnnn car to own and drive you will find nothing better from the factory, take it home and put Mufflers, Gears and an Air Box on it and the thing becomes pretty darn quick!!! And as many people on this site will tell you, you will never drive car a that will put smiles on the faces of other people that see you drive it and when the first little kid walks up and says " you drive a Prowler " and you let the kid sit in the car or take them for a ride you seem to forget about any rattle or leaks the car has. |
treyb POA Site Supporter Prowler Junkie From:West Orange, NJ |
posted 10-22-2001 01:55 PM
I agree with all above I have a 99 that I brought with 10k on it! I would not use it as a daily drive! Its a great car but its more of one for fun! I keep it far from the rain! Never drive it if rain in is the forecast! The car is too nice for that! I would have it as a second car. look at it as more of an investment! What makes it so special it just that people do not see them often so when you pull out from the garage or take off the car cover you feel like a celebrity! Keep it covered and keep it clean! It is not a perfect car, none are but think this thing is almost hand built on the line! Its small on the inside an I will take it out like twice a week tops. Gotta hold that value! |
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lavka POA Site Supporter Prowler Junkie From:Marble Falls, Texas |
posted 10-22-2001 05:56 PM
C5 Frank, In 25 words or less, I have driven my Kat every day since June. I now have almost 8000 miles on it. I drive 75 miles a day to work and back which takes me about 3 hours round trip in commuter traffic. The car is comfortable, reasonably good on gas, and makes a long commute fun. What else can you ask for?No complaints from me. Go for it!!!! ------------------ Self-declared "Hopeless Car Junkie." |
Vipermad POA Site Supporter Administrating Kat From:Virginia Beach, Va. |
posted 10-22-2001 06:49 PM
quote: Ok, NOW there is 25 words or less!!  Just giving ya' a hard time there lavka!! LOL ------------------ |
catterumpus Prowler Junkie From:rapid city, SD USA |
posted 10-22-2001 07:17 PM
Man, if you have a passion for cars, the Prowler is the way to go. We've had our Kat for over a year, and at first we thought of it as an investment (it's doing better than the mutual fund--part of our retirement--we sold off to buy it). We figured we would only drive it when there was no chance of rain, but even in SD where winter closes in we have driven 4K miles with no trips. We both drive it any chance we get and with any excuse. Like everyone else says, it is the ultimate car; it blows everyone away. People from little old ladies to little kids get excited at the sight of a Prowler driving by. It has glitches, and like others have said getting them fixed depends on the dealer. Don't let that stop you! The pleasure of cruising in the Kat makes the few problems (and any car has them) not worth worrying about. ------------------ |
Tim Fettig POA Site Supporter Prowler Junkie Personal ScrapBook From:Sheboygan, WI, USA |
posted 10-22-2001 10:38 PM
I have 9000 miles in about 6 months. I won't be driving it in the winter but during the spring, summer, fall, (and nice winter days if I can sneek out when my wife isn't looking) there isn't a car I would wan't to drive everyday other than my Prowler! I think it works great for an everyday driver. take care tsf... |
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steven Prowler Enthusiast From:MS |
posted 10-22-2001 11:56 PM
I have a 97 vette and a 97 prowler with the vette it can be used everyday but the prowler is not a everyday car the problem that you have with the vette is nothing compare with the prowler you can't really take it any where to be work on because of fear of someone may not know how to lift up the car . I was told when I bought the car that the car was not meant to be driven in the rain. If I only had a one car I would not buy the prowler. The car was built to have fun not to be a work car. ------------------ |
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MadMikey Prowler Junkie From:Las Vegas, NV, USA |
posted 10-23-2001 01:54 AM
I have a 2001 Mulholland... drive it every day... 3600 miles since June 15. LOVE the cat!! Every one of those miles was with smiles!! Makes going to work fun!!! Now that I have my Weekender I will be heading to AZ for a trip soon. MadMikey ------------------
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Nelson Weber Prowler Junkie Personal ScrapBook From:High Ridge, Mo USA |
posted 10-23-2001 06:39 AM
I don't use mine as a daily driver, I didn't buy it for that. Seems like I'm always hauling something - groceries, something from Lowes or Home Depot, etc. Suggestion - buy a $1000 car as the daily driver for bad weather and hauling things, drive the Prowler rest of the time. Driving and having a Prowler is an experience you can't get with any other vehicle. |
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prwlyn POA Site Supporter Prowler Junkie Visit Fred's Lord Of The Looks From:Richmond, Texas USA |
posted 10-23-2001 08:13 AM
C5 Frank, I have driven my 1999 kat for 37,860 miles as a daily driver and in all weather conditions. The way I looked at it was I don't have enough money to be able to keep it for "good" days only.. hehe It leaked water badly form all three seams on the top sides but the dealer replaced all the side rubber strips and now it only leaks if it is a hard driving rain from the side. Rattles, sure there are a few but nothing more than any convertable at 37,000 miles. The stiff 99 ride does that but it is a Hot Rod replica and that goes with it. I never expected it to ride like a mushy big car. As CJ stated, I've almost 38,000 of the most enjoyable driving miles I've ever experienced with any car. I am not real comfortable about doing long drives in it as it isn't a New Yorker or such... The long and short of it is that I'll never regret buying a Prowler, the ultimate experience.... ------------------ |
HiHoSilver Prowler Junkie From:U.S. of A. |
posted 10-23-2001 12:58 PM
quote: I've had a couple of Porsche cab's w/ that kinda mileage and none rattled at all. I love the Prowler but, as a daily commuter or "only car", I'd say that is bad idea. No trunk, stiff ride, poor visibility, all leak, etc. Great car to play with on the weekend but, no, it would never be a daily driver for me. Trey ------------------ Mods: 2001 Speed Yellow Porsche Cabriolet |
fortknox82 Prowler Junkie From:Boynton Beach, FL 33436 |
posted 10-23-2001 03:49 PM
C5Frank - I have had my kat since December of 2000. I bought a 2001 model Orange. I drive it almost everyday as i do have one beater that needs to be driven every once in a while just to keep it exercised. I love my kat. I just rolled over 14000 miles today and i have only had 2 problems with it in that time. One was the adjuster pulley on the a/c belt went bad(but it was in the winter so i didnt car) and the other problem was my heater fan came on and wouldnt go off which was simply just a replace of the control panel. I think these are very minor issues and they never took more than a day to fix. I do admiit, my top does drip a little bit but from what i hear there is a TSB out and there is a new rubber kit that the dealer can put on to fix that problem. I have driven in the rain, sleet, snow, and sun. As long as you are a good driver then you shouldnt have any problems. I know the tires arent rated for the snow but the autostick can make up for it by taking off in a higher gear. ITs really great. If i was you i would get it and be amazed by all the stares and grins and honks and waves that you will get with your prowler and not from your corvette. ------------------ Amsoil Engine and Tranny Fluid |
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C5 Frank Prowler Junkie From:Palm Beach Gardens, FL. |
posted 10-23-2001 08:36 PM
Thanks for all your honest opinions!!!!!!! I still want a Prowler!!! Hell, I paid $1200. to rent one for a week while in Southern Cali this summer! I love the car! I'm going to work out a way to use it everyday. My Mustang will still be here(and always will) but it's a 30k mile suped up wild machine. So I can't drive that in the rain! Time will tell.... I will work out a way!! The Vette has been a great car, but here in FL they are a dime a dozen! The Prowler is what the Dr. ordered!!!! Thanks again everyone!!!! ------------------ |
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catterumpus Prowler Junkie From:rapid city, SD USA |
posted 10-23-2001 11:07 PM
Buy the Cat, man. It's about love of cars, not money or absolute comfort. Anyone who has experience with a true street rod--an old, much modified work of art--understands the trade-off. The Prowler is closer to the essence of car than anything else ever built, and it is less hassle, safer and more reliable than a best of show deuce roadster that would cost far more. ------------------ |
Marty Usher POA Site Supporter Prowler Junkie From:San Antonio, Texas, United States |
posted 10-31-2001 10:36 AM
Frank - if you're a car guy, you won't regret buying a Prowler. My wife & I just returned from vacation and saw lots of Vettes of all ages but only 1 Prowler. Even though the car has been in showrooms and on the streets through five+ model years - it gets way more stares than any of my three previously owned Corvettes. IT IS A BLAST.
For me - I wouldn't trade it for anything else on the road!!! Happy Prowling Marty ------------------ |
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