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FatherLarry Prowler Newbie From:Allentown, PA |
posted 06-22-2003 08:45 PM
    
Hi All My name is Larry aka FatherLarry, administrator and founder of FatherLarry's Corvette Shop & Forum. My wife and I took our first ride in a 2002 Inca Gold Prowler on Saturday. A friend of mine who owns a Caddy dealership took it in as a trade. It has 4,000 miles on it. No trailer. I never really thought about buying a Prowler. I live in Hot Rod country, where there is a lot of Hot Rod enthusiasm with Hot Rod shows sporting over 3,000 cars. I am a retired auto body man and was thinking of building a kit car. Well, this friend of mine told me to come down and look at the Prowler, and said if I like it, he'll trade me for my 2002 Electron Blue Corvette Z06 with 7,000 miles and give me $5,000 in addition. I asked him why he would want to do that, and he said that his kids would get a kick out of him bringing home a Z06, plus he thinks that he can move the Z06 faster when he wants to sell it, because of the rarity of the color. So my wife and I went down for the fun of it to take a look. It's the first Prowler we ever got close to. It really stood out, especially the color. Not a very practical car, basically a toy, same as the Z. But, when I took it for a ride, it was a very enjoyable ride. The power is not what I expected from it, but for a V6 it could surely get out of its own way. It's funny, while I was in it, I already started tearing the engine apart in my mind, porting it, raising the compression and doing some cam work. My wife and I really had a great time driving it, but there was no way I was going to trade my EB Z in for it. But, I was seriously considering buying it outright. So when I got back I told him that I didn't want to trade, but that I wanted to do some research and talk to some of my mechanic friends that work for Chrysler and find out some of the characteristics of it. Maybe you guys can give me some feedback on how much you enjoy the car, or what problems you might have with it and what to look out for. I am curious about the gas mileage. I did find while driving, because I have a tendency to keep my left knee up that it interfered with the door panel and steering wheel. Also, how is maintenance on the Prowler? I noticed that the front takes quite a beating. Do they make a custom bra for it? What kind of warranty would you recommend, and how costly is an extended warranty. One more question. Is 2003 the last year for the Prowler or do they plan on making a 2004? Thank you for any input you can give me. PS. Anyone here is welcome to stop by my forum to say hello.
------------------ This message has been edited by FatherLarry on 06-22-2003 at 08:51 PM |
ALLEY CAT                    POA Lifetime Site Supporter Prowler Junkie From:mesa, az, USA |
posted 06-22-2003 09:08 PM
Larry - 2002 was the last year for the Prowler. Last built in February, '02. Check with that dealer,,,,a extended warranty to seven years might already be with that Prowler? Extended warranty runs around 1K,,,if not. Bra is custom made by American Stitch Co. for the Prowler. Also, another company in Ca makes one. What makes this a great street rod is that it comes with a/c, tilt, cruise, great stereo/CD, pw windows, a warranty, wide boots and wheels,,,,,,,,,,and did I mention, "more smiles per mile" than anything out there on the road today. Many of us formerly owned Corvettes. Great car, but,,,thousands of them out there. How many Prowlers do you see per day? Buy it,,,,and ENJOY THE RIDE Added bonus,,,,,,,,,,many great new friends to meet, cruise with at events, and to make new friendships with at the POA website. ------------------ 26,000 miles of smiles
This message has been edited by ALLEY CAT on 06-22-2003 at 09:11 PM |
CJ POA Lifetime Site Supporter Prowler Junkie Personal ScrapBook From:Rochester Hills, MI USA |
posted 06-22-2003 09:43 PM
Larry, Welcome to POA! Alleycat is correct. Prowler production ended in February of 2002. Deep Candy Red was the last color and the Inca Gold was the second-to-the-last color produced. Maintenance on the car is different for each owner. Some owners have the bras, some don't. Some have the Prowler trailers, some don't. Some are driven a lot, some are daily drivers, some are trailered and some are garage queens! Everyone has their own favorite wax and waxing process. Modifications abound and each owner has made their Prowlers an extension of themselves!! The climate that each owner lives in also affects the condition of the cars. I live in Michigan, so my driving season is usually, March to November. Mine get stored for the remainder of the year. The one thing we do have in common, though, is that we all love our cats! My husband and I have made many great friends from owning this car and through belonging to this very special group of people! We have a fantastic time at all the events that we participate and look forward to many more years of belonging to this group! In answer to your question about how much we enjoy the car....I own two of them (they were both anniversary gifts from my hubby) and I love them...........wouldn't trade them for ANY other car......will never sell them and my sons will have to only fight about which one gets which color when I am too old and feeble to drive them anymore or I'm dead..........whichever comes first! lol! ------------------ Classic/Beautiful - I'm referring to the Cat of course! |
Marty Usher POA Site Supporter Prowler Junkie From:San Antonio, Texas, United States |
posted 06-22-2003 10:02 PM
Larry - welcome to Prowleronline.com. I am a previous owner of three Corvettes. The Prowler is just so much more special. If you live in Hot Rod country and like the idea of modifying the car to your own specifications and desires, the Prowler is a great vehicle for you. In stock form it is certainly not as fats as your ZO6, but we have a number of owners who have added superchargers, nitrous (my choice), or turbos to make them much quicker and capable of beating a ZO6 running in the 12's for the quarter mile with a few even getting in the 11's. Even with performance gears and pulling a trailer with the AC on my wife and I were able to complete a 4100 mile trip last Summer and average over 21 MPG. Typically in town, I will get 18 - 19 MPG, but I have been known to have heavy right foot. I, too like keep my left knee up and eventually got use to the position in the kat. There are several POA members in the Eastern PA and NJ areas. Check out the events section on the website and try to attend an event to see what some people have done with their Prowlers. Oh - and this is very important. Don't expect to see CJ or anyone else post very often that Alley Cat is correct! ------------------  |
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WPG Prowler Junkie From:Orlando, Florida |
posted 06-22-2003 10:23 PM
I had a 1999 Corvette for about 8 months before I bought my Prowler, which I have had now for over 3 years. I have no regrets of trading up to the Prowler and no intentions of owning another Chevrolet again. The C5 may be the best Corvette yet, but has a long way to go in the quality department. The Prowler beats the Corvette in everything except all-out performance, but that can be remedied with some serious aftermarket go-fast goodies. ------------------ • MTD Prowler Intake System 2.2 |
BeWare POA Site Supporter Prowler Junkie From:Acworth , Georgia , USA |
posted 06-22-2003 11:19 PM
Welcome to the POA I have never owned a Corvette. I Have however owned Street Rods, Hot Rods, Muscle Cars, Antiques, Classics, Custom 4 X 4's and Motorcyles (including a Harley). I have now owned my Prowler for over 4 years and I also would not trade it for anything. It have have never had so much fun wuth any vehicle. I think of the Prowler the same way the 1937 Cord has been described as rolling sculpture, As one of our members puts it so well. "Some people own art, but I drive it". Beyond that however and as CJ stated, the best part is the many new friends we have made. We have attended 2 to 3 Prowler events each year, all over the country and wish we could do more. The fun we have cannot be explained, you have to experience it. This is no longer just owning a particulur car but a lifestyle. If you buy one, join us at some events. I truley believe you will not regret it and will never look back. ------------------
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ALLEY CAT POA Lifetime Site Supporter Prowler Junkie From:mesa, az, USA |
posted 06-22-2003 11:31 PM
quote: I'll agree with Bill,,,,owned a very fast '96 C4. Sold it to a friend and since then the whole car has had many problems - big and small, and often. Quality has always seemed to be lacking in every GM car I've owned. |
ed monahan POA Lifetime Site Supporter Prowler Junkie Personal ScrapBook From:Cincinnati, Oh, USA |
posted 06-22-2003 11:56 PM
Larry, no one mentioned the price. I would not pay over $ 37,000 for the car so your buddy may or may not have been making you a great deal, an okay deal, or trying to screw you. I have no idea what your vette is worth. You may be able to get it a little less than that, even. Secondly, some of the "true" hot rodders resent the Prowlers. Not too many are vocal about it but they look down their nose at us. Of course they ALL built their own street rods from the ground up and did all the body, chasis and engine work themselves, I am sure. I had a street rod guy give me a thumbs down yesterday when we passed going in opposite directions. Of course I also had several hundred thumbs up and people pointing and smiling, as I do every time I drive it. You have to do what you think is best. Most Prowler owners love the cars, but there are people selling them every day so some do not love it as much as us. |
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BrianandDenise Prowler Newbie From:Kernersville NC USA |
posted 06-23-2003 08:49 AM
I currently have a 1995 Vette and I really enjoy it. The Vette has always been my dream car until... my wife fell for the Prowler. Now we have Prowler on the mind and will hopefully trade the Corvette towards the Prowler sometime soon. The Prowler is just awesome and 2002 was a great year. They are not as fast as the Z06 but, the speed limit is still under 80mph and really, I would trade the performance for the wow-factor in about... 5 seconds. |
Laddie Roussel >POA Lifetime Site Supporter Prowler Junkie Personal ScrapBook From:Hester, LA. USA |
posted 06-23-2003 09:04 AM
Larry. I sent you an email. Two different cars. I also have a C5 01 Pewter Conv with Torch Red interior. ------------------ |
Black Tie 161 POA Site Supporter Prowler Junkie From:MD, USA |
posted 06-23-2003 09:27 AM
Welcome... My prowler is my daily driver, and while less paractical than a Vette, No Vette on this planet will get as many stares, waves, smiles, and thumbs up as you will get driving the prowler. It does have it's quirks and some parts that seem to go more than others, (shocks, rims, recalled ball joints, fuel sending units, computer, etc.) But it's too fun to drive and show for me to care, I fix the stuff that breaks, and not think about when my warranty expires... they say a car is an extension of your personality...the Prowler says a lot... ------------------ |
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FatherLarry Prowler Newbie From:Allentown, PA |
posted 06-23-2003 05:37 PM
Thank you everyone for such a great welcome. You Kat people are great. Now I want one even more. Everyone gave great feedback, and I never felt so comfortable except on my own forum. I am going to look around for a higher mileage Prowler in the mid twenties. I don't know if that is even possible yet, however, I decided I don't want to sell my Z and my wife and I definitely want a Prowler. So I'll have to find one with higher mileage. Again, thank you, you have all been very helpful, and a few people even emailed me. Hopefully soon, I will be a part of this elite group. This is a great forum and my compliments go out to the Administrator for a forum very well done. It's a lot of work, I know.
This message has been edited by FatherLarry on 06-23-2003 at 05:38 PM |
WildCat POA Site Supporter Prowler Junkie Personal ScrapBook From:North Louisville, Indiana, USA |
posted 06-23-2003 08:28 PM
Larry, I wouldn't look for a higher mileage car, I would look for the one you like and make a deal. I have seen and heard of used LOW mile cars selling in the low 30's and new never titled for mid 30's I have had mine for 5 years and love it......CJ talked about trailer queens and yes I trailer mine but it also has over 20,000 miles and the rock chips to prove it........LOL If you enjoy spending time with car lovers you have to attend a POA event......there will be several at Carlile, PA and Dublin, OH in July on the second weekend Marty is one of the most recent to have a HOT MOTOR installed in his cat, and it is his daily driver. If fast is waht you want you can get it. Laddie is running high 12's and is able to drive daily if wanted. ------------------
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CJ POA Lifetime Site Supporter Prowler Junkie Personal ScrapBook From:Rochester Hills, MI USA |
posted 06-23-2003 09:09 PM
quote: Wildcat........I think I said "some are trailered (mine included to various events) and some are garage queens! My point was we all have one.....we all love them....no matter how many miles we put on it, trailered or driven, mods or no mods, color......you can't beat the shared passion for the car.......the friendships and the fun we have on this board and at the events......... |
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ALLEY CAT POA Lifetime Site Supporter Prowler Junkie From:mesa, az, USA |
posted 06-23-2003 10:16 PM
CJ is right about there being some garage queens,,,,,,we have a local who moved here from Illinois with a '97 cat that has less than 500 miles on it. Unless it's going thru Barrett-Jackson Auction in about 10 years,,,I don't understand that! JMO |
Stray Cat POA Site Supporter Prowler Junkie From:Dayton, Ohio, USA |
posted 06-23-2003 10:25 PM
Hi Larry, The Prowler is just a fun car - and you will meet some great people in this club and when you drive the car. I have owned a bunch of cars and I love my prowler. I have been impressed with the quality (no, it is not and Acura or Lexus). The advice I received was to pick the color you love best and then search for the right car. That is what I did and I have never regretted it. You'll have a blast in the car. They are great fun. Regards, John ------------------ 2001 Orange, Mopar Exhaust, MTD Intake, Front and Rear Mud Flaps, Chrome Shimmers, Orange Prowler Logo Valve Caps, Ceramic Brake Pads, Prowleronline.com License Bracket, Eric Wolf Chrome Trans Cover, Mopar Hitch and Trailer. |
heynow14 POA Site Supporter Prowler Junkie From:Waterford,Mi USA |
posted 06-23-2003 11:15 PM
I agree with everyone but the best advice I can give is buy a YELLOW one.~Robert |
Bob Goetz POA Site Supporter Mr. Real Rod From:Belle Plaine MN USA |
posted 06-24-2003 07:02 AM
Hi Larry if you like the Gold color I can get one with 2500 miles $34,000, Orange 2500 miles $33,000, 99 yellow with trailer 900 miles $38,500 all these cars are stock. Also have a Black 2000 with Hardtop,TGF Grill, TGF Rear pan, custom wheels coming in and should sell for $37,000. GIve me a call 952-873-6626 Bob ------------------ |
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JCProwler POA Site Supporter Prowler Junkie From:Southern California |
posted 06-24-2003 09:51 AM
I have owned 4 Corvettes, the Prowler goes fast enough for me. I dont drive 175, but the Prowler still gets up to 125 if I need too. I like the looks, real cool! The Vette C5 does not rock my socks. I would like to own a 67 stingray, now thats a cool looking Vette! There are only just over 11,700 Prowlers made world wide. They build 35K Vettes every year. I think the Prowler is a cool ride... |
Howler Cat POA Site Supporter Prowler Junkie Personal ScrapBook From:Costa Mesa, California |
posted 06-24-2003 02:14 PM
Welcome to the POA, Larry. I have a 1963 Split Window and a 1999 Prowler. I really enjoy them both. It's not a difficult decision to choose which one I want to drive. Larry, like you've said, keep the ZO6 and find the right Prowler for you and your wife. Good Luck!!! ------------------ This message has been edited by Howler Cat on 06-25-2003 at 12:53 AM |
CTProwler POA Site Supporter Prowler Junkie From:Sherman CT USA |
posted 06-24-2003 09:35 PM
Buy one! Nothing like it, alot of fun to drive and attracts alot of attention! If you don't like talking with people better not buy one. I had 2 vettes fun cars but much to common. Tons of fun adding Mods, customizing!! ------------------ |
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Wil C. Keener Prowler Junkie From:Uniontown,PA U.S.A |
posted 06-24-2003 10:32 PM
Welcome Father Larry, You have entered the PROWLIN ZONE ! Come on an take the Plunge,Get a PROWLER and own a piece of automotive history! And join the BEST group of people on the PLANET! |
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lavka POA Site Supporter Prowler Junkie From:Marble Falls, Texas |
posted 06-25-2003 02:25 PM
Welcome Father Larry, I happen to own a Corvette and a Prowler. I have more fun in the Prowler by far. I'd like to recommend that you consider the "mulholland edition" prowler. It is the only model to have a convertible top color other than black which lends to its exclusivity. The only thing worse that having a black convertible top would probably be having an all black Kat. There are alot of members on this site who will be quick to tell you that "black kats are fastest." I don't want to name any names. GARY, DAN, MARTY...Oops. Anyway, as further proof that midnight blue mulholland kats are fastest I submit this photo of my own car which is not painted, I repeat not painted with flames. These flames are left-over scorch marks from an incident last summer where I was passing a black kat and my left foot went a little too far to the floor...upon reentry the atmosphere started heating the nose of the car like a fireball, an well you can guess the rest. 
This message has been edited by lavka on 06-25-2003 at 02:26 PM |
dpena POA Site Supporter Administrating Kat Visit Dan's Prowler Excitement Personal ScrapBook From:San Jose Ca Santa Clara |
posted 06-25-2003 08:01 PM
FATHER LARRY, CLICK HERE FOR A MESSAGE FROM Dan Peña Later
This message has been edited by dpena on 06-25-2003 at 08:02 PM |
2002 Deep Candy Red - CJPROWLN
2000 Black with hand painted blue faded to purple flames
..and we definitely know yours is not a garage queen! 
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