View Poll Results: Where would you like to see MAP Texas based out of?
Voters: 144. You may not vote on this poll
Potential Second Location for MAP...NTEC Style ;)
Oct 23, 2010, 08:19 PM
#17
1) Weather: Essentially we want to be somewhere that we can operate year round. I really like the average high temps in your area as its above 60 even in January! My only concern in this regard would be hurricanes, I know Houston isn't North Texas but if we decide on Houston would that be far enough away from the coast that I shouldn't be worrying about Hurricanes?
2) Competition: The focus of this endeavor will be based on service and dyno. From what I have heard the only AWD dyno in the area is Cobb in Plano, is that correct? What is out there in regards to service shops that cater to the Evolution?
3) Population: You guys have four of the largest cities in the US within a few hours of each other; Houston, San Antonio, Dalls, and Austin. What insight can you provide me in regards to the demographics of those populations, where are all the Evo owners? Keep in mind we do work on other makes and models as well
4) Cost of Living: Is one area cheaper than another? I would assume that moving away from the major cities would yield cheaper rent, but would this be detrimental in regards to potential work?
Other things to consider... motorsports.
In Dallas we have 2 road courses (MSR, Eagles Canyon), Texas Motor Speedway, 1 1/8th mile track (plus 1 1/8th mile in TMS), 3 1/4 mile tracks, 5 active autocross clubs (SCCA, ER, NTAXS, PCA, BMW CCA). Within 4-5 hours we have 4 more road courses (TWS, MSR-Houston, Hallett, Harris Hill Road). Also on this note, there's a strong NASA series (http://www.nasatxracing.com/). ECR has basically monthly $150 track days. Hallett has monthly cheap track weekends (COMMA). The Chrono-X series @ HHR is starting up now too. Lots of track opportunity.
Austin has a very different feel (more liberal) than other cities in Texas. San Antonio is more laid back. San Antonio and Austin are closer to the Hill Country which make for great drives. They and Houston are reasonably close to what passes for a beach in Texas. Houston is closer to the nice beaches in the panhandle of Florida. Cruise ships leave from the Houston port.
Last edited by goofygrin; Oct 23, 2010 at 08:23 PM.
Oct 23, 2010, 09:42 PM
#20
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I had originally posted on your Facebook page saying "Hey come to Irving!" because I know you guys are great and I posted that half joking because why would a shop just decide to open another shop up...and now some weeks later we get this thread. I know this has probably been in the works for some time, but it still feels cool nonetheless. This is VERY encouraging!
I can't speak for San Antonio, Austin, or Houston, but I can tell you about DFW. I've lived here my whole life (28 years), in Irving specifically.
Now is Irving a good place for a shop...well that's debatable. I'm looking at it from more of a geographical standpoint. Let me just put that in perspective. I'm currently working out in Downtown Ft. Worth. It takes me about 45 minutes on a good day to get there. To get to Arlington...about 30 minutes. How about Downtown Dallas...25-30 minutes. Up to Lewisville...guess what, another 30 minutes. How about Frisco...yup 45 minutes. Plano is a good place too...45 minutes.
If you want a central location, Irving is a pretty good choice just due to how central it is to DFW. Is it the best location in terms of cost of living, the car scene, etc...I'd say probably not. You don't start seeing "the money" until you start getting to Las Colinas and the northern part of Irving (Valley Ranch for example).
Despite all that, there are TONS of car enthusiasts in DFW. Take Cars and Coffee for example. That meet is just absolutely ridiculous. If the weather is nice and you don't show up before 8am...don't even bother. It gets packed and everyone comes out of the woodworks. You have your muscle cars, classic cars, imports, exotics...you name it, it is there or has been there at some point. People come from all over to this meet. So there is definitely a LOT of potential just here in DFW.
I know from being over on EvoXForums that there is SOME representation in San Antonio, Austin, and Houston...but I don't think they have the same Evo representation that DFW has. They could very well have other car clubs that are comparable to NTEC or even blow it out of the water...I just don't know. That's something that someone from each of those cities would have to post about.
Having said all that...I CAN HAZ MAP IN DFW NAO?!
I can't speak for San Antonio, Austin, or Houston, but I can tell you about DFW. I've lived here my whole life (28 years), in Irving specifically.
Now is Irving a good place for a shop...well that's debatable. I'm looking at it from more of a geographical standpoint. Let me just put that in perspective. I'm currently working out in Downtown Ft. Worth. It takes me about 45 minutes on a good day to get there. To get to Arlington...about 30 minutes. How about Downtown Dallas...25-30 minutes. Up to Lewisville...guess what, another 30 minutes. How about Frisco...yup 45 minutes. Plano is a good place too...45 minutes.
If you want a central location, Irving is a pretty good choice just due to how central it is to DFW. Is it the best location in terms of cost of living, the car scene, etc...I'd say probably not. You don't start seeing "the money" until you start getting to Las Colinas and the northern part of Irving (Valley Ranch for example).
Despite all that, there are TONS of car enthusiasts in DFW. Take Cars and Coffee for example. That meet is just absolutely ridiculous. If the weather is nice and you don't show up before 8am...don't even bother. It gets packed and everyone comes out of the woodworks. You have your muscle cars, classic cars, imports, exotics...you name it, it is there or has been there at some point. People come from all over to this meet. So there is definitely a LOT of potential just here in DFW.
I know from being over on EvoXForums that there is SOME representation in San Antonio, Austin, and Houston...but I don't think they have the same Evo representation that DFW has. They could very well have other car clubs that are comparable to NTEC or even blow it out of the water...I just don't know. That's something that someone from each of those cities would have to post about.
Having said all that...I CAN HAZ MAP IN DFW NAO?!
Oct 24, 2010, 08:44 AM
#23
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actually, no, it doesn't even come close to evening out. considering every vendor you buy parts from has free shipping usually, when you order a new intercooler online, free shipping. buy locally, tack 45 dollars onto your bill. buy a turbo kit, or a engine build, add another 300-400 dollars to your bill. since most of the stuff you buy is inexpensive, sure, shipping isn't free usually on small orders, and tax is minor.
and having looked for a shop location more then a few times, irving is absolutely horrible. arlington is no better, grand prairie, also horrible. all the central cities are riddled with crime, and run down buildings. additionally, its hard to find cities that even are zoned for automotive stuff in good locations.
Oct 24, 2010, 09:02 AM
#24
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actually, no, it doesn't even come close to evening out. considering every vendor you buy parts from has free shipping usually, when you order a new intercooler online, free shipping. buy locally, tack 45 dollars onto your bill. buy a turbo kit, or a engine build, add another 300-400 dollars to your bill. since most of the stuff you buy is inexpensive, sure, shipping isn't free usually on small orders, and tax is minor.
and having looked for a shop location more then a few times, irving is absolutely horrible. arlington is no better, grand prairie, also horrible. all the central cities are riddled with crime, and run down buildings. additionally, its hard to find cities that even are zoned for automotive stuff in good locations.
and having looked for a shop location more then a few times, irving is absolutely horrible. arlington is no better, grand prairie, also horrible. all the central cities are riddled with crime, and run down buildings. additionally, its hard to find cities that even are zoned for automotive stuff in good locations.
The only reason I threw Irving out there is simply from a geographical perspective. I don't know where you could put a shop but you can get to most places in DFW within 1 hour from Irving. However, if a shop has a good reputation and word of mouth, people will come no matter where it is.
Oct 24, 2010, 01:01 PM
#25
Have you lived local to MAP then across the country from MAP? I have. Remember, "free" shipping is all factored into the website price...nothing is actually free. Buying local will save them money (postage, shipping materials, etc.) which in-turn will be passed along to the customer. The only time this wouldn't hold true is if the part is being drop-shipped from the manufacturer, but in those circumstances I've always known MAP to work with the local customers to make sure the price remains competitive.
Last edited by Kracka; Oct 24, 2010 at 01:10 PM.
Oct 24, 2010, 11:42 PM
#27
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Doesnt FP also have an AWD dyno?
There is also Mudpit Performance who kick *** with the DSMs and know the 4G63 inside and out. No dyno though.
Irving isnt great for a shop but Arlington isnt bad, especially south Arlington. There is Alamo and Low, Inc. in those areas that are flourishing. Garland has many shops and is minutes from downtown and the Plano area. Las Colinas is very nice, has a higher end demographic but comes with a higher price tag.
Hope anything Ive said can help
l8r,
PD
There is also Mudpit Performance who kick *** with the DSMs and know the 4G63 inside and out. No dyno though.
Irving isnt great for a shop but Arlington isnt bad, especially south Arlington. There is Alamo and Low, Inc. in those areas that are flourishing. Garland has many shops and is minutes from downtown and the Plano area. Las Colinas is very nice, has a higher end demographic but comes with a higher price tag.
Hope anything Ive said can help
l8r,
PD
Oct 25, 2010, 08:19 AM
#28
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There are some great things about Dallas area. Less humidity than any other big city. A bit less heat.
From a business standpoint, you can get some cheap rent and have a nice shop. Plus only Texas has no mandatory requirement to purchase Workers Comp. There are other solutions.
From a business standpoint, you can get some cheap rent and have a nice shop. Plus only Texas has no mandatory requirement to purchase Workers Comp. There are other solutions.
Oct 25, 2010, 09:01 AM
#29
I sincerely appreciate the insight guys, this is a great starting point in the decision making process. It sounds like there would be less competition in the other areas, but I love the fact that we've already got some loyal customers in the DFW area