Automobiles

[Badonkadonk]

Depends on what you want:

Hot hatches - nothing, and I've driven a lot. Too much fwd/power...antimatter?

Sport coupes - they're still too long and not 'verts. So nothing.

Roadsters - new there's only one: ND mx-5. I'm afraid it'll be synchroed to death, but the promise of lighter weight with decent power is...exciting (Goodwin Racing just sent me spam as I type, natch.) Old cars, short of joining CCC-Manhattan or funding the local Alfa mech's kids' education, just don't work for me. Lot of guys around here are into the vintage autocross thing, which would make great solo weekend drivers.

Bottom line there's simply no substitute for a car you wear, in which you sit on the powered rear axle, doesn't have a top and pivots around you. I don't drive a lot - when I do it better be memorable and reliable, that's the way I look at it. YMMV.

elise?

[rmplum]

The AMG version of that is my "if I ever win the lottery" car.

Yup. C63 please. I did not want to give that car back.



edit: oops, C-class, E-class. Any excuse to post that exhaust clip. I loved the totally boring E-Class luxury trim diesel as well. In a completely different way.

[jitahs]

elise?

Unreliable, completely invisible. Not a 'vert. B pillar creates a lot of wind noise. Surprisingly claustrophobic. Makes my car look like a 4x4. Nice short term car. Very short.

Mini rant: guys who drive them like suvs. Change your life - change your line.

I'm thinking some track time or autox might be beneficial.

[72gmc]

Never owned or driven an mx-5, but I do enjoy daydreaming about their new Club model. If I were in that market a well maintained Honda s2000 would be the other car I'd look at.

[jitahs]

I've driven an s2000 AP1 - bit heavy, no torque below 3k, kinda civic-like driving experience there. Definitely a Honda with afterburners.

[jitahs]

ok, curious about the worldview of the mx-5 afficionado ... if you wanted to address exactly the same goals that you address with the miata, but for the purposes of this question you could NOT own one from any era, what are the next 5 most interesting roadsters / sports coupes / hot hatches / whatever that would float your boat? just curious.

Upon further reflection...

porsche c.jpg

[Too Tall]

Beat me to it. Definitely the Porsche.
FWIIW These water cooled 911S are a hoot and check most of the boxes PLUS they are bloody durable.

[jscottyk]

Very nice. My BMW wagon was a rare find since it had the M Sport package and not the XDrive (AWD) package. Makes wagons so much more fun when they handle like a sports car. Yours is probably considerably more spacious too. Very awesome.

An E91 wagon with manual transmission and M Sport Package was on my list. Never found one at the right time before I came across the MB option. You've definitely got a keeper in yours!

This E350 wagon has the 4matic and I'm not sure they are even offered in the US as RWD. Still, I'm surprised by both the handling and transmission. Regarding storage capacity, it is considerably larger than an E91 or the current F31 wagons.

On the topic of F31, I must say I don't care for the latest BMW design language for the sedans or wagons; I much prefer the E91.

[Wisco]

A bit of a thread turn, but assuming it looks good in the pre-purchase inspection, I'm going to take possession of one of these next Monday.

2006 BMW 330CiC with ZHP package. Reasonable service record and only 60K miles.

Looks a little like this one from the Interwebs, but with a sand beige interior instead of grey.

aA_640.jpg

[timdude]

"Yep" No better bang for the buck on late models than a SCT X-3 with a Torrie Tune everything else is just fluff.

Technology is great.

[Saab2000]

A bit of a thread turn, but assuming it looks good in the pre-purchase inspection, I'm going to take possession of one of these next Monday.

2006 BMW 330CiC with ZHP package. Reasonable service record and only 60K miles.

Looks a little like this one from the Interwebs, but with a sand beige interior instead of grey.

aA_640.jpg

Do you have a dry garage and a knowledgeable BMW mechanic?

[timdude]

turbotorino.jpg For the wagon lovers circa 1984, 73 Torino it never passed a gas station it didn't like.

[Matthew Strongin]

turbotorino.jpg For the wagon lovers circa 1984, 73 Torino it never passed a gas station it didn't like.

Is there a car in that photo? I'm afraid to look directly at it.

[maunahaole]

turbotorino.jpg For the wagon lovers circa 1984, 73 Torino it never passed a gas station it didn't like.

That can't be unseen.

[quickag]

A bit of a thread turn, but assuming it looks good in the pre-purchase inspection, I'm going to take possession of one of these next Monday.

2006 BMW 330CiC with ZHP package. Reasonable service record and only 60K miles.

Looks a little like this one from the Interwebs, but with a sand beige interior instead of grey.

Neighbor just bought a slicktop as a daily driver companion to his new M4. I already had to replace his rear window motors. I like driving it though.

[Wisco]

Both, the guys who currently service my 2007 328i sedan and a car nut friend with extra space in his storage garage for the winter.

Wish me luck?

Do you have a dry garage and a knowledgeable BMW mechanic?

[jitahs]

The hybrid slayer (should do 42+ hwy):

dxt2kkfnyfovtn8jvbv3.jpg

[jitahs]

Nice day for a white wagon

tumblr_mb4ri3P1DI1r1efcgo1_1280.jpg

[Matthew Strongin]

That stache. Those clogs. My eyes!

[nahtnoj]

Yeah, but you can look right at the pic without worrying if you are going to see the dudes balls.