Your auto- what you're driving now

[UpAnchor]

I don think you need to go to a track to enjoy driving a sporty car. Something like an M3 of M5, Boxster, 911, Miata, Alpha Romeo, etc, can be driven on regular highways near the speed limit and are still fun. On ramps, stop signs, etc give a chance to use the acceleration and sportiness. I particularly like passing on a two lane road on the way to our lake house.

You make a good case, Danmar. And if I ever pull the trigger again, I'll do so figuring those are good enough reasons by themselves. You might be interested to know that the "remote mountainous area" to which I referred in my original post was a couple hours NNW of your southern abode.

 

[Danmar]

You make a good case, Danmar. And if I ever pull the trigger again, I'll do so figuring those are good enough reasons by themselves. You might be interested to know that the "remote mountainous area" to which I referred in my original post was a couple hours NNW of your southern abode.

Interesting. Was this road near Sedona? I have a sporty convertible in Arizona. Maybe I should take a ride up there? The other thing to consider is as we get older (I'm almost 66) it seems easier to get a thrill driving. Maybe our senses have slowed down a bit and it just seems more thrilling?

 

[Badger]

I don think you need to go to a track to enjoy driving a sporty car. Something like an M3 of M5, Boxster, 911, Miata, Alpha Romeo, etc, can be driven on regular highways near the speed limit and are still fun. On ramps, stop signs, etc give a chance to use the acceleration and sportiness. I particularly like passing on a two lane road on the way to our Lakehouse. Now something like a Turbo Porsche, Ferrari, Lamborghini, I agree a track is really needed.

I don't know about the other cars but I have owned a few Alpha Romeo Spyders and they never failed to put a grin on my face regardless of speed or where I was driving. The engine had such a great sound I never even used the radio. The new Fiat Spider looks like fun too. My wife had a Fiat 2000 and loved that car. Of course it was a lot like the Alpha.

Cheers!

 

[supernova72]

I recently splurged (for me anyway) and got into a M235i. Not the most common car but each day I enjoy it more and more. Bought it used but it comes with BMW maintenance and remainder of warranty.

Previously was driving a E46 M3 and a E36 M3 before that. I row the gears and prefer the 6MT cars. If you have not driven one go give it a shot. 0-60 in less than 5.0 seconds. Not that I've done it

Some M car enthusiasts don't consider this a true "M" car but hey it works for me. The M2 was way out of reach $$ wise for me.



Also have dad's 1985 GMC S-15. Nice to have a truck for those occasional Home Depot runs. The a 1972 Nova (almost restored).

 

[Danmar]

I don't know about the other cars but I have owned a few Alpha Romeo Spyders and they never failed to put a grin on my face regardless of speed or where I was driving. The engine had such a great sound I never even used the radio. The new Fiat Spider looks like fun too. My wife had a Fiat 2000 and loved that car. Of course it was a lot like the Alpha.

Cheers!

Never driven an Alpha Romeo but a good friend just got one for her birthday. She loves it. Very light, quick and loads of fun she says.

 

[swguy]

2013 F150, bought used in March with 36k miles. Will be around for many years

Sent from my VS986 using Early Retirement Forum mobile app

 

[travelover]

Same as last year - 1975 Pacer

 

[2017ish]

Same as last year - 1975 Pacer

Now that's frugal!

 

[Big_Hitter]

looks like you may need to splurge for some tires on that pacer

 

[Keim]

Same as last year - 1975 Pacer

My 6 ft 8 in tall High School Vice Principal was still driving his in 1990.

I was impressed it lasted that long. Always fun to see him getting in or out of it.

 

[ExFlyBoy5]

My 6 ft 8 in tall High School Vice Principal was still driving his in 1990.

I was impressed it lasted that long. Always fun to see him getting in or out of it.

When I turned 16, I *almost* bought an MG Midget. Have I mentioned that I have been 6'3" since I was about 15 years old? Yeah, I couldn't even squeeze in the thing let along shift gears. Ah...what fun it *could* have been. If I was 4'10"

 

[travelover]

looks like you may need to splurge for some tires on that pacer

They are only flat on the bottom.

 

[eytonxav]

I had a 2000 M5, and the car included attendance at BMW's M5 Performance Driving school in Spartanburg. It was a great experience that only required me to pay for airfare. In addition to driving instruction, got several nice gifts, and a caravan drive to the Biltmore mansion outside of Asheville. Not sure if BMW still includes that as part of the purchase price if you purchase a current M model.

 

[Keim]

When I turned 16, I *almost* bought an MG Midget. Have I mentioned that I have been 6'3" since I was about 15 years old? Yeah, I couldn't even squeeze in the thing let along shift gears. Ah...what fun it *could* have been. If I was 4'10"

I feel your pain. I'd love a Kharman Ghia.

I'm 6' 5".

I went with an old Monte Carlo instead.

 

[UpAnchor]

You might be interested to know that the "remote mountainous area" to which I referred in my original post was a couple hours NNW of your southern abode.

Interesting. Was this road near Sedona? I have a sporty convertible in Arizona. Maybe I should take a ride up there? The other thing to consider is as we get older (I'm almost 66) it seems easier to get a thrill driving. Maybe our senses have slowed down a bit and it just seems more thrilling?

The whole area between Sedona and Prescott is a driver's playground, the run through Jerome being the most aggressive. The roads I particularly had in mind were in the Prescott vicinity back when that area - and AZ in general - was much less populous. I think you'd enjoy it next time you're down there.

And +1 on the senses. Unfortunately those aren't the only things which have slowed down. Just getting in and out of certain vehicle configurations is less comfortable, probably ruling out a number of the smaller/lower sporty car options.

 

[MRG]

The whole area between Sedona and Prescott is a driver's playground, the run through Jerome being the most aggressive. The roads I particularly had in mind were in the Prescott vicinity back when that area - and AZ in general - was much less populous. I think you'd enjoy it next time you're down there.

And +1 on the senses. Unfortunately those aren't the only things which have slowed down. Just getting in and out of certain vehicle configurations is less comfortable, probably ruling out a number of the smaller/lower sporty car options.

I remember some of 89A from Sedona to Jerome. Wow!

 

[Ronstar]

I remember some of 89A from Sedona to Jerome. Wow!

Definitely!
I even had fun driving it in a Jeep Wrangler

Also 89A from Sedona to Flagstaff

And add Ca 1 Sw of Leggett to the coast

 

[W2R]

Just getting in and out of certain vehicle configurations is less comfortable, probably ruling out a number of the smaller/lower sporty car options.

+1.

Seems like this becomes more and more of a problem for us too, as we age. I am so glad to have an SUV instead of a cute little sports car.

 

[Shanky]

VW Golf TDI - Until they take it away!

 

[wyecrabber1]

MY daily drive is a 2000 Escalade with 192K miles. Bought the car off eBay about 10 years ago. Dependable and can tow the water toys. Hope to get another 40K miles before having to buy a newer vehicle. I do most of the repairs and maintenance, so I've got cheap transportation. I will never buy a brand new car. It's nice not having a car payment.

DW drives a 2012 Tucson with 50K miles, it's a nice vehicle and the 10 year/100K mile powertrain warranty is a nice feature.

 

[Looking4Ward]

How do you like the Ecodiesel? I've been thinking about one in the event my VW diesel goes away.

I really like it and a couple of reasons top the list:

1. The fuel mileage is incredible for a three ton truck. I recently took it on a 3K mile road trip thru several states and averaged 27 mpg.

2. I've also been towing a travel trailer with it and average 18-19 mpg when doing so. Gas equivalents only see 9-12mpg.

I looked at Ford Ecoboost and while those trucks have almost drag-car acceleration and higher tow ratings the fuel economy really drops when towing a load. I think the Ram ED rides better but that's subjective.

Also looked at Chevy (couldn't get a diesel in a 1/2 ton) and the new Nissan Titan XD but it's a larger diesel in a somewhat larger truck and doesn't get anywhere near the fuel economy. Not to mention it's priced very high.

I think Ram nailed it with this combination. The only possible negative is there have been a high number of reported engine failures requiring total replacement. Formal cause is unknown but user forum buzz speculates inadequate oil spec because of viscosity issues and the crank bearings not receiving sufficient lube during cold conditions. This is also not a truck that's suitable for short trips to the grocery store. It needs to get warmed up and run at operating temps, something that can take awhile with a diesel. If I'm going somewhere that's less than 10 miles round trip, I'll take my Jeep.

I've had mine since March and have put 4500 miles on it. No issues so far.

 

[Danmar]

I had a 2000 M5, and the car included attendance at BMW's M5 Performance Driving school in Spartanburg. It was a great experience that only required me to pay for airfare. In addition to driving instruction, got several nice gifts, and a caravan drive to the Biltmore mansion outside of Asheville. Not sure if BMW still includes that as part of the purchase price if you purchase a current M model.

No longer included in the purchase of an M5. Considered doing this school a few times but couldn't seem to find the right time.

 

[Danmar]

The whole area between Sedona and Prescott is a driver's playground, the run through Jerome being the most aggressive. The roads I particularly had in mind were in the Prescott vicinity back when that area - and AZ in general - was much less populous. I think you'd enjoy it next time you're down there.

And +1 on the senses. Unfortunately those aren't the only things which have slowed down. Just getting in and out of certain vehicle configurations is less comfortable, probably ruling out a number of the smaller/lower sporty car options.

Thanks for the tip. We drive to Sedona ( from Phoenix) at least once a year. Next time I think I will get off I17 at 260 and take in some of 89A. Would be more fun in the M6 than the X3 for sure.

 

[Danmar]

+1.

Seems like this becomes more and more of a problem for us too, as we age. I am so glad to have an SUV instead of a cute little sports car.

For sure, but as long as I can do it, I will. Maybe keeping the sporty cars keeps us young and flexible a little longer than otherwise?

 

[MichaelB]

Maybe keeping the sporty cars keeps us young and flexible a little longer than otherwise?

At least it lets you think you are still younger and flexible.