Ways to ease the pain (vehicle choices)

[nostatic]

Well, I gotta do something here. Originally I went with the lower level Subie wagon so I could afford a bike. I don't see getting back on a bike for the forseable future, so I'm reconsidering my vehicle options. Likely the 911 will be put into more regular rotation, with the only downside being more wear on the RA-1 tires. I could get a second set of wheels and street tires if I end up wearing too much.

I've thought about this for awhile, and have a couple of options. My criteria is I have to be able to carry more than 2 people on occasion, I have to be able to carry my music gear, and in a perfect world the daily driver would be fun and get good mileage. And I'm trying to stay under $25K as I'll be financing.

Option 1: keep the Subie 2.5RS. Payment is cheap. Miles are low right now. It's an ok car to drive but I do notice lack of hp in certain tight traffic situations.

Option 2: trade the 2.5 for a WRX. The trade in value is about what the payoff is. I'd need to come up with a few $K down payment, but I can get a decent (4.9%) apr from Subaru on an '06. Get a much more "fun" car, same form factor, a bit safer (more air bags, better crash test results).

Option 3: trade/sell the 2.5, get a Mini Cooper S. Downside is that I lose a fair amount of carrying capacity and easy access to the back seats. Upside is somewhat cooler than the Subie, but I have an affection for Subie so that is less of an issue with me.

Option 4: trade/sell the 2.5, buy a 964/993. Have nothing but p-cars, but functional hvac and more comfort in the dd. Downside is probably expensive maintenance, and high upfront buyin for a 993.

Option 5: trade/sell the 2.5 and buy an Xterra or FJ or Frontier or Tacoma (crew cabs). Could use as a tow vehicle for the SC. Downside is less fun as a daily driver and worse gas mileage.

Option 6: sell the 2.5 and buy a used Honda Civic hatchback (or equivalent). Upside, no car payments and cheap insurance. Downside, not the most pleasant car to commute around in LA.

Option 7: sell both the SC and the 2.5RS. Buy a tow vehicle and dedicated track car (Boxster spec? 914/6?).

Or? I've got my buddy at Thousand Oaks Subaru ready to work numbers on a WRX trade (that's where I bought the 2.5) but I can't really do anything until my legs heals a bit anyway (can't even drive a stick right now).

[ChrisBennet]

Just an idea but how about keep the Subie and (gasp!) put a decent AC setup in the 911? There is something to be said for arriving at the track fresh and being able to enjoy your 911 day to day. AC is expensive but a new car will cost you that much in depreciation the moment your drive it off the lot....
-Chris
P.S. So happy you are still with us after your accident!

[944silver]

Ditch the subbie
2.5L's are NOTORIOUS for popping head gaskets around 80-90K.
INSANE amount of work for headgasket R & R.
Open one up and youll see why. Almost no metal on the cylinder side of the gasket for support. THANKS GM!
Requires pulling the whole engine (car frame in the way!!), replacing BOTH gaskets, of course. Dont forget a new clutch job, too, whether it needs it or not!
Almost total tear down of engine. One should probably rering and renew bearings at the same time, since your only about 12 bolts away.
Did you know that Subaru (GM) has you count the cogs on the belt to align the timing marks? Ive never felt so stupid counting out 127 teeth!
Tightening the head bolts is a sequence that is unbelievable too! Loosening and retightening, 1/4 turn tighter and looser, for FIVE different sequences. I've replaced plenty of headgaskets before on all different makes, and this was the most elaborate sequence I have ever heard. On two heads I might add....
Most shops I work with charge $1600 to almost $2000 at one shop. On a car that should be worth $5k tops by that point in its life.
Up until that happens, it's not a bad little car tho!

[nostatic]

Put AC back in the SC? Hmm...not an option. I don't want to add weight...I'm already overweight for my class. I don't mind the no AC drives to and from the track. Its just that driving to and from work can be a tad sweaty without it (I did it for 2+ years in the 911 though).

[Don Plumley]

Option 6 or Option 1. It's a commuter car. Door dings or fender benders won't make you flinch. Park it anywhere without worrying. That's what I'd focus on. You already have a great fun car to drive on the track or for weekend fun runs. My $0.02.

[Tobra]

For a commuter car I would buy a Honda. I am sold on them after driving my integra for 130,000 trouble free miles. A GSR hatchback would fit your needs, but is one of the most stolen vehicles in Mexifornia.

Do your rehab, that don't use it you lose it stuff is true, glad you are back at the asylum.

[turbo6bar]

Hummer H2 and Exxon stock is your best bet.

but if I had to choose it'd be
option 1 first (it's cheaper than all other options and you can sit on it until you've narrowed down options 2-7 to only ONE)

option 2 if you must act now

option 4 is the only other I'd choose, simply because I'm thinking about a 964. I don't think this fits your carry more than 2 people requirement, though.

Option 11, for me, buying a motorcycle (first timer) this fall, is out, because I heard some guy in CA has a fetish for hitting stuff on the freeway. That episode rid me of my desire to own a motorcycle. If I'm going to die, let me do it on a bicycle, doing 20mph, grinning from ear to ear.

[Porsche-O-Phile]

Boxster-S.

I have a lead on a good one down in Costa Mesa if you're interested. I was going to buy it for myself but I've decided to save money right now and try to take advantage of the impending housing market implosion instead.

[Brillo]

If you are looking for good gas mileage and being able to haul more than one person and haul your music equipment (although probably only one passenger then), while having a fun drive, my choice would be the Mini.

If you really want a haul/tow vehicle then that is a different category.

Maybe option 7.

Difficult decision, I've been there.

[dd74]

Can there be an Option #8? As in if insurance pays you anything for the bike, you could pool that with selling the Subie, and see how much you'll have.

If I were you, I wouldn't rule out a nice used BMW or Mercedes small wagon. Yes, they're not 911s, but they'll outperform your Subie while returning very good value and offer copious amounts of space.

It's funny, but whenever I consider a brand new car, I always forget the costs of tax, license, and registration. Then there's depreciation which is an afterthought only when faced with selling that same car a few years in the future.

Also, I suggest a wagon because, in my case, I'd be less tempted to modify a wagon in lieu of something like a Cooper S, a WRX or STi. Of course, if you want to modify another car, mine is a moot point.

Now, how about an Option #9 and 10? Sell everything (or everything but the Porsche) and buy a true dual-purpose car in case the Porsche breaks or you end up selling it in the future.

When I write dual-purpose, I mean something you can use on the street for passengers and carry cargo, as well as use on the track. I'm thinking RX8 for this choice if you want new - I've seen them selling brand new for $20K - they're fast, hold four, handle but have to be driven agressively to realize their capabilities - like a 911.
Or if you want a nice used dual purpose car, again, secondary Audi S4s are around; there are tons of BMWs for sale, and don't rule out the AMG C-series Mercedes. I've driven an older one, and found they are nothing at all to balk at.

[creaturecat]

my wife has a 2003 BMW 325 4 dr 5 sp with sport seats/suspension.
Fantastic car.

[Brillo]

Wagons are good. Now don't laugh too hard....I have a '01 Saab 9-5 wagon. Loads of fun, surprised a few folks at PCA rallies with it. I bought it new. Depreciation is horrific. You can pick up a good one for not much money, I'm talking low teens. They have their problems, mine has a had a few.

When the 986 wouldn't start when we went to Monterey last week, we transferred all of our stuff in it and away we went. Gas mileage not the greatest and some models require premium.

[nostatic]

There is no way I'd buy a used Audi. Or Mercedes. The RX8 is a tiny car...not nearly enough storage space.

A dual use would be tough. I'm used to having proper safety gear. I don't think I could run a street car on the track any more...I'm just not comfortable without a roll bar and harness.

I think I have two decisions. One is do I keep my current 911 as my track car or do I make a switch. Given that my injury will likely end the chances of a class championship, I can entertain other options. But probably better to keep the devil I know and run it. But I really should go to a fuel cell and full cage setup. That kinda ends it's street days.

[84porsche]

I am with these two:

Option 4: trade/sell the 2.5, buy a 964/993. Have nothing but p-cars, but functional hvac and more comfort in the dd. Downside is probably expensive maintenance, and high upfront buyin for a 993.

A 993 would be my choice and you are looking mid 30s for a decent one now. Will probably hold its value IMO. You can always rent a truck or you know people with a truck if you need carrying capacity.

Option 5: trade/sell the 2.5 and buy an Xterra or FJ or Frontier or Tacoma (crew cabs). Could use as a tow vehicle for the SC. Downside is less fun as a daily driver and worse gas mileage.

Now my practical side says get the Tacoma. I want one too but I'm afraid I would get bored with it as a daily driver and I have almost paid off my daily now so the disadvantage is getting in more debt by trading/upgrading. A Tacoma crew cab is in the mid 30s also.

Say you get $18k for the Subie, your still out of pocket $12-15k whichever you choose.

[Moneyguy1]

For an all 'round simple transportation vehicle, how come there is no mention of "American" makes (Ford, GM, Chrysler)? To be honest, although I like German engineering, I have found that Fords in particular have shown some clever design features over the past 8 to 10 years, and their engines are about as complex as an anvil. A Taurus wagon will take your passenger load, all your roadie gear, and get reasonable mileage as well. And a late model would be well within your budget requirements, insurance would be nominal and reliability is acceptable, not to mention the easy availability of parts and service. Dodge makes a couple of vehicles that would also fit your needs like the Caliber and perhaps even the PT Cruiser.

Just being contrary, but my wife's Taurus is comfortable, competent and easy to maintain.

Flame away.....

[dd74]

Originally posted by nostatic
But I really should go to a fuel cell and full cage setup. That kinda ends it's street days.

Ends its street days? In a car already (intentionally) minus its A/C? C'mon, buck up!

BTW: pm'd you...

[techweenie]

Originally posted by Moneyguy1
For an all 'round simple transportation vehicle, how come there is no mention of "American" makes (Ford, GM, Chrysler)? To be honest, although I like German engineering, I have found that Fords in particular have shown some clever design features over the past 8 to 10 years, and their engines are about as complex as an anvil.

I've been very happy with a long line of Jeeps -- Cherokees and Grand Cherokees.

But what Todd should do is put some nice street rubber on a second set of wheels and enjoy the P-car.

[notfarnow]

Citroen DS

French engineering, what could possibly go wrong?



Seriously, for a dedicated commuter car, a Civic is hard to beat. Cheap, peppy, great on gas, good air conditioning and reliable. Buy 2-3 yrs old and you beat the depreciation, and free up cash for a set of tires for the SC.

[Seahawk]

I alternate communtes between my 964 and a 2001 Tacoma. I only commute in the 964 in the local area, no trips to DC.

The Tacoma is fairly peppy (four cylinder five speed with four wheel drive), very comfortable and tracks well. Gas mileage is around 22mpg.

The absolute best thing about commuting in the Tacoma is the fact that the streets in the DC area are in very rough shape...the Tacoma handles an incredible amount of punishment without apparent issue.

I don't know if that factors into your decision matrix...certainly winter weather doesn't, which is another plus for the truck.

[Rot 911]

I'm pretty happy with my Grand Cherokee Limited. 5.7 Hemi, 330 hp, active sport suspension, 7000 lb tow capacity. Gas mileage is 15 in town, around 19 on the highway which is typical for most full size SUV's and trucks.

On the other hand I think you should also consider your finances with any car you buy. Having been on this board awhile I know that you don't keep any daily driver for very long. You like change, but eventually if you keep buying new you are going to find yourself upside down on car deals.