[304065]

Hey Todd,

I have put my remaining brain cells to work on your transportation problem and have come up with the answer. . . VW Eurovan.

As a former owner, I was pleased to get around 20 mpg while driving on the street. The 2001- and later VR6 puts out 201 HP and 181 lb/ft of torque. With 201 cubic feet of interior volume you can haul plenty of gear. I also successfully towed my 2300 pound 911 on a lightweight trailex trailer, at speeds up to 90 MPH and grades up to 6% (not, mercifully, at the same time). While towing, the mileage declines to 11MPG, however. The only drawback is. . . once you're in the Eurovan club, it's hard to get out, e.g. the EV is not as "liquid" a vehicle when it comes time to sell. I let mine go for $16,500 with 17K on the odometer.

The "ti" would be a fine car, I once owned a 318is with the same four-banger, it is a willing and responsive engine in the fine tradition of the 2002 Touring (of which something like eleven were sold in the USA). However, I doubt you could get a pink-mohair-shag-upholstered Mesa/Boogie stack into the back without the use of a bungee cord. Also, the 318 has holdover rear suspension from the E30 I believe, and different interior than the newer E36.