[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).