[VaSteve]

The Tacoma thread had me thinking....

OK it's almost new car time. I have a 2004 BMW 325xi as my DD. It's getting a little roughed up, but I bought it new and I still like it. I like the way it handles and while it's not showroom new it's not too shabby.

I have fought a constant debate about a new car. I have a family of 4...my two kids keep growing. We have an active life, bikes, 2 dogs, wife has a kayak she keeps in basement and it comes apart to put in the van. I have a well set up 944 that I take to track days. My other cars: 2010 Sienna, 1983 Targa, 1990 944. The Porsches don't have a/c or it doesn't work well (911).

I have run this debate several times in my mind and here on the forum. I have thought of a Cayenne to replace the BMW. Then thought better of it, and thought of a X5 Diesel. I would like the ability to tow the 944 once in a while (usually I just drive it to events). The X5 is the current leader in my mind.

I would hate to give up the handling of the 325, hence the consideration of the expensive SUVs. I HATE HATE HATE the Sienna. It's made for a woman, it find it incredible uncomfortable, handles like ****, but it's the most practical vehicle ever. We just went to Maine and took 5 bikes for 4 people, and a mountain of other stuff. It was great, I just hate driving it. With an unbridled passion. It cost $30K new and we have vowed to drive it until the kids go to college or the wheels fall off (maybe we'll put them back on).

I have never owned a pick up. I have driven them and like the idea of the utility and throw stuff in the bed, especially bikes and all. My son and I just went camping in NY for 2 days and we took the BMW, because I hate the van.

I have not committed to the X5, but that's the mind's leader. I like the size of Tacoma and Dakota 4 door. (I like the size). I could take the kids places and the dogs (without the kids) and throw the bikes and kayak in the back. I could go camping and do scout stuff and all and not worry about tearing up a very expensive used SUV. I could also pay a bit less and then keep my 325 (which has terrible resale now). My commute is very short to an open parking lot and most of my weekday trips are solo trips. The weekends is when I'm doing stuff.

I'm afraid that I will seriously regret selling/trading the 325 and and stretching my budget for a nicer fancy SUV that I will be all worried about getting dinged up.

Some of this is irrational.....it's a car forum after all, so what say you all?