I want to thank everybody who chimed in with positive comments. I really appreciate that. As you might expect, I am a little disappointed in the hammer price as it was at the very bottom of my expected price window, but if I'd kept the car I would still have the same issues that prompted me to sell in the first place - My legs aren't getting any shorter after all .
So I guess it's time to move on. The question of the day is what will I buy next. The factors in play are:
- I'm retiring in a couple of years or so. At that point I won't be able to justify three cars. Also, if we move to the mountains as planned, finding a three car garage is pricey and difficult. I also feel the need to simplify things at this point in my life.
- I would be better off with one car for me that encompasses any practical needs I might have as well as scratching my sports car itch. Major practical needs can be dealt with using Pam's car, but sometimes that won't be feasible. I probably want something that I am comfortable taking to the track once or twice a year.
- Has modern safety features. This is a need largely because the drivers where I live are godawful. I hired an old buddy of mine a few years back who moved down from DC. He says the drivers here are worse - much worse. On top of that - and probably a factor in it - is the fact that the population in and around Charleston is exploding. The town of Mount Pleasant, where I live, has almost tripled in size since we moved here in 2002 and the roads are woefully behind that growth. I am paranoid every time I take the Beck out. On top of all this, there are virtually no nice, twisty backroads to drive on. The increasing unpleasantness of driving here is a significant reason I want to move to the mountains.
- I want something that is fun to drive, looks good, has a modicum of practicality, is reliable, and fits my budget. In other words, the perfect car (for me).
- If used, it must be relatively low mileage and in excellent condition. My last used car purchase was a '71 Pinto in '74.
So who are the candidates? In no particular order, they are:
- Porsche Cayman: Either new or used. New would be tough within my budget, but not impossible. A used '13-'16 981 Cayman S (6-cyl) is what most of my friends suggest. A new one would depend on whether or not I can find a dealer that will sell at sticker and not add one of those maddening markups.
- New BMW M240i. I'm not crazy about some of what they've done with the interior, but the size and packaging is similar to my 128i that I have enjoyed for the last 12 years. Unfortunately not available with a stick, but the BMW auto is almost as good as a PDK.
- New BMW M2. At the very edge of affordability and I'm not wild about the front fascia, but oooohhhh the power! And it's available with manual or automatic.
- A previous generation M2. Less expensive and nicer looking. I would have to get over the whole "used car" phobia, though.
- A new Supra, now available with a manual.
- A friend's lightly used Z4M40i convertible. Hmmm... Do I want a convertible?
- Other suggestions are welcomed.
So there you have it. I am consoling myself on the low sales price by looking ahead.