[Lupin..the..3rd]

Originally Posted by BlackTalon

$3k makes it tough to choose between 'reliable' and 'fun'. Most $3k cars are going to give you some problems,

You can buy a pretty nice bicycle for around $3k.

[Redroc]

Originally Posted by smdubovsky

Wow, a glutton for punishment. You still have them both? Do you need more than 2 hands to count the # of times the window regulators have failed and dropped the glass into the door (ever broken any?) How many times have you replaced the coil in the vr6? How many handbrake cables in the 97? Plug wires? How often has the door trim fallen off? Cracked a wiring harness yet? Funny thing is, mines the most reliable one of anyone I know @ 180k. It currently has only 2 inoperable windows and one rusted frozen brake cable. It's doing really well.

I had a 97 Jetta GLX that was bulletproof. I even drove it for several track weekends at VIR and it performed great except for the FWD push. Sold it for $6K with 130,000 miles on the odo so I could buy my somewhat less reliable S2.

[Potomac-Greg]

I've given up trying to squeeze any "fun" out of a DC region commute. My latest car (G37) is a complete surrender to reality. Automatic transmission, power everything, Japanese made, electronic goodies. Basically, a reliable cocoon to transport me at 15MPH on the Beltway from Rockville to Tysons Corner and back.

Does it handle? Doesn't matter.
Is it engaging to drive? Not relevant.

If I wanted something smaller or more practical and older, I'd look at the Focus or Acura RSX.

[Potomac-Greg]

Somewhat OT, but I saw a few of the new VW Scirroco's is Europe. Damn that's a nice looking car. If VW is keeping it out of the US to save GTI sales, the are friggin' crazy. It's prettier than the little Volvo thing, and 10X sexier than the Mini clown-mobile. Bring it with a turbodiesel and print up a waiting list.

[Redroc]

Originally Posted by Potomac-Greg

I've given up trying to squeeze any "fun" out of a DC region commute. My latest car (G37) is a complete surrender to reality. Automatic transmission, power everything, Japanese made, electronic goodies. Basically, a reliable cocoon to transport me at 15MPH on the Beltway from Rockville to Tysons Corner and back.

Does it handle? Doesn't matter.
Is it engaging to drive? Not relevant.

LOL!!! I've slowly been contemplating the same thing. It needs a good HVAC system, auto trans, good radio with ipod connects, cup holders, and reliability. Sweet Jeebus!!! I'm getting a Camry...

Was it Jerry Seinfeld who said if the traffic was any worse we would be driving backwards???

[BeerBurner]

Originally Posted by HateDCRoads

Or a Miata. Clean ones are pretty cheap and from what I hear pretty reliable.

I know you said you're not a big fan of japanese cars but this may be worth considering. With the exception of the shortnose crankshaft issue I had (only on '90s and early '91s) my Miata has been surprisingly bulletproof... so much that it's both my daily driver and track toy. On my last weekend at VIR I only put in gas... I didn't even have to top off the oil!

Unless you're worried about the "chick car" thing (which has it's bonuses because I've had far more women compliment the car and ask for rides in the Miata than I ever had in the 944 or 911) I'd recommend at least giving it a look. If you want, you can stop by and check mine out.

BB.

[DSgraham]

It seems there's a consensus.. Don't use a 951 for a DD LOL. IF one could make it reliable, I love the highway cruising, turbo fun, and since I go to work when there is no traffic, it gives the on and off rams a real "WHEE" factor.

So yeah, I'm guestimating that sometime within the next week or so I'll pick up a Focus. I guess I still would prefer to have say a 325I 5 speed, or even a 318I, but at this point it seems I'd be back where I am now, a car in the shop every week. That 951 Falcon Punched my efforts to fix it... Either I don't have the right weird-shaped tools and rubber arms to reach all the things that need fixing, or I simply lack the patience to remove the entire front end of the car to change the oil filter..

So really, if I were to offer my car up for a pick-n-pull, would there be any takers? I JUST got the A/C completely reworked like 2 weeks ago, so it has new compressor, evaporator, etc (converted to the new stuff too), motor probably needs a rebuild, turbo is about poop... but there surely should be something worth while (and money wise) right? 16 inch Fuch's anyone? And even if nobody wants anything off it, what would be my best method of getting max cash out of it (to fund the 914's assembly and shipping)?

[Patrick3000]

If you want to look at two wheels, I have a 2000 BMW R1100R w/16,000 miles, very nice example, $3,500.00, here is a picture:

[DSgraham]

I don't actually have a bike endorsement or any of that stuff. I'd have to go do that (which would mean time I need to be working for right now). I have considered something like that though, as much as I would think I want a sport bike, I also like that I have no broken bones, and all of my skin is mine (no transplants). One of those touring bikes might be interesting if I ever were to get signed off for a bike. Might go for a Triumph though, those things basically sound like 1/2 a 911... Which I like!

[Trak Ratt]

How about a 924S? Should be able to find one for !43.5K. Heard they make great DDs and in a couple years you can go racing for pratically nuth'n