Cars - My Choices and Current Rides

1998 BMW M3 Convertible

This one is not mine. For the record, mine has light gray leather and it has never seen snow.

It's a super car. Zero to sixty in 6 seconds flat. Brakes that never fade and a suspension that defies gravity.

This is my daily ride. Pretty Q like isn't it (as in over the top). BMW is to be condemned for making anything less and in particular for charging what they do for it. The 323 and 328 convertibles can be a little anemic although I grant that the suspension is at least optional on them.

A friend of mine, Cristy, has a 328 and always complains that it's slow.

Other pluses:

California and convertibles - does more need to be said?

The quality is great

The top is totally automatic and there is no crappy toneau cover.

Car and Driver named it to their top 10 list and I couldn't agree more. If you can even vaguely afford it, go for it.

1991 Nissan 300ZX Turbo

This one (again) is not mine but it's really close. The picture is of a 1996 and there is only one minor difference. We could be friends if you know what it is.

This is actually the better of the two cars. Zero to sixty in 5 seconds flat and a top speed of 155 (vouched for).

Although it's getting old, I can't bring myself to part with it. It has only 50k miles and is in great shape.

Why is it better?

The seat is lower and more comfortable. It is a sports car, not a sedan.

It's faster and corners better.

With the top off it's much more protected. OK, sometimes that's a minus.

It's got more gadgets. Germans tell you what you get. The Japanese assume you want everything.

I can't recommend this car too much. According to the SuperCars site, a 1996 can be had for around $30k. Older ones, of course, for less. It's a kick and would be money well spent.

That's what I hate about vanity sites. There is no way that the above is anything but bragging. You give, you get. I guess I have to let you tell me why your choice is better (see site navigation for where).

A final, semiserious thought, or two. There is a lot of anti-car sentiment out here and it really galls me. Cars really are freedom (thank you very much for co-opting that, General Motors) and provide as much control as we seem to be able to get today. I go where I want when I want, everyone else not withstanding. The technology today is mind boggling and new cars do NOT pollute. Ride with me and you might get an inkling of what it's all about. Lecture over, at least for now.