Hello everyone!

As some of you may have noticed, I've asked a lot about possible options I could "trade up" to. In fact, I've test driven fairly extensively:

But at the end of the day, I really enjoy my R50. It's modded to suit my needs quite well, it's in incredible shape, and the thought of seeing some other bozo driving it around makes me sick to my stomach.

EDIT! Sorry, submitted before finishing, geez.

What I'm looking for is a second car that will be good at the two things the MINI is not good at: Straight line speed, and touring/highway cruising.

I'm considering something relatively cheap that I can slowly wrench on and improve. So far considerations are in the $5-8k range. 2000-ish Camaro, Firebird, Trans-Am, etc.

Any suggestions?

 

About a year ago I picked up a 1994 Jaguar XJ-S 4.0 litre straight six. Convertible. British Racing green with tan interior. Mint Condition. 56k miles. One owner. Total was $6K shipped from California. Beautiful car, convertible, great on the highway.

 

Convertible isn't even something I'd thought of... but that would be great for a highway cruiser! The Jag looks pretty nice, thanks for the reply

 

Here are some incentives

 

Wow, that's really a beautiful car! Looks like a great choice for cruising down the Pacific Coast Highway!

 

If you like the British style, you can not go wrong with a Jag. My other toy is a 1989 red XJS V12 coupe that I picked up last year. It has been the smoothest and most quiet car that I have ever owned. It handles pretty well too, nothing compared to the mini though, but great for long highway trips.

 

I hate to be the one to mention it, but didn't these jags break down a lot?

 

Ofcourse they did, why else would you buy two British cars. So hopefully one is running while your working on the other.

 

Mine did. A LOT!

She was a 92' XJ and she was beautiful. I just couldn't trust her and couldn't afford to keep her happy...the car I mean.

 

The v12 version had more problems than the straight six. By the mid 90s ford had a reliable straight six in it, which was shared by the xj-6 throughout the 90s and was reliable. Electronics also changed for the better with ford taking over jaguar.

 

Mazdaspeed3?

 

The MS3 is actually on my radar for my next "New" car. I think they look great, and enough power and space to be both fun and practical. I haven't had a chance to drive one yet.

However, if I'm keeping the R50 and getting a second car, I'm looking for something pretty cheap, $5-7k.

 

Jags are a lot of fun. Be selective and get one with good history and its running cost won't be more than anyother car of the same vintage, even cheaper if you can turn a wrench.

 

Well, a quick look at my local Craigslist reveals a whole bunch of XJ6's for sale, pretty cheap too. I'm not ready to buy right now, but it looks like they're pretty common in the area, anyway!

 

Ah, that's right! Forgot about the budget...hmm...Were you thinking about going American or JDM?

 

I hadn't really ruled out JDM, but most of the stuff I've been considering is American. I'm open to either, really... I don't have a particular fondness or aversion to either. A recent candidate I came across that might be fun:



>Big
>Comfortable
>Powerful
>Smooth ride

It hits all the criteria except for convertible.

 

How about a second R50? I've got to sell mine :(

 

Here's another jag for sale: looks like relatively low mileage and in good condition. Although not a convertible, may be a pretty good highway cruiser ;-)

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/new-o...t_39390wt_1282

 

Bonus is any guests you have in the back seat have to explain to everyone that no, they weren't under arrest.

 

I had a 2002 Z28 Camaro with T-tops. Very fast, smooth ride, a convertible when I wanted it, a coupe when I didn't. And who doesn't love tons of HP in a RWD? Also for the most part they are very reliable if they haven't been trashed.

 

Haha... or are they?

I was casually chatting with the guy who does my car audio stuff about my interest in a CVPI, and he exlaims, "My friend has an Interceptor for sale! And I installed a sweet custom sound system in it!"

It's a 2002, the owner is a body shop guy and he put a Mustang front clip on it. It's modded, which is a red flag, but also interesting... chipped, intake, exhaust, lowered 1", etc. He wants $4500 for it, I said I'd get in touch with him in the Spring and see it, if it's still around.

 

I am keeping my eyes peeled for a Z28 as well, I really love the look of them, especially t-tops How was the interior? I've never been inside one.

Another car I'd like to check out is a Lexus is300. It would be more of a replacement than a second car, I think, but it might be a good compromise. RWD, comfy, good aftermarket for suspension, etc.

 

I have a 93 BMW 525i Touring if you want a comfortable daily driver.

 

I've definitely considered the older BMW's. Bonus points, my girlfriend even likes them. I'm keen on the E30 M3 as well. How's the maintenance and upkeep?

 

E30 M3's are REALLY nice, but pricey for the age and mileage (like $20K+ for a clean 100K mile example).

How about the M3's competitor, namely the Mercedes Benz 190E 2.3-16V? Lot's of pedigree and fun to drive (raced by Ayrton Senna).
http://www.mb190e16v.com/Templates/M...car%20body.htm

They even come with sport bucket seats in the back!

I recently saw a clean example sell on eBay for ~$5K, and here is one for ~$4K http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Class...ht_7929wt_1182