Quote:
Originally Posted by AnalogMan
Tcoat, thank you for reassuring me that I'm not the only WRX owner in my 60's. It gets a bit lonely at times, driving around and seeing all the WRXs/STis in my area driven by people less than half my age (but then, I've always been immature).
In theory, something a little 'higher up the food chain' would be great (especially for what will likely be my last 'sports car'; by the time I hit 70, I probably won't want to shift a manual transmission anymore, and might not have so much fun climbing down into a low sports car).
I've ruled out Porsches (I've owned several in my life). The air-cooled ones are fabulous, but prices have gone into the stratosphere. The water cooled ones, I can't abide a car like the Cayman with an engine you essentially can't even see (I like to do my own maintenance), and doesn't even have an oil dip-stick (I owned a 2006 Boxster S, and the lack of an oil dip-stick ended up causing headaches and expenses, when the digital gauge on the dash showed the oil level increasing).
Lotus, great in theory, but I'm too old to deal with the poor reliability and constant repairs. I've had many British cars, was always constantly tinkering with them, don't want to do that anymore (and my wife would not be happy if I brought another British car home, after some marriage-straining experiences with MGs and Triumphs in the past).
I keep thinking about the Nissan 370Z. Simple, basic, like the BRZ but much more power (but also more primitive). I'd go for a C6 Corvette, but my better half would never ride in it.
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To be clear I do not currently own a WRX/STi but it is at the top of my shortlist when it is time to replace the FRS. I am just waiting on it to come out on the new platform because I think it will be spectacular.
I shopped the Zs and did not enjoy them at all. It is a horribly dated platform now and as far as sports cars go it is a barge in handling. It can't do anything you can't do as well or better with a WRX.
Newer Lotus seem to not have the issues of the past so constant repair is really no big deal. They are a total bitch to get in and out of though.
Your $30K price limit does restrict you a bit but I don't think the BRZ will give enough variation to your current line up to have much fun value.