|
Hi all... first post here.
I'm having flashbacks to 1989 when Nissan brought us the 240SX - and I HAD to have one - even though I couldn't really afford it at the time (a recent college grad, newly married, and working my first "real" job). A simple, stylish, great-handling RWD coupe that was FUN TO DRIVE and AFFORDABLE (to most people). I traded in my ragged-out '78 Corolla SR5 Liftback in on a shiny new midnight blue 240SX Fastback with a 5-speed manual and the "sport package" (front & rear spoilers, ground effects, wider alloys/tires, and maybe stiffer suspension) and NO other options (even had manual windows). It had everything I needed and nothing I didn't - and I LOVED IT! Unfortunately, a year or so later we had our first child on the way and had just bought our first house - and in a weak moment of financial panic I traded it in on a used econobox commuter-mobile (too ashamed to be more specific) to get out from under the payment. Hands-down the worst car-related decision I've ever made. I regretted it immediately and ever since. I've owned some interesting cars since then, but none of them - even much more powerful/faster ones ('96 Mustang Cobra) - ever felt as "right".
Fast-forward 22 years... I'm now 46 years old - and history is repeating itself. Here comes a very similar car that I'm pretty sure I HAVE to have (depending on pricing and final production reviews - and most importantly: a test-drive) - even though I'm really in no position to be buying anything new. I make a lot more money now, but also have a lot more expenses... including a much larger mortgage, debt from the oldest child's college "experiment" and subsequent cosmetology school expense, the second child's current college freshman tuition (at least three more years to come), and a high school freshman who would like to have something to drive in the next year or so (oh... and her college tuition in a few years). Not to mention they're all GIRLS - so I assume there will be weddings to pay for eventually. <sigh>
On the other hand, life is short - and the vehicle I'm driving now ('09 Toyota Tacoma 4-cyl. 2WD reg. cab), while utterly reliable, completely affordable, and extremely practical/useful, it is about as far away from "fun to drive" as you can possibly get.
I want something that I actually look forward to driving again... something light, tossable, quick, simple, that handles great and looks & sounds good. I'd actually been eyeing Miata's recently, but would prefer more seats and a hardtop. Along comes this car... it's exactly what I want. If they price it reasonably (low 20's), I'm buying one.
|