2016 retirement vehicle thoughts..

[oldbike54]

2 bucks!!  :)

 Heck , even I can afford that 

 Dusty

[Wayne Orwig]

This I what the wife will get me when I finally retire.



But I suspect it will be more like a cardboard box and involve fire.

[lucydad]

All,

At age 61 seems I have experienced it all as far as vehicles:  from a Vega to a Corvette, Jeep to Peugeot 505, VW Scirocco and a BMW, and Mazdas.  Motorcycles feature my V7R and STRX:  yin and yang of beauty/character and razor/terror. 

Does your moto choice in bikes and cars truly reflect personality?  If so, I am all over the map, a true scatter diagram.  Very non-linear.

Looking at the retirement car has my head wobbling like an Indian software programmer considering his latest C++ program (apologies).

I seem to be spinning my wheels.  Maybe clarity will happen.  At times I think, to hell with it, keep the old beat up 2005 Mazda 3, then at times I think..hmmm....afte r seeing some sharp sporty car or other shiney thingy-thing with pretty wheels.

No answers....but like the little Nash Rambler, I will keep on moving...

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nash_Rambler

Fact is:  very few cars capture my heart.. and the tug of war of practical and fun is frustrating....and then again life is short...and then again...

[rocker59]

Since this is just another thought on your retirement vehicle, I've merged it into your existing thread.

Repeating myself from earlier, check out the Fiat 124.  It will go well in the garage with your Guzzi:



Or, for a little more dosh, check out the 4C spider next door at the Alfa dealer:

[PJPR01]

Alfa above is NICE!!  That or the Giulia...seems like Alfa is on the comeback trail again!

Looking at the retirement car has my head wobbling like an Indian software programmer considering his latest C++ program (apologies).

Most assuredly entertaining Rajiv Swami Guptachan, you make a very good point there!

Perhaps a night time session in Cedar Vale (are you coming??) to ponder the alternatives would be a good place to settle and make a commitment to one marque...or, perhaps the ones below will cause further dilemma:

[oldbike54]

 Greg knows what to do here .

 Dusty

[HardAspie]

Alfa above is NICE!!  That or the Giulia...seems like Alfa is on the comeback trail again!

Most assuredly entertaining Rajiv Swami Guptachan, you make a very good point there!

Perhaps a night time session in Cedar Vale (are you coming??) to ponder the alternatives would be a good place to settle and make a commitment to one marque...or, perhaps the ones below will cause further dilemma:

Ohhhh, that Alfa.

[PJPR01]

Right!  That's a car to sell your soul for!  Amazing barely begins to describe it!

[lucydad]

Rocker,

Yes, you are right.  Note that Houston Alfa dealer has a 4C, in stock, in yellow.  Man...

Pretty pricey though...

Ordered a Manta Dart flyscreen for the STRX to enhance long distance capability...may add a tail pack or larger tank bag too.
Damn windy today, its unusual I don't ride on a weekend. 

[lucydad]

All,

Sniffed out a 2008 Cayman S,  North Porsche of Houston.  Black metallic paint, tan leather, 6 speed....might get serious about this one? 

http://www.porscheofnorthhouston.com/used-Houston-2008-Porsche-Cayman+S-S-WP0AB29818U780534

[John Ulrich]

Nice looking!   Do you lay wake at night lusting over it.......that's when you know you've found the right one!   

[charlie b]

That Alfa and the Ferrari 330 are great lookers.  Too bad so few were made.

The new Alfa looks nice too.  Kinda like the Lotus.

Nope, never find the right one, cause the ones I lust over are unobtainium.  1) way over a $1M budget, 2) I wouldn't drive it on the street and subject it to the rest of the unwashed who prowl the streets, 3) the race cars really are not easy to get in and out of them, to the point that I may not fit in the seating space, even with a custom seat (which is a given for these cars) and 4) there are so few that they only come up for sale about once a decade.

Everything else is a poor substitute for what I really want.

[LowRyter]

Hey LD.  I'd go for it. 

I pounced when I saw what I wanted, otherwise I would be spending my retirement thinking about what to do vs doing it.

If you don't like it, sell it and get something else. 

[190 Octane]

The upcoming Miata RF looks good.

[twowings]

All,

Sniffed out a 2008 Cayman S,  North Porsche of Houston.  Black metallic paint, tan leather, 6 speed....might get serious about this one? 

http://www.porscheofnorthhouston.com/used-Houston-2008-Porsche-Cayman+S-S-WP0AB29818U780534

You will never regret that one!  There IS NO substitute...

[pauldaytona]

I like the cayman more then the each version getting wider/fatter 911. The cayman is even lighter then a gt3 911.

[lucydad]

Talked with sales manager about the car.  He knows our Paul, and Paul gave me his name (thanks!). 

Anyway the manager clearly knows the car.  Biggest negatives are:  only one key (new one can be ordered and programmed for about $300) , and some minor paint damage and substandard repaint on front bumper and one of the rear panels.  Otherwise everything sounds good.  TOYO tires are so-so, but acceptable until burned out.

I am interested enough to drive clear across Houston to look and test Saturday morning.  If I like it, and they will negotiate a bit, this car could happen.  Have not discussed with Ms LD yet on details.  Want to see if this is the right car first. 

I would likely replace the standard radio/CD combo with a modern XM Radio/navigation/phone/backup camera unit.  I know they can be had and installed for about $1800 or so, and are far superior to the original units. 

[twowings]

You tell him for that price he can throw an extra key in....*sheesh*

[LowRyter]

geees......I think I'd want a clean car.  Bad paint work doesn't sound good.  I'd be concerned that it hadn't been maintained. 

I must disagree with Chris.  I think there are substitutes and other fast & solid sports cars.  Personally, I like to have some open air.

[lucydad]

We shall see tomorrow.  Opened topic with Ms. LD, no pushback.  If it is not the right car, c'est la vie.  Not emotionally involved.  But, interested. Negotiations would be pretty vigorous given the price of oil, Houston economy, etc.  Second key a must, and likely some repainting also...few black cars I have ever seen, after eight years, even low miles don't have some paint issues.  Now, if I conclude the paint is really significant, perhaps an unreported collision, etc:  walking away.  Sales manager on the phone seemed very transparent.  It is difficult to find a reasonable mileage Cayman S, with the six speed, that is not either trashed or really old, or really over priced.

[John Ulrich]

We shall see tomorrow. Now, if I conclude the paint is really significant, perhaps an unreported collision, etc:  walking away.

Yup, you're in the drivers seat.  You hold the money and they want it more then they want the car.

[Muzz]

All,

Sniffed out a 2008 Cayman S,  North Porsche of Houston.  Black metallic paint, tan leather, 6 speed....might get serious about this one? 

http://www.porscheofnorthhouston.com/used-Houston-2008-Porsche-Cayman+S-S-WP0AB29818U780534

LD, the nephew has one of these of about that era. Drove it back from his holiday home recently, about 400kms. It is way out of our league so I was a bit in awe of that mighty V8 in it  but I was quite impressed with the vehicle and how nicely it drove. Know nothing about any faults etc.

[drlapo]

I'm confused.
A v8 in a Porsche Cayman???

[rocker59]

We shall see tomorrow.  Opened topic with Ms. LD, no pushback.  If it is not the right car, c'est la vie.  Not emotionally involved.  But, interested. Negotiations would be pretty vigorous given the price of oil, Houston economy, etc.  Second key a must, and likely some repainting also...few black cars I have ever seen, after eight years, even low miles don't have some paint issues.  Now, if I conclude the paint is really significant, perhaps an unreported collision, etc:  walking away.  Sales manager on the phone seemed very transparent.  It is difficult to find a reasonable mileage Cayman S, with the six speed, that is not either trashed or really old, or really over priced.

No way I'd touch a car like that with paint issues and possible unreported collision repairs...

[lucydad]

Rocker,

You make excellent points, also on my mind.  Cancelled the long drive/visit for this morning (Saturday).  Looked at calendar and I have a noon and evening social calendar, plus Ms LD wants some house unpacking help to prepare for her ladies dice party Monday evening.  Just ran out of time for today. 

The more I mull over the metallic black color, the less I am enamored--reasons are 1) very difficult to keep clean, 2) shows every nick and bug and gravel hit, 3) heat retention in our climate and 4) overall visibility to other traffic for a low built and small car.  My two favorite colors would instead be white, then red, then perhaps the right medium blue. 

When living in Tunisia we bought several of their high quality, hand knotted rugs.  Beautiful artwork, an investment indeed, and costly and value very relative.  I learned to not get emotionally invested, and to walk away if the rug did not really fit desires. 

[Muzz]

I'm confused.
A v8 in a Porsche Cayman???

My bad! Should have had my glasses on when I read the post. Thought it said Cayenne. More

[twowings]

Continue to think Cayman S....one of the purest expressions of driving pleasure ever built...I kid you not

[drlapo]

I retired a year ago
I have an MX5 and it's a great car and lots of fun to drive.
I also bought a new VW Golf wagon for everyday use.
I like both but neither one of them comes close to the enjoyment I get from a bike.
Riding is so much better than driving

[lucydad]

All,

Cross the black Cayman S off my possible list.  After viewing and riding in my friend Ed's new C7, in black:  concluded I just can't live with the color again.  My old 1984 Vette was black, and I hated trying to keep it even close to clean.  Cayman also only had one key:  a red flag, and salesman never offered to replace it, cost is over $300, plus trip to dealer.  If they want to sell a car:  have TWO keys!  Ran into the same thing on another Cayman a year ago. 

So, forget that one.  Still pondering a new Miata down the freeway:  right color (white), loaded, with warranty, two keys, etc.  Saw where Mazda is coming out with retractable hard top version of the Miata:  now that makes a lot of sense in our hot/wet climate to me. 

So goes the retirement car quest. 

Hoping Triumph dealer gets back to me on my STRX this week.  Miss that bike.  Likely Guzzi ride today although I think she needs a tune up based on fairly difficult starting, sometimes and closing on 15K miles. 

Ride safe you all! 

[PJPR01]

Hey Greg,

I was in the neighborhood on the weekend and stopped by to talk to Rodger and look at the Black Cayman while drooling over some of the other newer items on the showroom floor.  Too many panels had paint or overspray, so definitely no point in pursuing this one.  The interior was in great shape, wheels/tires all good...but with so many painted panels, something must have happened, key issues is easily solved, but that's minor compared to the body issues.  RG can still help you source your car...if you give him your specs, he can scan around not only locally but cast a wider net.

We had a blast driving up (3 car convoy - Carrera, C4S and Boxster) to Texas World Speedway in College station on Sunday, all of us got to drive on the track in a couple of fun speed parade laps and watch the top performers in the Red class run at full speeds up to 160 mph for the GT2...several other exotics out there, including a McLaren, several GT3's, quite a few 911 Turbo, Turbo S, and even a Cayman GT4 (check out Rodgers if you get up there). 

Have fun in the search!!