So, you’ve given up on your dreams.

You told yourself 5 years ago, you’d get a second  car, a sports car, and drive it at least on weekends, date night etc.  But where is it?   You never bought it.  Probably because it wouldn’t fit in that extra garage space.  The lawnmower, 3 mountain bikes and some soccer gear are there now.  Who needs that sports car anyway? 


So, as a car guy, you are pretty much a big disappointment.  That second car ain’t gonna happen.  You wouldn’t have time to drive it, and eventually your daughter would end up taking it to college.   Perhaps some of that dream could be realized every day?  How about you give up that new fancy SUV payment and take some action.

There’s still time. We can do something about your pathetic situation.

Volvo offered two attempts at regaining your manhood,  The Volvo V60R and the V70R.   AWD (like your SUV), turbo charged and available in manual transmission,.  You remember how to shift right?   Oh, and best of all, that stick shift means less people will borrow it for soccer practice.

Volvos reputation for safety and durability will also help you justify this ride to the family.  You’ll be a hero for protecting the environment and loosing the SUV.  Oh, and nothing says “I worry about the safely of my family” like a Volvo.  Who cares if the Volvo isn’t really all that reliable these days, and that repairs are expensive, by the time the wife learns all this, you’ll have it in the driveway.

This 1st generation Cadillac CTS-V has 400hp, huge Brembo brakes, track ready independent suspension and a 6 speed stick.   These 1st gen cars are quite affordable since they are sold in the shadow of the newer 556hp 2nd generation CTS-V.

That picture above could be your drive to work, after you drop the kids off at school.  Think you could limp along with a mere 400hp? Oh,and your parents will be proud you bought American.  Just don’t loan it to the kids for the prom or they’ll end up in prison.

The 2008 Saab Turbo X is a rig that will impress. Overpriced for its performance level when new, the price is good now and a performance sedan isn’t about beating your buddies at the track anyway.  It’s about driving passion and Saab still offers that for sure, if you can find one.

As refined as any luxury car can be, but more sporty in trim and spirit.   The Turbo X is all wheel drive too.  I’ve never seen one in person myself, but  then again I’ve never seen a Saab without its service engine light off either.

Last up.  The E39 M5 (1998–2003) perhaps the highest quality car of my list.   If you want to study up on the M5 I suggest wikipedia.  I'm basically skipping it here.  Even though BMW is one of my favorite makes, here in Seattle they are about as common as raincoats. Barrier BMW is just too damn close to Microsoft I guess.


So, today we've learned that playing Forza with your kids is not being a car guy.  Also, driving a "sport model" SUV is a cop out, and costs more than what I'm proposing here too. Each of these used cars will set you back less than $25,0000 so plenty will be left for the maintenance associated with an unwarranted car.   There are others, but it's my blog and compact sedans like the M3 and S4 are too small for that road trip to Disney. I haven't forgotten about Mitsubishi, Acura and Subaru either, just havn't forgiven them for Pearl Harbor. Rember, tomorrow is promised to no one and you could die tomorrow in a Civic giving driving lessons.  So turn off Forza, put down the Xbox controller and log into Autotrader. 

Trust me, I know what I’m talking about. 

What?  No dog and child seats?   Try my other blog below:
http://www.sportscarguyspeaks.com/2011/04/youve-got-your-last-sports-car-and-you.html