[Spridgets] Thinking about buying another car

[Larry & Sandi Miller]

Miata.......


On Sep 15, 2011, at 5:02 AM, Andrew Payne wrote:

> I've spent the past few days thinking hard on a cross country trip that I've
wanted to take for years. Next year I may be able to do the trip. The basic
idea is to be on the road for about 80 days and spend a day or two in each of
the 49 states. (Hawaii until you build a bridge, you're dead to me! ;) I will
camp most nights, stay with friends some, and a few nights in hotels.  I will
likely do it in several regional trips so that I can keep my business afloat.
> As a car guy, the question of what car to take has always been important. I
had thought an Elise until yesterday when I came to terms with the prohibitive
cost. I can do the trip, I could buy the car, maybe both. I can't afford to
take that car on this trip. Tires, depreciation, maintenance, parts... So back
to planning.
> Years ago I thought a BGT was the perfect car. Fosters goodwill, fun, plus
it would plan my trip: I drive till I breakdown, and I explore the town until
parts arrive. I still think it would be a good choice. A Miata might be
perfect.
> So the open question is what car do I start looking for? Below is my
criteria.
>
> *My budget will be a max of $5000. This is for road ready condition.
> *Manual transmissions only!
> *The car must be fun to drive.
> *The car must be reliable.
> *Parts should be readily available, and affordable. This includes tires.
> *I need a securely lockable trunk at least as big as a Miata's.
> *I need to be able to reasonably expect 30,000 miles of mostly trouble free
driving.
> *A/C and cruise control would be ideal.
> *25+ MPG
>
> Drew
> Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry
> _______________________________________________