What was i thinking? Could it be the recent cancer scare caused another mid-life crisis?
For about a year I have been wanting a daily driver that wasn't my 350 work truck. And, a dependable enough ride that if I up and decided to go to Watkins Glen I could jump in and go. We already have 5 licensed and insured vehicles on the farm. But, as Tanner says, you need one for every purpose. I decided I wanted a sports car. But, being a boomer I don't believe a sports car should have 4 doors. I know a Miata is the answer, but i don't fit comfortably in the new hardtop. (how do you say clostraphobia? helmet won't fit either without a Gurney bump) And OBTW, I wanted fairly new with all the gizmos, like back up cameras, and seat warmers.
I'm a true believer in mid-engine sportscars so my real desire was a C8 with Z51 goodies. Way too expensive. Second choice was a Cayman, but the "Porsche tax" scared me. After about 6 months of study, I gave up on the mid-engine criteria, so it came down to a Toyota GR86. Decided it had to be a premium edition. I plan to street drive it. I have stick shift cars. But in traffic I wanted an auto... but with paddle-shifters and a "sport mode" button, I should be able to have a little fun on 18" wheels with Michelin Pilots. Then the fun began...
OBTW, business has been good. I wanted to pay cash. I found dealers don't like cash buyers because they loose the back end revenue of selling loans. And, dealer mark-ups on GR86s can get a bit crazy. Resulting in me occasionally making a scene as I left dealerships all over Florida.
I finally came to terms with buying used. After all they are Japanese cars. One older edition in the neighborhood is already at 160,000 care free miles. The "used" decision expanded the market a bit. But, didn't lower prices a lot.
Oh, and I just couldn't see me driving a bright red, or orange sportscar with my driving style. I do have advanced degrees in driving schools in about 4 counties. I'd rather be less visible. Asphalt gray would probably be the best choice.
All of a sudden an opportunity for a unit that looked good popped up... in Colorado. I was in a "what the hell" mood, and pulled the trigger. I have some dear friends in Colorado that could stand a visit. Pikes Peak is open to the top. A road trip could be fun. Pushed the "buy" button.
So... here goes. I fly into Colorado Sunday night to see what I really bought.