I know, this being GRM, the answer of course is "yes".
Now that it's looking pretty likely that the BRZ is going to a new home, I suddenly find myself without a general runaround that I can leave at the airport without second thoughts and tool around when there's salt on the road. For obvious reasons, a 997 probably isn't what I want for either.
I've also been toying with selling my '96 Powerstroke single cab as I don't use it much, diesel truck maintenance is expensive when you don't use them much, and it's getting up there. OTOH it's a paid for truck with a few known foibles that runs, drives and eventually stops, so there is that.
The way I see it, I kinda sorta have two options:
1. Get another truck
That would pretty much eat up the whole budget and might just buy me a 2010-ish or older F150, or maybe a Ridgeline. I do like the idea of a Ridgeline, but I could do with a bit higher tow rating. Alternatively Touareg/Cayenne Diesel or something that says Land Rover on it that I can share with my wife. I don't really want a Suburban or similar due to the size.
2. Keep the F250, get a winter beater
I'm not sure I want another Subaru, but I'd need to look at something AWD or maybe FWD that I don't mind leaving outside. Outside of Subaru, the AWD choice isn't that great unless I do acknowledge my heritage (gramps had a bit of a hand in getting the VW factory going) and consider a check engine light attached to a VAG product.
The nice part about (2) is that compared to a truck, it leaves a bit of cash in the piggy bank so I can buy another bike and more Lotus parts. But knowing myself I'll probably buy a completely unsuitable moneypit or a SAAB 9-2x. Oh, as you were.
<fx: suddenly finds himself on SAABnet>
Yah, Maine used to be full of Saabs, and they have real winters up there.
Agreed. Lots of Saabs In Minnesota.
"I don't think I want another Subaru"
immediately begins shopping for a Subaru wearing Saab badges
¯\_(ツ)_/¯ said:
"I don't think I want another Subaru"
immediately begins shopping for a Subaru wearing Saab badges
Well, this is *me* we're talking about.
I'd rather have a 900 or a 9-3, though.
In your position, I'd be selling the Powerstroke- it sounds like you're willing to take a step down in towing capacity, so maybe a smaller truck that does both reasonably well is a good winter beater? I'd be buying snow tires for the Elise personally.
In reply to ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ :
The Powerstroke doesn't have that much towing capacity AFAIK - at least the hitch is only good for 7500-8k lbs IIRC. And I really don't need the capacity to put another F250 on my trailer these days. My trailer is only rated at 7500lbs GVW anyway.
Acura MDX or Honda Pilot. I have an Acura TL Awd with a 6-speed manual that has been flawless for some time.
The tow pig questions keep coming!
I'm currently gushing over my Cayenne Diesel in Toyman's thread. They're v. sweet cars that punch above their weight in a lot of ways. Touareg TDI is the same car for less money, albeit far less sporty/amusing to drive when pushed. If you need or want something that can still tow when the PowerStroke is gone, and are OK with an SUV, they're pretty fantastic cars.
Brake_L8 (Forum Supporter) said:
The tow pig questions keep coming!
I'm currently gushing over my Cayenne Diesel in Toyman's thread. They're v. sweet cars that punch above their weight in a lot of ways. Touareg TDI is the same car for less money, albeit far less sporty/amusing to drive when pushed. If you need or want something that can still tow when the PowerStroke is gone, and are OK with an SUV, they're pretty fantastic cars.
I always wanted a unicorn V10 Touareg. Then when I was working overseas in Romania, I was cut off in traffic by an Audi V12 TDI. I had no idea there was such a thing. When the time comes, I will import one to the States.
In reply to Brake_L8 (Forum Supporter) :
I saw that 
. They do appeal due to the sensible size and pretty decent tow rating. I don't really need anything else sporty, which is why I'd be happy with the Touareg version.
I occasionally need a truck though, unless I buy/rent a utility trailer. What I don't necessarily need is the 8' bed I currently have on the F250, so a truck with nicer ride quality would be great. But I can't say that I much like the truck prices for the ones that appeal.
I think right now I'm veering towards a beater-ish car rather than replacing the truck. Which of course has nothing to do with the HFM? for half ton trucks like F150s or 1500 Silverado/Avalanches/RAMs. And I don't think I'd want another F250 or F350. And I'm not sure that an early Tundra even with a replacement frame is a hot idea.
I'm not sure I should consider an Abarth 500 even though it ticks all of the boxes (hatch, small, probably OK in winter with snows). I feel myself involuntarily drawn to a W8 Passat, which given my vehicular inverse Midas touch, seems like a brilliant idea.
Very early Golf Rs seem to fall into my price range, as seem late R32s. That might be an option. But otherwise I guess the hunt for a SAAB w/ hatchback or a V70R that's not a complete and utter shed is on if I can stop getting distracted by old Mercedes (W114/W123/W124/W126), older Jaaaaaaaags or yet another Miata.
So if any GRMer have leads or any of these for sale, I'm all ears.
