A lack of projects, and I'm actually happy.

I just sold the "toy" WRX, leaving the family with three cars: my wife's Mazda6, my ForesterXT and the shared beach buggy and utility vehicle, a 4Runner. Since all of them are running well and caught up on maintenance, for the first time in 20 years, I don't have a project or toy car, and I don't really give a E36 M3.

Working on cars kind of got in the way of doing other things. Since I do most of my work outside, it takes a good, sunny day to motivate me to get out and spin wrenches. In other words, the perfect kind of day for going on family adventures. Instead, I'm taking the money I got from the WRX and throwing it into the household budget. It isn't a large sum, by any means, but it's probably good to get some things we're going to need, go out to eat a few times and have a bit more in reserve in case something big comes up.

I do still like to tinker, though. As it was noted in the magazine recently, it's very satisfying to make something with your hands or fix something that's broken. So, I've got a little aluminum boat that I'm probably going to do a bit of work on. The motor, electrics and controls all work, so this is going to be minor, day long projects like fabbing up some brackets to mount rod holders, changing the seating arrangement a bit and possibly, maybe putting on a Bimini shade.

I've also got the 4Runner to futz with if I get the itch. It could use some tweaks to increase usable cargo space (Molle gear, cargo nets, that sort of thing), some more power outlets, maybe a red LED map light in the overhead console. I might also put an upgraded Gobi-type rack on it and rig up some fishing rod holders. Again, nothing major, just small things that will make it more functional and enjoyable.

Maybe down the road I'll get a new daily driver and start doing some of the crazy things I've had in store for the Forester. I don't have 100k miles on it yet, but eventually the engine or turbo will go bad. The suspension's been used for rallycross and daily driving for 40k miles. It needs some cosmetic work, too.

For now, though, I'm just going to take things as they come.

You're my hero.

And I'll put the over/under at 23.5 days until you have a new project car.

Would you like some of my projects so I can be happy too?

So...with no projects you've now got time for...more projects.

Seriously, I felt the same way when I quit racing. It was amazing how much time and money I had to do other things.

I don't have a project car but I have a project house. As I get older I try harder to pace myself. Plus working 60 hours a week leaves little extra time.

And I'm okay with all the above.

I envy you. I need to get there. Stress levels have been high and I don't need my hobby adding to that.

I would love to have a project to work on. I sit around and do nothing at all. It's berkeleying boring.

I'll wind up with another project, eventually. Like I said, I'm kind of trying to position myself to it's a car I already own. If I did get a project, it would be when the weather starts to turn cold, and it will probably be a boat.

I quit when I gave away my Honda C70 before my last move. I have the '90 Integra still, but it really doesn't need much work for the way I use it, and I'll probably sell it soon anyhow.

I have a new rule for myself: I have to sell 2 cars before I buy one.

I just recently sold my truck and 2 seater convertible and bought a different truck.

I have two more cars for sale and thinking about what to get to replace them.

Trying to whittle down the fleet. You're right, it does feel good.

Two ways to get to where you have no project cars: sell or finish. Right now I'm hoping to finish but that's probably foolhardy.

My Neon is pretty much where I want it to be. A couple of my two wheelers could use a bit of work, but I wouldn't classify them as "projects". I'm getting antsy about getting another car, but lately been trying to replace car projects with smaller stuff, which is why I've built two custom radio flyer wagons in the last few months, and I just recently picked up a non-working vintage clock/desk lamp combo to fiddle with.

If I ever clear enough space in the garage, it's likely I'll pick up a car to fill it.

Cleaning up my garage to the point where I could put a car in it might open up the door to another project. In order for that to happen, I have to build a shed, or knock down my current garage and build a larger one. Building a larger garage with an air conditioned upstairs for my wife to use as her hobby room would be the best, but I'm not sure I can afford it.

We had four cars under roof this last winter .. Of five bays, and the fifth was filled with the two motorcycles and the huge riding mower. Of course you've seen my house and know that's not as big a deal as it sounds. Enough space and anyone could fit cars in their garage! Still took some work to get there though. Stuff has a habit of piling up while the cars are pulled out!!

Lack of space has contributed to having no project car anymore. Single parking spot, automotive tools are down at a buddy's house that is a 40 minute drive away. Only car in the household now is a leased vehicle and I am forbidden to do anything to it. It saves money I guess, but the itch is real.

It took me a little more than a month before I started getting the itch again. I had a few moments of weakness and went to drive a potential addition to the stable. It would up belonging to a fellow GRM hive member and was a nice car. Possibly too nice. The GRM hive-member was also very personable and had a lot of neat stuff.

My wife rightly advised me that what I really wanted is something to tinker with, and that it doesn't have to be a car. I have a kayak that could be rigged up in a (more) insane manner, a garage that needs attention, a shed project to build and some incidental improvement and maintenance work that I've been meaning to do on the 4Runner and Forester.

So, despite the want being very strong, I've managed to stick to my plan. Possibly look for a kayak build thread and some updates to the long neglected 4Runner and Forester threads.

I've trimmed the fleet, and haven't regretted it. The project house (honestly, what house isn't a project?) takes all of my spare time and money...

Yeah, since I won't have the funds to consistently go to the track into the forseeable future, I really want to take the BRZ back to stock. Sell the parts on it and the ones that haven't yet been installed, and buy something fast and comfy to drive everyday.

But I can't justify the car I want due to MSRP (Audi S3) and lack of covered parking.