Well, I'll rethink a paint job, and see if maybe I can do something with the carpet myself. I'd not go into debt to get a newer vehicle, but would pay cash. What scares me though is that often newer models have problems, and there are no 'statistics' for them until a model is several years old. A friend had a fairly new Blazer, (bought used and out of warranty) and he ended up spending $2000 for towing and the transmission being worked on. That was hard to swallow. It was a common problem for Blazers made that year. (Engine work too) 11 years ago, I questioned my judgement when I invested a good bit for a new Jasper engine in a 13 year old truck that was in good shape and that I liked. Well, it was a good investment as I still have the truck, still like it, and have had no other unexpected major expenses. It is not driven a lot and is mainly just used for hauling things. I think it will likely 'take me on out'.

Faron - I think I told you once that DH bought a 1964 1/2 Mustang convertible - black with red interior. He loved his baby - until our eldest son turned 16 - then he sold for something with safety features. That was in 1990 and we sold it in 1998. Then one day he went into the Chevy dealership to pick up my Suburban from the service department. Sitting in the showroom was a 2003 Anniversary Edition Corvette - he was smitten. I've never seen him so excited about a car before. Two days later he traded in his Tahoe and drove out in his shiny new Vette. We thoroughly enjoyed it- took several road trips, visited our son in Vermont in October with the roof down, the heater on and a heated blanket on my lap. Unfortunately 3 months later a driver ran a red light and hit him in the engine compartment and spun him around the intersection. Total loss. He was lucky he wasn't killed. That was his last toy. He now drives a really safe sedan. But this was his dream car - all 3 months of it. http://www.caranddriver.com/features/2003-chevrolet-corvette-50th-anniversary-special-edition-feature

I just spent the past few days at the grand opening of the Mustang Owner's Museum here in NC and the car show at the Charlotte Motor Speedway. The museum is about a mile up the road from the speedway. There was a big show with over 2,000 cars, and we got to drive on the track on Saturday! People came from all over the world, many from Europe, the Brazilians had their cars shipped to Miami and drove, and there was an Australian contingent, too. One of my grad school friends is in town this weekend, and she could not believe I still have the same car. I can't imagine my life without a Mustang, but there is something for everyone. The Eco-boost is an affordable option. Maybe someday I will have a Shelby other than my kitty Shelby. We are heading into final exams this week and I have so much grading, etc., to do, but you have to have fun, too. Lining up for the track. Unfortunately, showers on and off so could not keep the top down. New stock rims and tires. A guy from my club sold me these since he put on different rims and had these sitting around. They are like new even though from the mid-90's. International delegations! Some of the local members' cars: 1967 Playboy Pink (yes, this was a factory color) 1967 Shelby GT350 which he bought NEW for about $3500.

Mtn, the biggest downside to the Miata is that it costs $10k (per MSRP) more than the Subaru BRZ. Of course, I know that nobody pays MSRP, and since we're looking at 2019 models on both vehicles (so basically a year old already; the 2020s will be appearing shorty), I have no idea how much the dealers are going to be discounting. There are more Miatas on Mazda lots than BRZs on Subaru lots (at least in my state and those adjacent to it), so you'd think there'd be a little more incentive on the Miata, but my logic does not necessarily equal car sales logic. The upside to the Miata is that I think it would just make me happy each time I laid eyes on it. I feel it's probaby more suitable to a 57-year old woman than the BRZ, which truth be told, has something about it that makes me think it's more geared towards young men in their 20s-30s. The Miata is a classic to me, and in that Mica Eternal Blue, it makes my heart sing. Too, I am sure I would love having a convertible again. DH and I have spent all flippin' day discussing it, and these are the two ACTUAL cars we're comparing ... I think the scales are definitely tipped towards the Miata, and DH understands that. He wants me to have what I'll be happiest driving, so ... we shall see. (I still think that little Miata is just a sexpot with a happy face!) We're planning to go take a look at the Miata in person tomorrow when the dealership is closed. And then if I still love it, I guess I gotta figure out how to put on my best poker face and go back for negotiations on price next week. Ugh. I hate that part.