SUPPOSE you are living in Central Europe. What kind of car would you buy?
As we all know, travellers don't need a car (unless on a buddy tour or something). The metro, tram, bus or taxi is fine.
On a month or three stay, a car can be rented (and expenses shared). But for longer-term stays or actual residence, a car for weekend travel adventure is really desirable. The party time can move out, away from 'home base,' or else the date time becomes more...mmmmm, sociable!
My budget is 6 to 14K (US dollars). Thus, a quality used vehicle is called for - not new.
While many would choose a regular car for frequent commuting or shopping, my driving purpose is the most popular one here on the board - weekend or weeklong trips elsewhere in Central Europe - or else to Eastern or Western Europe. (Therefore, I expect to have it garaged somewhere.)
My top choices are either a later model Porsche 944 (the more desirable Boxster is excellent and best for most people, but too tight for me - a very tall 235 pound man); or else a BMW 3 series coupe (from 10 or 12 years ago). The first is a flashy, fun, grand touring classic money pit (up to 1,500 per year); the second is a high quality dependable ride with more pep than looks - but it does convey a decent degree of status when a man wants to reveal something of that.
So - questions: would you consider other vehicle options? What are the game effects of these for rolling in style? As well as my two top choices?
I thought about doing a poll for this question and making it very general, open-ended one. But then rejected this approach as too unfocused and therefore less useful except for mere 'dreaming.' I think my more practical requirements may prove a better 'think through' exercise for others - or so I hope.
Older car's registration expense are quite affordable - as little as $200 - but these vary by the size of engine, vehicles age, and - naturally - by the country of registration. I'm ignoring petro costs (or gas). VAT can be huge. But, apparently, for used cars in a private purchase, these do not (except rarely) apply.
As we all know, travellers don't need a car (unless on a buddy tour or something). The metro, tram, bus or taxi is fine.
On a month or three stay, a car can be rented (and expenses shared). But for longer-term stays or actual residence, a car for weekend travel adventure is really desirable. The party time can move out, away from 'home base,' or else the date time becomes more...mmmmm, sociable!
My budget is 6 to 14K (US dollars). Thus, a quality used vehicle is called for - not new.
While many would choose a regular car for frequent commuting or shopping, my driving purpose is the most popular one here on the board - weekend or weeklong trips elsewhere in Central Europe - or else to Eastern or Western Europe. (Therefore, I expect to have it garaged somewhere.)
My top choices are either a later model Porsche 944 (the more desirable Boxster is excellent and best for most people, but too tight for me - a very tall 235 pound man); or else a BMW 3 series coupe (from 10 or 12 years ago). The first is a flashy, fun, grand touring classic money pit (up to 1,500 per year); the second is a high quality dependable ride with more pep than looks - but it does convey a decent degree of status when a man wants to reveal something of that.
So - questions: would you consider other vehicle options? What are the game effects of these for rolling in style? As well as my two top choices?
I thought about doing a poll for this question and making it very general, open-ended one. But then rejected this approach as too unfocused and therefore less useful except for mere 'dreaming.' I think my more practical requirements may prove a better 'think through' exercise for others - or so I hope.
Older car's registration expense are quite affordable - as little as $200 - but these vary by the size of engine, vehicles age, and - naturally - by the country of registration. I'm ignoring petro costs (or gas). VAT can be huge. But, apparently, for used cars in a private purchase, these do not (except rarely) apply.
“There is no global anthem, no global currency, no certificate of global citizenship. We pledge allegiance to one flag, and that flag is the American flag!” -DJT