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the S2000 is really quite albit more the driver's car. With an 8000 (or
is that 8500?) RPM readline, the engine is a definite jewel of a sewing
machine motor, not too happy around town compared to the bigger motored
WMB. I heard the handling is rather hair trigger also, meaning that this
is really a DRIVER's car, not for poseurs. Hmmmm, sounds like a potential
auto-x'er, oops, I forgot one of the reasons I race a 15 (oops, 16) yr
old GTi is that I can't AFFORD even the S2000! The bimmer is
comparatively a poseurs car, though it's supposed Z3. From what I've read
and seen, most people figure it out, seen VERY few of the less expensive
S2000 around here, while Z3's and M-cars in general, are rampant around
here. It's all about the image. Too bad, I even like(d) bimmers. 

>This brings me to Subarus...while they had no new WRX there they did
>have several Imprezas. I found it interesting that the interiors on

Too bad. My parent's '89 Legacy had that same lacking of interior
materials quality feeling. It was well put together, but it reminds me of
the rice paper walled buildings in Japan. Very well built......of paper. 
It's surprizing to me that they are not even considering a Sube to
replace their Legacy, even though they want AWD. Since there is no local
(to them) Audi dealer, and they want a slushbox (definitely don't think
they'd ever drive a standard at their age) they've been considering the
Passat GLS 4-motion. I guess it's close enough to an Audi, and I'd have
to agree, in terms of appointments, they are losing VERY little (except,
perhaps, real wood trim). 

>total investment was less than tax and license on most of those new
>cars. I can clearly recall attending Auto Shows where a late 80s Type 
>44

Believe it or not, I recall that, too. In some respects, I'm sure my eyes
bugged out when I first saw my 200Q in the garage of the seller. In
retrospect I'm happy I managed to talk him down at all, tho I also
probably should have knocked it down more. Now that I know what I know,
(thanks list), as the Who said, "I Won't get Fooled Again".

>was the latest greatest. Funny thing is, after looking at a bunch of
>used Volvos for potential "mommiewagon" replacements I found them all 
>to
>not be holding up as well as my so called type$$. 

Since my parents are also considering (not seriously, too much $$$$) an
X/C, this will be relayed. 

>The real upside was
>the reminder that buying cars new is foolish, BTDT more times than I 
>can
>remember and won't be doing it again anytime soon.
>
Only did it once, the GTi. Half the reason I've kept it so long and so
carefully was b/c I figured it would be my first, and last new car
purchase. Facing reality, it sure has a tough route to roll in Stock
Class Auto-X, though the new FSP class has made it competitve again. It's
now under consideration, since the car is no longer "perfect". Mother
Nature took care of that when she decided that my GTi was the perfect
beast to protect my parent's driveway from the ravages of a 48' Red Maple
during a terrible windstorm. I'd feel better if it protected their house
from the 70' oak instead, but since it survived and still managed to win
a few Auto-X's since (even with it's "moded" roof), I guess I'll keep it
and change classes. 


Thanks for listening, have missed yakking at ya 'bout F1 and Micheal (A,
not S, he's a Ferrari lifer, I believe!). However it'll be soon, soon,
only 2 more months!

LL - NY