Now it came down to options. A manual was a must. I know the DSG is faster to shift and an all-around fantastic dual-clutch auto. I’ve driven a DSG a few times and was impressed, but rowing through the gears is just too much fun to give up.

Between the gas prices and the narrow, 500 year old streets, I’m surprised everyone there doesn’t just drive a scooter. Especially in places like Italy where the weather is nicer. Maybe not the greatest options for Ireland and the UK.

Same here, even if we don’t feel the pain quite as bad as our European friends.

I have actually had conversations exactly like this.

This is true, but let’s just say our tolerance for price fluctuations is probably a bit higher than the average driver.

Maybe Delphi should invest in building some airbags. It seems like there is some built in demand there.

I’m curious. What is involved in the RBPN? Is it just a statement that basically says, “This car that you are purchasing for $5,000 is actually worth $3,500 retail” or are there specific details given to the purchaser?

But, if you remove the redundancy from the car (or any) market, you will absolutely decrease innovation and increase prices.

Wow, maybe. There is some vague memory that pulls up but I can’t be sure that wasn’t a different game.

Would a tall (6’ or over) person fit in this?

I wonder how many here would remember Chase H.Q.

Two vowels away. Check that spelling.

I am headed here next week. I didn’t need to see this article.

I have never owned an SUV and I can proudly proclaim that I do, in fact, know what varnish is.

I’m a good bit older than you and just got to the point of my life where a sports car was feasible for money and practicality reasons. Sports cars usually come later in life when the kids are gone.

Not to mention that the depreciation number is not a realized cost until you actually need to sell the car.

While I don’t disagree, I will say that the Dart is a decent successor to the Neon. It’s nothing terribly exciting, but a decent performing small car that is reasonably fun like the Neon was.

The base Neon was great for what it was. Was the first car I purchased for myself and for $10K gave a really good driving experience. Decent HP, decent handling.

While I generally agree with your sentiment (except for the heel-toe-shift thing. I have a damn hard time getting that and frustrates me to no end), I would argue that there are all manner of enthusiasts.

I have this argument with my sister on occasion. She has two kids, dog, etc. Always in a loaded up Toyota SUV (Highlander I think). She knows I’m into cars and generally know about whatever’s out there when she wants to buy a new car, but she won’t even consider a minivan or a wagon.