GTIs aren’t quirky in Oregon, GTI/Rs are “the default tech guy first new car after getting the big tech gig car”

I generally get bored with cars after owning them for about a year or so. I think that’s why we leased our CRV (one year left) and I paid cash for my Escort wagon two months ago...that I’m now selling on LOL

You and I are a lot alike, so I can empathise with you.

2003-2007 IIRC (actively searching for a XRS myself)

I was going to ask if you did pre-owned high(ish) end stuff Tom...I’ll keep that in mind when I’m ready to pull the trigger. I’ll definitely need your help :-)

He mentioned reliable tho

I’m in the same boat as well (except my wife insists on me getting a fun car instead of daydreaming about Escort wagons and malaise-era coupes).

The Toyobaru is your best bet. I’ve driven/sold many of them, and they are incredible handling machines that you can mod to suit you just fine.

The new Fortwo is one of the most fun cars that I’ve ever driven (no bullshit). This looks like it’s even more fun.

Lexus LS, first or second gen

If you’re going to Vegas (used to live there) and are going to play craps (avid craps player), you gotta go with the Caddy!

(I’ve also have owned five Cadillacs, so this one is a solid choice IMHO)

Eh, if you want Toyo reliability and the ability to go off-road, just get an ‘03 RAV4 AWD.

I went from a 01 Town Car to a 06 Spectra EX, so I know exactly where you are coming from.

I don’t get the hate for Vegas, that will always be home for me (plus my son was born there on Father’s Day).

Handcrafted

As a fellow Portlander (that is unfortunately living in Seattle ATM), my suggestion is to get an eighth-gen Civic and throw some winter tyres on there.

Nice! I dig the SFE. Do you have snow tyres?

The Fiesta SFE would be pretty fun in the dirt

Had two Town Cars, can confirm

I hate having to jam my giant toddler into the back of the CRV, and it’s one of the better ones on the market.

I totally get it