Next car?

I’m leaning towards getting a new car this month. My Saturn and I have been through a lot over the years. It’s been just the two of us for over 12 years – a good run. And we’ve known each other since the beginning (it’s a ’94). I’ll hold off waxing poetic until it’s a done deal, but all this raises the question of what replaces such a great car. Here’s the criteria:





1. Reliable car for the next 12 years.


2. Relatively good mileage. I mainly have highway miles due to good public transportation, so not essential.


3. Handles REALLY well. I love driving. Driving for me is an experience, not a mode of getting from point A to point B.


4. Used car, but relatively new so I don’t have to deal with repairs for awhile.


5. Flexibility of use. Did I mention this is the car for the next 12 years. It should be able to handle career success and family success.


6. Not too flashy.






For me, the end goal is a Jaguar (preferable an XJS). This has been the goal since my teenage years and remains unchanged. I might be 90 before I finally get it, but one day.





Between now and then, I was thinking a BMW might be a good fit. Although I do remember my father (and the car talk guys) dissing BMW drivers. So I hunted and hunted and read and read and I found the perfect car for this next chapter in my life. At least on paper, I’ve yet to test drive the thing. It’s commonly referred to as the Japanese BMW. Here it is:



It’s the G35 from Infiniti. Not too flashy. I couldn’t afford it new, but used, maybe. And I want the first generation version. Sedan, preferably not AWD. I haven’t decided, whatever the car is, if I go the way of automatic or stick with a standard. I figured with the used market it’s better not to have too many absolutes. The best thing about it? The thing that makes the choice so obvious in retrospect? Math! I love math, numbers, and I haven’t done a thorough search but how many cars reference mathematical terms. It’s a perfect match!!!