Buying the same model of car again or something different?

[bennyboysvuk]

When replacing an existing car, I've always gone for something different. Mainly due to seeing a benefit in one or another area. Looking back at my previous cars, the one that stands out as being the best at everything was the E46 M3. I miss the LSD, the lack of nannying electronics, the NA engine and to some degree the quirkiness of the thing (driveline shunt, notchy gearbox etc). I now have a car that is probably better in every measurable way and more suited to my daily commute, however it's not 'better' to me, it's just different.

Are there things that you have to keep consistent when buying your cars? e.g. Must be front engine, RWD. Must have an LSD, manual gearbox etc? Or do you purchase a car and even if it annoys you, at least you've tried it? e.g. I love Audi's drivetrains, but am not keen on 4WD or their mainly front-led bias and will probably never buy an Audi due to this.

[balls-out]

after a couple of goes which I regretted, I don't buy autos.
RWD if not a Range/Land rover.
Where possible I buy V8s.
Of late - I try to only buy cars with a small block Chevy v8 - I'm on my 5th...

[Dog Star]

I love two seater convertibles, and I love Mercs. Helpfully I don't want manuals any more.

Because of this my car history since 2005 has been R170 SLK230, R230 SL500 and then, from 2012, two R172 SLK 250 diseasels. The diesels are excellent, but I'm due to change again in May 2016 and I can't really have three on the trot, so I'll be looking for something else.

[psymonr]

bennyboysvuk said:

e.g. I love Audi's drivetrains, but am not keen on 4WD or their mainly front-led bias and will probably never buy an Audi due to this.

I would echo this, I had an Audi S4 (B6 V8) and although the noise was great, the interior well appointed, the gearbox a joy, it was too front end heavy in reality for (really) spirited driving, I have an E46 M3 now and I wish I had gone for RWD earlier than I did, I enjoy it far more for it's dynamics. One car I did enjoy though was the Blobeye impreza WRX I drove, I think an STI would have a lot more to offer in terms of dynamics and fun than my old Audi ever could have (though the Audi was still a good car, just offered something very different), so maybe look at some alternative awd cars for something a bit different?

[bennyboysvuk]

Very much horses for courses then. I love variety, but I hate being stuck with a car that I'm unhappy with. I love the idea of a 911 too, but think the handling would frustrate me. Maybe I just need to scratch that itch one day.