Contemplating Another Vehicle Purchase

Every year when tax time comes around, I get to thinking about buying another car, and usually I know exactly what I want. For the last few years, including this one, I have wanted to buy another 1st gen Neon. I had a '98 almost 10 years ago and lost it to repo, and I've missed it ever since. Also, every year, my wife has wanted a replacement bridal set since what we bought when we got married wasn't what we wanted and she deserves something much nicer than what we got. Plus the gold is irritating her skin pretty bad. But that's another story. But, every year we have to give up our wants to pay for our needs, like clothes for the kids, food, pay bills, etc., and this year was no different. Although we did buy a "want" this year, a 2 week trip to North Myrtle Beach, SC, which we leave for in a few weeks.

So, I'm thinking ahead for next year, unless my income situation changes and we can afford the ring and another car payment or save to pay cash for them. I looked at Neon's 'til I was blue in the face until I knew for sure if I could get one or not this year. I found a lot of deals for under $1000 for good running cars, but none of them were "the one". A lot of them did come close though.

Now I'm stuck though. I have spent the last couple of days looking at 94-04 SN95's (Mustangs for those who might not know) and 94-up GM F-bodies (Camaros & Firebirds). I used to own each as well, but in 3rd gen bodies. I used to have a '80 Mustang Cobra, '86 Mustang GT, '89 Camaro RS, '89 Firebird Formula, and my wife's '82 Firebird SE. The only times I have driven a 4th gen in either brand was when I worked as a mechanic, and drove my in-laws '96 Formula. Right now, I'm leaning toward the SN95's. Even though I was raised on GM and Mopar cars, I think I might like the Ford change.

If I did go with a Mustang, I think it would be one with a 5.0, which I believe limits me to '94-95 years I believe. But I thought I read they have a 5.0 in 1999 and up models. Even though all I find are 4.6 references, like here. I won't mind a modular motor, but I hear the heads are a problem. As for the transmission, a manual is the only way to go I think, unless I have the coin for a built C4, which I don't yet. Colors aren't an issue, they don't make you faster or give you more power.

Another Camaro or Firebird would be great though too. Preferably an LS1 powered car, '98-02. The LT1 is fine, but I'm liking the tuning options for the LSx engines, and have since they came out.

No matter which I would choose to buy, it would have to be something reliable that I can drive everyday, in good condition and not be a money pit, for problems not upgrades. I would want it to be something that I can work on in a weekend and not have sitting on jack stands for weeks. Or worse yet, end up like my truck sitting in the barn for a few years.

I'll keep thinking about this, as I always do until I find something else to obsess about. It's spring, so cars and BMX are what's on my mind, after God and my family, of course.

So, until the next post, God Bless, keep the rubber side down, and get to wrenchin'! I hope my posts can be an inspiration to all who read them.


John, "Pop"