half a cat

I want a new car. I like cars that have a good amount of power, lots of creature comforts, don’t suck gas too bad, and look sexy. I’m not looking for a car to help get me booty (have the trusty steed for that), but rather something I am going to enjoy. I tend to flock towards larger cars, and generally European designs. The main lines of American cars just don’t do it for me. I love the new Charger and the Corvette, but can’t ever see myself buying them…seems just too pedestrian. Of course this is coming from the guy who is driving a 1982 Chevy 4×4 Pickup…but that is about practicalities…yeah, that is it.

Here are the ones I’ve been drooling over. Now I just need a spare 50K or so. I’m quoting standard features and prices where noted. This post is taking a while, so I’m publishing as I go. FWIW: I’ve year to really drive any of these vehicles, so I’m just drooling over webpages right now.

Update: Yeah, so formatting gods have prevailed. Much more of a drool fest now… Who cares what mileage or engine they have…besides, that is why the links are there you lazy gits.

So folks have been asking me what my choice is…or at least which direction I am leaning. I’d have to say either the X-Type or the A6. Depending on local dealer arrangements, maybe the S60. Those are the ones that I could likely afford (after paying off the CC and a few other assorted bills) and the insurance would not be too bad. Sadly, insurance rates might make the choice for me, given that I’ve no major hangups with the car itself. I’m not spending 50K on a car unless I love it. No eating while driving love it, clean the garage love it.

• Jaguar X-Type Sport

  • MSRP: $36,695
  • Just sexy car. Definately status symbol. Too bad there is no dealer here, repairs and service major headache. This is the car I’d buy until I could afford the supercharged V8 XK. For some reason the XK doesn’t strike me as as much of a ‘macho’ guy car as say the Mercedes SL500. Perhaps the Jag just has that bit of styling that makes it look less gaudy ?
  • X-Type
  • XK

• Audi A6

  • MSRP: $42,620
  • Again, just nice. A bit more racy looking than the Jag, but not quite the luxury feel. Still, makes me giggle. No Audi dealer either…but I think there is an Audi shop here. This seems like it would be a good road trip and mutliple-people car.
  • 

• Subaru Legacy 2.5 GT

  • MSRP: $26,245
  • Looks better in person (especially in black). I like the way this car handles, interior is pretty sexy too. I was surprised that I could like a Subaru, but I’m a believer now.
  • Yikes, no picture from dealer website. Serious points taken off for using Flash.

• Volvo S60 T5

  • MSRP: $32,045
  • Honestly, this car looks a bit less expensive than its price tag. I know, I know, book-cover-thing. There is a dealer in town, so makes that all easier. I’ve heard from a friend that has had bad luck with his C70. Then again, he did buy it on the cheap at auction and didn’t get much of a warranty. I like the lines on this car, understated a bit.
  • 

• Saab 95s (Aero?)

  • MSRP: $40,670
  • I think I’d go for the Aero model. Go big or go home. Another site that should be nerd-slapped for using Flash. I’m not sure about the nose on this one, but remember we are just looking so far…
  • 

• Mercedes SL500

  • MSRP: $92,020.
  • Yeah, a bit on the spendy side. I think this is one of those ‘my startup got purchased for 200 gazillion dollars’ types of buys. I don’t think this would ever make it as the sole car in the stable.
  • 
  • …and one I could never afford, the SLR McLaren $452,750
  • 

• Aston Martin DB9

  • MSRP: ~$170,000
  • The SL500 is nice, but Mercedes can go have sex with goats compared to this car. I think the V12 Vanquish is just a bit too much car (oh shut-up you), and this one just does it for me.
  • 

There were a few more options here, but honestly they were here just for thought, none of them are serious choices. So there you have it folks, my paychecks personified at somepoint.