Joey's Totally Predictable DD

[V1GiLaNtE]

Since I'm in this career transition period I'm hesitant to make any moves because I don't know what my next salary will be. However, what I've been thinking is:

Next job doesn't pay that well: 97-00 528i or early non-sport E46 for ~$4k. Enjoy not having a payment and driving a decent car that has its faults, but I have a solid understanding of and can work on in my sleep.

Next job pays decently: low mileage 04-05 330i Sport/ZHP for $10-12k. Gorgeous, sporty, comfy cars that I know how to work on, slightly lower cost of ownership than the VW and probably similar reliability, but a throttle body that comes off in 45 seconds not 45 minutes. Either of these options would probably require the acquisition of snow tires because open diff RWD.

Next job has a bitchin' salary: Keep the 'dub for 2 years and pay the shop to fix it for me when it breaks again, because I really do love driving it and I love the hatchback. Place an order on an MKVII when they are available, drive it from 0-59,999 miles and sell it.

I think any salary you should just buy option A and put your time/efforts/money back into your real passion.. That confounded, obnoxiously loud, yet makes your pants go "hnngggggg" thing that sits in your garage.. :mrgreen:

Oh don't you worry about that. If either one of these contract positions goes through for me and I'm working again in the next 2 weeks, daddy gets a nice big slice of severance and the 'nanner mobile will be back on the road in short order. :mrgreen:

If I did go back to dailying an older bimmer I'd want one that was as mechanically solid as possible with relatively fresh suspension, bushings, brakes, and cooling system. I don't mind keeping one going, but I don't want to get stuck overhauling one from Crazy Joe's used car lot with 150k miles and every single original part.

Actually my neighbor has a 323i 5/spd that's as exciting as vanilla pudding but he's had it for 10 years and taken great care of it, I wonder if he's planning on replacing it soon...

Sounds like a good time for a friendly "low-ball" neighborhood BBQ to round out the summer.. :wink: