[clyde]

Originally Posted by JST

I'm confused about what we are talking about. A 6th Gen Camaro? Or a 986S?

Yes, but also don't forget Mustang GT, 350, Chevy SS, etc. Rememebr that I once cross shopped the non-Z06 C5 withe the E46 325xiT.

The 986S seems like a direct replacement for the Jag, so I guess why not both?

I'm trying to figure out how to make it all work in my head. Don't forget the 1:1 replacement I want for the Jaguar is an early C3.

The conversation I had with my wife last night was interesting. She wants the car count at the house to drop below the current four, a new roof on the house and minimal, but TBD, additional out of pocket expense. If the car count drops to two, I can probably spend a little more without complaint.

In all this I'm also trying to figure out where I want to play in autocross again and at what prep and mental levels. My experiences the past few weeks are suggesting that I may be able to compete at a high level without my past negativity over undesirable results...as well as substantially lowered stress levels overall regardless of outcomes.

In a perfect world, I'd find a C3 convertible and build a streetable car for CAM and a truck/big SUV I could commute and tow the C3 with. But, I'd also have to add a trailer and the C3 would be a money pit for at least a year (the truck, too, probably since it would be well used) and I'd probably blow past my budget pretty quick.

So, what are the alternatives?

If the 986S goes to CS, it becomes very intriguing...especially if I have a codriver with the hardware to tow it. It would probably make a decent commuter. It fills the role of the Jaguar in some practical respects, but leaves a bit of an emotional void. If I need a four seater, I can probably add something at minimal expense that I could also use in the snow so the Boxster can stay home.

A new or newish Mustang or Camaro scratches most of the same itches plus a few others, but probably at considerably more expense up front. If I want to change up again in a few years, which is almost a certainty, the depreciation hit will be massive. With a 986S, it would be very slight at worst.

I should start putting a spreadsheet together.

My fundamental problem with the Camaro is (weirdly) the same as my fundamental problem with the Honda Accord: It could get 1 million miles to the gallon, go 0 to 60 in 1 second, and cost $5, and I still don't think I could bring myself to buy one.

But for people less blinkered than me, and more willing to grow a mullet, it seems like a good choice.

I learned to stop worrying and love the bomb many years ago. It's very liberating.