[baege]

So I am on my 20th car, and in my mid 40's.

I think I have a problem.

I sold my first car after 6 months, but it was an automatic toyota tercel, so that's understandable

But since then I have always begin to itch for another car soon after getting one. The timing of this does depend on how much I like the car.

So for example the 2015 C7 I had I disliked so much, that after 3 days I wanted back into my 2014 Cayman S.

But even with my 2014 Cayman S, my favourite car of all in terms of driving experience, (I used to go for joy rides with that thing, which is something I hadn't done since I was 20), I was still looking to replace it after about 6 months.

What essentially happens with any car is that it normalizes, and it becomes dull and ordinary, or even worse, sometimes things I once enjoyed become annoyances, or things i kinda never liked about the car start to really annoy me. So with the cayman for example, I started to notice the alternator whine, the rough ride started to annoy, i really felt the lack of low end torque, even the flat six started to feel less than perfectly smooth (I was coming from the n52 in a 2007 Z4 coupe 3.0si which has to be one of the smoothest engines of all time). So one year after I got the car I was already test driving othe cars, looking for my next fix.

With my recent victim, a 2018 m240i, after just 2 months and 2000km, the turbo lag (which is pretty minimal) is getting on my nerves, the clunky and buzzy nature of the shifts at power annoy me, the lack of it's asthetic appeal to me is really gnawing at me...
and so 2 months after getting it, I find myself looking to replace it.

I feel like this is going to happen with any car I get, so I almost getting to the point where I feel like there's no point. I should give up the search for the holy grail...I will tire of even a ferrari 458 at some point.

So I should just get a car that is decent (like the m240i) and live with it for a few years and then make a change (like a normal person )

But if I give up the search for my next fix, I feel this big void looming in my life. Cars are a really passion for me.

Anyhow you can see from my posts that I have struggled with this for a while. Anyone feel the same, did you find a way out?

[MJBO]

I’m on car 12 (2018 Nissan QASHQAI) and soon to be adding number 13 (V8 M3), and I haven’t hit 30!

The QASHQAI I bought for work, and the M3 will be a fun weekend car. Hoping the combo of an excellent new work car plus an awesome weekender will keep me away from the car listings for a while!

Think the thing that would push me to make another change is being able to afford a 911 991.1 Carerra S or GTS.

[c1pher]

I am 52 and have owned 25 vehicles if I include three motorcycles.

I think I’m good with my Ducati Diavel. There just isn’t anything that can replace it for my uses.

As for cars, I think you and I have disagreed on some of them but I do agree that we get tired of a car or see something better etc. I think for me it’s something improved or something I’ve always wanted to own and I’m at that point where I can pretty much get a car when I want within reason.

For me it’s less a problem of having a car than it is where to put them. I’d love to have a garage where I could keep five cars, and I think I’d be good. Only having room for three cars (including wife’s car) and two motorcycles doesn’t leave me flexibility I desire lol.

[baege]

Originally Posted by MJBO

I’m on car 12 (2018 Nissan QASHQAI) and soon to be adding number 13 (V8 M3), and I haven’t hit 30!

The QASHQAI I bought for work, and the M3 will be a fun weekend car. Hoping the combo of an excellent new work car plus an awesome weekender will keep me away from the car listings for a while!

Think the thing that would push me to make another change is being able to afford a 911 991.1 Carerra S or GTS.

I am starting to think this 2 car combo might be the trick. I only did it once, when I had a 1990 Plymouth laser and a 1990 300ZX. I used to complain at the time that I hardly ever drove the 300ZX, but I never really did get bored of it, come to think of it

The second car I am contemplating is 2006-2008 Z4 coupe 3.0si. I kept that car the longest I have had and always have just had a "thing" for it. I am contemplating buying one and having it in addition to the m240i. It would be manual and naturally aspirated...so a nice contrast from the m240i.

But it's quite the additional expense...I live in a condo so it's another $200 a month for a parking spot, and about $120 a month for insurance...so about $3000 more a year, but then again it won't really depreciate....hmm

[c1pher]

Right, it’s not having the extra cars it’s all the costs associated with them like storage, taxes, insurance and so on.

Having two cars does help. I get excited to drive the 135is after driving the Corvette and vice versa. You somewhat forget how each responds and each surprise me at first.

[baege]

Originally Posted by MGM135is

I am 52 and have owned 25 vehicles if I include three motorcycles.

I think I’m good with my Ducati Diavel. There just isn’t anything that can replace it for my uses.

As for cars, I think you and I have disagreed on some of them but I do agree that we get tired of a car or see something better etc. I think for me it’s something improved or something I’ve always wanted to own and I’m at that point where I can pretty much get a car when I want within reason.

For me it’s less a problem of having a car than it is where to put them. I’d love to have a garage where I could keep five cars, and I think I’d be good. Only having room for three cars (including wife’s car) and two motorcycles doesn’t leave me flexibility I desire lol.

sounds like you have found the holy grail in the ducati...does that mean I just haven't found that car for me?

indeed I think the multiple car thing would help a lot...the dream in fact!

[zstreet86]

This first step to recovery is admitting you have a problem... You are not alone!

[MJBO]

Originally Posted by baege

But it's quite the additional expense...I live in a condo so it's another $200 a month for a parking spot, and about $120 a month for insurance...so about $3000 more a year, but then again it won't really depreciate....hmm

Yep it’s the downside, but I’d argue it’s cheaper than switching cars often!

I too am paying for an extra space, and the extra insurance policy bites a little, but I think it’ll be worth it!

[RABAUKE]

Two cars, the daily driver. Comfortable, utilitarian but enjoyable to drive and then for number 2. It goes out on the weekend, or evening runs just for shits and giggles.

This has worked for me for years, I usually keep my daily for at least 7 years, and then it gets replaced for reliability issues rather than boredom. I find that I usually end up keeping my toy for at least 5 years.

[10"]

i think it's the car.

i used to switch cars every 1-2 years. until i bought a 1M almost 4.5 years ago. i honestly have 0 desire to own anything else......literally NONE. it actually scares me that i may never be able to drive anything else! lol. It's literally everything i want a car to be...and modern cars are becoming more and more detached.

the key is to buy your 'dream' car in dream spec, colour, etc. not just whatever everyone else likes.....if you have to replace them too soon it means you haven't developed any emotional attachment to them. In order to have an emotional attachment to an object it has to REALLY sing to you. Forget reviews, forget opinions....channel the version of you that was 7 years old playing with toy cars on the floor. That was me and my E30 M3 radio control toy i had as a kid. My 1M feels like that radio control car.

[RABAUKE]

https://www.topgear.com/videos/jerem...s-17-episode-1

[RABAUKE]

Originally Posted by 10"

i think it's the car.

i used to switch cars every 1-2 years. until i bought a 1M almost 4.5 years ago. i honestly have 0 desire to own anything else......literally NONE. it actually scares me that i may never be able to drive anything else! lol. It's literally everything i want a car to be...and modern cars are becoming more and more detached.

the key is to buy your 'dream' car in dream spec, colour, etc. not just whatever everyone else likes.....if you have to replace them too soon it means you haven't developed any emotional attachment to them. In order to have an emotional attachment to an object it has to REALLY sing to you. Forget reviews, forget opinions....channel the version of you that was 7 years old playing with toy cars on the floor. That was me and my E30 M3 radio control toy i had as a kid. My 1M feels like that radio control car.

I looked at 1M's a while back and I couldn't pull the trigger, just a bit too rich for my blood, actually my wife wouldn't let me spend that much but she did let me get the 993.

[Yugo]

It's you, or us as many of us feel this same way.

I get bored of my cars fairly quickly as well and tend to look and search for the next car often, however with having 3 little kids priorities have kicked in for me and car searches have taken a major back burner. As of now due to the aforementioned current situation I have been content w the e90 m3 for the last 4 years.

Replacing it now is a low priority as well as not a possibility as I don't even know what else to get to remain in similar price range.

[Questofthetune]

Originally Posted by MJBO

I’m on car 12 (2018 Nissan QASHQAI) and soon to be adding number 13 (V8 M3), and I haven’t hit 30!

The QASHQAI I bought for work, and the M3 will be a fun weekend car. Hoping the combo of an excellent new work car plus an awesome weekender will keep me away from the car listings for a while!

Think the thing that would push me to make another change is being able to afford a 911 991.1 Carerra S or GTS.

Super jealous of the camqaut

[eatsleepboost]

Originally Posted by RABAUKE

Two cars, the daily driver. Comfortable, utilitarian but enjoyable to drive and then for number 2. It goes out on the weekend, or evening runs just for shits and giggles.

This has worked for me for years, I usually keep my daily for at least 7 years, and then it gets replaced for reliability issues rather than boredom. I find that I usually end up keeping my toy for at least 5 years.

I go this route as well. Not quite as many years but works for me.

[baege]

Originally Posted by 10"

i think it's the car.

i used to switch cars every 1-2 years. until i bought a 1M almost 4.5 years ago. i honestly have 0 desire to own anything else......literally NONE. it actually scares me that i may never be able to drive anything else! lol. It's literally everything i want a car to be...and modern cars are becoming more and more detached.

the key is to buy your 'dream' car in dream spec, colour, etc. not just whatever everyone else likes.....if you have to replace them too soon it means you haven't developed any emotional attachment to them. In order to have an emotional attachment to an object it has to REALLY sing to you. Forget reviews, forget opinions....channel the version of you that was 7 years old playing with toy cars on the floor. That was me and my E30 M3 radio control toy i had as a kid. My 1M feels like that radio control car.

You don't have the disease as bad as I do...I specced my 2 caymans exactly as I wanted from the factory and my z4 coupe was the exact spec I wanted and it was my dream car and yet I tired of them all...enjoy the ride

[tuco44]

I am 74 and on car #67.............but I think I have settled down now, and will keep this one...........my friends just roll eyes at that statement...........feel your pain.

[eluded]

Buy a 2005/06 FGT and be done with it

[jmg]

Originally Posted by baege

I am starting to think this 2 car combo might be the trick. I only did it once, when I had a 1990 Plymouth laser and a 1990 300ZX. I used to complain at the time that I hardly ever drove the 300ZX, but I never really did get bored of it, come to think of it

The second car I am contemplating is 2006-2008 Z4 coupe 3.0si. I kept that car the longest I have had and always have just had a "thing" for it. I am contemplating buying one and having it in addition to the m240i. It would be manual and naturally aspirated...so a nice contrast from the m240i.

But it's quite the additional expense...I live in a condo so it's another $200 a month for a parking spot, and about $120 a month for insurance...so about $3000 more a year, but then again it won't really depreciate....hmm

Yes, the 2 car combo works!!! I've always been a one car guy, and when my commute doubled, I decided to get a daily driver to spare my F80 M3 the punishment. Instead of getting a GTI or WRX like I originally planned, I went the opposite direction: electric. The i3 REx is an absolute pleasure to drive in the city. It's got instant torque, a nice sitting position, a pleasant interior, a quiet relaxing disposition... its one of the best cars I've ever owned (looks notwithstanding). Having said that, I don't think I could drive the i3 every day. It tops out at 90mph, it looks like a pug, its quick, but not fast, and the range isn't the best. But just when I think I've had enough of the i3, I hop in the M3 and it's like popping my cherry all over again! I almost forgot what a proper high performance car felt like: the visceral assault of g forces and exhaust roar is anew again. THEN just when I'm getting tired of constantly trying to reign back 425+ horses and 406 lb-ft torque in city traffic, feeling every cavernous pothole in beautiful Los Angeles... it's time to get back in the i3: the automotive equivalent of a Day Spa complete with tastefully decorative Eucalyptus wood and warm colors.

Everyday in the i3 makes me miss the M3, and everyday in the M3 makes me miss the i3. So it's a win-win.

[zx10guy]

I enjoy cars as much as the average enthusiast. But when people talk about emotional attachment with cars, yes, I do have some emotional attachment to many of the vehicles I own/have owned. But what goes hand in hand with this vehicle emotion is my emotional attachment to my money. What keeps me in check is I don't like flushing money down the toilet swapping cars frequently because I didn't make sure the purchase I made was really something I wanted.

The 94 Camaro Z28 was the oldest car I've owned before letting it go when I bought my 2013 135i. Now the oldest vehicle I own is actually a motorcycle, 2004 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R. I've thought about replacing the bike with something else, but those thoughts only go through my head for a few minutes and I move on with life. I have given some serious thoughts of getting rid of my 2009 Ducati 848 in favor of a BMW S1000RR. The RR I've had extensive track time with and it just suits my riding style more than the 848 even after dumping about $5k in upgrades to the 848. But as I said, my love affair with money pretty much squashes that idea as I don't hate the 848 enough to take on another depreciating asset.

[scanspeak]

I think a lot of that boredom/dissatisfaction can be satiated with modifications and improvements. The BMW platform has so much aftermarket support these days.

I'm a minimalist and intend to keep my 325i (owned 4 years now) probably forever unless I see another one with an even better spec. Its a very balanced car, perfect as a daily driver/fun street car.

[Mr Carrots]

My 240 lasted a year before I got tied of it's many flaws, BMW could have made it a wide fendered, thick tired 400+ whp masterpiece but instead decided to cripple it to the point I actively hated it at the end

Hopefully my new ZL1 scratches the right itches, namely feeble power delivery and lack of "fun"