the rotation
I can't tell you "Why" but I am so glad they're mine.
I can't always tell you the "why" behind some of my acquisitions. But it mainly revolves around the smile on my face and the feeling I get while driving them. I make sure they are reliable and clean. I can't always promise I remember to re-fuel them. I have yet to have a day when every single one is running in tip-top shape. I think it keeps me young and full of adventure.
The W124 chassis is one one of my all time favorites. When I found this 1990 Blue/Black over Mittlerot (Burgandy) leather, I bought a one-way ticket to North Kansas City, and drove her just under a thousand miles home to Atlanta. She has been featured at RADWOOD at Amelia Island, and is a mainstay in the Atlanta car show scene. I like to daily drive her as often as I can.
This 1999 "Frankenstein" Boxster features a GT3 front bumper and a 3.4L out of a 996 Porsche 911. I bought it as a quarter life crisis car - and now she's been in the family for over 12 years. I have had the paint refinished and I added the Porsche branded CarPlay head unit. Other than that it has been routine maintenance.
I fell in love with the Gen 2 4Runners when I was in high school. Especially one with a 5-speed. The dream finally came true 29 years later. I drive this 1995 SR5 near daily. She isn't fast, gets terrible fuel economy, but I smile whenever I am behind the wheel. She has 250K on the clock and is just getting started.
I bought this 2004 F150 Lariat from a friend in 2022 as a yard truck, quickly got carried away and began a customizing mission. I upgraded the wheels and tires, the entire interior including headliner and carpet, and the sound system rivals Carnegie Hall. She hauls, she tows, and two weeks ago she handled a 2,100 mile family road trip. A forever favorite.
I helped a friend move to the beach last year. Instead of hopping a flight home I bought this 2002 BMW 325ci instead. I reasoned it would be good to have a convertible with a back seat. She was lovely until she wasn't, and now has spent 4 months in the shop. I should add her to the "Inventory" page soon but have not had the heart. Of course now she is perfect again.
I drive the quirky old stuff. But for the wife and kids, we need a sporty and dependable family "truckster." In my mind, nothing fits the bill better than a BMW X3 or X5. AWD, twin turbo, and gobbles up the asphalt with no complaints. Great on gas and maintenance costs are comparable to its Japanese counterparts.