What Should I Buy Next?! Collecting By The Numbers.

"M.T. Blake" (autohabit)
02/16/2020 at 14:10 • Filed to: automotive philosophy, the hunt, car collecting, collecting, the numbers, by the numbers, quantifying

By far the nicest car I’ve owned that isn’t brand spankin’ new.

Car collecting is a hobby for most, but for some of us, it is ingrained in our DNA. To stop hunting for the next toy, it would become overwhelming. We need to find that next car, for better or worse. Some enjoy collecting, and some of us have to do it, or else it will drive us nuts.

At the ripe age of 16, I bought my first car. It was a 1992 Ford Explorer with four-wheel drive. It was exceptionally clean considering the low price of $4700, in 2002 dollars. I drove it for around a year before the car enthusiast bug bit me hard. It was sold and replaced with a 1992 Nissan 300zx 2+2 with a manual transmission.

The 300zx was my primary vehicle through college. I worked on it in my dorm parking lot, on jack stands, and used university water to wash it. I was an unusual sight to my fellow students and a nuisance to the staff. Amazingly, this has been my longest owned vehicle at this point nearly two decades later.

The muscle car looks so peaceful in its natural habitat.

I had the 300zx for 3-1/2 years. I moved THREE times with it. Somehow a dresser will fit in the back, granted the hatch must be up, and any large pothole could shatter the glass as it rests on the furniture. After gaining meaningful employment, the Z rudely informed me it was fed up with my shenanigans - grenading two water pumps in two weeks.

I sold the Z for a Nissan Titan 4x4, and soon after bought another 300zx 2+0 as a track/toy car. Ever since this point, I have had a spare car for fun, and at no point less than two vehicles for myself. The addiction to buying cars began, and my motto ever since has been, ‘My next car is always my favorite car’.

At the point of this writing, I am currently on my 26th personally owned vehicle. That’s twenty-six vehicles in eighteen years. These are not rookie numbers, but I am also bested by many. I have purchased cars at a rate to not slide back down the socioeconomic ladder, back into government-assisted housing.

My first Z32 was my favorite. I’ll buy another one day, but it will surely have TWIN TURBOS.

But, at this rate I’ve considered where should I go from here? There are plenty of cars I want to own, but what is the best course? Stick with what I know? Buy the best deals possible? Stick to one region? One format of an engine? Only black painted vehicles?! The possibilities are nearly endless.

If I quantify the list into the number of cylinders it looks like this:

(1) three-cylinder diesel (tractor...?!)

(4) inline gas four cylinders

(2) gas boxer fours

(8) VEE-Sixes, all gasoline

(3) inline six-cylinder gas motors

(2) inline six-cylinder diesels

(5) gas V-8 engines (3 with carbs)

(1) diesel V-8 engine

(1) gas V-10

Looking at my list like this you’ll see some big omissions. Where’s the V-12?! Where are the four-cylinder diesels? A five-cylinder could be an easy one to check off too... but sadly none have come my way.

Or if you sort them by world region:

North America: 9

Europe: 3

Asia: 14

Granted, I don’t need to sort these by country as I haven’t had anything outside of the three biggest producers of the USA, Japan, and Germany. I do want to own an Italian, Swedish, British, and maybe some oddball like a French car, as those are uncommon in the US.

The one I wish I hadn’t sold - 1999 Dodge Ram 2500 Cummins 24v.

Sorting it by manufacturer:

Ford: 2

Chevrolet: 3

Dodge: 2

Jeep: 2

Honda: 1

Infiniti: 1

Nissan: 5

Subaru: 2

Mazda: 1

Acura: 1

Toyota: 3

BMW: 2

Audi: 1

That looks a lot better. Sorting it by the manufacturer makes things look a lot more eclectic and diverse. Or maybe another way to envision it is that I’ve seen the parts department of nearly every dealer in my region... they’ve also taken quite a bit of my money at my protest.

Maybe you have some ideas for me? Where do I go at this point? I believe an Italian is high on the list. Preferably an Alfa Romeo, however, I’ll need to sell the M5 before owning one, as I don’t want two hand grenades parked in the same garage.

Look at the size difference! The Z is a gnat compared to the Titan!

I have a lead on the filthiest E46 M3 this side of the Atlantic, but it has become caught up in a paperwork nightmare, so I may not get an opportunity to buy it. This won’t produce much for the list, but it will be a deeply satisfying resurrection.

I’ll post my complete list below for those of you to make some suggestions. Hopefully, this helps you with your car collecting goals!

1. 1992 Ford Explorer 4x4 AT

2. 1992 Nissan 300zx 2+2 MT

3. 1971 Chevrolet Camaro 350 AT

4. 2005 Nissan Titan 4x4 SE Crew Cab AT

5. 1990 Nissan 300zx 2+0 MT

6. 2005.5 Audi A4 Quattro Sedan MT

7. 1999 Jeep Cherokee 4x4 AT

8. 2006 Nissan Armada SE AT

9. 1974 Chevrolet C20 Standard Cab 2wd MT

10. 1990 Acura Legend AT

11. 2007 Honda Civic LX AT

12. 1989 Nissan 240sx Hatchback MT

13. 2003 Subaru WRX WRB MT

14. 2003 BMW 325i Wagon Sport Touring AT

15. 1999 Jeep Cherokee 4x4 AT Lifted Rubicon 3.5”AT

16. 1999 Dodge Ram 2500 Cummins 4x4 Ext Cab AT

17. 1999 Subaru Legacy Outback MT

18. 2006 Ford F250 Diesel 4x4 AT

19. 2014 Mazda CX-5 Touring AT

20. 2006 Infiniti G35 Sedan 6MT

21. 1970 Chevrolet Camaro Bill Mitchell Aluminum Lite MT

22. 1996 Dodge Ram 2500 Cummins 4x4 AT Std. Cab AT

23. 2017 Toyota Sienna SE AT

24. 2011 Toyota 4Runner SR5 4x4 AT

25. 2006 BMW M5 SMG

26. 2020 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road 4x4 AT

What should be next?! An Italian? V-12? Stick with what I know? Deals only?

DISCUSSION (48)

bob and john > M.T. Blake
02/16/2020 at 14:14

I think one of the cheapest ways to get a V12 is actually a BMW 850.

Shift24 > M.T. Blake
02/16/2020 at 14:23

Acura Vigor or 1st gen Colorado would knock off a 5 cylinder

Though thinking outside the box you could try and find a spinning Dorito?

M.T. Blake > bob and john
02/16/2020 at 14:46

750 even cheaper in my neck-of-the-woods.

M.T. Blake > Shift24
02/16/2020 at 14:47

I’d probably go with a Vigor over a Colorado. I’ve driven the Colorado at work, not impressed at all.

whatisthatsound > M.T. Blake
02/16/2020 at 14:49

F Type R, they are tastey and will add some diversity to your list o r a 4C. I'm an immense fan of British cars and I'm on my 3rd. They are all terrible and wonderful.

I like cars: Jim Spanfeller is one ugly motherfucker > M.T. Blake
02/16/2020 at 14:52

I notice a suspicious lack of VW on your list. You should buy any Mk1 Golf derivative. They’re exceptionally fun to drive, are readily available, have a huge aftermarket, and oh yeah, they’re stupid cheap. You can find a rust-free Mk1 GTI for like... five grand. Or, if you’re smart, pick up a Cabriolet, since there are more of them, they’ve got better chassis rigidity, they’re easier to find with low miles, and later ones had more power than a Mk1 GTI.

winterlegacy, here 'till the end > Shift24
02/16/2020 at 14:54

Acura Vigors have two totally different sounds. At low revs, it just sounds like a 5. At high revs, it starts to sound a lot more like a 6.

ItalianJobR53 - now with added 'MERICA and unreliability > M.T. Blake
02/16/2020 at 14:55

Suzuki Cappuccino. 3 cyl turbo stick shift 1600lbs

I think that different than anything else you've owned.

HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles > M.T. Blake
02/16/2020 at 15:00

What about a Volvo S60/V70 R. Also 5 banger.

Kinja'd!!!

Grindintosecond > M.T. Blake
02/16/2020 at 15:06

You needed a jag v12 . Find an xj-s coupe. And you’ll probably have to megasquirt it and rewire everything....and...things...

M.T. Blake > I like cars: Jim Spanfeller is one ugly motherfucker
02/16/2020 at 15:07

Excellent idea. You’re a savvy salesman.

M.T. Blake > whatisthatsound
02/16/2020 at 15:08

If the M5 ends up getting launched I could afford those. Both great cars for the list.

M.T. Blake > ItalianJobR53 - now with added 'MERICA and unreliability
02/16/2020 at 15:09

It would be. I’d do it, but how to get it legal in California... hmmm.

M.T. Blake > HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles
02/16/2020 at 15:10

Those are getting cheap. Especially the sedans. That’s high on the Swede list! Thanks.

I like cars: Jim Spanfeller is one ugly motherfucker > M.T. Blake
02/16/2020 at 15:10

Hell, I mean, I’m somewhat seriously considering buying a third one. So I do like the things.

M.T. Blake > Grindintosecond
02/16/2020 at 15:11

If there is a fire sale on a clean one I’d do it.

M.T. Blake > I like cars: Jim Spanfeller is one ugly motherfucker
02/16/2020 at 15:11

Satisfied customers are great references!

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > M.T. Blake
02/16/2020 at 15:38

FC or FD RX 7.

just-a-scratch > M.T. Blake
02/16/2020 at 15:38

How about a true lightweight car? It’s a really different experience. MR2, Elise, Lotus/ Caterham Seven , Miata, or even better, an Exocet?

MiniGTI - now with XJ6 > M.T. Blake
02/16/2020 at 15:41

XJS is also a cheap v12 as long as you don’t plan on owning it long.

There’s an all but abandoned e46 M3 Dinan in my neighbor’s driveway. They move it once in a while but it hasn’t been driven on road since at least 2016. I’ll ask what they want for it. Though I wouldn’t pay Much more than $scrap for it.

M.T. Blake > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever
02/16/2020 at 15:51

Yessssss. FC is doable. FD is a dream.

M.T. Blake > just-a-scratch
02/16/2020 at 15:52

Guess I could sort the list by weight class?! I like it! A Miata would be easy, used to race those, I’m very familiar with them. SW20 MR2 is desirable. Elise could be some $$$ and the others are a bit of money and harder to find for me locally.

M.T. Blake > MiniGTI - now with XJ6
02/16/2020 at 15:53

I haven’t owned much for long at this point.

Doooooo it.

ItalianJobR53 - now with added 'MERICA and unreliability > M.T. Blake
02/16/2020 at 15:54

https://www.loveladymotors.com/vdp/13571033/Used-1991-Suzuki-Cappuccino-for-sale-in-Pelham-AL-35124

MiniGTI - now with XJ6 > M.T. Blake
02/16/2020 at 16:20

Kinja'd!!!

XJS would be fun to own but would probably be really hard to sell. As for my neighbor’s e46 I just wish it would go away.

I currently own turbo 4 (MINI), turbo 5 (V60 CC), and inline 6:

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > M.T. Blake
02/16/2020 at 17:05

My main reason is an FC wouldn’t cost that much and are fantastic to drive.

thatsmr > M.T. Blake
02/16/2020 at 17:23

AWD Guilia is a hoot to drive!

bob and john > M.T. Blake
02/16/2020 at 18:52

OHHHH you would geta TDI and knock off that as well.

Mid Engine > M.T. Blake
02/16/2020 at 18:54

I currently own a 2007 Cayman, 2018 Tacoma, and 2019 MX-5 RF. I really like all of them, and I’m picky (I’ve owned a lot of cars)

Nibby > M.T. Blake
02/16/2020 at 19:11

if you’re not sure what to do with your money send a few thousand to me please

M.T. Blake > ItalianJobR53 - now with added 'MERICA and unreliability
02/16/2020 at 19:14

Pretty cheap too!

M.T. Blake > MiniGTI - now with XJ6
02/16/2020 at 19:15

4-5-6 good combo!

M.T. Blake > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever
02/16/2020 at 19:15

And one can channel their inner Initial-D.

M.T. Blake > thatsmr
02/16/2020 at 19:16

I bet! Hopefully they tank in value in the next couple years so I can pick one up.

M.T. Blake > bob and john
02/16/2020 at 19:17

Two birds with one stone.

M.T. Blake > Mid Engine
02/16/2020 at 19:18

That’s a solid lot. If anyone makes fun of the Miata you can go grab the Porsche to shut them up. :)

What trim Tacoma did you get?

M.T. Blake > Nibby
02/16/2020 at 19:19

Next time I kick over a rock and find more I’ll be sure and include you!

Nibby > M.T. Blake
02/16/2020 at 20:12

Thanks

thatsmr > M.T. Blake
02/16/2020 at 20:35

My last one was 87 milano. I cant wait either

ItalianJobR53 - now with added 'MERICA and unreliability > M.T. Blake
02/16/2020 at 21:07

Yep, I’m considering the car as well tbh, but some E46s and E39s have poped up on BaT which are consuming my attention right now. I want a 3rd car with more interior space , Mini and the Vette is kinda smol.

Anyhow, this is what the dealer told me when I was texting with em:

Kinja'd!!!

M.T. Blake > ItalianJobR53 - now with added 'MERICA and unreliability
02/16/2020 at 21:12

540i have become very cheap. I’d look for one of those if you want more room.

ItalianJobR53 - now with added 'MERICA and unreliability > M.T. Blake
02/16/2020 at 21:15

Yup but I’m looking at a 330ZHP and a 530 right now.

530 is on the west coast so it’ll be a 2500 miles drive to get her home if I do buy it!

AestheticsInMotion > HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles
02/17/2020 at 00:54

Oh God. My Volvo addiction was in remission. I.... I'm not strong enough. I need a craigslist fix!

AestheticsInMotion > M.T. Blake
02/17/2020 at 00:57

The back-in-forth between 540i or another turbo Volvo rages on. The 5 cylinder volvos just sound so incredible. That crazy burble.... The turbo lag.... The seats....

But on the other hand. V8. A similarly nice interior. Classic good looks.

pip bip - choose Corrour > M.T. Blake
02/17/2020 at 02:29

Chevy SS or Pontiac G8

M.T. Blake > pip bip - choose Corrour
02/17/2020 at 10:42

Thems some coin son.

Mid Engine > M.T. Blake
02/17/2020 at 11:30

Bought the Miata two weeks ago, six speed manual, for the wife. That’s her thang, loves convertibles.

The Taco is a basic SR5, the only option I got was a tonneau cover. Cloth seats, very simple and all I need in a truck. I’ve seen new trucks with luxury amenities and it kinda confuses me, I mean, I use my truck for truck stuff.

M.T. Blake > Mid Engine
02/17/2020 at 13:16

Complete opposite of my wife, she complains the open air experience tangles her hair...

You wouldn’t be confused if you had four cameras, heated leather seats, and CRAWL control! It’s badass. Expensive, but baaaaadass.