I am a huge sucker for manual sport sedans. The best one I’ve ever owned has been an 07 Honda Accord Sedan, made only in 06-07 it was the absolute best! I still regret selling it to buy a 3 series. The Accord was quick-mid 14s quarter ( I tested it he he), had great handling, and a limo like back seat. I miss it, and regret selling it daily. Other cool honorable mentions I’d like to own: 2006-07 Mazdaspeed 6 2012+Buick Regal 2002-06 Nissan Altima SE/SE-R 2006 Pontiac G6 GXP Acura TSX(especially 1st gen, would also settle for the facelift) Those some of the coolest rare fwd/awd sedans. One day I’d love to collect them all. ... View more

I fail to see the long term plan for Mitsubishi. They are plagued with the same subprime customers as Nissan, and (rip)Scion. Uncompetitive cars and customers who don’t plan on making payments, is not a good long term strategy. ... View more

Wow this was a great one! Brought back so many memories. I spent my impressionable college years selling cars, when I wasn’t in class. I definitely miss the characters of the car business and the important life lessons they provided. It was the best job an 18 year old kid could have, I came out tougher and smarter after spending almost 5 years in the car business. Great life lessons and no regrets! ... View more

I was recently handed a Ram 1500 at my local rental company while my work car is undergoing repairs. Initially I was in love, the thrust of the 5.7L Hemi, the cargo room. Timing was right, I had a few things to haul that would have taken two trips, was easily accomplished in one. So am ready to run out and buy one? Not so fast. After a trip to the gas station at nearly $100 a tank, I’ve decided I can live without a truck. I’d love to have one in my stable one day, just not as a daily driver. ... View more

I completely agree. Motorsports is a crazy expensive hobby. Even at local track nights, I don’t remember running with so many $50-100k cars. It’s quickly becoming a (wealthy) gentleman’s sport. ... View more

Great article Jack! Very good points! You have no idea (actually you might) how many times at a local track day or time trial, a newb gets out of a veteran ride along, and says something like, “I’ve ridden with pros, and they don’t have anything on him/her!” Referring to the club racer. But there is something to be said about the racers that make it with self promotion, relationships, networking, and other connections. Being a great driver is like having a great business idea, but no one around to appreciate it. The guys that self promote have something figured out if they can turn their passion into a business. ... View more

The ultimate performance bargain is the first generation CTS-V made in 04-05, I believe. For about 15-20k, you get 400hp, RWD, and excellent chassis dynamics. The best part—they came in manual only! Yeah, it’s not a looker, and the interior looked outdated even when it launched. But, for those where even 40-50k is a stretch, it’s a great bargain on a mostly forgotten American V8, RWD, manual sport sedan. ... View more

I agree that the Fiat 124 is a better car than the ND1. However, it’s not better than the ND2. I drove the 124 Abarth and the Miata Club back to back, and went home with the Miata. It’s just so much sharper, more aggressive, and flexible. You can feel a difference every 500 rpm. The 124 felt numb in comparison. I liked the idea of the NC heavier duty transmission, the unique styling, and a membership to a more exclusive club. At the end of the day the Miata just felt better, and I bought it. Oh, have you seen the values on an ND2 lately, they are not dropping. Paid more, but it was worth it in every way. ... View more

Guilty as charged! I’ve been on both sides of the transaction, and you’re right. The young guy wanting a sporty car is rarely buying. As a former car salesman, an avid enthusiast, and a track rat, I admit I am a huge pain in the butt with new car purchases. Picky, stick only buyer—yes buyer, I’ll actually buy. The difference is, I like to build good rapport, and I’ll tell them about my knowledge of the auto business, and work history. Once we have a mutual understanding there’s usually no shenanigans. Kind of like Liam Needon in Taken. “I’ve acquired a certain set of skills over a very long career. If you sell me the car I want, at the price I want, I will not bad mouth you, I will buy quickly with a good CSI survey.” ... View more