moving away from the SE-R

[davidpertuz at mindspring.com]

James's comment about keeping the SE-R as a DD all those years (btw, hi James) 
brings out a related question that I will bring out since it's a freindly audience, even 
when leaving horse heads on peoples' doorsteps :)
 
When I got my G20 2 1/2 years ago it became my primary DD, and my SE-R, which 
had already been through 6 Michigan winters anyway (the previous 6 years in GA seems 
to have helped keep it almost entirely rust-free, amazingly) and had snow tires, became 
my winter DD and occasional DD during the rest of the year. However,because of the 
particular responsibilities of my job as an engineer at one of the Big 3, I find myself 
driving company-owned cars with considerable regularity. It's been a bit extreme lately, 
as I have driven my SE-R mabe four times and the G20 once since late August. This has 
made me extreeeeemely spoiled by the niceness of new cars, esp. compared to my SE-R.

I have entertained thoughts of sort of retiring the SE-R and using the G20 year-round, even 
though it is a Texas car and squeaky-clean underneath. In practical terms, this would mean 
getting rid of it, since I have tooooo many cars, only two of which actually run. It would be 
much easier to have one reliable everyday car (the G20, since the G20 is a vastly nicer choice 
than my SE-R) and one fun sports car (either my existing, currently non-running Fiat Spider, 
another Fiat, or a Miata). The problem with that, sensible as it is, is that the SE-R was my first 
car (and only driver til I got the G20), I bought it new, and I am very sentimentally attached 
to it and will regret ever getting rid of it. As it is, right now it needs new rod bearings before I 
can drive it regularly for the winter (220k out of the originals, no complaints), new rear brakes, 
probably one axle (pulls strongly), maybe a wheel bearing, fixing the PS leak, new rack boots, 
tie rod ends, maybe BJs to be thorough. I think one spring is sagging, and a host of little things. 
I have been putting all of these off all year. I would really prefer to put the car up for a while, 
drop the engine, give it a light rebuild on a stand, and clean up and deal with a bunch of engine 
and chassis stuff with the engine out since it's so much easier - anyone in SE MI got some heated 
space I can rent cheap for a few months? :) 

In short, new car niceness and the practicality I get from my mom is pulling strongly against my 
sentimentality. I figured this would be a good, highly sympathetic bunch to give me ideas for 
solutions that might cater to both  pulls. I love my cars but with my lack of organization they sort 
of hang over my head a bit.

David
 
P.S. I enjoy list traffic when it appears. And I swear I will make SaltFest eventually.
Not to come across as threatening, but you're talking about buying a Mazda and staying in touch 
with the SE-R community as if you have a choice.