Su-pu-ra

Pending my imminent upward social motion, I'll be in the market for a new car.

When I mean new, I mean used. I've been doing the math on a new car for the last ten years. Unless you're loaded, it makes no sense whatsoever. Go a year old, and you've just saved yourself between 5% and 20%, depending on the model. Really need that warranty? Buy from a certified used program.

Anyway.

I know that when most people get a new job, they wait a year or so and then buy something brand-ass new.

I plan on waiting a few months and blowing ~$5k on something old but waaay sweet. Meet the MkIII Toyota Supra. Ideally, I'd like a black 1987 Turbo with a 5-speed and few (if any) modifications--although I realize that it's sometimes difficult to find exactly what I'm looking for. I'm willing to compromise on a few points if it's a solid car.

I keep an eye on eBay just to see what's available and where the market is. This week, though, there are nearly no 5-speed models available; nearly everything is an automatic. A quick survey reveals that 16 of the 21 MkIII Supras offered are automatics. Weak.

I could rant for hours on automatics. I really really don't like them for a million reasons that are completely subjective and make no statement about people who drive such-equipped vehicles. For me, they isolate two of the most important connections in the driving experience, and I find it flat-out dull.

For me, an automatic transmission can completely kill the driving experience. They're barely tolerable in trucks and family cars, but in nearly all cases, it would be better with a manual.

Now that I've written that, I suppose I'm more upset by torque convertors than automatic transmissions themselves.

Whatever. Back to the Supras.

In my opinion, these cars really only ever look good in two colors: black and deep blue. I usually hate burgundy, but MkIIIs manage to play it off fairly well. Red is just plain goofy.

I'm not really sure what else to say. If you've ever driven one of these cars, you're aware that it's one of the most solid and excellently assembled GT cars of its time. Good stuff.

I guess I'll take two.