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So, I have unexpectedly come into some disposable money recently and have decided that I am going to buy a dirt-focused dual sport and a spare car. The dual sport has to be at least tolerable on the road because I don’t have a truck or trailer (if the budget allows I may shop for a used Kendon also). I have my Scrambler and that will keep me happy on the street and any big-bike dirt, but I want something I can take places I’m too nervous to take the Scrambler. I also want to buy a small spare car with a manual transmission. Doesn’t have to be anything too crazy, but fun to drive and small enough to fit in my tiny driveway, preferably under $15k. Would only be an occasional driver. Here are some of the vehicles I’m considering:
Dual sports:
690/701
500 EXC/501
Beta 390/500 rr-s
CRF450L
Or, maybe just settle for a DRZ400
The 690/701 is very appealing to me, but may cross over with the Scrambler too much, and also not be quite good enough off-road. The 500 EXC/501 is probably the top contender right now. The Beta is very appealing, but a little bit of an unknown for me. On paper the CRF sounds perfect, but reviews are all over the place and it seems like you have to put a lot of money into them to get them set up right, however there do seem to be some used ones around that already have the necessary mods. DRZ is ok, only one of these bikes I’ve actually ridden before. I think it’s a good bike for what it is, but they’re so expensive I feel like I’d rather just pay the extra money for a significantly better bike.
Cars:
Must be manual transmission. I’d like something small and sporty. Car will be living outside, maybe with a car cover if deemed necessary. Must be able to make occasional trips in the 300 mile range with minimal luggage. 4 seats is a plus, for emergency child transport. A decent 944 or Boxster? A Mini Cooper S? Not really into convertibles, but I guess I could see myself in a roadster, so Z3, Z4, Miata, etc? I’d love an older BMW 3 series, especially a wagon… WRX and GTI are probably more than I want to spend for a decent one, but would be very happy to be proved wrong… Saab 900 would be cool, hard to find a decent one with a stick. And kind of a wild card: could I be a Jeep guy? There seem to be plenty of MT 2 door Wranglers around in the $5-$15k range. Very open to other suggestions.
Anyway, help me with my first world problem, and feel free to throw in further suggestions. I’ll be looking new and used on bikes, strictly used on the car and obviously how much I spend on one influences how much I spend on the other. If I buy a DRZ for $5k I’ll be willing to spend $20-$25 on the car.