Currently driving a beater '90 NA as a DD, and I can't have anyone else in the car because of the lack of A/C, the noise, the suspension, torn seats, the list goes on.
Gave myself a budget of 10k (cash) for a designated DD, and I will be keeping the NA for now. I am bouncing back and forth between a nicer NA, like a collectible (BRG, M-edition, B&T, LE, etc), or just a clean, higher-packaged car with cruise, power windows, and torsen. Prefer hard-top to be included, otherwise will be purchased separately. The other option I considered was a 2005-2010 NC for under 10k, hardtop not necessary.
For the clean/collectible NA:
Advantages
-Either appreciating or holding value
-"Cool" factor of driving 18-25 year old car
-Already familiar with NA, have tow hitch already
-Easiest fit (6'4"), familiar with tall mods
-More raw, sensation of speed, lighter
Disadvantages
-Noiser
-Less comfortable
-Hard to keep clean and keep off mileage (if collectible). Also live on gravel road
-Worry about door dings, rock chips, parking lot damage, etc
For the NC:
Advantages
-Better place to be for 45 min (15 mile) commute
-Faster
-Modern amenities
-Easier to find clean examples
Disadvantages
-Depreciation
-Less raw feeling (solved by keeping the NA)
-Hardtop is more expensive if I decide to go that route
-Fit is a little tighter, but do-able
-More expensive, would budget 5-6k for NA, 10k for NC
I am not currently autocrossing or doing anything else with the NA, I just enjoy the car for daily driving and romping around the countryside. I'd love to hear what choices y'all would make between these two.
And, of course...did I miss another car in this category? (I know, I know...S2000. I don't fit.)
E36 M3, E46 ZHP, Mazdaspeed3, I've considered. I'd like to avoid paying for or doing extensive repair/maintenance on my DD at this point, but if my worries are unfounded, I'd consider those or others.