2025 has been a pretty interesting year so far full of medical and personal adventures. I am starting to get back out and enjoy my hobbies some more after a few years of hibernation but damn do you move slower in your 30s compared to your 20s.
The 2013 VW Touareg TDI had an eventful winter with the oil cooler, alternator and starter needing service and getting the car back from a shop still leaking coolant was less than optimal experience in zero degree temperatures. I am still torn if I want to keep it in 2026 or start looking for a 2018-2023 Lexus GX460 to replace it with.
Decided to just keep the bugeye as it costs around $800 to insure and register annually which is almost nothing in the scheme of cars. Safeco insurance has been really reasonable with an agreed value and great coverage. They are well aware I drive under 2000 miles a year so that helps.
I will likely slowly start modernizing the interior with new carpet, seats and sound deadening to get it closer to the more comfortable / refined driving experience of my E92 M3 which I also really love to drive. There also will be some service coming in 2026 likely a new clutch, flywheel, rear main and any other seals that will need it.
Both cars have Pilot Sport 4S tires now, Subaru is on 245/40/18 and the BMW is on 2785/35/18. Ride quality is fantastic and the tire is also capable of lapping days in the future.
BMW will need some suspension overhaul next spring and a pad swap before track days along with front camber plates to dial it in well.
Since May 2024 I have put over 6000 miles on the car with no major issues outside of the DCT shifter failing providing no can signal to the ecu which was fixed for $100 and 3 hours of my time. Much like older Subaru’s it helps when you buy a car with great service history.
It turns out I just really like maintenance intensive engines that rev to 8000rpm.
Picture updates from 2025 so far
If you are into discord I have one where I chat and post pretty regularly with car / gaming friends from around the world
JN Garage 