It wasn’t long ago that I owned 9 million cars, had the city inspector on my back telling me I had to get my cars running and registered or else, had a neighbor literally calling me “an animal,” and had almost no clothes that weren’t covered in motor oil. It was a great time in my life, filled with adventure and learning; of course, at the same time, I hadn’t been on a date in about 9 million years, and I’d often wake up in a sweat in the middle of night frantically reaching for a pen and paper so I could write down all the cars I owned and everything that needed to be fixed. It was unsustainable, and now, after miraculously getting engaged, I’m finally — after almost a decade — bringing the fleet down to a sustainable number of cars. Here’s what made the cut.
I’ve made a few tough choices over the past few days. For the longest time, I’ve been flip-flopping between selling my 2014 BMW i3 and my 2021 BMW i3S. The former is older, has 145,000 miles, and has a smaller battery offering 75 miles of range. At the same time, the 2014 has a brand new battery and compressor, and also it’s just better built than the 2021. The 2021 costs three times as much (mid $30 grand all-in), and offers a similar driving experience, but the advantage is that it looks incredible; it’s got double the range thanks to a battery that many say doesn’t degrade pretty much at all over the first five years, 50,000 miles (which bodes well long-term); and it has a 12 year, 130,000 mile warranty on pretty much every major component. It’s basically a brand new car, and it really does feel special.
Should I sell my Jeeps and buy a basically-brand-new BMW i3 for 30 large?
— David Tracy (@davidntracy) April 21, 2024
Still obsessed with this car. pic.twitter.com/1rSYnhEtDr
— David Tracy (@davidntracy) October 12, 2024
So I’m selling off the gray i3. What else will I keep? Well, I need a wedding car in a few months, and I figure it might be nice to have something convertible out here in California. What’s more, given my limited garage space, the CJ-3B makes a bit more sense than my YJ, which won’t fit in tandem with my i3. So I’ve decided to whittle my car collection down to three. It will be the CJ-3B and i3 at home:
And then at work I’ll have the five-speed ZJ overlanding project/road trip car that I need to someday get to:
So that’s it. Three cars, plus my brother’s Mustang:
So this means the Gray i3, YJ, Jeep J10 (which won’t make it through SMOG here in CA, anyway), World War II Jeep and Nash will all hit the auction block:
The reality is that, at this stage in my life, I need to focus on having a fleet of easily-maintainable cars. The Gold i3 has a huge warranty, so that should be no issue. The CJ-3B is not far from being on the road, plus it’s bone-simple and parts are plentiful. Not to mention, I think it’ll make a cool wedding car. The five-speed ZJ Grand Cherokee will be my one real project; it’s going to take a lot of work, but I’ll be excited when it’s done. And the Mustang is kind of a family heirloom at this point, it’s simple, parts are plentiful, and it’s only gone up in value since I bought it. It needs some work here or there, but it’s not really a priority.
In my head, the Willys I’ll use to putt around town, and I’ll tow it to an off-road park (and Moab!) every now and again. The i3 will be my highway/work car/the real daily driver. And the ZJ will act as my adventure car and occasional tow vehicle. That should be an easily-maintainable collection, and enough fun/variety to keep me happy. Probably. I can’t stop looking at Ford Model T’s, so maybe one of those will show up at some point. But until then, three cars and my brother’s Mustang. That’s all I need.
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I really should probably stop looking for Tin Lizzies, since I have only a couple months to get the Willys in good enough condition that it’ll work as a wedding car. At this point, I’ve never even heard it run, but hey, at least the stakes aren’t high… gulp!
When you have a job, a relationship, and any non-automotive hobbies/interests, this is the way. Bulletproof daily, fun convertible runabout, and eventually-rewarding project car.
I landed on this same automotive trinity this year and have been at least 27% saner as a result. Glad you’re getting to a good automotive place in your life too.
Oh really? What’s your trinity?
Bulletproof daily: 2009 Nissan Altima. Yes, with the Jatco CVT. I spend under $100/yr in parts and fluids keeping it running. It’s apparently the Lawful Good twin of Stef’s old Chaotic Evil Altima.
Fun convertible: 1990 Miata. Graduated from the Project Car slot last year. Solid OEM+ build after four years of wrenching.
Project car: Datsun 280ZX with 280k miles on the odometer. Free “gift” from a friend who’s had it in his family since the 90s. Came with a four-page writeup of all its issues.
Yes, with the Jatco CVT.
I know they have a bad reputation among the unenlightened, but I’ve heard these are excellent transmissions, among the best of any type.
Seriously interested in the YJ. I’m in Vegas, and I’d trust your YJ to make it here. I’m sure you can look up my email in The Autopian database.
A practical, efficient daily driver, an off-roader, and a convertible is a perfectly sensible, well-rounded garage.
Of course, this strategy will go down in flames and we will get a new series of articles about DT finding a couple XJs welded together into a limo on Craigslist, buying it for $800, and trying to rebuild it before the wedding.
I’m honestly not sure how I’m going to get over this Model T itch…
By getting a Model A instead. It’ll satisfy the same Model T itch but be a better wrenching and driving experience.
What you said!
Grandfather restored quite a few of both over some 5 decades, and, while he did keep 1 T to the end, he was adamant that the As were much better transportation
Did Elise (not her real name) get a vote in any of this?
No, she lets me do what I want.
It would be fun to get an Elise writeup/ ratings of the current fleet. Every once in a while, I like to get a more feminine/ (normal) perspective on my current projects from my mom/sister. Usually there is some comedy gold in their analysis.
I wonder what Sheryl (definitely her real name) thinks about my current fleet?
That’s fair. Will she willingly ride in the CJ-3B? I know my wife wouldn’t touch that Jeep, but would be all about going fun places in the Nash.
She thinks it looks like a lot of fun! In fact, she’s part of why I bought the YJ in the first place (she loves “open-top Jeeps”) and then when I got the CJ-3B, she thought “Oh wow, that looks like a great time!” I get the feeling she wants me to keep it over the YJ.
Highway driving in the YJ is a bit of a pain in the butt, she’ll attest. It’s loud and a bit uncomfortable, so the ZJ will be a blessing on that front. The ‘3B will be an around-town putt-around machine.
You’ve won the lottery DT, don’t ever let her go!
You gonna take it on the Sepulveda Raceway from the west side to the valley? Should be exciting. When it’s not bumper to bumper some folks go way too fast. Or just around SM?
My wife lets me think that too!
-except wrench on the Lexus
but, that’s married life: you gotta respect boundaries
I’m also considering whittling down my cars. But only by one.
I have a 2022 KIA K5 that is the daily driver. A 2022 WL Trailhawk and a 2000 XJ. I love the XJ a ton and have owned it for 22 years now. But, it’s old. Everytime I take it out away from civilization I’m wondering if this will be the time something major fails. I’ve done plenty of preventative maintenance and replaced what needs replacing. But again, it’s old.
This past weekend I went camping and took the Trailhawk instead of the XJ. It did great! Handled every rough road with ease. I’m sure the XJ is the better wheeler. But I don’t do serious stuff anymore.
Decisions decisions…
Tricky tricky tricky. Just remember: There are always other great cars out there, and XJ is a wonderful machine — so you can’t lose.
I sold my XJ for similar reasons.
Yeah you mentioned that. If I hadn’t owned it for so long now it would probably be an easier decision. Everytime I walk by I still can’t get over how cool it looks, which also doesn’t help.
I let my ‘forever car’ go a few years back. Almost regret it, but I didn’t trust it anymore, and am too busy—and no garage—to look after a 40yo vehicle
There’s a lowered 300TD sporting color-matched Ronals from an AMG living the Good Life on a farm down south now, so it worked out well for both of us
Moving to California did a lot for you David! Put some sense in your head and you put a ring on a finger!
And don’t forget: after married, her car maintenance will be YOUR task.
So, 4 cars.
No, no, we just had an article about this. Elise (not her real name) gets her car worked on at the dealership.
However, the Mustang is effectively David’s, so still four cars, but with an asterisk.
Did you ever get the Nash running? I’m certainly not in the market but man I’d love one of those as an around town car
I remember the Nash looking a hell of a lot better when he first got it. Otherwise I’d be interested.
Yeah. The Galpin parking lot has not been kind to the paint on that thing
But what are you going to tow the CJ-3B with, certainly not the i3?
It’ll be the ZJ.
So if you pair it down to three you can finally start naming them. I suggest:
i3S: Lisa (not her real name)
JGC: Rachel (not her real name)
CJ: Anna (not her real name)
Is the Mustang Eleanor?
No: it’s still around 😉
Hey what were the symptoms that lead to the compressor getting replaced in the grey i3?
Sounded like a cow underneath.
Like the one that flew past the Dodge Ram in Twister?
What about her car?
And why doesn’t your brother have his Mustang after all these years?
I think it’s some kind of Lexus. And, you know, it’s her car. Every couple decides their cars differently, they appear to be doing so independently.
Hmmmm… I love David Tracy and I wish him good luck in his whittling and future additions.
His and my dream garages have basically zero overlap (the J10 would have the best chance, making it onto my top 300 list of dream cars), and I love that, too.
I, too, love that we can have totally different tastes in cars but still be part of the same car-world.
I just had a chat with Jay Leno about “Noble Failures.” He loves them; I mentioned my i3. He doesn’t like it AT ALL, but he respects it, and thinks it could be a future classic (but only after I die lol).
Hope ya asked Leno why he screwed over Conan
So you say…
“The ashtray and this paddle game. And this remote control… The ashtray, the paddle game, and the remote control – that’s all I need! And this…” 🙂
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ZTdqh-a0tU
Levity aside, there are only so many hours in each day. We’ve seen you realize that and it’s good to see you acting on it.
Not that there’s anything wrong with keeping the Mustang, but IMO this is a very dangerous assumption and a bad reason for keeping a car. Especially something as “Boomer coded” as a 60s Mustang in the 2020s-30s.
The point is that I’m not worried about depreciation given I paid $4,500 for that machine. No harm in holding onto it, really.
You’re right that it’s probably always going to be worth more than $4500 in current dollars, but whether it’s worth more or less in 10 years than it is now is much less of a sure thing.
Is the Mustang your wedding car? It seems like a fun, if obvious, choice.
I think the classic ‘stang will always have fans, regardless of age. Remember when the guy came up to David’s door and offered him money and got mad when David wouldn’t sell it?
Probably true, but that doesn’t mean something will “only go up in value”.
If I had to guess, old Mustang values won’t drop much at all. They’re not quite as Boomer-era as, say, a ’57 Chev. Their styling really resonates with everyone, even of my own generation. That said, it’s possible it’ll flatline rather than grow appreciably given the sheer volume still out there.
First gen Mustangs are one of the few older cars where you still occasionally see the base models being saved after all these years. Watch Mecum and you only see Hemi Mopars and SS Chevys, but then a six cylinder ’64 Mustang will roll up amongst the Shelbys.
sad to see the J10 go as I know you loved that thing. If the funds are right, I might be able to give it a good home.
I really want your YJ but I don’t live in Cali.
I’m sure Nexus Auto Transport could solve that problem: How I Shipped My Car Across The Country [PARTNER POST] – The Autopian
I’m a firm believer in “Every American Should Own a Pick up Truck”. But I guess somebody living in an apartment in Los Angeles doesn’t really need one. I live way out in the boonies and probably only put 1500 miles a year on my pickup. I’d probably keep that wrangler over the CJ though.
I put about the same miles on mine, but damn it’s nice to have.
I have two: a 1994 Toyota Pickup and a 2022 Tacoma TRDOR. I’m keeping the average up for him 😉
So, a fleet enema, then?
As someone who worked in a pharmacy in high school, that really hit the mark.
If your comment isn’t selected for COTD and posted as such tomorrow, then the powers that be at Autopian HQ have lost their minds!! Well said!
this….is something.
jlawok.gif
In all seriousness, the J10 is the only one that sort of bums me out.
But we all know that you’ll occasionally cave in to buying more cars so, I just see this as a lineup refresh. It’s good that you’re getting things down to more reasonable numbers though.
Edit: Wait, what about the Aztek???
That’s a company car.
And yeah, the J10 is a bummer, but it’s huge, inefficient, and won’t get through SMOG without LOTS of work. I love that truck; it’s so perfect. But tough choices have to be made.
Yeah I totally understand why on the J10.
And I’m pretty sure the Aztek is less a company car and more a temporary residence.
Wait, have you lived in the Aztek yet? I’ve been away for a bit with a new baby, maybe I missed it. Regardless I demand it be used as a honeymoon car.
Congrats on the kid!
Thanks! I’ll now be able to blame my low-quality shitposts on sleep deprivation.
So if the Aztek is a company car, could the J10 and YJ become company cars? Asking for a friend…
And, if they do/can become company cars maybe Galpin could start a low-rent version of Uber; “Fubar” if you will. Where you might get picked up/make it to your intended destination depending on the operability of the vehicle. Mix that in with some cash cab type questions and now things get interesting!
One word. Montana
The older I get, the less obsessed I am with having a collection of cars, or even One really cool one. Like you, I’ve always been a big Jeep guy, and at one point I had 2 JK Wranglers, a Gladiator, an S10 SS, a 5 speed Dakota, and a new Pacifica all ready to drive.
But it just gets EXHAUSTING.
I’ve been in downsize mode for a few months now, got rid of the 4xe and Pacifica Leases, gave away a Toyota Tundra to a family in need, and offloaded everything else.
I hit a certain point that I realized I can only drive one at a time, and I’m pissing money away on parts and lease payments.
I have a 97 Chevy K1500 (it heals my soul everytime i’m in it), a 5 speed shitbox Kia Soul (WAY better of a car than you would think) , and the wife has a 19 Caravan.
I’m down to three, the least I’ve ever owned at one time. But each has a legitimate job to do, and each does their job perfectly, with no fuss, and it’s been a much less stressful life as a result.
It’s a bit easier working at a place that allows me access to tons of different cars to enjoy at any time, so I imagine it’s kind of the same for you.
Keep what is practical, and the rest let go to a good home!
There’s an SS version of the S10? Neat!
Yes! They are terrific little trucks.
From Bad4pt3 on S10forum.com-
The History of the S10 SS
The 2nd generation S10 was introduced in 1994. Along with that came the all new Chevy SS S10(RPO – B4U). About 2756 (est.) SS’s were made a year. They were each equipped with the 4.3L V6 producing 180 hp and on up to 195 hp Stock!,and were all 4L60 automatic transmissions. The SS was introduced with only three colors:
Onyx Black
Summit White
Apple Red.
In 1994 and 1995, the SS came with 15″ cast aluminum wheels, and chrome center caps and red bowties. SS badging and fog lamps were standard equipment as well. The rear-end was a 3.42 limited slip gear. In 1996 they received the upgraded ZQ8 suspension which now lowered the truck about 1.5 inches, had Bilstein shocks, fatter front and rear sway bars, in rear you had a anti hop shock that went from the axle to the frame, and a faster turning steering box. 1998 was the last year of the SS model, and also the first year the new front end was introduced. All SS S10 94-98 were all regular cab and step-side bed was available from 96-98.
LIKE A ROCK.
Keeping the Willys over the YJ is the only part of this I question. The YJ is just so much more pleasant for puttering around town and off road. But congrats on stopping the horde before it gets out of control. It’s a constant struggle.
I agree, even if the YJ has square headlights. It was good enough for OG MacGyver.
I know he explained it was due to parking limitations, but the YJ is the better choice to keep.
I sorta agree; the only issue is that the YJ just won’t fit in my garage, so I either street park it and have to move it every Tuesday for street-sweeping, or I park it at work 15 miles away and never drive it.
It’s tricky, especially if you consider that the ‘3B is worth more.
I could also keep the YJ and J10, sell the CJ-3B for the same price as those two.
Only downside would be the J10 isn’t smog compliant and the YJ has to be parked at work.
I’m not convinced the CJ will ever run. Keep the YJ so you have a convertible and decent off roader that you don’t have to worry much about. If you sell the YJ will have have any running 4 wheel drive vehicles?
The CJ will definitely run. I just installed a new fuel tank the other day, now I’m rebuilding the Carter YF, and probably a bit of points-sanding and boom, that F-head will SING.
The J10 runs well. A great machine, but to get it through SMOG it’d need a swap over to fuel-injection.
Can the CJ go 75 on an LA freeway?
Absolutely not. But there’s the ZJ for that.
So what youre saying is the Autopian needs a montana branch? Or perhaps a Vermont associate…
Moving on Tuesdays isnt a big deal. Drive the YJ to work on tuesdays. Make it topless (Jeep) Tuesdays. I’m sure that your fiance will laugh the first time it happens in the rain, and if it makes the SO smile its worth it!
Username checks out.
Did you guys already move in together into a long term spot? Otherwise, I imagine you won’t stay where you are for long and can just drive the YJ on Tuesday’s like someone else mentioned until you find a spot with a big enough garage. The YJ is better in every way for cruising and is in great shape already and will not need as much work over the years.
Yeah it feels like the Willys should be on a farm somewhere, not in the middle of LA. Seems like a death trap in traffic?
I’ll give you 3 months before you find a new rust bucket
I would have said that a year ago, but I truly think David is changing (and change can be a very good thing). Running an entire business has forced the speed of change, but I appreciate David for who he was (and that part of him will never go away) and also for who he is now.
I would ask what date you’ve set, but we’ll be able to extrapolate it from the inevitable “I HAVE TEN DAYS TO GET THIS NON-RUNNING CJ-3B READY FOR MY WEDDING” feature.
Seriously, though, looks like everything’s coming up Tracy. Congratulations on the next steps!
Borrow the Mustang, problem solved. I just wonder if his tux will be rust brown? The cake can have a fleet theme with a ring of holy grails.
He already has like 2 tux’s. I just hope he wears one of them. Or both at once.
This is a huge decision and a big day for you! Let the fun begin!