Ask Bark: An Update to 'Hi, I'm a Millennial Who Likes Cars!'

Mark "Bark M." Baruth
by Mark "Bark M." Baruth

Here’s a quick update from a previous Ask Bark questioner:

Hey Bark,

I wanted to drop you line to give a quick update and say thanks.

First and foremost, thanks for taking my question! I really appreciate your advice, and that of the B&B. It’s definitely safe to say that everyone’s thoughts pushed me to listen to the shoulder-devil that was saying, “You’re only young, dumb, and have no kids, wife, or dogs in your life once! Get something fun, impractical, and fast!”

However, I ended up going in a different direction than mentioned by pretty much everyone.

I drove almost everything on my list, your list, and the collective list of the B&B. I walked away from the process with some good impressions — and some mediocre ones. I still love the FiST, but was convinced that it was too damn practical in light of the wagon I have on standby. When (not if) the Allroad explodes, I’ll seriously look at a FiST to handle practical duty.

Last week, I picked up one of the least practical cars I could think of: a 2005 Nissan 350Z Grand Touring Roadster 6MT with 36,000 miles from the original owner, a retired auto detailer. It was a Craigslist creampuff that was just too good to pass up, and it allowed me to put a big part of my budget towards more fiscally responsible pursuits. It’s certainly a better car than I am a driver, but hopefully I’ll catch up soon! Every mile so far has been an absolute blast, and I have zero regrets.

What I’m trying to say is thanks, to you and the B&B, for convincing me to live a little.

See you on the road!

Connor sent along the above photo, which is just awesome. See? We’re changing lives here at Ask Bark, one non-compromised car purchase at a time.

Mark "Bark M." Baruth
Mark "Bark M." Baruth

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  • 05lgt 05lgt on May 10, 2016

    Nice choice. That and an Allroad make for a fine stable.

  • Lorenzo Lorenzo on May 10, 2016

    I just knew nobody's opinion would carry the day, and something out of left field would be chosen. That seems to be how it always works. I expected a used car, but I was thinking van or pickup. Just shows to go you these guys asking our informed, serious opinions are just twerking us. Or using their own judgement, which is almost the same thing.

  • FreezingD FreezingD on May 11, 2016

    Nice ride, I am quite jealous. One good thing about buying from Craigslist or buying private party in general is that you buy the owner as much as you buy the car. You can ask them detailed questions, why does this car have so few miles? Or why does this car have so many miles? How often do check the oil level? Talk to them, you know. I have backed away from quite a few private party sales due to the owner not responding to my questions in a manner that I was comfortable with.

  • Tedward Tedward on May 11, 2016

    Nice choice. A z might be the perfect foil for an all road (the a6 avant that got struggle snuggled by a touareg). The last time I was in a z was with a buddy of mine who comments here. He set the brakes on fire giving a crotch rocket a run for his money coming out of the catskills. It's a brutal but fun car.

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