The Case for a Forever Car

Whenever I talk cars or bikes with friends, we inevitably land on the same question: electric or combustion? Having owned an electric cargo bike and living in an apartment, an electric car doesn't make sense for me. We use our car sparingly as a family, and I don't love the idea of checking my phone to see if it's charged or planning charging stops on longer trips. I like being able to fill up and go. Currently I drive an older-generation Rav4 — dependable, capable, and perfectly adequate for daily life.

It's no secret that most modern cars and bikes aren't built like they used to be. Like phones, they're almost designed to be replaced every four to five years. Which makes me wonder: is now the perfect time to buy a "forever" car or bike — something built to last, worth maintaining, and worth keeping?

The Bike

For the motorcycle, the answer is simple. I've long had my eye on a BMW R80 G/S — the original "UR" GS — in that iconic white, blue, and red livery. Finding one at a reasonable price is getting harder by the year. But like most things worth having, I believe patience and persistence will eventually pay off.

The Car

The car question is trickier. When I think of forever cars, two models come to mind: the Mercedes-Benz W124 and the Toyota Land Cruiser. Both are large, capable, and legendary for their durability. But both sit too close to what my Rav4 already does. The Rav4 is a hybrid — wonderful to drive, though unlikely to appreciate over time given its modern complexity. Land Cruiser prices have skyrocketed beyond reach. And while the W124 is a beautiful machine in the right condition, I'm not sure I'd be excited to jump into one when the Rav4 already covers that ground so well.

What I'm missing isn't a more capable car. It's a more fun one.

Enter the Miata

I was recently reintroduced to the Mazda Miata through Simon Allmers, a friend and videographer at On, who picked one up a few months ago. The Miata is universally regarded as an excellent car, regardless of generation. It's the car some credit with pushing Porsche to create the Boxster — essentially saving the company from bankruptcy. For me, it would fill a gap I don't currently have covered: a small, fun car to keep at my parents' place, something to take out on weekend excursions with my wife or for my parents to enjoy when the weather's nice.

By all accounts it's a joy to drive and straightforward to maintain. A Porsche would be the smarter investment on paper, but Porsche repair costs don't match how I'd actually use the car. The Miata is honest in a way I find appealing — no pretence, just driving.

I'm still going back and forth, but given current prices on used Miatas, I think it's a matter of waiting for the right one in good condition. Visually, I think the MX-5 NC is my favourite. I don't see the market for analogue fun cars cooling off anytime soon. Electric cars are impressive — instant torque, effortless speed — but that novelty fades. A well-sorted mechanical car, one that was made to be driven, has something an electric motor can't replicate. Call it soul, call it character — I don't think it's going away.

So the hunt begins. I'll let you know how it goes.