My 1996 Galant VR-4 which I have owned now for over 11 years, is starting to feel its age, with the odd rattle here and there, electric windows playing up, due to internal fittings I suppose wearing out. The engine, transmission and chassis are still good and reliable - still starts on the first turn of the key, has lots of grunt when needed and handles in the wet well, but some hesitancy from time to time, especially when the AirCon is on.

My heart says just keep pouring money in to keep it on the road (less than $1,000 p.a currently), because I just love looking at the styling and it looks real good, even when dirty. Every time I seriously consider replacing it, it brings tears to my eyes, the thought of letting it go. 11 years is a long time to own one car, and especially one as good as this.

However, I still see myself having to replace it in a couple of years time and still not decided what kind of car to buy as a replacement.

I have given up all hope choices, and just need a basic runabout for the next 10 years or so.
Mazda 2 - I just love the styling of these
Mini Cooper - Cute little coupe
Suzuki Swift - no comment required
Mitsubishi Mirage - No!, just No!

I am still getting a Mitsubishi choices and these are good options.
Previous generation - Lancer 2.4 VR-X - All that power in such a light car, wheels spun a lot in rental I had
Current generation - Lancer 2.4 VR-X - No longer made anymore, but a lot heavier than the previous generation
Japanese Import - Galant Fortis 2.0 Sport - Hey it is a Galant at least (would be my 5th)
Brand-new - Lancer 2.0 SEi - All the luxury of the Lancer VR-X, but a little less on power, but 'brand new'

Possibly also consider a Mazda 3 - 2.3 or VW Golf GTi at this level

There is still some life in me still
Lancer 2.0 Ralliart - Almost an EVO X, but a little more sedate.
Porsche 968 - It's the ultimate 944, probably one of the best drivers car of it's day
Porsche 911 (993) - It's a real Porsche, but still very much 'mid-life-crisis' choice
Toyota GT-86 / Subaru BRZ - Wow!, just Wow!, who cares if it can only carry a couple kids in the back (just)

... may still consider a Lancer EVO X, but it really only a VR-4 replacement ... but maybe just a bit too hardcore for me now.

Time to retire gracefully, but oh so heavy cars
Jaguar X-Type 3.0 AWD - Classic front end, but probably too much like my VR-4
Jaguar S-Type V8 - I just love the classic look of these, the XF will never grow on me ever, I like the 'retro'
First Generation BMW 540i - Last non-Bangalised model, my brother-in-law had one, maybe quite expensive to keep running though
Current model Ford Mondeo 'Titanium' edition - These just look so good.

Still lots of time before I need to decide and have to make a decision. But the next car will have to last me again another 10+ years, so I want it to be the right one for me, and one I will love as much as I do the VR-4. I need to remember I am 53 soon, so lots of 'boy-racer' stuff is nearly gone. Which is one of the reasons why I still love the VR-4 - The Gentleman's EVO.