Hello Kurtatron,
Keep saving what you can. Money in the bank can give you the option of leaving a bad spot job or hold over a recession.
Since Financial advice, don't forget about ROTH IRA. In 35 years, at 65, you may have too much money and pay too much taxes....
Allocate weekly some amount for vacation(s). Me and wife and kids take 2-3 vacations per year, but eat at home, live in a condo, dress from clearance, and have paid off cars. And search for coupon/discounts like crazy.
But also enjoy life (responsibly). Time just passes. And NEVER comes back!
I would end the old car headache and sell the Solara, and buy a Ford Fusion. They made plenty of them and they could handle abuse. Parts are cheap since they made plenty. And they also have good performance.
Now for the toy, alternate approach:
-start going to the local track
-see what you like
-get in and chat with them:
- -performance
- -price (for parts, addons, maintenance)
- -skills
- -local cops policy/toughness
(Like that, you have others have the headaches for you)
When you know what you want, contact a fixed fee Southern auction dealer and a good mechanic, buy the car of your dreams, have it checked (flood, hail, etc), buy it and have it shipped to you.