Why Trading in a Luxurious Sport Sedan Was the Best Automotive Decision I've Made

"CAR_IS_MI" (car-is-mi)
10/15/2013 at 15:40 • Filed to: None

I have owned many a vehicle over the years, some good, many bad, most of which became pits in which to deposit my pay checks. This change probably wont be much different.

Maybe its the whole getting older thing, maybe I am becoming more "responsible" (nah), but after much deliberation, I walked away from multiple, multiple great deals on amazing sports cars and got myself into a Jeep.

Flashback to about six months ago; I had a heavily modified Mustang and a Diesel F350 sitting in my driveway.

The Mustang was no longer street legal, and I had recently switched jobs and the fuel for the truck was killing my pocket. I decided to get rid of both for something more... "sensible". Enter the Audi...

Having decided on a sporty sedan with okay fuel mileage, and affordable, I found myself staring down a black on black Audi S4 with a dual clutch transmission. Slightly used, but CPO, with a "great" warranty (totally laughable if you ever read into it). I was sold from the second I sat behind the wheel. Yea I had to give up my man pedal (this would be the first, and only automatic car Ive owned), but it was comfortable, fully loaded, and the acceleration... Just WOW.

Then came the buyers remorse.

Its not that I overpaid, couldn't afford it, or got screwed on my trade, because I didn't. There were two problems.

One, I was suffering from the loss of pedal number three, a.k.a. the man pedal. Somehow, I felt like less of a man, as if every car I drove by was pointing and laughing "Ha ha ha, look at the little girly man driving the auto Audi". They weren't, but it still felt like they were.

And two, this was a NICE car. I didn't want to park it within range of shopping cart, children, or floating bits of paper. I didn't want to sit in it without showering and putting on clean clothes. I didn't want my dog anywhere near it. I just didn't want to get a single scratch in the paint, a tiny ding in the door, or an imperfection in the leather or alcantara.

After about a month of ownership, the decision was made, my OCD couldn't handle this car as my only vehicle with 4 wheels.

As a single man in his late 20's, my initial go to was sports cars. I drove everything from BRZs to Vipers, and after two long months of thought and deliberation, I walked away...

I walked away from a C6 Z06, a 996 C4s, a Gen II Viper GTS (with 14k on the clock!!!), and countless other sports cars.

What!!! Why on earth would you turn down ALL those cars?

I live in a city. It's not a major city like New York or LA, but its a city, with traffic and crowded streets and hundreds of thousands of people. Outside of that city is dirt and sand, for hundreds of miles...

What good would a Viper or a Z06 do in city traffic other than to say "look how well I am doing for myself"? What about outside of the city? Sure there are straight, mostly empty roads where I can do something stupid, but why risk destroying a nice sports car??

So I asked myself these questions, and one more. What is the one toy that is relatively affordable, plays well in the dirt or on the pavement, and comes with a man pedal? The answer...

A Jeep.

Sure, its about as slow as the lunch line in a retirement home, and it has the aerodynamics of a brick... But every single drive is a blast. The aftermarket for these is, umm, EXTENSIVE, and (at least in my area) these things hold their value.

All in all, I've owned this for about 3 weeks, and it is the most fun Ive had driving (legally and not on a race track) in many a year. The only funner (I know) vehicle I had was the beater F-150 on 35"s that I used to plow into snowbanks for giggles and shits (not necessarily in that order).

It has taught me an important lesson however, and that is, just because it is expensive, nice and well engineered, does not mean it is fun.

DISCUSSION (84)

SkarTisu > CAR_IS_MI
10/15/2013 at 15:44

Interesting you mention the OCD making Audi ownership not fun. I'm running into a similar situation (although to a much lesser degree) with my GTI. The small imperfections accruing from daily use are irritating me.

William Byrd > CAR_IS_MI
10/15/2013 at 15:45

I had a similar Unlimited, although mine was a base model in white. Loved it, loved it, loved it. Didn't do a thing to it, drove it cross country and back, slept in it, etc. Only reason I traded was for more room, would buy again.

The man in the iron mask > CAR_IS_MI
10/15/2013 at 15:49

wow i like the wheels on your jeep, its real fun to drive one, its a different feeling, i had also a manual but a 2 door

Kinja'd!!!

for offroading i prefer a 2 door, but you dont have space in the trunk

Steve Zissou > CAR_IS_MI
10/15/2013 at 15:49

Can I have your Audi?

Volvosaurus-Rex > CAR_IS_MI
10/15/2013 at 15:51

I think the OCD about the little things comes from owning a car that is too expensive for your tastes. A car that is in your price range is one that you will enjoy using, you will take care of and maintain, and not necessarily kill yourself every time a bird flies over for fear of it shitting on the paint.
This thought came to me when there was an F40 with like 100 miles on the clock for sale displayed on the FP. If you can't drive the car without worrying all that much about it, you're driving a car too expensive for your tastes.

CAR_IS_MI > Volvosaurus-Rex
10/15/2013 at 15:52

And there is a point where I could deal with something like that, however, the car would have to be a non- daily driver.

Manuél Ferrari > SkarTisu
10/15/2013 at 15:54

I don't let small imperfections bother me. I don't get them repaired. I view them as scars that are a natural result of the car being used. We humans accumulate scars as we age and so do our cars. I kind of like expensive sports sedans and sports cars more once they've accumulated a ton of miles and some scars.

CAR_IS_MI > The man in the iron mask
10/15/2013 at 15:54

Thanks, they are the new factory wheels on the Sahara edition. The whole space thing is why I went with the unlimited. Still capable off road, and trunk space (even more with the seats folded flat.

CAR_IS_MI > Steve Zissou
10/15/2013 at 15:55

Sure, its sitting in an auction lot in North Las Vegas...

Volvosaurus-Rex > CAR_IS_MI
10/15/2013 at 15:58

I think you missed the point?

What good is a fast car if you're not willing to push it for fear of "destroying" the pristine condition? To me, that fear comes from owning something that is just on the cusp of a toy you can afford, so you want it to keep as much value as possible.

If you own something you could handily afford, you probably are not worried about a couple dings in the door. Nobody is happy when there is a ding in the door, but at least you wouldn't go ballistic over it in a cheaper car.

The man in the iron mask > CAR_IS_MI
10/15/2013 at 16:01

with seats flat you could even sleep there, well its a great buy, and also, the Jeep is known for retaining its value very well (i dont know if thats the proper way to say it) but if you sell it you lose very little money.

CAR_IS_MI > SkarTisu
10/15/2013 at 16:06

Its funny because I've almost always had a truck (so I write off imperfects as because truck) and an older sports car where as long as the engine and interior are clean, I could care less about minor body imperfections. With the Jeep, even though it was still an expensive vehicle, I would prefer this thing to be completely covered in mud...

SkarTisu > CAR_IS_MI
10/15/2013 at 16:10

I used to have a Cadillac that I wanted pristine at all times, as unrealistic as that was. I didn't care much if my truck got dinged for the same reason you have: Because Truck.

Cars should be nice. Trucks can (and sometimes should) be imperfect.

SkarTisu > Manuél Ferrari
10/15/2013 at 16:13

Yeah, there's only so many things you can do to prevent the advances of time short of full restoration. Rock chips are something I've never tried to keep up with. Chipped glass, door/fender dings and missing/loose trim are things I cannot abide by though.

CAR_IS_MI > Volvosaurus-Rex
10/15/2013 at 16:16

The Audi was not outside of affordability, and I did push the thing all day long, as if it was wrecked by my own hand then I had no one to blame but me. At the same point in time, I did not want to be responsible for the $1500 charge to replace an alcantara insert because I had grease on my jeans, or because the dogs nails were a bit too sharp that day. or to walk out from the grocery to see three carriages using my doors as stops.

I do see your point, but I buy cars to drive them, its mostly other people I don't trust.

Manuél Ferrari > SkarTisu
10/15/2013 at 16:17

Yeah I have a limit too. I don't want the car to look like it has been beat up. I just let truly minor things slide. A very small ding is OK to me. If it's big and noticeable then I will get it repaired.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > CAR_IS_MI
10/15/2013 at 16:37

"man pedal"

See E9x M3.

Good on you to test drive ALL THE CARS before making a decision.

Nice Jeep - I hope to add one to the stable one day!

FireSpittingV12 > SkarTisu
10/15/2013 at 17:30

2 blown water pumps? Scraping noise on full lock in the wet? Metallic scraping when the brakes are cold?

SkarTisu > FireSpittingV12
10/15/2013 at 18:06

lol...luckily none of those yet!

Jay Lauer > CAR_IS_MI
10/15/2013 at 22:05

He's completely right about those Jeeps. I would've bought one ages ago because they're so much fun no matter what you're doing. But, there's two things Jeeps can't do:

Cargo Space
Gas Mileage

Me being still somewhat practical, I went with an 04 WRX wagon. You can't remove the doors, but it's still a fun car.

NoahthePorscheGuy > CAR_IS_MI
10/15/2013 at 22:35

shoulda had a V8.

Kinja'd!!!

CAR_IS_MI > Jay Lauer
10/16/2013 at 01:47

My two initial complaints too but:

Cargo space in 4 dr is decent, and rear seats fold flat so there is a decent amount of space.

Gas mileage on the 2012 plus is not terrible. the new 3.6 Pentastar is built quite well Ive been averaging 19.5 mpg.

Chance.Canson > CAR_IS_MI
10/22/2013 at 16:45

Did the A4 have a launch mode? Because that cures the third pedal blues quickly in my GTI.

xx45xx > CAR_IS_MI
10/22/2013 at 16:51

did you not want to race anymore? it just seems strange to trade a diesel and a drag car for a dd.

any way to de-mod the mustang to make it street legal?

also was the diesel stock? with an exhaust, tune, and egr delete with methanol injection you could be looking at ~21mpg highway in that truck.

dont want to be a ford fanboy but with that Fx4 package, that truck could prolly go through a deeper hole than that jeep.

just hurts to see so many vehicle trades. everytime a move is made, you pad someone elses pocket. unless you're smooth.

1BrokeDad > CAR_IS_MI
10/22/2013 at 16:52

I just bought a 2013 Sport. Lovin' it.... (...doesn't seem to want to load my picture...BOO)

Congrats!

Burritoes > CAR_IS_MI
10/22/2013 at 16:57

What do you do for a living, if you don't mind me asking? I am in a similar situation trying to make a similar decision and I am curious just how similar our situations are.

CAR_IS_MI > Burritoes
10/22/2013 at 17:07

I usually don't know how to answer that question as I have been doing a whole hell of a lot of job hoping and smart budgeting...

I recently (3-4 months ago) gained employment as a Dynomometer Technician. Before that I ran a service company (took my leave to lower my stress rate, no point in having a heart attack at 26). And before that I did a whole lot of sales. I also build / restore motorcycles on the side and sometimes cars.

So yea, not really a concise career path...

CAR_IS_MI > 1BrokeDad
10/22/2013 at 17:08

Best purchase I've made in a while. Enjoy yours.

CAR_IS_MI > xx45xx
10/22/2013 at 17:15

I had no time for the Mustang anymore, and would rather save up for something fun and sporty to cruise around in than spend thousands per year for a nice built car to sit.

My OEM parts are still on the east coast, and between the cost to ship and the time of install it just wasn't worth it for me.

Diesel was all stock, and I did love that truck, but I did mostly city driving and the stop and go was killing me. The truck was capable, but very heavy, and no, that Jeep is already WAY more capable.

I lost money on the Mustang, but got an okay deal on the Audi, again lost money on the trade, but that's what happens when you trade in 3 months after buying, I got what I felt was right for the Audi and didn't get completely screwed, and got the Jeep at invoice so I was more than okay with that.

ArmchairHero > Volvosaurus-Rex
10/22/2013 at 17:19

That was really well said and I think summarizes the entire point.

CU > CAR_IS_MI
10/22/2013 at 17:54

I've owned, in no particular order, two corvettes with various levels of modifications from cam and headers to full on LS7 build, a vega wagon, a mini cooper S, full size SUV's, four door cars, and now...

I own a Jeep. Fun, don't worry about beating the shit out of it, gets decent mileage and I can take it anywhere. I'll add another fun car to the stable soon I'm sure, but for now the Jeep fits pretty well. What else can you buy that gets 20mpg, has a stick, is a convertible and is damn near impossible to get stuck?!

colorfulyawn > CAR_IS_MI
10/22/2013 at 18:08

Interesting.

I like Jeeps, and have often thought about a CJ or Wrangler as a second vehicle. I don't think I could give up sports cars for one, but then again, I've never tried to live with one.

As for the OCD stuff, I'm that way with my Miata, and I own guitars worth more than the book value of that car. Still keep it waxed and park out in the back nine everywhere I go.

CAR_IS_MI > CU
10/22/2013 at 18:10

Exactly my reasoning behind buying it!!!

TillTheWheelsFallOff: Brocoma > CAR_IS_MI
10/22/2013 at 18:24

Why did you go with the Sahara? Not trying to be mean, just wondering. I mean, you stated that Vipers were in your price range, so why not go for the Rubicon?

CAR_IS_MI > TillTheWheelsFallOff: Brocoma
10/22/2013 at 18:38

I actually wanted a Sport to be honest. Reason being, its a Jeep, there are no if's and's or but's, it IS going to get torn apart and rebuilt with better / more proper equipment. Why pay for the big wheels, or the "upgraded" radio if I am just goign to change those things anyways???

All I really wanted was stick shift and 3.73's, anything else I could take or leave. Unfortunately that proved harder to find than anticipated. I found this one, that met my criteria and then some, so I went to look at it and tried my hardest to walk away, until the deal was sweet enough for me to say yes to all the factory upgrades that come with a Sahara. If they had had a Rubi in manual and had given me the same deal I would have had a Rubi, but no one in this city wants a stick shift, so dealers don't stock them.

TillTheWheelsFallOff: Brocoma > CAR_IS_MI
10/22/2013 at 18:54

I can respect the no frills approach, but I was actually talking hardware. I haven't been on my jeep game as much as I was before, but do the saharas still come with Dana 30s? I really wanted a Rubi before I got my truck because of the 44s and the electric swaybar disconnect (even if the reliability is in question, haha) and the transfer case. But even though you're gonna overhaul it, selling Rubi stuff always helps the budget.

Are you going to throw PR60s and an Atlas under there? If so, disregard everything I've said, haha.

CAR_IS_MI > TillTheWheelsFallOff: Brocoma
10/22/2013 at 19:04

The Sahara has a Dana 44 in the rear and a Dana 30 in the front, the rubi has the 44 at both.

I plan to use this mostly for overland long haul type trips so the 44/30 combo should be more than enough for me. Unfortunately I've learned my lesson about selling OEM parts and I now never sell anything that could eventually go back on. So even if I did have a Rubi, that wouldn't help the budget because those parts would just sit in storage.

Manuél Ferrari > SkarTisu
10/22/2013 at 19:11

I jinxed myself. A couple days after typing this I tapped the car in front of me in the drive through. I guess I was really hungry :P

Daywalker > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com
10/22/2013 at 19:46

can you explain the "man pedal... See E9x M3" comment? I don't understand.

BrownMiataDieselWagon > CAR_IS_MI
10/22/2013 at 19:46

Nice choice!

I'm actually looking for a 4-door Sport model with 6MT, 3.73's, and LSD (Anti-spin/Trac-Lock/whatever they call it). But living in America, it's tough to find the ones with the "man pedal". Congratulations on your find!

jayfieldstampa > CAR_IS_MI
10/22/2013 at 19:52

Wow that's dead on I went from my beautiful Audi S5 to a Ford F150 Harley Davidson. I was so afraid of damaging my Audi on the countless bad Tampa roads I couldn't take it. After a year with the truck I decided gas was killing me so now I am driving a Chrysler 300s V6....it's very boring but I don't what happens to it. I really do miss my Audi and I think eventually the same will happen to you. Just so you know I did the same with my B5 S4:( Cheers

revrseat70 > SkarTisu
10/22/2013 at 19:53

This was my only tiny bout of buyer's remorse I had for a day: I kinda wished I had gotten into a used WRX or RSTi. This was simply because the more daily driven battle scars, dirt, and dull paint they have the more respect you have for them. They are the only sports sedans I can think of that are like that.

jayfieldstampa > jayfieldstampa
10/22/2013 at 19:54

Sorry that was I don't care what happens to it..freaking tablet

I was in the pool! > CAR_IS_MI
10/22/2013 at 19:59

I owned an Audi A3 and felt the same way about that car. Plus, I had a 2.5-year-old at the time and he was trashing the back seat. So, I sold mine for an Toyota FJ Cruiser and now I don't mind what happens to it...

TillTheWheelsFallOff: Brocoma > CAR_IS_MI
10/22/2013 at 20:33

I get you. If you're into overland travel, definitely get on Expedition Portal. I'm rigging up my truck for overlanding as well and ExPo is a great resource. I definitely approve of the Expo White on the Jeep. :P

Dsscats > NoahthePorscheGuy
10/22/2013 at 20:48

With a man pedal!

NashvilleAudioGuy > Steve Zissou
10/22/2013 at 22:02

I would have gone with a Toyota FJ. More fun, better resale and not a "chick 4wd"

RW53104 > CAR_IS_MI
10/23/2013 at 01:27

You always remember that Jeep you owned and will always regret selling it.

But GODDAMN would it kill them to give us a bit more power and another gear!?

McSchmalex > CAR_IS_MI
10/23/2013 at 02:10

I just read this article.

And then I read this article again.

And I feel like this is going to be me in six months.

You see, I have never owned a nice car. I have always leaned toward the more practical, more efficient, lower maintenance car that I will park anywhere. I have always been a car enthusiast, but I never spent much money on my own cars because I just haven't had that much money.

Now I am older and have an income that can support a nicer car. I started shopping around and have settled on a 2014 Audi S4 (manual, because you can't spell manual without M-A-N). I have ordered the car and it should be delivered the middle of December.

I just hope that I don't regret buying it. I live outside Kansas City and, while traffic and whatnot isn't too heavy there, I hope I feel like I am getting out of the car what I paid for it.

I guess if I feel paranoid about keeping the car clean and scratch free... I will trade it in and get something cheaper yet still fun. Like a VW GTi. Or maybe a Jeep...?

LeftHook > Dsscats
10/23/2013 at 02:57

I had one of those with a man pedal. Still miss it, although my checkbook (and by proxy my wife) do not.

Kinja'd!!!

Hindered23 > NoahthePorscheGuy
10/23/2013 at 03:18

Kinja'd!!!

I did :(

Mirror Universe Stig > CAR_IS_MI
10/23/2013 at 04:26

Are there no Subarus in your area? Or VW Passat wagons with a manual and AWD?

bobcaramba > CAR_IS_MI
10/23/2013 at 06:49

My buddy had a crummy lil jeep in college. His had the zipper windows though but it was great. Bit of a beater but for some reason on Jeeps it's just well...it's all right. We traveled a lot on that thing and even made a roof rack out of a (heavily) duct-taped closet door I yanked out of my room. I have some great memories of that car. I know this might sound dumb, but try doing a burnout on it....one word for you...hobby horse . Hilarious. Who cares if it is slow, some cars are fun fast, some cars are fun slow, some cars like jeeps are practically MODULAR so have fun with it!
Congrats.

BTW when I got my used WRX 2 months ago ( Mind you I live in brazil where a NEW WRX costs 70k...I know...) I went through a similar problem. Granted it is not a luxury car but repairs and parts here cost a FORTUNE so I went through two whole months driving it like it was made out of crystal. F*ck that man. Now yes I have a few scars on it from bumps and horrible Brazilian streets ( I live in SP) and it is my DD but u know what? When I decided to just let it be I started enjoying it. Sure your audi is a luxury car aswell but you know what all those people passing you were ACTUALLY saying? " Why is it that these f*ckers buy sports cars to drive them like old ladies"....don't show car your ride, if it's made to go fast then do so and you will get scars on it. It's not a Rolls buddy ( which by the way also have EPIC engines)...it's a SPORT sedan. Don't be ur cars b*tch, make it the other way around and you will feel MUCH better.

cliches sorry, but true.

NoahthePorscheGuy > Hindered23
10/23/2013 at 07:38

Why the sad face?

Party-vi > CAR_IS_MI
10/23/2013 at 07:46

HOORAY ANOTHER JEEP PERSON!!!

Also I know where you're coming from on the Audi; my first "nice" car is an 11 year-old BMW and I still get paranoid about people denting the doors, scratching the paint, etc. even though it's an older car.

Bob > CAR_IS_MI
10/23/2013 at 07:49

There is only one question that you need to ask when it comes to choosing a car...."does it make you feel cool?"

RafaelValenca > CAR_IS_MI
10/23/2013 at 08:21

I trade you my Fiat Punto t-jet anytime for your audi s4 and its only avaible with the 3 pedals here in Brazil... jokes apart i get what youre saying sometimes i feel the sameway thats why ive been avoiding using my car during the week i work in a place here thats absolutely parking hell where cars go to die hahahaha

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > Daywalker
10/23/2013 at 08:34

Just telling him he could get that third pedal he was missing in an M3 (it could be had in the S4 as well...). His decision was clearly based more on other concerns, though.

AlBosnien > CAR_IS_MI
10/23/2013 at 09:35

I try to treat my car with utter respect all the time..but there are circumstances that you will never control..pebbles...weather....rust...other drivers....after buying a 2013 passat TDI, and being in my very early 30's...I have resorted to just "taking care of my car"...I don't let the car own me...I own the car...I take it places...I part it safely away from things, and wash it as often as it gets dirty. I can't do luxury cars....because after 6-8 months I'll get buyers remorse and ask myself "am I really using all these gadgets" and "do I need to drive really really fast everywhere I go"....answer is no...so I enjoy everything as a privilege...driving...insurance ...food..everything...coming from the Balkans....I'm just glad I am alive right now. But good choice.

SkarTisu > Manuél Ferrari
10/23/2013 at 10:24

oh no! lol did anything get bent?

Hindered23 > NoahthePorscheGuy
10/23/2013 at 10:44

just recently sold her because I went to college and can't drive, don't have a job so I can't keep paying my dad, and it was becoming a hassle with all it's maintenance

PostOMatic2000 > CAR_IS_MI
10/23/2013 at 10:59

Try to score a ride in an off-road driving academy somewhere that has Jeeps. You will be amazed at how little capacity you are using day-to-day. After you scale a 3 foot vertical rock face, you will understand that you no longer have to slow for speed bumps, curbs or pedestrians.

Chris D > CAR_IS_MI
10/23/2013 at 11:45

I love this article, it really hits home. I have a 02 WRX that I autox'd for years and babied but it can be a pain as a DD now, and with 2 dogs and 2 kids it pushes the limit of usability. 2 yrs ago I was visiting family on the Big Island and rented a Jeep identical to yours and it has stuck with me since. I find myself too often finding reasons to buy one and this article gave me another :)

Burritoes > CAR_IS_MI
10/23/2013 at 11:53

Interesting and impressive. Cheers!

CAR_IS_MI > RW53104
10/23/2013 at 13:02

The new JKs have a 6MT (still a 5 for the Auto), but yes, more POWAH!!!

CAR_IS_MI > McSchmalex
10/23/2013 at 13:04

I feel like I would have tolerated mine more if it was a 3 pedal, but if you're as OCD with a nice car as I am, it will literally drive you to the point of questioning your sanity.

CAR_IS_MI > PostOMatic2000
10/23/2013 at 13:07

Who says I slow for pedestrians???

RW53104 > CAR_IS_MI
10/23/2013 at 14:16

Yeah, it's about time! Driving a 4 banger previous gen on the highway was an uphill battle trying to survive in Chicago traffic.

4typhive > NoahthePorscheGuy
10/23/2013 at 15:10

I'm so jealous that I hate without knowing you, but give it 5 minutes. I'll move on :-)

4typhive > CAR_IS_MI
10/23/2013 at 15:16

Hold on. You're in your late 20's, single with no children, and your are complaining about your kick-a** Audi that you have to park away from the shopping mall in fear of bird poop? That's not called "getting older"! It's called being a punk. I would've killed to be in your place when I was in my late 20's.

Manuél Ferrari > SkarTisu
10/23/2013 at 15:18

Luckily it wasn't too bad. I don't have a front license plate on the Carrera. The paint just got nicked a little on my car. The other car already had a lot of dents and scratches on the bumper so the girl didn't even get out to look at her car. She just said "no worries, my bumper is already messed up"

The nick I got is small enough to live with, so no monetary damage done :)

MentalMechanic > Volvosaurus-Rex
10/23/2013 at 16:26

Case in point the $700 Audi a4 quattro I owned. Drove it hard every chance I got and wasn't afraid of wrecking it at the AutoX and it was the most fun I had in a car. Compared to the much pricer cars I've had the pleasure of driving (not owning) at AUTOX events and I baby them to the point I am afraid to make the tires chirp once.

Volvosaurus-Rex > MentalMechanic
10/23/2013 at 17:07

Exactly. I am not rich enough if I can only afford to buy a new Ferrari and the service that goes along with it. I can only really afford a Ferrari when I wouldn't bat an eye if it got wrapped around a tree or got shit on by an acid-shitting-bird.

NoahthePorscheGuy > 4typhive
10/23/2013 at 18:32

not my car, my dads.

Texican > Volvosaurus-Rex
10/23/2013 at 19:54

I can tell neither one of you has much OCD. I know what the author is saying here for sure and it's not about the money per se. I get this way about my Ford sometimes and it's just a Ford. I got a grease spot on a seat from working on the other car (which I do alot) and swapped the whole seat set for much darker leather. I changed the oil and noticed the undertray was all chewed up and now I'm wanting to go to the JY to replace it. The freaking undertray. I can't tell you why, that car just falls into the OCD category.

I also do junkers and I don't feel that way at all. My Volvo is 39 years old and it can look however the hell it wants. Shopping carts can hit it, paint get scratched, what ever. I give zero shits about battle scars on that one. I could see a Jeep falling into that category. Same as that F350. Hell, the truck probably costs as much as the S4 did, or more. Scratches are character on some vehicles, not on others.

Daywalker > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com
10/23/2013 at 22:25

Gotcha. My confusion was related to the availability of the "man pedal" in the S4 as well as the M3.

The new auto transmissions they are putting in performance cars these days are excellent, and I know they probably shift faster, better, and more consistently than I can shift, but I do wonder if I'd enjoy them as much as I enjoy daily driving a manual.

With regard to the Jeep, I get it for someone who is going to go off-road a lot. For me personally, even though I am into outdoorsy things, I rarely go off pavement (like <100 miles per year on unpaved roads) and even when I go on unpaved roads, a car (an M3 or an S6 Avant are my current choices) handles the dirt roads just fine for the little amount that I use them. For that reason, an SUV is really hard to justify. I wouldn't sacrifice the everyday drivability of a sports sedan for those few miles per year.

Another thing in regard to the author, you have to realize that when you use a vehicle, it's going to see the effects of use. I do seek out parking spots that will minimize door dings, but I don't mind walking a little extra to get to a store (and it's often quicker than muddling around looking for a closer spot). If I get rock chips I don't sweat it. If I don't wash it for a couple weeks, no big deal. Sometimes I let my dogs ride in the back seat, OOOH Noooo. This stuff is part of car ownership. Nothing a good wash and vacuum can't fix.

Carfreak493 > CAR_IS_MI
10/24/2013 at 01:54

I am currently running into the same OCD issues having my dads 2013 S4 at college with me, while my Grand Cherokee SRT8, which i'm prob even more OCD about is at home waiting for a speed sensor to be replaced. There both just way too nice cars for the collage life style. I dont even want to drive my friends anywhere cause the slightest scuff of dirt on the door or dashboard or finger prints on the windows gets me pissed. I just want a Daily driver I dont have to worry about keeping "perfect", that I could just use as a car and just live my life, haha First world problems much....

McSchmalex > CAR_IS_MI
10/24/2013 at 02:31

Right, the closest I have driven to an S4 is an A4 during a test drive. Was three pedal, drove smooth like buttah, lets hope the niceness of the car doesn't ruin it for me.

CriticalCareGenius > CAR_IS_MI
10/24/2013 at 03:20

Interesting choice you made, but I'm guessing in a few months your going to miss the power factor. I currently have an 09' BMW coupe 328i, and a modified 12' BMW E92 M3. I use the 328i for my bad weather driving in the summer, and daily driver in the winter. The M3 is my project car that I plan on keeping for a while, so I don't care about decreasing the value of it by slapping a supercharger on it. The 328i is a great car by itself, and I have has plenty of fun in it, but it's a great DD and gets great gas mileage. The M3 is stupid fast and gets horrible gas mileage, but I'm able to keep it pristine because of the 328i.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > Daywalker
10/24/2013 at 08:43

I've only ever had manual transmissions in my cars (for two decades of driving). I get far too much enjoyment from the involvement of all four limbs in the driving process to consider a dual-clutch system. I'm sure at some point, there will be a car that I desire enough for me to get over this, but as of now, I plan to stick to manual transmissions.

We have three kids, so my wife will always have a larger SUV/crossover with AWD, so I thankfully have the option of a smaller, sportier car that's a blast on the back roads and very capable at the track.

I'm the same with parking spots. Rock chips hurt my soul, but my E90 had some before I bought it last year, and it has more now. Call it "patina".

The dog comment is funny - I swore they'd never ride in my car, but I just took both of them to the vet in it a couple weeks back (with the seats laid down, at least). They were mostly in the trunk - ha!

It's my SSSUV: super sports sedan utility vehicle

SkarTisu > Manuél Ferrari
10/24/2013 at 16:43

That's good. I did a similar thing with the 03 4Runner I used to have. Waiting for the person in front of me to turn right onto a county highway. I saw her start to pull away, I looked to the left down the highway as I started taking off too, then she changed her mind and stopped. Her beat to hell 89 Thunderbird that was running on no more than 5 of its 6 cylinders had so much existing damage to the rear bumper that there was no way to tell whether I made it worse. I noticed a slight mar in the paint on my front bumper. No need to swap insurance information as I'm pretty sure she had none to share anyway.

Manuél Ferrari > SkarTisu
10/24/2013 at 17:03

LOL if she didn't have insurance then she would definitely not have wanted to swap information.

I've been very lucky that I've never caused a real accident. The worst I've ever done is tap someone. Other than the super low speed incident the other day I only had one other that was similar to yours. Except I was looking to the right instead of the left, and I was doing it because there was a really cute girl in the car next to me. I was probably 17 at the time and in an old car. I tapped the newer Mercedes in front of me and assumed the worst. But instead of asking for my information the owner got out, looked at his bumper, decided the nick/scratch that must have occurred was minor enough and waved me off. I was so surprised that he didn't tear me a new one.

Rick > CAR_IS_MI
10/24/2013 at 17:10

Hmm, from a modded mustang to an Audi S4 to a.......Jeep? Ha, yea, OK. You lost me, I'm outta here.

Teezlr > Volvosaurus-Rex
01/06/2015 at 17:59

Nailed it. If I can't pay cash for the car as disposable income then I'll always be worried about my investment rather than enjoying the car for what it is.