Talk Me In To or Out of A 2nd Car

"themushman" (themushman)
09/16/2014 at 09:20 • Filed to: None

I recently paid off my car. I sold my house and made some money and was able to pay off my credit cards, college loans and my car, as well as purchase a few other things Ive been wanting. Right now I am debt free, and only have the cost of living going on.

My car that I own, I cant get rid of. Its a highly modified Charger SRT8 with 700hp. Over the past 12 months I blew the motor, fried the transmission twice, and rear ended someone lightly, however the carfax doesnt care..its a collision. So the depreciation from the accident coupled with about $10,000 Ive spent rebuilding the car the past year would just be money out the window. The car is finally how I want it though. Completely new forged motor, new fuel system, exhaust system, built transmission, new subframe bushings, new LSD rear end and tons of new odds and ends. Not many original mile items left on the car. So it has lots of power, still looks good and should last a long time with all the upgrades.

So with the rumors of the hellcat for the past 2 years on the forums, Ive had my mind set on trading in my charger for a hellcat when they came out. Now that Ive got too much non recoupable money tied up in it, I just cant let it go. That being said, having no debt left, I technically could afford a car payment of decent size. So I am considering keeping my car, as well as purchasing a 2nd car. Aside from really wanting a Hellcat, I have also considered a used CTS-V coupe. What should I do Opponauts? Regardless of your opinion of the Hellcat or CTS-V, finally being dept free, yet being a huge auto enthusiast; Would purchasing a 2nd car that isnt a beater be a wise move?

DISCUSSION (32)

Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow > themushman
09/16/2014 at 09:23

Nope. Buy a beater that you can build into a rally, rallycross, autocross, or LeMons/Chump Car project! You will have way more fun in those than you can in any high horsepower machine on the street.

crowmolly > themushman
09/16/2014 at 09:27

I'd say no, unless you are starting a collection or they are drastically different.

You will probably gravitate towards one and the other will sit in the corner. I've seen it pretty frequently, and FWIW I did it myself when I had a few cars.

themushman > Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow
09/16/2014 at 09:28

Ive looked at craiglist repeatedly for $500 or less cars. So far, not much luck.

Sweet Trav > themushman
09/16/2014 at 09:28

As a whole, I would say the CTS-V is the better overall car. The driving dynamics of the LX platform hellcat probably aren't going to be too different from your current SRT-8, If you're looking for more of the same - Hellcat, if you're looking for something new and interesting - CTS-V

themushman > crowmolly
09/16/2014 at 09:30

Valid point. The 2015 charger and my 2008 charger are vastly different. Although similar power at this point, the 2015 is leaps and bounds progressed in quality and features.

Nerd-Vol > themushman
09/16/2014 at 09:30

Not a beater, but a late model CPO car might be a great way to go. Perhaps a skyactiv mazda 3 hatch. I have been considering one, trading in my mazdaspeed 3 for one.

My two sports car lifestyle is cool, but perhaps not sustainable.

themushman > Sweet Trav
09/16/2014 at 09:32

A CTS-V has been my ultimate -almost attainable dream car for about 5 years now. They are such great looking and great performing cars. With the perfect amount of American Luxury appointments. And used prices for low mileage cars are pretty decent now

crowmolly > themushman
09/16/2014 at 09:32

I was thinking in terms of use and driving experience, but that works too.

Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow > themushman
09/16/2014 at 09:33

For a LeMons/Chump Car? Whereabouts are you? There are bound to be some cars, perhaps not running, or shells out there that would make a perfect race car! lol

themushman > Nerd-Vol
09/16/2014 at 09:34

Hey fellow TN resident. Ive owned 2 mazdas. A 2003 PR5..had great luck with it even though it was by no means performance in any way shape or form. And a 2011 MS3. Although decently quick, and purchased off the showroom floor. It was a piece of crap and I traded it in after 2000-ish miles. I dont know if I got a lemon or what, but I hated it. And i was sad, because I really wanted it to be awesome. Honestly, the new miata has me saying "hmmm" if they could confirm a decent HP figure in it.

themushman > crowmolly
09/16/2014 at 09:36

Ah..like sports car and pick up truck. One to be "cool" and have fun, one to be practical and useful Or big heavy over powered car and small nimble miata. Either way, very valid point again. Hadnt really considered that.

Sweet Trav > themushman
09/16/2014 at 09:36

I want a First Gen V Sedan.

themushman > Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow
09/16/2014 at 09:37

Well Ive been looking for a running car at $500 to fit in the Lemons rules. But so far no luck. Ive been down the "restore" and "repurpose" road before. Im not sure I want to go there again unless it was like a 87 Grand National or something really worthwhile.

Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow > themushman
09/16/2014 at 09:40

Yeah, nothing for LeMons is gonna be worthwhile. lol I'd set a CL search for $100-1000 in your area without any specifics and just see what kind of cars are out there. Or spend a bit more $1000-2000 on something that would make a decent rally car. For the price of a Hellcat you could do a lot of amateur rallying.

crowmolly > themushman
09/16/2014 at 09:43

Yup!

Have a "practical" hot rod like a 4 door sedan, pickup, etc and then a 2 seat sunny day car.

Like your charger and a C6 Z06. Just sayin'

themushman > Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow
09/16/2014 at 09:44

I forgot to answer your question. Im in Nashville TN. Ive actually considered not getting another car, and spending a little more on my car and doing to road course stuff with it. Barber and Atlanta are only a few hours away. All Id need is new suspension and a set of wheels. Brembo brakes should hold up decent if I keep the pads fresh. Ive always been a drag strip guy, but after hanging out on jalopnik the past year or two, im really starting to fall in love with the idea of corners and turns. lol

Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow > themushman
09/16/2014 at 09:46

Also a great idea. Spend your money on track days, HPDEs, and driving schools. Hell, go take a class at DirtFish, O'Niell, Bondurant, or one of the other awesome racing schools!

themushman > crowmolly
09/16/2014 at 09:48

Ive considered a C6 Z06. I personally think they are awesome. I know they carry a douchebag stigma for whatever reason. It would be hard to not mod a Z06.

Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow > themushman
09/16/2014 at 09:49

Down in the South, I imagine you could find something decent to build an awesome car similar to this haha

Kinja'd!!!

crowmolly > themushman
09/16/2014 at 09:55

To put it bluntly... that's a load of bull. Maybe a base model, auto, vert is the old guy special but not a C6Z. Unless you buy a satin jacket to match the car's paint. Then you are part of the problem. Ha ha.

They are good from the factory, great with some modifications, and are a blast to drive. You can have fun at the drag strip, open track day, or car show.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > themushman
09/16/2014 at 09:58

Well where do you live?

Are you in need of a winter/snow vehicle?

Interested in having off road performance maybe since you clearly have the on-road performance handled.

The answer is Raptor

themushman > Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow
09/16/2014 at 10:12

holy shit..that is absurd..and bad ass.

Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow > themushman
09/16/2014 at 10:15

Yep, 302 V8 w/ 400hp is both absurd and badass for rally. For your reading pleasure: http://www.themustangnews.com/eventcov_09/11…

themushman > crowmolly
09/16/2014 at 10:16

ROFL. I didnt realize it broke down into various models/stereotypes..but after thinking about it, you are probably right! Whats not to love about a 427 that can get mid 20'smpg on the hwy.

themushman > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner
09/16/2014 at 10:18

I live in Nashville. We rarely get snow of much concern. But..ive looked at the raptors. They are bad ass. If i were to get a truck. It would be a raptor. Even if i never went off road. The ability to run the hell over shit would be in my possession. I wonder about buying used, assuming someone with a used raptor probably put it through the ringer.

themushman > Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow
09/16/2014 at 10:20

I thought about a WRX or similar for rally. But man, watching rally videos online..i dont know if i have the balls for that. 130+mph is already a little anus clenching on pavement in a straight line. Throw in dirt/gravel/trees...I have a lot of respect for those dudes.

Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow > themushman
09/16/2014 at 10:25

Lol well with mos amateur rally cars you may not hit 130, but you'll definitely have the pucker factor. I say go do one of the rally schools and see how you feel about it after.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > themushman
09/16/2014 at 10:46

meh, the majority of them are just like any other offroad oriented vehicle, trips to work and the mall.

Example: the CEO of my company drives one.

nermal > themushman
09/16/2014 at 11:16

You have a high-power, RWD, American car now. If you can only get one other car, don't make it another high-power, RWD, American car.

Get something different, add some variety. Small and fun and not too expensive. My vote if buying new is for either a GTI or Wrangler. Neither will get you in trouble for going too fast, and both will be loads of fun, and completely different from the Charger.

themushman > nermal
09/16/2014 at 11:21

Good suggestion(s). A GTI would feel a little teenage-ish to me. Im 35. But I do think they are neat little cars. A wrangler. Not a bad idea at all

nermal > themushman
09/16/2014 at 11:28

No worries about feeling teenage-ish with a new GTI. Without getting too political, almost nobody under 30 can afford a new car anyways. You'll be fine. Test drive both, and when you drive the Jeep make sure you do so topless.

themushman > nermal
09/16/2014 at 11:41

I better man-scape that day then.