Too Soon to Switch?

"parkave231 can't get enough of that funky stuff" (parkave231001)
04/07/2014 at 21:28 • Filed to: None

A couple of years ago, I had a mid-life crisis. At the ripe old age of 32. Actually acting upon the most rash impulse I've had thus far in my life, I traded in a perfectly fine 2002 Cadillac Deville on a 2012 Ford Mustang. Automatic. V-6.

I know, I know. YOU CRAZY? WHY YOU NO MANUAL BRO? DOES YOUR PURSE FIT IN THE TRUNK? Yeah, yeah.

As I approach the celebration of my surviving 35 years on this chunk of rock, I don't want to say that I have any regrets. However...I think I am starting to dislike my current vehicle.

It's noisy. It doesn't have a lot of storage space. I hate the transmission. It rides rough.

Now at this point, you probably think I'm really crazy. Or really stupid. "Yo, dumbass! You bought A MUSTANG. Just about the most anti-land yacht thing you could buy! Didn't you think it would be a drastic change for you?"

Yes. Yes, I did. I'd driven several Mustangs before I decided to purchase mine, and really liked them. Had the best date I've ever been on one 4th of July thanks to a rented 2006 convertible. (Yes, fireworks ensued. Not in the car, though.) I knew it was small, rough, and noisy. But I suppose after 17 years of driving large Detroit land yachts, I figured I should let my hair down a little.

(Have I mentioned I'm bald?)

Last week I had a business trip to Columbus, Georgia, along with about 30 of my favorite coworkers. We vanpooled down there from Charlotte and I was voluntold to drive. And so for four days I was in charge of a brand new Chrysler Town and Country.

If I were in the market for a minivan, this would probably be the one I'd buy. I was impressed with the Pentastar motor, and the whole ride was very smooth and quiet. Comfortable interior, and the whole ride was very smooth and quiet. Seemed pretty well put-together, and the whole ride was very smooth and quiet.

I didn't have to yell over tire noise. I didn't have to deal with a transmission that hates to downshift at a stop sign until after you put your foot back on the gas. Independent suspension! I had a cupholder and a place to put my phone other than the passenger's seat.

Now I'm starting to wonder — should I just ditch my current car after only two-and-a-half years ? (No, not for a minivan.) My Mustang isn't even out of warranty yet! Very money! So depreciation! Much crazy!

I think, unfortunately, that when I bought the Mustang I was trying to keep hold of something that never really existed — my youth and coolness. What's the shortest any of you have kept a daily driver totally different from what you had previously before deciding to switch back to your comfort zone?

DISCUSSION (15)

Jayhawk Jake > parkave231 can't get enough of that funky stuff
04/07/2014 at 21:32

If you can afford it, go for it. Just accept the financial impact.

I did it, and other than extending a car loan again, I don't regret it. I wouldn't recommend it to go from one car to a similar car, but if you want to change the type of car it's the only way. Again, just take note of what you're doing and make sure you are okay with it.

EDIT: forgot to say. I had a Kia Forte Koup, SX, Auto. Traded for a Chevy Sonic RS hatchback with a manual 2 years later

StoneCold > parkave231 can't get enough of that funky stuff
04/07/2014 at 21:33

Have you checked into any different tire/shock combos for more comfort/quieter ride?

The nice thing about Mustangs is that if it doesn't suit you, there's a mod out there to fix it.

Tim (Fractal Footwork) > parkave231 can't get enough of that funky stuff
04/07/2014 at 21:33

To each his own...

I'd go for that Chevy SS, if I were you (assuming it's in your price range). Not too hard, sleeper, fast (enough for your tastes?).

pfftballer > parkave231 can't get enough of that funky stuff
04/07/2014 at 21:33

Sell that piece of shit. Sure it will cost you money to get out from underneath it but life is too short to drive bad cars.

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > parkave231 can't get enough of that funky stuff
04/07/2014 at 21:38

I'd dump the 'Stang. If you want comfy and RWD, get a 300 or Charger.

Frosted > parkave231 can't get enough of that funky stuff
04/07/2014 at 21:41

I've been averaging 6 months with each car. On month 8 with my current and already looking to sell, ownership length is trivial. Get out there and try different cars if you can afford it.

parkave231 can't get enough of that funky stuff > StoneCold
04/07/2014 at 21:43

That's true — it's like a fairly blank canvas. I always thought that if I bought a Mustang I'd be interested in modding it, but that never took.

But at this point I'm not even sure the car is a good fit for me. It's not that I hate it — I just not sure I like it anymore.

parkave231 can't get enough of that funky stuff > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
04/07/2014 at 21:45

I think if I were to replace it today I'd probably get a 300. The more I notice them, the more I like them. And it seems almost a perfect fit for my personality — fairly formal lines, large and comfy...and I can always get a Hemi in it.

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > parkave231 can't get enough of that funky stuff
04/07/2014 at 21:47

Even the 3.6 is good with the 8-speed coupled to it.

parkave231 can't get enough of that funky stuff > Jayhawk Jake
04/07/2014 at 21:48

I can afford it; I just can't fathom getting rid of a not even three year old car. Typically I've gotten the six year itch — which still seems short — but this time it's hit me fairly soon.

Jayhawk Jake > parkave231 can't get enough of that funky stuff
04/07/2014 at 21:56

if you can afford it what's stopping you?

My mom apparently once had a car for 6 months. That's it: 6 months she decided she didn't like it and traded it in.

Lets Just Drive > Jayhawk Jake
04/07/2014 at 22:01

What Jay just said; that's my biggest cautionary piece of advice.

Sure, the Mustang Guy part of me wants to encourage you to stick it out but the 3.7, while awesome, sucks with that transmission. That said, you can do just about anything with a Mustang including turning it into a softer ride. Sadly, adding space or seat room is pretty much out of the question.

I get the urge to change cars about as often as I change underwear (let your imagination run with that one) so I completely understand the want for something else, or more perfect for your lifestyle but the one thing I'll always caution people on is this - don't do it if there's any chance you can't afford it.

Cars are an expensive proposition always. Even a cheap car isn't really that cheap when you do the math and compare it to, say, walking or riding a bike. So, you might as well enjoy the car you have if its going to be costing you but you have to weigh the risks - is your comfort or enjoyment worth a loss of X number of dollars?

I just wrote a piece for Oppo (which then made the FP and got FP commented to death) about the perfect car for new parents being the one they have now, because they can afford it and they can probably make it work. Too often new parents rush out and go into debt for a minivan, replacing whatever they had, when the need is purely contrived; the result of social and consumer culture pressure. Here, I'd say the same is true, that you don't want to make an unwise move financially.

If you can, ride the Mustang out and buy used. Never pay depreciation again. My advice.

Lets Just Drive > parkave231 can't get enough of that funky stuff
04/07/2014 at 22:01

What Jay just said; that's my biggest cautionary piece of advice.

If you can, ride the Mustang out and buy used. Never pay depreciation again. My advice.

mattoverdrive > parkave231 can't get enough of that funky stuff
04/07/2014 at 22:25

If you wanted to stick with a coupe the Challenger would be a good option too. It's a really comfortable car. I'm 6'2" and fit in the back seat comfortably.

Burrito de EJ25 > parkave231 can't get enough of that funky stuff
04/07/2014 at 23:07

Know what else is short?

Life, bruh. Life.

In all seriousness, it sounds like you're very unhappy with it. So why not make the switch if you can?