With great regret... anyone want my GTV6?

"Chairman Kaga" (mike-mckinnon)
09/17/2014 at 11:28 • Filed to: None

Here's the ad...

!!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!!

In the past 45 days we've been slammed with about $10k in medical expenses, and a whirlwind of essential and of course ridiculously expensive home repairs that has demolished our savings, on top of an EPIC property tax bill. Bottom line, we're financially wiped out and I'm under massive pressure from not only my wife, but in-laws, to "do what's right for my children" and unload any and all personal possessions of value. Basically lead an ascetic life of self-denial and sacrifice.

OK, so I've been considering selling the car anyway. I just have NO time to do even the simplest of jobs on it these days. It's been on jack stands in the garage for more than two months, only in need of a solid afternoon to finish up the AC work and get the cooling system put back together.

Unfortunately, my Alfa has been a MAJOR issue in my marriage. My wife sees it as a money pit (I spend maybe $500 a year on parts and maintenance) and a time suck, and possibly a sign that I'm selfish, immature, and unrealistic. I need to get rid of it and grow up. To be fair, two kids are hard and we do need to save save save, but we also need to talk about how she freaks the fuck out any time I even suggest having any time to myself (you do NOT want to hear the details of the argument we had over my taking this Saturday to go with my brother to the Lone Star Lemans at COTA) or interests other than the kids. But this isn't a fight I'm going to win, and I'm just tired of "that goddamned fucking piece of shit car" being such an issue.

So. Any offers?

DISCUSSION (11)

mcseanerson > Chairman Kaga
09/17/2014 at 11:31

Man I am so sorry on so many levels. I know a lot of them feels. My wife complains a lot but is at least a little understanding and I tell her all the time I want an active car hobby to share it with our kids. Granted when she had a flat tire the other day she did freak out that our only other car is a stick shift Miata. My son enjoyed me taking him to school though.

Again so sorry about the bad luck, that sucks.

RamblinRover Luxury-Yacht > Chairman Kaga
09/17/2014 at 11:33

Had I the heavens' embroidered cloths,

Enwrought with golden and silver light,

The blue and the dim and the dark cloths

Of night and light and the half light,

I would spread the cloths under your feet:

But I, being poor, have only my dreams;

I have spread my dreams under your feet;

Tread softly because you tread on my dreams.

An Alfa, or any other out-of-the-way project is not about being a car. It's a dream, or a part of one. A pity that it was not tread on more gently...

So sorry to hear about that. Best wishes in the current pinch.

qbeezy > Chairman Kaga
09/17/2014 at 11:34

Man, every one at some point needs to be able to do their own thing. It isn't healthy to completely obsess over your children all the time. Parents need some kind of life balance, hence why parents go and do stuff themselves and find a baby sitter.

505Turbeaux > Chairman Kaga
09/17/2014 at 11:37

I am not sure you are going to see close to 5 for it unfortunately. I have considered selling mine sorted with new paint, zero rust, 1000 miles on a rebuilt engine and a fresh interior for around 8 (BUUUUT my a/c doesnt work), but the market around here is very soft on these.

Noah - Now with more boost. > Chairman Kaga
09/17/2014 at 11:47

GLWS. And I really hope your wife comes around re: the hobby at some point... that does not seem fair! Hopefully once the kids are a little older, and finances allow for both of you to pursue your interests at will?

IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK > Chairman Kaga
09/17/2014 at 11:47

That sucks. Fuck your in-laws, they have no right to guilt you unless they've lent you money. I posted your ad to the Harris Hill Road page, maybe you'll find a buyer there. Your best bet (which you probably know) is taking it to Cars and Coffee and sticking a for sale sign on it.

Agrajag > Chairman Kaga
09/17/2014 at 11:55

That's a damn shame. I hope you get a decent amount for it. Then in 20 years when they are selling for a crap ton you can rub it in their faces.

Everyone needs something to love outside of obligation.

twochevrons > Chairman Kaga
09/17/2014 at 11:56

Sorry to hear about your situation – our finances have been in the same situation at times, and I know just how much it sucks, although I've been lucky enough to keep my cars. Best of luck with the sale – if I didn't have too many projects going nowhere already, I'd jump at the chance to own a GTV.

Chairman Kaga > 505Turbeaux
09/17/2014 at 11:57

I'm willing to negotiate, of course. I realize $7500 is maybe a little high, but when I look at what other GTV6's have been selling for around the country, it seems pretty in line. The great thing about mine is that with minimal effort and a few thousand bucks (which I'm unable to put forth), it could be amazing.

Having trouble with the AC still, but I think if I take a sick day and just hammer on it, I can at least get it holding pressure and blowing.

Stef Schrader > Chairman Kaga
09/17/2014 at 12:41

(((hugs)))

Do folks not realize that you need to have "me" time, too? Even if the me time is to fix a borked Alfa?

GLWS. I know dem feels with medical bills. :o(

AutoSavant > Chairman Kaga
09/17/2014 at 13:06

Raised three kids to adulthood. If I hadn't had a car to wrench on, even when all I could do was troubleshoot a problem because we were so broke, I'd be in a mental institution or prison. Everyone needs a hobby to stay sane. Sorry to hear about your situation. "All things must pass"