Buyers Remorse - Part 2

"traderQAMobileTestAutomationMobileBoostOn" (el-peasant) 04/12/2015 at 12:08 • Filed to: None

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How should I say this...

I knew it. I should’ve listened to the Oppo community. $28,000 is too much for a first car (what I should’ve bought comes later.) The main reason that my parents approved it is because I’m a responsible driver and student. And like one person suggested on my last post, they HAVE planned their finances accordingly, obviously taking college into consideration.

The reason that I considered it myself...

If there was one thing that I wanted the car to have, it’s head turning ability. During my car search, I would go to extreme lengths like $34,000 to get it. I’m so glad that my parents didn’t approve that. Phew.

And turns heads it does, for now. Everyone that I’ve showed it to loves it. It’s amazing even when sitting still. Please don’t get the impression that I don’t love it like a mother loves her child, but the ownership is very bittersweet.

But then, 2 years later, no one else will really care. Everyone will have seen it and/or rode in it. Then the large payments probably won’t be worth it, and the car that I have would only be useful to satisfy me , for the lowest amount of money possible of course. And then I’ll feel that I have 1/4 of a brain.

Which brings me on to this.

1993-1997 Trans Am LT1. It has about 70% of the Challenger’s appeal, for about 30% of the price. In fact, this particular one is just $4,495, is close to me, and it has leather seats and t-tops. T-TOPS Y’ALL. If I traded in the Challenger after 2 years, I’m sure it would still be worth more than $4,495. The Challenger is more comfortable, spacious, and a nicer car overall, but might have higher long-term running costs, definitely a higher purchase price. This particular T/A might have some problems with 131,000 miles, and it’s not like these can be found everywhere. (Any one with a 93-97 F-body, please chime in.)

I told both of my parents about this, and they both suggested to keep the Challenger. It makes me feel better knowing that their debt reduces while I’m in college.

So be it. I’ll find a very good-paying job, refuse modifications, and apply for as many grants and scholarships as I can. Writing this story makes me feel a bit too optimistic also.

I AM BRACED FOR ANY TYPE OF RESPONSE, but I prefer serious responses.

And have a ‘61 Continental for your time.

crowmolly > traderQAMobileTestAutomationMobileBoostOn 04/12/2015 at 12:12

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1995-1997? 6 speed car?

traderQAMobileTestAutomationMobileBoostOn > crowmolly 04/12/2015 at 12:14

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It's a slush box in the truest sense (GM 4-speed auto). For a weekend car, surely a 6-spd, but its just not for me in a daily driver.

Jayhawk Jake > traderQAMobileTestAutomationMobileBoostOn 04/12/2015 at 12:14

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Why do you care so much about what other people think about your car?

And, as a follow on question, if you care so much about what other people think about your car why did you get a Challenger?

Twingo Tamer - About to descend into project car hell. > traderQAMobileTestAutomationMobileBoostOn 04/12/2015 at 12:14

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Dude you have a Dodge Challenger, don't over think it just enjoy it. Also "no one else will really care" doesn't matter, you buy cars for yourself not anyone else. I've had two fairly normal econoboxes and no one else gives two craps about them, but I love my cars all the same (when they're running properly).

Just push everything else to one side and enjoy the ride.

crowmolly > traderQAMobileTestAutomationMobileBoostOn 04/12/2015 at 12:17

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What year is the car?

Steve is equipped with Electronic Fool Injection > traderQAMobileTestAutomationMobileBoostOn 04/12/2015 at 12:18

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The only real big issue other than age and abuse when it comes to a 4th gen F body... Is OPTI SPARK.

LT1 cars have an optical distributor mounted in the front of the water pump. When the gasket starts to go, spark goes bye bye.

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > traderQAMobileTestAutomationMobileBoostOn 04/12/2015 at 12:19

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Woohoo, annual trans rebuilds!

traderQAMobileTestAutomationMobileBoostOn > Jayhawk Jake 04/12/2015 at 12:20

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Must just be a teenager wanting some attention, but it surely isn't worth it.

traderQAMobileTestAutomationMobileBoostOn > crowmolly 04/12/2015 at 12:21

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1996

traderQAMobileTestAutomationMobileBoostOn > Steve is equipped with Electronic Fool Injection 04/12/2015 at 12:23

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And LS1 T/As are about $10k-$14k. Not worth it then.

Cherry_man1 > traderQAMobileTestAutomationMobileBoostOn 04/12/2015 at 12:23

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So, what you saying is you don't like the Challenger? Seriously? I know what your feeling cause I've owned Mustangs, you just need to make it your own slowly little by little. It shouldn't matter what others think of the car. I had a 2008 V6 but wanted more speed so I got a GT and you know what? I feel the same thing but at the same time you just have to own it. Like you are part of he few who can say, Hey I have a Hemi and a reborn Pony/Muscle car. I've had my Gran Torino for about 2 years and it still turns heads hell my Mustang still get's looks at Cars and Coffee, it's only got mufflers done to it.

You need to learn to appreciate that car. Ya the car is expensive, but you should of known that going in. I'm gonna assume your in the 18-20 range as well, I know the only thing that went up when I went from V6 to GT was gas and Oil. (I don't pay my own insurance) if you know how to wrench it will do you good with that car.

TL;DR:

Own it, love it when no one else will, it shouldn't matter what other think cause I know that with owning Mustangs, just love the thing and make it your own.

Jayhawk Jake > traderQAMobileTestAutomationMobileBoostOn 04/12/2015 at 12:24

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Stop being so damn self deprecating.

Enjoy your car. If you care what people think about your car you will never be happy. And I promise you the buyer's remorse would be far worse if you bought an F-Body automatic Trans Am to get more attention. There's a reason it's so cheap: no one gives a shit about F-Bodies

Do you like your challenger? If so, then stop whining. You got a pretty much brand new car at 15, and a nice one at that (even though the Challenger would be about my last choice in that market, but whatever). If you really think it's too expensive talk to your parents about trading it for something cheaper and more practical. Or just keep it, save your own money, and when you finish your education get something else.

Lastly, a fair warning: you're going to really turn off a lot of the Oppo community if you keep complaining about this Challenger. If attention is what you want you'll get it, but negative attention is never a good thing...

4muddyfeet - bare knuckle with an EZ30 > traderQAMobileTestAutomationMobileBoostOn 04/12/2015 at 12:25

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You see, if after two years my car was still satisfying me, and fit within my lifestyle (fiscally or practically); I'd keep it. I couldn't give a flying fart what anyone else thinks, especially if I'm enjoying myself.

Now that you've plonked down $28k, it's no time for shoulda/woulda/coulda. Just drive the shit out of it!

JR1 > traderQAMobileTestAutomationMobileBoostOn 04/12/2015 at 12:27

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For 34k or 28k you could have probably gotten a 61 Lincoln. Maybe even a convertible. I love the Dodge Challenger and it is more realiable and safer but that Lincoln would have turned so many more heads

traderQAMobileTestAutomationMobileBoostOn > Cherry_man1 04/12/2015 at 12:27

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Refer to the quote,

"Please don't get the impression that I don't love it like a mother loves her child, but the ownership is very bittersweet."

And I agree with all of your statements, but because it doesn't matter what others think, that's where the Trans Am comes in. Just sayin.

crowmolly > traderQAMobileTestAutomationMobileBoostOn 04/12/2015 at 12:33

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Good:

1.) Vented opti is better for reliability.

2.) OBDII so tuners are slightly easier to find and if you live in an area that has emissions inspections it's plug-in only. So if you put headers/cam/heads, etc on you can still get through.

3.) 4L60-E isn't terrible.

4.) It will have a BCM and a crank sensor.

5.) The aftermarket for the 4th gen chassis is MASSIVE.

6.) 300whp is easy to achieve with simple bolt ons.

Bad:

1.) It's a Gen II LT1, so it's old. Opti and WP are probably of unknown age. If you replace them, JB weld a vacuum tube into the WP weep hole and route a hose off to the side. That way you protect the opti from further abuse.

2.) Some parts are rare to find as they are one-generation only and are discontinued.

3.) This is an automatic car so it might have 2.73 rear gears. BOO.

4.) Check the headlights if you test drive to see if the motor gears are shot.

5.) Gen II engines require special service procedures for things like the cooling system.

6.) Program out the VATS.

7.) Suspension will probably need work.

8.) Install subframe connectors as your first mod.

9.) DO NOT FUCK WITH THE DASHPAD if it's in good shape. Just about every one out there is cracked.

Cherry_man1 > traderQAMobileTestAutomationMobileBoostOn 04/12/2015 at 12:37

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The Trans Am isn't worth it. Also the if you didn't care what others thought why care now about what OPPO had to say to begin with?

One of us is gonna start arguing in circles in a bit because of " it doesn't matter what others think" So what your gonna do it get a ragged old car over a new more reliable one that has a pedigree much better then that of the Trans AM and then think you will be happy?

John Norris (AngryDrifter) > traderQAMobileTestAutomationMobileBoostOn 04/12/2015 at 12:37

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Having 40 years experience with cars and loving muscle cars and all aspects of car modifications and an appreciation for all eras of cars, (except perhaps the 20's and 80's, and most of the 70's), the most important thing you need in your daily driver is reliability. And for that I'm guessing your Challenger does well and will continue to do so. There is nothing worse then having to somewhere to go and your car has a formed a large puddle underneath it, or it just won't start.

Save some money and in time pick up a project car you can manage. You won't regret keeping your reliable daily, and you won't regret the frustration / reward cycle of improve, break, repair, repeat.

DoYouEvenShift > traderQAMobileTestAutomationMobileBoostOn 04/12/2015 at 12:39

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I DD a 97 Z28 M6 Ttops. Honestly I like the hardtops better. But yes, LT1 cars in good condition are damn near impossible to find, eespecially 97s.

traderQAMobileTestAutomationMobileBoostOn > Jayhawk Jake 04/12/2015 at 12:45

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Best response so far.

DipodomysDeserti > traderQAMobileTestAutomationMobileBoostOn 04/12/2015 at 12:47

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The only car that turn heads outside of super cars are classic cars. I have a beater Corvair, and I get thumbs up from people every time I drive it. People walk up and ask about it, tell me abou the one they had...etc.

Also, if you're so worried about what othe people think, you should buy your own car, as most people are going to think a teenager whining about the $30k car he got for free is a dickhead.

MysticStick > traderQAMobileTestAutomationMobileBoostOn 04/12/2015 at 12:54

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1993-1997 Trans Am LT1. It has about 70% 30% of the Challenger's appeal, for about 30% of the price.

Seriously, I owned a 2000 Camaro — you would not be happy with that car. I also understand buyers remorse. Just go clean your Challenger every time you start thinking like that. If it's already clean, clean it some more. It really might help with your bad thoughts. An old-ass car like that TA is very cool but it cannot compete with a modern car with new paint and everything.

But then, 2 years later, no one else will really care.

Nope again my oppo friend. I'd be different if you had a V6 Challenger (I know that is harsh but bear with me). The one you have is not a car that will fade. People will respect it forever if you keep your head on straight. Sure, there will be a newer shiny something around, but you fire up that HEMI and try to tell me that sound will get old.

traderQAMobileTestAutomationMobileBoostOn > MysticStick 04/12/2015 at 12:56

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Great response.

jariten1781 > traderQAMobileTestAutomationMobileBoostOn 04/12/2015 at 13:40

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It doesn't matter what you buy, if you continually have wandering eyes you will always find thing that 'look' better (not that they actually would be). I always recommend not seriously looking at other stuff for a year or so after a purchase for just that reason. By that point it will feel like your car, not a car, and you'll be in a better headspace.

Funktheduck > traderQAMobileTestAutomationMobileBoostOn 04/12/2015 at 13:50

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Let me get this straight: you're 15, your parents bought you a nearly $30k muscle car, and you've now made 2 posts complains about it. WTF is wrong with you? I read through some of your previous posts. I'm disgusted.

Manwich - now Keto-Friendly > traderQAMobileTestAutomationMobileBoostOn 04/12/2015 at 14:01

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Here are my thoughts:

-A $28,000 car is something you reward yourself with AFTER you've bought a place, moved out and finished paying off the mortgage.

-$28,000 is a lot of money to spend on a car for most people. If you are regretting it now because it's so much money, I suggest you look into trading the car with a family member who can afford it, has a cheaper car and likes the Challenger. That way you can still see it and maybe drive it occasionally

-If you are going to get rid of the Challenger because it's too expensive (and the previous point isn't an option), don't replace it with another expensive-to-own car like that Trans Am. Just get a basic car that gets the job done... assuming you need a car at all. Needing a car =/ wanting a car. And yes, the Trans Am is expensive. It's cheap to buy for a reason. And the reason is that they aren't the most reliable cars, some things are difficult to service on them, they're mullet-mobiles and the insurance can be expensive.

-Owning a nice car is pointless if it sucks up all your disposable income causing you have no money left to go places, take vacations, go to the movies or take a date to a decent restaurant.

EDIT: I just saw on a previous post that your parents bought this car for you. So in light of that, ignore all of my points above. Instead all you need to do is appreciate the car, tell your parents how grateful and happy you are with the car every so often and for god sakes, drive it carefully so you don't crash it or worse, get yourself killed.

Steve is equipped with Electronic Fool Injection > traderQAMobileTestAutomationMobileBoostOn 04/12/2015 at 14:39

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They're increasing in value now but good LS1 cars are still available for under 8k if you look in the right places.

Funktheduck > DipodomysDeserti 04/12/2015 at 15:00

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Entitled dickhead

Big Bubba Ray > traderQAMobileTestAutomationMobileBoostOn 04/12/2015 at 15:57

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This is how I'm interpreting this post: "I'm 16 years old, drive a faster/nicer car then nearly anyone my age and I'm ungrateful."

I'm coming in hot with a dick response because there is nothing that irks me more than people being ungrateful. It seems that every couple months around here there is some young kid complaining about their new expensive car. Shut up. Get over it and get over yourself. Why do you care so much about how people view your car? Is your confidence and self esteem so low that you need an extremely flashy car to be noticed? If so, that's pathetic.

I can name two other kids around here that have complained about their new cars and I tore them both a new one. I'm not shy about calling people out about these things. You want to complain about a car? Buy one with your own money that you have earned. Until then, be quiet and enjoy your car. Stop complaining to us because it never ends well. Nobody here will show you sympathy.

Sorry to be an ass, that's just how I feel.

jkm7680 > traderQAMobileTestAutomationMobileBoostOn 04/13/2015 at 16:03

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I don't even......

Well, here's my two cents anyways. Want it or not, I'm giving it to you.

You don't buy a car because you want to impress your friends and the ladies. You buy a car because you want that said car. I'll be honest in saying that I've judged you. A lot over this entire thing. You asked for your parents to buy the car for you and they did, now you're just coming off as ungrateful and entitled. Either suck it up, or tell them that you feel guilty and can't accept it or something like that.

NoneOfYourBiz > traderQAMobileTestAutomationMobileBoostOn 04/15/2015 at 08:54

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You wanted a serious response so here goes.

The Challenger is out of your bracket. I mean, if you're young enough and making little enough that your parents are okaying a car, this is way out of your league. Hell, I'm probably twice your age and earn as much as your parents but "$5,000-7,500 cash" is about my cap for a used car. You're better off investing any surplus with Vanguard and letting it compound. This will, no doubt, be an unpopular opinion on Oppo. Have an amusing article: http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2015/02/no-fix…

See if you can get out from under this. I have no idea the background on your purchase but some states have "buyer's remorse" laws that might let you bail within 30 days. Get on that NAO. Wait a day and it may be too late. Or it may be too late already. Oops. Even if that option isn't available, find another way to get out from under this massive depreciating money sink.

Whether or not you can get out from under this bloated whale, take this as a lesson, hard earned. Never. Do. This. Again.

themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles > traderQAMobileTestAutomationMobileBoostOn 04/16/2015 at 22:55

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Little late to the party here, but here's my 2 cents as somoene who dropped 23k (25k after taxes and fees)on a fiesta ST - Everyone whodrops all that money on one thing will have moments of doubt. But it is when it practically haunts you that you need to get out. A little bit of doubt is humble - you are asking yoruself if you really had that much money or if you really wanted to spend it. If the answer to both is yes, then just sit back and enjoy it. You got dealt a better hand than a lot of people on here. My parents sold my first car - a conversion van I fixed up with my dad - and bought an old 1997 monte carlo LS. I hated it. It was a total shitbox that tried to kill me. It nearly succeeded one day on an autocross. But I learned how to make the most of it and I have a begrudging respect and admiration for the car. It was a crapcan, and I speak ill of it, but only I may speak ill of it because I know what it's like to tripod one on some banked curves on all seasons.

As for my Fiesta - I had to stop looking at what it wasn't and focus on what it was.I also feel like I told myself things I *wouldnt* like. As in, I thought I would hate them, therefore I hate the car. I told myself it wasn't going to be comfortable for long drives (it was). I told myself I would never carry many people with it (I do). I even told myself it wasn't that good at motorsports (It is.....I, however, still have a lot to learn). So at the end of the day, I look back on nearly a year with the car and wouldn't have ANY other car.

JQJ213- Now With An Extra Cylinder! > traderQAMobileTestAutomationMobileBoostOn 04/19/2015 at 13:21

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You really piss me off kid. A lot. Like stupid amounts.

Stop bitching about your free toy