"E. Julius" (soonerfrommi)
01/10/2015 at 20:10 • Filed to: None
0
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"E. Julius" (soonerfrommi)
01/10/2015 at 20:10 • Filed to: None | 0
| 13 |
I anticipate keeping my current DD for about 3.5–4 years (a year and a half to finish to school, two years to get situated in my job and save up the cash—no loans for this guy), and I'd like some oppopinions on what would be good choices, in case there's something I've been overlooking. Currently I'm leaning towards an NA Miata. I love convertibles (but have never owned one), and want something fun. That being said, in four years time they'll all be at least 22 years old, and there's lots of other options available.
Here are my criteria:
Budget: 8k—12k in 2015 dollars by 2019. This is fairly low relative to my expected income, so if you have any cool ideas for mods or the perfect car that's a few thousand over budget, tell me.
Reliable enough to commute. I don't anticipate living in an urban environment where I'd have the option of taking public transit if my car broke down.
Easy to wrench. Not necessarily cheap, but a good car for a complete beginner to learn on as a hobby.
Convertible/T–top/targa is preferred, but not required.
Gas guzzler/expensive to repair/unsafe — two of these at the most
Older cars preferred to newer
Comfy enough for road trips—I'm more of a cruiser than a racer
I prefer smaller cars to bigger cars, but I'd be willing to make exceptions for something like an S–Class or retro SUV
No pickup trucks
Anything that fits these is fair game. Things I've considered: Miata, E30/E36/E46, any old Merc, C4 'vette, 300ZX. Please tell me why these are good/bad choices according to my criteria above, and please suggest some other newer cars as well.
Thanks!
Thunderface
> E. Julius
01/10/2015 at 20:19 |
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Crown Vic!
TheHondaBro
> E. Julius
01/10/2015 at 20:33 |
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It shouldn't really change from wat it is right now.
Crown Victoria
A Honda
A Toyota
A Nissan
Decay buys too many beaters
> E. Julius
01/10/2015 at 20:34 |
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Buy a different used car every year, that way you get to experience a bunch of different cars without being stuck with any particular one for too long. If you do your shopping right, you'll have an easy time selling a car for exactly what you paid initially.
In your price range, I bet the abarth is comfortably there by 2019.
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E. Julius
> Thunderface
01/10/2015 at 20:34 |
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Hmm, this does tick all of the boxes, but I don't think the advantages it has over something smaller mean much to me. I travel light so the extra space isn't a necessity, and while the comfort is nice, I think I would have more fun tossing something smaller around. Ultimately though, the only reason I would get something that big would be if it just clicked with me personally. I love the W126 for this intangible reason, but the panthers, while cool, just don't do the same for me.
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E. Julius
> TheHondaBro
01/10/2015 at 20:39 |
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So what are some fun models I could consider? I love the sporty 80s Toyotas, although they are getting up there in age. What are some good fun Honda cars besides the CRX/Civic Si (looking to move away from that kind of car) or S2K (a little too harsh riding for my needs)? Considering 300ZX for sure, but don't know much else about the rest of Nissan's lineup. 350/370Z doesn't do it for me.
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TheHondaBro
> E. Julius
01/10/2015 at 20:43 |
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A small Civic with a peppy engine would be nice.
Toyota Celicas are also good.
Nizzan Z cars also. 300ZX is good.
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E. Julius
> Decay buys too many beaters
01/10/2015 at 20:43 |
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I've definitely considered doing this, and I like the suggestion of the Abarth. Got any other good ones that won't be depreciating too quickly for this scheme?
TheEd83
> E. Julius
01/10/2015 at 20:43 |
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Just check out all the fun things available for a Crown Vic:
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E. Julius
> TheEd83
01/10/2015 at 20:46 |
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Still too big and heavy!
E92M3
> E. Julius
01/10/2015 at 20:49 |
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I would say get an E46. Pretty easy to work on, they'll be cheap as dirt by then. Actually 4 years out is too far out to really play this game. Your life, tastes, and wants will change by then more than likely. I went from fast and furious hondas, to jeeps, to a S2000 to do trackdays, to an M3 in my 20's. You could conceivably have a kid by then (I wouldn't suggest it). I'm 35 and I still dream about a different car every 6 months or so.
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E. Julius
> E92M3
01/10/2015 at 21:14 |
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Very reasonable advice, although I am enjoying the hypotheticals : )
Do you know personally how much more of a commitment owning something like an E46 would be compared to, say, a stock Honda Civic of comparable age? Part of me is scared of having to deal with a car actually breaking down every once in a while/not being incredibly cheap to fix, but another part of me thinks that it's just blown out of proportion by people who don't really care about cars and thus wouldn't be able to tolerate the additional cost.
Basically, I'm willing to spend more on my car since it's a hobby to me in addition to a means of transportation, the same way someone who's into golf would budget to buy new clubs every once in a while and play a few rounds every month. I'm ok with that, but I don't want to be dipping into my savings or diverting money from investments just to own a certain car.
Thoughts?
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Decay buys too many beaters
> E. Julius
01/10/2015 at 21:21 |
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Anything greater than about 5 years old should work with this scheme especially about 1-2 years after a new model is released.
In my opinion good potential contenders are...
Fiat 500 Abarth, depreciation is already hitting them hard
Focus ST, I'm betting it gets overshadowed by the fiesta in the used market
FRS/BRZ, pains me to say it (I own one) but used prices are falling like a rock
Any 10 year old top of the line Jag/Merc/BMW (non m)
NC Miata, probably ends up being the fat kid in a family of athletes.
4th gen LS equipped Camaro/Trans am
staymello
> E. Julius
01/11/2015 at 14:48 |
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Lexus is300
I'm a little biased but they are reliable and fun to drive. Gas can be expensive, but you can pick one up well within your budget.