I'm sometimes jealous of you guys

"zeontestpilot" (zeontestpilot)
08/30/2015 at 09:47 • Filed to: None

Really, I am. Some of you have really nice/cool/awesome cars that I could only dream of owning. But I only make enough to afford looking at them....which is free...

Not to sound like a negative Nancy here, but with my current level of debt and how much I make each year, not to mention being a father and a husband, the most money I get to spend on myself each paycheck is about $5-$6; which I spend on diecast because I enjoy it and it’s fun.

I guess you can say, I’m a bit bummed that I can’t relate to the fun that you guys have in a rwd, or even a manual. I mean, the only rwd car I’ve driven was a 300, and at the time I didn’t even know that it was. I’ve driven a rabbit pickup once, and changing gears in that was so much fun.

So yes, I’m a bit jealous of you guys and your awesome rides. The soonest I can pick up a rwd or a manual will probably be in 10 years, as I told MrsZtp the next new used car can be hers. So until then, I just look at pretty pictures and go to car shows, :/.

*takes his heart off his sleeve*

DISCUSSION (57)

TractorPillow > zeontestpilot
08/30/2015 at 09:51

Don’t be jealous because it sounds like you are a good father and husband; and you seem wise enough to know that’s most important. Where in the states are you?

E92M3 > zeontestpilot
08/30/2015 at 09:54

Money really isn’t everything. However, if you want more of it, concentrate on paying off your debts before buying anything else. I don’t know how many hours a week you work, but maybe you can work a 2nd part time job?

zeontestpilot > TractorPillow
08/30/2015 at 09:55

Thanks. Practically wins usually. It’s why I bought a Grand Prix, the [supposedly] unkillable 3.8L engine, 4 doors, better mpg than my pt cruiser, and 200 hp. I’m in Michigan.

TheHondaBro > zeontestpilot
08/30/2015 at 09:56

I know, I know, my Accord Coupe is pretty damn fabulous. Hey, maybe someday I’ll let you touch it!

zeontestpilot > E92M3
08/30/2015 at 10:02

I’m salary, overtime isn’t paid, and they have exclusive rights to me, meaning I’m unable to get a 2nd job. Currently working 44 hours, with about a 2 hour commute each day. But... it puts food on the table, pays the bills. We’re aren’t living paycheck to paycheck though. It's just that Life keeps happening.

And It’s not like we’re living beyond our means. I think the only thing we’ve purchased that wasn’t necessary, was a 2nd car. But it now became a necessity because the first car is now inoperable and not working.

zeontestpilot > TheHondaBro
08/30/2015 at 10:04

I think it would be an exciting experience to drive different cars, to see how they compare. And yes, even accords, :).

PS9 > zeontestpilot
08/30/2015 at 10:04

Take it from someone living slightly below the poverty line; jealousy does not help you one bit. Not even a little. It’s a natural reaction to something that we’re all gonna have because we’re human beings, but holding onto it will make you bitter and angry at the world (experience talking there), and that will help you even less.

It might seem impossible right this very second in the moment, but you don’t have to let circumstance determine your trajectory. I have a mindset currently of “1) What do I want to do? 2) How much does it cost? 3) What steps can I take to get me from where I am to where I want to go?” and, while I fail to keep that in mind 24/7, I always come back to that and remain grounded in it, because I can’t make any progress without it.

Dwhite - Powered by Caffeine, Daft Punk, and Corgis > zeontestpilot
08/30/2015 at 10:08

Woo! GP lyfe!

zeontestpilot > PS9
08/30/2015 at 10:16

I’m usually grounded, I guess that trickle of a thought made it into a post form. In a way, this is me passively complaining. But I know this will go no where, except outside of me instead of keeping it bottled in. Once tomorrow comes, I’ll be over it, as usual.

I do miss my pt working. It was a slow car driven fast, and fun around the curves with its body roll, :/.

Wurrwulf > zeontestpilot
08/30/2015 at 10:16

Pretty much the same boat over here. Wife and I make a decent living, but looking towards the future, we’ve decided that all possible income goes towards paying off debt and putting money into savings. Being as responsible as possible sucks some times, but we want a house of our own and kids. Those are expensive.

E92M3 > zeontestpilot
08/30/2015 at 10:17

A part time job could be something completely different (ex:detailing cars, delivering pizzas, etc). I don’t really make that much but I work 55-60 hours a week. My soon to be ex-wife works more than that. <—See I told you money wasn’t everything.

Twingo Tamer - About to descend into project car hell. > zeontestpilot
08/30/2015 at 10:23

Well I drive a 60hp economy car that I’m having to save up to service... Love the one you’re with.

Frenchlicker > zeontestpilot
08/30/2015 at 10:34

If it helps currently I am striving to get where you are at. I am jealous of the people that can properly budget themselves and have a wife and a family. I would give up spending money on all of my stupid crap for that in a heartbeat. Right now if I wanted I could start spending almost all of my money on a project car but that’s not what I want. It’s weird seeing others views,it truly is.

Bairclaw > zeontestpilot
08/30/2015 at 10:39

I know what you mean about cool cars and driving manual and not being able to have either. I'm 19 and made some stupid decisions and now my insurance company wants to take me home without taking me out to dinner, if you get what I mean.. So I drive a jeep. I love my jeep but I miss the shit out of my 2002 WRX. All day long I think about what car I can get next or what car I want next. Then realize I cant. I live in New York so these points will come off my license in the spring but my insurance company will still see them on there for two more years. I'm really considering buying something cheap to bring to a track so I can drive fast and be safe. But the problem is that in New York there aren't much track days, to my knowledge. Just 1/4 strips and that's not what I'm into. So I'll have to take a road trip

Sneaky Pete > zeontestpilot
08/30/2015 at 10:42

There’s always going to be someone with newer, faster, or cooler cars, houses, etc. When one is able to appreciate and learn to be content with what they have, then that is the truly rich person.

Chargingstar - E92 M3 pilot > zeontestpilot
08/30/2015 at 10:56

I’d be willing to bet everyone on here with the exception of the children has been through similar life situations. What you currently drive doesn’t make you any less of a car enthusiast.

We’ve all been through stretches in life where to be responsible or practical we’ve had to make tough decisions and drive that mini van, that pickup truck, that ferociously lame Outback station wagon (it was a manual at least dammit).

The most important part of being an auto enthusiast is the enjoyment. If you derive joy from looking at/researching cars online, finding die cast treasures at the store (also one of my fav things to do!) or hot lapping dream cars in a video game then you’re on the right track.

Think how much you will be able to positively affect someone going through a similar situation when your life has gone over this speed bump.

There have been times in my life where I thought any chance of driving cars that I love and excite me were long gone. Now I’m in a position where I own and enjoy enthusiast vehicles and the tough parts in my life have helped to enrich every mile driven in these magnificent machines.

R Saldana [|Oo|======|oO|] - BTC/ETH/LTC Prophet > zeontestpilot
08/30/2015 at 11:12

Do you remember the Speed vision network?

Well, when I was a very newly minted Marine in the early 2000s they came to our base, set up an autocross event, and let use drive several different performance oriented cars.

I would love to do something like this in conjunction with a state/regional fair. Take cars from different brands, get the legalese set up properly and share car fever with the normal everyday people who may not know about or care about cars a chance to feel the adrenaline of driving “enthusiastically”.

Kudos to you on beingan attentive and sacrificing father. That is a character quality worth more than the finest things this world could offer.

TheD0k_2many toys 2little time > zeontestpilot
08/30/2015 at 11:17

i know bro. Miatas are so fast man. haha

Your a father and husband. Thats one thing im not that im deffinately not ready for. I couldnt do that.

Also where in MI are you? Im in Kalamazoo. Maybe we can set up an oppo something with other MI people

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > zeontestpilot
08/30/2015 at 11:27

This obviously doesn’t refer to people like me, who owns a pickup and a Sable.

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > Wurrwulf
08/30/2015 at 11:31

This is what we are doing as well. It’s done wonders for us. We bought a house in our first year of marriage and already have plans for a second house purchase that we are on pace for. I have many coworkers that spend so much money on their cars they could comfortably afford a mortgage payment instead and have change left over for a Paseo.

Steve is equipped with Electronic Fool Injection > zeontestpilot
08/30/2015 at 11:32

I definitely understand where you are. While my wife and I are not hurting, we have put things off that we shouldn’t have to (new glasses) because the money isn’t there.

There’s even an excellent article on finances on Cracked today.

As far as driving awesome cars - I would say take every chance you get. Sometimes it’s just a matter of asking. That’s how I got to drive a 996 Turbo in 2002. Also, throw some of your “me money,” in a fund for car related stuff. I’m lucky in that my wife decided to pay for me to do the Gotham Dream Car sprint last year for my birthday. It wound up costing $125 but it got me seat time in cars worth more than an average house around here.

I also took a job that makes a little less money than I’m worth to ensure I have the time and energy to finish school in a reasonable time. One perk is that I often get to drive new cars in the real world. Seriously my favorite so far has been a Civic Si. Behind that, a challenger scat pack auto. And if I absolutely had to get a dad-mobile, a Pilot or Pathfinder would be in the wish list.

You do, however, seem to have a good grasp on priorities. Maintaining your marriage and being a good father is worth more than money.

zeontestpilot > Wurrwulf
08/30/2015 at 12:41

Sometimes I just wish ‘fun’ and ‘responsibility’ overlapped.

zeontestpilot > E92M3
08/30/2015 at 12:51

I'd have to check, but I doubt work would let me. It's a running joke that work forgets we have lives outside the building, as they like to ask us to work more hours for no additional pay, :/.

zeontestpilot > Steve is equipped with Electronic Fool Injection
08/30/2015 at 12:55

Thanks. I’ll admit, it’s a bit boring at home though. I sometimes need to take the golf cart for a ride or something (for the record, the cart was given to us as a gift, I did not buy it).

zeontestpilot > Bairclaw
08/30/2015 at 12:58

Ha, my track days are taking the dirt roads home, :).

zeontestpilot > R Saldana [|Oo|======|oO|] - BTC/ETH/LTC Prophet
08/30/2015 at 13:01

I dont remember it, :/. And thanks. I have notice little overlap for practical cars and fun cars, which is a shame. Especially cheap, decent mpg, family, practical cars.

zeontestpilot > Frenchlicker
08/30/2015 at 13:02

Yeah, I’m usually quiet about my views, at least online. I figured it’s ok for one outburst a year, lol.

zeontestpilot > TheD0k_2many toys 2little time
08/30/2015 at 13:07

I told my wife, “it’s slow on straightaways but good in the corners, which is what I desire. A mustang is good on the straights, and I have no idea about the corners for it”, she says “it only seats two people” ....”touché”...

For the parenting thing, back when I got married, I told her this. “We will never be ready for a kid, ever. Might as well have one sooner than later.” Plus I really wanted my kid to meet her great grandparents, it meant a lot to me.

I’m in Howell, east of Lansing.

zeontestpilot > Sneaky Pete
08/30/2015 at 13:10

Well, I figured just once I’d like a rwd and/or a manual car. It’s on my bucket list. It’s not an impressive bucket list, and I do know it’s limited by funds, but Id just like one car like that. I would be content with that.

*small goals, that seem like mountains*

zeontestpilot > Twingo Tamer - About to descend into project car hell.
08/30/2015 at 13:12

Im actually missing the pt working right now. It was a slow car driven fast, it was fun to drive in the dirt roads with it.

zeontestpilot > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
08/30/2015 at 13:14

What kind of pickup? I have 5 years to convince my wife what the next car should be, and I’m leaning towards a pickup with a crew cab. Useful, body of frame, and 4wd for winter.

zeontestpilot > Chargingstar - E92 M3 pilot
08/30/2015 at 13:18

Good points, thanks.

NotRichBMWOwner > zeontestpilot
08/30/2015 at 13:23

Total Money Makeover. It works. Get the audio book free at the library.

NotRichBMWOwner > zeontestpilot
08/30/2015 at 13:26

Say no. Seriously 44k is a bullshit salary for what you are describing. The best thing I have done in my life is walk away from jobs like that.

michael bleggi > zeontestpilot
08/30/2015 at 13:46

used xbox 360 and forza 4 is a lot of cheap motorsport fun!!!!!! honestly!! it’s the only way i get my fix while at college

zeontestpilot > NotRichBMWOwner
08/30/2015 at 13:54

So this is the story. I quit my previous job and moved my entire family to across the U.S. on a promise of another job. I found out later, that the job pretty much wanted me to fabricate a resume for their clients. I told them no, and was kicked out. I spent 5 months living with my inlaws; without a job, penniless and broken willed. After many grueling interviews and someone actually stealing my resume and pretending to be someone identical to me, I finally landed my current job. I could afford rent, put food on the table, without relying on someone else.

....I finally have stability. It might not be the most amazing job ever but.....I’m providing for my family and that’s all I really want. It’s the more practical thing to do. And I do say no. This weekend was a work weekend and I promptly told them no. It was short notice and I had prior things to do.

Frenchlicker > zeontestpilot
08/30/2015 at 14:04

Definitely. Plus like an oddly close friend we here at Oppositelock have got your back.

Jake Huitt - Two Alfas And A Nissan, Not A Single Running Car > zeontestpilot
08/30/2015 at 14:11

Golf gti. :)

zeontestpilot > michael bleggi
08/30/2015 at 14:22

I got both, and it’s fun but a bit boring on your own after a while. I don’t have xbox live (I’m cheap, what can I say?). Plus, I really enjoy story driven games.

zeontestpilot > Jake Huitt - Two Alfas And A Nissan, Not A Single Running Car
08/30/2015 at 14:24

Thank good, eh? I have noticed 1st golfs go for cheap nowadays. Though I'd really like a rabbit pickup, :).

Jake Huitt - Two Alfas And A Nissan, Not A Single Running Car > zeontestpilot
08/30/2015 at 14:28

Mmm rabbit pickup...

PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power > zeontestpilot
08/30/2015 at 14:47

Hey man, you sound like a good and caring dad, and a good husband :)

Don’t worry if you don’t have a performance car, and life gets in the way of getting one.

You have something much more valuable; a loving family :)

NotRichBMWOwner > zeontestpilot
08/30/2015 at 15:01

Good for you. Sounds like you have things in the right order 1) people 2) money 3) things.

I feel your pain. I was living out of my 1994 Jeep Grand Cherokee (late 2008) that a buddy sold me for $500 in winter in Michigan (Bay City area). It took a whole lot of work and sitting around bored so I would not spend money to get where I am now. You can do it. How fast will depend on how determined you are to spend as little money as possible while getting out of debt.

zeontestpilot > Jake Huitt - Two Alfas And A Nissan, Not A Single Running Car
08/30/2015 at 15:20

Friend of mine has one, he taught me how to drive stick on it. For a slow diesel, it was a lot of fun. Plus the throw for each gear shift, made it so enjoyable.

zeontestpilot > PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power
08/30/2015 at 15:31

Thanks. Maybe if I had a performance car, for a week or a few days, I’ll be content. I’m really curious of the difference.

zeontestpilot > NotRichBMWOwner
08/30/2015 at 15:37

I’m nearly set on the things category. I have most everything I’ve ever wanted, including the golf cart I’ve always wanted (which I got for free). I just like at least a stick or a rwd car, once in my life. Even if it's for a year or a month, I'll be content with that. The money thing....I’ve come to realize that i will never be rich, or have enough to do crazy things. It’s bittersweet but I have grudgingly accepted it. For people, I got a wife and a kid, and I’m trying to convince the wife I 2nd would be in our best interest. I still have a lot of convincing to do, lol. :).

PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power > zeontestpilot
08/30/2015 at 16:26

heh, if you're ever in seattle, you can do whatever you want with the GLI, or whatever car I have when you're here :D

TheD0k_2many toys 2little time > zeontestpilot
08/30/2015 at 16:28

yea sometimes sports cars arent exactly practical. especially when they have been on stands in your garage for 3 weeks

RiceRocketeer Extraordinaire > zeontestpilot
08/30/2015 at 17:04

Glad you’ve got your priorities straight.

zeontestpilot > PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power
08/30/2015 at 17:29

My job sometimes takes me to different cities for the client, I may take you up on that, thanks, :).

zeontestpilot > TheD0k_2many toys 2little time
08/30/2015 at 17:36

How impractical they are is really the defining factor, which bites. At one time i was searching for a 300 or Magnum, but the mpg is what shot that idea down the hole. It’s the equivalent to my pt, but with more hp (dang, the pt is just horrible in nearly all categories!).

What cars are in your garage?

E92M3 > Steve is equipped with Electronic Fool Injection
08/30/2015 at 18:48

^This! My stbx took an opportunity to double her salary, but it required 5-6 months of travel a year, working 10-12 hours everyday. Even when we were on vacation she had to work. I remember when we took our son to Disney she was practically on the phone the whole time. So yeah she makes a lot, but if you consider the hours, and the impact it had on our family was it worth it?

TheD0k_2many toys 2little time > zeontestpilot
08/30/2015 at 22:09

Well miata is currently on stand with brake issues

DD is a ford f350 diesel and the talon is out in my parents barn along with my winter beater escort

zeontestpilot > TheD0k_2many toys 2little time
08/30/2015 at 22:35

Have you ever tried the diesel in the winter? Does it do any good?

TheD0k_2many toys 2little time > zeontestpilot
08/31/2015 at 00:12

not yet. this will be the first one i have had in the winter

zeontestpilot > TheD0k_2many toys 2little time
08/31/2015 at 06:06

My old pastor had a diesel Dodge Ram. It was plugged whenever it wasn't in use. Plus the oil change was like $100 or something. Otherwise, I really like diesels.

TheD0k_2many toys 2little time > zeontestpilot
08/31/2015 at 10:42

oh yea 7.3 take 15 quarts of oil for an oil change and the filter is huge. Ill plug mine in once it gets cold but for now it starts just fine