What's The Most You've Spent On Your Car?

"Blake Noble" (no-bull)
02/27/2014 at 16:04 • Filed to: Burning Questions

I just blew $1,800 bucks on a car that, a few weeks ago, I wasn't entirely sure I was going to keep. So what changed my mind? I still hate the patio chairs that Chrysler calls seats in my base SE Charger, I still hate the squeaky dashboard, and I still hate the imbecilic automatic transmission with its "close your eyes, and just pretend that's Mila Kunis" version of manual shifting.

In the time I've spent to find a replacement, I've come to realize I'm just burnt out on trading in and trading out of cars, and bored with trying to find one that fits my picky tastes and miser budget, especially since I try my best to adhere to a policy of personal abstinence when it comes to anything front-wheel drive (yeah, yeah, I hear you). I'm also a bit tired of dealing with dealerships and dumbasses. So, I guess my car with all of its faults will have to do, and when next winter rolls around, I'll just change the tires.

But that doesn't mean I'm going to live with those faults. I'm just going to fix them over the course of the year. So that's why I spent enough money to buy a second car on my only car. Was that wise? You know what? At this point, I don't care.

Until now, however, the most I ever spent on a car after purchasing it was $500 bucks for an engine swap in my old Buick with a bulge in the hood. I gotta say, I'm not thrilled with the balance in my checking account, but that's part of it.

So, enough chatter from my end. What's the most you've spent on your ride?

Blake Noble manages !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! , which you can find on Twitter !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! . In less than a decade, he's owned more than a handful of derelict and less-than-devine automobiles, including two barely functional Camaros and an '80s Buick having a post-midlife crisis. That is, really, in no way impressive and is just plain sad, you're right. All hate mail, tips, and kudos can be sent to theignitionist@gmail.com. Thanks so much for reading!

DISCUSSION (63)

jkm7680 > Blake Noble
02/27/2014 at 16:05

Tires, holy shit those were more than rims.

RazoE > Blake Noble
02/27/2014 at 16:07

$3k on my MKIII Supra. I got a 7MGTE, W58, upgraded clutch/pp, 3 inch down pipe, 3 inch cat-less exhaust, 2.5in IC piping, upgraded IC and HKS BOV. I went from zzzzZZzzz to HOLY SHIT THIS IS FUN! in 1 week.

JustWaitingForAMate > Blake Noble
02/27/2014 at 16:08

$6,000 on a Walkinshaw W310 upgrade.

New exhaust/headers/CAI/ECU tune.

Blake Noble > jkm7680
02/27/2014 at 16:08

Yeahhhh , the tires were the more expensive component of that package.

It's also been a bitch to buy them, too. Between my bank and PayPal, I really want someone to eat a bag of dicks right now. Of course, I wouldn't be saying that if it wasn't me trying to buy them.

CAR_IS_MI > Blake Noble
02/27/2014 at 16:09

In a single purchase? It was somewhere around $5,200

Overall, you don't want to know.

Luke's Dad Sold His 2000TL To Get a Sienna > Blake Noble
02/27/2014 at 16:09

A windshield LOL. A pinecone fell on it.

Tyler's SVT Focus Hates Him > Blake Noble
02/27/2014 at 16:09

$2k on a complete clutch rebuild :( Slave and master cylinder, flywheel, new cable, everything. Yes I know I got robbed, but it was the only place that offered payment plans and I was too broke to source parts and do it myself even if I had the facilities to do so.

Laird Andrew Neby Bradleigh > Blake Noble
02/27/2014 at 16:10

I think my 1986 VW Golf GTi 16v ended up costing me 20k$, but that was with a huge stereo, tons of mods done to the engine and stuff like that. And since I sold the stereo and the mods and the car with profitt I guess it don't really qualifies :P

quarterlifecrisis > Blake Noble
02/27/2014 at 16:11

In one go, something like $2800 on headers, y-pipe, intake, efans, tune, and install of said items. lifetime...i think i had around $4500 in my TBSS over the 22 months I had it.

Shit. Should not have thought about that.

CalzoneGolem > Blake Noble
02/27/2014 at 16:12

Smoked lights .. for real?

Blake Noble > Laird Andrew Neby Bradleigh
02/27/2014 at 16:12

Whoa! That's awesome. How'd you pull that off? I threw about $350 bucks at my old Jeep Cherokee and walked away with a $450 dollar loss.

Casper > Blake Noble
02/27/2014 at 16:13

Most I have spent? Are we talking a single part or in a whole purchase? I am $15,000+ and over a year of down time into my 240Z now and it's still not quite on the road again yet... but that's a lot of parts and labor. The single most expensive part in the list would be the engine (SR20DET) I think (either that or the brakes)... both somewhere around $2500-$3000 when all is said and done.

Blake Noble > Luke's Dad Sold His 2000TL To Get a Sienna
02/27/2014 at 16:13

You mean your insurance didn't pick up the tab?

BeaterGT > Blake Noble
02/27/2014 at 16:14

Spent $900 for a full exhaust on my Camaro. Boy, does she sound gooood.

jkm7680 > Blake Noble
02/27/2014 at 16:14

Haha, I completely lost it at "Eat a bag of Dicks" The distributor of the wheels I just ordered was different than the tire distributor I was using. I called the wheel people, and asked for the correct tire size. They just told me "You're going to have to wait and see." I was about ready to go and whoop his ass.

Luke's Dad Sold His 2000TL To Get a Sienna > Blake Noble
02/27/2014 at 16:14

I'm not sure. My dad arranged it. This was during my permit days.

But that's all the money that would've been spent on my car LOL. I was going to do a full cosmetic 3.2TL to TL Type-S conversion.

Blake Noble > CalzoneGolem
02/27/2014 at 16:15

It'll be stanced by next summer. I want to bottom out over a Pop Tart.

CalzoneGolem > Blake Noble
02/27/2014 at 16:16

Kinja'd!!!

CRider > Blake Noble
02/27/2014 at 16:17

my base SE Charger

Here's why you aren't happy with your car. If you have a Dodge Charger, you need to get one with a v8 engine. If you aren't busy looking for cops and trying to tame your beast, you will begin to notice all the problems with the Charger itself, which ruins the experience. The dashboard doesn't squek if you can't hear it over the roar of the engine and the bellow of dual or quad pipes, depending on R/T or SRT8. The seats in SRT's are also better.

Laird Andrew Neby Bradleigh > Blake Noble
02/27/2014 at 16:17

Bought the car for 2500 US$ (with a 2.0 liter tuned engine), installed a HUGE stereo in it (Paid almost nothing for it, somewhat sponsored), swapped camshafts and made more power (190-210hp). Stripped the interior (sold it for 1200 US$) and got myself a pair of Sparco buckets... In the end I sold the car as parts. This was when the Mk2 Golf was hugely popular here in Norway.

Party-vi > Blake Noble
02/27/2014 at 16:20

I spent close to $4,000 on a stroker motor and accessories for my old Cherokee and then I totaled it. Biggest waste of money I've ever spent.

Thunderingbirds > Blake Noble
02/27/2014 at 16:20

It's best not to track this sort of thing. Otherwise "a few thousand" is actually "holy shit, $16,532.76?!" And then you sell it for $5k and feel relief.

Jake - Has Bad Luck So You Don't Have To > Blake Noble
02/27/2014 at 16:20

$1800 for new main transmission seal, head gasket, all new fluids, some electrics fixed, wheel bearings, and brakes on my 2000 Buick LeSabre. That was probably more than the value of the car (almost certainly was) but that thing will keep trucking for another 100,000 at least now.

Blake Noble > CalzoneGolem
02/27/2014 at 16:21

MR2_FTW - Group J's resident Stig > Blake Noble
02/27/2014 at 16:24

My $4800 MR2 has probably had close to $12k put in it over the last 6 years. Though I stopped keeping good records on it because it became distressing.

My $600 Cressida has another $5k in it, roughly.

Blake Noble > jkm7680
02/27/2014 at 16:26

Wait and see ... what? Do these people work for PayPal or something?

Who are you trying to buy the wheels from?

That's one reason why I went with the combo package, although I obviously don't recommend the process you have to go through.

highmodulus > Blake Noble
02/27/2014 at 16:27

The $500 4Runner Project has about $3500 dropped on it by now, new battery, clutch/throwout bearing, 4 new Michelins, front brakes, rear tail light glass, new shocks front and rear, some new WeatherTech mats (front and cargo), updating some deferred maintenance. I went halfsies with State Farm on a new windshield (rock hit).

But its desirable 3nd Gen, with the 5 speed stick and diff locker. My mechanic has multiple buyers lined up for it for a nice profit. I am a terrible Wheeler/Dealer, cause I am keeping it.

NicAndre > Blake Noble
02/27/2014 at 16:27

Juss a little over a grand for Michelin PSS.. oh boy.

Blake Noble > Casper
02/27/2014 at 16:30

A whole purchase, but a single part can qualify too.

Well, with the 240Z, you're making a pretty good investment I think. You don't see many 240s any more, let a lone a nice restored one.

Blake Noble > quarterlifecrisis
02/27/2014 at 16:33

Yeah, I'm not looking forward to totaling up the receipts on my car come December, either.

But I'm also going to make a goal out of modifying it. I know someone's probably already tried this idea before and probably failed (too lazy to Google right now), but I'm curious if going with OEM upgrades for the most part will also boost the resale value.

Blake Noble > CAR_IS_MI
02/27/2014 at 16:33

What car did you spend this wealth on, good sir?

N51fanatic > Blake Noble
02/27/2014 at 16:35

I just spent 1k on some Apex Racing wheels. Will be another 1k on tires next week or so. 1k on a spring/shock combo, and then labor for all of this.

I justify it by convincing myself that i am keeping the 1series for life!! My kid is taking this car to the prom (maybe?) lol

CAR_IS_MI > Blake Noble
02/27/2014 at 16:37

Kinja'd!!!

And that was one of MANY MANY purchases for this one.

I also spent large sums of money of my 05' Mustang GT but the 3S takes the cake (so far...)

Blake Noble > CRider
02/27/2014 at 16:39

I wanted the Hemi, but my insurance company said no. :-(

But SRT8 seats are on my purchase list, and I guess we'll have to see what the cost of fixing a squeaky dash will be once I take it apart to upgrade the uConnect 4.3 system to the 8-point-whatever one.

Casper > Blake Noble
02/27/2014 at 16:40

Yeah metal up restoration and paint is never cheap, fully undercoating the thing was a fair chunk as well. My plans are to keep this car for as long as I'm alive, so I did everything I could to make the car last another 40+ years in better shape than it did the last 40... but also get a more modern engine to make my life easier.

The flares I wanted also added quite a few hours of sanding, fitting, resanding, refitting... which I happily paid for because I absolutely hate that work.

Kinja'd!!!

Blake Noble > CAR_IS_MI
02/27/2014 at 16:42

That has to be one of the most tasteful 3000GTs I've probably ever seen. In fact, I'll almost go so far as to say it is the most tasteful 3000GT I've ever seen.

Blake Noble > Thunderingbirds
02/27/2014 at 16:44

Haha. Yeah, I'm afraid that I'll sit down to add it all up and it'll be like that line from "Lord, Mr. Ford."

offroadkarter > CAR_IS_MI
02/27/2014 at 16:45

oh my god more pictures now or I'm calling for your banishment

jkm7680 > Blake Noble
02/27/2014 at 16:48

Andy's auto sport for the wheels, Tire rack. I only did that, because I liked the wheels, and they didn't offer tires. They originally gave me a tire size, but it turned out to be for the wrong size of rim.

CAR_IS_MI > Blake Noble
02/27/2014 at 16:51

Thanks. I loved it but it BROKE my bank. In every sense, so it met an untimely death after the motor blew for the 4th (or 5th) time (I cant remember, that's how often it blew). I still wish I had had space to store it until I had a better job and more spare cash to build it right.

Kinja'd!!!

Lorinserc230 > Blake Noble
02/27/2014 at 16:52

Recently spent ~2,500 on my c230. Brought it in for new brakes and tires, 2 wheels ended up being cracked as well and it ended up being cheaper to buy a whole new set. Plus a new exhaust sensor so it would pass inspection and a few other odds and ends. The biggest bitch was this was the first time I have replaced the break rotors on this car, and it was such a pain to track down the right ones. Ended up being the no-longer produced brembo kit for the old gen. mustang cobra. who would have guessed....

Mercedes Streeter > Blake Noble
02/27/2014 at 16:53

The car:

Kinja'd!!!

The mods:

1. Genius Darwin (TSWs made just for smarts) wheels and 195/50/15 Kumho Escta AST tyres: $950

2. Window Tint (5% Limo): $130

3. Custom fabricated 8 ball shift knob: $75

4. Genius Exhaust: $350

5. Custom built Cold Air Intake: +/- $50

6. 12W LED lighting (not pictured): $20

7. UltraGauge: (came free with the wheels)

8. Factory option tachometer (my car didn't come with them): $294

9. High and low beam HID kits: $100 total

Planned?

1. Polyurethane motor mount (I'm building it myself): $26

2. Custom leather interior: $500-$1,000

3. Turbocharging: +/- $3,000

4. Repainting my wheel lips to match the body panels: $260

5. Complete LED conversion (includes new housings and such): +/- $300

Rainbow > Blake Noble
02/27/2014 at 17:09

Personally? About $25 for gas one time. My dad bought me a used alternator once, though, and I think that may have been a bit more. Plus we had it in the shop for a while, and that came out to about $100 but I don't know exactly where it all went... My dad insisted it was a bargain though, which makes sense considering it was kind of totally on fire just a few hours before it was towed there, and I put it out by spitting on the engine and hoping for the best...... (I had just arrived at school to take the SAT. There was something ridiculous like a $60 cancellation fee on top of however much I had to pay to sign up, so there was really no time to find water and take a look at the car. And even with that lingering in my mind, I got a 2120. Go figure. I may have had a perfect 2400 if I didn't spend the whole time wondering whether or not my car had destroyed everything in the crowded parking lot leaving me forever in debt to everyone I know.)

CAR_IS_MI > offroadkarter
02/27/2014 at 17:14

That was one of the last pictures I ever got before the motor went for good (and so did the car) but have some earlier pics if you like (lots of WIP)

Kinja'd!!!

offroadkarter > CAR_IS_MI
02/27/2014 at 17:18

I personally like the 1G's the best. From the active aero spoilers, the tuneable exhaust, the electronic suspension and of course the pop up headlights!

CAR_IS_MI > offroadkarter
02/27/2014 at 17:26

'99 is my favorite for a few reasons, but if I cant have a 99 it will be a 1G (with a 4 bolt / 6 speed swap)

offroadkarter > CAR_IS_MI
02/27/2014 at 17:28

it just sucks that as time went on they lost options

CAR_IS_MI > offroadkarter
02/27/2014 at 17:31

Yea. Mine had the full removable glass hard top, which I LOVED, and if I ever get a 1G again (thats not full track purpose) it will have to have the glass roof.

I miss this car all the damn time, but they are such PITA and you need a solid bank account if you plan to own one.

offroadkarter > CAR_IS_MI
02/27/2014 at 17:34

My cousin had a 92 SL 5spd with 173k on the clock and a shot motor, I almost wanted to buy it and fix it but it wasn't feasible at the time.

Kinja'd!!!

CAR_IS_MI > offroadkarter
02/27/2014 at 17:38

When my motor went the last time I thought about getting an N/A motor from the junkyard and transplanting it to make an AWD N/A 3000GT (they actually sold them like this in Japan and other foreign countries). The N/A was much more reliable than the turbo. Unfortunately I did not have the time, money, or space. Would have made a bad ass daily though.

quarterlifecrisis > Blake Noble
02/27/2014 at 18:35

Best of luck. I took a complete and total bath on mine. Something about that experience really turned me off from modding vehicles. I'm sure it'll pass...it always does.

In a Mini; let them mock me as My Mini Countryman is higher than you > Mercedes Streeter
02/27/2014 at 20:23

You could've made a DuSMARTie (Ducati engine swap into Smart Car

Blake Noble > quarterlifecrisis
02/27/2014 at 21:41

I'm going to need all of the luck I can get. But it could make for an interesting few pieces.

I've been trying to shake the mod bug forever. Maybe this'll be the antidote.

Blake Noble > CAR_IS_MI
02/27/2014 at 21:45

Hey, don't mention it. You put a hell of a lot of work and thought into that car and it shows.

It might be weird, but I'm sort of sad it isn't around anymore. Typically, every 3000GT I've seen has been clapped out or turned into a puke green rolling mass of hopelessness.

FrankenBlaster > Blake Noble
02/27/2014 at 22:27

I was sitting in an airport on the way back from a trip once and thought "I need to go faster" so while I was waiting for the next flight, I impulsively ordered a Cobb Accessport, a Corksport catback exhaust, a Sure Test pipe, and Autotech fuel pump internals. I think the cost was like, $1800 total?

I never looked back but I also learned that I am an idiot at times.

Justino6969 > Blake Noble
02/27/2014 at 22:37

At one time? About $1,100 in the course of a week. A Greyhound bus ran me into a wall at 60mph and the officer considered it "no fault" to either party. This was of course a month after a huge hailstorm that made my car totaled, so I had to pay for all parts since it no longer was considered for full coverage. I found a cool website (don't remember the name of it anymore) and got a new control arm for $20, rotor for $8, suspension link for $12, and hub for $30. The killer was 4 new wheels and tires since 2 of the wheels cracked (BBS cast aluminum with the Wolfsburg Edition), so the cheap route was 4 new wheels. Still a pretty penny.

GRawesome > Blake Noble
02/27/2014 at 23:01

What wheels are those? Hard to make out from the picture.

Most I have spent on my current car ('12 Challenger) is $700 on an exhaust. Worth every penny. Next was around $200 for the Hurst Short Throw shifter, also worth it.

Once I need new tires (which is soon) I want to get new wheels and a brake setup. Then suspension upgrades. That whole deal will end up costing mucho dinero...

Blake Noble > GRawesome
02/27/2014 at 23:11

They're matte black replicas of the same design you'll find on the SRT8 Charger.

Awww , damn. You've got the car I wish I still had right now. Although, I assume you've got the R/T whereas I had the base model with th 3.5L V6 (so let me rephrase that and say I want my Challenger back, just with a different engine).

GRawesome > Blake Noble
02/28/2014 at 13:22

Nice, I'll have to check those out I like the matte black. Kinja won't let me put pictures in right now but I have the Mopar Envy Wheels in grey now, but when I get new tires and whatnot I would like to switch to something else. Maybe the BBS CH-Rs in black.

Yeah, I have an R/T Classic with the 5.7L. They came out with the SRT8 core just after I got mine, otherwise that would have been in consideration. Can't go wrong with the largest engine, manual transmission and no other frills.

Nick, Drives a Cobalt LT > Blake Noble
02/28/2014 at 19:43

In one sitting I spent almost 10 grand on car parts.

Benzed92 > Nick, Drives a Cobalt LT
03/01/2014 at 14:29

Kinja'd!!!

porschephile463 > Blake Noble
03/02/2014 at 23:21

Kinja'd!!!

~5,300 on new trans and diffs for this lovely lady. Now have ~30/70 power split and wavetracks to keep me going around the corner not through it. I've got ~15k in it myself, not counting all the stage 3 stuff the PO did.

Dsscats > Mercedes Streeter
03/03/2014 at 23:08

That's one badass smart. 10/10 would DD