Struggling with a decision

"Jagvar" (Jagvar) 10/08/2016 at 14:08 • Filed to: None

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Many of you know me for my Phaeton, which I don’t intend to ever let go of. Fortunately, it’s doing just fine. But I have a much longer history with the other car in my life.

I’ve had my 1999 Mitsubishi Galant since I was 16. I’m 32 now, so we’ve lasted longer than a lot of marriages. And the car, which rolled off the line in July of 1998, was totally solid and problem-free for the first 14 years of its life.

It’s racked up 135K miles, and over the last 4 years, it’s been rapidly showing age.

It keeps throwing O2 sensor warnings. The engine mounts are cracked, and the whole car rattles violently until it’s warmed up. Rust has eaten at the steel where the windscreen meets the roof, and water gets inside when it rains. The steering column initially doesn’t want to budge when it’s been sitting in the rain. It reeks of exhaust when it rains. Everything bad happens to this car when it rains.

I haven’t taken it to the shop because I know an 18-year-old Galant isn’t worth the cost of repairing at this point. I know I should buy a new car. But I get very emotionally attached to cars. It’s falling apart, but it’s still my baby. It was my first car. How can I let go without a tearful goodbye and a lot of heartache?

I know what I’d pick up as a sensible, comfortable daily driver if I didn’t have the Galant anymore. I’ve test-driven the Kia Cadenza Limited three times and know that I really like it. But I haven’t found a used Cadenza that checks all of my boxes !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! .

This one is the SXL Limited (the trim I want), Bronze Metallic with White Nappa interior (the colors I want), and it’s under $20K (the price I want). It’s one-owner with a clean Carfax, and I really can’t justify NOT buying it. Sure, it’s in Massachusetts, but I could make the trip. The one thing that’s really stopping me is my unconditional love for the car that’s been with me for 16 years. I know I’d be saying goodbye to her if I bought this car. And I don’t know if I’m ready for that.

I’m struggling with this one. Keep the car that I love despite its problems, or go with a new car that’s better in every single respect except for emotional value?

If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent > Jagvar 10/08/2016 at 14:13

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If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent > Jagvar 10/08/2016 at 14:13

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It’ll be hard, but everybody has to let go of their first car eventually. If you don’t do it now you’ll still have to do it at some point down the line. Best to rip the bandaid off now while it makes sense.

Sell it and invest the money in a pair of shoes.

E90M3 > Jagvar 10/08/2016 at 14:15

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It’s probably time to move on. I kept my first car when I bought my M3. I had it until it decided that it wanted to randomly turn off on the highway at 80 mph. Traded it in two weeks later for a 128i, it was kinda hard to say goodbye, I had it for 9.5 years but it was time.

FSI - alcohol enthusiast with a car problem > Jagvar 10/08/2016 at 14:16

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Damn, that Kia is good looking.

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > Jagvar 10/08/2016 at 14:17

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I can’t really say anything about dumping it since I kept my first car. But I sent it to second vehicle duties and replaced it with a somewhat sensible new daily driver. So unless you trust the Phaeton to get you to and from work when the Galant is down, I’d strongly consider replacing it with a car that checks the vast majority of your boxes.

JQJ213- Now With An Extra Cylinder! > Jagvar 10/08/2016 at 14:19

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Let me just say, I cannot believe how hard those Kia’s depreciated!

Umm. That’s a hard choice though.

I had some emotional attachments to both my v70 and c30, but sadly I had to get rid of them. And honestly, after a while, 9 times out of 10, you won’t regret it.

OPPOsaurus WRX > Jagvar 10/08/2016 at 14:22

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send it off to the junkyard in the sky with a bang. LeMons that thing.

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > Jagvar 10/08/2016 at 14:22

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I completely understand. I told myself I wouldn’t buy a new car until I could afford to do so without relinquishing my first (current) car.

Jake - Has Bad Luck So You Don't Have To > Jagvar 10/08/2016 at 14:23

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I dumped my first car with a shrug and indifference. Get the new car.

Rico > JQJ213- Now With An Extra Cylinder! 10/08/2016 at 14:23

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I can believe it

Jagvar > E90M3 10/08/2016 at 14:23

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What was your first car -- was it an E39? Also, I vaguely remember taking that picture, but cannot recall where or when.

My citroen won't start > Jagvar 10/08/2016 at 14:23

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Here’s the thing, I still maintain that the best car I ever had was my first car, mainly because it brought me more joy and freedom than any other, and that only happened because I sold it before if started to fail on me.

Sell it, and you’ll remember it with good eyes and fond memories.

Keep it, and at some point it will become a headache and you might end up hating it, and you don’t want that.

E90M3 > Jagvar 10/08/2016 at 14:26

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It was this POS:

1997 Ford Explorer sport, I wish it had been an e39. I had that picture on my computer for some reason.

Tapas > Jagvar 10/08/2016 at 14:26

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Oh man, I get how you feel.

Why not keep the Galant and buy the Cadenza? I like the brown/white combo :)

Goggles Pizzano > Jagvar 10/08/2016 at 14:32

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I’d suggest keeping it. It sounds like you love your car. It has huge sentimental value. Not only is still having your first car at 32 an accomplishment, it’s an opportunity. An opportunity to not make the same mistake as almost all young folk when they sell their first (and regret it).

You say:

I know an 18-year-old Galant isn’t worth the cost of repairing at this point.

To the rest of the world maybe, but it sounds like it may be to you . And that’s all that matters.

Take just 20% of the cost of the Cadenza and throw it at your Galant. Treat yourself with the money saved.

#forlife

66671 - 200 [METRIC] my dash > Jagvar 10/08/2016 at 14:37

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I’d say move on, you still have the VW.

My mom just got rid of our old 323CI which I drove around a lot too, but it had a myriad of issues, and we eventually let it go, and switched to a 2017 Kia Rio. It’s nice to have something new (and working) for sure.

G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 > Jagvar 10/08/2016 at 14:56

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Before you sell it, mount a go-pro to your chest and give it a damn good run on a twisty road. After you sell it, buy an Oculus Rift and a PC ready to handle it. Then, use the Oculus Video app to re-live that final run in VR whenever you want. Better daily, and fully immersive memories whenever you want? I’d call that a win.

Jagvar > Tapas 10/08/2016 at 14:59

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I just don’t have space for three cars. Also can’t really justify owning three cars.

HammerheadFistpunch > Jagvar 10/08/2016 at 14:59

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Letting go of a car like that is hard and it will always be a small regret, or more accurately you’ll always wish it was back with you in some small degree...but...It’s the smart choice. Example, I’m out to lunch right now and I walked past a 1st gen rav4 in the parking lot and a thought flashed in my mind that I should find the owner to see if they would let me drive it just to bring me back to my first car nostalgia. I know selling it was exactly what I needed to do it(even before I had to) but it still sticks with me

Jagvar > HammerheadFistpunch 10/08/2016 at 15:01

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My mother still has her 1997 RAV4 that she bought brand-new . We’re not a family that easily lets go.

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > Jagvar 10/08/2016 at 15:03

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I think you should get the Cadenza. You’ve obviously served the Galant well, and you shouldn’t feel guilty about it, nor would selling betray your feelings and memories.

Anecdote: my best friend owned his first car, a Ranger, for 12 years. Up to 250k miles, it was incredibly dependant, but then started falling apart. He sunk about $3,000 in six months trying to keep it going (well over what he could possible sell it for), including a transmission, but it just kept developing new problems. Soon after it refused to start. He sold it for 500 and had no funds to purchase anything else (not a problem you have, I know).

HammerheadFistpunch > Jagvar 10/08/2016 at 15:04

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Mine was a 96 with the 5 speed and torsen rear lsd option I bought from my dad who bought it new in 95. Great little buggers. I also know the pains of letting go as well...a hand me down trait from my dad

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > 66671 - 200 [METRIC] my dash 10/08/2016 at 15:09

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Wow, I don’t think I’ve ever seen a 323ci in my life... lots of 330ci or 328ci

scoob > Jagvar 10/08/2016 at 15:09

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I would’ve said get the Kia, but I clicked the link and it’s gone. So keep the Galant?

EL_ULY > Jagvar 10/08/2016 at 15:09

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Not with that attitude :]

66671 - 200 [METRIC] my dash > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo 10/08/2016 at 15:11

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Yeah I don’t too many around either... I don’t know how many were made.

Panther Brown Tdi Volvo Shooting Brake Manual Miata RWD Wagon Stole HondaBro's Accord. > Jagvar 10/08/2016 at 15:12

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It’s not for sale anymore :(

Steve in Manhattan > Jagvar 10/08/2016 at 15:14

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Give it to a local high school, let the kids learn from fixing it, and maybe you’ll see it around town once in a while. And, you’ll have done a good thing.

Steve in Manhattan > Goggles Pizzano 10/08/2016 at 15:16

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This is the question the Car Guys always tried to answer: how much to fix everything wrong with it?

One the other hand, a newer car will be much safer.

Hot Takes Salesman > Jagvar 10/08/2016 at 15:18

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I think you’ll probably regret keeping it more than you’d regret selling it. The Cadenza looks like a great choice to me.

Noah - Now with more boost. > Jagvar 10/08/2016 at 15:30

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Hmmm ok so my perspective is that yes, you should get rid of the galant even though that sucks. It sounds like it’s dying and making you miserable on a daily basis. If you can deal with driving a galant though I wouldn’t replace it with something so new/similar to save money and have a more characterful DD

gin-san - shitpost specialist > Jagvar 10/08/2016 at 15:37

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I had looked at some new Cadenzas at the dealer when I got my Forte5. They’re quite nice, and with the big depreciation hit they take I think they’re awesome used bargains.

I personally think it’s time to let go of the car and move up. You’ll always have the good memories.

AR24-7 > Jagvar 10/08/2016 at 15:49

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I personally say keep the Galant, because it matters to you. You might be able to keep it going long enough to see it through to the end. But if you want to play it safe, go for the Kia.

Tapas > Jagvar 10/08/2016 at 16:16

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Keep the Galant outside. Its being eaten alive anyway...

Jagvar > Tapas 10/08/2016 at 16:19

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Oh it already lives outside. Never been garaged in its life.

boredalways > Jagvar 10/08/2016 at 16:37

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Did you buy the Cadenza? Because the link says it’s not for sale any longer

MUSASHI66 > Jagvar 10/08/2016 at 16:37

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Just get rid of it. It is a hunk of steel at this point. No one can take the memories, just enjoy those.

Goggles Pizzano > Steve in Manhattan 10/08/2016 at 16:40

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One the other hand, a newer car will be much safer.

Only if you get in an accident. :-)x

duurtlang > Jagvar 10/08/2016 at 16:44

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I feel your pain. I’m 33, so we’re of similar age.

My first car was is a 1991 VW Golf mk2. As a boy I accompanied my grandfather, 2 years before his death, when he went to the dealer to pick up the brand new Golf he had ordered. My mom inherited it and it became our family car. Much later it became my first car.

I used it as a daily driver until 2012. I got a bit tired of the lack of comfort and the price of fuel (it ran on gasoline!). I bought my current daily driver 4 years and 1 week ago. When the inspection of the Golf ran out in June 2013 I parked it in a storage place. There was little wrong with it in 2013, so I’m saving it for whenever I feel like I want to restore/restomod that old Golf.

My mk2 Golf, my 2013 banger rally Subaru (long sold), my current daily driver (2000 Peugeot 406 coupe).

I also owned a Galant like yours earlier this year (a ‘97). Well, the wagon and the imho much better looking European version obviously. Bought it for €500 for a banger rally (drove through 8 countries!). Fixed it up, sold it to my parent. It’s their daily, and they couldn’t be happier. It’s a very healthy car now (160k miles). So I’m a bit surprised by the condition of yours.

JR1 > Jagvar 10/08/2016 at 17:41

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So funny you posted this today. I’m going through the exact same thing right now. Just put my S10 up for sale. (First truck).

I put the for sale sign on it this morning. I’m sure I’m asking more than what it is worth but the idea of losing a friend, no a part of the family, just has me upset. But all things I suppose must eventually come to an end. Life will go on and the memories made will last forever.

hike > Jagvar 10/08/2016 at 18:20

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My family is the same way. We bought all our cars new and have an 87, 92, 02, 06, 12, and 15. We also have way too many cars.

ciscokidinsf > Jagvar 10/08/2016 at 18:49

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Time to go... I’ll overlook that you didnt buy another Phaeton , when replacing the Galant. But totally understand why. My first bought car from a dealer was a 1996 Mirage Sedan LS - Loved it, though I dumped it 2 1/2 years later when the AC went Kaput and $1200 was needed (in 1999!)

Nymphicus Hollandicus > Jagvar 10/08/2016 at 19:34

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If I was in your situation I’d just give it a viking death and thrash it around a rallycross course. I understand the emotional attachment, but there’s a point where it just doesn’t make sense to keep an old non-collectible car running.

shop-teacher > Jagvar 10/08/2016 at 19:37

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Counter-point: If you keep the Galant, you’ll only be whitnessing its death. Either way, you’ll have to make that tearful goodbye sooner than later. Wouldn’t you rather watch it drive away, than be hauled off on a flatbed?

Steve in Manhattan > Goggles Pizzano 10/08/2016 at 21:26

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Give me every airbag you have ... I drive 3 or 4 times a year, and I want to live.

Tapas > Jagvar 10/09/2016 at 03:28

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Oh gotcha :) the outside is very big. I wouldn’t worry about your gallant be stolen :p Live a little and get the Kia (or buy the new miata) :D