- Joined
- Feb 28, 2010
- Messages
- 1,663
Good Morning folks,
I have came to this forum for help in a different way than usual. Not the oil break down what is best (whatever that means right) oil out there, but I am here today for help with something else.
I came here due to the vast types of people here and they are all not car enthusiasts like I am, so I am trying to get a non car biased opinion as possible.
All this is over a potential Car Purchase.
For some on this forum that know me, I am an avid car enthusiast. Have been for as long as I remember. Over the years, I have been very fortunate to own some very nice performance cars, nothing crazy like Ferrari or anything, but I have been an avid WRC fan since I was a child, and I grew up loving Rally Cars.
in 2003 I purchased my first one a Lancer Evolution 8. Then in 2006 bought 2 more Lancer Evo's selling, or trading up each time. In 2012 I bought my 4th Evo, an Evo X GSR.
Unfortunately, in that same year I divorced my wife, could not afford the car payment any longer, and had to sell the car. At that time, my finances took a serious nose dive to the dirt. I had to sell my car, lost my home to foreclosure, and moved in with my folks. This was not easy being in my 40's and a father of 2 kids.
I knew though I had to start over. The Divorce devastated me in many ways. I was able to get a used Hyundai Elantra to drive around in and had that for about 6 months when I handed the keys over to the ex wife. Long story on her car. Anyway, she wanted to buy some [censored] car that was salvaged and I felt for my kids that it just wouldn't be safe. So I gave her the keys to my Elantra so my kids could at least be in somewhat safe car.
I was borrowing cars from friends I knew that had extras, and my Dad came up to me and said he would help me get another car, he thought what I did with my car was the right thing to do and he was so kind to sign for a new car for me. Mind you I was working as a State Employee, had stable income and all, just my credit was shot from the Divorce that led to many financial problems as a result of such.
I chose a VW GTI as a good compromise. Fun to drive, reasonable affordable and not too crazy to maintain.
I bought the VW new in Jan 2013. In Feb 2017 I paid off the VW and in the first time in a LONG time I actually OWNED a nice car.
Now, my credit has bounced back, I am in a home again, but due to a work injury I applied for a medical retirement and I was very grateful to get approved. My income is 50% of what it used to be, but I am getting by ok.
I have been thinking so much about something I can do for myself to help bring me up. I have been pretty down after the retirement, divorce stuff, just everything. One thing that always gave me pleasure was my rally cars. I realize now I cant race in any capacity, I cant turn wrenches on cars like I used to, but to drive one again.
I have this opportunity to buy a new 2017 Ford Focus RS. Price is right, options I want, color I want. I can trade in my VW, have a good down with the car so my payment would be where I could pay for it. Not sure what insurance will be, probably more than I am paying now I am sure. All and all the new car would probably cost me $500-$550 a month, vs my GTI is costing me about $60 a month to own.
I begin thinking about how I should be saving, and not spending, how I should take that money towards the car payments I would have to make, and apply it towards my kids college fund, or just stash the money under the mattress every month.
There is the side of me that says, you only live once, do what makes you happy, then the rational side that says, your an idiot save your money....
I know coming here may not be the best thing, but I would like to get a non biased opinion on what you would do? What do you folks think I should do?
Sure there are many factors here, but with the info I provided, which way would you sway?? Do it because you want to?? Or dont because you want to save the money for a rainy day or something?
Sorry its so long winded here, just a cliff note version actually....Your thoughts, advice and Opinions are much appreciated.
Jeff
I have came to this forum for help in a different way than usual. Not the oil break down what is best (whatever that means right) oil out there, but I am here today for help with something else.
I came here due to the vast types of people here and they are all not car enthusiasts like I am, so I am trying to get a non car biased opinion as possible.
All this is over a potential Car Purchase.
For some on this forum that know me, I am an avid car enthusiast. Have been for as long as I remember. Over the years, I have been very fortunate to own some very nice performance cars, nothing crazy like Ferrari or anything, but I have been an avid WRC fan since I was a child, and I grew up loving Rally Cars.
in 2003 I purchased my first one a Lancer Evolution 8. Then in 2006 bought 2 more Lancer Evo's selling, or trading up each time. In 2012 I bought my 4th Evo, an Evo X GSR.
Unfortunately, in that same year I divorced my wife, could not afford the car payment any longer, and had to sell the car. At that time, my finances took a serious nose dive to the dirt. I had to sell my car, lost my home to foreclosure, and moved in with my folks. This was not easy being in my 40's and a father of 2 kids.
I knew though I had to start over. The Divorce devastated me in many ways. I was able to get a used Hyundai Elantra to drive around in and had that for about 6 months when I handed the keys over to the ex wife. Long story on her car. Anyway, she wanted to buy some [censored] car that was salvaged and I felt for my kids that it just wouldn't be safe. So I gave her the keys to my Elantra so my kids could at least be in somewhat safe car.
I was borrowing cars from friends I knew that had extras, and my Dad came up to me and said he would help me get another car, he thought what I did with my car was the right thing to do and he was so kind to sign for a new car for me. Mind you I was working as a State Employee, had stable income and all, just my credit was shot from the Divorce that led to many financial problems as a result of such.
I chose a VW GTI as a good compromise. Fun to drive, reasonable affordable and not too crazy to maintain.
I bought the VW new in Jan 2013. In Feb 2017 I paid off the VW and in the first time in a LONG time I actually OWNED a nice car.
Now, my credit has bounced back, I am in a home again, but due to a work injury I applied for a medical retirement and I was very grateful to get approved. My income is 50% of what it used to be, but I am getting by ok.
I have been thinking so much about something I can do for myself to help bring me up. I have been pretty down after the retirement, divorce stuff, just everything. One thing that always gave me pleasure was my rally cars. I realize now I cant race in any capacity, I cant turn wrenches on cars like I used to, but to drive one again.
I have this opportunity to buy a new 2017 Ford Focus RS. Price is right, options I want, color I want. I can trade in my VW, have a good down with the car so my payment would be where I could pay for it. Not sure what insurance will be, probably more than I am paying now I am sure. All and all the new car would probably cost me $500-$550 a month, vs my GTI is costing me about $60 a month to own.
I begin thinking about how I should be saving, and not spending, how I should take that money towards the car payments I would have to make, and apply it towards my kids college fund, or just stash the money under the mattress every month.
There is the side of me that says, you only live once, do what makes you happy, then the rational side that says, your an idiot save your money....
I know coming here may not be the best thing, but I would like to get a non biased opinion on what you would do? What do you folks think I should do?
Sure there are many factors here, but with the info I provided, which way would you sway?? Do it because you want to?? Or dont because you want to save the money for a rainy day or something?
Sorry its so long winded here, just a cliff note version actually....Your thoughts, advice and Opinions are much appreciated.
Jeff