Since car talk has become more like an episode of Suze Orman lately, I thought I'd throw another car/finance question into the mix.

Do y'all believe in instant or delayed gratification when it comes to car buying?

Specifically, the cars that really pique my interest and that I would love to buy are the '08 Vette, 3.4 Boxster S/Cayman S, and 997 S (I have no problem buying the P-cars used). Anything else would be a compromise for me, I think. With that said, I think I could convince the boss that I should get a toy car for $25K. $45K and up would be a MUCH tougher sell. I love S2000s (I've had 2), but I don't think I want a 3rd (which, to me, is still the obvious choice for $25K). So, I think I am going to buy this perfect '97 SL600: http://www.poundwholesale.com/shop/details.php?v_id=177 for my $25K. I know the SL won't be fun to drive in a traditional sports car manner, but I think it'd be a lot of fun to own. Plus, it's such a nice buy ($135K car for $25K in new condition). That's my predicament, so I'm just wondering if others would save up for the '08 Vette, 3.4 Boxster S/Cayman S, or 997 S (or whatever tickles your fancy) or just buy the '97 SL600 (or whatever) now or hold out for what you really want later? I do have to say that I surprise the hell out of myself with how much I love driving my FX daily, so that isn't an issue. It just doesn't tickle my car-enthusiast bone.

Discuss.

 

Depends on how long you'd be talking about to save up for the 997S or 987S. If a year or so, I'd wait. If 3 years, I'd indulge.

But remember the advice from the other thread - you could end up throwing a lot of money into the SL600.

 

In my particular circumstance, it's not so much about dollars and cents (if that makes any sense). It's just what I, and more importantly, the boss, can justify spending on a toy car for me (so, I have the $$$ for repairs if necessary). We will be buying our, hopefully, last house in around 3 years, so I doubt I'd be looking to spend more than $30K on the toy car for at least 3 years or more (of course in 3 years, '08 Vettes will be well down in the $30ks). Just seems like a longish time to wait if I can get something now that I'll love. So, just wondering what other peoples' thought processes are.

 

nice car.

this is truly the type of car I don't like, but just me.. I mean 4400 lb 2-seater etc..

I am sure it's fine and is a great deal but I'd not buy one.

It would be something to drive one and be seen in one but I don't believe I'd get much 'one with the road' feeling from such a car.

here is something I cam along shows the price of that gen SL cars -->click

 

I waited a few years before I was comfortable spending the money on my new S2000 almost six years ago. I was real active in the Austin S2000 club and would ride along on drives quite a bit before I got mine. I wasn't willing to compromise and get a cheaper car and used S2000's weren't much cheaper than new back then so I waited. I was really glad I did. It really comes down to whether you are willing to go without for a few years to get what you really want or make a compromise and get something else now.

The SL probably won't depreciate a lot more, though maintenance and repairs could end up being a big cost. It would suck to compromise and not get the car you really want and then end up having to spend a lot of money that could have initially been spent on the car you really wanted.

 

Well, you can assume that car is pretty well depreciated, but I still would not jump on it.

I go for the instant gratification when there is a need. I financed about $30k to buy something to pull a boat that I was given. My grocery getter had only 30,000 miles on it but could not tow so I bought a wagon. But if it is a want, then I save and pay when I have most of the cash.

My answer would be different if the car were newer or it was lower than $15k, but who wants a decent payment on a 11 year old car that could be a reliability headache or that does not scratch the sports car itch because it weighs 2.2 tons?

 

I'm all about instant gratification, but not if that means settling for something that isn't really what I want (which may also explain why I'm still not married).

In your case, I'd probably forego the SL. First of all, it just doesn't interest me, but mainly because I'd really like to own a P-car some day, and I wouldn't want to do something that pushes that day further out.

 

I'm more of an instant gratification type, unfortunately and very much an impulse buyer with cars.

Try to spend some real quality time behind the wheel of that SL before you buy it. I had a customer back in '98 who was trying to sell his '94 SL500 and I was really tempted until I drove it over the weekend. I understand the toy money scenario very well, I would open up all the options for $25k and see what else comes into play before going with the Merc.

 

Got it. I understand about the priorities versus the dollars (all too well!). Sounds to me like you should do it now. If the SL600 is the car you want for the $25K, it doesn't seem like you would suddenly go insane and switch priorities. Short answer, I'd indulge myself today if I were you.

And you can still have fun in the SL even though it's not 2800 lbs! I have 5 months left on my SL500 lease and I have to say that even though it's not a sportscar, it's a fantastic combination of attributes that everyone should indulge themselves with once. And I think having an extra 180 or so HP would be even better!

 

as for the global question do I buy something or dealy gratification, would definatly put myself in the second class.

I was looking at my S2000 (back in 2002) and it was/is a nice car but not what would be my number one pick at that time could have gotten a NSX or a Boxster S. However looking at the relative cheap S2000 got me. However I don't say the S2000 is a bad car but it's obviously not the tip-top car I could buy.

Another example my wife was looking to upgrade from her Trooper was 7.5 years old. No problems so I told her just wait a few months get one more winter out of the old girl we'd have another 6 months with no car payments (etc.) the usual story. But she's not the type, what's 6 months no payments to her? So of course she got the MDX the next day even tho it was not needed I mean the Trooper was still running fine.

So what does that mean? I have come to a crossroad where I am always waiting to buy the car I desire. meaning I could buy a C6 today and wouldn't make a bit of difference to me. I can afford it.

However I have not decided if I want a C6 or a M3 or Cayman S or a pre-owned 911S (etc..)

I have to work out the S2000 question...trade-in would be less than $20K so I'd almost just as well keep it. but that takes out cars such as the C6 or the Cayman S (since I don't want two 2-seat cars) so it's TBD if I want a M3 + S2000 or trade the darn thing in get a Corvette or Cayman S (etc..)

I think I have rulled out the EVO/STi/Si/GTi etc.. which would clearly be lesser cars than the cars I am looking for. I mean yes they'd be saving significant money but then I'd be back to to the point of getting less than I want. And truly Si/GTi/STi/EVO etc are based on sub-$20K cars so they are viewed as lesser.

I don't want to be a snob or anything but I see SRT4 neons (etc.) and I think "I don't want to be one of thos guys", I mean the kid who cuts my grass driven a neon for gosh sakes.