Hey interested to read the posts by UK Paul and AusS2000, I think you damn yanks have got to put this thing into perspective.

I recall 20+ years ago when I received a pay rise from AUS 14k p.a. to 26k pa. The cost of an RX7 was then 17k p.a. - relatively this was about the same ratio of annual income to purchase cost as Rahvis' salary to S2K cost is today. I was then 25, but a colleague of mine, aged 22, decided to do the deed and buy the rucksack (RX7) whereas I stuck with my trusty second hand bomb and cheap (but farkin' fast), motorcycle. Well he died approx 5 years later from a brain tumour, god bless him (I'm not religious either). I'm still around, have a wife (2nd) and 2 children, have lived and worked around the globe, and am now enjoying the fruits of my labour(s) indulging in the activities which I believe I have earned for myself - these include Stook, flying, private education for my children (sorry I hate the word kids, I don't have juvenile goats in the family), etc..

I believe Rahvis has his head screwed on the right way (interesting, however, that he seeks out this forum). At the end of the day, to each his own - I think I've said enough.

 

Maxing out your 401K and Roth IRA are more important than any car and from your concerns I can tell you already know that. I am in a similar situation to you in that I am saving for a house, live in NY, and make about $65,000. A big car payment would not look good on a mortgage application I compromised by getting a 2001 miata LS,6-speed, and suspension package out the door for $25,000 with 0% at 48 months (free money). It may not be a S2000 but it sure is a hell of a lot of fun. ps I would rather cut off a finger than take out a 72 month auto loan at the going rate of interest, that is just insane.

 

Max out all the 401Ks in the world and just baby that Roth IRA for a better life down the line... what the hell is that? Sure it's nice to save up for later, but it's not like rahvis or anyone else on this board who's even contemplating buying a 32K + car is struggling with getting jobs here. I don't think any of us are about to quit working if we get the car.

And for Insomniak: the more serious issue between us two is that you're definitely going overboard with making only 36K hoping for a raise to get a car that's going to cost equal to your current salary. The S2000 isn't worth this much. Try getting that 4-year degree.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by SpaceNeedle:
[B]
And for Insomniak: the more serious issue between us two is that you're definitely going overboard with making only 36K hoping for a raise to get a car that's going to cost equal to your current salary.

 

insom:

you know that i'm on the buy now while young side. so i am totally in favor of you getting this car... but even with the 24k price (is that off the lot price?), you're still looking at payments around $400 + insurance. if you're living at home which is fine to save money on rent, then it's doable, but still tight on the play money spending.

for me, i'm not planning on keeping this car for more than 3 years. i am pretty sure my priorities will change. i just need to let off this desire for a fancy car right now. but then again, who knows? it was either the s2000 or the bmw 330ci. i'll have plenty of years left to drive a bmw. the s2000 is raw, baby. do it while you're young!

 

Have you considered a '01 Integra Type R or perhaps a Mazda MX-5 Miata? Both are wonderful cars in their own right and I can assure you that you'd have a tremendous amount of fun in either.

 

Well I guess I might as well chime in here since I represent the 27 year old crowd. ( well not the ones on this board any way ) I am lucky to make a good deal of money, and the S2K was a way for me to spoil myself. Even to this day I KNOW it wasn't the smartest thing to do. I see the big picture and don't want to be working for the rest of my life. Being retired at 40 would be more gratifing then driving a "pimp ass" car now. Yet I did it any way. My opinion, think of your priorities. My first was to get my own house. Done at 21. Second secure a future income regardless of economy. Thus I bought 2 more houses that I rent out. After all my expenses I have about 4-5k left over a month. so to buy another house would take me 1-1.5 years to save up for the next down payment. If your banking 300-500 bucks how long will it take you? I'm not preaching, nor bragging, just want to let you know my perspective. There are plenty more important things in my life then my car. I could however write for hours about how much I love it and can't imagine living with out it but that's beside the point. Do whats best for you, but don't struggle thru life having all the toys, when you get older...Much older then I, so I hear. You will find that this all becomes unimportant.
Mike

 

I think this topic is one of the best that I've been a part of. It's real life learning--kind of.

Mindcore: Is that 4-5K Canadian dollars? Impressive nonetheless, but I plan on being in the six figures easily by the time I'm nearing the big 3-0. But who knows. One house is enough for me and I don't plan on trying to secure my retirement by buying several and renting them out. Good job, but you live in Canada. God bless America!!!!! I love it here!!!!!!

Rahvis: I test drove a lot of cars recently as well. IS 300 and the 330Ci being two of them. The IS definitely handles well and feels sporty and with a manual would be much better. However, it just doesn't give me that shimmy shimmy cocoa puff feeling. You know what I'm saying? On the other hand, the 330Ci is definitely one to say BLING BLING, but I was disappointed with the quiet, refined qualities of it. Older man's car, but the styling is bomb and you definitely know where your money went. As for the S4 which you mentioned in another post... you'll hand a lot of punks their asses from a stoplight, but you'll get no mad stares in that ride from the ladies or anyone else for that matter. The styling has aged well, but it's way too boring, man.

My car after the S2000 will definitely be the M3 (as of today). Just got my Road and Track thingy in the mail. Read the review, saw the pictures... this sucker can pass a Z06 on the road and on the tracks! Shimmy shimmy cocoa puff!

Here's my S2000 plan... before taking delivery and starting them car payments, I will save up $3-4K as savings to maintain or grow throughout the year. Then do the payment thing which will be $675 + $170 for insurance. $1000 a month as play money. Not great, but fine for me. If I start my job in May or June, the partner tells me my first "performance review" will be in September. They say average is 10-15%.

Part speculation, but the S2000 will be a reality! Saw a yellow one near campus... holy shit. can't wait to put the top down blasting some tupacalypse and jigga my nigga. totally frivolous fun. YEAH!

 

YA that is in Canadian Dollers, but don't forget I live in Canada. A big mac is still 2 bucks whether here or there. I am in the six figure income but My point was the more money you make usually teh more money you spend! While I save a fair bit of money I still spend alot of it hry the month. case in point, I had a bad day so I bought myself a Marantz RC5000i=800 bucks, needed a new Digital camera s100=900 bucks, new hockey equipment=500 bucks, etc. etc. so really I only saved about 2k after all is said and done. That dosen't include christmas! Always keep some rainy day money. It works for me, many are different I know. But I always say I have everything I want and next month there is something new
Best of luck. IMO the car is worth it. definatly worth scraping by for, but will the car and no life make you happy? if it will do it. If not pace yourself!
Take care!
Mike

[This message has been edited by Mindcore (edited January 07, 2001).]

 

who ever said if i get this car i'll have no life? i think living in canada already fulfills that part alone no matter how much money you make.