Insom., I think you and I have shared sob stories about desires for this car before. I suppose if I were patient enough to wait, in a year or so, I could have the car. But there's no guarantee there, so I'd rather get something that'll amuse me only barely...so I still keep up with R&T, C&D, and MT mags...and keep my dreams of a Silver 360 Modena in my driveway someday.

I think we all know that Civics are Civics, and are comparable to that Volkswagon crap (Turbo Bug...WHAT THE HELL IS THAT?? I get the same effect putting an egg in a slingshot!!). But I excuse it with Honda 'cause it's all naturally aspirated...

Anyway...I could make the car work. It's just a question of worth, and need. Right now, I have an '86 Camry on its death bed. I wanted to push it through the winter and break a new S2000 in around April, but...since that's not happening, I decided to simply look into pocket rockets.

I don't think I could ever bring myself to own an American car. The only one I think I'd consider is the 1965 Shelby Mustang GT500 that Cage drives in "Gone In 60 Seconds." Even that, I'd only drive if and when I robbed banks. 'Cause to me...American cars lack refinement, style, superior engineering, and class that most imports give you along with that hefty price tag. But if all you want to do is fly down the road, then yeah, the SS will do you just fine...

But again, I have to say, if you guys come across any Civic Si's with less than 10K miles on it...please do email me at "mandu79@aol.com" with something. I'd prefer 2000's...but a good shape 1999 is great too. Thanks!!

 

AusS2000,

DANG?

Anyway, this thread confuses me,$52,000 and thats not enough?

I earned roughly ~$39,000 last year and paid ~$42,000 for the S2000 in Sept 98, while being married and now 5 months into fatherhood,my questions are:

Just how expensive is college education in the States?
How high are your taxes? Maybe thats why our petrol is so dear (it is the reason actually).

Paul (still owes ~$18,000!! on the S2000, but already saving for my daughters education!)

 

and keep my dreams of a Silver 360 Modena in my driveway someday.

..and a great dream it is.


I think we all know that Civics are Civics, and are comparable to that Volkswagon crap (Turbo Bug...WHAT THE HELL IS THAT?? I get the same effect putting an egg in a slingshot!!).
heheh..


I don't think I could ever bring myself to own an American car. The only one I think I'd consider is the 1965 Shelby Mustang GT500 that Cage drives in "Gone In 60 Seconds." Even that, I'd only drive if and when I robbed banks. 'Cause to me...American cars lack refinement, style, superior engineering, and class that most imports give you along with that hefty price tag. But if all you want to do is fly down the road, then yeah, the SS will do you just fine...

well if it makes you feel any better i would also consider some pocket rockets.. the Supra TT or a Prelude SH.. the z28 ss just cause its some cheap n' ugly raw power for me to take my frustrations out on.. i wouldn't end up babying that car like i would the stook.

 

I'm not saying that 52K isn't enough to buy the car. It's plenty enough. But I'm thinking a year or two down the line...when I'm making those 700 payments in the dead of January scraping that ice off my $3000 hardtop...I'm not gonna be a happy guy. I love the car, but I hate what Chicago winters will do to it. I'd rather get a lasting beater now, and then buy the S in another year or so when I have more money saved up and things are more comfortable.

That car was made for me. I mean, I know you're all thinking the same thing, but I have to butt in and let you in on the truth. Even though I don't have it yet, that car's size, measurements, dimensions, and everything about it was made with me in mind. When I finally do get my hands on one...God help all those schmucks in my way.

For those of you living the life, and makin' ends meet while loving my baby, I congratulate you all and have nothing but the utmost and highest levels of jealousy for you all...

GOOOOOOOOOOOOD!!! Tha's mah boy!!

 

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.