Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast
Results 1 to 40 of 68

Thread: Ever think about quitting the whole car thing??

  1. #1
    IA MEmber
    Join Date
    Mar 2005
    Location
    Gwinnett
    Posts
    7,038
    Rep Power
    29

    Default Ever think about quitting the whole car thing??

    Cars have been a big part of my life since I was born. My father has been in the business for over 35 years and it is something that I think will always be with me.... but when will it end??

    Growing up I had many different hobbies. Today I only have one because of my career and other adult things that have taken up most of my time. This hobby (cars) every month will suck $1500-$2000 out of my bank account. I wonder if it is really all worth it... I wonder what it would be like to take that money and go to Europe for a week or buy a house... lol hell even buy a bunch of outdoor gear and try new things.

    I often ask myself why do I keep spending almost all of my money on a car.... I still do not have a good enough answer to satisfy me.

    Imagine having an extra $1500 a month to do with whatever you please.... what would you do?

    Im 24 years old coming up this June. I spent over $40,000 last year and im not sure exactly where it all went.... I have no investments, IRA, 401K, Savings, etc...

    If you were in my situation.... what would you do?

  2. #2
    Delightfully Creepy Ran's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2005
    Location
    Kennesaw, Ga
    Posts
    19,885
    Rep Power
    46

    Default

    Do what makes you happy man. If you can live comfortably and enjoy tuning, then keep at it. If you want to spend it elsewhere or invest it, then do that. Just do whatever keeps you satisfied. Kind of hard to give you a real answer since I'm not sure what's going through your mind exactly.

  3. #3
    Banned JDM TYTE YO's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2006
    Location
    Georgia-Japan
    Age
    47
    Posts
    361
    Rep Power
    0

    Default

    i noticed that alot of my money was being invested in my cars

    Balance it out..

    Take ur pay check and split it up... 25% into savings.. 25-50% for bills.. 25% for ur pleasure

    open up a savings account like HSBC.. that way it takes 3 days to get the money out.. makes u not want to go through the hassel..

  4. #4
    IA MEmber
    Join Date
    Mar 2005
    Location
    Gwinnett
    Posts
    7,038
    Rep Power
    29

    Default

    well I love the car thing but for example the MR2 is a money pit from hell... i have thought about selling both my cars and buying something nice that I do not really need to mod except drop and wheels... i.e. IS300, G35 coupe, TSX, S2000, etc....

    I really enjoy driving and could not own a truck or SUV...

    I really would like to travel, pay off my debts, get a house, and start investing.... that way 20 years from now when im almost 50 years old I'll have the money to buy the car(s) that I really really want....

  5. #5
    Banned JDM TYTE YO's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2006
    Location
    Georgia-Japan
    Age
    47
    Posts
    361
    Rep Power
    0

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by ©hris
    well I love the car thing but for example the MR2 is a money pit from hell... i have thought about selling both my cars and buying something nice that I do not really need to mod except drop and wheels... i.e. IS300, G35 coupe, TSX, S2000, etc....

    I really enjoy driving and could not own a truck or SUV...

    I really would like to travel, pay off my debts, get a house, and start investing.... that way 20 years from now when im almost 50 years old I'll have the money to buy the car(s) that I really really want....
    then do it!

  6. #6
    Delightfully Creepy Ran's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2005
    Location
    Kennesaw, Ga
    Posts
    19,885
    Rep Power
    46

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by ©hris
    well I love the car thing but for example the MR2 is a money pit from hell... i have thought about selling both my cars and buying something nice that I do not really need to mod except drop and wheels... i.e. IS300, G35 coupe, TSX, S2000, etc....
    I had two cars that were money pits once but, I personally, and a lot more comfortable with making payment on a new car then constantly dumping money into older cars.

    Quote Originally Posted by ©hris
    I really enjoy driving and could not own a truck or SUV...
    Good man.

    Quote Originally Posted by ©hris
    I really would like to travel, pay off my debts, get a house, and start investing.... that way 20 years from now when im almost 50 years old I'll have the money to buy the car(s) that I really really want....
    Why not just get a 401K going with your job? That's what I'm doing. 15% automatic withdrawal and when I claim it, the owner of the company will match up to 5% of my 401K 100%. You can properly plan for the future and still have fun with your cars. You just gotta find your balance.

  7. #7
    AP2 FTW Zeeb's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2003
    Location
    Dunwoody
    Age
    40
    Posts
    1,809
    Rep Power
    24

    Default

    yea just do wat makes u happy, just think about the future and just put 50 bucks away each pay check, just save, a little bit, i have a 401k and its nice but also you can take a break, take two months off from spending it on car stuff and do something else like you said, its not that hard.

    StudioZDesigns
    Quote Originally Posted by Arsenal75
    Topdown for miles make vertical smiles.

  8. #8
    Senior Member | IA Veteran Slow Motion's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2005
    Location
    Ellenwood
    Posts
    5,029
    Rep Power
    29

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Ran
    I had two cars that were money pits once but, I personally, and a lot more comfortable with making payment on a new car then constantly dumping money into older cars.

    Good man.

    Why not just get a 401K going with your job? That's what I'm doing. 15% automatic withdrawal and when I claim it, the owner of the company will match up to 5% of my 401K 100%. You can properly plan for the future and still have fun with your cars. You just gotta find your balance.
    Wise words. Ran seems to be full of ancient wisdom, listen and you will be richer beyond measure.


    Shits real out here. You betta keep a strap and learn somethin'
    .




  9. #9
    I've got a job... Killer's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2005
    Location
    Marietta
    Posts
    16,693
    Rep Power
    42

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by ©hris
    Cars have been a big part of my life since I was born. My father has been in the business for over 35 years and it is something that I think will always be with me.... but when will it end??

    Growing up I had many different hobbies. Today I only have one because of my career and other adult things that have taken up most of my time. This hobby (cars) every month will suck $1500-$2000 out of my bank account. I wonder if it is really all worth it... I wonder what it would be like to take that money and go to Europe for a week or buy a house... lol hell even buy a bunch of outdoor gear and try new things.

    I often ask myself why do I keep spending almost all of my money on a car.... I still do not have a good enough answer to satisfy me.

    Imagine having an extra $1500 a month to do with whatever you please.... what would you do?

    Im 24 years old coming up this June. I spent over $40,000 last year and im not sure exactly where it all went.... I have no investments, IRA, 401K, Savings, etc...

    If you were in my situation.... what would you do?
    i would stop spending so much on cars.. and start giving atleat 500 of that to this guy named killer each month...

  10. #10
    Car Troika gforce23's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2008
    Location
    Buckhead
    Age
    41
    Posts
    819
    Rep Power
    18

    Default

    Earn more money and save man .. use overtimes, company expense reports, client entertainment funds, per diems etc. to your advantage, though not at all times. And as others have posted, a 401K will be immensely beneficial. My employer has 6% matching .. so it's a 12% deposit to my 401k account every month.
    Also, it might be useful to have more than one account. Say your paycheck comes into the first one, transfer a fixed percentage to the other one (depending on your lifestyle:earnings ratio) and forget that it ever existed. That way you'll build up a good savings balance in no time.


  11. #11
    a tru OG,.. ask somebody
    Join Date
    May 2001
    Location
    lake lanier/cumming
    Age
    45
    Posts
    5,960
    Rep Power
    32

    Default

    i did.. and i am HAPPY AS ANYTHING, i have a house, a son, and a real life..

  12. #12
    ALL CAPS JITB's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2002
    Location
    Lithonia
    Posts
    20,772
    Rep Power
    59

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Jimmy B
    i did.. and i am HAPPY AS ANYTHING, i have a house, a son, and a real life..


  13. #13
    A.D.I.D.A.S. §treet_§peed's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2005
    Location
    Gainesville
    Age
    38
    Posts
    24,950
    Rep Power
    50

    Default

    BUY A S2000 FTW
    You know better; next time will be a ban.

  14. #14
    resident honda hater redrumracer's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2007
    Age
    40
    Posts
    11,983
    Rep Power
    34

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by JDM TYTE YO
    i noticed that alot of my money was being invested in my cars

    Balance it out..

    Take ur pay check and split it up... 25% into savings.. 25-50% for bills.. 25% for ur pleasure

    open up a savings account like HSBC.. that way it takes 3 days to get the money out.. makes u not want to go through the hassel..
    lol i got a saving acct with them but lost my acct info, they keep saying that i can view my statements online but i dont even remember my pw. but thats fine that acct is for retirement or buying a house later anyways

  15. #15
    IA's Slowest V6 Alan®'s Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2005
    Location
    Dunwoody
    Age
    37
    Posts
    12,819
    Rep Power
    37

    Default

    IDK what to tell you man. The only time I think about just quitting is because I just absolutely hate this car. So if you decide to sell the 2, Let me know first
    Quote Originally Posted by Alan®
    Nah not even. theres not enough alcohol on the planet that would convince me to bang that chick.I wouldn't hit that with Magic Johnson's dick.....on second thought
    Epic Foxbody Thread Crew Member #10

  16. #16
    JDM TYTE AnthonyF's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2003
    Location
    Cumming
    Posts
    24,318
    Rep Power
    61

    Default

    id masturbate.
    The Carbon Fibered R6

  17. #17
    I'd wrap that. OTG Signs's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2004
    Location
    ATL
    Posts
    2,336
    Rep Power
    25

    Default

    Investments + Play money for cars ftw

  18. #18
    Senior Member | IA Veteran man's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2005
    Age
    39
    Posts
    6,690
    Rep Power
    29

    Default

    I was out for a while. It sucked, and I can't wait to get back in the game.
    IA Rules doesn't allow these images in sigs

    - IA Mgmt

  19. #19
    Magical Negro 0p7!mu5's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2007
    Location
    l'ville
    Age
    40
    Posts
    1,121
    Rep Power
    20

    Default

    i had that thought a few times. its like once i get a car i like together something happens to it. my teg was stolen and the current car isnt fairing too much better at the moment, but that's the best thing about this industry is how you keep plugging at it to get your car right. I sympathize i really do its worse for me because i know very little about actually working on my car past a tune up so learning is a *****. but man like they said just divide your money up. that what i do

  20. #20
    IA MEmber
    Join Date
    Mar 2005
    Location
    Gwinnett
    Posts
    7,038
    Rep Power
    29

    Default

    I just got home from Infiniti of Gwinnett and tomorrow I should be picking up THIS (Click Here)

    That is if the terms are good...

    If I enjoy this car enough to realize that having a fast money pit of a car or a tricked out civic that no matter what I do to it... its still a civic, is enough to satisfy me completely... i'll be selling the MR2 and taking that money to go completely debt free with the exception of the G35.

    Then I can start saving.

  21. #21
    I'd wrap that. OTG Signs's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2004
    Location
    ATL
    Posts
    2,336
    Rep Power
    25

    Default

    That didn't take long.

  22. #22
    Photography & Design
    Join Date
    Sep 2007
    Posts
    4,485
    Rep Power
    27

    Default

    I don't have a car, my Ranger is no fun. lol. I go to all the meets and I meet people and have fun. I am "in the scene" without a car. It sucks in some respect, but I am saving money without dropping my interest. I have other things on my mind right now. I have to get through college and I am unemployed. On that note, I cant give you advice on what to do with actually having money lol. Don't know that that helps at all.

    NIKON Squad | D90

  23. #23
    Z1 Motorsports FTW!! Dr.G35's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2005
    Location
    The Deep South
    Age
    37
    Posts
    2,572
    Rep Power
    24

    Default

    ill sell you my ride

  24. #24
    IA MEmber
    Join Date
    Mar 2005
    Location
    Gwinnett
    Posts
    7,038
    Rep Power
    29

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by V_Eight
    That didn't take long.

    LOL yeah I really need to get out from under the civic and the MR2. The G35 has 275hp, its RWD, and its really nice so its the best of both worlds i guess. I dont see a reason to keep the MR2 if i get this car. Besides the money I sell it for will pay off my only Credit Card (Brandsmart) lol ....

    we'll see what happens in the morning

  25. #25
    I'd wrap that. OTG Signs's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2004
    Location
    ATL
    Posts
    2,336
    Rep Power
    25

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by ©hris
    LOL yeah I really need to get out from under the civic and the MR2. The G35 has 275hp, its RWD, and its really nice so its the best of both worlds i guess. I dont see a reason to keep the MR2 if i get this car. Besides the money I sell it for will pay off my only Credit Card (Brandsmart) lol ....

    we'll see what happens in the morning
    I had a Track 350z last (sold it about two weeks ago). Fun car, but not a good DD.

  26. #26
    Senior Member | IA Veteran Elbow's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2005
    Location
    Atlanta
    Posts
    29,397
    Rep Power
    66

    Default

    Let me think, I have raced since I was young, built my own race car, got a savings account that I will NOT touch for car parts, saved lunch money in high school to buy parts, work with racing, nope, can't ever leave.

  27. #27
    IA BK OWNER #2 BKgen®'s Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2006
    Location
    the land of race car ya-yas.
    Age
    38
    Posts
    21,339
    Rep Power
    57

    Default

    build a rat rod.

    trust me... you WON'T be spending $40k a year on it


  28. #28
    John Paul II, wat!? blaknoize's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2007
    Location
    Columbus, OH
    Age
    39
    Posts
    6,294
    Rep Power
    29

    Default

    No I havent, cuz I just got started. I didnt read SH IT but still. Do as u see fit, just dont forget bout us...

  29. #29
    IA's Blonde Guy Jecht's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2006
    Location
    Smyrna
    Age
    38
    Posts
    7,182
    Rep Power
    30

    Default

    I could never leave, driving is the only thing in my life keeping me from going ape **** insane!

  30. #30
    IA's Slowest V6 Alan®'s Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2005
    Location
    Dunwoody
    Age
    37
    Posts
    12,819
    Rep Power
    37

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Jecht
    I could never leave, driving is the only thing in my life keeping me from going ape **** insane!
    x2
    Quote Originally Posted by Alan®
    Nah not even. theres not enough alcohol on the planet that would convince me to bang that chick.I wouldn't hit that with Magic Johnson's dick.....on second thought
    Epic Foxbody Thread Crew Member #10

  31. #31
    rubbin' daily HeLLo iM iZzY's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2006
    Posts
    9,284
    Rep Power
    32

    Default

    With gas prices going up, I'd keep the Civic and get rid of the MR2 and forget about that G35. The economy is going down, fast. Save up because you never know when you'll need the extra money. Extra money is always good. I'm going this week to BB&T to open up a savings account that I will lock for 1 year. It'll help me out alot a year later down the road if I ever need it for anything. If you spent $40k just alone last year, think about by the time 3 years roll by. Thats a big ass down payment for a nice house, or a nice start for the family and food/clothes. Spend the money wisely. I used to spend money like it was nothing, but I think I've finally "found my way" and I'm only 19 realizing this now.

    Think about it man.
    BUY MY HATCH <--click the link, cuz.

  32. #32
    Who is John Galt? Echonova's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2006
    Location
    Earth
    Age
    96
    Posts
    26,989
    Rep Power
    84

    Default

    You will never get out. One day you'll be sitting at a red light. Look over and there is some guy driving the same car as yours, same color and drinking out a coffee cup that even looks like yours. Then it's off to the rim shop and the cycle starts all over again. Only this time the parts are more expensive.

  33. #33
    victory is mine .::UNKNOWN::.'s Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2006
    Location
    jonesboro, ga
    Age
    40
    Posts
    761
    Rep Power
    20

    Default

    just manage your money wisely some months do without dumping money into the cars save up hell i am 23 got a house, put money into my black hole of a prelude and hell i am happy where i am at.... some months i can't spend the money i would like to on my cars but working harder and saving longer just makes it even sweeter when you get the part and put it on
    NO NWS

  34. #34
    Go Dawgs
    Join Date
    Oct 2005
    Location
    SouthSide
    Age
    42
    Posts
    2,758
    Rep Power
    24

    Default

    naah! stock cars just dont look right to me. they at least gotta be lowered! but speaking of gas prices i think its time for me to get a bike.
    Tuned by Lil Ray Ray's


  35. #35
    IA LEGEND #truth Brett's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2001
    Location
    Charlotte, NC
    Age
    54
    Posts
    67,792
    Rep Power
    121

    Default

    I made that decision last year and did it. I have not done one single thing to the S2k. I will ALWAYS love the car thing but it just came to where dropping 50k+ into a car just doesnt make sense in my life right now.
    Brett (One of the true OG's, No really... ask anyone)
    '15 Chevy SS
    '16 K7 SXL SWP

    www.facebook.com/brett.lowenthal1

    R.I.P Leisa, You are never forgotten - 10/7/08

  36. #36
    Certified Gearhead
    Join Date
    Mar 2005
    Location
    Hiram, GA
    Age
    43
    Posts
    905
    Rep Power
    21

    Default

    Selling the cars you don't have to keep putting money into (the civic should run good for day to day, and there is no need to keep droping money into the mr2) and picking up debt you can't get outta of anytime soon isn't a smart thing in my book. I would either
    A: Sell the mr2
    B: Just sit it in storage and start saving for the future, and when you want to do something to it, save up the funds instead of immediately taking it out of the paycheck, you'll save more money that way.

    If your wanting to start saving for your future (which is the best thing you could do) then picking up a car payment each month is one of the worse idea's I've heard. Yes you might be able to sell the mr2 and civic and pay off the car within a year, but then you've lost a year in saving, and its possible that something could happen and you lose your job, get hurt , etc...and then where are you gonna be? A hobby should be just that, a hobby. When you place more importance on a silly car then things that matter in life, it's a hard habbit to break.

  37. #37
    IA's MIA'r Sammich's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2005
    Location
    Killin all imposter Sammiches
    Posts
    59,408
    Rep Power
    141

    Default

    when my car got stolen..that was the first time i was like screw it, its not worth it..but like my sister was telling me after my car got stolen, its something i wont give up..she was right..as soon as i got the max..i'm like screw it...if the theives want it they are gona get it..so i'll do what i like and if it gets stolen..hopefully ill come out on top like i did when my teg got stolen..minus not being compensated for the work and aftermarket things i had on it



    Quote Originally Posted by Sinfix_15 View Post
    You travel with so much luggage that it wont fit in a wagon? you dating a kardashian?

  38. #38
    -zen motors-
    Join Date
    Apr 2005
    Location
    at the shop
    Age
    49
    Posts
    4,518
    Rep Power
    29

    Default

    just buy my white IS... 4 doors, fast, comfortable, and still looks pretty good

  39. #39
    IA MEmber
    Join Date
    Mar 2005
    Location
    Gwinnett
    Posts
    7,038
    Rep Power
    29

    Default

    I got approved for the G35.... going up there around noon to pick it up wahooo!!!


    ne1 want to buy a MR2???

  40. #40
    Delightfully Creepy Ran's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2005
    Location
    Kennesaw, Ga
    Posts
    19,885
    Rep Power
    46

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by ©hris
    I got approved for the G35.... going up there around noon to pick it up wahooo!!!


    ne1 want to buy a MR2???
    lol, congrats man.

Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •  
About us
ImportAtlanta is a community of gearheads and car enthusiasts. It does not matter what kind of car or bike you drive, IA is an open community for any gearhead. Whether you're looking for advice on a performance build or posting your wheels for sale, you're welcome here!
Announcement
Welcome back to ImportAtlanta. We are currently undergoing many changes, so please report any issues you encounter with the site using the 'Contact Us' button below. Thank you!