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Nice Cars... is it a vice?
Old 05-10-2020, 05:56 PM   #1
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Nice Cars... is it a vice?

So like most here, I worked the blue color ethic and lived a life of frugality to hit my RE number. I have been fortunate along the way and while still practicing a T-shirt and jeans mentality, I have a big vice... I like nice cars. While my practical frugal gland is always pumping, my "you deserve this, you worked hard for this" little devil gets the best of me with cars. For my DW, it's shoes and clothes, me, I am a softy for nice sled. I do check to make sure my indulgence does not not wreck the master plan, but I do like to "justify" my purchase in the end. Hey, I do pay cash so financing/leasing is not an option for me. I know this goes against the culture here, but don't be a hater... come on Robbie!!! I will start...

Bought DW mid 2019 a new BMW X5 all tricked out (I justified it with the fact that she keeps a her cars 5 - 8 yrs and I the new tax laws give me 100% write off)

Two days ago, I bought myself a 2019 Mercedes AMG GT 53 (Hey, it had 6K miles on it so it was "used" so I saved over $25K off the MSRP!)

What is your car(s)?
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Old 05-10-2020, 06:02 PM   #2
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Old 05-10-2020, 06:10 PM   #3
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Good for you!

I bought me a brand new 2019 Impala built to my spec and paid list minus a grand. First new car I ever bought.

Then wifey's car died on the road so she has a 2018 Subaru Outback that cost 35 grand.

Between the 2 of them they'll add up to what the landscaping is gonna cost -

Blow That Dough!
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Old 05-10-2020, 06:11 PM   #4
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2019 Mazda CX5
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Old 05-10-2020, 06:11 PM   #5
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2005 Honda Civic - manual trans, 150,000km (93,000 miles). OK, OK, we're exhibitionists.
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Old 05-10-2020, 06:19 PM   #6
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Audi Q3, but it was a 1 year old CPO and I got a great deal. I like a small SUV, haven't had a car-car in this millennium. I like leather, sunroof, and would not not have those again.

DH has a subaru BRZ, he likes the sporty roadster types. I think it's a 2013 or 14? He has less than 50k miles on it. We keep cars about 10 years.

I think it's one thing to spend a lot on a car you love (and I don't judge at all), but where cars really get expensive is when folks don't keep them, and keep buying new ones every other year.
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Old 05-10-2020, 06:27 PM   #7
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We grew up in a GM family. I might spring for a BMW or a Lexus some day, but my mother in law is still alive and it would be an insult to my father in laws memory so it will have to wait.

For now, DW has a 2017 Equinox and I have a 2018 Silverado. The hard part for me is realizing at the number of miles we drive, we could keep these vehicles for 15 years. That may work for DW, but I have the new car vice too. When working, I got a new car every two years. I’m thinking I’ll keep the truck until the extended warranty runs out which is 6 years or 100K miles. I think the years will come before the miles.
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Old 05-10-2020, 06:33 PM   #8
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Never been interested in cars. I buy cars like I buy a washing machine: how big a load will it do, how many cycles will it last, how much maintenance? That said, if this is what brings you pleasure and it doesn't impede your financial plan, have at it. If prices limbo lower in the next year I will drop some coin on a chunk of land. An extravagance, but something I have always wanted.
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Old 05-10-2020, 06:38 PM   #9
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Damn things make no sense... other than personal fulfillment! My last car was a 2015 BMW 650 Gran Coupe. Once you taste the sugar, it's hard to go back!
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Old 05-10-2020, 06:39 PM   #10
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2018 Audi A4 CPO bought in November. Mostly stayed in the garage for the winter, then for COVID. Premium plus, black optics package, sport package. First owner traded it back in to the dealer for an S4. Looking at those for the next upgrade, but that will be years out.
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Old 05-10-2020, 06:43 PM   #11
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But I also have 2 motorcycles in the garage. Both bought brand new.

Two wheels make my heart beat faster than 4 do -
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Old 05-10-2020, 06:49 PM   #12
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5 old classic vehicles. 5 newer daily driver type. 1 higher end motorhome.

So yeah I spend a lot on vehicles. Not so much into new luxury or performance cars, although I do like them. Just prefer older hot rods.
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Old 05-10-2020, 06:51 PM   #13
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My first word was “wheel” - honest. As a toddler I played with Dinky and Corgi toy cars for hours (anyone remember those). I read Road & Track every month. I followed Formula 1. My Dad has an Austin Healey 3000 Mk1. I loved cars throughout my childhood. By the time I could afford nice cars, I didn’t want to spend the money, the nicest cars we allowed ourselves were are new BMW 325i and an Audi TT. We still buy new, but nothing special, Honda’s, Toyota’s mostly.

But I well understand the attraction with nice cars. We owned 5 sailboats, the last one cost more than any Porsche you could buy.

Most of us have vices...makes life more fun.
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Old 05-10-2020, 06:55 PM   #14
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My idea of ultimate luxury in a car, is a car that doesn't break down and seldom if ever needs repairs. I like not having to waste my time getting repairs done.

My car is a 2009 Toyota Venza that I bought new in January of 2010. I haven't seen any new car (at any price) that I would like better. It has all the features I want, it is easy to drive, it has lots of cargo space, and it only has 32K miles on it. Presently my plan is to drive it a while longer.
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Old 05-10-2020, 07:22 PM   #15
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We are the opposite of a nice car family.

We still have the 2004 Toyota Solara convertible. Has 150k miles on it and is very tired inside and out. Second car is a reject kid college car, a 2011 (I think) Mazda 3. Went through university with two kids and definitely feels all of it’s 140k miles.

Our “best” car, a 2012 VW Jetta is actually on the other side of the country with our youngest daughter. She is in university so scored the best of the breed.

We tend to suck every mile out of a car!

Oh and I still have my old 1955 VW bug in my shop to get me around should any of those “new” cars crap out and a restored 1970 Triumph motorcycle as a back up if that VW ever dies.
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Old 05-10-2020, 07:31 PM   #16
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Love cars, but tend to find good values, because I prefer specific models.

Like my blue 2003 BMW 530, last year of the E39. I have owned it 4 years. In amazing condition . Previously I owned a 1997 BMW 528, this was the first year of the E39. I owned that one about 18 years. Both very sweet cars.

Now I am shopping for a 4Runner to add for my adventures.
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Old 05-10-2020, 07:42 PM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Midpack View Post
We owned 5 sailboats, the last one cost more than any Porsche you could buy.

Assume you're talking any new 2020 Porsche?
Crazy $ talking ANY Porsche!
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Old 05-10-2020, 07:55 PM   #18
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Invest hard play hard and if the DOW hits 30k then I will add F-car. We spec. out this car Targa 4GTS and paid cash thanks to Mr. Market.
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Old 05-10-2020, 07:57 PM   #19
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Quote:
Originally Posted by W2R View Post
.......... I bought new in January of 2010........... it only has 32K miles on it. Presently my plan is to drive it a while longer.
Yea, you might be able to nurse it along a few more years.
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Old 05-10-2020, 08:06 PM   #20
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Since my first car, practicality has overruled my love of nice cars.
Sometimes consider buying a classic that I could enjoy a couple years then hopefully sell after minimal depreciation/maintenance cost.
Or, if "bad news" someday from the doc allows time to indulge myself awhile first, would have a nice one to post in this thread!

Nobody into nice cars should be an apologist. See no difference between that and taking expensive vacations, owning a beautiful home, etc. If you want and can afford a nice car, good for you!

Into my 60's, and very appealing to have something respond with a hearty roar and push me back into my seat when I put my foot down! Actually, appreciate any response when I put my foot down
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