Jack FFR1846 wrote: ↑Fri Aug 02, 2019 2:17 pm Get a manual, not a flappy paddle, fat American couch cruiser.
Because modern race cars have manual transmissions.
Jack FFR1846 wrote: ↑Fri Aug 02, 2019 2:17 pm Get a manual, not a flappy paddle, fat American couch cruiser.
Tesla fanboi reporting in.whodidntante wrote: ↑Fri Aug 02, 2019 12:11 pm Some Tesla fanboi will be along shortly. And someone will suggest a Toyota.
"Eat C8 Corvettes in the corners...."Jack FFR1846 wrote: ↑Fri Aug 02, 2019 2:17 pm K20 turbo swapped Lotus Elise. Look around at the many that have already been built.
Eat Teslas in Ludicrous mode in the straights....
Eat C8 Corvettes in the corners....
But you'd have to be small enough to fit. I'm 5' 9" and 185 pounds and easily fit.
$50k will easily buy one that's well sorted or build one from any Elise for under $40k.
With your income, just buy what you want. C7 is well in your budget. 911 GT-3 is well within your budget. Get a manual, not a flappy paddle, fat American couch cruiser.
misterg wrote: ↑Fri Aug 02, 2019 12:32 pmI do want counter arguments based on financials, not based on “douche factor”.ohai wrote: ↑Fri Aug 02, 2019 12:27 pmObviously, you can do whatever you want, but if you did not want to hear possible counter arguments to your question, then why ask it in the first place?
The problem is that the other half of the population are judgmental about not buying conspicuous consumption items:)
Fixed that for you.CeeKay1729 wrote: ↑Fri Aug 02, 2019 12:18 pm Yes, you can afford it. Do it now because your future kids will kill that dream
Boxter. Yellow. Do it.misterg wrote: ↑Fri Aug 02, 2019 12:04 pm Since I was a kid, I’ve always dreamed of having a sports car. I want to do it in my lifetime. How much longer do I need to wait? Or, can I pull the trigger now? I want a convertible, something FAST and preferably stick shift (dying breed). The new Vette doesn’t have a manual option but it wins in terms of speed/value.
Front runners for cars:
2020 Corvette Stingray (~$80k)
2020 Porsche Boxster Spyder (~98k)
Age: 32
Status: Single, no kids
Income: ~$250k/year pre tax, maxing out 401k, backdoor Roth, and ESPP at work.
Living: Rent 3k/month (HCOL area)
Debt: None
Life insurance: personal $100k (20k cash value) policy plus employer 2X salary benefit
Savings: 750k (80/20 stocks/bonds)
That's one alternative. Another would be new fast cars at least a little cheaper than $80-100k, though % depreciation is going to higher for new cars than used ones, no doubt about it. But money, once you've met basic needs and given to others what you decide is appropriate, is for what you like. I like new cars. But a used high performance car is a worthwhile suggestion to think about in general.MotoTrojan wrote: ↑Fri Aug 02, 2019 12:26 pm Why buy one brand new and have a massive depreciation?
If you want fast, classic, and manual you could get a 996 Turbo for $30-$40K.
If you can afford it you should do it. Life is short. I do recommend renting first to try it out, if possible. I love convertibles as well, but the sun and smog on the freeways prevent me from buying my own.misterg wrote: ↑Fri Aug 02, 2019 12:04 pm Since I was a kid, I’ve always dreamed of having a sports car. I want to do it in my lifetime. How much longer do I need to wait? Or, can I pull the trigger now? I want a convertible, something FAST and preferably stick shift (dying breed). The new Vette doesn’t have a manual option but it wins in terms of speed/value.
Front runners for cars:
2020 Corvette Stingray (~$80k)
2020 Porsche Boxster Spyder (~98k)
Age: 32
Status: Single, no kids
Income: ~$250k/year pre tax, maxing out 401k, backdoor Roth, and ESPP at work.
Living: Rent 3k/month (HCOL area)
Debt: None
Life insurance: personal $100k (20k cash value) policy plus employer 2X salary benefit
Savings: 750k (80/20 stocks/bonds)
@cherijoh I totally agree. Definitely food for thought— maybe get tints so no one can see who is inside!cherijoh wrote: ↑Fri Aug 02, 2019 2:19 pmI'm sure some people where you work know exactly how much you make. People are often judgmental about conspicuous consumption items.
They'll be making about 8x more C8s a year than they do GT350s. It's certainly realistic to get a C8 for MSRP once the release hype goes down a bit.MotoTrojan wrote: ↑Fri Aug 02, 2019 4:04 pm Can you really be sure to get a C8 at MSRP even? I seem to recall the Shelby GT350 having a reasonable MSRP but due to demand they were selling for far above that price; perhaps a more rare breed though.
Yes, there are plenty of dealers on corvetteforum offering at MSRPMotoTrojan wrote: ↑Fri Aug 02, 2019 4:04 pm Can you really be sure to get a C8 at MSRP even? I seem to recall the Shelby GT350 having a reasonable MSRP but due to demand they were selling for far above that price; perhaps a more rare breed though.
MotoTrojan wrote: ↑Fri Aug 02, 2019 4:04 pm Can you really be sure to get a C8 at MSRP even? I seem to recall the Shelby GT350 having a reasonable MSRP but due to demand they were selling for far above that price; perhaps a more rare breed though.
Whatever you do, don’t do this.azanon wrote: ↑Fri Aug 02, 2019 2:39 pmIf you're willing to be more frugal and can settle for close to the 40K range, if "douche factor" is absolutely zero concern as you're suggesting (ohai's words not mine, I'm too scared of the mods), then get a Civic Type-R. I understand the car is incredible to drive on a track, and should give you all kinds of fun. But some might think of feminine hygiene products if you're seen driving it?misterg wrote: ↑Fri Aug 02, 2019 12:32 pmI do want counter arguments based on financials, not based on “douche factor”.ohai wrote: ↑Fri Aug 02, 2019 12:27 pmObviously, you can do whatever you want, but if you did not want to hear possible counter arguments to your question, then why ask it in the first place?
Now if you do care about that (I definitely do at 47 as a supervisor Fed, so no Type-R for me), I'd recommend the Golf R. It'll come with AWD, ~ 300HP, and can get it with a dual-clutch transmission. And if it's not enough horsepower, you can tune it with APR/Unitronics, and get that in the 400-500HP range. But to most people, it'll just look like a Golf. So total stealth fun.
Money is meant to be used. Do it.misterg wrote: ↑Fri Aug 02, 2019 12:04 pm Since I was a kid, I’ve always dreamed of having a sports car. I want to do it in my lifetime. How much longer do I need to wait? Or, can I pull the trigger now? I want a convertible, something FAST and preferably stick shift (dying breed). The new Vette doesn’t have a manual option but it wins in terms of speed/value.
Front runners for cars:
2020 Corvette Stingray (~$80k)
2020 Porsche Boxster Spyder (~98k)
Age: 32
Status: Single, no kids
Income: ~$250k/year pre tax, maxing out 401k, backdoor Roth, and ESPP at work.
Living: Rent 3k/month (HCOL area)
Debt: None
Life insurance: personal $100k (20k cash value) policy plus employer 2X salary benefit
Savings: 750k (80/20 stocks/bonds)
+102nz wrote: ↑Fri Aug 02, 2019 6:10 pm I don't think it's insane to buy a sports car, and the OP has the means to afford it.
But most sports cars are really impractical vehicles - aside from operating costs, they tend to sit very low, entry/exit and visibility are problematic. They have very stiff rides and are noisy. They have very little space for passengers and cargo. And very little of their performance can be used (without incurring many tickets) on public roads. I'd rather have a practical but fun-driving car (whether a slow-ish one like the Mazda3 or something faster like the BMW 3 Series, VW GTI, or Tesla Model 3/S) that I can live with day-to-day.
I rented a Porsche in Germany for a day. A Porsche is probably one of the nicest-riding, easiest-to-live-with sports cars out there. The ride and noise still got old very quickly - and this on Germany's (pristine, compared to U.S.) roads.
Don't do what, exactly? I listed the 2 best hot hatches in the 40K range.Bacchus01 wrote: ↑Fri Aug 02, 2019 4:48 pmWhatever you do, don’t do this.azanon wrote: ↑Fri Aug 02, 2019 2:39 pmIf you're willing to be more frugal and can settle for close to the 40K range, if "douche factor" is absolutely zero concern as you're suggesting (ohai's words not mine, I'm too scared of the mods), then get a Civic Type-R. I understand the car is incredible to drive on a track, and should give you all kinds of fun. But some might think of feminine hygiene products if you're seen driving it?misterg wrote: ↑Fri Aug 02, 2019 12:32 pmI do want counter arguments based on financials, not based on “douche factor”.
Now if you do care about that (I definitely do at 47 as a supervisor Fed, so no Type-R for me), I'd recommend the Golf R. It'll come with AWD, ~ 300HP, and can get it with a dual-clutch transmission. And if it's not enough horsepower, you can tune it with APR/Unitronics, and get that in the 400-500HP range. But to most people, it'll just look like a Golf. So total stealth fun.
You should be able to get a good price on that C8 cause you'll be one of the few that actually wants one. As I understand it, about half of the Corvette community is very upset at that new design where Chevrolet seems to have been trying to design a Ferrari knockoff, and it looks like Donald Trump designed that wall between the two front seats. And a Corvette almost by definition is front-engine.
The interior design in general, and particularly that tall claustrophobia-inducing center console/wall would indeed kill it for me if I was in the market for a sports car. A general peeve of mine is that US car makers somehow can't seem to design their cars 100% right. Much of the car may be great, but they always have to mess up something, so you get, say, 80% of what things should be, but never close to 100%. It's the same with Cadillac.azanon wrote: ↑Fri Aug 02, 2019 6:48 pmYou should be able to get a good price on that C8 cause you'll be one of the few that actually wants one. As I understand it, about half of the Corvette community is very upset at that new design where Chevrolet seems to have been trying to design a Ferrari knockoff, and it looks like Donald Trump designed that wall between the two front seats. And a Corvette almost by definition is front-engine.
Currently saving ~$90k cash per yearsmitcat wrote: ↑Fri Aug 02, 2019 2:27 pmmisterg wrote: ↑Fri Aug 02, 2019 12:32 pmI do want counter arguments based on financials, not based on “douche factor”.ohai wrote: ↑Fri Aug 02, 2019 12:27 pmObviously, you can do whatever you want, but if you did not want to hear possible counter arguments to your question, then why ask it in the first place?
Counter arguments based on financials....
How much are you regularly saving each year vs how much have you recently inherited?
azanon wrote: ↑Fri Aug 02, 2019 6:48 pmYou should be able to get a good price on that C8 cause you'll be one of the few that actually wants one. As I understand it, about half of the Corvette community is very upset at that new design where Chevrolet seems to have been trying to design a Ferrari knockoff, and it looks like Donald Trump designed that wall between the two front seats. And a Corvette almost by definition is front-engine.
misterg wrote: ↑Fri Aug 02, 2019 7:43 pmThat is fantastic especially at 32.smitcat wrote: ↑Fri Aug 02, 2019 2:27 pmmisterg wrote: ↑Fri Aug 02, 2019 12:32 pmI do want counter arguments based on financials, not based on “douche factor”.
Counter arguments based on financials....
How much are you regularly saving each year vs how much have you recently inherited?
How many years have you been saving near this amount?
When might you be intending to get married and when might you be intending to purchase a home?
Currently saving ~$90k cash per year
.... according to GM's marketing department. And even if true, let's qualify that - that's based on a conservative/pessimistic planned production of ~ 30K units. Vettes sales have been struggling and are going down the path of the Camaro which I understand won't be produced after another 2-3 years or so.smitcat wrote: ↑Sat Aug 03, 2019 5:29 amazanon wrote: ↑Fri Aug 02, 2019 6:48 pmYou should be able to get a good price on that C8 cause you'll be one of the few that actually wants one. As I understand it, about half of the Corvette community is very upset at that new design where Chevrolet seems to have been trying to design a Ferrari knockoff, and it looks like Donald Trump designed that wall between the two front seats. And a Corvette almost by definition is front-engine.
"You should be able to get a good price on that C8 cause you'll be one of the few that actually wants one'
The 2020 corvette is nearly sold out for the year - it will certainly be sold out before the 1st one is delivered.
"As I understand it, about half of the Corvette community is very upset at that new design"
Which is what happened at every new model release - then most buy the new model within the next 3-4 years.
Considerations:misterg wrote: ↑Fri Aug 02, 2019 12:04 pm Since I was a kid, I’ve always dreamed of having a sports car. I want to do it in my lifetime. How much longer do I need to wait? Or, can I pull the trigger now? I want a convertible, something FAST and preferably stick shift (dying breed). The new Vette doesn’t have a manual option but it wins in terms of speed/value.
Front runners for cars:
2020 Corvette Stingray (~$80k)
2020 Porsche Boxster Spyder (~98k)
Age: 32
Status: Single, no kids
Income: ~$250k/year pre tax, maxing out 401k, backdoor Roth, and ESPP at work.
Living: Rent 3k/month (HCOL area)
Debt: None
Life insurance: personal $100k (20k cash value) policy plus employer 2X salary benefit
Savings: 750k (80/20 stocks/bonds)
As I posted - they are selling very fast. In much more volume then most any of the other cars typically associated with this category.azanon wrote: ↑Sat Aug 03, 2019 6:42 am.... according to GM's marketing department. And even if true, let's qualify that - that's based on a conservative/pessimistic planned production of ~ 30K units. Vettes sales have been struggling and are going down the path of the Camaro which I understand won't be produced after another 2-3 years or so.smitcat wrote: ↑Sat Aug 03, 2019 5:29 amazanon wrote: ↑Fri Aug 02, 2019 6:48 pmYou should be able to get a good price on that C8 cause you'll be one of the few that actually wants one. As I understand it, about half of the Corvette community is very upset at that new design where Chevrolet seems to have been trying to design a Ferrari knockoff, and it looks like Donald Trump designed that wall between the two front seats. And a Corvette almost by definition is front-engine.
"You should be able to get a good price on that C8 cause you'll be one of the few that actually wants one'
The 2020 corvette is nearly sold out for the year - it will certainly be sold out before the 1st one is delivered.
"As I understand it, about half of the Corvette community is very upset at that new design"
Which is what happened at every new model release - then most buy the new model within the next 3-4 years.
"2. Your car insurance will go to the moon. Be prepared. Have you gotten estimates?"Sandtrap wrote: ↑Sat Aug 03, 2019 6:55 amConsiderations:misterg wrote: ↑Fri Aug 02, 2019 12:04 pm Since I was a kid, I’ve always dreamed of having a sports car. I want to do it in my lifetime. How much longer do I need to wait? Or, can I pull the trigger now? I want a convertible, something FAST and preferably stick shift (dying breed). The new Vette doesn’t have a manual option but it wins in terms of speed/value.
Front runners for cars:
2020 Corvette Stingray (~$80k)
2020 Porsche Boxster Spyder (~98k)
Age: 32
Status: Single, no kids
Income: ~$250k/year pre tax, maxing out 401k, backdoor Roth, and ESPP at work.
Living: Rent 3k/month (HCOL area)
Debt: None
Life insurance: personal $100k (20k cash value) policy plus employer 2X salary benefit
Savings: 750k (80/20 stocks/bonds)
1. You seem committed. But, do it sensibly. Purchase a used, or used classic. There's no sense in being the first buyer with the depreciation hit.
2. Your car insurance will go to the moon. Be prepared. Have you gotten estimates?
3. What do you drive now? Will this be an "only car"? What will you drive when it is in the shop? Do you have 2 covered secure reserved parking spaces?
4. Yes. There is are windows in the stages of life where doing something like this is financially doable and where one's time and lack of other big commitments (family,wife,kids,dog,mortgage,yard work,chores,new baby,new HELOC) do not make it as enjoyable. Actionably, you may own it for a certain period of time. So be sure that it is easy to resell for a reasonable price when you decide to do that.
5. Financially, because of your income stream, you can absorb the costs over time without intruding on your savings and other life expenses. So, buy it.
*Requirement: you must post a picture as well as specs of this new toy when you get it so those here unwilling or unable to afford such a toy can enjoy it vicariously through you.
Have fun with your new toy.
j
Doesn't necessarily go to the moon. My Elise insurance cost $700 a year for full coverage and high liability. Talk with your insurance agent and find out first, so you know for sure.
The "can I afford this house" threads are one thing, but IMO most of these "can I afford this car" threads are thinly-veiled humblebrags.
Preach it, brother!
Unless proven otherwise, most posts in this forum are humblebrag of one type or another. Proof? Wait until the next "is it dangerous to keep $7,000,000 in unmarked bills under my bed to avoid the upcoming negative interest rate" type of topic to pop upstoptothink wrote: ↑Sat Aug 03, 2019 12:28 pmThe "can I afford this house" threads are one thing, but IMO most of these "can I afford this car" threads are thinly-veiled humblebrags.
Agreed.stoptothink wrote: ↑Sat Aug 03, 2019 12:28 pm
The "can I afford this house" threads are one thing, but IMO most of these "can I afford this car" threads are thinly-veiled humblebrags.
Is this what you are considering?misterg wrote: ↑Fri Aug 02, 2019 12:04 pm Since I was a kid, I’ve always dreamed of having a sports car. I want to do it in my lifetime. How much longer do I need to wait? Or, can I pull the trigger now? I want a convertible, something FAST and preferably stick shift (dying breed). The new Vette doesn’t have a manual option but it wins in terms of speed/value.
Front runners for cars:
2020 Corvette Stingray (~$80k)
2020 Porsche Boxster Spyder (~98k)
Age: 32
Status: Single, no kids
Income: ~$250k/year pre tax, maxing out 401k, backdoor Roth, and ESPP at work.
Living: Rent 3k/month (HCOL area)
Debt: None
Life insurance: personal $100k (20k cash value) policy plus employer 2X salary benefit
Savings: 750k (80/20 stocks/bonds)