Austin TX - First86 FR-S - Whiteout Manual
 

Before Signing the Dotted Line Phase

Just got back from the test drive (stopped by the house to show the wife), the car has 12 miles on it (for the record, Champion Toyota said they would put 10 miles on it, they did and I have no problem whatsoever). The VIN is not 86, sad but expected. The audio unit looks better in person but I still didn't care to turn it on yet, I enjoyed every note of that engine.

It looks beautiful on my driveway doesn't it lol.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2.../nhatinfrs.jpg

I've finished all the paperwork up to the last dotted line (I'll answer the questions regarding extra cost for whiteout and doc fee and driveout cost later) but now it's time for me to do what I'm trained to do as an engineer: shut my excitement out the door, earplug the warm engine note, and look at the number for what it is. For those who care enough to know (I cut off fb so this is my only online hangout) I have a little one coming so this is big decision for me.

All and all, the car feels like it will be a good friend, fun but not reckless, down to earth (pun intended) and reliable. When you walk to the car ready to hit 5 o'clock rush hour, you think about how eager it is to hit the pavement with you, and you can't help but smile. :)

Crunching the Numbers Phase

Texas price break down (Champion Toyota):

Manual transmission MSRP-24,200
Texas delivery - 785 (I made a mistake earlier, not 750)
Whiteout premium paint - 220
Cargo mat (option) - 95 (I didn't choose this option, it's just there, didn't really notice, may refuse after I take another good look since that money is better spent on the beat-sonic shark fin antenna mod)

Overall, the "SmartChoice Price" on my car is 25,300.

Doc fee: 122.50 very reasonable in my opinion.

Sales Tax est 1,650
Registration 58
Title 33
Inspection 24
Road and bridge 12

Out the door (est) 27,200. I rounded off the cents here and there.

To finish the discussion regarding the cost of owning the car, my insurance rate for 1k deduction, full coverage comes out to 125/month. I'm insured by Farmers, 25 male, no at fault accidents, no tickets (ever, I've never owned any cars fast enough to worth get a ticket in :P). So overall, not so bad. My agent tells me that the rate for the car shouldn't go up and I've known her for a long time so I'm taking her words for it. All she needs was the VIN number which I was kinda surprised, I was ready to give her every detail I know about the engine and such.

Congrats man!! Looks good!! How many cars do you have in your garage to accommodate your growing family?

Here is my custom plate that I regret not order earlier so I can have it at the same time as the car.

Don't forget that tax is calculated AFTER trade in value is discounted.

Thanks dude that helps alot!

Awesome!! Huge congrats from El Paso, TX!!

That car, that's you right there brother.. Great pic :burnrubber:

Pretty irresponsible since you have a kid on the way.

I think you need to let me take it, since I'm also in Austin.

thanks man, haven't heard about your car yet, is it coming?

i have nothing man, both sedans, i've vowed to not buy a big car until i can afford a Range Rover (silly i know). so I'm thinking hard.

send me a private message offer bro, out of the door is the base bid ;)

i'm not buying my FR for another two years...it'll be here shortly. :D

so there are two sedans in the house, one for the wifey and one for you? i'm thinking if this car can't fit a baby seat without eliminating the front passenger that could be trouble for the me.

haha you're more rational than the majority of us.

this car is not for baby to be honest, it'll fit a child seat but the kid will outgrow this thing quickly. both of our sedans are paid for so trading one for a sport car, not an SUV is beyond rational borderline reckless.

if it weren't for that low CoG... I have just never sat in a car with so much balanced posture. It gives you this superman effect like the Evo (which I'm a diehard fan of) but in a smart way, not by all the technologies that goes into the AWD system, but by the simple physic.

hey, wheres ur antenna?

they probably haven't put it on yet. i noticed but didn't care since i'll be getting the beat-sonic shark fin soon. congrats on your car man, good choice on the color :happy0180:

Congrats man.