Need some assistance making a decision.

[ashtray]

No problem. I've made my fair share of knee-jerk reaction auto purchases. Sometimes they work out, and other times I've lost $20k cash in two years and had no car to show for it. (bought used 5 Series out of warranty, drove it a ton, required some maintenance on top of my car payment ugh, which was at 9% interest - ugh, then sold it. Luckily I had put $8k down on it bc two years later I was only able to get enough to cover my loan balance! This was at a time where I was just starting to make money but would have been nicer not to have blown $20k so fast! I replaced it with a new 2003 WRX, which I still have 11+ years later and car purchase, interest, and maintenance over 11+ years has been less than $30k. I paid off the WRX after 3 years, then banked cash so when the BRZ came out, I had the money ready without even selling my WRX. Learned from some past mistakes, though I still make other mistakes!)

Most important thing is to be prepared for as many things as you can so you're not scrambling dealing with something you hadn't anticipated.

And that 5 Series I bought so long ago? I enjoyed that car to the fullest - not sure I got my $20k worth of enjoyment out of it, but I splurged and it was amazing at the time.

[Zoh]

I definitely plan on keeping this car as long as I possibly can and maintaining it as well as I possibly can.

Honestly, I might save for a few extra months just to be able to have a little more positive equity on my current car loan, and I've even been thinking of finding another job on the side maybe 10-15 hours a week just to earn some extra cash to do it all faster.

Honestly, I'd rather work a second job and pull 50-60 hours a week of work to get this car, than to live with this damn Versa for even longer. I just have to find a second job that's worth working.

Edit: Also just checked my credit report to see how my progress on improving it is going. It's up 66 points in one month! This is a good start.

[Dadhawk]

Originally Posted by Zoh

No fallback from parents.
Don't talk to my dad, mother has never in her life made as much as I make right now. Grew up pretty poor, finally climbing out of that hole.

Sorry about that part, I may have crossed you up with a different/similar thread.

Originally Posted by Zoh

I guess, yeah, I could live with the Versa for another year and have it paid off in full by October, but I'm sick of my TPMS light blinking at me because the sensors in the car constantly fail....

Hey, I get it, I've done it. Back in the day, when my first decent car ( '77 Honda Civic "wagon") blew an engine, the only thing I could afford to replace it with was a Chevy Chevette. That would have made your Versa feel like a luxury supercar. I drove that for 3 years, until I was able to save up the money to buy an '85 MR2, the original "Olivia". It made me appreciate the MR2 that much more.

[Zoh]

Originally Posted by Dadhawk

Hey, I get it, I've done it. Back in the day, when my first decent car ( '77 Honda Civic "wagon") blew an engine, the only thing I could afford to replace it with was a Chevy Chevette. That would have made your Versa feel like a luxury supercar. I drove that for 3 years, until I was able to save up the money to buy an '85 MR2, the original "Olivia". It made me appreciate the MR2 that much more.

No problem with the mixup. It's not like it offended or upset me in any way or anything, lol.

I'm sorry to hear about that happening to your car back then and I'm glad it helped you appreciate your MR2 even more! I know I'll appreciate the BRZ/FR-S when I get it, regardless.

People in this thread are saying things like "What will you do when you get the crickets?" or "I'll bet you'll want to trade it in in 2-3 years when it's not fast enough." etc.

But like I said in my first post, I'm not a big car guy. I don't need fast; I'm not racing it. The crickets, while potentially annoying to many people, likely won't bother me as I often have music playing and I'm sure Toyobaru will eventually find a remedy for the problem; additionally, it's not something that affects the performance or longevity of the car, it's just frustrating for most people. Not a big concern for me. My windows won't freeze in the winter; I live in Las Vegas.

Do I expect it to be completely trouble free for 5 years or more? No, I know there will be issues along the way; every car has some sort of issue to deal with at some point.

I just want something I can feel good in. Something I'm proud to drive, that I like the look of, that is practical enough to be my daily driver, but fun. Something that's nice on the inside with those little features that make you that little bit more comfortable and enjoyable; decent speakers, navigation, digital speedometer, leather seats, push button start.

I don't need it to be a Porsche or some other fancy sports car. That's not why I want it. I just like the car; it has exactly what I want out of a car and is priced at a point that is attainable.

5, 6 or 7 years from now, there's a decent chance I'll (hopefully) be starting a family and wish I got this car now while I had the chance. I don't want to give this opportunity up. Yes, financially it's better for me to wait, but when is it not ever financially better to wait before making such a big purchase? My mother spent her whole life saving money, scrimping and scrounging, buying the cheapest things she could get the majority of the time. She's got nothing to show for it now; she's been stuck in this mindset that money is everything and that she needs to save at every corner until she lost her job, figured she had no major expenses other than rent, and opted to live off of her savings instead of trying to find work. Now she barely spends money on anything and doesn't even have much in the way of savings anymore. She had no sense of urgency. She saved for so long, not getting to really enjoy her life, and now she's no better off for it. A wasted opportunity.

I'm taking my chance while I have it.

[xxBrun0xx]

Honestly, if I were in your shoes, I'd pay down the versa until you can sell it private sale with enough cash left over (after paying off what you owe) to pick up an old mr2. Honestly, my supercharged 89 was in immaculate shape for $3k and was just as much if not more fun than the BRZ. And every bit as reliable. There's something to be said for simple cars. I've been tempted to sell the BRZ for another old mr2 a few times. If nothing else, go test drive some similar cars you can afford like an mr2 or integra. You'll probably spend less on maintenance on those than you will on a brand new brz

[Zoh]

Originally Posted by xxBrun0xx

Honestly, if I were in your shoes, I'd pay down the versa until you can sell it private sale with enough cash left over (after paying off what you owe) to pick up an old mr2. Honestly, my supercharged 89 was in immaculate shape for $3k and was just as much if not more fun than the BRZ. And every bit as reliable. There's something to be said for simple cars. I've been tempted to sell the BRZ for another old mr2 a few times. If nothing else, go test drive some similar cars you can afford like an mr2 or integra. You'll probably spend less on maintenance on those than you will on a brand new brz

Except for the BRZ, I think we have very different taste in cars.
I never liked the Integra, and I mentioned earlier in this thread that I don't like pop up headlights or convertibles, which rules out both the MR2 and the MR2 Spyder.

Not just that, but there aren't ANY for sale in my market that I can find of either car.

Additionally, I mentioned that there are certain features I like in a car. Fun to drive is a key one, yes, but I'd be lying if I said the look wasn't important to me. Yeah. I could buy an MR2 or Integra or something; it'd probably be a hell of a lot more fun to drive than my current piece of shit (Fuck, the Flintstones car would be more fun), but ultimately I want something that appeals to me not just for the driving, but for the design and the amenities too.

Like I said, I don't know when I'll have another chance to drive a sporty little coupe like this. I also won't lie; when you grow up with nothing, it's nice to have those things that other people admire for a change. I'm not trying to show off, but it's just nice to feel like you're not the last person to get something for once. I was that kid who got a NES right before the SNES came out. The N64 came out, I ended up getting bought a Playstation. I get an N64 right before the Dreamcast launched. I was always one step behind.

I'd like to experience something different for a change.

[Antstronaut]

Originally Posted by Zoh

Except for the BRZ, I think we have very different taste in cars.
I never liked the Integra, and I mentioned earlier in this thread that I don't like pop up headlights or convertibles, which rules out both the MR2 and the MR2 Spyder.

Not just that, but there aren't ANY for sale in my market that I can find of either car.

Additionally, I mentioned that there are certain features I like in a car. Fun to drive is a key one, yes, but I'd be lying if I said the look wasn't important to me. Yeah. I could buy an MR2 or Integra or something; it'd probably be a hell of a lot more fun to drive than my current piece of shit (Fuck, the Flintstones car would be more fun), but ultimately I want something that appeals to me not just for the driving, but for the design and the amenities too.

Like I said, I don't know when I'll have another chance to drive a sporty little coupe like this. I also won't lie; when you grow up with nothing, it's nice to have those things that other people admire for a change. I'm not trying to show off, but it's just nice to feel like you're not the last person to get something for once. I was that kid who got a NES right before the SNES came out. The N64 came out, I ended up getting bought a Playstation. I get an N64 right before the Dreamcast launched. I was always one step behind.

I'd like to experience something different for a change.

To be honest, it sounds like you have already made up your mind and are just wanting some reassurance/confirmation that purchasing a car in this situation is a good idea.
Or at least wanted to debate the subject with others in hopes of selling the idea to yourself fully, which I can understand.

This thread is full of very useful suggestions and advice for both options but of course you don't have to take any of it.

Props on you for the dedication in research and only you can really speak for your situation.
So, I suggest you just do you!

Good luck with whatever you decide!

[Zoh]

Originally Posted by Antstronaut

To be honest, it sounds like you have already made up your mind and are just wanting some reassurance/confirmation that purchasing a car in this situation is a good idea.
Or at least wanted to debate the subject with others in hopes of selling the idea to yourself fully, which I can understand.

That's not it at all. I'm fully aware of the financial aspects of the situation I'm potentially putting myself into and if you take a look back at my original post, I was never asking if I should get a twin, so much as WHICH twin. I already know that there is some risk involved financially, but I wanted advice from people on here as to whether or not I go with the model I want most, or if I try to reduce the risk somewhat and compromise to save some money and get a cheaper model/FR-S.

Didn't need to sell the idea to myself or the reassurance. I know that purchasing a car which I'll be underwater on for some time is a risk, but it's one I'm willing to take. I just don't want to make the wrong choice of which model I get and wanted to know if I should just get the one I really want seeing as I'm already taking some amount of risk, or if I should mitigate some of that risk and go with a model I can pay off faster or with lower payments.

I'm intending to get a twin and there's little that can stop me. It's just a matter of which one.

I appreciate the help from everybody, I genuinely do; I understand it's all coming from the right place, believe me, I know. It's just that I spent my whole life settling for things that weren't my first choice; living area, gaming systems, games, girls, everything; up until now. Now I'm dating a girl I thought would be unattainable, living in a place I wanted to live, doing the things I've wanted to do.

This is just a big investment, no matter how you look at it. I'm thinking a compromise is going to be my best bet by going for a Limited BRZ WR Blue Pearl. Save the money by not getting the .blue edition, but still get the color and features I want by getting a BRZ over an FR-S, with payments somewhere in between the two.

[LadyFRZ]

Just get the BRZ. In some areas they're about the same price with Scion's silly pricing.
You sound pretty set on the BRZ and if you got the FRS you'd probably regret it/ be upset if you see a BRZ out in the wild.

[Zoh]

Originally Posted by LadyFRZ

Just get the BRZ. In some areas they're about the same price with Scion's silly pricing.
You sound pretty set on the BRZ and if you got the FRS you'd probably regret it/ be upset if you see a BRZ out in the wild.

Pretty much my thoughts. However, used FR-S's are more abundant and seem less expensive than a used BRZ.

That being said, I'm pretty sold on the BRZ and I definitely feel like while I'd be happy with an FR-S, there'd be a part of me that wished I got the BRZ in the end.

[Zoh]

Just for reference, and before anyone says it; I know, it could be even worse, these are some shots of my current car and why I hate it:

The scratches, fogged up and yellowing headlights, dent in the front bumper, missing hubcaps and rusted wheels:



The horrible interior color, the seats that look dirty from sitting on them in jeans... (I'll also note that the plastic molding by the floor of the door is coming off:


The trunk area that's cracked and missing a chunk that I've duct taped over:


Scratches by the rear wheel well and rear bumper:


Then there's the TPMS light blinking, chip in the windshield, problems with the washer fluid, rear defroster not working anymore, shitty acceleration, awful speakers, etc...

I'm just so done with this car.

[Wafflejuice]

Originally Posted by Zoh

Pretty much my thoughts. However, used FR-S's are more abundant and seem less expensive than a used BRZ.

That being said, I'm pretty sold on the BRZ and I definitely feel like while I'd be happy with an FR-S, there'd be a part of me that wished I got the BRZ in the end.

I'd take a look at pricing, I know you get better deals than we do here(pricing and financing)

New and used are very similar in price here in Ontario, Canada.

For the Sport-Tech(Limited):
Used 2014 are going for $26-28k.
The 2013s are going for $25-28k.
A new BRZ can be bought for $27-28k.

When I compared the prices, the only difference is freight.
I went with a new one...

[Zoh]

Originally Posted by Wafflejuice

I'd take a look at pricing, I know you get better deals than we do here(pricing and financing)

New and used are very similar in price here in Ontario, Canada.

For the Sport-Tech(Limited):
Used 2014 are going for $26-28k.
The 2013s are going for $25-28k.
A new BRZ can be bought for $27-28k.

When I compared the prices, the only difference is freight.
I went with a new one...

In my buying area (Which includes driving out to a neighboring state), I've seen :
Used 2013 Scions for $21k-$25k
New 2014 Scions for $24.5k-$27k
New 2015 Scions for $27k-$29k
New 2014 Monograms for $26k-$31k

Used 2014 BRZ Limited for $25k-$28k
New 2015 BRZ Limited for $27k-$29k
New 2015 BRZ.blue for $29k-$31k

I mean, a new 2014 Monogram for $26k is a pretty damn good deal, assuming the dealer isn't pulling a bait & switch there, or some other shenanigans. My only issue is that I really, REALLY like WR Blue Pearl as a color; it's literally the shade of blue I've wanted a car in since I was a kid. It's really my only compromise on that vehicle. I wouldn't be crazy unhappy with Ultramarine or Hot Lava, but the WR Blue Pearl is exactly the color I'd love it in.

I'm not looking at 2013 BRZ's, because frankly, if I'm going to get a BRZ, I'm going to get the damn thing in the color I want and the Galaxy Blue is just a shade darker than I'd like. It's nice, but the WR Blue Pearl is fucking gorgeous.

When it comes to new vs used, I'll probably end up buying new in this case, simply because the price point isn't that dramatically different, especially on the BRZs. It seems to hold it's value really well.
The FRS... I'd probably end up getting the Monogram if I can really pick it up for that 26k price tag, but it really wouldn't be in either color that I wanted for that cost; they have it in Firestorm (Meh, not a big fan of red cars) and Whiteout, which I don't mind but is the most common color I see out here in Vegas.

[Antstronaut]

Originally Posted by Zoh

That's not it at all. I'm fully aware of the financial aspects of the situation I'm potentially putting myself into and if you take a look back at my original post, I was never asking if I should get a twin, so much as WHICH twin. I already know that there is some risk involved financially, but I wanted advice from people on here as to whether or not I go with the model I want most, or if I try to reduce the risk somewhat and compromise to save some money and get a cheaper model/FR-S.

Didn't need to sell the idea to myself or the reassurance. I know that purchasing a car which I'll be underwater on for some time is a risk, but it's one I'm willing to take. I just don't want to make the wrong choice of which model I get and wanted to know if I should just get the one I really want seeing as I'm already taking some amount of risk, or if I should mitigate some of that risk and go with a model I can pay off faster or with lower payments.

I'm intending to get a twin and there's little that can stop me. It's just a matter of which one.

I appreciate the help from everybody, I genuinely do; I understand it's all coming from the right place, believe me, I know. It's just that I spent my whole life settling for things that weren't my first choice; living area, gaming systems, games, girls, everything; up until now. Now I'm dating a girl I thought would be unattainable, living in a place I wanted to live, doing the things I've wanted to do.

This is just a big investment, no matter how you look at it. I'm thinking a compromise is going to be my best bet by going for a Limited BRZ WR Blue Pearl. Save the money by not getting the .blue edition, but still get the color and features I want by getting a BRZ over an FR-S, with payments somewhere in between the two.

Then I completely misread the situation based off the posts above mine; sorry about that!

If it's a matter of WHICH twin to choose, I would definitely go with the BRZ.
I myself had the same internal debate but ultimately landed on the Limited BRZ in WRB and I must say I don't regret the choice AT ALL!

The series.blue is cool and all but I personally couldn't justify the added expenses for a body kit and some wheels/tires and different stitching.
Besides you can add these to a BRZ down the road if desired.

You've said it yourself, you don't want to decide something and then later regret your decision so just go with what YOU want and feel comfortable with.

I think you are on the right track and wish you the best in whatever you decide.