Keeping my FRS miles Low. Sub-DD car options?

[leon78]

Ummm...a motorcycle!

[DarkSunrise]

Originally Posted by Dadhawk

I understand the OP's point, but I think I view cars a little differently.

I love my cars, all of them. But, I'm not a car collector. I only own cars I'm going to drive and put miles into them. I can't afford, or at least not willing to afford, cars that are an "investment" so regardless of what I do, I'm losing money.

I also tend to own a car forever. One friend describes me as "The guy who drives his car until they no longer make parts for it". I've never owned a car I put less than 120K miles on, and some were over 250K. My goal is to put at least 300K on the FR-S.

To me, owning one car to "preserve" another is like borrowing money so you don't have to spend what is in your checking account. You're just fooling yourself.

That said, what I would do is exactly what I'm doing. Driving the FR-S daily, enjoy it, and have a reserve fund started now to replace parts as they fail down the road.

I feel the same way. The FR-S isn't a rare collector's car. It's a fun and affordable sports car that's meant to be driven. If the miles add up, you can always buy another down the road to replace it.

Personally I'd much rather be driving my FR-S than some worn-out old 1995 Integra or first-gen Impreza or Civic HX.

[strat61caster]

I think the OP is more concerned about driving a beautiful car 10 years down the road than trying to make it "worth more" when he goes to sell it.

OP if you're trying to make it "worth more" by babying it, YOU ARE MAKING A HUGE MISTAKE. Go look at the "classic" cars that are going for >$30k, take the 911, in good daily driver "I can take this to shows" condition they're worth about $40k for your standard '65-'73 911 (in '67 ~$6k plus taxes + fees), factor in inflation and it's just now breaking even. 50 years later a guy who bought one new can now sell it for what he paid for it, IF it's pristine. Same thing goes for cars like Mustangs, about $4k new, $20k-$40k now depending on trim, quality, and desirability.

Your money is better spent on time caring for the car and proper maintenance.

[djmodernroq]

I drive approximately 60 miles one way to work also. I have a 2001 Nissan Altima in which I drive 3-4 times a week. That is the reason y I kept my old car for commuting but honestly i do miss driving my FR-S everyday to work. My commute will be 20 miles shorter after the memorial day wknd and i am considering driving my fr-s one more day.

My advice to you is, get anything in the 2000-2005 range that way you dont have to really spend a lot for maintenance, repairs etc.. if you get a vehicle older than 2000 you mite run in to problems that will cost you more to maintain.

[bdbx18]

LOL. I bought my BRZL as my cheap daily beater. Granted it is not very comfortable or roomy for my daily 80 miles mindless freeway commute. But it sure beats the costly maintenance of my previous e46 M3, cost of replacing the SMG as well as fuel costs.

[djmodernroq]

Originally Posted by bdbx18

LOL. I bought my BRZL as my cheap daily beater. Granted it is not very comfortable or roomy for my daily 80 miles mindless freeway commute. But it sure beats the costly maintenance of my previous e46 M3, cost of replacing the SMG as well as fuel costs.

LOL dang! i had a 1991 m3 once.. I loved that car! too bad i fucked it up by driving it way too much and racing vs those stupid hondas wanting to race me lol

[forzajuve]

Basically I got my car March 15th and I already have 4,000 miles on it. For good reason, yes, because the car is incredible and a joy to drive. But that is my dilemma, with how fast I am putting miles on the car, which is combined with work commuting + any other kind of driving, it adds up quick! So obviously I wouldn't make the thread if I couldn't afford maintaining a second car, hence why I made the thread.

[finch1750]

Miata if you don't wan t the risk of your car being gutted by a chop shop every time you park it

[forzajuve]

Now that I think of it. Maybe buying a motorcycle is a better option since my commute is mostly street. Hmmmmmm

[mkiisupra]

My latest find/ride to take me away from DD'ing the FR-S is the 91 Camry Wagon named Bertha that I bought for $1500. Its an auto, clean, 224k miles, and runs like a champ with almost 0/zero emissions. It gets over 35mpg, love it!

Now, after the Alameda J-tin show last month, I want to make it into a J-surf wagon... yes, with 'woodie' panels and baby moons.

Eric G

[Imrac]

3k will go far towards a bus pass

[hanabie]

Originally Posted by forzajuve

Now that I think of it. Maybe buying a motorcycle is a better option since my commute is mostly street. Hmmmmmm

plus, you look cool with that :P and save plenty spaces in your garage.

[forzajuve]

Originally Posted by hanabie

plus, you look cool with that :P and save plenty spaces in your garage.

I like your style

[Justin.b]

Just drive the FR-S. If you wear this one out and want another, buy one. You'll still come out ahead of trying to DD a 20+ year old alfa.

If you want a cheap DD, get a mid-size american car like a taurus, malibu, etc. They tend to run forever and parts are so cheap they're almost free.

Or if you want a sporty second toy, just buy one for the fun of it. Don't justify it to yourself as a needed and wise DD, because it isn't.

-Justin