Can I afford the FRS/BRZ? Please help me decide.

[Captain_Awesome_Pants]

Originally Posted by shawnperolis

You said it yourself, Masters graduates (usually) have no experience. They are less desirable than someone with a regular B.S. in this field. From my experience talking with recruiters and the people in charge of hiring at the companies I've worked for, they don't want to hire a Master's student because the extra schooling rarely makes them a better programmer and they have no real world programming experience (which is a LOT different than the kinds of things taught in class) Companies are afraid that a Masters student isn't going handle being dumped into the real world and will flee back to school for that PH. D.

Not trying to threadjack or anything, but I'm not even graduated and I've had so many job offers and interviews that it is hard to even wrap my head around. I guess it depends on your area, but I wouldn't call software development a saturated field.

Op, time to find a new job and buy that sports car! :happy0180:

Masters was just an example, but you are absolutely right so I stand corrected, I wasn't specifically talking about programming. We usually recruit fresh from schools or contract source it in other ways for simplicity and to keep the latest language version. In other words, churn out the old, bring in the new. Programmers are a revolving door and if you are young, eager, and willing to refresh your certs every year or two, there will always be a job. I'd be interested to know your opinion of it in 5 years.

Speaking of the OP specifically (not a programmer from what I'm seeing), I would look for a niche within the interest/education you have and network network network. Damn this got off topic.

[Atticus808]

I'm 25 and take 1.5 times more than you approx and have A LOT more than you in savings. my gf and I are looking to buy a house and we currently live at my parents place. (no problem living at home and i prefer to use rent money to save for a house downpayment.)

a house is priority and I have set aside some money for a downpayment for a fun car. my goal is to pay for a fun car in cash. the longer you wait, the more you save. maybe there will be a new supra, or other cars you'll like. I'm hoping there will be some better cars, but i really want an frs now! sucks I know but I know what you're feeling

[shawnperolis]

Originally Posted by Captain_Awesome_Pants

Masters was just an example, but you are absolutely right so I stand corrected, I wasn't specifically talking about programming. We usually recruit fresh from schools or contract source it in other ways for simplicity and to keep the latest language version. In other words, churn out the old, bring in the new. Programmers are a revolving door and if you are young, eager, and willing to refresh your certs every year or two, there will always be a job. I'd be interested to know your opinion of it in 5 years.

Speaking of the OP specifically (not a programmer from what I'm seeing), I would look for a niche within the interest/education you have and network network network. Damn this got off topic.

ah, okay. dunno where I got programmer from but it is a similar field. Either way, I think this is sound advice! Nothing wrong with trying to find a better job if you are hardworking and qualified!

[Sonolin]

Originally Posted by shawnperolis

Yeah dude, I didn't want to be the one to say it but that doesn't add up. I'm a 22 year old software engineer and I'm working PART TIME until I graduate and I can afford it. Maybe it is time to find a new job.

Yea, I'm 21 and work as a software engineer with no degree and make way more than that. I have a lot of experience though, and I don't live near him, so I didn't really comment - over in so cal there's quite a lot of software development positions, but that might be different elsewhere not sure.

[shishand]

I'm 18.. senior in highschool and i pay and have paid off every single penny of my car and gas, but then again i don't have the bill utilities like you do. Just save up enough for a down payment and at least half of the payments paid off.. in my case i leased for 3 years, 3k down, and had saved up enough money to have 1.5 years paid off, and during that time pay off the rest!

[carbonBLUE]

Originally Posted by lemonspeakers

I had absolutely no idea what this car was when I first saw it. Never even heard of it! Design wise, it blew me awayyyyyyy! I immediately fell in love with it. The last time this happened was the 1999 Eclipse GST (Never owned it- Still lust it). After seeing the scion logo, I thought, OMG! I might be able to afford it…

Anyways, I’ve been going back and forth about this car and asking myself if I can afford it. I am just going to lay down everything about myself and it’d be nice if someone can tell me whether I’m more than ready to buy it or to wait, or I’m poor as hell.

1) I’m 26. BS Degree in Computer Engineering/ Neuroscience with 18K student debt paid off.
2) Currently employed (3 yrs) in a stable job making $2,400 a month
3) Rent total is $700
4) I only have $5,000 in the bank in total.
5) Occasionally like to go out to restaurant and movies (~$50)
6) Spend around $150 every two weeks for food/etc.
7) Living with significant other.
8) Don’t know what my credit score is, but I’m sure it’s better than 650. Let’s just say it’s 650 for now.
9) Currently drive a 1999 Acural TL. Paid off.

Can I afford this car and still live comfortably or will I be scraping by, while being careful about how I spend money?

My current car is in great condition, engine wise. I really take care of it (Amsoil, etc).
But its exterior has met idiot drivers with dents and car-door dings.

How can I afford the FRS? Can I get a great APR below 2%? What about 1%?

This car is a WANT more than a NEED. And I definitely want to own it and not lease it. Later, I want to put a aggressive exhaust, lower springs, and body kit on it.

Drive the acura till it falls apart, buy a used frs/brz

[jarviz]

Originally Posted by lemonspeakers

Thing is, if I am going to buy a brand new car, I want to make sure that I am going to keep this car for no less than 10/15 years.

I do not think this car will last 10-15 years with the way most of us are driving it ... plus the additional miles you're gonna add on it for taking the 'long' way home just for the heck of it.

[gily25]

Obviously you have other expenses than what you listed or you'd have a bit more cash in the bank.

Start by calling your insurance agent and getting a quote on what this car is going to cost you. Also find out your town's mil rate and see what taxes are going to run you. Can you advance in your career without additional schooling? If you're going to need a master's degree then figure out what it's going to cost you and decide if you can you put it off while you pay on the car. Houses or condos...if you're both paying $700 a month for rent (does that include utilities or is that another expense?), in some areas that's a decent first house/condo for the same $1400/month mortgage but how will you save the downpayment and pay utilities.

You also need to factor in that when you buy this car you aren't going to want to be cash strapped...you'll want to take weekend trips, or just simply take the long way home (gas costs)...be more realistic with your budget and then decide if it's worth the gamble.

[Obja]

Patience

[Hix]

Not sure why you have a BS in Computer Science and only make 2,400 a month. You need to start shopping jobs. In computers I would think 60k being the bottom of the barrel, slightly above retail job.

To the point. The rule of thumb has always been get a car worth a maximum of half your income and a house worth a maximum of double your income. This can still get people in to lots of trouble but it is a good starting point to work from. Personally I like the rule of getting a house that you can pay off in 5 years without struggling and a car that you can pay off in less than a year if needed.

[DarkSunrise]

If I were in your situation, I personally wouldn't. I love this car, but no car is worth stretching your finances over. It's probably better to save and wait a year, then buy a used one.

[jwbrocloud]

1) I’m 26. BS Degree in Computer Engineering/ Neuroscience with 18K student debt paid off.
2) Currently employed (3 yrs) in a stable job making $2,400 a month
3) Rent total is $700

I hate to see people pay 18K in tuition, spend 4 years struggling to get through school, then graduate and only make $2,400 dollars a month. Is this the same job you had before you graduated? I am just curious to know. I would think a degree in computer engineering with land you a much higher paying job than that.

[stilletto]

You probably COULD, but you're gonna' have to get used to staying in more often.

[SloS13]

you only live once