youngest rx8 driver! [Archive]

graphicguy

08-29-2003, 10:54 AM

No slight to young drivers because we were all young drivers once, but this is a recipe for disaster:

--take one driver, who at best, has 1, 2, 3, years of driving experience
--put that driver into a car capable of 140 MPH and .91 on the skidpad
--add in the "I'm invincible" factor of a teen
--blend in some "watch what this car can do"
--put a healthy dose of insurance agent doing the "mambo" on your parents bank account
--shake in some "sure mom/pop, I'll pay for it"

And the result is:

--wreck that hurts, maims or worse to not only the teen but whoever is in his/her way
--purchase and insurance money going down the drain that would fund (at least partially) a good education

Sorry, teen + RX8 (or any sports car) = very bad idea!

Get some extensive driving experience under your belt + get an education + get a job to support yourself (and your car habit) = very good idea!

f1michel

08-29-2003, 11:03 AM

At 17, 18, 19 i had a moped kinda bike that was good for 35 mph on a downhill.... got me to the University where i had the privilege of getting a degree that has allowed me to earn my cars from there.

The heck... i'm jealous of you teens !! :-)

Bengal Tiger

08-29-2003, 04:59 PM

Originally posted by graphicguy
Get some extensive driving experience under your belt + get an education + get a job to support yourself (and your car habit) = very good idea!

I'm 17...and I could support myself if i wanted to...30,000 a year...god i love this country.:D

f1michel

08-29-2003, 05:05 PM

Originally posted by Bengal Tiger

I'm 17...and I could support myself if i wanted to...30,000 a year...god i love this country.:D

Stay in school a few more years and that 30K could grow to 75k. What's the thing about not living the teen years and having to be an "adult" soooooo quickly. Enjoy your teen years, they NEVER come back.

rx-7~rx-8

08-29-2003, 06:16 PM

16..in sept. ... i drive 2002 volvo c70... and will get a rx-8 or rx-7 for christmas

graphicguy

08-30-2003, 08:55 AM

Originally posted by Bengal Tiger

I'm 17...and I could support myself if i wanted to...30,000 a year...god i love this country.:D

Could if you wanrted to? That's a copout. If you can, then you should.

First, I take issue with your $30,000/yr. Working 40 hours a week (you are in school, right?), that's $14 and change per hour. No sane company/person is going to pay someone that doesn't even have their high school diploma $14/hour.

You think that $30,000/year is a lot of money, but believe me, it's not.

Let's look at this further..after taxes, that will come to about $25,000.

Cheap apartment would be about $500/mo (pretty crappy one) or $6,000/year. Food will be at least another $5,000 per year. Clothes will be another $2,000/year. You must pay the electirc bill...another $1,500 per year.

OK...let's look at that RX8 purchase...let's say you put $5,000 down and finance the rest. $30,000 car plus low taxes (5%) would bring the total to $31,500. Let's say you finance it over 60 mos. If you could get a loan from a bank (and you probably couldn't) you won't get the best finance rates....let's say 5%.

Payments will be somewhere in the $600/mo range. That's $7,200 per year. Insurance will be at least $2,000 a year for a teen driver...probably closer to $4,000 year since you're driving a sports car.

Sorry, but you're now out of money....none to put gas in the car, none to go out with your friends, etc.

I'm being really generous with all of my figures, too.

Not trying to burst your bubble, but do youself a favor. Buy something cheap and economical. Use the money you make to get an education. Get a decent job and then (barring a wife and raising a family) buy the RX8.

What's with this "I gotta have everything I want and I gotta have it now"?

I've seen more than my share of people who are up to their eyeballs in debt. Do it at a young age and before you know it, you're filing for bankruptcy. That's something that'll stay with you for the rest of your life. First thing the credit people ask when you apply for a loan on a house, try to get a credit card, etc..."have you ever filed bankruptcy?" If the answer is yes, kiss your house hunting goodbye.

I can't tell you the amount of young people I know who are car rich, but can't afford to feed themselves. If you think that car is just the thing to make you happy, you have some hard lessons to learn.

mikeb

08-30-2003, 03:16 PM

grapicguy what are you his DAD

graphicguy

08-30-2003, 11:31 PM

Originally posted by mikeb
grapicguy what are you his DAD

He said he could support himself. I called him out on his statement.

Bengal Tiger

08-31-2003, 12:00 AM

Originally posted by graphicguy

Could if you wanrted to? That's a copout. If you can, then you should.

First, I take issue with your $30,000/yr. Working 40 hours a week (you are in school, right?), that's $14 and change per hour. No sane company/person is going to pay someone that doesn't even have their high school diploma $14/hour.

You think that $30,000/year is a lot of money, but believe me, it's not.

Let's look at this further..after taxes, that will come to about $25,000.

Cheap apartment would be about $500/mo (pretty crappy one) or $6,000/year. Food will be at least another $5,000 per year. Clothes will be another $2,000/year. You must pay the electirc bill...another $1,500 per year.

OK...let's look at that RX8 purchase...let's say you put $5,000 down and finance the rest. $30,000 car plus low taxes (5%) would bring the total to $31,500. Let's say you finance it over 60 mos. If you could get a loan from a bank (and you probably couldn't) you won't get the best finance rates....let's say 5%.

Payments will be somewhere in the $600/mo range. That's $7,200 per year. Insurance will be at least $2,000 a year for a teen driver...probably closer to $4,000 year since you're driving a sports car.

Sorry, but you're now out of money....none to put gas in the car, none to go out with your friends, etc.

I'm being really generous with all of my figures, too.

Not trying to burst your bubble, but do youself a favor. Buy something cheap and economical. Use the money you make to get an education. Get a decent job and then (barring a wife and raising a family) buy the RX8.

What's with this "I gotta have everything I want and I gotta have it now"?

I've seen more than my share of people who are up to their eyeballs in debt. Do it at a young age and before you know it, you're filing for bankruptcy. That's something that'll stay with you for the rest of your life. First thing the credit people ask when you apply for a loan on a house, try to get a credit card, etc..."have you ever filed bankruptcy?" If the answer is yes, kiss your house hunting goodbye.

I can't tell you the amount of young people I know who are car rich, but can't afford to feed themselves. If you think that car is just the thing to make you happy, you have some hard lessons to learn.

sigh...why support myself if i don't have to...how about i save up my money for college AND my car..and not worrying about my living costs. how about i take advantage of the fact that my dad is a successful man who came to America with 500 bucks and got a Phd and now makes shitloads. I'm proud and lucky. :) How about the fact that I do great in school...I DON'T work for 40 hours a week....and still pull off anywhere from 17-22+ dollars every hour working for Sprint PCS due to my commish and my awesome sales skills. Crap...when u make that kind of money at my age, and still pull off school much higher than average with 4-5 AP classes...why the HELL would u just do school. Dammit, I'm getting a college education and making shitloads more than 30,000 a year in a while...believe me. Money isn't everything, I know...but who's gonna say it doesn't help you out. Shrug, I like my life, and have no problem taking advantage of the position my birthing put me in, but also, I'm confident, hard working, and I know how to make money. ur lecture is noted but doesn't apply in my situation, thank you. :o oh yeah, OF COURSE I COULDN'T AFFORD AN RX-8 by myself...but I could still support myself and still own a nice little used 3 series....i'm just having fun while I'm young my friend...don't be a hater. Oh yeah...dude...do u know how much ASS that car gets u at my age?? DO YOU KNOW?? I'm sure the people on this forum who are my age know what the hell i'm talkin about. It's good to be young and have a nice car. It's nice to achieve a dream so young. You must hate me and my youngness....me and my RX-8...still a senior in high school.....still around young women driven wild by sexy cars.... Anyway, I'm just hoping you don't think I'm the average spoiled dumbass brat who gets everything they want. I'm done blabbin...Peace.

Bengal Tiger

08-31-2003, 12:01 AM

i love u daddy

RodsterinFL

08-31-2003, 08:49 AM

Hmm

Age wars?

or is it perception wars?

Advice is something at times not easily taken. All of us do what WE want.

I am glad you have your car "youngin" and I know that you will enjoy it. Just be careful. I think what it is that Graphicguy is saying to you is to weigh your choices carefully and realize that each choice (big choices like a new car, house, etc) determine a great deal of your future - not like buying something cheaper. Obviously you know that it is going to cost you a great percentage of your salary and can keep you from affording other things you might want to do (until it is paid off) - that's what I meant by determining your future.

I also bought a new car at a young age. I enjoyed the car and paid it off. It cost a me a trip to Europe that my friends took without me ( I REALLY wanted to go) but I had to stay and work. Hey I got to Europe (11 years later).

Some people, like graphicguy, view the whole loan thing and owing money and the BURDEN of payments as something that is a MUST for settled down people (older with responsibilities) and that younger people should be free to enjoy. I think he meant it in a good way.

I am a recent 41 year old - AAHHHHH! (time flies) who am also a teacher and with a non-beater car RX 8. I do not take offense to the comments on this thread about my kind - heaving themselves out of their cars with an armload of crap - I just chuckle. Some teachers like cool cars too. The next time you see that "older" person driving a cool car, remember that they probably just (always wanted one since 16 but) waited so they could pay cash for it :) ;) :D :cool: P.S. that is my true face but on a terminator's body!

graphicguy

08-31-2003, 10:41 AM

No grudge here.

This same mistake gets made over and over again, however.

Inexperienced (and most times immature) drivers + a highly capapble sports car like the RX8 usually ends up in some sort of disaster....either financially, or worse, physically.

I'm an immigrant myself....came to the U.S. and couldn't even speak english. I'm not looking for a pat on the back because of success from very humble beginnings. I just remember all too vividly how easy it is,particularly in the U.S., to lose everything. I've seen way too many people do it, most from rich homes.

Parents are proving themselves irresponsible to foster that sort of failure by buying young, inexperienced drivers such cars.

If a car is the answer to your dreams, then your priorities are all out of whack.

Rod is correct. It's all about choices that will affect not only today, but tomorrow as well. Make the wrong moves for the wrong reasons and your teen years will be defining moments in your life whether they be the next 50, 60 or 70 years (hopefully). They'll define the person you'll eventually be...either a success or a dismal failure.

I dunno....maybe I was raised differently. I was taught at a very young age that material things (like a sports car) are fleeting. The important things are self reliance and personal achievement, if you can't afford to buy it, you don't need it. I know that I had a personal sense of accomplishment whenever I was able to achieve something on my own. But what was drilled into me was education and self respect were the keys to being thought of as a successful person, not the car I drove, no matter how much "ass" it gets you (which tells me even more about how you view life).

I'm not so old that I don't remember my teen years. Did I desire material things? You bet. I still remember being in the U.S. for the very first time and thinking "wow, you just take food from a shelf....and (in hindsight) living in a dumpy apartment and thinking we were rich (considreing where I had come from). It was drilled inot me that none of those things were just given to you in the U.S. You had to "achieve" and "work for" those things. I had parents that emphasized that, as much as you could aquire materially, they weren't important and that there was a higher plane to aspire to. While they are now gone, those lessons were the best thing they could have left me with.

Magic8

09-01-2003, 12:04 AM

It's got to good to be 17 with an RX-8. I remember driving my date and I to prom in my dad's Oldsmobile Achieva S (anyone know what car that is?) :p

Magic8

graphicguy

09-01-2003, 10:15 AM

What part of Cincy are you from? I've spent quite a bit of time there. Good town.

Achieva.....one of the reasons Oldsmobile doesn't make cars anymore. Corse engine, K-Mart inspired interior...not a bad body, though.

IWANTMYRX8

09-01-2003, 10:39 AM

My lord...I had a 75 Chevy Nova that was a peice of cr*p when I was 16. And I got into way too much trouble w/that clunker. I can't even imagine having something like an 8 when I was that age. Only reason I can afford one at 24 is because of an auto accident settlement, otherwise Id still be dreaming.
I think what everyone is trying to say, is just be careful. I've seen way too many young drivers with "sweet" cars end up being starflighted (airlifted) to a trauma center because they either thought they knew there cars potential, were showing off, or even having to make a sudden change. (I work in public safety). So for those young guys/gals out there, whether your folks bought it for you or you worked for it, just be safe. You want to be around long enough to enjoy the ride....zoom-zoom

Quick_lude

09-01-2003, 11:00 AM

You older guys are right.. their parents should make them drive a nice sedan like Accord V6 or Altima v6 with ~250hp each.. Face it.. ALL cars are getting faster and more powerful. Even the econoboxes.. I drove an 89hp Escort in my teens.. Now any civic has at least 120hp.. Don't even talk about mid level sedans. Ergo, the emphasis should not be on forcing new drivers to drive pos cars with 80hp but on proper driver training, imo. If a kid is stupid, he can still get in trouble with a pos car.. sometimes it's even better to drive a sports car because of the better emergency responses it provides, handling/braking, as opposed to a cheapo car with crappy tires and brakes.

graphicguy

09-01-2003, 12:33 PM

Plenty of cars for a teen to afford that aren't POS. Some of my personal favorites:

-late model Geo Prizm (or its identical twin), Corolla
-late model Taurus/Sable, plenty of saftety equipment like snti-lock brakes and airbags
-late model Crown Vic with safety equipment plus plenty of metal around you for the soon to happen first accident
-late model civic (although those can get pricy)
-late model Saturn with all the saftfety goodies.

You can find any of those at a reasonable cost and pay cash for them....say, somewhere around $5K. They have years of life left in them and won't break the back when insurance payments roll around as long as you stay away from 2-door coupe versions. They all get good MPG, too.

RodsterinFL

09-01-2003, 01:15 PM

LOL This is GREAT!!!!

Speaking of old cars and first cars, my aunt was so cool. She is about 10 yrs older than me and had two beauties - a ram air dodge Road Runner and a '63 Impala convertible for when whe wanted to party - you know, go to the drive-in (6 in the trunk) 2 in the front. That thing had a huge trunk. The Dodge? That was for serious days! She'd race anyone in Dayton. (Ohio that is)

Me? 1972 Super Beetle! $450 - Had porsche heads added. for $132 each. I'll never forget that red-orange baby! Remember those?

oh, sorry uh hmm. Youngest RX 8 Driver thread.

and they are 19? (except for the wee one right?)

alfredo_mancho

09-01-2003, 03:20 PM

Originally posted by Quick_lude
Ergo, the emphasis should not be on forcing new drivers to drive pos cars with 80hp but on proper driver training, imo. If a kid is stupid, he can still get in trouble with a pos car..

I fully agree with you here. I think proper driver training is super-useful for anyone as well. ESPECIALLY lane discipline. Getting off topic, but one thing that this city (Toronto) needs is enforcing (God knows how) lane discipline since it makes the usage of road more efficient and in my opinion create less road rage. How many of you have been 'ticked' off by Corolla's driving 100km/h on the freeway passing lane?? :D

Originally posted by Quick_lude

sometimes it's even better to drive a sports car because of the better emergency responses it provides, handling/braking, as opposed to a cheapo car with crappy tires and brakes.

This is debatable depending on the nature of the driver. But I believe having a car that is capable of good handling and acceleration will more so tempt a young driver into the "wanna race?" attitude leading them into trouble, especially if there is a girl on board (assuming the driver is male). I'm speaking for myself as well and I'm 23. Got to drive my bosses carrera4 and the first thing that I was tempted to do (as much as I don't want it to) at the stoplight was race the guy beside me.

Bengal Tiger

09-01-2003, 03:28 PM

I wanna be a hobby race care driver and mechanical engineer when i get a little older. I don't like racing on the road, I like curves and handling, and I have yet to try my hand at autoxing. It won't be long though. One thing I noticed...when you have a nice, fast car...it doesn't feel like you need to drive fast all the time. For example...have you every been passed by a Vette at an insane speed?? I haven't...cause they know..they know they got the power...they don't got shit to prove. And I'll admit...we teens always have something to prove. I know I drove a WHOLE lot faster in my dad's 99 Camry..he's not that into cars :( . So, the RX-8 was a good decision in my book. :D

graphicguy

09-01-2003, 03:56 PM

IF you're into autoX, then the first thing you should do is get hold of something you can work on, like an older Datsun 510 or a mid 80's Toyota GTS (which is a RWD Corolla with a 16 valve motor, hi revver). You would need to do the wheel/tire/brake/suspension set up to suit your driving style.

Plus, you'll learn a ton about vehicle dynamics. In addition, you'd have yourself a daily driver that has been set up by you and personally for you...something to take great pride in.

Shocka

09-02-2003, 11:52 PM

well im 22 just graduated from College got a job and decided to buy the car.. Too all of you that are under 20.. word of advice BE CAREFULL!!!! As much as i love cars.. i f'd the hell outta my first car.. I blew the engine on a 92 Grand AM.. and my Civic well i took it to college.. I didnt have to mess it up.. there other idiots there taking care of that..

basically its hard to take care of a car in hs and college too many people who no respect for cars running around u.. gotta be extra carefull..

Ike

09-03-2003, 12:42 AM

I've already seen pics of 5 SRT-4s that were totaled by young inexperienced drivers. It's bound to happen with just about any car, but it can be really bad if it's a higher powered car and you're going at high speeds, or trying to test the limits (something all of us have tried at some point). I was lucky to a degree when I was young and with a highpowered car, but I had been racing karts for years and 125cc Shifter cars capable of over 100mph when I got old enough to. Also had driven sevral laps on local racetracks in M3s and my own car. I can think of several times on the streets where I could have had very bad accidents were it not for this experience. I've had my car spinning at over 70 MPH towards a guardrail before, had I not had the racing experience I would have panicked and it would have been ugly. As it was I calmly controled the spin and was able to stop the car before any damage was done, to this day I have not been in an accident (at least not while moving :() and I attribute that to my old hobbies and a little luck. Without experience you really have to be ultra aware and non aggressive.

Ike

P.S. I'm still amazed it how calm I am when there's driving trouble, my heartrate doesn't even rise when things get hairy, it kind of creeps me out as well as my friends and GFs when they have been with me.

Ike

09-03-2003, 12:44 AM

Almost forgot to make one of my points... If you can afford it by all means take your cars to the track, autox, etc... I think it really goes a long way to learn driving dynamics and will help you react rather than freeze in tense situations.

Ike

ndsind1

10-05-2003, 12:57 AM

I'm 16 and going to get an automatic rx-8 shortly. My parents and I both love the automatic because they know that i won't even try to race it against someone because I would lose with the automatic, and, I can still use the triptronic "manual side" of the transmission if i feel like I want to be sporty.

Just to clear things up, my parents aren't buying this for me, although they are helping. Since I can't affor the car, i'm leasing it for three years. I figure that the college I go to won't allow a car the first year anyway, and if they do, why do you need a car in college if you've got a bike? My parents are paying for the down payment and the insurance. My lease is about 400/month 2500 down. I have already saved up for over 3/4 of the cost over three years and and working one day a week for the rest.

All those who are saying that the teen years are too young of an age to drive this kind of car are somewhat wrong. Sure, inexperience does account for some of the numerous teenage wrecks today, but, the main reasons that this car may not be appropriate is the type of person. I know of someone who got a new S2000 that his parents bought for him. Within 50 miles on his odometer, he blew the engine by shifting from 5th gear to 2nd gear going 70mph. It probably isn't a good idea to let this person drive an rx-8, but i don't see why a safe teen driver who doesn't race or even drive more than 5mph over the speed limit can't drive the rx-8.

I am only 16 and have allready driven over 30k miles with my learning license and my real license, don't you think that i might have enough driving experience to handle the rx8? I have driven in a little over a year than most teens drive in four years. In conclusion, I agree that this car is a little too fast and powerful for the average 16 year old teens that have driven less than 10k miles, but i have to let my voice be heard. If a teen thinks he can handle the car without doing stupid things like dragracing, it is entirely his/her decision if he/she wants the car or not

Sorry for then length of the reply!!

Kev

10-05-2003, 01:10 AM

Originally posted by PoLaK
When i own the car i'll still be 16. And just for the next rich kid post, its my money and it was made mostly legally.

MOSTLY ??? So not much of it was made by breaking the law?

Are we to commend you?

Shocka

10-05-2003, 03:32 AM

ok is this ur first car.. PLEASE BE CAREFULL!!!!!!!!!!

WE ALL MAKE STUPID MISTAKES!!

I friggin hit a rock.. granted it was 3 ft high i hit a rock. on a road called sleepy hollow road

i also freid the pistons in my car .... of course u never have to worry about frying pistons with the 8!.. if u pull that off u win Idiot of my Life time award!

like i said PLEASE BE CAREFULL!!! take this advice from someone who will admit he has made mistakes in his life ... especially those early years driving.. and one more thing please dont show off.. learn how to drive. concentrate on the road IT is ur biggest enemy!

and i will say this again BE CAREFULL!!! i hate seeing younger people get into accidents i had a friend die in HS b.c he blew a stop sign trying to impress some chick.. his passanger survived unfortunatly he didnt.

from there Enjoy the car!!! im sure ull love it.. and even if ur parents help u out forget others.. its great ur close enough ur panrets are there for you. i am impressed u are pulling off a 400 a month lease in HS.. remeber ther are always ways around the rules in college. (hhehe college - the best 4 year vacation of your life(

-shocka

mikeb

10-05-2003, 05:53 AM

I wish this thread would go away

f1michel

10-05-2003, 09:13 AM

Originally posted by mikeb
I wish this thread would go away

Why suffer then, DON'T read it !

Zio

10-05-2003, 04:52 PM

Originally posted by PoLaK
When i own the car i'll still be 16. And just for the next rich kid post, its my money and it was made mostly legally.

How did u save enough money to afford a $29,000 car?

:confused:

PoLaK

10-05-2003, 05:14 PM

I explained this before but if you all must know...... O and the mostly legally comment ill be sure to put in an INSERT SARCASAM HERE next time.

Just to clear up a few things this is how I afford the rx-8.

A Bond that was invested in Merrill Lynch 18 years ago doubled from 5000, to 10000.

I work as a Customer Service Rep./Coordinator at Wegmans. I've made 7000 working a year and 3 months there.

And I have another 2000 or so sitting at home from when I was 10-12 and I went on with my mother to weddings as she used to be a professional photographer. Made $100 a job and did 2 weddings a weekend.

With a 15,000 down payment and 4.5% APR my monthly payment will be around $363, during school I work only bout 20-25 hours a week so ill make round 500dollars a month. So Figuring Gas won't cost me too much ill be alright.

If you still want to call me a spoiled little brat go head, I mean im not paying for insurance if you want to nit-pick.

EDIT: I'll have the car Wed.

RussellP

10-05-2003, 06:05 PM

Im 23 and I only make between 3k and 5k a month depending on how well my business is doin. Im not 100% sure i can really afford this car but i bought it last week anyways. Worst case scenario my parents will always help me out.

To all you 16 year olds, you dont have to justify yourself to these people. If youre parents are sucessful enough to buy you the car, then thats great. I dunno why in todays day and age its embarrassing to be wealthy. Damn socialists taking over!

graphicguy

10-06-2003, 08:11 AM

Originally posted by PoLaK
I explained this before but if you all must know...... O and the mostly legally comment ill be sure to put in an INSERT SARCASAM HERE next time.

Just to clear up a few things this is how I afford the rx-8.

A Bond that was invested in Merrill Lynch 18 years ago doubled from 5000, to 10000.

I work as a Customer Service Rep./Coordinator at Wegmans. I've made 7000 working a year and 3 months there.

And I have another 2000 or so sitting at home from when I was 10-12 and I went on with my mother to weddings as she used to be a professional photographer. Made $100 a job and did 2 weddings a weekend.

With a 15,000 down payment and 4.5% APR my monthly payment will be around $363, during school I work only bout 20-25 hours a week so ill make round 500dollars a month. So Figuring Gas won't cost me too much ill be alright.

If you still want to call me a spoiled little brat go head, I mean im not paying for insurance if you want to nit-pick.

EDIT: I'll have the car Wed.

I think there is a lot of "wishful thinking" going on with the teens who want the RX8, but for grins, let's put pencil to paper just to show what you're getting yourself into....

Using your $363/mo payment:

--no financial institution is going to give a 16 year old a loan. Even if you were 25, given the debt to income ratio, no loan would be even a remote possibility.

--you said you made $7K over 15 months....that's $467/mo you have to use.

--for easy math, that's $100/mo for gas and maintenance. I would think that entire amount would be used for gas alone...You're forgetting maintenance costs....figure another $500/year just in oil changes and tire rotations. That means you are now out of money and "in the red".

--insurance is not a "nitpick" and is a very substantial and real cost. Depending on the locale, I would guess insurance on an RX8 for a 16 year old will run $3K/year...that's another $250/mo.

I just don't see any way, given your income, even with your parents "kicking in" some money that this is going to work.

Bottom line, buy a used Neon for $3K, put the rest of the money aside for college. You'll be better off financially. I'm sure your parents will agree with me, too.

Kev

10-06-2003, 08:57 AM

Originally posted by PoLaK
I explained this before but if you all must know...... O and the mostly legally comment ill be sure to put in an INSERT SARCASAM HERE next time.

Just to clear up a few things this is how I afford the rx-8.

A Bond that was invested in Merrill Lynch 18 years ago doubled from 5000, to 10000.

I work as a Customer Service Rep./Coordinator at Wegmans. I've made 7000 working a year and 3 months there.

And I have another 2000 or so sitting at home from when I was 10-12 and I went on with my mother to weddings as she used to be a professional photographer. Made $100 a job and did 2 weddings a weekend.

With a 15,000 down payment and 4.5% APR my monthly payment will be around $363, during school I work only bout 20-25 hours a week so ill make round 500dollars a month. So Figuring Gas won't cost me too much ill be alright.

If you still want to call me a spoiled little brat go head, I mean im not paying for insurance if you want to nit-pick.

EDIT: I'll have the car Wed.

Many moons ago (many, many), I got myself a new mini. It was 9 months before I could even get a learner's permit. My parents helped me by getting the loan for me and helped with insurance - but I was working 4 nights after school and saturday mornings to do this.

A month after I got my licence, my mother convinced me into more debt, shell felt unsafe with me in such a small car, so I got a bigger one (Local Ford Cortina TD with a 250 cu "Persuit" motor).

Before my eighteenth birthday, I took delivery of a new GM Holden Torana SLR (my third car) - you may not know the car, they were raced at Bathurst! (The race was later called the Hardie Ferodo 500 and even later 1000).

Where am I going with this? I respect hard work and give credit to the people that achieve their goals/dreams by applying themselves. It can be demanding, but also character building.

I also think the inverse rule applies - that's where junior gets a new Porsche the day he gets his licence and an aparment when he goes to college. Yes, I'd envy them - but I wouldn't want to be like them :D

I take my hat off to a kid that works hard to get something he wants, hope you don't suffer the jealous types.....

graphicguy

10-06-2003, 09:50 AM

Kev....you and I aren't too far apart regarding goals of a teen.

My only disagreement is the fact that your mother wanted you to be "in debt" at such an early age.

Set aside for a moment the dangers of putting a teen behind the wheel of a sports car.

Here in the states, credit problems are major. It is really quite unbelieveable the amount of young and old people who are just one paycheck away from bankruptcy. IMHO, that's a terrible, long lasting way to a ruination that will last years if not a decade.

I can't even begin to tell you how many teens I know that have filed for bankruptcy because of that one mistake they made in buying a new car (many times with their parents aquiesence and "co-signature"). Many companies are now running credit reports on young people before hiring. They view any negatives as a sign of their lack of intellegience and lack of ability to handle responsibility.

It all stems from someone believing that the goal in life is that "shiny new sports car". No one seems to address the costs involved with having teens driving powerful sports cars....in both physical costs (because of their lack of driving experience) and financial terms. The misunderstanding becomes that all teens should aspire to get such a vehicle, regardless of the consequences.

I hear "I want...I want...I want" with no thought given to "how" or "why".

No jealousy, no hatred, no dream snuffing intended.

If a teen's only dream is that shiny car, then something is very wrong with their value system.

Like anything else...there are no shortcuts. Education + hard work = success (and the ability to afford that shiny new sportscar with no financial hardships).

Kev

10-06-2003, 10:24 AM

In terms of "in debt", I was probably helped in too deep I'll admit it. In my case it just made me a stronger swimmer :D Debt is a form of pressure, not unlike most other pressures in life and we have to cope with/balance them to survive.

I think life is a lot harder for the young teen these days than it was 20~30 years ago. Back in my youth, drugs were only on TV, mobile phones were in a secret agent's shoe and Russians were the bad guys.

Anyway, I'd prefer to get my kids out of debt than get them out of jail :D Just like I'd prefer to donate money to charity than pay to repair vandalism.

rx-7~rx-8

10-06-2003, 12:25 PM

Not bragging... I just turned 16, sept 22.
I will be driving a rx-8, before i turn 17 for sure. My friend which is only 16, got a 97 supra... oh boy sweet ride.

graphicguy

10-06-2003, 12:42 PM

Originally posted by rx-7~rx-8
Not bragging... I just turned 16, sept 22.
I will be driving a rx-8, before i turn 17 for sure. My friend which is only 16, got a 97 supra... oh boy sweet ride.

Figure out how you're going to get it financially (and be honest with yourself).

Take into consideration roughly a $30,000 purchase cost, maintenance cost, insurance and figure how much money it will cost you to live on and it will become clear whether you can afford to buy one. Remember, no financial institution will give you a loan and the financial burden your parents will have to shoulder if you can't afford the car anytime before you turn 21.

velociti

10-06-2003, 01:13 PM

Considering I'm 18, and a college student who aspires to own an RX-8 in the next few years, I thought I'd respond to this thread.

I went to a high school where the majority of the kids were purchased a car of their own by their parents, and almost all drove to school. My best friend, as a junior, put out ~$8000 of his own money (more like $15k, but that was through investments that his parents paid for, the $8k was his own money) towards a '99 M3. His parents put out the rest, and are paying for insurance. Another friend of mine was given, brace yourself, a '97 Supra TT with 11k miles on it. He then proceeded to modify the thing so that it made over 400 rwhp. A kid I knew in the grade above me was given, in essence, a second car at 18 years of age, which happened to be an FD.

None of these kids got into accidents with their cars, nor have they gotten speeding tickets (afaik). The majority of teenage drivers might be the testosterone addled WOT type of people, but not all.

My opinion, something that was instilled in me by my parents, is that nothing should be given to someone unless they earn it themselves. By earn, I mean to pay for with one's own money. The money should be earned by having a job, whether it is during the summer, during the school year, or both. But allowance and what not doesn't count in my book. So for those of you on the forum that have paid, or are making payments on your RX8 without any assistance from others, kudos.

That's not to say that I dislike or don't respect people that did receive help with their purchase. I simply think it's not deserved.

The plan which my parents offered all three siblings before me, is that provided I put a significant downpayment on the car, they will foot the rest of the bill (insurance as well) and it will essentially accumulate like on a tab. Over a few years time, I'll pay them back for every penny that is owed to them. As of now I have around $9k, and am lucky enough to not have to pay for college tuition. Ideally, in two years time, I will have at least $15k, if not more, with which to throw at a car, whether it be used or new.

For all the sub-20 year old RX8 drivers on the forum who didn't pay for their car, please, I implore you, thank your parents like no other. Take care of it, treat it like a baby. It's hard for people to appreciate something that isn't technically their's, a problem that I have as well. Just understand how well off you truly are to be given a brand new car, when there's a hell of a lot of people on this planet who can't get enough to eat in a given day, let alone drive a high performance sports sedan around. Keep that in mind.

graphicguy

10-06-2003, 02:28 PM

velociti....well put. I'm sure you're much more appreciative than those who were "handed" everything.

OTOH....what's wrong with learning to drive and learning ALL the financial pitfalls with a well used Corolla as a first car? It still gets you where you're going, insurance will be much cheaper, as will maintenance and the purchase price.

It will do the same job (just not as quickly) as an RX8. Plus, there is a lot less down side to a well used car for a teen than there would be for a new RX8 (less gas, insurance, teen driver can get a lot more driving experience before being turned lose on a high capability car).

Kev

10-06-2003, 03:04 PM

Originally posted by graphicguy
velociti....well put. I'm sure you're much more appreciative than those who were "handed" everything.

OTOH....what's wrong with learning to drive and learning ALL the financial pitfalls with a well used Corolla as a first car? It still gets you where you're going, insurance will be much cheaper, as will maintenance and the purchase price.

It will do the same job (just not as quickly) as an RX8. Plus, there is a lot less down side to a well used car for a teen than there would be for a new RX8 (less gas, insurance, teen driver can get a lot more driving experience before being turned lose on a high capability car).

I guess I'll throw my bit here in for the need for a safe and reliable car. I couldn't stand the thought of my youngsters driving a car that couldn't get them home or wasn't as safe as possible in (god forbid) and accident.

Seven years before I have to start that worry!

h0rde

10-06-2003, 03:07 PM

I'm 21 now but when I got my car I was still 20. It's mine, I'm making the payments on it. My last car (99 Prelude) was probably too much for me (i was only 17 when I got it) and I did end up getting into an accident, although minor and not hurting anyone, because I was chasing a Boxster (wishful thinking.) It could have been a lot worse, and i don't think i'd let a kid of mine under 20 have a car like the 8, and I can already say that as a 21 year old...

graphicguy

10-06-2003, 06:45 PM

Originally posted by Kev

I guess I'll throw my bit here in for the need for a safe and reliable car. I couldn't stand the thought of my youngsters driving a car that couldn't get them home or wasn't as safe as possible in (god forbid) and accident.

Seven years before I have to start that worry!

Plenty of good reliable used cars out there that make more sense for a teen....Corolla, Civic, Contour (Mondeo where you live KEV), etc.

I can buy a '94 Corolla for $3,000 with less than 100K miles. The car would easily be good for another 50K-75K miles with minimal maintenance (and much less worry than having my teen out driving an RX8).

layzieb36

10-06-2003, 06:48 PM

21 here, college student, married with no kids, i made the down payment, the trade in, and the payments, oh and that nice lil thing called insurance.

RX-8inRI

10-06-2003, 06:54 PM

I just turned 25 and bought my rx-8 in August. It's the first new car I have ever owned. I'm a teacher and have been saving for a car for a while. I was originally going to buy a Mustang GT, but once I saw an rx-8 on the lot at my local Mazda dealer, I fell in love with it. After the test drive, I knew it was the car for me. I got a decent trade in for my 97 Taurus, $2500, considering the thing has been through hell.
On a side note, I can't believe how lucky some of the kids are on this forum. My parents are pretty well off, but they would never have bought me a car like that. In fact, they made me buy my first car and pay the insurance. I don't mean to be skeptical, but is it possible some of these posters are lying about owning an rx-8? I just don't see that many parents buying 16 and 17 year old kids rx-8's. However, I guess there are some rich parents out there who want to make their kids happy. If you are one of these lucky kids, you should be worshipping your parents day and night.

graphicguy

10-06-2003, 09:25 PM

As I mentioned before....I think a lot of these posts are wishful thinking. Maybe their mother/father are buying the RX8 as their own car.

My son (17) and I live in a nice neighborhood. We're comfortable, not rich (except in character, I hope).

My son got two jobs at 14 (newspaper route and bussing tables at a local eatery) and has worked at Krogers (grocery store) for the past 2 years. He saved $12K....bought a new Hyundai Elantra for $10K and paid his insurance ($2K). He works 20 hours/week at Krogers, mostly on weekends (clears about $120/week) to have enough money for gas, insurance and maintenance, plus spending money to take is girlfriend to a movie. No way could he afford an RX8 on his own (although, he's begging me to drive my 8....maybe for prom). That said, since he's bought and maintained his own car, he treats it like gold....washing and waxing it every week. He has a real pride of ownership since he got it with his own hard work with no help from me.

I don't think any parent with any sense of what's good and what's bad for their teens would buy their son/daughter an RX8, regardless of his/her age.

Those of you that have an RX8 (not mum's or pop's) and bought it TOTALLY ON YOUR OWN know what I mean. When it's your own...you paid for it entirely, are totally responsible for it, know exactly what I'm talking about. You should be commended.

rx-7~rx-8

10-06-2003, 11:27 PM

dont start a flame or anything, but im actually got a job at 15, even though my parents told me not to work. they told me not to worry about money, just education n shyt. which i am, so i am going to get a rx-8. it's not some of our fault's that we drive nice sports cars at a young age.

to me any car is fast, so why not get a car that can handle speed, rather then get a beat up honda, which is not safe to drive fast. crap any car goes over 70 mph. you dont have to be going fast to do stupid shyt. So (rx-8, 350z, etc.) or (civic, corolla.. etc.) as someone mentioned, are all fast. I would rather get somthing that can handle the speed, and some real good handling.

graphicguy

10-07-2003, 08:46 AM

Originally posted by rx-7~rx-8
dont start a flame or anything, but im actually got a job at 15, even though my parents told me not to work. they told me not to worry about money, just education n shyt. which i am, so i am going to get a rx-8. it's not some of our fault's that we drive nice sports cars at a young age.

If you say so.

Come back in a couple of years and let us know what you're driving.

HeTz

10-07-2003, 09:29 AM

I'm 20 and own one. I'm not the youngest :( I bought mine in mid-august after I traded in my 2003 Acura RSX Type-S. I work for the government as an Info. Tech. and pay for everything :)

MSMAMBA

10-07-2003, 05:32 PM

Originally posted by graphicguy
He has a real pride of ownership since he got it with his own hard work with no help from me.

Well put.

I am 33 and did not own my 1st new car until I was 28. I have great pride of ownership on all of my cars because I paid for them with my own money.

It is extremely difficult to maintain a financially-sound household when you are trying to do many things at the same time - mortgage (I own a brand new house in the SF Bay Area), auto loans, insurance, retirement, education for children......

I expect my daughter to earn her own 1st car when she grows up.

sindows98

10-07-2003, 07:32 PM

Im 19 and have had a saturn, 2001 stratus R/T, C4 corvette and now I have a C5 corvette but would like to get a 8 soon. And yes I did pay for them myself well financed them.

Pulsr

10-07-2003, 08:36 PM

Originally posted by TuPaK
rich sob

:D

jk..i'll be joining u soon, 19 here...just turned 19 last month.

me too, but im slaving to make these payments this is horribleeeeeeee... but then i fancy my car like it was my girlfriend :)

wahoo

10-07-2003, 08:41 PM

Heh, my car in high school was a 73 Ford LTD wagon. Didn't care for it much then, but it got me there. Now, for better or worse, people remember me because if it, lol. I could get a boatload of friends in it to go places. But for the prom I borrowed my dad's Olds 98. It had a tape deck!

And if I may preach for a couple of sentences. When you are young you make mistakes, and you shouldn't be afraid of that. It's just the RX-8 can make for expensive mistakes.

Other than that, I am jealous, but enjoy the car. Hopefully, I'll be joining you on the road shortly with my brand new RX-8

Wahoo!

HeTz

10-07-2003, 08:51 PM

Well... I see all these posts about kids owning 8's... I'd like to throw my two cents in. Like I said, I'm 20 and I own one. I had a 2003 Acura RSX Type-S already also. I get a lot of comments from people about how it's Mommy and Daddy's car and about how they pay for it. Well, that is not true and it really erks me when I hear those comments. I pay the note AND the insurance (which is quite steep considering my age). I earned my money and therefore earned my car since my money was translated into the car. I started working at Burger King at 15 until I got a job at Kroger Foods when I was 16. I worked up to Assistant Manager (Not real big, I know) and when I was 19, I got my current job. I'm an Information Technologist for the Federal Government. Now, in my opinion - I earned this car just as much as any of the older people. Keep in mind - I'm not trying to make enemies, I just disagree with some of the things that are posted in this thread.

sindows98

10-07-2003, 10:14 PM

I cant wait to get my 8 this car will cost more then my vette each month!! Unless I could trade my vette for an 8 if anyone is intrested my email is mfredericks02@yahoo.com

paul810

10-08-2003, 12:47 AM

16 here, have mine by my 17 if I decide it is what I want. (I still need to decide if I should go for it or if I should just stick with my truck) Anyway, unlike most 16 year olds here I have had a bit of driving experence. I've been driving heavy equipment on job sites since I was about 12. At 14 I was plowing parking lots with a front end loader. If you can drive an F-450 dump then an RX-8 should present no problems.:cool:

graphicguy

10-08-2003, 07:57 AM

Hetz...just curious....how much is your insurance per year on the RX8? If you worked for it, be glad. You know what it takes.

My son works at Krogers as a stock person. He pays for his Hyundai, gas , maintenance and insurance. He's also still in a tough Jesuit high school with an A-/B+ average. I've tried to instill goals in him that emphasize "it's not what you have, but who you are that really conts". I'm not saying I'm the perfect parent (single Dad), or that he's a great kid (I think so, but I'm biased). I know what he pays in insurance. I just want to compare it to what others are paying.

Paul....it's a world of difference driving heavy machinery and driving a bonafied sports car with tons of other cars on the road. But, if you can buy the RX8 on your own, more power to you.

A corvette is less expensive than an RX8? How did that happen? There should be no way a Corvette is less expensive....even for insurance.

MSMAMBA...congrats on the new addition to the family. You're going down the right road. But, you also understand the "balancing act" you have to go through. San Fran isn't the least expensive place to live (but you already know that). It's a great city, though. I lived in Los Gatos for a while and made a nice profit on my house when I sold it and moved to the Midwest (much cheaper cost of living). I know it's no consolation now, but it gets easier further down the road (this coming from a guy who is about a decade older than you).

WAHOO...agree with you totally.

MSMAMBA

10-08-2003, 05:15 PM

Originally posted by graphicguy

MSMAMBA...congrats on the new addition to the family. You're going down the right road. But, you also understand the "balancing act" you have to go through. San Fran isn't the least expensive place to live (but you already know that). It's a great city, though. I lived in Los Gatos for a while and made a nice profit on my house when I sold it and moved to the Midwest (much cheaper cost of living). I know it's no consolation now, but it gets easier further down the road (this coming from a guy who is about a decade older than you).

I moved from the Midwest to the Bay Area for my current job. I can't wait to see the day when I move my family back to the Midwest.

HeTz

10-08-2003, 05:21 PM

I pay $250 p/month in insurance through Liberty Mutual.

rx-7~rx-8

10-08-2003, 07:03 PM

i am 16, i am responsible.. trust me i am. i drive my moms volvo c70 coupe, really fast 0-60 in 6.8. i dont go around doing stupid shyt, like race at every signal light or hit 100. i drive it like my 96' accord which we sold couple weeks ago, cause it had too many miles (389,000 miles). Some of you think 16~18 yr. old are just street racers.
my friend is only 17 and already wrecked his G35 coupe, in 2 weeks. Yeah really wreskless driving. some of us on this forum actually are responible, shyt i offered to pay some of my rx-8, but my parents wont let me, cause i dont lack in school, maintain off the roof grades, i will be getting my rx-8 soon.

mikeb

10-08-2003, 08:28 PM

how is it our fault

rx-7~rx-8

10-08-2003, 08:55 PM

young drivers behind the wheel of a rx-8

Pete

10-09-2003, 07:58 AM

Originally posted by Bengal Tiger

sigh...why support myself if i don't have to...how about i save up my money for college AND my car..and not worrying about my living costs. how about i take advantage of the fact that my dad is a successful man who came to America with 500 bucks and got a Phd and now makes shitloads. I'm proud and lucky. :) How about the fact that I do great in school...I DON'T work for 40 hours a week....and still pull off anywhere from 17-22+ dollars every hour working for Sprint PCS due to my commish and my awesome sales skills. Crap...when u make that kind of money at my age, and still pull off school much higher than average with 4-5 AP classes...why the HELL would u just do school. Dammit, I'm getting a college education and making shitloads more than 30,000 a year in a while...believe me. Money isn't everything, I know...but who's gonna say it doesn't help you out. Shrug, I like my life, and have no problem taking advantage of the position my birthing put me in, but also, I'm confident, hard working, and I know how to make money. ur lecture is noted but doesn't apply in my situation, thank you. :o oh yeah, OF COURSE I COULDN'T AFFORD AN RX-8 by myself...but I could still support myself and still own a nice little used 3 series....i'm just having fun while I'm young my friend...don't be a hater. Oh yeah...dude...do u know how much ASS that car gets u at my age?? DO YOU KNOW?? I'm sure the people on this forum who are my age know what the hell i'm talkin about. It's good to be young and have a nice car. It's nice to achieve a dream so young. You must hate me and my youngness....me and my RX-8...still a senior in high school.....still around young women driven wild by sexy cars.... Anyway, I'm just hoping you don't think I'm the average spoiled dumbass brat who gets everything they want. I'm done blabbin...Peace.

I gotta agree with the kid. I'm 23 years old and got my 8 about 2 months ago. But before my 8 I had a bmw from the age of 17. I don't see that as a problem. I'm not in debt right now, and I wasen't in debt with the bmw.

I worked my 40 hours shifts and went to school full time. I put enough money aside for a car and then some for a house.

I think it's good buying a sweet car at a young age. I makes you want to work harder to enjoy the more finer things in life later on.

Enjoy the car , and drive carefully.

mikeb

10-09-2003, 06:46 PM

pete
you hit the nail on the head

rx-7~rx-8

10-09-2003, 10:38 PM

Pete, you the man... you nailed it..

sferrett

10-10-2003, 01:41 AM

I think it's all about attitude. Even if it was given to you, if you appreciate it and respect the fact that you've been given a lucky break then that's the main thing. The thing that irks me is those folks that get given stuff and then go and do stupid things (ie: don't respect what they've got) and wreck them because they don't care and don't understand how lucky they are then just expect (and get) a brand new other-toy to replace it. Being "spoiled" isn't just about what you get given, IMO, it's all about the attitude you have.

prescription7

10-10-2003, 10:36 PM

well i don't have an 8 i am 20 with a 87 turbo II that i bought when i was 18. 300 HP at the wheels. paid for and tuned all myself with cash all made legit. it's hard not going out every weekend and saving the cash but it's worth it now. just thought i'd mention again, no help from parents on this beaut.

elusiv

10-11-2003, 01:56 AM

kind of a shocker... reading through this thread im surprised at all these unrealistic plans. out of all the people contributing to this thread, it seems that only graphicguy has a solid grasp of the reality of things.

of course there's always the exceptions where i can see some child-prodigy managing to maintain his social life, academics and part time job, be a responsible driver at the age of 17, all while paying for a car on his own. however thats one in a million. so many of u who insist and attempt to portray yourself as such, have inflated egos with a mix of naivety and ignorance.

if you're spoiled, than you're spoiled. big deal.... just acknowledge that you are indeed spoiled but you appreciate the privileges that you've been given. why is it so many teenagers try to down play the assistance that their parents give them? you're not as independant as you'd like to think.

if parents buy their responsible kid who helps out with car payments and such, cool. just recognize that the help was there and give credit where its due, as many seem to be casting off their parents help as if it were nothing.

mikeb

10-11-2003, 10:46 PM

good point elusiv

paul810

10-11-2003, 10:58 PM

Originally posted by elusiv

if parents buy their responsible kid who helps out with car payments and such, cool. just recognize that the help was there and give credit where its due, as many seem to be casting off their parents help as if it were nothing.

Im not casting off my parents, if anything i'm thanking them. My car is a present from my parents because I completed my Eagle project and I am getting pretty good grades in school. My grandmother is also probibly going to pay for half, since she helped my cousins pay for their first cars and she is doesn't want me to worry about having to work for car payments and such while in college. (Even though my father probibly wouldn't let me finance it anyway, for some reason he hates leases and financing.)

graphicguy

10-12-2003, 12:03 AM

elusiv...thanks for the back up. I was beginning to think I was somehow off base.

paul & rx...what do you mean your parents won't let you pay for it? Why not? If the responsibility to maintain good grades is a high priority for them then I would imagine that would extend to the responsibilities of car ownership would go hand-in-hand with that. From where I sit, the worst thing your parents could do is to say "here son, take this $30K car....we don't want you to work for it, though". That isn't a good lesson to learn. Why wouldn't they be just as happy to put you in an early '90s Camry....to me, that makes more sense for a teen.

Not trying to slight them. It just doesn't make any sense to me.

paul810

10-12-2003, 01:07 AM

It isn't the responsibility they are worried about, since I am an extremely responsible person. What they want is me to focus all my efforts on school and getting the job I want. Since they know I will work hard for the rest of my life if I do what I want to do for a living. Also, I have worked for my father since I was young and this is kind of a way of paying me back, since I was never payed other then in food/shelter/clothing/ect which I guess bothers my parents.
My grandmother is helping because she has quite a bit of money and would like to spoil her grandchildren as much as she can while she can, but she only rewards us for good, she doesn't just hand out.

Oh, and it isn't 30k, if I get an RX-8 I can get it at cost. :)

elusiv

10-12-2003, 03:47 AM

Originally posted by paul810
[B]Im not casting off my parents, if anything i'm thanking them. B]

i wasn't targetting u specifically :)

however, i respect that. you worked hard at something and in a way earned it, and at the same time... despite your insisting to help with car payments, you're parents refuse your help. but at least you demonstrate a willingness to work for it. not everyone might agree with this though...

in any case, no matter how u twist the numbers in your head and on paper... its just not that simple. and thats the point im trying to get across. count yourself lucky to have a nice car at a young age, since most cannot.

btw... the lamest thing ive ever heard thus far, when one of my friends got his new car was.... 'do u know how LONG i had to wait for my car????' .... the guy got his s2000 at the age of 17 and hasnt worked a day of his life.

riiiiiiight....:p

elusiv

10-12-2003, 03:59 AM

Originally posted by graphicguy
elusiv...thanks for the back up. I was beginning to think I was somehow off base.

you're dead on, and i couldnt have explained it any better myself.
just remember... you're trying to explain to 15/16/17 year olds. most (not ALL) of which have never had any real struggles in their life and therefore find it difficult to relate to what you're saying. most 16 year olds dont have any bills to pay mind you.

no hating here by any means. if i couldve gotten an rx8 at the age of 16, u bet i'd seize the opportunity.

RussellP

10-12-2003, 04:28 AM

Imagine if Bill Gates bought his 16 year old son and 83 Honda Civic.....that would be stupid.

Theres nothing wrong with wealthy parents buying their kids nice cars. Graphicguy, you are clearly jealous.

mikeb

10-12-2003, 04:32 AM

ouch
point taken

graphicguy

10-12-2003, 10:20 AM

Originally posted by RussellP
Imagine if Bill Gates bought his 16 year old son and 83 Honda Civic.....that would be stupid.

Theres nothing wrong with wealthy parents buying their kids nice cars. Graphicguy, you are clearly jealous.

Best thing Bill Gates could do for his offspring would be to buy them nothing. The best thing he could do would be to give them a job at Microsoft so they could learn the business from the ground up and let them save their $6/hour to buy that '83 Civic themselves.

Jealous? Of what? I made it a point to show my teen son what it would take to earn a car. It wasn't a sports car (it's a Hyundai Elantra). He worked to get it maintain it, and insure it with no help from me. He's a better person because of it. He'll be the first person to admit it, too.

Could I have gone to the nearest dealer and written a check for a brand new car? Sure, but what would that have taught him? Nothing! I would have been doing my son a disservice as a parent by doing so!

You're missing the point. You don't realize what it is to "EARN" anything, yet. If any car is "given" to you, you won't learn anything about budgeting, finances, balancing the lines between what you want with what you can afford. Mummy and Daddy are eventually going to set you out on your own. Without the lessons above, the likelihood of your failure goes up dramatically, to say nothing of the dangers of putting an inexperienced driver behind the wheel of a sports car with high capabilities.

I said it before, I can't tell you the amount of people in their late teens, early 20s I've known that have ruined a good portion of their young lives because they didn't have any sense of what it took to get the things they needed because they didn't have a basic understanding of financing....most come from rich households, too.

As a teen, if your goals and dreams are focused on having that "cool car" then something is way out of whack.

I find it difficult to believe that parents are going to "give" or even let their teen son/daughter have a $30K sports car at 16, 17 or even 18 or 19 years old. If the parents are smart enough to have enough money to afford to do something like that, then they're smart enough to know the pitfalls of doing so. That's why I think a lot of the talk in here is filled with "wishful thinking".

Come back here in a couple of years and let us know what you're driving. I'd bet it's a different story when reality hits.

elusiv

10-12-2003, 03:17 PM

Originally posted by RussellP
Imagine if Bill Gates bought his 16 year old son and 83 Honda Civic.....that would be stupid.

Theres nothing wrong with wealthy parents buying their kids nice cars. Graphicguy, you are clearly jealous.

You're analogy is terrible. but i'll comment on it anyways. of course it would be ridiculuous for him to buy his son an 83 Honda Civic. Im sure he'd be more concerned with safety in this case.

Regardless:

http://www.usatoday.com/news/opinion/colyrmn/yrmn081.htm

specifically:
It's a safe bet you'll never see Bill Gates' children buying economy size Cheez Whiz in a bulk-food store. But if they want to become as rich as their dad, they'll have to earn it. Gates, founder of Microsoft, intends to leave his progeny only $10 million each, a tiny fraction of his multibillion-dollar fortune. The rest will go to charity.

By your logic, its also ridiculous that Bill Gates is only leaving his children with less than 0.1% of his wealth. Read the rest of the article and perhaps you'll understand.

Even Bill Gates is in agreement with Graphicguy, as they both subscribe to the, 'you want it? then earn it' teaching method.

Zio

10-12-2003, 05:34 PM

I've been driving my parents old 89 929 since november last year, my dad lets me take his 93 626 out on weekends since it's a manual, and more fun to drive. Since I've been driving, I have never been in an accident or have hit anyone/anything. I hope our next car will be an RX-8, I won't know until February though because we can't afford one right now :(.. even when we get one I'll only be able to drive it on weekends or to school once a week. Atleast I'll get the 626 :/.

graphicguy

10-12-2003, 06:00 PM

elusiv....I had read that USA TODAY article a while ago and had forgotten about it. Truth told, $10M isn't pocket change and Gates' kids could live quite well just on the interest that would bring. On the other hand, it's a lot different than getting $10B, too.

Fact of the matter is, since I've been reading this board, I've been taken aback by the amount of "entitlement" some think they deserve (like to get an RX8 when they turn 16, 17 or 18). I didn't even know this kind of thought even existed...even given the age bracket. Regardless of the amount of money a family has, it must come from somewhere. What I don't see is the understanding of how one amasses the kind of money which allows one the luxury to buy a $30K sports car, while taking care of other, more neccessary needs (food, clothing, tuition, housing, etc). Even a teen should have a basic underdstanding of this.

The article points out my biggest fear....that is, giving, bequeathing, sending an inheritance/cars/houses/money to my son, only to have it taken by a spouse that "just didn't work out".

Zio....you'll get there...just keep your eyes on the prize and go for it.

elusiv

10-12-2003, 07:31 PM

Originally posted by graphicguy
elusiv....I had read that USA TODAY article a while ago and had forgotten about it. Truth told, $10M isn't pocket change and Gates' kids could live quite well just on the interest that would bring. On the other hand, it's a lot different than getting $10B, too.

its all relative i guess;)

graphicguy

10-13-2003, 07:23 AM

Originally posted by elusiv
its all relative i guess;)

Yep...even with a mediocre financial planner, one could guarantee themselves and income of $400,000/year with a $10M investment....a good one would net you $1M for life on that same $10M.

But, you're right....it's all relative.

As a former immigrant, I'm still amazed at what I can accomplish in this country with a bit of education and a lot of hard work.

velociti

10-13-2003, 10:02 AM

Originally posted by RussellP
Imagine if Bill Gates bought his 16 year old son and 83 Honda Civic.....that would be stupid.

Theres nothing wrong with wealthy parents buying their kids nice cars. Graphicguy, you are clearly jealous.

I'm sorry. Hopefully in the future when you're a little more educated and possibly more enlightened as to what really matters in life, you can understand how ignorant you sound.

mikeb

10-13-2003, 07:13 PM

you both make good points

agree to disagree

itsallaboutgary

02-04-2004, 02:09 PM

im ALSO 17! hahaha

Dookie_Rx-8

02-04-2004, 11:10 PM

No im the youngest driver here,
I was 15 1/2 when i first drove the car with a permit,LOL
now im 16 and i drive the rx-8 every other whole week
DONT WORRY IM NOT A DUMB RACER but a defensive or offensive driver when i have to be

Dookie_Rx-8

02-04-2004, 11:12 PM

dont worry i help my parents with the small things when i can

Rx8Past

02-05-2004, 12:32 AM

dookie what high school do you go to? I went to Lincoln and Lowell back in the days, now I'm about to graduate sjsu, I'm 21, just got my rx-8 nov, 2003.

RolenImportsRX8

02-05-2004, 11:06 AM

I just turned 27. I turned in my turbo vr6 for it, and it was my credit and money that got me this gem!

Dookie_Rx-8

02-05-2004, 06:15 PM

Rx8Past:
i go to Burton

Omicron

02-06-2004, 05:05 PM

I'm sure there's some 12 year old out there who's parents have more money than sense who've bought their "widdle dawling" an '8 for when he/she turns 16....

sshsbball5

07-12-2005, 02:06 AM

I just got my rx8 for my 15th bday and its mine not my parents. so i guess im the youngest person in here with an rx8.

IZoomZoomI

07-12-2005, 02:14 AM

its ur parents :rolleyes:

IZoomZoomI

07-12-2005, 02:16 AM

either way happy b day and drive safe you lucky guy,

sshsbball5

07-12-2005, 02:17 AM

no its not its mine... it was my birthday present
my sister is 17 but she got a bmw Z3 for her 15th bday... my parents cant even drive a clutch so how could it be theirs?

Mikelikes2drive

07-12-2005, 02:24 AM

its not urs unless ur name is on the pink slip my friend :/

you may drive the car, but if your parents say "we're gonna sell your car" or "you cant drive it anymore"

you have no say in it :/ all you can do is whine and cry and complain about it my friend...

IZoomZoomI

07-12-2005, 02:25 AM

oooooooook.... i'm not even going to touch this subject anymore than I did.

*Shaking head* should've have known better to join this thread...

sshsbball5

07-12-2005, 02:31 AM

Yeah my name isnt on the pink slip. but its my car. my parents bought the car and gave it to me and its my responsibility. why does every1 look down on teens that get a rx8?

Mikelikes2drive

07-12-2005, 03:20 AM

I'm a teen with a rx8, but even though im the only driver i dont claim it to be my car. they pay for it, their name is on the pink slip, its their car. Theyre just nice enough to let me drive it around...

The fact is us teenagers (except for a select few) deserve this car and we didnt do nething significant enuff to deserve it, so we shouldnt boast on these forums like we own the cars even though we are the only driver or if it's our responsibility. it's still our daddy's and mommy's car.

If daddy wants to take the car away, he can so it doesnt really make it your car. If it was yours... you could sell it but u cant. When you take your car to the dealership to get it serviced, its your dad's name on the paper not yours... thus its not your car, u jsut drive it and wash it

VelociRedBeast

07-12-2005, 08:11 AM

Where the hell did you dig up this thread?

Elara

07-12-2005, 08:12 AM

I just got my rx8 for my 15th bday and its mine not my parents. so i guess im the youngest person in here with an rx8.

No, sorry, you're not the youngest. There have already been several 15 yr olds on here with 8s. And why are you dragging up threads that are more than a year old?

And you should listen to Mikelikes2drive. Notice how he's not trying to prove anything? No one looks down on him because he doesn't act any different than anyone else on here. Instead of trying to pick a fight in a dead thread, try joining in the conversations and you'll get a lot more respect.

myfuncar

07-12-2005, 10:01 AM

This is interesting, as a former spolied kid, I was treated well by the folks in terms of education and sports - I got to ride horses and waterski all I wanted.
However, my first car was a total nerd-mobile!

Being a financial advisor, I "look under the hood" at a lot of people's finances. Here's some things I see in general:

People who accumulate wealth almost always decide how much they'll spend on things, then find something that fits the budget. They rarely do it the other way - that is, decide what they want, then find some way to fanagle a deal so that they can buy it.

Most of my very wealthy clients, those with more money than they need, live well below their means, and are still savings even when they don't have to. If they have a car payment, its usually on something like a Ford Explorer or other non-flashy vehicle, and they borrowed because they didn't want to sell any of their stocks or bonds. Being "wealthy" in my book is just your savings relative to your spending. I have clients who spend $2,000 a month and are wealthy if they have $500,000, and have some who spend $50,000 a month and are wealthy because they have $10,000,000. I can think of several with well over $10 million who have cars like PT Cruisers and maybe a Grand Cherokee.

People who accumulate wealth tend to have less flashy goods but have a sense of comfort that more than makes up for it. When they're around others who have really cool things, they smile and act like they care, but they don't care, and in return, they sleep well at night.

Most of my clients laugh about how they got mom's used station wagon when they turned 16.

That all being said, I also admire the tenacity of younger people who want things and go out and earn the money to get them. But somewhere along the line, you have to realize that its difficult to become financially secure if you spend your savings, or if you spend all that you're earning and don't save. It becomes a habit, at an early age. The savers always tell me that they started saving when they were 16 or along those lines.

Lots of people will talk to me at parties and say, "yeah, I'll be investing as soon as I get my house refinanced, but for now, you know, with all my costs, I just can't put anything away." Those same people who say that never seem to get on top of it.

But then, we all die anyway, and you can't take it with you!

khtm

07-12-2005, 10:27 AM