Deciding factor for an 8. Maintenance
11-15-2007, 01:38 AM
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Deciding factor for an 8. Maintenance
Basically last straw on whether or not i pick an 8 up in the next couple of weeks.
Working part time ( senior in high school ) i make about 500$ a month. Can only work about 18 hours a week since I'm rather busy. 200$ will go to going out etc a month and i will have about 300$ for the car.
I drive about 400 miles a month at most, but mainly city driving. so 120$ for gas i would figure. Which leaves me with 180$.
Maybe 30$ a month on oil ? I don't know the prices of oil sadly but its an estimate.
So if I'm missing out on anything please tell me because I'm really trying to find out whether or not i can afford to maintain this car. I have a schwab account with close to 10k but i don't want to touch that money until i really need it. Basically not taking more then a grand a year when it comes to little issues with the car.
Asking on west coast forums because things are a little different here then everywhere else due to the heat as well as having different gas. ( fukin emissions
)
For anyone who responds i thank you greatly in advance. I so much rather get an 8 then some FWD crap that would be forced upon me.
Working part time ( senior in high school ) i make about 500$ a month. Can only work about 18 hours a week since I'm rather busy. 200$ will go to going out etc a month and i will have about 300$ for the car.
I drive about 400 miles a month at most, but mainly city driving. so 120$ for gas i would figure. Which leaves me with 180$.
Maybe 30$ a month on oil ? I don't know the prices of oil sadly but its an estimate.
So if I'm missing out on anything please tell me because I'm really trying to find out whether or not i can afford to maintain this car. I have a schwab account with close to 10k but i don't want to touch that money until i really need it. Basically not taking more then a grand a year when it comes to little issues with the car.
Asking on west coast forums because things are a little different here then everywhere else due to the heat as well as having different gas. ( fukin emissions
)For anyone who responds i thank you greatly in advance. I so much rather get an 8 then some FWD crap that would be forced upon me.
Last edited by ayodog; 11-15-2007 at 01:41 AM. Reason: cuz i'm cute
11-15-2007, 02:06 AM
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11-15-2007, 09:36 AM
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then you also gotta save up for any other problems that might come your way....tires, flats, other crap like coolant, wiper blades,car care products etc. im pretty sure when you get your 8 you dont want it looking, smelling and especially running like crap.
11-15-2007, 10:36 AM
#6
You cant afford one.
Your logic is flawed!!! ;
If you make $500/month and plan to spend $500/month . . you are gonna go in to debt.
If you make $500/month, find a car that will budget out to ( including ALL living costs AND car ) $250 per month. Now you already stated that you need $200 for misc monthly expenses . . that leaves you $50 per month for a car. I highly doubt that $50 /month will cover an RX8.
This way will help you save a dollar or two, so when you have some unexpected expense come up, it will not put you in to debt. Cuz once you are behind, it is REALLY hard to catch up again. And you do not want a broken down car sitting in your driveway cuz you cant afford the $120 for spark plugs now do you?
Your logic is flawed!!! ;
If you make $500/month and plan to spend $500/month . . you are gonna go in to debt.
If you make $500/month, find a car that will budget out to ( including ALL living costs AND car ) $250 per month. Now you already stated that you need $200 for misc monthly expenses . . that leaves you $50 per month for a car. I highly doubt that $50 /month will cover an RX8.
This way will help you save a dollar or two, so when you have some unexpected expense come up, it will not put you in to debt. Cuz once you are behind, it is REALLY hard to catch up again. And you do not want a broken down car sitting in your driveway cuz you cant afford the $120 for spark plugs now do you?
11-15-2007, 10:51 AM
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You cant afford one.
Your logic is flawed!!! ;
If you make $500/month and plan to spend $500/month . . you are gonna go in to debt.
If you make $500/month, find a car that will budget out to ( including ALL living costs AND car ) $250 per month. Now you already stated that you need $200 for misc monthly expenses . . that leaves you $50 per month for a car. I highly doubt that $50 /month will cover an RX8.
This way will help you save a dollar or two, so when you have some unexpected expense come up, it will not put you in to debt. Cuz once you are behind, it is REALLY hard to catch up again. And you do not want a broken down car sitting in your driveway cuz you cant afford the $120 for spark plugs now do you?
Your logic is flawed!!! ;
If you make $500/month and plan to spend $500/month . . you are gonna go in to debt.
If you make $500/month, find a car that will budget out to ( including ALL living costs AND car ) $250 per month. Now you already stated that you need $200 for misc monthly expenses . . that leaves you $50 per month for a car. I highly doubt that $50 /month will cover an RX8.
This way will help you save a dollar or two, so when you have some unexpected expense come up, it will not put you in to debt. Cuz once you are behind, it is REALLY hard to catch up again. And you do not want a broken down car sitting in your driveway cuz you cant afford the $120 for spark plugs now do you?
11-15-2007, 12:39 PM
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I put nothing down on mine...my payments are 671 a month.....
I think this kid is getting the car from his parents. He probably won't even have to pay any cash out of pocket for insurance.
This is the sad state of the RX8 market. I'm sorry to say, but when I got the car, it was a great car to be an owner of. No worries from cops, respect from other 8 owners....but now, as the market is being flooded by 04's which don't have very high resale values...the ownership of the 8 is going to swing.
I remember reading posts a couple months back which made me come to this realization. Kids getting ownership of a 30k car, then complaining that modifying it is more expensive than a Civic.
But, back to the point....assuming you have no car payment and no car insurance payment....and you only drive the car 400 miles a month..you should have no problem affording the car.
My question would then be...if you only drive it 400 miles a month, whats the point? Why not just get a cheaper commuter option.
Guess I'm just a bitter RX8 owner who has to face the realization that if my car is to sell on the open market, and not be trade-in fodder, than I should expect that my car will be sold to a grateful teenager.
I think this kid is getting the car from his parents. He probably won't even have to pay any cash out of pocket for insurance.
This is the sad state of the RX8 market. I'm sorry to say, but when I got the car, it was a great car to be an owner of. No worries from cops, respect from other 8 owners....but now, as the market is being flooded by 04's which don't have very high resale values...the ownership of the 8 is going to swing.
I remember reading posts a couple months back which made me come to this realization. Kids getting ownership of a 30k car, then complaining that modifying it is more expensive than a Civic.
But, back to the point....assuming you have no car payment and no car insurance payment....and you only drive the car 400 miles a month..you should have no problem affording the car.
My question would then be...if you only drive it 400 miles a month, whats the point? Why not just get a cheaper commuter option.
Guess I'm just a bitter RX8 owner who has to face the realization that if my car is to sell on the open market, and not be trade-in fodder, than I should expect that my car will be sold to a grateful teenager.
11-15-2007, 12:47 PM
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you cant afford the car, i pay 400 a month without insurance, which is 170 a month, cause im 18. Yes the mods are more expensive than a civic, but they are so much more worth it. but ayodog, i would say go for a different car, maybe a tiburon, hah, or just get a civic like everyone says
11-15-2007, 06:35 PM
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Ok, i plainly stated maintenance did i not? yes my parents are getting me a car, and i'm only dropping 4k of my own to help get it. And yes they're only making me pay 500$ a year for insurance while they cover the rest.
I could care less about what any of you think and i was really hoping this subject would not come up but w/e.
As for the little issues that come up like wiper blades, and all that other stuff, it wont be a problem because like i said, i have more then 10k in a schwab account that will constantly be growing. As long as i'm not taking more then 1k out a year. If i happen to then i can just add more to it and hold back on mods for a bit.
From the info that was given and relative to my post, i'm glad to see that i should be able to afford this car.
Also i myself will be doing most the work on the car which will save alot of $.
And again, please stay on subject.
I could care less about what any of you think and i was really hoping this subject would not come up but w/e.
As for the little issues that come up like wiper blades, and all that other stuff, it wont be a problem because like i said, i have more then 10k in a schwab account that will constantly be growing. As long as i'm not taking more then 1k out a year. If i happen to then i can just add more to it and hold back on mods for a bit.
From the info that was given and relative to my post, i'm glad to see that i should be able to afford this car.
Also i myself will be doing most the work on the car which will save alot of $.
And again, please stay on subject.
Last edited by ayodog; 11-15-2007 at 06:39 PM.
11-15-2007, 06:38 PM
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You cant afford one.
Your logic is flawed!!! ;
If you make $500/month and plan to spend $500/month . . you are gonna go in to debt.
If you make $500/month, find a car that will budget out to ( including ALL living costs AND car ) $250 per month. Now you already stated that you need $200 for misc monthly expenses . . that leaves you $50 per month for a car. I highly doubt that $50 /month will cover an RX8.
This way will help you save a dollar or two, so when you have some unexpected expense come up, it will not put you in to debt. Cuz once you are behind, it is REALLY hard to catch up again. And you do not want a broken down car sitting in your driveway cuz you cant afford the $120 for spark plugs now do you?
Your logic is flawed!!! ;
If you make $500/month and plan to spend $500/month . . you are gonna go in to debt.
If you make $500/month, find a car that will budget out to ( including ALL living costs AND car ) $250 per month. Now you already stated that you need $200 for misc monthly expenses . . that leaves you $50 per month for a car. I highly doubt that $50 /month will cover an RX8.
This way will help you save a dollar or two, so when you have some unexpected expense come up, it will not put you in to debt. Cuz once you are behind, it is REALLY hard to catch up again. And you do not want a broken down car sitting in your driveway cuz you cant afford the $120 for spark plugs now do you?
My living expenses are pretty much covered by my parents when it comes to food/housing. Remember, i'm a senior in highschool lol. Live at home.
Only money i spend is on going out or gas. And i'm a cheap guy since i only want to save money for my car.
My logic is not as flawed as you may think.
11-15-2007, 06:45 PM
#15
When I was a senior in High school, I knew people with that same logic. And back then .. .it made perfect sense to them.
Personally, By the time I was your age, I had owned more than 20 cars. So I knew better.
There are ALWAYS unexpected expenses. If you do not mind blowing what you have, and your schwab account too . . then this is an awesome car to own.
Your insurance will be super cheap, this is classified as a 4 door sedan. But just remember, working on a tight budget leaves VERY little room for error. On your part AND every other driover on the road. What happens when some pulls a hit and run, while at the same time you need tires and plugs? There goes $3000 immediately. Those unexpected little hickups REALLY hurt when $$ is tight.
Dont take any of this the wrong way, I would love to hear that your got the 8, but I also want to make sure you are going to be able to keep it in good running condition. Not having a payment will help, but remember . . there are ALWAYS unexpected scenarios. Make sure you plan for them.( planning for the unexpected, oxymoron statement.)
I know you are anxious, I was too with my first rotary, but I also started with a $1000 1984 gsl-se.
I am sure you have heard the term "look before you leap". And I am glad to see that you are seeking advice from other who own these wonderful cars. But make sure that you listen with an open mind. "I want it badly" can blind you, and making rash decisions can often times hurt.
But definately keep us updated. It is always nice to meet new rotor heads
Personally, By the time I was your age, I had owned more than 20 cars. So I knew better.
There are ALWAYS unexpected expenses. If you do not mind blowing what you have, and your schwab account too . . then this is an awesome car to own.
Your insurance will be super cheap, this is classified as a 4 door sedan. But just remember, working on a tight budget leaves VERY little room for error. On your part AND every other driover on the road. What happens when some pulls a hit and run, while at the same time you need tires and plugs? There goes $3000 immediately. Those unexpected little hickups REALLY hurt when $$ is tight.
Dont take any of this the wrong way, I would love to hear that your got the 8, but I also want to make sure you are going to be able to keep it in good running condition. Not having a payment will help, but remember . . there are ALWAYS unexpected scenarios. Make sure you plan for them.( planning for the unexpected, oxymoron statement.)
I know you are anxious, I was too with my first rotary, but I also started with a $1000 1984 gsl-se.
I am sure you have heard the term "look before you leap". And I am glad to see that you are seeking advice from other who own these wonderful cars. But make sure that you listen with an open mind. "I want it badly" can blind you, and making rash decisions can often times hurt.
But definately keep us updated. It is always nice to meet new rotor heads
Last edited by rglbegl; 11-15-2007 at 06:52 PM.
11-15-2007, 06:48 PM
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I put nothing down on mine...my payments are 671 a month.....
I think this kid is getting the car from his parents. He probably won't even have to pay any cash out of pocket for insurance.
This is the sad state of the RX8 market. I'm sorry to say, but when I got the car, it was a great car to be an owner of. No worries from cops, respect from other 8 owners....but now, as the market is being flooded by 04's which don't have very high resale values...the ownership of the 8 is going to swing.
I remember reading posts a couple months back which made me come to this realization. Kids getting ownership of a 30k car, then complaining that modifying it is more expensive than a Civic.
But, back to the point....assuming you have no car payment and no car insurance payment....and you only drive the car 400 miles a month..you should have no problem affording the car.
My question would then be...if you only drive it 400 miles a month, whats the point? Why not just get a cheaper commuter option.
Guess I'm just a bitter RX8 owner who has to face the realization that if my car is to sell on the open market, and not be trade-in fodder, than I should expect that my car will be sold to a grateful teenager.
I think this kid is getting the car from his parents. He probably won't even have to pay any cash out of pocket for insurance.
This is the sad state of the RX8 market. I'm sorry to say, but when I got the car, it was a great car to be an owner of. No worries from cops, respect from other 8 owners....but now, as the market is being flooded by 04's which don't have very high resale values...the ownership of the 8 is going to swing.
I remember reading posts a couple months back which made me come to this realization. Kids getting ownership of a 30k car, then complaining that modifying it is more expensive than a Civic.
But, back to the point....assuming you have no car payment and no car insurance payment....and you only drive the car 400 miles a month..you should have no problem affording the car.
My question would then be...if you only drive it 400 miles a month, whats the point? Why not just get a cheaper commuter option.
Guess I'm just a bitter RX8 owner who has to face the realization that if my car is to sell on the open market, and not be trade-in fodder, than I should expect that my car will be sold to a grateful teenager.
Also, I have the chance to learn alot about rotary engines this year since my auto shop teacher has worked with them alot. He helped build a few 300+ HP rotaries for Racing Beat. We also have a 12A that we get to rebuild and learn about.
For these reasons i want to get a rotary car while in high school so i can learn now and not be a dolt with rotaries when i pick one up after college.
And dont worry lol, i wont be anything like the civic or srt kids. My mods will all be suspension oriented. Not some intake/exhaust combo so i can be the loudest kid in the parking lot.
11-15-2007, 06:51 PM
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When I was a senior in High school, I knew people with that same logic. And back then .. .it made perfect sense to them.
Personally, By the time I was your age, I had owned more than 20 cars. So I knew better.
There are ALWAYS unexpected expenses. If you do not mind blowing what you have, and your schwab account too . . then this is an awesome car to own.
Your insurance will be super cheap, this is classified as a 4 door sedan. But just remember, working on a tight budget leaves VERY little room for error. On your part AND every other driover on the road. What happens when some pulls a hit and run, while at the same time you need tires and plugs? There goes $3000 immediately. Those unexpected little hickups REALLY hurt when $$ is tight.
Dont take any of this the wrong way, I would love to hear that your got the 8, but I also want to make sure you are going to be able to keep it in good running condition. Not having a payment will help, but remember . . there are ALWAYS unexpected scenarios. Make sure you plan for them.
Personally, By the time I was your age, I had owned more than 20 cars. So I knew better.
There are ALWAYS unexpected expenses. If you do not mind blowing what you have, and your schwab account too . . then this is an awesome car to own.
Your insurance will be super cheap, this is classified as a 4 door sedan. But just remember, working on a tight budget leaves VERY little room for error. On your part AND every other driover on the road. What happens when some pulls a hit and run, while at the same time you need tires and plugs? There goes $3000 immediately. Those unexpected little hickups REALLY hurt when $$ is tight.
Dont take any of this the wrong way, I would love to hear that your got the 8, but I also want to make sure you are going to be able to keep it in good running condition. Not having a payment will help, but remember . . there are ALWAYS unexpected scenarios. Make sure you plan for them.
2 years of license so far w/o crash or ticket isn't too bad for my age though.
I try and keep it like that so these scenarios are kept to a minimum.
Thx again though, its always good to keep these thoughts fresh in my mind
11-15-2007, 06:53 PM
#19
btw, just to give you an idea ; I just bought new tires, they were almost $1000. I need new plugs, they are about $100. And my registration is coming due soon, another $250. That will be $1350 this month alone. Plus gas . . and payment, but we wont go there 
11-15-2007, 07:00 PM
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Parents will most likely cover all of this for me cept for half of the tires and spark plugs.
lol guess i should be smacked for this but its how the cards are dealt.
What tires do you have though? and they on 18's ? or 19's ? 1000 for 4 seems a little high but maybe i just been around too many econo cars.
Hmm and maybe i should ask to be bumped up to 22-23 hours so i'm pullin in 600+ a month haha. Ty to everyone for letting me know about many of the yearly expenses of the car, its giving me a good idea of how much i'll have to be saving.
11-15-2007, 07:47 PM
#21
more hours would be better, just dont let it spoil school time.
Tires are actually about $750 for a good set, more for supergood tires, less for tires you wouldn't want, but would fit.
If you are a mindful owner, and pay attention to what the car is telling you . . no worries. These things will last a LONG time. It just takes a few extra minutes every week to do your normal rotary check up.
And if your parents are willing to help you . . . all the better. Accept their gifts with a smile.
BTW, I know of 2 REALLY nice 8's for sale locally. I can vouch for how well kept they are. Both are members here, and both are avid fans who take REALLY good car of their cars.
Tires are actually about $750 for a good set, more for supergood tires, less for tires you wouldn't want, but would fit.
If you are a mindful owner, and pay attention to what the car is telling you . . no worries. These things will last a LONG time. It just takes a few extra minutes every week to do your normal rotary check up.
And if your parents are willing to help you . . . all the better. Accept their gifts with a smile.
BTW, I know of 2 REALLY nice 8's for sale locally. I can vouch for how well kept they are. Both are members here, and both are avid fans who take REALLY good car of their cars.
11-15-2007, 07:49 PM
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well people with 8's only want the best for their car, so he most likely spent that good chunk on some high quality tires. i didnt mean to offend you, i am just quick to assume that since you get everything handed to you. I have met many kids like that, and each one, i make them eat their teeth. but you dont seem that way, which i am glad for that. everyone will say that if you take care of your 8, it will take care of you. yes unexpected things may happen, but what is the best offense? a good defense. just be prepared for the worst, and if you do buy and 8, welcome to the club, just dont become a snob, i would hate to see that.
11-15-2007, 10:14 PM
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more hours would be better, just dont let it spoil school time.
Tires are actually about $750 for a good set, more for supergood tires, less for tires you wouldn't want, but would fit.
If you are a mindful owner, and pay attention to what the car is telling you . . no worries. These things will last a LONG time. It just takes a few extra minutes every week to do your normal rotary check up.
And if your parents are willing to help you . . . all the better. Accept their gifts with a smile.
BTW, I know of 2 REALLY nice 8's for sale locally. I can vouch for how well kept they are. Both are members here, and both are avid fans who take REALLY good car of their cars.
Tires are actually about $750 for a good set, more for supergood tires, less for tires you wouldn't want, but would fit.
If you are a mindful owner, and pay attention to what the car is telling you . . no worries. These things will last a LONG time. It just takes a few extra minutes every week to do your normal rotary check up.
And if your parents are willing to help you . . . all the better. Accept their gifts with a smile.
BTW, I know of 2 REALLY nice 8's for sale locally. I can vouch for how well kept they are. Both are members here, and both are avid fans who take REALLY good car of their cars.
As for school, I have already been accepted to all but 1 college that i applied to.. which hasn't yet responded. I just simply have to maintain C's or better now lol. Its more of basketball and my dance team that keep me from working as much as i would like.
11-15-2007, 10:18 PM
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well people with 8's only want the best for their car, so he most likely spent that good chunk on some high quality tires. i didnt mean to offend you, i am just quick to assume that since you get everything handed to you. I have met many kids like that, and each one, i make them eat their teeth. but you dont seem that way, which i am glad for that. everyone will say that if you take care of your 8, it will take care of you. yes unexpected things may happen, but what is the best offense? a good defense. just be prepared for the worst, and if you do buy and 8, welcome to the club, just dont become a snob, i would hate to see that.
I don't know much at all about tires, i wont deny that. **** i dont know anything about them. Alot has been handed to me as well but i'll surely let you know that just never showing interest in nice tires before is the reason for being so naive.
