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Hard time pulling the trigger.

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Old Jan 20, 2011 | 11:19 AM
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Default Hard time pulling the trigger.

I've been searching for a car for about a month now, and have finally found several cars that are local that I have great interest in. I started my search looking for a Corvette, and I've found a 91 6sp car that I like. I've been thinking about it alot, and the only reason I haven't bought it, is that I have 2 boys, ages 6 and 4. The car I buy won't be a daily driver, but I want to be able to include my sons in the hobby, and be able to take them in the car from time to time. So, I've somewhat turned my eye towards F-bodys. I've had a number of them, and for what I intend to use the vehicle for, (weekend cruiser), I know they would be fine. I've found a few of those I like as well, but I keep coming back to the vette. I already have a motorcycle, which is set aside for "me" time, but I find I hardly have time to go out and enjoy it anymore. If i get the vette, odds are it will replace the bike in the garage, but that still doesn't get me around the fact that 1 seat is missing. I'm sure there must be other forum members who have had to balance this issue as well. Am I being selfish if go with the vette?
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Old Jan 20, 2011 | 11:25 AM
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Depends on your priorities. if you want quality time with your boys then an f Body may be the way to go. I considred a TA at one time myself and there's nothing wrong with them. If you want me time then you may consider losing the Bike and going with a vette and an F Body.

Or if you want me time and won't forego the bike, then it's back to F Body.

But you already know this so it comes back to your priorities. I'm no help!
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Old Jan 20, 2011 | 11:41 AM
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Originally Posted by Kevin Vandevenne
I've been searching for a car for about a month now, and have finally found several cars that are local that I have great interest in. I started my search looking for a Corvette, and I've found a 91 6sp car that I like. I've been thinking about it alot, and the only reason I haven't bought it, is that I have 2 boys, ages 6 and 4. The car I buy won't be a daily driver, but I want to be able to include my sons in the hobby, and be able to take them in the car from time to time. So, I've somewhat turned my eye towards F-bodys. I've had a number of them, and for what I intend to use the vehicle for, (weekend cruiser), I know they would be fine. I've found a few of those I like as well, but I keep coming back to the vette. I already have a motorcycle, which is set aside for "me" time, but I find I hardly have time to go out and enjoy it anymore. If i get the vette, odds are it will replace the bike in the garage, but that still doesn't get me around the fact that 1 seat is missing. I'm sure there must be other forum members who have had to balance this issue as well. Am I being selfish if go with the vette?
You’re worried about your family. You ask input from “strangers”. You’re concerned about doing the right thing.

Sounds like you earned a little “selfish me time” (Not that I personally think it’s selfish at all)… Get the vette. Have fun. Be safe!!

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Old Jan 20, 2011 | 11:47 AM
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Originally Posted by RetiredSFC 97
I'm no help!


I think you nailed it pretty good Mike.

If he's wanting to get his boys involved in the car hobby and wants to be able to drive with both of them at the same time, then the Corvette isn't going to work.

There is nothing wrong with getting a F-Body for that purpose.

I didn't get my Corvette or Harley, until our daughter was married and moved out.
Now I am about ready to start thinking about taking one of the grand kids on Power Tour with me.
It will be a few more years though, no way I could handle them for a full week at their age now.
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Old Jan 20, 2011 | 01:09 PM
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Originally Posted by RollaMo-LT4


I think you nailed it pretty good Mike.

If he's wanting to get his boys involved in the car hobby and wants to be able to drive with both of them at the same time, then the Corvette isn't going to work.

There is nothing wrong with getting a F-Body for that purpose.

I didn't get my Corvette or Harley, until our daughter was married and moved out.
Now I am about ready to start thinking about taking one of the grand kids on Power Tour with me.
It will be a few more years though, no way I could handle them for a full week at their age now.
chump!
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Old Jan 20, 2011 | 03:03 PM
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One thing is for sure, if you get the vette, you will have ample opportunity to spend time and $ and blood keep her up! You will undoubtedly also introduce your kids to lots of new four letter vocabulary.

That aside, my two boys were about the same ages when I got my C4. No bike for me. In the end, they were not interested in maintaining cars at all. Now that they drive, their cars are pig stys. They don't clean them I won't fix them. Maybe you will have better luck drawing their interest.

And perhaps your wife will have all kinds of new and interesting things to say about the Vette like mine seems to come up with.
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Old Jan 20, 2011 | 03:23 PM
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If you off the "me" time bike you could replace it with a "me" time Vette. Since only one boy at a time can ride on the bike with you you can take one at a time in the car.

The home conversation should go something like this,

"Honey, it will be safer for the boys to ride in the Vette than on the bike".

Nothing wrong with an F body.

Luck with your decision.
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Old Jan 20, 2011 | 06:15 PM
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Lots of different perspectives - and all soundly reasoned. But, I think there is a reason you keep coming back to the Corvette - precisely because it is NOT an F-Body (or a Mustang, or a Challenger ((or whatever they are called these days)) ).

To state the obvious, there is a magic to a real sports car - a look, and a feel, a zoom, and a "bravado". So, you take the boys one-at-a-time in the 'Vette, and that makes it all the more special.

Better they have a chance to grow a passion for a REAL sports car - up close and personal.

- LoPresti's Perspective.
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Old Jan 20, 2011 | 06:54 PM
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Originally Posted by RacePro Engineering
Lots of different perspectives - and all soundly reasoned. But, I think there is a reason you keep coming back to the Corvette - precisely because it is NOT an F-Body (or a Mustang, or a Challenger ((or whatever they are called these days)) ).

To state the obvious, there is a magic to a real sports car - a look, and a feel, a zoom, and a "bravado". So, you take the boys one-at-a-time in the 'Vette, and that makes it all the more special.

Better they have a chance to grow a passion for a REAL sports car - up close and personal.

- LoPresti's Perspective.


well said!
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Old Jan 20, 2011 | 08:01 PM
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I would recommend any Camaro with a LS1 in it. (I have a 1998 Z28) Very fun and fast car to own. Plus you can mod the heck out of it for a hobby.

Sure it's not as "cool" as a Corvette, but it's still pretty dang cool and faster than most cars on the road.
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Old Jan 20, 2011 | 08:23 PM
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I have two boys too, I also have a motorcycle, and my wife kept telling me when I was buying the vette that I should get something we can all go in..HMMM ,I told her we have her caddy for that, I like taking my boys but I take them one at a time.. but half the time they're not into cars yet so if we need to go anywhere we go in the family car. Otherwise IM in the Vette. Too much fun to pass up, also tried going to Camaro or Mustang or TA and I just kept comming back to Vette and the deal was too good to pass up.
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Old Jan 20, 2011 | 09:12 PM
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Originally Posted by Mustang_Eater
I would recommend any Camaro with a LS1 in it. (I have a 1998 Z28) Very fun and fast car to own. Plus you can mod the heck out of it for a hobby.

Sure it's not as "cool" as a Corvette, but it's still pretty dang cool and faster than most cars on the road.
and for $5k-$8k will beat most C4's
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Old Jan 20, 2011 | 09:32 PM
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BAH! Send the boys out to mow the lawn and get the Vette.

Gotta buy what youll feel good about at the end of the day, great deals on LS1 Fbodys out there which is what it sounds like you may need. Go drive a Vette too for the heck of it, one of them you wont be able to get out of your head and will have to have. Sure they wouldnt mind taking turns riding in Dads Toy. They cant both fit on the bike right?
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Old Jan 20, 2011 | 09:42 PM
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There have been some very good points made by others but I don't see how this going to help you make a decision. It all comes down to whats going to make YOU happy when this is all said and done. My son had a 01 Camaro SS and it was very cool and faster than my vette but in the end I'd take my vette with out a second thought. I bought several cool cars in the past but it wasn't tell I bought the vette that I was really happy with what I was driving. It comes down to what's going to make you happy when you slide behind the wheel and fire that thing up.
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Old Jan 20, 2011 | 09:58 PM
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Originally Posted by Kevin Vandevenne
I've been searching for a car for about a month now, and have finally found several cars that are local that I have great interest in. I started my search looking for a Corvette, and I've found a 91 6sp car that I like. I've been thinking about it alot, and the only reason I haven't bought it, is that I have 2 boys, ages 6 and 4. The car I buy won't be a daily driver, but I want to be able to include my sons in the hobby, and be able to take them in the car from time to time. So, I've somewhat turned my eye towards F-bodys. I've had a number of them, and for what I intend to use the vehicle for, (weekend cruiser), I know they would be fine. I've found a few of those I like as well, but I keep coming back to the vette. I already have a motorcycle, which is set aside for "me" time, but I find I hardly have time to go out and enjoy it anymore. If i get the vette, odds are it will replace the bike in the garage, but that still doesn't get me around the fact that 1 seat is missing. I'm sure there must be other forum members who have had to balance this issue as well. Am I being selfish if go with the vette?
Kevin, I think you know the answer. You want someone to say it is OK to get the vette. However, we are parents and with 2 young boys it would be tough to do separate outings. F-bodies allow you to have the best of both worlds. The wife, kids, and you on weekend cruises in a nice Camaro or Firebird, what's not to like. You will know when the time is right for a 2 seater. My time came last year. The wife and I bought a 95 coupe for US. "Me" time is limited as a parent with young kids. Get something you all can enjoy together. Believe me, you will be amazed at how quickly they grow up. And when the time is right, that vette will be waiting for you. Good luck.
Kevin
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Old Jan 20, 2011 | 10:34 PM
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Originally Posted by Kevin Vandevenne
I've been searching for a car for about a month now, and have finally found several cars that are local that I have great interest in. I started my search looking for a Corvette, and I've found a 91 6sp car that I like. I've been thinking about it alot, and the only reason I haven't bought it, is that I have 2 boys, ages 6 and 4. The car I buy won't be a daily driver, but I want to be able to include my sons in the hobby, and be able to take them in the car from time to time. So, I've somewhat turned my eye towards F-bodys. I've had a number of them, and for what I intend to use the vehicle for, (weekend cruiser), I know they would be fine. I've found a few of those I like as well, but I keep coming back to the vette. I already have a motorcycle, which is set aside for "me" time, but I find I hardly have time to go out and enjoy it anymore. If i get the vette, odds are it will replace the bike in the garage, but that still doesn't get me around the fact that 1 seat is missing. I'm sure there must be other forum members who have had to balance this issue as well. Am I being selfish if go with the vette?
Well, here is another point of view. You don't have to agree. First, you have already had f bodys, so what is the excitement about getting another one? The car is about you, not a 4 or 6 year old, it's about you. When the boys grow up they will get what they want--- at this age they don't have the appreciation or the passion for this sort of thing. You are foolish however, about the bike. With 2 small boys, the bike needs to be a thing of the past . The 91 Vette is a good choice among c4s. You are trying to use the car as a baby sitter since you can get them out of mommys hair and play at the same time. The only prob is you will not be in the Vette while doing this. While I admire your daddy motives, your heart is with the 2 seater. Buy the Vette, be happy. PS Comparing f bodys and 2 seat sport cars is like comparing apples and oranges
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Old Jan 20, 2011 | 10:42 PM
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Go with the Vette.
I did the samething 5 years ago when I had a chance to buy a real nice one then. For five years I was kicking myself for not pulling the triger on a very nice one low miles low price. So it took me 5 years until I couldnt stand it anymore...... and now one Black C4 6Spd later I'm so happy I wished I would have done it 10 years ago.
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To Hard time pulling the trigger.

Old Jan 20, 2011 | 10:52 PM
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I have 4 & 6 year old boys also. I have a Vette and just take turns taking rides with them. We have great quality one on one time together and I let them help shift the gears, they love it! They both get equal time and have never complained. If you got a Fbody you would have the problem of who is sitting in the front Good Luck Get the Vette!
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Old Jan 20, 2011 | 10:57 PM
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Originally Posted by rickyrj1
I have 4 & 6 year old boys also. I have a Vette and just take turns taking rides with them. We have great quality one on one time together and I let them help shift the gears, they love it! They both get equal time and have never complained. If you got a Fbody you would have the problem of who is sitting in the front Good Luck Get the Vette!


I would get the Vette. The "jones" to buy one will never go away, and you have years before it will become a real issue. Besides, boys like alone time with Dad. A 2 seat car makes that easy.
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Old Jan 21, 2011 | 12:19 AM
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You only go around once. Follow your heart. If you want a Vette, Get a Vette.
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