I agree with you George. I just wish that people knew how big the dividends are when you put the family first...the payoff is huge albeit sometimes intangible. I can't believe how quickly my kids have grown up. It seems like yesterday when we were thinking about college savings plans, etc and now my first one is in college. I am 47 and still feeling young, but all the sudden my kids have grown up!

Enjoy your car and good luck with the savings plan!

 

I know the feeling somewhat. Even though I haven't had my C5 for more than 5 months I'm looking at putting a manufactured home on my dad's property here in San Diego(26 years old and thinking ahead for once!). I figure between that and my 90' Turbocharged Nissan, I can put over 30k down on what would be my home for a long time to come, and maybe in a couple years, scrape up enough money to try and get an early Z06.

I'm already getting the shakes though just imagining not being able to hear my Borla Stingers every morning on my way to work.

 

Dad? Not something some of us are accustom too. It's a struggle with or without help. The latter earns more self pride IMHO.

I'll put this back into prospective: Scott04Z four kids have got it made in my eyes.

 

Point well taken, slong, but here's the rest of the story. BTW...you mentioned that I have four kids, but I am only aware of two...is there something you know that I should know?!?

I put myself through college and am sure that the lessons learned in doing so helped me grow up and learn responsibility much faster than I might have otherwise. I have told both my kids ( daughter a freshmen in college and son a senior in high school) that we will help them as much as possible but we expect them to contribute to their education as much as possible. I want my daughter to have at least her first semester to adjust to college life and the appropriate study habits and then she can look for a part time job to supplement her tuition and expenses.

I have told them both that even if I could afford to pay for their entire college education that I wouldn't because they need to learn the responsibility of self dependence...and, in my humble opinion, they are less likely to throw a semester away if they are helping to pay for it. Both my kids have been awesome and have not been any trouble...I feel very blessed and very proud of both of them. My parents could not afford to help me when I was in college...they would have if they could have though. I can help my kids and am happy to do so as long as they don't squander the opportunity. My daughter attended a private christian high school which was populated by many kids of wealthy parents. I'm talking new Beemers, Mercs and every other luxury car known to man. One girl totaled her new Mercedes so her Dad went out and bought her a brand new high end SUV so that she would be safer if she wrecked it. This kind of thinking belongs in Congress!

So...Dad's help only goes so far, but is extended gladly and with a profound sense of gratitude that I am able to do for my children what my parents would have liked to have done for me. I want my kids to better me in every way and have told them so! This is my way of extending the opportunity to them...only they can determine whether or not they will make the most of it!

 

I haven't asked my dad for any help and have tried to stand on my own too feet as well as possible. The idea of putting a manu. home on my dad's place in San Diego has several things going for it.

1) Housing in San Diego is INSANE. 500k + is the average price for a house out here. I'm single, so this is out of the question.

2) The area my dad's ranch is at, is a safe area for cars, and low crime because it's 20 miles from downtown San Diego.

3) My dad's gone 3 weeks a month as a Business pilot and my step-mom is also gone several times a week up in Los Angeles, or even out of state on business. As it is I'm already manning 12 horses almost alone. I live in a small trailer and the rent's cheap, but they like having someone here to keep an eye on things and keep the beasts alive. It's a win win situation for all, and with a manufactured home, it gets my feet planted, builds my credit up more, and maybe someday I'll get married and may move who knows.

Anyway, that was just incase anybody had any beef with my original post.

 

I don't have any problem with your thinking. A home is definitely more important than a car...just ask anyone who has had to live in their car!

You will strengthen your credit by making payments on a manufactured home, but generally, and especially here in CA it is property that really makes the difference. Still, I think your plans are certainly reasonable given the fact that you are watching the property a lot. Do take into consideration that manufactured homes do not generally gain value over the years, but they do have real value in that they provide a roof over your head and that is a priority. There are some really nice manufactured homes out there now and the quality has improved considerably in the last few years.

As I stated earlier, making payments on your manufactured home
will strengthen your credit rating and you have the benefit of contributing to your own future instead of the owner of the rental property you are probably living in. Due to the fact that I couldn't come up with the down payment, I rented for almost ten years here in the SF Bay Area. Our housing market is at least as brutal as San Diego's if not worse. Fortunately we were able to buy a few years ago and the difference between owning and renting is incredible. My home has appreciated over 60% since I bought it. I am glad I was able to get in the market and you will be too!

Good luck!

 

Well even if the property doesn't appreciate, I'll still have a nice roof over my head.

But ya I know what you mean. I just can't afford my own property here(even condos are 300k+ for nothings!).

I'm not ready to move yet though, as the year round weather here is unbeatable.

 

What I meant was from the original topic. I didn't want to hijack the post. It's great that you are also going down the same road. Many more things in life are more important then autos, like having a family or you’re father around too. The part about the kids was a crack up!

 

Scott - the car is awesome! The power and handling is amazing. The car is better than I could have dreamed for. I've been driving it every day but at some point it won't be the daily driver. I was initially concerned about purchasing a used z06 so I feel lucky to find one so well taken care of. Thanks for spending the time to go over all the details and features. The fresh oil change was also appreciated.

I'm sorry that you had to sell the car but as you and everyone else have already mentioned taking care of your family is the most important thing.

 

Good man! Always pop in, It will keep you focused on getting the next one. Obvisiouly these cars are a mindset. A state of mind: that well makes us feel good and yes feel young. Look at it this way, right now your next car is out there being waxed and being cared for just waiting for you. Good luck and stay the course.

 

Scott,
You are a good man and I feel for you...
If you live near NJ, let me know, you can drive mine anytime you need a fix.
Don't leave the forum!!!

 

Hey Jeff,

I am glad you are enjoying the car! The look on your face when you got in it to drive it home was priceless and brought back to me all the emotions I felt on the day I picked it up at the dealership. It made me feel great to know that the car did the same for you.

I am currently looking at a 98 Coupe with high miles and may purchase it next week. I am going to have my mechanic give it a good going over to make sure he doesn't detect anything seriously wrong, but it looks like a car that has had very good care. A Z06 it ain't, but with a head and cam package and a little suspension work who knows what is possible!

 

That was quick! Just out of curiosity ....

What do you have as a daily driver? or is the 98 gonna be the DD

 

I would do the same thing...but it would be painful

 

Over 500hp at the crank is definite.

 

Actually it's been three weeks already, but feels a lot longer. It was always in my plan to get something else for a daily driver once my 04 Z06 sold. I have to have a car to drive and have been trading back and forth with my wife and daughters cars. The 98 will cost me less than half of what I sold the Z for. I was starting to look at other less expensive cars...hopefully something with some decent performance, but then I thought that maybe I could find an older C5 with high miles on it and started searching. It's slim pickens' out there right now, but I have found a couple of good candidates and one that I am hoping might be the right car for me. If I get into it right I will still have a little left over for a few upgrades and then I can be happy in an older car for a few years until my budget allows for something newer.

It is hard for me to step from the Z06 to a coupe. Everything I drive feels like such a slug compared to that car, but at least I can still drive a Vette so all is not lost!