To the Young Guys
Drifting
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,515
Likes: 14
From: Gig Harbor WA
Older and wiser then most here. Some advice: Education is the key -- either college or trade school. To those who saved and paid cash, BRAVO! If you want something, save until you can pay cash, and if you still have the same desire with cash in hand -- go for it!
To those who say "save for the down payment," that needs further thought. If you have just a down payment, your monthly payments are based on the original amount -- not the remaining balance. If you do the math, you'll find you're spending several thousand over the purchase price -- just for instant gratification.
I learned this working my way through school in the (rip-off) car business -- and wondered why so many people were paying about 15-20% over their purchase price just for a new car.
As some have said in this thread, patience is a virtue, and it can save you a LOT of money.
To those who say "save for the down payment," that needs further thought. If you have just a down payment, your monthly payments are based on the original amount -- not the remaining balance. If you do the math, you'll find you're spending several thousand over the purchase price -- just for instant gratification.
I learned this working my way through school in the (rip-off) car business -- and wondered why so many people were paying about 15-20% over their purchase price just for a new car.
As some have said in this thread, patience is a virtue, and it can save you a LOT of money.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 10,233
Likes: 21
From: Baltimore suburbs Maryland
Why not? My C5's been my only car since 2003. I'm single with no kids. I had a sedan before that. I was sick of being the damn group driver for all my friends. I'm also a DJ and tow a trailer with the 'vette to move my gear.
Last edited by ericdwong; Aug 5, 2008 at 03:36 PM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,033
Likes: 0
From: H-Town Texas
Race Director
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 11,334
Likes: 136
From: Out of Site...Out of Mind. Corvette: anything else is just transportation.
St. Jude Donor '09 thru '20
Lots of hard work. 6 & 7 day work weeks.
And smart shopping not to mention luck.
My first Vette, '75, was a stroke of genius and the planets aligning at the right moment. Friend of mine literally lusted after my motorcycle when I first bought it. Tried to get one like it but they were all sold out. Fast forward a few years, we loose touch with work, families, etc., and I come across him working a used car lot. There sat the '75. He states that it's his personal car, just drove it to work on a nice day, and I , on the same motorcycle, tell him I'm looking for a classic Vette as soon as I can sell the bike to have enough money..... This no sooner leaves my mouth that he offers to TRADE MY BIKE FOR HIS VETTE!!!!! I didn't let him change his mind. In 30 min. I had him the title to the bike and I drove away smiling.
The '04 was a trade of a gas guzzeling truck. Making payments. NO REGRETS. Was putting 80.00 a week in the truck. And that was when gas was 2.65/gal. The Vette gets double the milage and looks way cooler.
And smart shopping not to mention luck.
My first Vette, '75, was a stroke of genius and the planets aligning at the right moment. Friend of mine literally lusted after my motorcycle when I first bought it. Tried to get one like it but they were all sold out. Fast forward a few years, we loose touch with work, families, etc., and I come across him working a used car lot. There sat the '75. He states that it's his personal car, just drove it to work on a nice day, and I , on the same motorcycle, tell him I'm looking for a classic Vette as soon as I can sell the bike to have enough money..... This no sooner leaves my mouth that he offers to TRADE MY BIKE FOR HIS VETTE!!!!! I didn't let him change his mind. In 30 min. I had him the title to the bike and I drove away smiling.
The '04 was a trade of a gas guzzeling truck. Making payments. NO REGRETS. Was putting 80.00 a week in the truck. And that was when gas was 2.65/gal. The Vette gets double the milage and looks way cooler.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,058
Likes: 5
From: Syracuse New York
We worked hard, sacrificed, and make payments. Bought my first one when I was 20 and in college. While my friends were eating at the food court and surrounding restaurants every day, I was bringing PB&J sandwiches. When they were going out partying every night, I went out for a few hours on Friday OR Saturday (not both)
I was also working a full time job, and a part time job to pay it off in 2.5 years instead of 4
Of course now that I am on my second one...I don't save money as much anymore.
I was also working a full time job, and a part time job to pay it off in 2.5 years instead of 4
Of course now that I am on my second one...I don't save money as much anymore.
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Cruising
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: Raleigh North Carolina
I just bought mine a couple months ago. I got a decent full time job, have no kids, traded in my 98 camaro, which even though I miss my camaro I love my vette, but I got a 98 vette that needed a few things.
It needed new tires, new battery, and has a couple of gremlins. But, I enjoy working on the car and it made the car well within my price range.
It needed new tires, new battery, and has a couple of gremlins. But, I enjoy working on the car and it made the car well within my price range.
