Justify buying a ‘Fun’ Car?

Oz8argain on 05/06/2018 - 12:40
Last edited 05/06/2018 - 12:40

Since Ozbargain always give out great financial advices, I would like to get your opinion on owning a vehicle mainly for fun.

I’ve had the idea of getting a manual 86/brz for 2 years now but never pulled the trigger because I feel like it’s not the best financial decision. I’m able to afford a decent second hand one since they have dropped to around 20k, and have plenty left over to cover other costs. But it’s small and impractical / not future proof. Alternatively I can keep saving up for a house which is probably more important, then marriage, kids, etc. Which probably will all happen within the next 5-10 years. I don’t see anywhere I can justify a fun car purchase until I wait until retirement?! I’m not into family sedans with big hp, I prefer small, simple, rwd design of the 86/brz. I don’t drive daily, only on weekends which would make car purchase even less justifiable.

I share the same love of cars as you guys but where do you draw the line on spending? And how the hell did all these teenagers afford these cars?! So many carsales photos with p plates on them and modded to the moon and back.

Poll Options

  • 354
    Buy
  • 89
    Don't Buy
  • 4
    Other
  • 37
    It's an investment, a200amg, westpac, blah blah blah
Automotive Car

Comments

  • Nugs on 05/06/2018 - 12:48
    +19

    i just recently bought a 'fun car', but it was $1500.

    .

    • Oz8argain on 05/06/2018 - 13:33
      +17

      bicycle doesn't count

      • Nugs on 05/06/2018 - 14:19
        +8

        it's got 270Nm

        (well it did 185000km ago)

        .

        • Ryballs on 05/06/2018 - 15:03
          +30

          That's one hellva bicycle.

        • Oz8argain on 05/06/2018 - 15:36
          +9

          a powerful pair of legs you got

        • OzzyOzbourne on 06/06/2018 - 10:55
          +6

          Well, as long as you have a 10m crank, you only need to apply 27N,quite easy for a human leg

        • Ulysses31 on 06/06/2018 - 22:39

          @OzzyOzbourne: a 10m human leg

        • macrocephalic on 07/06/2018 - 09:28

          @OzzyOzbourne: Well, I weigh about 105kg, that's near enough to 1000N. Apply that to a 30cm crank and you've got 300NM. Of course I'm fairly RPM limited.

        • pennypincher98 on 14/06/2018 - 19:38

          I see you don't ever skip leg day ;)

    • ozzpete on 06/06/2018 - 03:16

      I bought 2 for less than that 😆 .
      2 Toyota Celica's. Had plans to take em to track and race them, until I killed one of em 😕 .

    • vj187 on 07/06/2018 - 00:32

      What car did you get nugs? Hopefully something that doesn't back up your username..

      • Nugs on 09/06/2018 - 10:05

        2002 Bora V6.
        hardly a thing on it that isn't damaged in some way.
        .

  • TheOtherLeft on 05/06/2018 - 12:53
    +61

    It appears you're currently single, so I say live it up now because once you're married/mortgaged/kids your spending habits on hobbies will dramatically decrease. Then you'll be wondering "why didn't I do it back then?" I now have a young family and wonder that all of the time…

    • Oz8argain on 05/06/2018 - 13:34
      +1

      sorry didn't mention, in relationship for 6 years now

      • HighAndDry on 05/06/2018 - 13:39
        +16

        That's, uh, somewhat important. Especially if it's a 6 year relationship. Should probably ask them for input, because they might want to have a house sooner rather than later, need a car for groceries, etc.

        • Randxyz123 on 05/06/2018 - 14:11
          +19

          I mean a 86 would do fine for groceries.

          Surely you want to live a little before having kids because your life basically doesn’t change once that happens

        • HighAndDry on 05/06/2018 - 15:48
          +8

          @knick007: I get that and I'd think that'd still be reasonable, but a 6 year long relationship is long past the point where it's "what do I decide" solidly into "what do we decide". OP should be talking to their partner, not to us.

        • donga100 on 05/06/2018 - 17:30
          +3

          @knick007: Your partner will want to buy a new 7 seat SUV once you have a child anyway so don't worry about what car you buy now.

        • unwashed00 on 06/06/2018 - 09:08
          +6

          @donga100:
          While it's likely true, I always wondered why would anyone need a big ass SUV to haul around a child.

        • smoothymcmellow on 06/06/2018 - 09:21
          +3

          @knick007:
          OP you could always consider a hot hatch
          Something like a VW GTI will provide loads of fun but still a practical safe family car. You will have no problems fitting a car seat and hatchback boots are surprisingly spacious
          A nice fun car, house and family dont all need to be mutually exclusive

        • OzzyOzbourne on 06/06/2018 - 10:58
          +1

          @knick007: doesn't change after having kids? You must have a lot of relatives /friends around to look after yours whilst you continue your pre-kid life lol

        • HighAndDry on 06/06/2018 - 13:27

          @warsch: To haul around stuff like a pram and other kid stuff - also easier to load and unload said pram and kid stuff. And with kids, there might be more need for extra seats - more kids, their friends, family outings, etc. There's probably also a bit of the irrational "SUVs are safer" logic too no doubt.

        • Randxyz123 on 07/06/2018 - 11:14

          @OzzyOzbourne: I don’t have kids nor do I want them. I’ve got multiple friends who I used to see monthly and now I see maybe yearly if that because they are in the “family stage”

          IMO your 20s is the time to have a sports car, travel and enjoy your life. If you have the money buy a property for investment purposes. Then once you hit 30 you can start thinking about marriage and kids.

          My parents had about 8 or so years together before they started a family. They travelled , lived overseas and enjoyed life. I have another mate who was married for about 3 years first.

          Besides I don’t see the point of having kids unless you can actually afford them. You get threads like the one where someone has 4 kids and can’t afford or doesn’t want to pay for hair cuts for all of them. Seriously…

          The 86 has a decent enough boot for shopping and a pram down the line. Maybe in 5 years time the OP can trade it for a golf gti which is a little more practical.

      • Scrooge McDuck on 05/06/2018 - 23:10
        +18

        Dump your partner and buy a Lotus Seven.

      • ATangk on 06/06/2018 - 22:54

        I cant find it anywhere, have you got any vehicle for transportation? My bro's got an 86 and as far impractical as it is, it still does its main purpose of getting from A to B. The boot is very sufficient for 2 persons. Back seat is okay for kids until they grow older. Room there is very dependent on the size of the driver though (adjusting the seat can mean zero space (actually zero) for foot room.

    • dsp26 on 06/06/2018 - 18:15
      +4

      THIS comment is what i said to myself mid 20s. Regret it.

      Had I been smarter with the capital I had to take advantage of the property boom in the last decade will have made purchasing the fun cars i want now easier and i wouldn't have had to wait "later in life".

      Wasted all my income on cars and mods until 26. 35 now, married 2yrs ago, 1yo kid, 2 properties.

      IF i reversed it, I would have had everything now, more assets and many fun cars by 30… Just food for thought

      • Ulysses31 on 06/06/2018 - 22:41
        +9

        Grass is always greener.

      • Unrvl on 07/06/2018 - 10:14
        +3

        well you've done well. i don't think you have anything to regret there.

    • entropysbane on 06/06/2018 - 23:06
      +2

      My deal was a convertible before Mrs Entropy got pregnant. Great fun.

      The sad thing was once Master Entropy arrived the MX5 sat in the garage and only managed 300km in a year before Mrs Entropy made me sell it.

      But then was the right time. Now I am older and can afford another, I won't. There is nothing sadder than a balding middle aged crisis in a sports car.

      • freakatronic on 08/06/2018 - 12:24
        +5

        You're wrong. The only sadder than a middle aged guy in a sports car is a middle aged guy who cares what anyone thinks. Dude, a sports car is the finger to everyone else. Who cares what they think. You want to drive something you like? Get it and enjoy it. Ignoring anyone else's opinion is the greatest power on earth.

  • GG57 on 05/06/2018 - 12:54
    +5

    If you don't need it (e.g. for commuting etc), put your money to better use.
    Having said that, I would love to buy a small ute (old datsun or toyota) just for the fun of it.

    • Hasbulla on 06/06/2018 - 13:33

      subie brumby!

  • coolhead on 05/06/2018 - 12:54
    +52

    buy if u can man.. live ur life and don't think too much about future.. once u r in the rat race it will be all bills, mortgages, loans etc etc etc..
    You might regret later thinking why u didn't fulfill ur wish..

    I know we come to OZB to save money, get deals and avoid unwanted expense, get financial advise.. but at the same time u need to enjoy life as well as long as its justified and you can afford..
    that's my view..

    i already regret a few purchases and things I didnt do about 10, 5, and even 3 years ago.. now I can afford them but due to situation cant do them..cheers

    • waterbottled on 05/06/2018 - 12:58
      +3

      Would purchasing the things you now regret 10, 5, 3 years ago have made your current situation worse?

      • coolhead on 06/06/2018 - 19:48

        not really.. obviously i would have had slightly less in my savings but that does not justify for the sacrifices that i have made.. a few more holidays, a dream sports car which i missed..
        and since i am regretting those hence this comment..

        all depends on situation n ur view towards your life.. i think sometimes we just think too much about saving for future and live a little less.. cheers

        • tonyjzx on 06/06/2018 - 22:38

          its a GT86… those most damage he can do is beat a school bus in a drag race

          i flat out dont understand the 'hysteria' around this car

          i think in the late 90's to early 2000s me and my mates were running around in 250-300kW turbo imports and LSX V8s and most of us made it out ok

          my advice to the OP is think about how much use he's likely to get out of a car he's using for 2 days a week… its probably not worth it

          i personally would not bother with a car in this Op's situation… i dont know where he lives but a property is like a $300-$500k proposition so you're into it like I dunno… $3k a month on a mortgage so you kind of need two incomes if you want the two cars and all that

          the kids these days with the P plate 86s are probably living at home and getting their olds to pay at least some of the bills for their cars.. OR they're the Ozbb WP professionals on $80k plus a year and DGAF

        • mishrael on 08/06/2018 - 11:36

          @tonyjzx:

          Not every car needs to be insanely fast to be enjoyable to drive. Some cars just feel right and have an amazing amount of feedback to the driver so they are just plain wonderful to drive.

    • Oz8argain on 05/06/2018 - 14:06
      +2

      Thanks man :')

      • abuch47 on 06/06/2018 - 16:35

        I agree. I could've and should've bought a r34 gtr when I had a house deposit. sold at anytime would've made money, something that rarely happens with cars. Decided to buy a house which has been great and I don't know Id have lasted another couple years at the parents and may never have entered the property market which we've done well on too. Always regretted it but had a few mildly fun cars/bike that also served as daily work cars and now looking at an impractical maloo ute. The regret never subsides but it was a joint decision and probably the right one by a hair.

    • Hybroid on 05/06/2018 - 14:15
      +6

      Fully agreed, enjoy and live your life within reason. $20k car is hardly a life-changer.

      I know we come to OZB to save money[…]

      Not sure about that. Some of us come here end up spending money on deals we didn't know we wanted!

      • dcep on 05/06/2018 - 14:19
        +4

        20k over 30yrs home loan

    • poohduck on 06/06/2018 - 11:37

      coolhead: you're right. Nobody knows what's going to happen. It's finding a balance of security and living but not going too far either way.

    • casp82 on 06/06/2018 - 11:50
      +2

      I regret not buying those rainbow Eneloops when Dick Smith shut down. Live without regret!

    • McBanjo on 06/06/2018 - 18:42

      You're saving money on OZB deals so you can spend it on the fun things in life!

  • bobbified on 05/06/2018 - 13:00
    +1

    Fun car eh?

    How about a Shaggin Wagon? (budget for child support afterwards).

    • HighAndDry on 05/06/2018 - 13:14
      +3

      I would buy half a dozen ricer/hoon cars before risking child support. Those you can always sell or otherwise get rid of. A kid? Not so much…

      • mskeggs on 05/06/2018 - 13:31
        +1

        And their quarter mile is terrible.

        • Oz8argain on 05/06/2018 - 13:36
          +3

          tend to leak too

      • Oz8argain on 05/06/2018 - 13:47
        +3

        unless you're a homosexual

        • SecondSkoll on 07/06/2018 - 12:20

          I understand why this was down-voted, but it is factually correct and I don't think it was intended with a mean spirit…

  • ItsMeAgro on 05/06/2018 - 13:01

    How many weekends rental of a lambo or ferarri will that 20k get you?

    https://sportscarworld.com.au/Rentals.aspx

    • tomclancy on 05/06/2018 - 13:23
      +26

      According to your own link, just 4 weekends

      • poohduck on 06/06/2018 - 11:38

        and they're not good cars

        • imurgod on 06/06/2018 - 17:42

          You're kidding. Ferraris in particular are awesome! Much more reliable than you think.

        • poohduck on 06/06/2018 - 18:01
          +1

          @imurgod: as a honda civic ? :) Or honda anything. Still, that's not fair. Anything as focused as a Ferrari is going to be problematic. If that's your passion though, and you can afford it, then the rest shouldn't matter.

        • imurgod on 07/06/2018 - 07:40

          @poohduck: a new California GT is as reliable, yes. Classic ones will be problematic, but our family has 2 California GT and they run like clockwork. Like all marques, there's models that are a nightmare and others that are reliable.

          I have a Mercedes C350 and never had a problem, yet my best mate has a C250 which has had no end of expensive issues.

          FWIW, my parents have an accord and it's had issues, and my mates wife has had a few problems with her crv. I don't think any brands are totally reliable these days. I've had the worst luck with vw and will never buy one again.

          If course, you have to take into account how expensive problems will be and warranty. Both are far better with Japanese and Korean cars. That makes all the difference.

        • poohduck on 07/06/2018 - 10:42

          @imurgod: That's impressive; things have changed. If I had something like that, I'd be doing regular track days :)

        • imurgod on 07/06/2018 - 13:52

          @poohduck: I would too but without insurance, a small mistake could cost you a lot! Also, racing voids your warranty.

          Silly, huh?

        • poohduck on 07/06/2018 - 14:29

          @imurgod: I didn't mean racing, well not racing against someone. Just working on technique - trail braking, clutchless upshifts (or is it all paddle). They'd probably call it "closed circuit". Bummer if it's not covered. "I was just driving around looking for the exit" :)

        • imurgod on 07/06/2018 - 17:35

          @poohduck: I suppose it'd be awesome if it belonged to someone else!

  • slknv on 05/06/2018 - 13:03
    +1

    Depends on whether you like vs love cars or not. I've done all the sensible grownup things already, so while there's zero financial justification for me to have 3 cars, I love driving them, club racing/drift days, and working on them.

    • Oz8argain on 05/06/2018 - 13:38
      +1

      They made a documentary about me That's how much I love them.

      • slknv on 05/06/2018 - 19:25

        LOL that clip is awkward, had to stop watching it. For your budget also investigate a few other options. I was looking for an S2000 for a few months, ended up getting a 911 Carrera 2 cabrio for a bit less than a well kept AP2. I figure the 996 is at the very bottom of the depreciation curve, so whether I keep or sell it, not going to lose much money on it.

        • unwashed00 on 06/06/2018 - 09:11

          How much was the 911? And what are the running costs roughly?

        • YellowDieselGolf on 06/06/2018 - 11:31

          You won’t lose much on a 911, but a S2k is probably more likely to appreciate than a 996 cab.

        • slknv on 06/06/2018 - 21:37

          Managed to get my 911 under 30k in triple black, but got very lucky with that deal. I do all servicing/repairs myself. Just repaired a broken rear window regulator for $100 (previous owner paid $1600 to get the other side done). Next project is replacing drive belt, starter, alternator regulator, CPS and starter/alternator cable to fix a hot start problem. Drinks roughly 17L/100km - still less thirsty than my cayenne turbo daily driver!

          S2K may well continue to appreciate. My big regret was when I sold my R33GTR, I was offered an R34GTR for 42k - now when I look at the prices of them - wow! Still been pretty lucky with the last few cars I've flipped, making 50-100% return on them

      • smpantsonfire on 06/06/2018 - 00:48

        I knew the moment you said documentary what video that was.

  • TheOtherLeft on 05/06/2018 - 13:12
    +13

    Hobbies never make financial sense…but we still do them

    • idonotknowwhy on 06/06/2018 - 20:11
      +2

      bitcoin mining did

    • ItsMeAgro on 12/06/2018 - 00:08

      Of course, some make less financial sense than others…

  • HighAndDry on 05/06/2018 - 13:13
    +2

    Really, the only things that matter in if you can 'justify' buying a fun car is your financials.

    If you've got a steady (and stable) income that comfortably covers your personal living expenses and lets you put a decent amount into savings, a decent 3-6 month emergency fund, don't have debts that need to be paid off short term (so no credit card debt you can't service, personal loans, etc), and can provide for yourself and dependents (which you don't have any), then I'd say go for it.

    The fact that you don't need a car to drive daily makes it better in my view - if you did, you should probably get a practical/reliable car more than a fun car. But since you don't need a car, then you've far more latitude in what kind of car you do get. Just make sure you're budgeting for things like insurance (comprehensive imo), rego, servicing and repairs, petrol, etc.

  • nubzy on 05/06/2018 - 13:29
    +1

    Better to do it while you're young! But you could also consider a cheaper car. What about an old MX-5? It's a classic and just as much fun to drive as the new ones.

    • Oz8argain on 05/06/2018 - 13:45

      I have looked into mx5s I think they are great! but the fact that there're only 2 seats worries me, since 86 can take 4 people very uncomfortably for short distances. Also the look of mx5s, especially the older models NA, NB never really appeals me

      • dcep on 05/06/2018 - 13:53
        +1

        so you want 4 seaters + good looking + cheap

        get a busted rx8 for < 5k + another few ks for full rebuilt

        cons = reliability + drinks fuel + drinks oil

        pros = OVER 9000 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

        • Oz8argain on 05/06/2018 - 13:56
          +6

          I don't have the passion and/or patience for rotary sorry :(

        • Nugs on 05/06/2018 - 14:20
          +3

          braap braap braaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaap

        • Count Shagula on 06/06/2018 - 14:48
          +4

          Remember to count the braps. At 100 you need a full rebuild.

      • crentist on 07/06/2018 - 12:28

        theyre way more practical though. check out this dude carrying a jetski in his mx5 https://www.reddit.com/r/Miata/comments/8ogy5r/such_a_versat…

        seriously though, i had an mx5 nb, the look didnt appeal to me either but it was still very fun to drive, and dropping the roof on summer nights is just amazing. and under $10k, bought and sold in 2 years for only $500 loss. pretty easy on the wallet

        friend of mine always wanted one himself, but stuck with practical cars for the gf, and now has a kid and wont have another chance until hes 50. theres a limited window to get one of these, and it will close for you soon

        just get it, have fun, and dont worry about the practicality of your fun car. we had a vw golf as our practical car, so the mx5 didnt need to be one too

      • zeomega on 08/06/2018 - 00:11

        buy a na. Cheap as chips…. fun to drive. Who cares about passengers.

      • Kill Joy on 08/06/2018 - 22:26

        86s regularily dip under 20k, some with turbo setups as well. Its a very fun and affordable car to splurge on when your young without risking much regret in the future. Unless you've got a family its not that impractical - I go traveling with my partner in my 86 all the time, no issue fitting 2 larga luggage bags + queen blow up bed.

      • onlinepred on 27/06/2018 - 10:59

        Late to the thread, but I have to say I bought a NC mx5 for $15k 2 years back and love it. I came from a R33 GTST and Golf GTi. I have put coil overs on it and upgraded brakes which have made it an absolute beast on track days/mountain pass etc. It's a big compromise going to two seats only, my wife and I manage fine as it's our only car! When/if we need more seats, we tell them to uber haha. It rarely ever happens, and you just get used to it. I used to drive everyone around in my Golf and I hated it.

  • mskeggs on 05/06/2018 - 13:35
    +2

    In 5 years time the $20k car will be $10k. Or maybe there is a current older alternative that would be of interest?

    • Oz8argain on 05/06/2018 - 13:50

      Everytime I look, the prices gets higher…

    • donga100 on 05/06/2018 - 17:36
      +1

      Not too bad. Only costing you $2k per year for the next 5 years until you buy a family car.

  • Jimmycfc on 05/06/2018 - 13:36
    +1

    When i was 22 i had a Mazda 3 MPS that was costing me $300 a month on insurance… But i loved every second of it and miss that car every time i drive another car.
    Go for it!

    • Oz8argain on 05/06/2018 - 13:42

      holy cow, 300 a month can cover monthly payment for another car!

    • Alpacino299 on 07/06/2018 - 08:25

      Jesus, I got a deal on my 86gts insurance at 21 for 1100 a year others wanted 3000

  • JimB on 05/06/2018 - 14:02
    +4

    I agree with the above.

    Go for it, it's only $20k.

    $20k isn't going to make or break your finances. If you only drive on weekends, it makes even more sense to get a fun car.

  • cypher67 on 05/06/2018 - 14:06
    -6

    Continue your savings until you get a decent amount to invest, around $80k, then drop it on a new Merc. Investments can also be fun.

    • Oz8argain on 05/06/2018 - 14:07

      You didn't vote for the last option.

      • cypher67 on 05/06/2018 - 14:54

        Well played good Sir. The only option missing is Bikies

        • muncan on 06/06/2018 - 10:13
          +2

          You didn’t read the second comment.

  • Ryanek on 05/06/2018 - 14:08
    +11

    I was once in your shoes and as much fun as my sports car gave me, I regret not traveling more. Go experience the world mate.

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