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

  • AutomationGuy on 06/06/2018 - 11:08

    It depends how close to buying the house you are (because $20k makes a big difference with LMI… having to pay it might make the effective cost of the car $30k).

    I knew I wanted something fun and affordable so bought myself a NB8B Mazda MX5 a couple of years ago for about $8k (I searched for a couple of months before finding the right deal). I spent a couple of grand on modifications I wanted over the course of ownership and then sold it a few months ago for $11k, essentially breaking even. You won’t do that with an 86 because it is still depreciating, but it shows that if you buy well and maintain it you can sell again for a minimal loss. Meaning 2 years of a fun car on the weekend might cost you $5k not really $20k.

    The rear seats of a 86 are useless for anything with legs. The front seats pretty much touch the back and if you do squeeze forward enough there is no room for any toes underneath them. Make sure you test drive one and sit back there if that is a priority.

    Consider a NC MX5 if you aren’t keen on the earlier ones. You can pick them up for as little as $10k now, and they will be a simpler and cheaper car to maintain in every way except for the roof (soft tops often need replacing after 10-15 years, hard tops should be fine). Convertibles also get bonus points with a lot of partners and the car is arguably slightly more fun to drive.

  • axloz on 06/06/2018 - 11:12

    I was looking at getting into an 86 not long after they came out. They would've cost more like $30k+ back then. I was asking myself similar questions to you, though I do use a car 3 or 4 times a week for daily commuting and errands etc, as well as occasional weekend use.

    Long story short, I ended spending about half the price on a used Nissan 350Z. Less practical really (no back seat), but a super fun car with lots of go in it, simple (cheap) to maintain, and they still look great to me, even though they're much older.

    I don't regret that decision at all - I got a cool car, and I saved about half the budget! That said, with family situation evolving my poor Z will likely need to find a new home in the near-ish future :(

    • Witchdoctr on 06/06/2018 - 15:31

      I did the same thing. Had my heart set on a BRZ as soon as they came out.

      However, upon driving one I was rather unimpressed, I should note that at the time I had access to a R33 GTR for track days and the BRZ just felt slow. Not as bad as the WRX at the time, that felt slow, boring AND heavy.

      Disheartened I ended up driving past a Nissan dealer with a later model 350z in the yard. Drove it and loved it, it went harder, looked great and most importantly cost half the money! You can now get them now for dirt cheap, with low kms. However, they are expensive to insure, not the best on fuel (I get about 14l/100km) and impractical (no rear seat and a stupid strut brace across the boot.)

      They are probably about as low as they are going to get. Providing you don’t total the car and keep it stock you can probably sell it in a few years’ time when you want to buy a house for very similar money.

      • axloz on 06/06/2018 - 17:14

        Happy to hear I'm in good company!

        The Z just felt like a better quality car overall to me when compared to the 86/BRZ - and it was circa 10 years older - the 86 was new..
        The hard part with Z's and Skylines (especially the V35 series) is finding one that has had a healthy life. Owners who haven't butchered them and have had them serviced appropriately etc. There's a great little community for Skyline (and therefore Z) owners that spawns from the love people have for the R series Skylines. I met a few of these folks and learnt a lot about how these cars work - how to care for them etc. Anyway, I'm drifting off topic..

        OP - try out some 350Z's! Or maybe the 370Z's if you want to throw more bucks at it!

  • troyww on 06/06/2018 - 11:28
    +1

    Why does everyone label the 86 as such an impractical car ?
    Sure it only has 2 doors and limited luggage space but theres plenty of tiny buzz boxes out there that are only marginally less roomy .
    It's a 2L normally aspirated Toyota , It's not like is a V8 or turboed firebreathing money pit .

    • Chewiebacca on 06/06/2018 - 11:36

      Economical =\= Practical.

      • troyww on 06/06/2018 - 11:41

        economical + reliable + reasonable resale - spacious ~= practical

        • Oz8argain on 06/06/2018 - 11:59
          +1

          but what's the fun in driving a camry :'(

        • Chewiebacca on 07/06/2018 - 23:22

          Practicality has next to nothing to do with the economy or reliability of a car, practicality is how much utility it provides. Given a car is a means of transport, and sports cars offer little in the way of how much the car can transport, they rather offer a sportier and more involving drive at the cost of the underlying role of a car which is a means of transport. For the wide majority of people, a sports car is a much less practical option because it serves many less functions (less cargo, less passengers, low roof line, rough ride, low car height, low towing capacity) compared to ‘ordinary’ cars. Saving money on fuel and reliability has little to do with the fact that a sports car is less practical as a means of transport.

    • boostpak on 06/06/2018 - 15:44

      to be honest they are a little small inside and hard to get in and out of (not practical), also the back seats are a joke (not practical), the dials and screen are pretty sub par. It's all about what you want though, if you want something small and sleek with good grip and good fuel economy with some rev and bit of speed then it's a good choice. I wouldn't call it a super practical car though for most people.

    • axloz on 06/06/2018 - 17:18

      You make some excellent points here. Its not always about cabin size. A NA engine will be cheaper to maintain over time and will still give you enough power to drive in Sydney traffic, I promise.

      I like having a 2 door, 2 seat car as it means I never get asked to do airport runs, pickup mates from the pub, or (god forbid) help someone move house.. I'm always happy to help friends, but the above is a key reason not to buy a ute in the city :)

      its only when kids come into the picture that 2 doors become a problem..

  • Chewiebacca on 06/06/2018 - 11:35

    Plenty of fun cars that stopped depreciating and will start moving up in cost. I own a DC2 Integra Type R and a MK7 Golf R, an Audi S1 in the past, honestly the Honda is more fun for me than all of those cars.

    100% do it because you’ll regret having not down the track, my cars are very far from the greatest financial decision but I’ve budgeted so that it has minimally impacted my ability to accrue a deposit for property. 20k is not much in the long run anyway and can get something very fun on the road (S15, 86/BRZ, Toyota Chaser, Integra Type R).

  • misu p on 06/06/2018 - 11:52

    Lets say you will spend around $25,000 on the car, with a 5% return that money would be $111,694 in 30 years. Just calculating…. Saying that I will probably buy the new GPU for 1000 AUD when it comes out, however it will get more use from what you say compared to your car.

    • Oz8argain on 06/06/2018 - 11:56

      you're right. but how much would 100k be worth in 2048 to a almost 60 yr old dude

      • misu p on 06/06/2018 - 14:10

        Well, it depends :), I calculated how much money I need to retire, to live off the interest (mister money moustache style), that 100k means I can retire 2 years earlier. It all depends what you will do with the money.

  • giggs11 on 06/06/2018 - 12:24

    I bought an 86 brand new just over a year ago- and highly recommend, it’s more practical than I expected with the fold down seats and very spacious up front. No expensive parts and good on fuel. Most importantly it lights up my daily drive to and from work which is why I bought it in the first place! No buyer remorse at all, and if you hold on to it long enough the depreciagion will not matter. It was a lot of money for me too but after a year I feel it was well worth it..

  • [Deactivated] on 06/06/2018 - 12:25

    Money is about $ / unit of enjoyment. If you will use the car and enjoy it more than the equivalent amount you would enjoy something else, spend it. New cars are a waste of money, but $20k isn't outrageous for one near new.

    If however you never use the thing and just keep it in the garage because it makes more sense to commute using public transport I wouldn't spend the money.

    I did the same when I was 21 and a decade or so later I still have it. Financially I'd have been better off buying shares, but I still needed a car, and given I've got more than a decade out of it and counting, it's not exactly a frivolous expense. I wouldn't buy one now though since I spend several times more on rego and insurance than I do on fuel these days…

    I'm not replacing my older 'fun' car because the one I've got is still decent, I hardly use it now, it's not worth that much anymore and I look at it where a holiday a year for a couple of decades would be better $ / unit of enjoyment than a new car.

  • vec61 on 06/06/2018 - 12:39

    I was in the same situation as you, looking at 86’s for 20K ..then my mates who rode bikes pushed me to buy a motorcycle. $6K later registered with gear it was the best decision I’ve ever made. If you can get over the fear of almost being killed every time you ride I’d say consider a bike!

  • vietbargain on 06/06/2018 - 12:44
    +1

    Do ittt cuz #yolo

  • Handsoff on 06/06/2018 - 13:33
    +1

    Coming from someone who has been in your situation - your concern is about having a fun car vs investment. Why not combine the both? At around the $15k mark you can find some really good Honda S2000. They've recently gone up in price, especially after consistently watching the market for about 5 years now. The S2000 is a classic roadster and will hold value for many years to come, especially as they become rarer and rarer.

    If you do find one of good value now, you certainly won't lose any money in a few years time, maybe even be able to sell it for more! On top of this the S2000 out performs the 86/BRZ in both performance and looks.

    • [Deactivated] on 01/11/2018 - 18:09

      Insurance + 6 monthly service cost. It is all relevant. Buying a car is cheap, keeping it running is expensive (even tho not driven much).

  • Cheapo Moose on 06/06/2018 - 14:09

    If you can afford it, do whatever makes you happy.

    A lot of people get so hung up on saving money, bargains and solid investments they forget about living.

    I mean if you can't have a bit of fun and enjoy yourself, what's the point of it all.

    As some other posters have mentioned, if you're still young and without kids, do it now. Once kids come along they chew up an enormous portion of your income so you may not have another opportunity until later in life (The way kids are sponging off their parents longer than previous generations, it could be much later in life). You don't want to be a 60 year old ripping around in a small sports car, you'll look kind of ridiculous.

    Be responsible, but if you can afford it, do it.

  • Peck on 06/06/2018 - 14:24

    Pull yourself together :) If you need a car then buy a new Toyota corolla 5 door imported from Japan. Otherwise buy a quality second hand one that has not been flogged.
    A second hand 'fun car' is soooo risky that you will be sorry. Paying the upkeep on it will not be fun!!!!

    • PlasticSpaceman on 06/06/2018 - 16:08

      If all you want a car for is as a means of transport from one location to another, then yes. Go a Corolla or similar. Or, frankly, work out whether you would be better off without a car at all and just use taxis/uber and hire cars when required. If you enjoy driving just for the sake of driving, then that's when you want to look at something that is more than simple transport. Yes it will likely cost more than the 'sensible' car, but on the other hand you are getting more from it (rather than go to the movies you might take the car out for a drive etc).

      As for a second hand fun car being risky - well, yes but no more than any other used car. If it's been looked after then it should be fine. Yes there are idiots who would thrash their 'fun' cars, but there are also idiots out there who do not look after their 'sensible' car. I would suggest that it's more likely that a person who is interested in their car is perhaps also more likely to make sure it's serviced regularly, does not run low on oil or coolant, is not driven over speed humps at 60km/h, etc.

      Having said all that, I fully agree from personal experience that a 'fun' car can be very expensive to keep. Something like the 86/BRZ is a good compromise. The mechanicals are not over stressed, but it still has decent performance, it's a simple design so not much to go wrong, it uses a lot of standard components (like the Subaru boxer engine) so cost of parts should be fine, and it's put together well. Insurance costs are not bad, and it gets decent fuel economy. Really the only major drawback compared to something like a Corolla is it is really a two seater car that at a pinch you can legally carry two or maybe three passengers in extreme discomfort for a short distance.

  • Kidren on 06/06/2018 - 14:58

    It's either a fun car - purpose: fun
    Or it's for a specific need - purpose: function/required

    Most people, when they retire, are 'less able' generally speaking.

    Less able:
    * Physically
    * Financially - they need to ensure their money lasts

    It is possible to buy a car of a price that has bottomed out in price direction and is soon ready to increase in value.

    Third generation Honda Preludes were dropping for a while and as of a year or two ago, their prices have begun to increase to the point that even slightly damaged Honda Preludes are demanding a reasonable price.

    I'm not suggesting that you buy a third generation Honda Prelude. I'm simply suggesting that you consider all the factors.

    For example, if you are happy to drive a car a limited number of days of the year then you can buy a car older than 25 years that:
    * Is only going to appreciate in value
    * Can be registered as a classic car (cheaper registration)
    * May attract a cheaper insurance premium
    * May cost less to service / repair due to an abundance of cheap used parts.

  • flatwhitepls on 06/06/2018 - 15:25
    +1

    I say buy! This doesn't mean you will lose 20K. Sell it after 2 years. Having a hobby is great.

  • boostpak on 06/06/2018 - 15:35

    buy the car and go on a holiday!

  • [Deactivated] on 06/06/2018 - 15:57

    Just do it. Life can't be all about "financial decisions". Sometimes you spend money on things you want.

    But make sure you truly can afford it. Use the 50/30/20 rule - 50% needs, 30% wants, 20% savings. The 86/BRZ is in the 30%.

    Also there's no way anyone can afford a house in the current market. But have some money saved for when the housing market bubble pops.

  • bargainjargon on 06/06/2018 - 16:11

    A couple of years back I bought a 91 MX5 for $2300. Much less practical than an 86/BRZ but much cheaper also. Plus the no roof thing is great. So I have that as the fun car and another one as my boring practical car.

    A used 86/BRZ isn't too bad price wise. Plus you can still transport more than 2 people in it. It's fun but can be practical depending on your lifestyle.

    Now, if you're super poor then maybe think twice. Depends on your finances really.

    • Mitch889 on 07/06/2018 - 08:54
      +1

      Just FYI, the back seats in an 86 are useless for people.

  • yoonibear on 06/06/2018 - 16:21

    I went through the same thought process as you did. Wanted a manual turbo hatch, eventually bit the bullet and bought it. 4 years later I'm regretting it as it wasn't the best financial decision. Instead of the car, I could've bought my then girlfriend an engagement ring (we could've been married earlier and went on trips, taken time to save ..etc..) and dumped the rest into a house deposit or put it all into a deposit. Fun cars and the like will always be there and now 4 years later, I'm about to sell the car and put that into a house.

  • dis4vow on 06/06/2018 - 16:22

    Live is short. Something fun like the 86 is very sensible in my opinion.
    // There is a heap of aftermarket tuning you can do to it including the Cosworth power upgrades.
    // Its the definition of a club car with groups everywhere for cars and coffee.
    // Its super fun to throw around on a track day.

  • hopper on 06/06/2018 - 16:36

    to make it more fun, make sure u drive this from CBD to any far suburb on weekdays from 5pm to 6pm

  • whoopdeedoo on 06/06/2018 - 16:40
    +1

    Buy the nicest s2k you can afford. it'll be worth the same if not more when youre ready for the house.
    s2k > 86.
    =)

  • TheBilly on 06/06/2018 - 17:02
    +1

    I'm currently 30 and I did exactly what you are thinking of doing. If I hadn't done that and instead bought the property that came my way at the time, I would have been able to retire at 35. Now I won't retire till I'm 50. Also the Toyota 86 is not even a nice car, I made my poor financial decision on an R32 GTR putting out a touch over 400 horsepower. At least at 50 when I am still working away and hitting my head thinking I could've been sleeping in today, I can say the R32 GTR was still pretty cool. I don't think you will be saying that about a Toyota 86.

    • Franky23 on 06/06/2018 - 18:32
      +1

      Retire at 50? You mustn't be able to sleep at night.

  • Munki on 06/06/2018 - 17:25

    Wait until the new Supra comes out?

    • Tech5 on 06/06/2018 - 18:45

      I thought the new Supra will be high end? At least 70-100k?

      • Oz8argain on 07/06/2018 - 09:49

        yep. not for plebs like me

  • Lukeae93 on 06/06/2018 - 17:32
    +1

    At least if she dumps you, you’ll have a cool car to pick up other girls in

  • snakes on 06/06/2018 - 17:44

    Make sure you are ok with the mid range torque dip, its engineered into the subaru engine and can not be tuned out. Also look for a 2015 or newer model if possible as most of the niggling issues were sorted out with those builds.

  • mannabeans on 06/06/2018 - 18:10

    Audi S3 and then Superchips.co.uk

  • SuperMid on 06/06/2018 - 18:30

    Don't go past the golf/polo gti for a fun car.

    • onlyletters on 06/06/2018 - 18:57

      They are. Stick to manual transmission tho

      • SuperMid on 06/06/2018 - 19:49

        ive owned a few cars including 2 twin turbo toyota supra's, a mk6 golf r and a polo tsi manual. the polo is easily the most "fun" car ive ever owned. just fun. nothing could come close to it on the twisties. the golf r had excellent grip, but was a bit boring, in that everything was too easy, it was perfect. kinda like playing a game with god mode on. no challenge.

  • Franky23 on 06/06/2018 - 18:31

    This is ozbargain, buy a 2014 Toyota Corolla station wagon, stick a Toyota 86 badge on it and use it to pick up all the Ozbargain purchases you can make with the money you saved. Even if your relationship goes the distance the Corolla will probably outlive it.

    • onlyletters on 06/06/2018 - 18:57
      +1

      Nah transformers badge.

  • onlyletters on 06/06/2018 - 18:44
    -3

    86 or brz a is not a fun car. They aren't even that quick

    • Tech5 on 06/06/2018 - 18:45
      +4

      Does not have to be quick to be fun though

    • SuperMid on 06/06/2018 - 19:50

      i refer to 86's as rear wheel drive corolla's :P

    • May4th on 06/06/2018 - 20:14

      it's about handling. not everyone are p-platers who drag race at traffic lights

    • Oz8argain on 07/06/2018 - 09:51

      it doesnt even come with a turbo bruh, stutututu

  • Tech5 on 06/06/2018 - 18:45
    +1

    You buying a house to eventually die in or what? Enjoy the car :)

  • grrrr on 06/06/2018 - 19:01
    +1

    Depends on both of your incomes.

    I bought an S15 10yrs ago and still love it.
    Purchased our first property about 6 months after purchasing the car.
    Hence why I didnt spend any money modifying the car for about 3yrs.

    Stock Turbo charged cars are easy to modify to get more power out of.
    Mine started at 147kW at the wheels and went to 230+ kW after about $3000
    Spent additional money on suspension / handling.

    I would recommend test driving some S15 / MPS3 / GTI R etc before you get an 86 / BRZ.
    Boosting is addictive.

    You may find an 86 is not fast / powerful enough after a short amount of time. I guess you could always sell it when that happens and put the money towards a house then.

  • ostsee on 06/06/2018 - 19:26

    I prefer the SSV REDLINE MY17 Near New Demo…

    • Oz8argain on 07/06/2018 - 09:52

      are they also $20k..

  • [Deactivated] on 06/06/2018 - 20:36
    +1

    i am on to my 2nd 86 now. first one was bought second hand a 2012 year and had sooo much fun driving this low powered but RWD car.

    the 2nd one is brand new because i love the car so much and can see owning it for many more years to come.

    previous cars were European hot hatches with 200kw+ at the wheels. While quick they lacked thrills.

    and the 86 is as reliable as what you can expect from Toyota. unlike European hot hatches or old fully blown 500hp cars.

    i have done 50+ track days in my old 86 and not even once it played up or leaked fluid or anything.

    I spend more time enjoying the 86 for cheap and less time and money for repairs :)

    Just do it!

  • GooseHoward on 06/06/2018 - 21:29

    it's not 20k down the drain… the money you lose in depreciation, plenty of hobbies cost that much. hell, you don't even need to pay 20k, i saw one on facebook for 16k the other day.

    do you have 2 cars in your household? if the other is sensible i don't see the problem

  • Save Medicare on 06/06/2018 - 23:09
    +1

    Wow you guys are so positive but I got shredded when I asked if I should get a mx5

    • Oz8argain on 07/06/2018 - 09:53
      +1

      communist drives lada, not mx5

    • freakatronic on 07/06/2018 - 15:07
      +1

      I'd have backed you komrade. Mx5 is a very reasonable choice.

    • boostpak on 07/06/2018 - 16:04

      seems like most in here love toyota and drive toyota camrys… stock standard tight arses

  • BartholemewH on 06/06/2018 - 23:43

    I'd offer advice except I'm terrible and have two enthusiast cars. One is currently very desirable but needs a $40k+ resto. The other is a RWD Turbo and is registered but does 100km per annum. I also have an AWD Turbo work car so yeah….no comment.

  • [Deactivated] on 07/06/2018 - 04:29

    Fun four door car to call a family car in the future.

  • konazz on 07/06/2018 - 08:27

    I was about 22 when I bought a $26k fun car. It was hell fun, went to a few track days and meet ups etc. when I bought it, it was great and zippy around Sydney. Then we moved to Canberra and it was great around town.

    But the hard suspension and bucket seats lost their charm once we started travelling on weekenders with the GF (now wife). Also it was $26k that would’ve been great on the deposit or on a holiday. I lost a few points as well so I had to calm my driving down. What’s more, the V6 Camry I did sell would’ve been perfect for the Canberra lifestyle. And saved me a lot $$$ - cost of car and servicing.

    Now I’m 33, better financial situation, 2 kids and I can actually buy a fun car to add to my 2 new 4wds.

    In my view, take a trip to Europe, hire a 4 series GT in Munich and go driving around Bavaria, Germany. That’s what we did a few years back and we’ll do it again next year before #2 is 2. Just free travel through the mountains. Still cheaper than a $20k car and you’ll get to drive around on some amazing roads.

  • Mitch889 on 07/06/2018 - 09:00
    +2

    I don’t know if you’ve posted your age or rough income anywhere along this thread, but they’re somewhat important to your question.

    I bought my first property (a 2 bed 1 bath 2 car in a growing area near transport and shops) straight out of uni at 20, saving hard for a deposit to make it happen. 28 and I now own that, while still having a modicum of fun with sub-$40k cars.

    People with diss finance till the cows come home, but if your smart with it you can both grow your wealth and have a bit of fun at the same time.

  • MessyG on 07/06/2018 - 09:19
    +1

    I'm in the spend the money on travelling camp. Do some sports car driving while on holiday in amazing locations instead.

    Travelling while young before life, injuries, taxes and back pain get you is the BEST.

  • Dr Techno on 07/06/2018 - 10:47

    When I was 26 I went out & purchased a Nissan 300zx Targa Top for just under $20k since my last car was too far gone. It was my daily even though I catch public transport bus/train on week days. Fast forward 14 years later I still have the car as a hobby car (I have a family car now) and inbetween then purchased and paid off a house & got married. If you get the workshop manual and willing to do your own work you could probably justify the purchase more. On the other hand there seems to be quite a few on the market, so I dont see a rush.. They will drop further in price over the years. My impression of the 86 is that its underpowered, but I havent driven one. You could look at cheaper alternatives like Mazda MX5, unless your deadset on 86.

  • Davo1111 on 07/06/2018 - 12:18
    -1

    You don't buy a fun anything to save money.

    Surrender your ozbargain license please

  • spacebanana on 07/06/2018 - 13:18

    I was in the same predicament and instead found a boat. I spent a lot of time finding the right one, but now it is one of my favorite hobbies! And I don't even use it for fishing, just swimming, adventuring and hanging out with mates
    Very cheap to run and maintain and can find something decent at around 5-6k, also little depreciation :)

    Just my 2 cents

  • Lockieasy on 07/06/2018 - 13:21

    Go for it OP. I've had my 86 as a daily driver for about five years now and still love it.

    Never had any issue with the "lack of power" either, the awesome handling into corners more than makes up for it and makes it great for drives around national parks and such.

    Also it looks great. When I first bought it they were relatively rare and people randomly came up and asked me if it was a Porsche or Ferrari lol. You'd never get that with an ugly WRX or a boring-looking Golf GTI. :P

    • Oz8argain on 07/06/2018 - 14:05

      you have the 2012 model?

      • Lockieasy on 07/06/2018 - 17:04

        It has a 2013 build date. I ordered it in July 2012 and it was delivered in February because at the time there was like a 6+ month queue to get one.

        • Oz8argain on 08/06/2018 - 11:30

          thanks Lock, have you had any issues in the past 5 years? build quality, cricket noise from engine, unexpected costs?

        • Lockieasy on 08/06/2018 - 15:23

          @Oz8argain: A few days after I received the car the engine died for no reason (I was just slowing down at traffic lights and it turned off and wouldn't turn back on) and had to be replaced. So the dealership provided a Yaris for me to drive until they got the new engine in and installed it.

          It turns out they did a perfect job because I haven't had any problems since (initially I was scared I'd received a lemon). I drive the manual GT model btw.

          That said, these are perhaps some negatives about the car to be keep in mind: You have to be pretty flexible to get in and out of it, it has hard suspension so you'll feel every bump, it's RWD so you'll accidentally do burnouts in wet and on gravel if you aren't careful, it's low to the ground so check how steep your driveway is or you'll get mad scrapeage, it has subpar 16" wheels that a lot of people replace with something better.

          Also if you're interested in the social aspect of the car, each state/city has 86/BRZ Facebook clubs you can join. The one I'm in does meet ups and cruises regularly.

  • freshofftheplane on 07/06/2018 - 14:34

    YOLO

  • freakatronic on 07/06/2018 - 15:04

    Don't get an 86. It sounds like it could be your home loan deposit. Instead consider the older na/NB series mx5. Same fun, same impracticality, much lower price.

  • Ekliptix on 07/06/2018 - 18:00

    If you have a secure job and can comfortably afford it I’d say go for it. I bought a 2 year old S15 200SX when I was 20 and modded and enjoyed it for a couple of years.

    I’ve since had a bunch of performance cars of varying levels of practicality, most recently an Evo X and a then new 2016 Focus RS. These were great fun and practical with a young family.

    I get public transport to work and wanted to save some money tied up in the garage so now have a NA8 MX-5 which I’ve modded with intention to take on the track later this year. They are verging on classic car status and prices are on the rise for good ones.

    I’d have a look at an ND MX-5 as they are the better of the two cars in my opinion but the 86/BRZ is certainly a great car and has aome pros such as some form of a back seat and more boot space.

    Consider your options carefully and if the money is ok go for it. Buying second hand you won’t actually lose much over the course of a couple of years so for the enjoyment you get it may be worth it.

  • kogi on 07/06/2018 - 19:24

    Should consider how much use you will be getting out of it.

    If it's for getting to / from work? forget it.

    If you get to go for nice long drives every other weekend, I think it would be a great investment in fun.

  • glashalful on 07/06/2018 - 23:32

    If it makes you satisfied, go for it mate. However, imho this is a common “you have answered your own question” scenario.

  • [Deactivated] on 08/06/2018 - 10:47

    Hey mate. Just signed up to reply, long time visitor, never registered.

    I've had this car in manual for about 3.5 years. For the past 1.5 years I have been into the adventuring / big trips and this is certainly not the car for it. So I got a 4WD with plans to sell the 86. I got it for about $25k with 9,000km done. Every time I'm considering to sell it, I can't. It's the most fun car to drive around in for the price. If you can get a good second hand 86 / BRZ, grab it. The way I see it, put some enjoyment into getting from point A to point B in your life.

    • Oz8argain on 08/06/2018 - 11:27

      Thanks for the support dizzy. Hope to see you around in deals and forums!

  • bhubb18 on 08/06/2018 - 10:53
    -1

    You can do it on a budget.
    I have 2 cars, which are vastly different, but both fun while being reasonably reliable (especially if you can do most work yourself).
    I have a 74 Toyota Crown, which has been super reliable, and gets a lot of attention while driving.
    My other car is an AU Falcon ute, thats manual. Fun to drive, I do drifting in it etc, and if I crash it, I'm only down $2k haha. Plus its super practical, at the expense of being super bogan.

    You need to decide whats going to suit you best - I like 90s and earlier Japenese cars, because they're cool to me. I don't really care about new cars hah.

    • boostpak on 08/06/2018 - 12:05

      He's not asking if he can do it on a budget, he's asking what people think of the 20k fun car purchase, not about buying a 50 year old bomb or an old falcon ute smh

  • eraser215 on 08/06/2018 - 14:00

    Put this into your favourite car buying web site's search box:

    Renault Clio Sport 172

    • Oz8argain on 08/06/2018 - 14:46

      Not a fan of french cars, especailly if i want to keep it long term, but I will keep this one in mind, cheers

  • Godric on 08/06/2018 - 18:03

    More 86's/brz on the road, they aren't fun and are so saturated

    • Oz8argain on 12/06/2018 - 10:26

      There's a good reason why so many people like them. I'm not looking to stand out

  • Jetkuma on 09/06/2018 - 08:32

    It is great that you are thinking frugal but sometimes we need to indulge in ourselves a little so that you feel like you are enjoying your life. That's how you ease the burn out of being frugal all the times.

  • drprox on 09/06/2018 - 09:17

    I've just been through this myself actually. Haven't owned a "fun car" for 10 years. Have the household in a nice secure place and still young enough to want/enjoy such a thing so I figured why shouldn't I. If I change my mind I can always sell it on. So sold up the Honda Jazz and bought a BMW M135i. I thought I'd have some buyers remorse but honestly, none!
    I should note we have a Skoda wagon too so that essentially negated the need for the practical hatchback the Jazz was.

  • Wheresmyspaceship on 30/06/2018 - 14:16

    If you like front engine RWD, 350z's are cheap these days:

    https://www.carsales.com.au/private/details/Nissan-350Z-2003…

    Personally, I see cars as a bit of a luxury at the moment given the price of putting a roof over your head, and spending too much cash on toys can potentially set you back long term depending on how your career pans out.

  • Ry009 on 07/07/2018 - 06:37

    Thought about a dodgem car maybe?

  • boostpak on 11/07/2018 - 08:40

    what about a hotwheels or matchbox?

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