People over 30 years, and their cars...
Thread Starter
Registered!!
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 60
Likes: 0
From: Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
Rep Power: 0 
People over 30 years, and their cars... Hey I was wondering how many people here are 30+. I also want their opinion on what looks good on a 7th Gen. If you all could just say hey and let me know what you think. I would also love links to see pics of your cars.
I think there might be a difference as to what older tuners might do to their cars. What are you into show or go?
Thanks!!
I think there might be a difference as to what older tuners might do to their cars. What are you into show or go?
Thanks!!
Registered!!
iTrader: (5)
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 1,143
Likes: 4
From: Fort Oglethorpe
Rep Power: 315 Older tuners....hrm...I can't say for anyone else, but the things I do to my car are for my enjoyment, not to show off to others. I've had fast cars, slow cars, POS's, and even a truck. I've had a 3speed on the column, 4speed, 5speed, automatics, and even a powerglide. Had a straight 6, v6, v8 and even a vw h4. I learned to drive on a '74 chevy c10 with 3speed on the column with no power steering and no power brakes, so I can drive just about anything...even drove a big rig before.
Enough of the history lesson...Like I said before, it's for me. I'm not modding for everyone else or to get looks from other drivers. Everything I've done to my car either makes the car handle better or makes it more enjoyable to drive everyday. As you can see in my profile, I haven't done many "go" mods, because the engine simply hasn't got much to give without sinking a few G's into it. The iridiums were a waste and the K&N drop in filter just keeps me from having to replace the filter all the time. It'd be a b*tch anyway, with the strut bar in the way!
Interior:I've always been a big stereo nut, so the ICE is there. Two amps, 4 coaxes, two tweeters, a sub and mp3 player for the geek in me. I did the dash kit to break up the gloomy black interior. An RSX **** is a nice upgrade and shorter than stock. Power windows makes driving easier...no more leaning over to roll up the passenger side. Tinted windows keep the interior cool in the summer and give a little privacy. Also keeps wondering eyes out of the interior when it's parked. A small tach keeps me from redlining..at least until I find a good deal on a cluster swap.
Exterior/suspension: Gotta have nice wheels and tires for handling and a nice appearance. A rear RSX sway bar keeps the rear end in line. Two upper strut bars tighten up the frame. Painted exterior trim such as the license frame, door handles and wiper nozzles cleans up the look. No spoilers to ruin the clean lines of the trunk. If I did get one, it'd be low profile, hugging the trunk lid, like a tsunami or sedan spoiler. Fog lights light the road better in all conditions and add to the good looks.
Mods I'm not gonna do: Ugly spoilers, ground effects, lowering, clearing headlights, altezzas, any neons inside or out, or gauge covers.
Most spoilers are not attractive or ridiculously expensive for what you get in return. Same for ground effects...it's a daily driver so I don't want to be hitting curbs and getting stuck on speed bumps. Lowering for the same reason. Clearing headlights looks nice but I don't want to deal with taking off the bumper and possibly messing them up, getting fogged lights, etc. Altezzas suck, 'nuff said. Neons are for teenagers to want to be seen...rice. And finally, I'm happy with how the gauges look now, plus it's a dx and i couldn't get a cover if I wanted to.
A long reply...I'm done.
Enough of the history lesson...Like I said before, it's for me. I'm not modding for everyone else or to get looks from other drivers. Everything I've done to my car either makes the car handle better or makes it more enjoyable to drive everyday. As you can see in my profile, I haven't done many "go" mods, because the engine simply hasn't got much to give without sinking a few G's into it. The iridiums were a waste and the K&N drop in filter just keeps me from having to replace the filter all the time. It'd be a b*tch anyway, with the strut bar in the way!
Interior:I've always been a big stereo nut, so the ICE is there. Two amps, 4 coaxes, two tweeters, a sub and mp3 player for the geek in me. I did the dash kit to break up the gloomy black interior. An RSX **** is a nice upgrade and shorter than stock. Power windows makes driving easier...no more leaning over to roll up the passenger side. Tinted windows keep the interior cool in the summer and give a little privacy. Also keeps wondering eyes out of the interior when it's parked. A small tach keeps me from redlining..at least until I find a good deal on a cluster swap.
Exterior/suspension: Gotta have nice wheels and tires for handling and a nice appearance. A rear RSX sway bar keeps the rear end in line. Two upper strut bars tighten up the frame. Painted exterior trim such as the license frame, door handles and wiper nozzles cleans up the look. No spoilers to ruin the clean lines of the trunk. If I did get one, it'd be low profile, hugging the trunk lid, like a tsunami or sedan spoiler. Fog lights light the road better in all conditions and add to the good looks.
Mods I'm not gonna do: Ugly spoilers, ground effects, lowering, clearing headlights, altezzas, any neons inside or out, or gauge covers.
Most spoilers are not attractive or ridiculously expensive for what you get in return. Same for ground effects...it's a daily driver so I don't want to be hitting curbs and getting stuck on speed bumps. Lowering for the same reason. Clearing headlights looks nice but I don't want to deal with taking off the bumper and possibly messing them up, getting fogged lights, etc. Altezzas suck, 'nuff said. Neons are for teenagers to want to be seen...rice. And finally, I'm happy with how the gauges look now, plus it's a dx and i couldn't get a cover if I wanted to.
A long reply...I'm done.
Escaped Convict
iTrader: (30)
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 6,450
Likes: 0
From: Westminster, California, US
Rep Power: 368 I duno but I dont want to drive a civic when I'm 30.
although at this rate.. this will be my first, last and only car.
but yeah I'm not contributing to the thread so I'll run along now.
although at this rate.. this will be my first, last and only car.
but yeah I'm not contributing to the thread so I'll run along now.
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 9,308
Likes: 0
From: Long Island, New York, US
Rep Power: 396 im 32....Don't have my civic anymore...I traded it in to get the car in my sig....I needed a car that was cheaper, more reliable, and better on gas...
My civic was mostly show though.....and I was a big stereo buff....
Moving this to members rides..
My civic was mostly show though.....and I was a big stereo buff....
Moving this to members rides..
Originally posted by Bellz
Older tuners....hrm...I can't say for anyone else, but the things I do to my car are for my enjoyment, not to show off to others. I've had fast cars, slow cars, POS's, and even a truck. I've had a 3speed on the column, 4speed, 5speed, automatics, and even a powerglide. Had a straight 6, v6, v8 and even a vw h4. I learned to drive on a '74 chevy c10 with 3speed on the column with no power steering and no power brakes, so I can drive just about anything...even drove a big rig before.
Enough of the history lesson...Like I said before, it's for me. I'm not modding for everyone else or to get looks from other drivers. Everything I've done to my car either makes the car handle better or makes it more enjoyable to drive everyday. As you can see in my profile, I haven't done many "go" mods, because the engine simply hasn't got much to give without sinking a few G's into it. The iridiums were a waste and the K&N drop in filter just keeps me from having to replace the filter all the time. It'd be a b*tch anyway, with the strut bar in the way!
Interior:I've always been a big stereo nut, so the ICE is there. Two amps, 4 coaxes, two tweeters, a sub and mp3 player for the geek in me. I did the dash kit to break up the gloomy black interior. An RSX **** is a nice upgrade and shorter than stock. Power windows makes driving easier...no more leaning over to roll up the passenger side. Tinted windows keep the interior cool in the summer and give a little privacy. Also keeps wondering eyes out of the interior when it's parked. A small tach keeps me from redlining..at least until I find a good deal on a cluster swap.
Exterior/suspension: Gotta have nice wheels and tires for handling and a nice appearance. A rear RSX sway bar keeps the rear end in line. Two upper strut bars tighten up the frame. Painted exterior trim such as the license frame, door handles and wiper nozzles cleans up the look. No spoilers to ruin the clean lines of the trunk. If I did get one, it'd be low profile, hugging the trunk lid, like a tsunami or sedan spoiler. Fog lights light the road better in all conditions and add to the good looks.
Mods I'm not gonna do: Ugly spoilers, ground effects, lowering, clearing headlights, altezzas, any neons inside or out, or gauge covers.
Most spoilers are not attractive or ridiculously expensive for what you get in return. Same for ground effects...it's a daily driver so I don't want to be hitting curbs and getting stuck on speed bumps. Lowering for the same reason. Clearing headlights looks nice but I don't want to deal with taking off the bumper and possibly messing them up, getting fogged lights, etc. Altezzas suck, 'nuff said. Neons are for teenagers to want to be seen...rice. And finally, I'm happy with how the gauges look now, plus it's a dx and i couldn't get a cover if I wanted to.
A long reply...I'm done.
Older tuners....hrm...I can't say for anyone else, but the things I do to my car are for my enjoyment, not to show off to others. I've had fast cars, slow cars, POS's, and even a truck. I've had a 3speed on the column, 4speed, 5speed, automatics, and even a powerglide. Had a straight 6, v6, v8 and even a vw h4. I learned to drive on a '74 chevy c10 with 3speed on the column with no power steering and no power brakes, so I can drive just about anything...even drove a big rig before.
Enough of the history lesson...Like I said before, it's for me. I'm not modding for everyone else or to get looks from other drivers. Everything I've done to my car either makes the car handle better or makes it more enjoyable to drive everyday. As you can see in my profile, I haven't done many "go" mods, because the engine simply hasn't got much to give without sinking a few G's into it. The iridiums were a waste and the K&N drop in filter just keeps me from having to replace the filter all the time. It'd be a b*tch anyway, with the strut bar in the way!
Interior:I've always been a big stereo nut, so the ICE is there. Two amps, 4 coaxes, two tweeters, a sub and mp3 player for the geek in me. I did the dash kit to break up the gloomy black interior. An RSX **** is a nice upgrade and shorter than stock. Power windows makes driving easier...no more leaning over to roll up the passenger side. Tinted windows keep the interior cool in the summer and give a little privacy. Also keeps wondering eyes out of the interior when it's parked. A small tach keeps me from redlining..at least until I find a good deal on a cluster swap.
Exterior/suspension: Gotta have nice wheels and tires for handling and a nice appearance. A rear RSX sway bar keeps the rear end in line. Two upper strut bars tighten up the frame. Painted exterior trim such as the license frame, door handles and wiper nozzles cleans up the look. No spoilers to ruin the clean lines of the trunk. If I did get one, it'd be low profile, hugging the trunk lid, like a tsunami or sedan spoiler. Fog lights light the road better in all conditions and add to the good looks.
Mods I'm not gonna do: Ugly spoilers, ground effects, lowering, clearing headlights, altezzas, any neons inside or out, or gauge covers.
Most spoilers are not attractive or ridiculously expensive for what you get in return. Same for ground effects...it's a daily driver so I don't want to be hitting curbs and getting stuck on speed bumps. Lowering for the same reason. Clearing headlights looks nice but I don't want to deal with taking off the bumper and possibly messing them up, getting fogged lights, etc. Altezzas suck, 'nuff said. Neons are for teenagers to want to be seen...rice. And finally, I'm happy with how the gauges look now, plus it's a dx and i couldn't get a cover if I wanted to.
A long reply...I'm done.
Premium Member
Hey! Look At Me!! I'm a Supporting Member!!
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 2,478
Likes: 0
From: Lost Angels
Rep Power: 302 Hmmm...... I'm 39 now... and slipping fast
I've been there and done that. I mostly built and raced Mazda RX2's back then. They were a lot of fun, but California's crazy laws eventually put a stop to that. I now still have my trusty 85 Nissan 720 Truck, (may it run forever) and an 02 Civic Silver EX Coupe. My thing now is to fine tune the cars I drive to how I like it. Better tires, nice rims, X-brace, Strut and tie bars, etc. Put in the shifter bushings and so on. Removed all but the H emblems. Tint, of course. It looks great and it gets hot in Cali. The car now rides and "feels" the way I like it. Solid, and sure footed. Outside it's totally clean. The only cosmetic thing other than the rims are a set of chrome rings around my gauges. I modified the stock HU with RCA outs to drive a decent amp, better speakers, and RSX-S hidden sub, and a trunk mounted alpine changer. My car looks just ordinary, and clean. No real reason for someone to break into it, etc.
No stickers, spoilers, etc. Maybe a K20 in the future. But that's stealth, so it's OK. I think the best mods are the hidden ones. Under the hood, out of sight. I did the same with the Mazdas when I was 19. All go, no show. I do like show cars, though. I can really appreciate the work that goes into them. The problem with ME owning one is that I could not sleep nights. I have no place to lock it up.
Well, long post....
Anyone else?
I've been there and done that. I mostly built and raced Mazda RX2's back then. They were a lot of fun, but California's crazy laws eventually put a stop to that. I now still have my trusty 85 Nissan 720 Truck, (may it run forever) and an 02 Civic Silver EX Coupe. My thing now is to fine tune the cars I drive to how I like it. Better tires, nice rims, X-brace, Strut and tie bars, etc. Put in the shifter bushings and so on. Removed all but the H emblems. Tint, of course. It looks great and it gets hot in Cali. The car now rides and "feels" the way I like it. Solid, and sure footed. Outside it's totally clean. The only cosmetic thing other than the rims are a set of chrome rings around my gauges. I modified the stock HU with RCA outs to drive a decent amp, better speakers, and RSX-S hidden sub, and a trunk mounted alpine changer. My car looks just ordinary, and clean. No real reason for someone to break into it, etc.
No stickers, spoilers, etc. Maybe a K20 in the future. But that's stealth, so it's OK. I think the best mods are the hidden ones. Under the hood, out of sight. I did the same with the Mazdas when I was 19. All go, no show. I do like show cars, though. I can really appreciate the work that goes into them. The problem with ME owning one is that I could not sleep nights. I have no place to lock it up.
Well, long post....
Anyone else?
I have a brother that's over 30. He's got a WRX which he uses to autoX. He's thrown on an exhaust (not sure which one), a camber kit, and different tires. He doesn't want to do more because it'll bump him up in class when he goes to races. He was into stickers for a while; he wouldn't listen to me. What can I say? That's about it.
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 2,339
Likes: 0
From: Long Island, New York
Rep Power: 0 Originally posted by civicdude
and I was a big stereo buff....
and I was a big stereo buff....
I think that once you get yourself into the world of cars and tuning, it sticks with you forever. When I'm 30 I'd like to have a nice benz. A car that I can afford for $35k. I say this now being 19, my tastes may change.
My dad has a very good job and can afford a high end BMW, but chooses his 99' Maxima over everything.
A wise man once told me:
"The quality of your car does not determine the quality of your life." Very True.
Banned
iTrader: (32)
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 8,407
Likes: 0
From: Long Island, New York
Rep Power: 0 
If you are 30+ ***I THINK YOU*** should be in a bmw, mercedes, saab by now... What did you do with all your $?!? Gotta save up for the good stuff (IN MY OPNINION )
Work now play later
Play now work later
Work now play later
Play now work later
Last edited by ImPulse; Dec 12, 2003 at 08:00 AM.
Banned
iTrader: (32)
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 8,407
Likes: 0
From: Long Island, New York
Rep Power: 0 Originally posted by Boiler_Room
"The quality of your car does not determine the quality of your life." Very True.
"The quality of your car does not determine the quality of your life." Very True.
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 9,308
Likes: 0
From: Long Island, New York, US
Rep Power: 396 Originally posted by ImPulse
If you are 30+ you should be in a bmw, mercedes, saab by now... What did you do with all your $?!? Gotta save up for the good stuff
Work now play later
Play now work later
If you are 30+ you should be in a bmw, mercedes, saab by now... What did you do with all your $?!? Gotta save up for the good stuff
Work now play later
Play now work later
So maybe if I saved that money I would be rolling around in a bimmer or a benz...but Honestly I wouldnt want one...I would only buy Japanese....Not really fond of the german cars....I used to work for a German car dealer...and I think the Japanese cars are made much better.
If I had saved my money...I would hope to be able to afford a house by now....but I cant. I am currently saving for my wedding...which is going to cost me over $30,000.
So my advice is to save your money....Dont live for the day...you will need that money in the future....
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 2,339
Likes: 0
From: Long Island, New York
Rep Power: 0 Originally posted by civicdude
So my advice is to save your money....Dont live for the day...you will need that money in the future....
So my advice is to save your money....Dont live for the day...you will need that money in the future....
I think i'll just ride my Civic till it dies. I'm in a position where I've put all car mods on hold because I am saving up to live at school. I really do want to move out, but I'm having second thoughts right now. My parents refuse to pay for room and board at my school which is a real bummer. I kind of just want to have a fun college experience and the car doesn't really matter to me anymore.
I've put nearly 40k miles on my car and it is not new anymore. It's reliable too. And I agree with CivicDude that Jap cars are the most reliable on the market, but there is just something that makes everyone want a german luxary car in America.
I guess the car you drive is a symbol of how hard you worked, or how well off you are. Everyone dreams of having a nice car one day.
I'm having second thoughts about dropping over $4k on school when I can just suck it up and commute like I've been doing, and continue working full time and going to school full time. But on the flipside I worked hard to save that money up and I owe it to myself to have some sort of college experience and make some new friends when I'm young.
It's a catch-22. Money and Cars, Saving and Spending, Living for the Moment and Preparing for the future...
Life is so confusing sometimes...
Last edited by Boiler_Room; Dec 11, 2003 at 03:09 PM.
Originally posted by ImPulse
If you are 30+ you should be in a bmw, mercedes, saab by now... What did you do with all your $?!? Gotta save up for the good stuff
Work now play later
Play now work later
If you are 30+ you should be in a bmw, mercedes, saab by now... What did you do with all your $?!? Gotta save up for the good stuff
Work now play later
Play now work later
I mean, just cause your 30+ doesnt mean you have lots of money. Not to make a generalization but when your around 30 you probably have a kid or a couple kids. Kids cost alot of money, maybe instead of spending it on a brand new bimmer they are putting it towards their kids college education, etc. So what if they are driving a honda accord or whatever- its a good car thats not incredibly expensive.
But it's a Dry Heat
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 2,025
Likes: 0
From: 909
Rep Power: 0 Originally posted by ImPulse
If you are 30+ you should be in a bmw, mercedes, saab by now... What did you do with all your $?!? Gotta save up for the good stuff
Work now play later
Play now work later
If you are 30+ you should be in a bmw, mercedes, saab by now... What did you do with all your $?!? Gotta save up for the good stuff
Work now play later
Play now work later
Anyway, the older you get the less likely you are to go too crazy with your mods, in my opinion.
Premium Member
Hey! Look At Me!! I'm a Supporting Member!!
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 2,478
Likes: 0
From: Lost Angels
Rep Power: 302 Hey, I HAD a Mercedes, among other things. Guess what? Waaay to many problems. Nice ride though. One thing I learned in my life: I DON'T want anyone to know how much money I have. I usually dress down as well. Why advertise? Too many loosers in LA that just want to take it from you. No sir, I like my levis and my Civic JUST FINE. In fact, I want to be buried in Jeans and T-shirt. All this Bling and showoff is just Bull***t.
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 2,339
Likes: 0
From: Long Island, New York
Rep Power: 0 Originally posted by ImPulse
Location itself plays a part. Where iam growing up all i see are young people... and luxury cars. That is what i hope to do =]
Location itself plays a part. Where iam growing up all i see are young people... and luxury cars. That is what i hope to do =]
Registered!!
iTrader: (5)
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 1,143
Likes: 4
From: Fort Oglethorpe
Rep Power: 315 Originally posted by ImPulse
If you are 30+ you should be in a bmw, mercedes, saab by now... What did you do with all your $?!? Gotta save up for the good stuff
Work now play later
Play now work later
If you are 30+ you should be in a bmw, mercedes, saab by now... What did you do with all your $?!? Gotta save up for the good stuff
Work now play later
Play now work later
The car I buy and the money I spend is MY business. If I wanna buy another civic when I'm 50, it's no concern of yours.
But it's a Dry Heat
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 2,025
Likes: 0
From: 909
Rep Power: 0 Originally posted by ImPulse
Location itself plays a part. Where iam growing up all i see are young people... and luxury cars. That is what i hope to do =]
Location itself plays a part. Where iam growing up all i see are young people... and luxury cars. That is what i hope to do =]
Banned
iTrader: (32)
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 8,407
Likes: 0
From: Long Island, New York
Rep Power: 0 lol, im just stating my opinion... anything wrong with that?
"It's stupid comments like this, from punk teenagers that think they know everything that makes me wanna leave this forum.
The car I buy and the money I spend is MY business. If I wanna buy another civic when I'm 50, it's no concern of yours."
did i say BUY THIS? no... How am i a punk teen? Just cause i gave my opinion? jeeze, If u want a civic when u are 50 then go for it...
A lot of people like to have faster cars by that age, but then again, what do i know?
"It's stupid comments like this, from punk teenagers that think they know everything that makes me wanna leave this forum.
The car I buy and the money I spend is MY business. If I wanna buy another civic when I'm 50, it's no concern of yours."
did i say BUY THIS? no... How am i a punk teen? Just cause i gave my opinion? jeeze, If u want a civic when u are 50 then go for it...
A lot of people like to have faster cars by that age, but then again, what do i know?
damn... getting ripped online, thats why there is an "X" on Microsoft Internet Explorer 
Originally posted by ImPulse
did i say BUY THIS? no...
A lot of people like to have faster cars by that age, but then again, what do i know?
did i say BUY THIS? no...
A lot of people like to have faster cars by that age, but then again, what do i know?
Registered!!
iTrader: (1)
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 1,774
Likes: 0
From: Washington State
Rep Power: 306 Here's my take on the older guys buying cars:
I'm twice-divorced. First time I had one car the whole marriage. . . my trusty old 1991 Corolla. Was the reasonable car at the time since I couldn't afford anything else for several years. Put almost 200,000 miles on that little guy, and it fit me at the time. I was your average early 20's newly-wed trying to make it in corporate America.
Second time around I still had the car. Gave it to my then step-daughter. Was perfect for her. . . same story. . . 18, needed cheap & reliable transportation. (Still had the system in it, too!) Bought a 1998 Lumina because the shortest one in the house was 5'7", and the rest of us were 5'9"x2 and 5'11". We NEEDED a larger car. After that it was the 1990 Prelude for my daily. . . again, inexpensive and reliable. . . but a little sporty. I was 29 at the time.
Fast-forward to almost two years ago. I was 30 and wanted something newer. I had found myself unemployed for the first time in a LONG time. (Thank the ailing tech industry for that) So I put no money down on a 2002 Civic. Got approved for $18,000 out the door on my excellent credit alone. The Civic was my "Look at what no job and exceptional credit can do for you" car.
Now, I'm 32 . . I have a great job . . . I'm more active and adventurous than ever before. . . and I was ready for something with some *****.
Enter the 2004 WRX STi.
More room for stuff, more power for fun, and a greater ability to do things. I'm taking up snowboarding, and I'm buying a new mountain bike next spring. A Thule rack will do nicely on the roof, and the AWD will make sure I always get to where I'm going. My next car will most likely be a 2006 Legacy GT wagon. (My SUV and daily driver so the STi can be my fun car)
I could have gone out last month and got a 330i, IS300, TL, C230, or even an H2 if I really wanted to blow a wad of dough.
Want to know why I chose a "lowly" Subaru?
It fits me. It fits who I am, and fits my lifestyle. I could give a rat's *** what people think I should drive. My money is not for the purpose of living up to anyone else's expectations.
Want to know where all the money went?
I've been married twice. The second time was with 2 step daughters. . .and children, especially teen children (hold back the snide remarks), are quite a monetary investment. I've built two houses. . . the first was $188,000, the second was $420,000. I've travelled to both US Disney parks on my own, two Olympic games (including the 1992 games in Barcelona, Spain), and I am an avid electronics user. I have invested heavily in photography equipment, home theater, car audio, personal computing, etc. I do not shop at Ikea. Most of my furniture is Bassett and Thomasville. I do not buy clothes at Target. . . I wear clean and proper attire to work, and I buy durable jeans and shirts for play. I put myself through college. Four years . . . at least $30,000. I go to concerts, ballgames, dinner, movies, and sometimes I even host parties with no cover.
Where has my money gone? I have LIVED. Sometimes it costs money to live a fun life. And I'll be DAMNED if I'm going to give that up just to drive a nicer automobile.
I'm still young.
I date an 18-year old.
I'm active.
I love to have fun and play.
I love to experience new things in new places.
I love to LIVE.
THAT is where my money has gone over the last 14 years. THAT is why I cannot afford a 5 Series or an S-Class. (Not that I'm even interested) . . . and THAT is why I have no regrets, and could care less what other poeple drive. My car puts almost as big a smile on my face every time I drive it as my girlfriend does.
End of story. . . . thanks for listening. . . . good night.
I'm twice-divorced. First time I had one car the whole marriage. . . my trusty old 1991 Corolla. Was the reasonable car at the time since I couldn't afford anything else for several years. Put almost 200,000 miles on that little guy, and it fit me at the time. I was your average early 20's newly-wed trying to make it in corporate America.
Second time around I still had the car. Gave it to my then step-daughter. Was perfect for her. . . same story. . . 18, needed cheap & reliable transportation. (Still had the system in it, too!) Bought a 1998 Lumina because the shortest one in the house was 5'7", and the rest of us were 5'9"x2 and 5'11". We NEEDED a larger car. After that it was the 1990 Prelude for my daily. . . again, inexpensive and reliable. . . but a little sporty. I was 29 at the time.
Fast-forward to almost two years ago. I was 30 and wanted something newer. I had found myself unemployed for the first time in a LONG time. (Thank the ailing tech industry for that) So I put no money down on a 2002 Civic. Got approved for $18,000 out the door on my excellent credit alone. The Civic was my "Look at what no job and exceptional credit can do for you" car.
Now, I'm 32 . . I have a great job . . . I'm more active and adventurous than ever before. . . and I was ready for something with some *****.
Enter the 2004 WRX STi.
More room for stuff, more power for fun, and a greater ability to do things. I'm taking up snowboarding, and I'm buying a new mountain bike next spring. A Thule rack will do nicely on the roof, and the AWD will make sure I always get to where I'm going. My next car will most likely be a 2006 Legacy GT wagon. (My SUV and daily driver so the STi can be my fun car)
I could have gone out last month and got a 330i, IS300, TL, C230, or even an H2 if I really wanted to blow a wad of dough.
Want to know why I chose a "lowly" Subaru?
It fits me. It fits who I am, and fits my lifestyle. I could give a rat's *** what people think I should drive. My money is not for the purpose of living up to anyone else's expectations.
Want to know where all the money went?
I've been married twice. The second time was with 2 step daughters. . .and children, especially teen children (hold back the snide remarks), are quite a monetary investment. I've built two houses. . . the first was $188,000, the second was $420,000. I've travelled to both US Disney parks on my own, two Olympic games (including the 1992 games in Barcelona, Spain), and I am an avid electronics user. I have invested heavily in photography equipment, home theater, car audio, personal computing, etc. I do not shop at Ikea. Most of my furniture is Bassett and Thomasville. I do not buy clothes at Target. . . I wear clean and proper attire to work, and I buy durable jeans and shirts for play. I put myself through college. Four years . . . at least $30,000. I go to concerts, ballgames, dinner, movies, and sometimes I even host parties with no cover.
Where has my money gone? I have LIVED. Sometimes it costs money to live a fun life. And I'll be DAMNED if I'm going to give that up just to drive a nicer automobile.
I'm still young.
I date an 18-year old.
I'm active.
I love to have fun and play.
I love to experience new things in new places.
I love to LIVE.
THAT is where my money has gone over the last 14 years. THAT is why I cannot afford a 5 Series or an S-Class. (Not that I'm even interested) . . . and THAT is why I have no regrets, and could care less what other poeple drive. My car puts almost as big a smile on my face every time I drive it as my girlfriend does.
End of story. . . . thanks for listening. . . . good night.
Registered!!
iTrader: (1)
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 1,774
Likes: 0
From: Washington State
Rep Power: 306 Originally posted by ImPulse
sorry i have different taste =] iam blessed with a luxurious life
sorry i have different taste =] iam blessed with a luxurious life
It's all good. Wasn't trying to ream anyone out. I grew up pretty well-off, but once on my own reality set in and I evolved into someone who doesn't put as much value on things so much as I do experiencing the finer things in life.
I have very simple taste. . . . I like to have the best of everything. . . but I have practical limits I set on myself. Otherwise, I'd probably have bought the Volvo V70R.
