You are currently viewing our forum as a guest, which gives you limited access to view most discussions and access our other features. By joining our community, at no cost, you will have access to post topics, communicate privately with other members (PM), respond to polls, upload content and access many other special features. Registration is free, fast and simple, so please join our community today!
So I'm looking at my finances, and am kind of saddened that I pay nearly $600/mth (insurance+car payment) for my 06. Now I've been trying to tell myself to downgrade for a while but could never get myself to do it. The last time I was going to trade it in for a 04 BMW 330 ZHP, but that deal fell through. Now I'm looking into practicality and the Z has nothing I really need in a car. Other than a great engine, reliability, and fun factor. But I've been looking at mods and everything else and have been just like man why do I need this. So I am at it again. This time I'd like to buy an older WRX. 04-05. Prices are fairly cheap and have AWD so if I need to drive it in South Dakota winters I can. But how do you convince yourself to let go of your beautiful Z?
Just gotta decide what is most important to you, and weigh the totality of the circumstances
Wrx's are abundant, but lots have been modded, with varying degrees of success (just like Z's). Some have been put back to stock, some have been hacked together and/or rebuilt, and it's not always easy to spot.
It would seem to me that you're not really saving money by making the switch to a WRX, you're just making a lateral change. The cars are not worth a dramatically different amount from one another, and I'd almost bet insurance is close as well. But, you would really need to sit down with your finances, figure out what you can afford to spend a money, and then back yourself into a vehicle from there, and then consult your insurance company and figure out all the costs.
Just gotta decide what is most important to you, and weigh the totality of the circumstances
Wrx's are abundant, but lots have been modded, with varying degrees of success (just like Z's). Some have been put back to stock, some have been hacked together and/or rebuilt, and it's not always easy to spot.
It would seem to me that you're not really saving money by making the switch to a WRX, you're just making a lateral change. The cars are not worth a dramatically different amount from one another, and I'd almost bet insurance is close as well. But, you would really need to sit down with your finances, figure out what you can afford to spend a money, and then back yourself into a vehicle from there, and then consult your insurance company and figure out all the costs.
Thanks alot for the post. But it's already been done. I'd be saving myself like $150 a month by the downgrade. But would you say it's worth it? I know it doesn't seem like alot but me and my wife will be moving in together finally and having a dog with the Z isn't really going to work out well.
I've had Subaru's since before they were 'cool' - the second car I ever went nuts with was a '99 2.5 RS that I purchased new (my first new car ever!). I absolutely loved it, and wish I still had it today. The 02 WRX lost alot of the character that the GC chassis cars had, so for me, no it's not a change I'd make. But, if you live in a climate where it snows alot, then a Z is no bueno at all, while a WRX can be tons of fun. I have personally found the Z to be far better made from a build quality standpoint than the GD WRX's as well. My Z has literally been the most trouble free car I have ever owned. Not a single stock component on the car ever needed any post-sale support.
Thanks alot for the post. But it's already been done. I'd be saving myself like $150 a month by the downgrade. But would you say it's worth it? I know it doesn't seem like alot but me and my wife will be moving in together finally and having a dog with the Z isn't really going to work out well.
Huh? Please explain what extenuating circumstances permitted you from doing so beforehand?
__________________ All the happiness in the world can't buy you money!
Im in the same boat with my G sedan, was looking at a G20 or a 2.5 RS as possible cars to slide into. Ive been weighing the pros and cons a lot lately and ts not an easy decision, thats for sure. I also need something that can drive in the snow too.
__________________
"You trying to say Jesus Christ can't hit a curveball?"
I actually downgraded and got my Z.
I went from an 09' tC with 13k Miles on it, that I was paying $470 a month for, to an 03' Z with 38k Miles that I'm only paying $350 a month for.. Insurance went from $170 a month, to $150 a month.. So all in all, I am saving $140 a month..
You have to whats right for you and what is going to be your new lifestyle. If you don't feel that a sports car fits into it then move on to the WRX(I would go Evo).Those cars are fun too and more practical. It really surprises me about the insurance though. I was checking into getting an Evo 8 a while back and the rate was nearly indentical to what I was paying on my S2K which was only $20 a month more than I'm paying on my Z.
I actually downgraded and got my Z.
I went from an 09' tC with 13k Miles on it, that I was paying $470 a month for, to an 03' Z with 38k Miles that I'm only paying $350 a month for.. Insurance went from $170 a month, to $150 a month.. So all in all, I am saving $140 a month..
Stfu and gtfo downgraded from a scion... You bought a z not a turd.
I feel your pain man I'm paying 700 and still don't live with my wife
either. Haha
I've been ooking for a downgrade and can't do it... It hurts.
I actually downgraded and got my Z.
I went from an 09' tC with 13k Miles on it, that I was paying $470 a month for, to an 03' Z with 38k Miles that I'm only paying $350 a month for.. Insurance went from $170 a month, to $150 a month.. So all in all, I am saving $140 a month..
^^^
You didnt downgrade at all... You actually came out on top...
A) You got rid of a DOUCHE car... J/k
B) Both your car payment and insurance went down
... Your not upside down tho, are you?
__________________
Stillen-Berk-Rays-Powered BY Max
You didnt downgrade at all... You actually came out on top...
A) You got rid of a DOUCHE car... J/k
B) Both your car payment and insurance went down
... Your not upside down tho, are you?
No, I actually ended up owing $2k less. A friend of mine ended up getting a job at the dealership where I bought the tC and one of their salesmen couldn't afford this Z.
Thanks alot for the post. But it's already been done. I'd be saving myself like $150 a month by the downgrade. But would you say it's worth it? I know it doesn't seem like alot but me and my wife will be moving in together finally and having a dog with the Z isn't really going to work out well.
It sounds like you are hitting that point in your life where you are growing up and taking on the responsibilities of an adult. That is pretty cool in and of itself. Wife, dog, maybe kids before long... those really aren't compatible with the Z as your only car. I actually bought my Z from a guardsman facing the same thing.
A WRX is fine, but it is still a very small car. You should also consider a small SUV such as the Escape. A late model Escape can be had pretty cheap and would still be under warranty. Not as fun as the Z, but a lot more practical. I had to go to a meeting over the weekend and cross two mountain passes to get there. A trip that would have been a bit scary in the Z was a piece of cake in the Escape.
As someone else mentioned, there is plenty of time to get "fun" cars. Going into your marriage with uncomfortable debt however, is not a recipe for success.
I agree with dhays, going into a marriage with debt is not exactly good. Before I got married I got rid of two cars because I needed money for moving and living expenses while I was finding a new job. Being financially responsible was a hard thing for me to learn but I am glad I learned early in my life than paying for it later. You will have another chance to get a "car" when you are more financially secure.
Anyone here ever downgraded to save money?
