EthanF

Hi! I've been lusting over 350z's for quite some time now, and I'm strongly considering buying one. Figured I'd come to the area where everyone know everything about them for some advice. Short and sweet: I make $1,2000 a month, and the only bill I have is $60 for motorcycle insurance.

I got approved for a $12,000 loan over 5 years with 3.5% interest and a 2 grand down payment, so right around $200 a month payments. Insurance was quoted at $150 a month. I drive 1200 miles a month so gas might hurt a little, but my bike should make up for it in the summer. The rest of the money left over every moth would get tossed in savings.

Basically my plan is to get a 03-ish 350z Touring, hold on to my 95 Civic for winter (I live in MN) or emergencies, and use my bike during the summer to save gas money.

I won't mind being too broke as long as I'm happy. And when I'm accelerating at a decent speed, or going sideways around a corner, I'm usually happy I appreciate the input!! Thanks a ton!

350zjason350z

iTrader: (15)

I would get something newer than an 03..

AdvanZ33

iTrader: (105)

That's a pretty juvenile train of thought and I think it will ultimately hurt you in the end. If you make $1,200 per month, you're already out $410 for payments and insurance. That's around 35% of your income tied up in vehicles and that's not including gas and maintenance. Who's paying insurance for the Civic? I'm not going to bother with living expenses because I can assume who's taking care of that for you. All in all, get an education. Get a real job. Buy what you want with all the dollars you will be making. Smile bigger with financial security.

NismoDude

^^this, OR, if you really want the Z you should consider selling either your motorcycle and/or you civic. If you have a sports car like the Z, you don't need a sportbike (and vise versa, unless you are making a LOT more money than you are) they are both "toys" if you have a reliable economy car (civic) for transportation.

EthanF

I might try and steer away from the 03's if I can!

It is slightly juvenile I know, but I am pretty good and ALWAYS have a savings back up for repairs of no less then $3,000 which seems decently safe....right? And yes, I live with my parents LOL. I intend to go to school for mechanics, so I want this car to mod while I have full access to the car lifts. I intend to pay it off in 3 years with bonus' and tax refunds.

And I suppose I could sell one of them, or if nothing else hold on to them and sell them if I need money for a repair of some sort!

Pholicious

iTrader: (4)

If your income is 1200$ a month don't buy one, with payments, insurance, and gas for this car alone you won't have much money left for anything else.

Then something breaks or needs repaired what are you gonna do?

What happens when you get a speeding ticket?

If you want to start modding which everyone does don't expect much from this car you'll be lucky to hit 290whp from a vq35de.

The car is great don't get me wrong but make sure it fits your life style.

10-E-C-350Z

iTrader: (9)

Do what makes you happy man.

Syner

Do what you want, but I think it is more than just slightly juvenile.

How do you plan to pay for school? Prioritize.

Mikeman92

I know how you feel. I'm in the same situation, only I make $200 less than you. I don't pay for school though, and usually have money left over from school, about 2 grand a year.. Not to mention tax returns and etc.. The only difference is when I plan to buy the car, I plan to pay it all off at once, and have the first six months insurance put down on the car.

Hey if you're willing to pay the interest on the loans, and car payments go for it.. Just make sure you how to spread your money

FlamesOFDarknes

If you can manage your money...no debts...no bills...responsible...the car is what fits you and if you love it that much, go for it.

You don't need to be rich to own a nice sports car as proven by me When I was young I was stupid and didn't manage my money well...if I did I would of gotten a GT-R by now with a $1,000/monthly income. Could of saved close to $80,000 by now. But, the past is the past, lol.

Just make sure you have emergency money or some savings on the side in case something were to happen. Save your money, manage your money and cash that S.B.

EthanF

I appreciate all of the feedback! I've decided to alter my plans and meet in the middle. I'm going to keep up my current routine of tossing $800 a month into my savings account, and re-evaluate my situation at the end of the summer. Should give me a verrry nice cushion to deal with, and not allow myself to get in a financial problem. Thank you all very much! Way more input then I expected! I'll hopefully be joining your ranks in a handful of months

EthanF

Oh yeah...

NoQuestionZ

iTrader: (93)

lol. Best first pic of ownership EVAAAARR!!!

Welcome to the Z world. Enjoy responsibly.

RUNWDVL

iTrader: (10)

Nice pick up. Smart thing to save up for it.

mattleegee

nice follow up

EthanF

Thanks guys!!! I'm in love.

oldschool350z

iTrader: (1)

Gas gas gas. We z owners don't care about gas mileage. I fill up about every week, a lot of city driving. If you have the budget for that and tires, enjoy.

EthanF

I do about 60 a miles a day on the highway and have been averaging right around 30mpg, so I'm not doing too bad

taryon

NismoDude

wishful thinking, I don't think a Z will get that even if you shift at 2500 rpms and never exceed 50 mph


Maybe it's got a prius engine in it?????