This is the first time in my life that I have the ability to buy a vehicle. I’ve been blessed to have parents and a grandfather that have provided me with all the vehicles I’ve had so far. To give you some background, the first vehicle I had was a F-150 Triton V8.
That was my grandfather’s truck and to this day, I really wish I still had it. Second vehicle was an amazing 2004 Honda Accord V6 manual coupe.
I loved that car. I wanted a manual for soooo long and I finally had one. Unfortunately, the car kept getting ran into. People ran into the car at stoplights, in the parking lot, it just seemed like a target. Eventually it was totaled when a guy ran his Ford Expedition into the back of the Honda at a stop light while I was in college. Sad, sad day. Next up, Infinity G35. Not too much to say about it due to me only having it for 4 months. There were many positioning sensor issues that prevented the car from starting 70% of the time that I needed it to start. It wasn’t a brand-new car or anything. It had over 110,000 miles so I knew it would have some problems, but I didn’t think it would be THAT bad. Lastly, a 2008 Honda Accord V6 sedan is what I’m currently driving. It’s a great car, starts up whenever I need to go somewhere, it’s comfortable and spacious. It does all I need it to do. I’m very thankful for it.
You may ask, why do you want a different used car if what you have is fine? Great question. I consider myself to be a car guy. I enjoy everything about vehicles. The feeling you get driving, being connected to the car that you drive, the smell of the fabric inside of the car, all these things are a part of the total car experience. (More on this whole concept in a later post.) Ultimately, I don’t really have that feeling now.
So, to fulfill this driving fever I have, I’m in search for a sport inspired, used vehicle. Which leads me to the title of this post. If you follow the steps listed below, you WON’T be buying a car.
First, trying to be unique. There are so many people in the world that are interested in cars just like you and me. If you continue to focus on finding something that no one else has, especially in America, you will be searching for this car forever. Unless you create your own and get on your Elon vibes.
Secondly, do some research on all the cars that interest you. This part is a good thing…until you do the same research for months and months, that’s when things can take turn. Analysis paralysis is a real thing and it can hold you back from making a (potentially) great decision because you second guess yourself.
Third, not being open to different transmission options. Being open to any transmission is a better option due to the greater amount of choices you will have. But, if you’re like me, you’ve got to have a manual vehicle. That’s when the search gets difficult unless you’re looking for something like a Mustang or Camaro. When it comes to low mileage manual E92 M3’s……get ready to pay a fortune.
This leads me to the last topic – money. You’ve got to have it to buy anything, as you already know. If you spend too much money on something like a car, it could be detrimental to your financial well-being because a car isn’t really an appreciating asset. (Unless it’s some rare collectable.) At the same time, if you don’t spend money on something that you love and enjoy what’s the point of making money in the first place? Just make sure your priorities are taken care of first. Without creating a plan for your money and not asking yourself these questions, will prevent you from buying anything. You can’t just have a nice car with nowhere to live. (More on this “plan for your money topic” in the money section).
In conclusion, I’ve been doing the four topics above ever since I graduated from college back in May of 2019 and I’ve gotten nowhere with purchasing a car. I plan to alter the way I’m thinking about the car searching and buying process so that I can enjoy this passion I have for vehicles. I do believe there is a way to experience a passion for vehicles without physically having the car of your dreams but, starting at an affordable, reliable, vehicle of any type can really help you and contribute to your passion. So, my suggestion is to work with what you got and be patient. Don’t try to be unique and buy a one of kind car, just make it our own with modifications. Second, don’t spend years researching the same information over and over again, analysis paralysis will get you. Thirdly, be open minded to the transmission you decide to go with – car guys drive automatics too. However, if you haven’t driven a manual car or owned one, I think you should. It will give you a different appreciation for the driving experience. Lastly, have a plan for how much money you want to spend, don’t over do it. Live within your means so you can have your car and be comfortable in every other aspect of life too.