ioTus

iTrader: (5)

I'm coming to a point where I really don't care about speed as much as i used to.

My priorities in life are changing, and i look back at the last 2 years of my life where every paycheck i've recieved has gone towards my car. And for what?

My car is slow, gutless, and has eaten up almost 12,000 of my hard earned dollars.

But here is the problem. I love this car more than anything else (material) in my life. Every time i look at it i feel a sense of pride, because i've done everything myself on it. The car practically IS me. But for what? A slow, gas-guzzling car that I worry about driving 80 miles to get to the track because its making a new noise every week...

I want more than anything to keep this car, but the money "invested" in it has not met my satisfaction.

Before i even seriously think about selling it, i am going to take it to a serious, professional tuner to get it dialed in and tuned to its maximum performance. Only then will i determine whether this investment was worth it (not money wise, gratification wise).

But, for my own reference, how much would you say you'd pay for my car if it was on the market?


Also, any words you may have to help me figure things out in my life would be great. I know this is a very great close community, and i'm going through a stage in my life where i am trying to sort my priorities.

Up until now my only priority has really been to work on the rex. and up until now I have enjoyed every second of it. But this is a big decision for me. Selling this car would be selling a MAJOR part of who I am and a major part of my life. I'm not sure i'm willing to give that up.

Thank you all in advance, I'm pretty sure this will turn in to a hot topic.

~Geoff Jensen

Jeff20B

iTrader: (13)

So that's why you don't want to go to SevenStock.

Some will see this as Robert letting you down. I don't see it that way because I think your car is doing pretty well with what it's got under the hood. I don't think I'd go with that particular setup today, but I've thought seriously about getting one in the past (blow-through seemed cooler and more old-school than EFI). I guess superchargers got into my blood a few more PPM than turbos though, since it's all I think about now.

I remember when you asked us about license plates and you were thinking of some sort of generic one like GOFAST7 or something else equally common and fairly forgettable. Then someone, I don't remember if it was you or somebody else, figured it would be quite fitting to simply go with IOTUS. I know I thought that was a cool one to see if you could get it. Then a little later you posted a pic of your car with the new plate. I thought it was pretty cool and unique.

Weren't you also considering selling your car back then? It seems like you were doing some soul searching back then, kinda like you are now.

As for your car's value, you can never get out what you spend on it. A stock GSL-SE is one thing, but a modified car is another. Hmm, I really couldn't say.

How old are you, if you don't mind me asking?

ioTus

iTrader: (5)

I'm 20.

As far as robert letting me down. NO WAY.

He's bringing up some parts and lots of expensive equiptment and tuning my car for EXTREMELY CHEAP. Cheaper than any other shop in the world would do it for, i can almost gurantee that. He's doing it out of the goodness of his heart (for pretty much nothing, i'm paying his way up here).

I'm amazed i've got my car this far. I literally had NO KNOWLEDGE whatsoever of how cars work before i started this project. and i've done everything virtually on my own, with the assistance of various people online and some good friends around here.

Jeff20B

iTrader: (13)

How did your car do against the CODE BLUE car in the drag races?

1badaffrx7

jeff i don't know how your car is supposed to reacted for that kinda of money but i was just bragging about your car to some of my friends tonight,i thinnk it is a awsome car and i think if you sold it it would hit you in a couple of weeks like losing a loved one,maybe not quit that extreme but you would be kinda of lost rx7's are a headache but to me there worth it if nothing else ive met some pretty cool people because of them i think you know what i mean just have patience and it will run like you want it to if speed is not in issue anymore than just drive it. the car is fast enough as it is it still might need some tinkering but what rx7 don't,and like you said this is something you've done yourself goodluck to you hope you don't sell it that is alot of money,time and hard work out the window its a nice car but i don't think you will ever get that money out of it so keep it and enjoy your investment once again good luck (Dan)

Jeff20B

iTrader: (13)

You mean Geoff? I'm Jeff.

How far does Robert have to travel?

wwilliam54

looks pretty bad, I'll give you 50$

Rx7carl

I knew the $50 comment would come up. A classic never dies.

Geoff, my only words are to back away from the car for awhile. I mean drive it and all if you need transportation. But dont revolve your life and $ around it for a while. Gain some perspective that way. Then you'll make a clearer decision I think. Do some thing else, stay off the forum.

I did the same thing with my racing. It was eating up ALL of my time and $. And I felt lost and unsure if what I was doing was what I really wanted after my inspiration was gone. So I took some time away from it. My new perspective has me itching to get back into it, but in a more measured and controlled way. I love Rx7's and racing, but I also love my family and its all about balance.

Good luck, you'll be fine, your no dummy.

blueraven

Well, Geoff I don't know who you are and I've never seen your car. However it sounds like it to me, your issues aren't your car but go a little more personal than that. I certainly know how you can get attached to a piece of metal, especially your first one or one that your've put allot of sweat equity in. My first true car was a 1973 Dodge Charger SE. I let that car go not because I needed the money but I was tired of putting money into it. Well that was 22 years ago, and I would kill to have that car back today. In retrospect, I should have parked it, put a cover over it and let it set for a while until I got my life, both financially and personally together. Today I can not justify buying back a 73 Charger, kid's college and the wife's dining room set comes first, so I can only look back on the memories and smile. I just bought my oldest son his first car, a 1984 GSL. Only time will tell whether or not he has the special memories of his first car as I do of mine, but since I can't justify reviving my memories, maybe I can work toward inhancing my son's. Your car is only worth what someone is willing to pay for it and you will never get enough to pay for all of your expenses and your beads of sweat. I guess what I'm saying is park the car, cover it up and go buy you a cheap piece of crap to haul your butt from point A to B, and let time help you make your decisions.

Good Luck,
Blueraven

wwilliam54

++
my cars is sitting out in a field, and will be for a while yet, i dont have the time/money/energy to work on it now, but i know ill regret selling it

lovintha7

I've seen this many times man. Every time someone sells their car, they regret every moment of it. Don't worry about the $ isssue. What's done is done. Just drive the car and enjoy it. A car will always have something to tinker with, but it can wait. Family takes priority. But don't sell your car. You'll just end up buying another one, trying to get it back to what you had. If you have to, just park it for awhile. (Just turn the engine over frequently) I wish I still had my first vehicle, and regret wrecking it. (stupid red light didn't turn green fast enough) Don't sell your car man. Just enjoy what you have and don't get frustrated with it. You've got twice the car I have, so think of it that way. Your car is better than 80% of those little ricer punks. Just look at them, and think "I got something for ya Honda Punk"

DON'T SELL THE 7!!!!!!!

85rotarypower

Gratification is a sensitive thing. Some people can fix up then rice out the biggest **** box in the world and can be so pleased with it that it confuses most people, but they are so pleased with the car because they did it. Its not about how good your car looks, its not about how fast it is. If you did the bulk of the work, then you in your own mind can be happy about the car. Who cares if its not fast. I surely don't care that my car isn't the fastest RX-7 out there. I'm actually quite pleased with the power the 12A puts out. In the end, your ALWAYS going to be searching for more speed. Weather you have a 100hp stocker or a 400hp beast, it will never be enough. I have found that its best to just like what you have. There are always ways to make 100hp fun.

The message is be proud of what you have. Your car is far from slow. If you drove a stock 12A right now, you'd probably be so proud of your own car. I would say that the money put into your car is well spent. Other people could probably spend that much and have a car thats not quite as fast. Just remember we buy RX-7s knowing that they are going to be money pits, wether its for performance or just keeping it on the road.

BTW, I would value your car at $10000+. Its really a great car. Its probably one of the cleanest RX-7s out there. Your my idol.

inittab

Geoff, to be honest with you, not much. It has no value to me. Don't get me wrong, I think your car is extremely nice but as an RX-7 enthusiast, why would I buy a RX-7 that has much of the fun stuff already done? A car, like the RX-7's many of us enjoy, is a journey, not a destination. The value comes not from the money put into it or the mods you've done to it but the joy of the journey you take with it. You simply can't put a price on that. So, anyway, my advise to you is to completely forget about the money aspect of it. What has been spent is gone, forgetaboutit, it ain't coming back. If it's costing you too much right now then, as others have advised, put it under wraps for a day when the inspiration moves you to continue the journey. If you sell it now you won't get the money it deserves and you'll regret it down the road.

Max7

This is a tough place we all come to. I took over 2 years off working on other things, just changed the oil and drove her. I got burnt out, done this done that after about 7 years of 7's. But in the last 2 months the fire has been burning again. And It's like all new, fresh, It's great to have the "spark" going again. And to think I wanted to sell. I'm glad I stuck it out.
I'd never get out what's been sunk into my car.
To put a value on hours and hours of labor would be to hard, the parts are worth more than these scavangers will fork out.
If you NEED the money, then selling is the way to go.
otherwise keep her and just not spend $ for awhile until you feel right or wrong in what you are doing.
Its not and easy decision, but one that we all have to make from time to time....

CODE BLUE 2

If I did not know better, I would have sworn that I was reading something that I wrote, as I have felt the same thing at times. I have also poured thousands of dollars into my car, and have at times thought about selling my car. Yet, here I am, still trying to improve my car (and although I am going nuts, I am excited to see how my latest improvement will turn out). Face it, we are committed in a relationship with our cars. And when things go bad, or when totally frustrated, it would be an easy cop out to leave. But my friend, you will not be happy with yourself if you did.

Now, with that being said - this type of car is a long term relationship and I can understand setting priorities. If you are going into serious debt - or abandoning human relationships or screwing your job or school or stuff like that, then maybe you do need to rethink this.

But, this car can "teach" you patience - that is, you would love to do everything to your car right now, but unless you are Bill Gates or win the lottery, you have to pace yourself. Think of it as a hobby – something that you work on over a long period of time. Will it ever be perfect? Maybe not, but rather than looking at the end, and getting frustrated, look at the journey – and enjoy the journey.

Instead of rethinking priorities, maybe you need to examine your emotional attachment. If you become too emotional about your car, when you are faced with other people's comments or maybe have one bad day at the track, then you take it so personal - and that is what is killing ya, right now. I know this is true, as I have slipped into that mode of thinking, and have gotten all bummed out over some stupid *** remarks or my car didn’t meet what I expected it to do. So instead of reprioritizing, maybe you should work on developing a slightly thicker skin to protect yourself. I have to be reminded of this every now and then myself. No matter what, you know deep down the joy - the love - and the pride you have with your car. Just need to take a deep breath – Huz my friend Jeoff.

Anex 570

If I had a way of getting it I offer $5000 straight up. From where I'm from there is no good cars let alone special ones suchs as a turbo SE. If you really have to get rid of it, i'm gonna find shipping companys to get it, its too good of a car.

CODE BLUE 2

The car is worth much more than $5,000. He would be crazy to sell it for that. As much as he has put into it. That would be like giving the car away. Iotus sweetie, take a deep breath k....you love your car, cheer up things will look up.

Anex 570

He was asking what I would pay for it. So dont worry about what its worth and its not between me and you, its between me and him ok? This is my own money, and his investment. Your not offering him anything so you actually pissed me off. If you wanna mouth off more, why not offer him $10,000 for it so you can please yourself, otherwise shut up.

P.S. do what you feel is best about it. If you need money for something else then you feel you need to get rid of it, then do it. But its not costing you money if its just sitting while you take a break from it. Consider it as a project and it will help you a little. When you think about getting rid of it, try to remember how hard it is going to be to get another one to do the same thing or better. If its easy then you could let it go, otherwise just keep it and you'll be much happier.

kettlman

iTrader: (2)

what the hell are you talking about? are you stupid or something? moronic? smokin some dope? whats wrong with you? damn kid, stop whinnin! enjoy what you got and make it better when you can.

thats what i tell myself all the time, figured it might work for you too. i just stopped worrying about mine for awhile. had other things i needed to do. so i just drive it and be happy with what this little 75ci engine can do. in your case 80ci. damn you can whoop my *** easily. but if you really want to tune your car and find out what your turbo can really do, i know somebody that can help you. he might cost a little, but he can tune any 7 better than anyone else. seriously. oh yeah, you'd have to come to the other side of the tracks though.

so the point is, STOP WHINNIN, if you sell your car, you'd be wastin alot of money.

kettlman

iTrader: (2)

hey anex, you shut up! she wasn't mouthin off to you. you'r mouthin off to her. so take your own advise and just plain SHUT UP.

now on the other hand, i wouldn't even pay $5,000 for it. not that it's not worth it, but i'd go as cheap as possable. $5,000 is a good price to give. the point alot of us aree trying to make to iotus is that it's not logical to sell the car. get it?

fatboy7

Geoff, I agree with the opinions already shared, sit on it for a while. Don't do anything to it if you can, don't even drive it. Life is so much more fulfilling when its well rounded. Cars are great, but too much time, money, thought spent on cars is not good. Slow the pace... Your 20, date more, spend more time with yoour friends. Go on a road trip, whatever, just enjoy life.

As far as worth, modified cars are only worth money to the right buyer. The right buyer though comes around rarely, so don't settle for less than you think it is worth.

MosesX605

To my mind your car is worth less than a stock GSL-SE, so I wouldn't offer more than $3000 CDN for it.

Innitab is right, everything one would want to do has been done, but bt someone else, which takes all the fun outta things.

CODE BLUE 2

Boy cop an attitude...I was just stating that the car is worth a lot more than $5,000, and that it would be crazy to sell it for that amount. I was just encouraging Jeoff to NOT do something stupid. He wanted to know how much we all thought it was worth. Well a hell of a lot more than $5,000. I wouldnt even sell my car for $10,000 as it sits. If I wasnt thousands into mine, and had to start over, sure no prob I would offer him close to what he has put into it. You need to go to anger management.

MosesX605

Money into car does not equal money out of car. No 1st gen RX-7 is worth 10,000 dollars, regardless of what's been done to it. Now If I had invested a pile of cash into my car, I wouldn't want to take a loss either, but that's the reality you face going into spending money on a car, especially one that is twenty years old.

faye x7

The only reason these cars aren't worth money is because the only people who want and know about these cars are poor bastards. Or at least most of us are. If this car gained popularity and was picked upmore widely by the nation, his car could easily be sold for 10k.

Oh and btw, like pretty much everyone else has said. Stick with it, if you sell it now, you will regret it. I myself have been wondering if I should sell my car, but I think of a life without my rex and it's a damn sad one at that. If worst comes to worse, you can just put a cover on it and let it sit while you think about things.