Emerald99

Skip this, the question i have is at the bottom, lol
Hey all, I've been browsing the forums for a few years now, pretty much reading about everyone's problems, the solutions, etc. I've gone through the safety mods, and just been reading somewhat thoroughly. I got interested in the FD back in high school when my friend had a badass FC. I got a Prelude at the time, since my parents wouldn't let me get an FD- thank God for that . So anyway, I'm about to graduate college, and I have a pretty nice *REAL* job lined up in DC starting this summer.

The evil rotary dreams are back in my head, and they're telling me to buy, buy, buy.

I'm trying to figure out how much spare time I'll have once I move to DC, and also how much cash I'll have to play around with etc. I'll have a daily driver (go prelude!), so it's actually ok if the car is down. I'm currently debating between picking up an S2000 (which would become my daily driver- end up costing $15k if I sell lude), or an FD (plan on spending about $15k, and I'll try and purchase in the winter for a better deal lol).

While common sense tells me that I'll save money with the S2000 in the long run, I'm actually starting to feel like I want a car that I can be a bit more proud of. And that means a car where I can take apart the engine, and put it back together, fix all the BS problems that come up, and honestly say I did it all (well almost- probably with local members help, lol).


Here's the question
I guess my biggest concern is, how much money sholud I be expecting to dump into this car each year. I'm pretty good when it comes down to the mod-bug, and usually keep it to about $500 a year, but what am I looking at as far as routine maintenance goes? and the 'oh **** this is unexpected' factor are concerned? Am I looking at another $3000 a year, or more?


Sorry for the long thread, just trying to figure things out so I don't screw myself over when I get this job, lol - I'm kind of in a rush, so sorry in advance for the disorganized post- I did search, didnt have much luck though.

Specter328

iTrader: (2)

You really don't need to spend much on regular maintenance, plugs, oil, oil filter every couple thousand miles isn't a lot. If the car is completely stock then you should replace the stock vacuum hoses out for silicone pieces, replace the AST with an aluminum unit, check the radiator end-tanks for leaks (mine leaked) and replace that if there's a problem, the fuel filter may need to be changed as well as the FPD just in case . I think thats a good start, I'm sure others will chime in.

Edit:
If you blow your motor it can get pricey. If you break a apex seal then there's a good chance you will ruin a rotor and housing along with damaging you turbos. It can be 5-6k if its bad.

Monkman33

iTrader: (28)

Not to be mean, but $500 a year wont cover much after 2 years. Heck, a PFC alone is 750 + unless you buy one used.

The oh-**** factor: completely depends on prior owners and vehicle condition. Once my car is up and running, there won't be much that hasn't bee replaced, so my oh **** factor will be low (assuming I installed everything correctly) but could be very high (if i installed something wrong that causes a catastophic failure)

My best recommendadtion is to have at least 4k in liquid funds that are still gaining you decent interest. Personally, I would like to have 7k that is liquid when an engine pops, since yo uwill always want to do MUCH more than just another reman.

However, there are many members that spend the extra money to do things rightthe first time and have very few problems with their cars. reliability mods, changing your plugs often, changing your fuel filter once per year, change your oil often, be sure to buy good fuel and try to purchase from stations that dont let their reserves get too low, drive her easy the last miles to your destination. don't let her overheat, keep up on all maintainance...

Basically, pretend you're dating a supermodel. You'll spened lots of small bills through the year to keep her happy. And every 3-10 years; you'll probably have to buy her a big present to keep things working out.

Emerald99

That's genius, I'll go ahead and start thinking of it like that . About the mods, yeah you're definitely right, but I guess I was trying to say that on a college budget w/ college jobs, I was pretty good about controlling myself. I'll definitely be raising that $500 w/ a real salary, since well- it's not an old Honda.


Thanks for the heads up, I can spare about $5000 liquid on the side. This is something I've wanted on and off for a very long time now, I'm on the final run

BigWillieStyles

Wait until you finish college unless you have a good job, its not that ongoing costs are high, although im guessing insurance in US probably aint cheap, its rather the costs if something goes wrong, turbo, etc. For this reason its good to have a couple of thousand saved up ready for a problem like this.

Emerald99

Yup, I'm waiting for another year, but I'm starting to figure out how much of salary to save, expend to spend on car annually etc. Seems like the general consensus is to have a few - $5k saved up, so that shouldn't be a problem when I get the car sometime around this time of year, next year.


Thanks everyone, I have the answer Back to lurking & reading

dhays

iTrader: (1)

I don't want to sound like too much of an old fart, even though I am, but... Make sure that as part of your budgeting, you plan on maximizing your yearly IRA and/or 401k contributions. Now is the time to start when your young. That way, by the time you are an old fart, you will have the cash to do what you want with any car you wish.

dgeesaman

iTrader: (7)

^ +1 to the smart saving. No, make that +2.

As for the maintenance costs, I drive my FD under 5k/year and spend around $2k/year on it. Some are "mods", but mostly all preventive maintenance. My daily driver maxima costing about the same in maintenance. Even our beater F-150 is averaging a grand/year. And all those numbers are parts costs. Except for alignments and tire installations I pay no labor.

Dave

Monkman33

iTrader: (28)

I sincerely hope you didn't take my post as degrading or insulting in any way. You have done the right thing by researchign and waiting untill you are more financially able to support a car like an FD. (FD = Financial Disaster :P )

I saved up 7k before buying I was ready to buy my FD. Then I decided to buy one with a blown engine since I already had the funds to replace said blown engine. Then I spent the rest of the liquid funds on parts. I now wish I would ahve saved more. and bought one that runs well :P

It is good to see someone waiting untill they can support an FD. I have seen too many fall to pieces when they are the sole transportation for someone that didnt do their research and could never support the required upkeep on an older, fickle, needy vehicle.

B_Hydra

iTrader: (1)

Shout out to an impending DC FD owner!

If you're thinking about FDs and money, just be aware that DC's housing market is expensive as hell (at least if you're renting). My apartment is pretty nice and I have an underground garage to keep my FD in, but its pricey. (I just found out a friend of mine bought a house and my monthly rent is higher than his monthly mortgage payment... Granted his place is in Florida, but still.)