How are you guys able to afford the insurance, upkeep, and payments, much less the upgrades on one? I'm not trying to **** anyone off, it's just been 12 years since I was 16. What kind of jobs do you guys have while still in school?

 

I'm impressed with this thread. I opened it expecting to be irked by some unfounded garbage about teenagers these days. Instead, I found some pretty solid advice, especially regarding the financial aspects of owning an FD (or any older sportscar for that matter). I always see discussions like this turn into shouting matches between "old" and "young" and I'm always fascinated at the "maturity" that 40-somethings yelling at teens have acquired.

In any case, it's refreshing to see a constructive (IMO) thread on this. Each case is different, but it's good to weigh the facts, as obviously many of the teen FD drivers on this thread have.

Preach on people. I love this board.

-E

 

I find it very funny that some of you think that teenagers dont have disposiable income.. Most of my friends at school that are working and are 16 are making about 15k a year or more. Lets think about this.. What does a teenager spend money on? No house payments, food, water, elect., or any of that stuff.. Only GF or BF(if you have one), Friends, and car.. Thats it.. Yea if your making a car payment, and insurance payment and paying for repairs it gets expensive, but I believe that if you cant pay cash for it then you dont need to be buying it.. Maybe thats just me. As for me i have almost all the money i need to buy an FD, put new engine in it, and upgrade it with all the realiblity mods. Then on top of that i still have about 5k to do with as i please...Now im pretty forturnate b/c my parents are giving me their accord so i dont have to worry about a daily driver. Im even thinking about getting a small 600 or less bike which would be sweet.. I think the only thing really holding teenagers back from gettin this car is maturity, responsibility, and driving ability.. Maybe im just a rare example, who knows..

-Derek

 

Great post. It's nice to see some people more of my age (18 y/o in hs) taking responsibility, but there will alwas be a few that make the whole look bad. I think that some need to look past the 2-3 kids that get all the attention of screwing up a car and look at the other 40 that are taking care of their responsibilities. Im currently unemployed, but hopefully once school ends in a month, I'll be able to get a 30 hour/week job to help pay for the rest of the car cuz after i sell my Corrado, I'll have about $10k to throw around. That's not nearly enough for an FD and i'd probably become like the other people who can not take care of the car becuase of financial reasons. However, i like some of you have an advantage. Though i don't know a thing about doing the technical work on a car, my brother happens to be a mechanic (previously worked @ a Volvo/Mazda dealership for 3+ years). My only choice is to buy an FD with a blown motor, have it rebuilt by a reputable place, and than my brother will do the rest of the work. I have read previous posts where some have compained how it costs $1300 to replace a $90 part on a car. I think it is crucial to know/ or know someone who can do the majority of the labor, or else the car is just going to turn into one big money pit that'll probably never even get fixed. Before buying an FD, i think you need to ask yourself if your ready for what your getting into and do your research b4 everything gets out of control. My $0.02

 

i think it all really depends on money..doesnt matter how old you are. the ability to own a car like the FD is not dictated by your age but by you income or by how much money your parents throw at you. as for me..im 18 now and my parents bought me my FD (93 MB Touring) a little over a year and a half ago. I dont work right now but i might get a job sometime down the road. My parents are paying for everything right now but thats a luxury that not everyone has. so far ive gotten a new engine..m2 med smic..fluidyne radiator..hks j-spec intake..apexi dual n-1, power fc, dp, highflow cat..ast elimination, 9.5lb flywheel, blitz supersound blowoff valves, greddy pulley kit and soon new paint 18 volks and 99spec kit. i also have new gagues and a new turbo timer being thrown in as we speak. i guess im spoiled and i have a advantage over others of my generation but thats not the point. for all those guys who thinks that a person my age cant appreciate a car like this imo is insane but i do agree its not the car for you if you dont have the kind of money to pay for it. everyone just be happy for the other 7 owners and be friends...

 

Unseen,
You hit the nail right on the head....age doesn't matter. It's all about whether or not you have the money to support the car. In some cases, the money comes from generous parents, in other cases, the money comes from a good job, but in all cases, people should understand that an FD can cost a whole lot more to own than many other cars. I just worry about our younger enthusiasts who might assume that an FD is cheap to own because they can pick one up for less than $15K.

Hey Freaky Monkey,
I know teenagers have disposable income, but I'm worried about them making false assumptions about how much money an FD can really cost. I for one was not expecting my FD to make as much of a financial impact on me as it does, and I have a decent job. If a teenager - making just enough money to have a little fun - underestimates the costs involved in owning an FD, then he will be in for some serious dissappointment. Do you really have 16 year old friends making $15k per year? Is that net or gross? If that is gross, then consider after taxes that comes to about $10k....after keeping up with an FD (which can cost $10K per year) they won't have money left over to buy a $0.99 Whopper. If they are netting $15k, and their parents are paying for their food and shelter, then they have one seriously kick *** situation. In that case, an FD is aboslutely affordable, provided they are happy with $5k per year as "fun money". But they should understand that if the parents yank their support, the FD might have to be traded in for something a little more affordable.

It all comes down to making an accurate assesment of your income, knowing how much extra cash you need to have for things like dates, clubs, and movies. Then anything left over can be spent on toys like an FD. The problem is, I think many people assume that the FD is less expensive than it really is.....and that gets them into trouble. I'm just trying to make sure that any potential FD buyers know what costs are involved before they commit to the car. Really, that doesn't apply to any age group in particular, but I focus on teenagers because generally they stand to be hurt the most by making financial mistakes.

As for you, it sounds like you already know how much it costs, and you are making enough to cover it. So to you, I say welcome and enjoy!

 

the only ways..

1.) rich family
2.) bought it cheap from friend
3.) bought a blown engine one

there's no way in hell i believe someone 17 can get an FD and another daily car all by him/herself

getting the two sports car is hard enough at 17 considering also paying insurance and repair and going to school.....

 

Whatever age you are, whatever income do you earn,

just make sure one thing.... DON'T RICE OUT THE CAR.
Also, put high quality stuff on the car. I've seen people put flashy chrome wheels on their FD and stickers all over the place. Please, this is a high caliber sports car.
We need more of these in auto-X and road courses.
Appreciate it, or buy something else.

 

yeah I was considering buying an FD but now I'm not so sure. Besides the engine dying what other costs am I looking at? What else breaks down often if I have all reliability mods done and how much would it cost to fix it? The only thing I have been hearing about reading these forums is to have 5k saved up incase your engine blows what other problems should I be looking for and how much should I have saved up in case these problems do occur? Thanks

 

Red Rotary Rocket -
Yes i agree with you totaly, it is about money.. Im just saying that if a person has enough money to go ahead and start thinking about it that, that is what they have to worry about. Ohh and i was talking about net after taxes.. Then again alot of my friends are in the restraunt business so taxes aren't exactly always paided in full... then most of them also have second jobs that they do when they are at home like what i do.. I love the advantage of computers..

FD WAI-
It is totaly possiable for someone 2 get a cheap beater car and an FD and still have money to spend on the FD.. IF YOU DO IT RIGHT..

Anyways, This is a question that isnt something we can really answer.. Its determined by the person and by their sistuation. I believe that pretty much anyone can buy an FD if they want to.. Its the money that has to be spent after the car is purchesed(sp?) that you have to worry about and like RRR said that is where you come to problems.. Anyways not trying to scare any of the potential buyers like me away just evuluate ur sistuation and see if you really can afford a car such as the FD.. IT IS NOT FOR EVERYONE.

-Derek

 

Im 13 and ive been researching FDs for about 3 yrs and i have pretty much convinced my parents to get me one. I am pretty much the import guru compared to really anyone of my friends or adults i know. Im not tryin to brag or nuthin but i think i could handle one.

 

13

 

redrocket i agree with you totally. im 17 now and plan on buying an fd in within the next month or two. ive been researching for the past 2 years and know about the problems that come with owning this cars, and the rewards that come with taking care of it. My parents agreed on purcheseing the car for me. I have been working for the past two years valet parking at several different high class restaurants, and have saved up around 12,000 to play with after i get the car. This car should only be bought if you know you will have the money to deal with the problems that will arise from owning a high-end sports car. I know i am responsible and experienced enough to handle it however andbody can be responsible enough if given the right motivation. Its all about the money
-Billy

 

I'm 17, Daily Driver- 1999 JDM Acura Integra Type R
Weekend Car- 1993 Touring RX-7 w/BPU
It is not impossible for ANYONE to afford a FD and a nice daily driver, comes down to money and not age. I paid cash for my FD and it wasn't my parents money, I saved 4 months for the FD and researched it those 4 months also! I'm not saying every 17 year old can afford an FD and a daily driver, but there are exceptions.
I'm actually in the process of selling my Type R for a new Lexus IS300 so nothing is ever out of reach for people who work hard towards their future...
not trying to flame, just trying to inform
PS. If you don't believe me you can ask the member "striker" on these forums

 

Umm i know i sound dumb right now but, what is that supposed to mean??

 

ya know im goign to haft to but in on this
who are you ppl to say who and who shouldnt get what whenever haha man you guys take it to a hole new level

 

rx7streetkid,

I hope you weren't directing that comment toward me. I'd like to ask that you identify to whom you intend your comments, especially when they have such a condescending tone.

If you did mean that for me, then perhaps I did not make my point clear. What is my point? Basically that it all comes down to sound financial judgement, not age. People should know how much a misbehaving FD can cost, compare that to thier disposible income, and make their own informed decision as to whether or not an FD is a good idea for them.

If someone who can't afford an FD wants to go buy one anyway and put himself into financial troubles, that's his business...as long as he knows what he is getting into. Everyone has a right to be an idiot, but my point is not telling people what they can and can't do. My post is about educating people... anyone who thinks that a FD is going to be a cheap car needs to know that it can be very expensive so that they can make an informed decision. I'm trying to make sure that people know what they are getting into before they get into it. Making sure that they have all the knowledge they need to make an informed decision on their own. I just don't think that all people have nearly all the facts they should before they commit, so I'm just trying to give them more info.

 

this kind of stuff tires me...never made sense anyways....consider it closed...