Getting out of the Army, considering a 928, need advice..
06-24-2008, 10:06 PM
#31
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I did the exotic/interesting car thing during school, spent the requisite time on the car, and had almost zero social time. No way I could have maintained a marriage. Had problems enough keeping the occasional GF happy for much more than a short while. Sleep-work-school, maintain the car on weekends. I finally parked it in a rented garage, bought a used American sedan and was shocked to have nothing to do on Saturday mornings. Heater worked so dating was a possibility. No $300/month (30 years ago when a dollar was worth a bit more) parts habit anymore, so suddenly I could afford things like food. I worked through school so no loan debts, vs. friends who came out with debt loads that were more than the prices on houses at the time. I continued living like a starving student for a few more years after, and invested in properties-- slightly better return than struggling under a massive debt load. That also allowed a lot of flexibility in job/career choices, like where I could afford to live and what to do. I have not once regretted the early decision to park the fun car and refocus on the main goals.
Here's a thought-- With your wife, put together a life plan and a figure out a budget to go with it, covering at least the next ten years or so. That should get you through a degree or two, a job or two, and maybe a kid or two. Maybe a house or two. Decide what you think life should look like at that time, then build a plan to achieve that goal. WRITE IT DOWN, and measure your progress against the plan several times a year. Adjust your plan as needed, changing goals and/or expectations and/or timelines as needed. A plan is only a real plan if it's written down and reviewed regularly, else it's only a dream. See if a cash- and time-eating car fits into your plan, and where/when it will fit best. Figure out the time value of your money and use that in your budgeting, and allow for the daily driver that you'll need for the times when your fun car is busy or resting.
All that said, it's OK to keep some money handy for that deal-of-a-lifetime that sometimes rewards the person ready to act. Just don't spend the mortgage or rent money, and don't threaten your marriage over a car. Either of those things requires that you go rethink that plan again.
Here's a thought-- With your wife, put together a life plan and a figure out a budget to go with it, covering at least the next ten years or so. That should get you through a degree or two, a job or two, and maybe a kid or two. Maybe a house or two. Decide what you think life should look like at that time, then build a plan to achieve that goal. WRITE IT DOWN, and measure your progress against the plan several times a year. Adjust your plan as needed, changing goals and/or expectations and/or timelines as needed. A plan is only a real plan if it's written down and reviewed regularly, else it's only a dream. See if a cash- and time-eating car fits into your plan, and where/when it will fit best. Figure out the time value of your money and use that in your budgeting, and allow for the daily driver that you'll need for the times when your fun car is busy or resting.
All that said, it's OK to keep some money handy for that deal-of-a-lifetime that sometimes rewards the person ready to act. Just don't spend the mortgage or rent money, and don't threaten your marriage over a car. Either of those things requires that you go rethink that plan again.
06-24-2008, 10:16 PM
#32
Drifting
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like Randy V says good luck in your quest.....take your time work things out and keep the 928 on the back burner or it will overtake your life....but its fun.
andy
andy
06-24-2008, 10:21 PM
#33
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I did the exotic/interesting car thing during school, spent the requisite time on the car, and had almost zero social time. No way I could have maintained a marriage. Had problems enough keeping the occasional GF happy for much more than a short while. Sleep-work-school, maintain the car on weekends. I finally parked it in a rented garage, bought a used American sedan and was shocked to have nothing to do on Saturday mornings. Heater worked so dating was a possibility. No $300/month (30 years ago when a dollar was worth a bit more) parts habit anymore, so suddenly I could afford things like food. I worked through school so no loan debts, vs. friends who came out with debt loads that were more than the prices on houses at the time. I continued living like a starving student for a few more years after, and invested in properties-- slightly better return than struggling under a massive debt load. That also allowed a lot of flexibility in job/career choices, like where I could afford to live and what to do. I have not once regretted the early decision to park the fun car and refocus on the main goals.
Here's a thought-- With your wife, put together a life plan and a figure out a budget to go with it, covering at least the next ten years or so. That should get you through a degree or two, a job or two, and maybe a kid or two. Maybe a house or two. Decide what you think life should look like at that time, then build a plan to achieve that goal. WRITE IT DOWN, and measure your progress against the plan several times a year. Adjust your plan as needed, changing goals and/or expectations and/or timelines as needed. A plan is only a real plan if it's written down and reviewed regularly, else it's only a dream. See if a cash- and time-eating car fits into your plan, and where/when it will fit best. Figure out the time value of your money and use that in your budgeting, and allow for the daily driver that you'll need for the times when your fun car is busy or resting.
All that said, it's OK to keep some money handy for that deal-of-a-lifetime that sometimes rewards the person ready to act. Just don't spend the mortgage or rent money, and don't threaten your marriage over a car. Either of those things requires that you go rethink that plan again.
Here's a thought-- With your wife, put together a life plan and a figure out a budget to go with it, covering at least the next ten years or so. That should get you through a degree or two, a job or two, and maybe a kid or two. Maybe a house or two. Decide what you think life should look like at that time, then build a plan to achieve that goal. WRITE IT DOWN, and measure your progress against the plan several times a year. Adjust your plan as needed, changing goals and/or expectations and/or timelines as needed. A plan is only a real plan if it's written down and reviewed regularly, else it's only a dream. See if a cash- and time-eating car fits into your plan, and where/when it will fit best. Figure out the time value of your money and use that in your budgeting, and allow for the daily driver that you'll need for the times when your fun car is busy or resting.
All that said, it's OK to keep some money handy for that deal-of-a-lifetime that sometimes rewards the person ready to act. Just don't spend the mortgage or rent money, and don't threaten your marriage over a car. Either of those things requires that you go rethink that plan again.
Very good advice, I did something similar to this and am very happy with the way our finances are at this point.
Last January I bought another 928 (Beth) for 8k, slipped another 8.5k into a s/c kit and put 18.5k (paid a shop to do it out of convience) into fixing anything that might possibly give me grief and a few visual enhancements, so $35K later I have a really nice $10k 928...
06-24-2008, 10:39 PM
#34
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06-24-2008, 11:59 PM
#35
Okie Dokie,
1. Hope there was a M-88 and a good operator handy when someone discovered the
overpressure limits of 'that Track' in the goo hole.
2. Cost of living in Texazz -comparatively low- should be the MAJOR determining factor in your
choice education/domicile location. Job availability in the Lone Star State is still very high
across a broad range.
3. You will have to check but when I got out in Tennesee there was a 1 year unemployment at max rate with an additional 6 month automatic extension as long as you were attending college full time.
That money with the Old GI/Montgomery Bill education loot, and there should be a Plus $$$ for additional dependents adds up to living wage money. Still, if you live tight you'll be better prepared
for month to month living when the unemployment dries up.
Have notarized copies of your DD (didi mau 214) 214, Birth, HS Grad stuff, Marraige certificate, and if your wife is a foreign national every scrap of paper concerning marraige/departure from the ROK.
Additionally, Start now! Copies of your Medical Records, Training Records, Form2/2A -the heavy green card- which should have all awards, promotions, pcs, trng. personnel actions, combat assignment's etc...
Do not fail to have ALL dental work completed, and a ETS physical documented, again copies.
Do a step by step COMPLETE ETS list, Personnel/outprocessing can give you a copy early.
Do not let some last minute field exercise interfere with or, rush the out processing dance.
I have seen retiring CSGM's, E-8's, and 1st SGT's, crying like babies over fouling up the remainder of their lives - they TOUGHT they knew it all. If you are allowed shipment of household goods,...
stock up on clothing (do try to maintain exercise/weight program) pots, pans, dishes, brass/ horn art knick-nacs, bicycles ... etc. You know semi-durable, inexpensive stuff you can buy in the Ville.
BTW Check with transprtation/out processing you may be able to put all that in storage for up to a year
while you look for a place to homestead.
As to the 928, an 81 thru 86.5 with all electriccs functioning and a nice interior( no glued on dash cover)
Paint and body condition should also be sound. If there is corrosion underneath -salt car- walk away though you might have some rust by the 1/4 windows -sunroof equipped models-. If there is bubbling paint there you WILL eventually have a hole and a repair joj requiring you to pull the window/seal and some interior panels to repair. If you look HARD you can find a sweet good lookin, driver between
hi 5k and 13K. Tools, spare fuses relays, fuel pump, home made jumpers are a lot cheaper than a $300 - $500 a month car payment. The Brain is a different story buy a spare just in case.
The transition to a 928 is a hell of a lot easier than showing up at AIT or a new duty station ...you learn you adapt. Occasional airing out of the sHARk is good for it just don't flog it every time you take her out.
NOT an M1A1! And give your sHARk a name ...like your tank.
If you can hook up with Rog or someone in TX he can give you a run thru on what to look for on a PPI.
Crunchy wires, frozen seats, worn front end, suspension pieces, TT, crank walk (auto's), lame PO work yada, yada.
Do-able, most do-able.
Even a "weak, 217hp" 3spd auto in fair shape will put a sh*t eating grin on your face that won't go away easy.
1. Hope there was a M-88 and a good operator handy when someone discovered the
overpressure limits of 'that Track' in the goo hole.
2. Cost of living in Texazz -comparatively low- should be the MAJOR determining factor in your
choice education/domicile location. Job availability in the Lone Star State is still very high
across a broad range.
3. You will have to check but when I got out in Tennesee there was a 1 year unemployment at max rate with an additional 6 month automatic extension as long as you were attending college full time.
That money with the Old GI/Montgomery Bill education loot, and there should be a Plus $$$ for additional dependents adds up to living wage money. Still, if you live tight you'll be better prepared
for month to month living when the unemployment dries up.
Have notarized copies of your DD (didi mau 214) 214, Birth, HS Grad stuff, Marraige certificate, and if your wife is a foreign national every scrap of paper concerning marraige/departure from the ROK.
Additionally, Start now! Copies of your Medical Records, Training Records, Form2/2A -the heavy green card- which should have all awards, promotions, pcs, trng. personnel actions, combat assignment's etc...
Do not fail to have ALL dental work completed, and a ETS physical documented, again copies.
Do a step by step COMPLETE ETS list, Personnel/outprocessing can give you a copy early.
Do not let some last minute field exercise interfere with or, rush the out processing dance.
I have seen retiring CSGM's, E-8's, and 1st SGT's, crying like babies over fouling up the remainder of their lives - they TOUGHT they knew it all. If you are allowed shipment of household goods,...
stock up on clothing (do try to maintain exercise/weight program) pots, pans, dishes, brass/ horn art knick-nacs, bicycles ... etc. You know semi-durable, inexpensive stuff you can buy in the Ville.
BTW Check with transprtation/out processing you may be able to put all that in storage for up to a year
while you look for a place to homestead.
As to the 928, an 81 thru 86.5 with all electriccs functioning and a nice interior( no glued on dash cover)
Paint and body condition should also be sound. If there is corrosion underneath -salt car- walk away though you might have some rust by the 1/4 windows -sunroof equipped models-. If there is bubbling paint there you WILL eventually have a hole and a repair joj requiring you to pull the window/seal and some interior panels to repair. If you look HARD you can find a sweet good lookin, driver between
hi 5k and 13K. Tools, spare fuses relays, fuel pump, home made jumpers are a lot cheaper than a $300 - $500 a month car payment. The Brain is a different story buy a spare just in case.
The transition to a 928 is a hell of a lot easier than showing up at AIT or a new duty station ...you learn you adapt. Occasional airing out of the sHARk is good for it just don't flog it every time you take her out.
NOT an M1A1! And give your sHARk a name ...like your tank.
If you can hook up with Rog or someone in TX he can give you a run thru on what to look for on a PPI.
Crunchy wires, frozen seats, worn front end, suspension pieces, TT, crank walk (auto's), lame PO work yada, yada.
Do-able, most do-able.
Even a "weak, 217hp" 3spd auto in fair shape will put a sh*t eating grin on your face that won't go away easy.
06-25-2008, 12:16 AM
#36
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Get a "sensible" car for now, something to get you through college, and the first coupla years of you real life. Get the wife a nicer vehicle than you get. BMWs can be had for around ten grand. Save your money wisely, and in a couple more years, you can start wasting it on toys. What you are gonna need now is good basic transportation that is newer and reliable. ( not a bash on 928s) Get yourself something like a jeep Cherokke for around 5 grand, the wife a beemer for ten, and save 5 grand for repairs/rainy day fund.
06-25-2008, 06:36 AM
#37
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Hey guys, just got back from work and am really surprise at all of the responses to this thread in only 24 hours. I can not thank you enough for the advice I have received. Not only about the 928, which was the reason for posting, but also life advice. And it is all good stuff. The way I look at it is that you guys are all P-car owners so you must have done something right and know what you are talking about, so your advice will be very much appreciated and considered.
While I am very surprised at the responses, I thank you for it. I didn't count, but with all of the replies, it seemed like only 2 or 3 people said that it was even feasibly a good idea to pursue a 928 at this time in my life. While this is upsetting to me, and at the same time I know that if I really wanted to I could no doubt obtain it, it doesn't seem to be the best decision and I now see that based upon the many excellent replies that I have received.
Perhaps in the coming months when my college situation is figured out, and I will know where I will be living, my vehicular decision will be easier, but you guys have made some very valid points snow driving in CO.
As much as I would like to rationalize and try and found ways around the multitude of reasons why I should not get a 928 as my first and only car when I get back, I think it isn't such a good idea. Perhaps I will buy a Miata first, get settled in and prepare for the Fall 09 semester, and only if I can land a decent job while in school, will I consider having a 928 hobby, which from what I understand is what it will be, not a primary means of transportation. I appreciate all of the advice given and thank you once again. I will still check up on this thread and hopefully you guys can give me more life/car advice. It really means alot.
Any suggestions on what would be a better, sporty, fast, cheap alternative?
This community seems really tight and close-knit, and I might continue posting and learning here, as it will invariably help me when I finally do take the 928 plunge. Plus, like I said before, you guys give really good introspective advice. Maybe when I get back to Dallas I will go to a meetup and see what the 928 seen is REALLY about, and while I might not own one, I may (just may..) get to drive one.
P.s. Oh, and I forget to include it in my original post, that any car I buy will have a manual transmission. I hate automatics.
While I am very surprised at the responses, I thank you for it. I didn't count, but with all of the replies, it seemed like only 2 or 3 people said that it was even feasibly a good idea to pursue a 928 at this time in my life. While this is upsetting to me, and at the same time I know that if I really wanted to I could no doubt obtain it, it doesn't seem to be the best decision and I now see that based upon the many excellent replies that I have received.
Perhaps in the coming months when my college situation is figured out, and I will know where I will be living, my vehicular decision will be easier, but you guys have made some very valid points snow driving in CO.
As much as I would like to rationalize and try and found ways around the multitude of reasons why I should not get a 928 as my first and only car when I get back, I think it isn't such a good idea. Perhaps I will buy a Miata first, get settled in and prepare for the Fall 09 semester, and only if I can land a decent job while in school, will I consider having a 928 hobby, which from what I understand is what it will be, not a primary means of transportation. I appreciate all of the advice given and thank you once again. I will still check up on this thread and hopefully you guys can give me more life/car advice. It really means alot.
Any suggestions on what would be a better, sporty, fast, cheap alternative?
This community seems really tight and close-knit, and I might continue posting and learning here, as it will invariably help me when I finally do take the 928 plunge. Plus, like I said before, you guys give really good introspective advice. Maybe when I get back to Dallas I will go to a meetup and see what the 928 seen is REALLY about, and while I might not own one, I may (just may..) get to drive one.
P.s. Oh, and I forget to include it in my original post, that any car I buy will have a manual transmission. I hate automatics.
06-25-2008, 09:47 AM
#38
OK, I'm going to say it. Buy a cheap one, have it around as a second car.. keep it minimally operational and enjoy it. I bought my 79' for 5800 bucks in 1997. I kept it around and used it as daily transportation for grad school then med school and residency. Now in the last year I finally am making the $$$ that I bought a boxster for daily transport and the 928 is being restored (pics coming soon). (I promised the my baby that if she would be reliable for me then one day I would restore her to factroy fresh)
My experiences.. life is too short. I've done chest compresisons on men and women that undoubtedly regretted the things that they didn't do, not the things that they did. The cars are very expensive to maintain. If you want concours.. good luck with that. If you want to have fun, get a cheapie, do the work yourself, get used parts where possible, and you can make it work and have fun. Keep the car and for gods sake: DON'T BEAT ON IT. Then when you make the real bucks buy a pristine GTS.
After 11 years of deprivation I've managed to keep my car, and have a blast with it on a students budget. I've done maybe 3000 dollars in repairs in the last 11 years. Good luck my friend. Best wishes.
My experiences.. life is too short. I've done chest compresisons on men and women that undoubtedly regretted the things that they didn't do, not the things that they did. The cars are very expensive to maintain. If you want concours.. good luck with that. If you want to have fun, get a cheapie, do the work yourself, get used parts where possible, and you can make it work and have fun. Keep the car and for gods sake: DON'T BEAT ON IT. Then when you make the real bucks buy a pristine GTS.
After 11 years of deprivation I've managed to keep my car, and have a blast with it on a students budget. I've done maybe 3000 dollars in repairs in the last 11 years. Good luck my friend. Best wishes.
06-25-2008, 12:03 PM
#40
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Hey Doug,
First, Thanks for Serving!
2nd, Listen to these guys. A lot of knowlegde here. The most important thing I think being said
here is that you'll need another daily driver and you'll need a place to work on your 928. The
only way to keep the cost down is to do the work yourself and find used parts.
3rd, If you're set on a 5spd 928, be patient, Read everything you can about them. This forum
is a great place to start. And when I say patient, I mean Years... cause that's how long it will
take to find a 'great' deal on a 5spd. Expect the car to have stacks of paperwork from maintainence...
or it's NOT a 'great' deal.
Until then get a Mustang or a Camaro, look for one that somebody else dumped money into. Or
if you're moving to CO, get one of these... forget the speed and enjoy the sun!
First, Thanks for Serving!
2nd, Listen to these guys. A lot of knowlegde here. The most important thing I think being said
here is that you'll need another daily driver and you'll need a place to work on your 928. The
only way to keep the cost down is to do the work yourself and find used parts.
3rd, If you're set on a 5spd 928, be patient, Read everything you can about them. This forum
is a great place to start. And when I say patient, I mean Years... cause that's how long it will
take to find a 'great' deal on a 5spd. Expect the car to have stacks of paperwork from maintainence...
or it's NOT a 'great' deal.
Until then get a Mustang or a Camaro, look for one that somebody else dumped money into. Or
if you're moving to CO, get one of these... forget the speed and enjoy the sun!
06-25-2008, 01:09 PM
#41
Official Bay Area Patriot
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06-25-2008, 01:55 PM
#43
Three Wheelin'
Dude do not buy a 928 just yet. I'm 18 and my 928 was my daily driver and its being a pain with trying to pay for college and trying to fix my car. But if your bent on getting one like I was get a cheap Sentra or something Jetta w/e. Use that as your daily car and just throw money at the 928 whenever you have a chance. By throwing money I mean getting the maintenance done first before you start modding the car.
06-25-2008, 02:08 PM
#44
Drifting
Doug,
I will tell you what I would do in your situation. First off I am 48 years old so this road I too have traveled.
1) Live and go to school in TEXAS. ( cheaper living, lots of 928 guys, no state income tax for your part time job , little snow to deal with...and really a great place to live. I lived in Houston for 7 years and may move back one day. )
2) Try not to rely on any student loans if you can. ( I have friends my age still paying on thiers...its a unnecessary chain around your neck.)
3) Find a fun reliable car for now. ( I had a 280Z that was a blast and bullet proof...but there are plenty others. )
4) Get school behind you ( 4 years flies by my friend...you will wonder later where they went. ). Then if living in Colorado is where you want to go...have at it.
5) Once settled in where ever that may be and the wife is happy! ....928 TIME !
I will tell you what I would do in your situation. First off I am 48 years old so this road I too have traveled.
1) Live and go to school in TEXAS. ( cheaper living, lots of 928 guys, no state income tax for your part time job , little snow to deal with...and really a great place to live. I lived in Houston for 7 years and may move back one day. )
2) Try not to rely on any student loans if you can. ( I have friends my age still paying on thiers...its a unnecessary chain around your neck.)
3) Find a fun reliable car for now. ( I had a 280Z that was a blast and bullet proof...but there are plenty others. )
4) Get school behind you ( 4 years flies by my friend...you will wonder later where they went. ). Then if living in Colorado is where you want to go...have at it.
5) Once settled in where ever that may be and the wife is happy! ....928 TIME !
06-25-2008, 02:20 PM
#45
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