I am still a newbie to this site but so far the forum is awesome and very helpful. I am 23 and really considering getting the 2003 6 speed cl-s w/ navi, but need some advice. I took my father to the acura dealer to look at the car and he is 100% AGAINST me getting a 32K+ car. I just landed a pretty good job (little over 50K / year) but he still is against the car. I understand that he wants me to save moneyand all, but it would be great to have that car!! I just graduated from PSU in Engineering and I want to reap the rewards of 4 years of studying!! I also have absolutely zero bills to pay (no student loans and still live at home).

The only problem is that I will pay a lot for insurance. ANd also, I drive 60 miles each way to work (north jersey). Not good for a new car. What should I do!!?? Should I consider lease or buy? Should I have a co-signer??

Thanks for your help!!

Bsomm22

 

Not trying to start anything but, you're 23 yrs. old, starting out at 52k/yr., and have no debt...... WHY is up to your dad on whether you should get this car or not..... Hey congrats on earning your degree and all.... IMO you deserve it...... Shoot, If I was still living at home I'd probably be driving a Benz........

 

If you're going to live in his house, then live by his rules...otherwise, move out and buy whatever you want.

I would never lease a car, but that is just me. Not worth it. If you are going to be putting a lot of commuter miles on it, then definately not worth it. Buy the thing and depreciate it on your taxes.

You need to make some goals - a one year, five year, and ten year plan (I bet your father has). If the goals include something like buying a house then you may want to get a cheaper car and save the $$ for the house down payment. If you want to spend all you earn then buy the car.

 

I agree 100% with Slimey. Go with his advice! How about a RSX-S? It's still a great car. Sure it's no "luxo" CL-S, but come on!

 

I'd say, go with your dad's advice. Sure, it's real nice to have a cool car. But a car is an EXPENSE, not an investment. That's a fact. Most of the dollars you sink into your car, well, you'll never see them again.

My advice is look 10 years down the road, do some financial planning, perhaps invest in your own house, and if you can squeeze it in, sure, a CL would be nice...

Then again, the end decision is your's. I value money more than the momentary joys of a nice car. What about you?

 

Hey I am 23 yrs old, live in my own apt in ft laud and recieved my degree a yr ago. I am still in school now just law school, but I worked out a lease so the price was right and sat down with my family and explained to them this is what i wanted and i belived i earned it. Well now i drive it and i love it. While everyone has thier own opinion i live by the motto you only live once.

Plus when your 23 and driving this baby the girls do turn to look

 

I'm 24, make good money and I bought the my 2001 used w/ 3000 miles for 25.5k in October. So it can be bought for cheaper if you're ok with it being used. But I don't know if I'd buy it again. I love the car and I love the feeling I get from driving it, but I think I'd get a generic car like VW Passat (which are about 25k).

I don't think you'll regret getting it, and you can "afford" it, but ppl shouldn't pay more than 10% of their monthly paychecks for car payment + insurance. just my opinion. too many people drive nice cars trying to look rich and live on credit cards. take your dad's advice or move out and get the car. if don't care if you are 50, if you are living with your parents, then they still have the right to tell you what to do. (which is why i'm living 3000 miles away from them). good luck and if you decide to get it, get the type s w/ onstar system w/ navi. and don't pay more than 30k.

 

First of all, if you are going to be paying for the car, why does your dad have any say in this whatsoever? Besides the fact that you should not be living at home at 23, which is a whole other issue, but I guess it saves you money. I understand living by house rules when with the parents, but exactly what rule is there that governs what car you buy and how you spend your money? Unless you are having him help with a down payment, you should be able to do whatever you want with the money you earn.

Of course in my opinion, you should NOT live at home and suck it up and get a place of your own that is closer to work, life is a lot more fun that way and you won't have to drive half the day, and get a cheaper car (like a first gen CL ). I am the same age and make slightly less than you and live on my own (860 miles away from parents) and pay for my car and party like a madman at my place.

BUT, if you insist on living at home and driving 60 miles, you might as well have a tight ride cause you will spend most of your time at work and in your car. Don't listen to the rational and boring opinions of those that tell you to save loot and buy a house. Spend your loot and have fun, worry about the other stuff later. You will only be young once.

 

thanks for all the advice!! I live at home because I graduated and didnt have a job lined up yet, so i came back. But now that I do have a job I will def move out soon. I currently drive a 96 grand am which is owned by my father. My sister wants to buy it from me, and that money was going to be a downpayment (agreed by my father). so he is helping me out in that respect. What i have decided to do is save for a few months, move out and buy what i want. The only problem is that it seems like it will be hard to locate a 6 speed with navi in anthracite M. And now i hear that they are gonna only make so many!! so it might be too late in a few months. oh well, if i save then i have the power to get whatever i want later.

thanks!!

Bsomm22