What's up guys, in need of some advice. I'm debating selling off one of the cars - the fun car actually - but I waver every day on the decision.

The car I would sell is the 03 CLS6 s/c. I have nearly all mods on this thing and it's at a stage where I can just enjoy driving it. The problem is I cycle to work unless it's too cold or rainy. Parking near work is a nightmare and I can get there faster cycling.

I have 3 boys (1,3,5) and have no time for taking care of it as much as I'd like to. We also have a minivan and I have a winter beater that just keeps trucking along, but could die anytime. When I get to take the CL out it's always short trips around town. It also sucks I can't take the whole family in the CL, but that has never been a problem since we have the minivan.

Do I sell the CL now while I can get more money for it or just keep it status quo? If I sold it I would pay off a chunk of the van and cycle/use the winter beater.

 

sounds like you know the responsible thing to do.

I have an adult decision to make as well.
use my significant savings as a down payment for a home, or go back to school.

tough to figure out the more responsible thing.
should you keep the fun car? do you need the fun car?

 

^ duh, buy teh home. Got back from Houston recently....saw some bad ass homes in Sugarland. Bernie gonna give you free edumufication.

OP- what does your wife think?

 

i think it also hinges on whether or not you are financially strapped and can't afford to keep 3 cars going... especially if one (CLS) sits most the time... for me, i own all 3 of my cars so a monthly note isn't a problem for me... if you feel like it is time to grow up and be responsible, then perhaps you sell it and get something later down the road when the boys grow up...

otherwise if you are happy with the car and can occasionally enjoy it on nice days, does it really hurt your pocket or garage space to keep it??? 13 yr old car i can't imagine is that expensive to insure and as long as the wife isn't nagging you to get rid of it, why sell it? personally i would keep it as long as there wasn't another toy i was eyeing..

 

I went through this same ordeal probably 2 years ago and almost sold. The wife convinced me to keep it.

We only have a payment on the van, and I could cut it in half. Money is not an issue, nor is space. But I like to think I'm smart with money and I see this as a way of paying the van down in half the time.

I think part of me is tired of tending to 3 cars. Ideally I'd like to have only 2 cars, and have the second one be comfortable for the wife to drive. (the CL is loud, lol)
I'd love to save for a few years and get a used Vagon. That car checks the sporty and family boxes.

 

hah, i didnt know if you were pulling my leg or not when you told me you were coming.

I currently live in Sugar Land! unfortunately, I cant afford these houses!!!!!! lol
thus why, ive been thinking about going back to school so that I can make more money!!

 

Doooo eeeeeeet.

 

If money isn't necessarily an issue, keep it and ride it out

You'll get bored and end up picking up another project sooner than anticipated. Pay a bit more on the van each month and pay it off sooner that way.

 

^ Agreed. If money is not an issue I'd keep it... but only if you really like the car. If you're thinking of selling b/c you're over it, then by all means, sell it. But if you love the car and finances are in order... keep it. Kids will get older before you know it and they'll be able to come with you for those joy rides around town.

I think like you do in that the cheap side of me is like, well if I sell this I can have more money or put the money towards this... but in the end, you need to live your life and enjoy it as well... right?

 

you don't know how many times a day i consider selling both my cars and doing that... or waiting for the GSF to drop in price a bit then pulling the trigger and trading in both...

 

That's always an option as well. Love my Vagon and I can see it making a good family vehicle. I will say though it may be tight with 5 people...

 

At this point, the CL is worth about as much as it is going to be worth as long as the condition stays the same. I would not be worried about keeping it vs selling it now to "hold on to value" because time is going to be pretty much irrelevant to its worth.

There may be other reasons to sell it, but it is always a comfort to know you have a backup car you can drive indefinitely. Really bad decisions happen when you are forced to buy a car immediately because your current one dies and you have no realistic way to cover for a while.

 

We're small people! We usually divide and conquer but it would be nice to have another car that could fit everyone. In a few years they would be down in price and obtainable. There's a light blue 2013 vagon on autotrader now....but it's out of my budget.

 

I guess that's true. They're getting rarer each year also which helps.

 

yeah, if you divide and conquer you should be good... but the Vagon is really a wagon in name only. It's a bit more flexible than a CTS-V Sedan but it's still not super large inside as far as seating space.

 

1st thing I don't see the CL dropping in value (especially if it is in good shape and tastefully modded)
2nd - you said money and space is not an issue

with all that being said I say keep the CL and enjoy it! I am almost positive that if you sell the CL you will kick yourself for doing that.

 

Do the right thing and be responsible - sell the bicycle.

 

I think I would regret it. We're in the middle of a big reno, and I'm doing a ton of work after work and I think that might play a part in how I feel right now. Next summer i'll be able to enjoy it more.

Actually I have 2. I should sell one! lol

 

I went through the same kind of dilemma recently when I purchased my 650 in '15 adding to my 530 and my 350Z 'vert. Both of the older vehicles were paid for; the Z was a car I lusted after, modded, put nice wheels on it, cold air intake, brake work, stereo mods, etc. I seriously thought about selling the Z but then on a nice day (like today) there is nothing like bombing around in my toy with the top down. I think if you sell your CL to be responsible you'll never get out of it a number you're happy with given your sweat equity and love for the car. My advice: don't sell it. Plus, I don't think taking money from 1 asset and throwing it towards another asset with diminishing returns is kind of foolish.

 

You'll regret it

 

Not that I regret selling my CLS6, because I would not be exactly where I am today with my RL, but I highly miss driving it. That transmission was a blast. I had the opportunity to drive a supercharged CL so I know what you have in your hands. It is always smart to go the responsible route, but do what will make you happy. In 2016, your modded 2003 should be worth more to you than what it's worth on paper.

 

You can buy a 2003 TL for as low as $500!!! Buy one of those and swap over all the CL-S S/C 6MT stuff into the TL. It'll be decent on gas, fit the family and always fun to drive!

 

This is a very true statement. It is not nearly as big as I thought it was but still amazingly perfect. When you need more space you can throw a box on top being a wagon and all.

Selling the CL would be hard for me. I miss mine everyday even though it only just went to my brother. I loved driving that car and still think they look good. Especially with the kit you have on yours.

 

I've been looking at them actually. I've priced out selling the CL and getting an 03 TL-S and swapping in a J35A3 with accord trans. and throw my s/c on there. I would miss the 6 speed though. Labour would be too high and I can't do the 6speed swap myself.

I'd actually prefer that it be smaller. The van can take the big stuff. I haven't seen one in person yet though.

I'm going to drive the CL into work tomorrow and take it for a rip at lunch. I think that'll re-ignite the passion.

 

Smart move. For 99% of the world you have a perfect set up. People haulers that pull family duty and a fun weekend car you can row through the gears on and have fun in. It sounds like you can easily afford to keep it and enjoy it when you have free time. Having two young kids I know how difficult it can be to find that "free" time to do such things, I can't imagine three young kids, but as they grow older and you find less things to do around the house, it'll be nice to have the CLS6 to get you away for some much needed solo time.

Of course the other option is to go with a sports sedan or wagon and have the best of both worlds, but as you've seen, that's not cheap to do if you're looking for a Vagon. Believe me I've been down that road and came back to my senses when I look at the car note I'd be paying each month. Having paid off vehicles is such a stress reliever when you have big boy responsibilities as a dad. I know why you want to pay the van off ASAP, but things happen when you put your mind to them and it may not take selling the CLS6 for you to pay the van off early. Godspeed young man!

 

Thanks for talking me out of it! Felt great today!
This isn't working...

 

http://vid1359.photobucket.com/album...ps1jorf6he.mp4

 

That was pretty impressive. Are you on stock axles? Kind of a silly question since I'm sure nobody made upgraded axles for these cars.

 

You should definitely move on.. I know a guy in Oakville that has watched that video 20x already & wants in…

 

Nice!

LOL, you still had some third gear left, to bad that bloody car pulled out in front of you.

 

Thanks! I've never changed them since I've had it (5 or so years). I'm sure they'll explode on me one day. I try not to launch hard.

Ha, we gotta meet up one day this summer, gets some pics.

Ya I had to back off for a second there. Can't imagine the HBP on there!

 

As any American who is still looking for work or a way to pay their bills will tell you, we are by no means out of the woods. A full and vibrant recovery is still many months away. And I will not let up until those Americans who seek jobs can find them until those businesses that seek capital and credit can thrive; until all responsible homeowners can stay in their homes. That is our ultimate goal. But thanks to the bold and decisive action we've taken since January, I can stand here with confidence and say that we have pulled this economy back from the brink...

Oh, sorry. Must have been channeling Obama again.

Yep, sell it.

 

I agree you Americans aren't out of the woods yet either. But I'm in Canada and our economy stayed pretty strong throughout. Because even in the worst of times people still need potent beer and maple syrup!

 

Throw the HBP, it'll give it life.

Even better, MBP!

 

Keep it, no brainer. You will regret selling it for sure, and if you still have the desire to sell a year from now, you can.

A few months ago I slid out on a patch of ice not far out of my driveway and took out my whole 1/4 panel. Being my cl is an 03, I took collision off years ago. I was left with the same scenario as you (part out/buy 3g tl-s) and finance difference OR bite the bullet, drop $3k to have the body shop fix it/throw on a new quarter. I decided to fix it. The car is one of the cleanest examples you will see, and I just couldn't put my self to get rid of it and knew I'd regret it if I did.