Pure Adrenaline

iTrader: (2)

I have to ask for the opinions of my trusted fellow AZers.

Right now, I'm still driving my '03 TL-S which I enjoy driving, working on and looking at. Despite its share of problems, it has served me well for more than 7.5 years and almost 140k miles.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, 2011 model Genesis Coupes have started arriving at dealerships. They have new materials and slightly revised interior. The exterior is pretty much unchanged. I like the new interior.

I have eyes on the top of the line 3.8L V6 Track Auto with Navigation. Silver over black, just like my current car.



So what I've been pulling my hair out about for the past 2-3 weeks is why I need/want a new car:

I'm very concerned about the transmission in the Acura plus minor annoyances here and there as the car has begun to show its age. It would cost a couple of grand to put it back in its top shape if I were to drive it for another year, 2, 3, etc. plus the unexpected costs.

New car = warranty.

I'm very concerned that if I changed cars, I may regret doing so and terribly miss my TL. I still love ogling her lines. One of my favorite things to do on the weekends is washing the TL because I just like spending time on the car. I don't know if this is limited to the TL or will be the same with my next car, which may or may not make me miss the TL.

After 7.5 years, it's about time to get a new ride.



What would you do in my situation? Switch cars or keep the current ride? Money isn't a factor since it's not like I'm mulling over a Ferrari or anything.

I'm so indecisive on this to the point that my fiancee is frustrated... "get whatever you want" is what she eventually said.

VQPower37

if money isnt an issue ... why dont u keep the TL and buy the genesis ... but if keeping two cars is not an option i would keep the tl

fsttyms1

Genesis hands down. What kind of discount can you get on it And id opt for the Sedan but thats just me

HBaJ

This. It's already paid off so you could have your cake and eat it too. IIRC, you work at Hyundai- are you eligible for any sort of discount on the Gen coupe? (great car btw)

Pure Adrenaline

iTrader: (2)

Well, I really can't justify owning and maintaining two cars given my current lifestyle. That's just excessive, especially with a mortgage and a wedding around the corner.

I do get a discount which is the reason why I'm looking at the Genesis Coupe. Otherwise, I would be at the Audi dealership looking at the A5 Prestige. x 1 bazillion

charliemike

I would keep both and drive the TL as your daily until it just won't run for some reason (like the transmission craps out) and then decide if you want to dump it.

In the meantime, you put less miles on the Genesis (which means it'll be nicer for longer).

Pure Adrenaline

iTrader: (2)

The Genesis sedan is what the CEO drives, and it's really not a good career move to match the CEO's ride.

So you really would go for the Genesis Coupe hands down if you were in my situation? Despite the strong love for the TL? Hell, you've had yours for 10 years!

Pure Adrenaline

iTrader: (2)

That's just it. I don't want to keep it until it craps out, because then I will get hardly anything for it. At least right now, it's in decent shape so I would use it as a trade-in.

AMUA6

iTrader: (7)

I say do it man. You've had the car since you were 21? You're now 28, time for a well-deserved upgrade

Crazy Bimmer

Scared of change eh?

DO IT. Just dont get boring silver.

You wont regret selling the TL once you are behind the the wheel of a new car thats leaps and bounds better in almost every way than the TL.

Pure Adrenaline

iTrader: (2)

It doesn't have the auto-down feature on the passenger side mirror. I love that feature when I'm backing up.

Silver isn't boring. It's a nice color.

fsttyms1

If i was in a spot financially after the 5th trans died on me i would have driven, pushed, attached rockets to what ever it took to put it thru the front of a acura dealer or honda corp front door and go out and buy a new car and have payments for 3-5 more years. Putting a 6 speed in it was much cheaper at the time


In short, yes i would get the Genesis (though for me and my size i would drive what the CEO does and hope he doesnt fire me for doing so)Maybe pick a different color I love driving my dads. The car is a sweet vehicle.

JS + XES

iTrader: (1)

hyung! Gen Coupe 3.8 Please! Do it!

TheMirror

I generally don't enjoy these threads either PA, but yours is very well explained and intentioned thus I feel compelled to weigh in on it.

2011 Genesis Coupes are just coming out, right now. Good deals on them will be scarce (even with a discount), and chances are they will be equipped precisely the same in 2012 and 2013.

Dude, it is obvious that you LOVE your TL. Trust me, even at 41 my love affairs with cars are still considerably shorter than what you've got going on there.

You have a mortgage.

You are getting married soon. Never underestimate the unanticipated costs your first year of marriage will bring. Doubtful the two of you are going to sit down after the honeymoon and try to tighten up the budget even further.

Genesis = significant financial commitment
TL = maybe a $1500 new tranny plus some belts or something for the next 2 or 3 years.

Genesis: insurance +, registration fees +, maintenance -
TL: insurance -, registration fees -, maintenance +

That TL isn't worth very much on trade-in as it stands: Sell it privately later on and you can recoup half the difference at least. The sub-$10K car market is white hot right now, and will continue to be for some time.

Verdict: Keep the TL for 2 more years and then cut a wicked deal on a new Genesis Coupe. Not only is it more financially responsible, you're gonna really appreciate the injection of excitement a couple of years down the road. Hehehehe

-Mirror

Crazy Bimmer

^ good advice till 2-3 years from now he knocks up the wife and wishes he had sold the TL years earlier and enjoyed himself before getting that minivan.

d-townhakuzo

I vote Gen Coupe, you won't make a mistake getting that.

Costco

you know what, you're exactly right. My brother in law told me the same thing... And so did my older brother's friends. Buy your toys now before everything has to be signed off with the wife.

But then again, if I was planning on starting a family instantly, then it'd be kinda selfish to splurge on myself first.

trojanman10984

iTrader: (1)

dont be a PUS...just get the Genesis!

if you do we need to have a farewell meet for your car

charliemike

Clearly he has his priorities out of whack ...

Sports Car > Marriage > Kids

AMGala

iTrader: (4)

Wait until the CEO upgrades to the Equis, and THEN get the Gen sedan so that you have a really nice car that is ready for children eventually (if that is your plan)

mrmako

I would say get the Gen Coupe (seeing that you work there and get a discount).

HOWEVER

Is your new bride itching for a jr. of you running around? If so, you may want to look at something that is better with a car seat.

Pure Adrenaline

iTrader: (2)

All good advices. Thank you for taking the time to chime in. It helps me get a broader perspective of the situation; things I hadn't thought of.



The fiancee wants to wait a while before we make additions to the family. So that gives me a few years of time. But even then, I can lease a Sonata for just a hair over a Benjamin a month to have as the Kid One Transport which will allow me to keep the Genesis Coupe.




Got the call from the dealership. The silver is definitely available and he wants to know if I want to take it.

I'm going to detail the hell out of the TL today after work and head over to the dealership tomorrow to see what they will offer me on the trade-in.

Pure Adrenaline

iTrader: (2)

Minivans... *shudder*


Hyundai dropped the Entourage, which means if I had to get a minivan, I'm getting this one - http://www.autoblog.com/2010/08/12/f...van-rt-coming/ Bwahaha!!

chill_dog

Get the new car, you'll be glad you did. I'm in a similar boat: I still like my TL and enjoy driving it, but there are a couple of cars on my want list. Multiple cars isn't practical for me, so the TL will have to go. It's not financially responsible, but I'll get over that...just like I'll get over the TL once I'm behind the wheel of my new car. You will, too. Good luck at the dealer!

hANDYcaptd

iTrader: (5)

I would get the new car.

I'm almost in the same boat as you. I love my 02TLS. Even though it runs super smooth now, there's always the chance it will crap out. That's why I try to baby it.

I just started working, but in a year or so I'll definitely be looking to upgrade to something MT.

Carraway

Since you're coming from an '03, have you test driven new cars much? I ask because, for me, going from a 2000 without ABS, traction control or any drive by wire system into a few 2010 cars made a pretty dramatic difference. While I've always tended to be fascinated and like technology, in this case I found I can't quite give up my old car. There's a connectedness there that I found lacking in the current crop.

Of course, most people are more than happy to make the switch.

Edit/add - It's also getting very difficult to find manual transmission cars.

RaviNJCLs

iTrader: (4)

I think his life situation is different from yours and it is a lot more important to consider. With getting married and having kids just around the corner the money is needed in other areas. You are looking at it from the perspective of being 22 and not having as many responsibilities. I did the same thing when I was 22.

IMO, I would keep the TL. If $2000-$3000 buys you 2-3 years of service that is a lot less than the car payments and insurance would be. With the

Moog-Type-S

Keep the TL

onebadna1nsx

I would keep the TL.... then later if possible, add the Gen Coupe to the family. Then you can decide if you really want to keep the TL or sell it.

Look at Josh. Even though he has his Gen Coupe, he still misses his TL dearly and wants another one....

jjashaa

iTrader: (23)

i still freakin miss my TL

wish i could have kept both in my honest opinion.

hANDYcaptd

iTrader: (5)

Good point. Must be the mindset of every recent grad.

Although it can't be compared directly to his situation, FWIW, grace period on school loans is ending soon. Little more financial responsibility then. I definitely won't be looking to buy before those are all paid off.

princelybug

iTrader: (16)

Ok. Robert, if you want sporty, buy the Hyundai. If you want a bit more luxury, stick it out with the TL.

JS + XES

iTrader: (1)

I don't know about 03 TLS being more luxurious than the brand new Genesis.

I hate cars

That's the truth! There's something great about a car that does exactly what you tell it to do with no computer interference.

LuvMyTSX

I was going through the exact same thing for the last several months now with my 04 TSX. Same situation, same feelings. It's funny how we get attached to our cars. I feel guilty for wanting to trade it in, and scared that I won't like the next car as much. Like you, I wash my car all the time and still just like to look at it. I decided yesterday that I'm going to get a photo of it printed so I can at least keep it on my bookshelf.

However, after how many times the car was in the shop earlier this year, and now the A/C is acting up again, I decided it was time to do something. I put a deposit on a new car last weekend and am now just waiting for NY DMV to issue my title so I can trade in my car and pick up the new one. (I just moved, registered the car in June, the title is taking forever...).

In the end, you need to be at peace with the situation before you do anything, or else you'll probably have more remorse afterward. I'm still having anxiety about it, but I'm hoping all the new toys on the new car will help me forget my TSX.

dom

What did you get?

LuvMyTSX

I also thought about keeping my TSX, as it's been paid off for a few years now. But then I'd still have to insure and maintain it, so it didn't make a whole lot of sense.

New car payments was another cause for anxiety, but I'm just going to do a 3 year loan and pay it off early if I can.

Also forgot to mention, having a new house also contributed big time to my decision. One of us needs a hauler of some sort, that became crystal clear a few months ago. So there were several factors involved in my decision and it just made sense.

LuvMyTSX

You're not gonna like it...but...a 2011 RDX. The front is going to take some getting used to, but overall it's a good package for me.

dom

Sorry. I kid, congrats!

Just saw your thread. Will comment.

CLpower

if you sell it, let me know, seriously. Looking for a cheap 4 door for the wife since the baby is coming!