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lyfia

Completely frivolous car purchase, Midlife crisis or - WWYD?

last year

I've always been interested in cars and motorcycles and have owned many so far in my life and I even used to road race motorcycles and drag race cars (just my supercharged daily driver back then) on a track. I'm currently in the position that I have the ability to spend money on a Corvette without it hurting my pocket book. It is a vehicle I've been wanting since college days - so many years, however I'm having a hard time to justify spending the amount of money to get what I'd really like. I'm generally frugal and I can find other things to spend this money on or just invest and save it and if it weren't for some things in the last year and half I may actually do so, but suddenly I just feel I want to throw caution to the wind and just buy the car.


My DH is no help as he is also into cars and he just says if I can afford it and if I can get in and out of it then why not. He doubted I'd be able to, but I could happily report I had no such issues. Of course I'm the frugal one and he's the spender so no help in that conflict. Friends are not much help either. They are all encouraging me to go for it since having my child I've not had a fun vehicle. Said child will have her license early next year and my friends just said she can drive your car (75K miles SUV) and you can drive something fun.


I'm so tempted to do it and part of it is I think I'm having a midlife crisis and just want to throw caution to the wind. I've had some medical issues in the last 18 months too that is probably playing a part in the midlife crisis and me thinking I need to do it now or it is likely never to happen as I may not be able to do it in 5 years if my mobility goes down.


How do you get over your frugal/Cautious self and allow yourself to actually make such a frivolous purchase? I'm having trouble pulling the trigger, but kind of need to soon as what I want is harder to find due to the color choice or put it off another year and who knows what life will be then. Sound like a midlife crisis?

Comments (133)

  • last year

    Lyfia-

    If you order, & it's a "Sold" order, you could get the Museum-Delivery option, & pick it up at the Bowling-Green, KY Assembly-Plant!! Actually.....it's at the Museum building nearby the plant. I believe it's a $1,000-ish option. You can also get a small plaque made that goes between the seats/shoulders, with your name, & any saying you want.


    If you wanna look at more 'Vettes ready-for-pickup, check this link to "Corvette Blvd"! Scroll down & you can see the waiting cars at their "Delivery Positions"!


    Faron

    Corvette Museum

    lyfia thanked Faron79
  • last year

    After test driving Minis ( BMW made) with and without run-flats I ordered mine with normal tires and a spare in the well. The driving performance was night and day.

    Still can not wait to hear what happens Lyfia! I hope it is meant to be!

    lyfia thanked roarah
  • last year

    Since it’s a low rider, one pothole could damage the car.……

    lyfia thanked summersrhythm_z6a
  • last year

    I didn't think about LTC insurance early enough, but once you have had cancer you can't buy an affordable LTC insurance.

    Both DH and I are healthy and have never had cancer and it's still not affordable.

  • last year

    Am I the only one who would rather not see a tangent about LTC insurance on a thread about sports cars? Talk about cognitive dissonance, LOL. I think this tangent could well push all of us out the door to go buy sports cars!


    That said, I know little about TLC except for a general perception of "nope" so maybe it deserves its own thread?


    Back to cars now .... Roarah, I love the minis!

    lyfia thanked mtnrdredux_gw
  • last year

    Faron - I've been to the Corvette museum already and don't want to spend more money - yes I'm too practical/frugal to allow myself that, since I've been there before. Plus I'd have to wait 13 months and all the extra expenses that goes with doing that option, like gas, hotels, plane tickets, extra mileage, taking off work etc.


    So it for sure looks like I'm not getting a green one as when I add the lift option there are only 1 within 500miles (L2/Z51). Friday night I clicked the get a quote button and got a quote on it for less than MSRP by $7500. I was like this is a sign I should get it. So Saturday I was ready to purchase it, but I asked if there was an issue with it sitting on their lot for a couple of weeks until I picked it up. Trying to save myself an extra trip or the hassle of shipping it. Well they come back with if you pay MSRP we can do that and then the tune changed as well that I would have to pay that even if I arranged for someone to pick it up and ship it to me, or drove up and did the transaction in person. That really made me lose trust in them so I won't buy from them no matter how much I want that color.


    So on to another color. Not sure yet if white will be it or if I should branch out. White is generally what I get for my vehicles. I know I don't want red, black, or light silver. If this doesn't work out then I guess I'm not meant to have one.

  • last year

    @lyfia, FWIW a car dealer once told my dad that it is easier to touch up paint dings on a white car than any other car.

    lyfia thanked bbstx
  • last year

    Been watching this and not chiming in. I understand very well -- take the name Corvette out of the picture and I've had the same thoughts. I always said that once the boys were grown I would get another convertible. I had one I special ordered before I got married and loved that car. When our first son was born, it didn't accommodate the car seat and had to go. My choices since have evolved around family needs. I'm driving a 10 year old car bought for my dad when he was in hospice -- brought home on a loan/test drive and had to purchase totally to keep him happy when he improved the day of his discharge from the hospital. I had thought it would be my younger son's car, but I needed it to stay home with me -- not go off to college. I was beginning to think about replacing when the pandemic hit. First it was shopping for a car didn't seem wise, then it was supply. I get the itch, then it fades. Problem is - if I were to get what I really want, we'd need to have 3 vehicles and that's a different issue. Won't be a Corvette though. Never been my thing. OTOH, we do have LTC insurance. The only good thing about my last employer was they offered a LTC policy to all employees that was not tied to employment there. We got in early when it was still affordable. We would not buy it now.

    lyfia thanked lascatx
  • last year

    @ mtnrdredux_gw - tangents happen and this really was a post not only about a sports cars but also on the practicality of buying a sports car. Should she spend the money on a sports car or be more practical. So although many said "Go for the sports car" there were some who said, "Are you prepared for retirement?"


    Honestly, if you can't afford Long Term Care Insurance and don't have $300k set aside for Long Term Care, you probably shouldn't be buying a sports car. Needs first, wants after needs.

    lyfia thanked Jennifer Hogan
  • last year

    Long conversations, whether in real life or online/in a forum, evolve. Lyfia told us she's mature and dealing with health issues and aging and many of us are in the same boat. I don't even see the long term care discussion as a tangent. Most of us don't have unlimited funds and potential LTC/medical needs rise exponentially in retirement - so the whole thing seems entirely on point to me.


    The nice thing about the car is that its value doesn't drop to zero the second she drives it off the lot. It can be sold later on if need be, and the second nice thing about the car she's considering is that it's not a Kia. :-) It'll hold value pretty well.


    That's why I'm inclined to support throwing caution to the wind on this one. Clearly it's something that means a lot to her and the risk/reward is there....for me. Other opinions will vary and that's why people ask for input on the internet.

    lyfia thanked Ally De
  • last year
    last modified: last year

    Latest update - I have a deposit on a White one. Should be picking it up on Friday if nothing changes. I'm paying MSRP - which I expected to, however I hate car shopping. Apparently this dealer adds some package with tint, some kind of clear wrap on hood/door edges, and some other exterior/interior protection which I did not want for $3495. They tried to give me $1K off that and I was going to just skip and go elsewhere. White is a lot easier to find. Thankfully they took it completely off so back to MSRP. As part of trying to sell me on this package they said it is already on the vehicle. So we'll see if it bothers me or not when I see it on Friday.

    pics the dealer sent.





    About the only thing I'm not fond of is the exhaust tips being chrome, but I'll likely get some high temp paint and paint them. Haven't fully decided on that yet as I'd need to make sure to cover everything as they are welded on. But certainly would be easier to do before I have to clean them as well.

  • last year

    That’s gorgeous! Congratulations!

    lyfia thanked Jilly
  • last year
    last modified: last year

    I think you missed the gist of my post. I was teasing about the tangent, but also suggesting that LTC is an interesting subject that may deserve its own post, especially because it is "hidden" in this one and so we may be missing important input.


    Congrats, Lyfia. Hope you enjoy it. I like the white much better than the green!

    lyfia thanked mtnrdredux_gw
  • last year

    Lyfia - The green was intriguing but the white is really sharp. I hope you have many miles of enjoyable driving.

    lyfia thanked maire_cate
  • last year

    Congratulations!


    I’ve been biting my tongue, but since you bought the color that I think all cars should be, would it be a good time to remind you of the superstition connected to green sports (race) cars?


    Hooray for white vehicles! I also do not believe in superstitions about car colors (some race car drivers still do, DH’s race vette was blue.)

    lyfia thanked maddielee
  • last year

    It's gorgeous Lyfia! Congratulations!!!!!

    lyfia thanked Ally De
  • last year

    Beautiful car! The green one was very nice but, I love the Classy white! Enjoy every second of it!

    lyfia thanked mollycats
  • last year

    Ah, so exciting! Congratulations, or as we say Mazel Tov! I hope you have many years of thrills with that beauty.

    lyfia thanked jsk
  • last year

    Grats! The clear paint protection wrap is actually practical. We had ours installed (aftermarket, not by a dealer) on the front of both cars by a reputable installer. It really does help prevent stone chips and light scratches. I wouldnt want a dealer charging me for it though.

    lyfia thanked daki
  • last year
    last modified: last year

    Love your new wheels!

    lyfia thanked roarah
  • last year

    Life is short. Get the car.

    lyfia thanked Susan Drake
  • last year

    @lyfia - WOW, you’ll love it. Equipped with LT2, Z51 AND the front lift? Black exhaust tips are available aftermarket but really, chrome is easily wiped clean. Periidically Mass metal polish to touch them up. Will you highway drive it? If YES, and the dealer removed what was installed, get the front end wrapped - stone chips are especially apparent on white Corvettes. I’d Ceramic Coat the entire car too.

    Personally I like the chrome exhaust.



    lyfia thanked fnmroberts
  • last year

    Congratulations on your wonderful new car, enjoy!

    lyfia thanked jill302
  • last year

    WhooHoo, what a beauty! I too liked the green, but the white is stunning! It will really catch the eye on the highway or anywhere. Congrats and happy driving!

    lyfia thanked OutsidePlaying
  • last year

    What a gorgeous car! Congratulations Lyfia!

    lyfia thanked texanjana
  • last year

    Congrats! Catch the wind in style!

    lyfia thanked summersrhythm_z6a
  • last year

    WELL NOW!!!!! I'm in Love with something ELSE now Lyfia!!!


    BIG-TIME Congratulations!

    Is it a 2024? 2LT AND Z51?!

    YEAH BABY!

    PLEASE post your GM window-sticker!


    Faron

    lyfia thanked Faron79
  • last year
    last modified: last year

    Thank you everyone! So far I'm excited, but I'm sure once I hand the check over I might have some heart palpitations/breathing problems. ;) I might look into the wrap part if it doesn't have it since most of my driving is Highway, but I'm sure I'd be spending less taking it to be done. Although my current white vehicle and the long line of white ones before it haven't had any issues with it being visible. Now if they could only have something to protect the windshield. That I would gladly spend the money on to protect. All our vehicles have broken windshields and I'm not willing to spend money to replace it unless I have to because of visibility as it will be broken again in no time.

    I think it is a lot of work to replace the exhaust tips since they are welded so if I do anything paint will likely be it. I've seen some doing that and it looks good. Yours look really good, but they are also all together and not breaking up the black in the same way.

    Here's a snippet of the sticker. Not many options except for Z51/2LT/front lift and I could have done without the GT2 seats as I thought the stock ones were more comfortable for my bottom, but most have that added so very hard to find the front lift without the seats.



  • last year

    @lyfia - NICELY EQUIPPED.

    Yes it will be less costly to have a detailer install the wrap. Ours has entire front end and rockers covered.


    For purchading a new Corvette you will reveive an invitation to attend Ron Fellows Driving School. GO!!! You will learn so much about the features of and safe handling of your car. It’s 2 days of professional instruction about how to drive your car. Mid-engine handling is quite different. I can only say following the experience you will never look at an intersection the same way.


    Likely won’t be a C8 in my future. I’m 76, have driven Corvettes for 60 years, owned 6, never an accident but believe the ’18 will be the final one. IF a C8 were to happen, I’d choose the hardtop convertible, BUT giving up a manual shift is a huge deterrent.


    Enjoy your ride.



    lyfia thanked fnmroberts
  • last year
    last modified: last year

    @fnmroberts - 6 Vette's and 60 years that's quite a collection/accomplishment. I'm not a huge fan of driving with even windows down. I did own a McLaren Mustang convertible for a short while, but it just wasn't for me. I know the coupes are all still convertible, just that you manually have to remove the top so my daughter has said we have to at least do that once since she's never been in a convertible. It looks like Friday is going to be nice and sunny so I may surprise her by picking her up from school with the roof panel removed. She will expect the car as she already requested a pick up by me (I usually have a work meeting so don't pick her up on Fridays), but at least the "convertible" part will be a surprise.

  • last year

    @lyfia - Please, I don’t collect. The ’63 was purchased by my father as his 40th BD present. I was allowed to use it infrequently growing up and he kept it until he passed in 2010. Technically I now own the car however It is on permanent loan and displayed at NCM in Bowling Green. Has just over 42,000 miles and is entirely original.


    I’ve had a ’78 C3, ’98 C5, ’05 C6 Convertible, ’11 C6 Grand Sport, ’16 C7 Stingray a the current ’18 C7 Grand Sport. The ’78 was previously loved and bought after our kids graduated collage, others purchased new. Convertibles historically have had major blind spots but the C8 has resolved the issue however before C8, coupes offered better luggage space than the convertible. Sorry, boring details.


    You bought a terrific car and your daughter will be proud being picked up.

    lyfia thanked fnmroberts
  • last year

    Damn!

    I got me some "Catching up to the Jones's" to do!!!


    Lyfia-

    That's an important group of options to have! I LOVE it!!

    ACS-Composites has some very good quality Grill-guards for the front & side air-intakes.


    I did go to Exotics-Racing in LV a few years ago, & got to toodle around in my baby....

    So.....YES!!!

    Go to a track & learn some REAL DRIVING. I only dared get up to 105mph on the straight. But now you've got a rear-engine horse like this one!


    When I see curved roads now......my grip on the wheel tightens-up.....I start thinkin' how close I can shave the corners......SNAP OUT OF IT Faron!!!!


    lyfia thanked Faron79
  • last year

    @faron - nice Prancer. Unfortunately most don’t drive them - too expensive and mileage is frowned upon come resale time. BUT, I’d like to exceed 105 in it.

  • last year

    I hadn't checked in here for a while - so happy to hear you went for it - YAY!!

    lyfia thanked 3katz4me
  • last year

    Congratulations--that is one gorgeous vehicle!

    lyfia thanked teeda
  • last year

    Lyfia - checking in to see if you picked up your new wheels yet?

    lyfia thanked maire_cate
  • last year
    last modified: last year

    Hi, I did pick up my new wheels a little more than a week now and it has already amassed more than 500 miles even with a super busy work week. Had to spend the weekend cleaning out the garage so I could fit two vehicles in there. Boy did we have a lot of stuff in there that’s just been sitting for years taking up valuable parking space. Facebook market place worked out great for giving it all away since we are not on a street where you can just put it out on the curb. Here’s a few pics of my new ”Lady friend."





  • last year

    🩷

    lyfia thanked bbstx
  • last year

    Wowww, Lyfia, she’s a stunner! Congratulations!

    Tell the class how fast you’ve gone so far.

    lyfia thanked Jilly
  • last year

    Congratations! How was driving with the top off? Daughter enjoyed hopefully.

    lyfia thanked fnmroberts
  • last year

    Unfortunately we didn't get to test it with the top off. I didn't have time due to the amount of time it took at the dealership. I'm not a convertible kind of gal so didn't want to take it off at the dealership.

  • last year

    😥

    lyfia thanked fnmroberts
  • last year

    Sweet!!

    lyfia thanked 3katz4me
  • last year

    What a blast! So happppppyyyyyyy for you!!!!

    lyfia thanked gardener123
  • last year

    She's a beauty. Enjoy her in good health!

    lyfia thanked blubird
  • last year

    Wishing you many miles and hours of sweet enjoyment.


    lyfia thanked salonva
  • last year

    Oh wow, you did it! Fantastic. Wishing youmany happy miles.

    lyfia thanked dedtired
  • last year

    I am thrilled for you!

    lyfia thanked roarah
  • last year
    last modified: last year

    Peace on the road! Be safe!

    lyfia thanked summersrhythm_z6a
  • last year

    Oh yeah, looking great there! Congrats! 🤍

    lyfia thanked gsciencechick