Justify buying a ‘Fun’ Car?

Oz8argain on 05/06/2018 - 12:40
Last edited 05/06/2018 - 12:40

Since Ozbargain always give out great financial advices, I would like to get your opinion on owning a vehicle mainly for fun.

I’ve had the idea of getting a manual 86/brz for 2 years now but never pulled the trigger because I feel like it’s not the best financial decision. I’m able to afford a decent second hand one since they have dropped to around 20k, and have plenty left over to cover other costs. But it’s small and impractical / not future proof. Alternatively I can keep saving up for a house which is probably more important, then marriage, kids, etc. Which probably will all happen within the next 5-10 years. I don’t see anywhere I can justify a fun car purchase until I wait until retirement?! I’m not into family sedans with big hp, I prefer small, simple, rwd design of the 86/brz. I don’t drive daily, only on weekends which would make car purchase even less justifiable.

I share the same love of cars as you guys but where do you draw the line on spending? And how the hell did all these teenagers afford these cars?! So many carsales photos with p plates on them and modded to the moon and back.

Poll Options

  • 354
    Buy
  • 89
    Don't Buy
  • 4
    Other
  • 37
    It's an investment, a200amg, westpac, blah blah blah
Automotive Car

Comments

    • myusername on 05/06/2018 - 14:45
      +1

      indeed.

      one of the greatest experiences in life is to see what's on the other side of the planet.

      unless your a flatearthtard of course

  • apple2016 on 05/06/2018 - 14:16

    Whatever make you happy , go for it. It better than living a life or regret!…

  • [Deactivated] on 05/06/2018 - 14:38
    +1

    Upvoted for best poll options available

  • macrocephalic on 05/06/2018 - 15:02
    +2

    Have you considered getting a motorcycle? They're not practical (except for single person commuting), but they are fun, they're fast, they're much cheaper than a fun car, cheaper to register, etc. Plus, they're normally more accessible to work on than cars.

    You could get a licence (~$500), all your safety gear ($1000), and a fun bike for $5k fairly easily.

    • Oz8argain on 05/06/2018 - 16:06
      +29

      yes I have. Don't want to die though

      • try2bhelpful on 05/06/2018 - 17:55
        +3

        Sensible man. My man had a proper mini when we first started going out. Incredibly impractical but really fun to drive in. Check in with the other half.

      • macrocephalic on 06/06/2018 - 11:11
        -1

        You might want to reconsider the fun car then.

      • Hasbulla on 06/06/2018 - 13:34
        +1

        get a dirt bike!
        more fun, and no, you don't die.

      • imurgod on 06/06/2018 - 17:47
        +1

        Been riding bikes for 20 years. Still alive, no metal in my bones.

        • macrocephalic on 07/06/2018 - 09:30

          Similarly, riding for 13 years (haven't owned a car for over 10). Have metal in bones, but that predates motorcycle riding. The worst I've ever had was a few bruises and a bit of gravel rash, about the same as I got every second week as a teenager riding a bicycle.

    • nomoneynoproblems on 05/06/2018 - 18:14
      +1

      This is what i did. I wanted to go fast for cheap, so i bought a bike.

    • Hasbulla on 06/06/2018 - 13:35

      bikies!

  • stirlo on 05/06/2018 - 15:05
    +1

    Would you blow $20k on other things (holiday, booze, fashion, "bargains")? If so maybe consider cutting back on them and then you can afford the car. If you prefer having those things then don't buy the car. Either way don't sacrifice your savings (and future) for an expensive toy.

  • Gronk on 05/06/2018 - 15:23

    I say buy the car, you only live once and as far as sports cars go the 86 / BRZ is a relatively sensible choice because it doesn't have any particularly high-end parts in / on it which will cost you an arm and a leg to maintain.

  • Azrael169 on 05/06/2018 - 15:29
    +4

    I have a 86 and I love it. Every time i hop in that thing it puts on a smile on my face. Heaps of fun to drive. You'll find excuses to do day trips just to go for a ride in the car.

    But it!

  • TimeWaster on 05/06/2018 - 15:52
    +1

    I can totally appreciate this dilemma. I don't think you've mentioned your age or how far along you are in your career, but I'll assume you're in your mid-late 20s. Regarding your career… if you're self employed, then you're probably going to have to forgo the car and focus on building your empire, but if you're in a stable career pathway that you're content with, then don't even hesitate to pull the trigger and buy. If you're in a career path that isn't your ultimate goal, then maybe take some time to consider how much this purchase will impact your ability to get into your dream pathway (e.g. costs of training, education, etc.).

    Ultimately, if you're in a position where you can purchase the car in 'cash' (because paying interest on fun doesn't always make much sense!) and still be okay, then do not hesitate to buy. I've had the privilege of driving a $1,000 car, up to a $180,000 car for extended periods of time, and the joys a nicer car can bring to a car enthusiast is definitely something to put in the "life goals" box (which is really what we're all here to fill, isn't it?).

  • Illian on 05/06/2018 - 16:23

    Not for 20k, it sounds like you haven't hit 30 yet so maybe compromise. There are plenty of fun cars for under 10k, though I understand not all enthusiasts are into older 00's cars, I personally have a thing for 80's Japanese cars. On the other hand if you do buy one, just remember if something does come up, you can always sell it while only taking a hit of a few grand depending how long you own it, you get to have the experience in the meantime and it could be a good trade-off. Can't put a price on enjoying the drive, my first car was relatively fun and I enjoyed being on the road, my car now is comfortable but miserable to drive, incredibly underpowered, city buses overtake me lol, I'm definitely getting a fun second car and I'll consider it well worth it.

  • boostpak on 05/06/2018 - 16:28
    +10

    mate it's 20k not 200k. Buy the car, sell it in a few years, you lose a couple grand.. who cares. Just enjoy your 20s (instead of waiting till your 60s). You can always save for a house and you will be paying off a house for many many years with a partner. Just enjoy your 20s in a decent car. 20k is nothing anyway.

    • Illian on 05/06/2018 - 18:12
      +4

      '20k is nothing'

      Hahaha, oh man, rich people, always crack me up!

      I gave the same advice though, just that it's not about enjoying your 20's, there's nothing special about your 20's, it's about enjoying driving or just doing something you enjoy at any age.

      • magic8ballgag on 06/06/2018 - 08:16
        +5

        '20k is nothing'
        Hahaha, oh man, rich people, always crack me up!

        In the grand scheme of things, it really isn't.

        I understand that it may be a lot of money to some people, but to most it is not.

        • gromit on 06/06/2018 - 16:37
          +1

          20k is worth far more when your younger than when you are older. So I completely disagree with the concept that in the grand scheme of things it isn't a lot, it is a massive amount for someone in their 20's for the opportunity loss. regardless though a fun car be it for hobby or enjoyment is a valid choice, but don't expect it to make financial sense as it doesn't, but then most hobby's don't make financial sense.

        • magic8ballgag on 06/06/2018 - 18:28
          +1

          @gromit:

          Of course, I'm referring to functioning adults of society, and obviously you wouldn't just drop 20k on a car if you don't can't afford it.

        • Bobioso on 06/06/2018 - 20:35
          -1

          @gromit:
          He may not have opportunity later to justify a fun car for other reasons. Opportunity loss applies to non financials as well. Agree with the financial side of the argument, but it's not all about money. It's still a fairly reasonably modest indulgance. I owned an old Alfa and Escort XR3i Turbo which probably funded my mechanic's holiday home, when I couldn't afford them, but I had time to enjoy them and also to 'socialise' with other mechanic's customers while waiting for repairs. Now I drive an applliance that is boring but reliable and only when I have to. These days, I enjoy other things more.

      • boostpak on 06/06/2018 - 15:33
        +1

        I agree it's not just about enjoying your 20's you should enjoy what you drive whatever the age (as long as it is within your means).

        I meant in the grand scheme it's not much. every house is 1-2 million dollars, bills, expenses, holidays, shopping are all way more than 20 grand in a decade. It's nothing in the sense that once you sell it in a few years you're not losing 20k, you lose say 5k, therefore the purchase price really was 5k… so yeah the 20k is nothing. 5k in a lifetime is jack shit. people drink that in booze and ciggies in 6 months.

      • Mitch889 on 07/06/2018 - 08:51

        Yeah $20k really isn’t a huge amount in the scheme of things, especially for a nice modern car that will still be worth a decent chunk of that in a few years time if you decide to sell it.

    • Oz8argain on 06/06/2018 - 09:48
      +13

      I am a responsible adult, not a child.

      • Kangal on 06/06/2018 - 14:53

        Sounds like you want to be both responsible and fun.

        Some options I see:
        - Have a Small SUV and Medium Car (eg/ VW Tiguan and a VW Golf GTi/R)
        - Have a Medium SUV and Small Sports (eg/ Toyota Kluger and Toyota 86)
        - Have a Large SUV and Bikies (eg/ Mazda CX9 and Harley Davidson)
        - Have a DualCab and x2 Dirt Bikes (eg/ Ford Ranger and KTM)

        Personally I'm going to go for the last choice, in a similar situation to you. I'm thinking of getting a good used dual cab (Nissan Navara, Ford Ranger, Holden Colorado, Toyota Hilux). Its just more handy, and if you like driving it will still bring a smile to your face. I'm looking forward to chucking 1 or 2 mountain bikes in the back, and going for rides in the bush for weekends. If we need a second small city car, I'll probably get a good used hatchback (Toyota Corolla, Mazda 3, Hyundai i30, VW Golf). I think the combo of Hatchback + Dualcab is a great solution for both new families and growing families alike.

        • boostpak on 06/06/2018 - 15:34

          how old are you kangal and do you own a house?

        • Kangal on 08/06/2018 - 15:42

          @boostpak:
          Why do you ask?

          28… can't afford a house.
          Basically on my own, no support from friends/family. Though occasionally I'd help and bail them out of financial squeeze… which makes it difficult for me to save.

          Although I'm trying, but house prices being $400k-$600k and a 20% deposit means saving $120k cash… which is easier said than done.

          I'm around 1/3 of the way. But thinking about future costs like a wedding, honeymoon, kids, rainy-day pile… yeah seems daunting. That's why I'm thinking of doing side-jobs or starting a Small Business, my current White-Collar 45hr weekly job is barely getting me $50k yearly.
          How about yourself, boostpak?

      • chartparker on 07/06/2018 - 17:47

        I know the feels. I've always wanted a fun car, but my frugal nature and "maturity" always prevailed and I ended up with compromises. I wanted an R34 Skyline 25GT-T for my first car, I ended up with a Silvia 2.0 N/A. Then I wanted a Liberty GT, but ended up with a 2.5i. Then it was a 1.6 N/A Golf instead of the GTi… then another Liberty 2.5i and was driving a 1.6 Ford Laser for the last 8 months.

        Finally thought "screw it" in my early 30s and bought my first turbo car - a Forester XT 2013. Fun and fast but also practical, safe and somewhat grown up. Sure I'm paying about 20% more in fuel costs (95 RON minimum plus about 10-15% worse economy) but life is short and you can't take your savings to heaven with you :D

  • subywagon on 05/06/2018 - 17:20
    +1

    If you can afford it, why not? Life's short so enjoy it a little. This is why I'm an Ozbargainer. So I can be as cheap as I can in certain areas and have money to spend and enjoy in others (and still do it via best bang for buck though…).

  • antonthenet on 05/06/2018 - 17:39
    +2

    Just do it man. It's not a huge sum of money relative to your whole life.

    It's good that you are putting thought into your future to ask these questions. I think that probably shows that you're making the right decision.

  • [Deactivated] on 05/06/2018 - 17:58

    Get a swift sport turbo, fun and practical.

    • boostpak on 06/06/2018 - 15:34

      yeah get one, my grandma has one bro

  • FoxJump on 05/06/2018 - 18:48
    +1

    Yolo!
    I had a convertible when I was 23. Sure the repayments were 1/3 my salary and I lived at home with my parents … But it was a blast!
    140000km and 8 years later I traded it in for a Prius C

    I miss my convertible.

  • Quantumcat on 05/06/2018 - 21:48
    +1

    Consult your partner first. If I was your partner and you blew 20k on a toy I'd be really mad. That could be a house deposit. How would you feel if, say, your partner got a 20k inheritance and spent it on designer handbags or something without asking for your opinion?

    You don't want to lose your partner over a toy (well maybe you do, I don't know, but think about it at least).

  • ywpn on 06/06/2018 - 00:39

    Live within your means - if you can comfortably drop $20k without losing sleep, do it.
    I'm assuming you'll sell it in the future, so your $20k spend might be less than you think.

    I bought a Skyline as my fun car for $10k (+$7k on cosmetic mods), so similar to your budget and only drive it on weekends. I have a beat up, but reliable car I drive to the train station on week days.
    I love driving my fun car - there's a sense of enjoyment and thrill you just don't get driving a Corolla or Mazda 3 and you honestly can't put a dollar value on it.

    If you have immediate priorities or ready to enter the property market, I'd say pause on your fun car (I did) because you don't want to miss out on a property you love because you were $20k short.
    Your BRZ will always be there.

  • RevBargain on 06/06/2018 - 01:46

    When I was young I bought the car. Loved it. Warped the engine driving it a bit too hard round the dirt roads on a hot day. Sold it for nothing. Bought a humble hatch. Drove it like a hot hatch. The difference was I felt hot in one car and not in the other. Had fun driving in both.
    I married well. Wife dropped her $20K into a $200K apartment that sold for $600K ten years later with no money owing. Not sure the housing market will do that again!Best of both worlds!

    Go make some memories. Have some fun.

  • [Deactivated] on 06/06/2018 - 02:01
    +2

    I love cars but don't think honestly they add as much to life as having good investments (because they open up free time & ability to do many more things as you age) & spending money on holidays.. as you are only young once & seeing the world when you are in your 20's is a blast.

    I'd always keep a balance between the two & would only spend $$ on a decent car/toy (above $15k) if I was stacking $30k away in investments a year & leaving $5~10k for holidays. So if you can do that & afford the car, then I'd say its ok, but still tucking the money away for later will serve you best.

    Given speed limits & cameras I'd also say the difference between a manual older Corolla & an 86 would be fairly minimal ;)

  • me4president on 06/06/2018 - 02:19
    +1

    Go for a test drive - that way you'll know whether you want one or not

    Having driven sporty cars for the last 10 years and currently owning a sports car, I have no regrets with driving them, I actually get really bored driving any automatic family car.
    There is something about driving a manual sports car, learning how it handles and preparing for each gear shift, it keeps me active when on the road.

    What you'll find out if you get into the car scene is how many enthusiasts and car clubs there are - you meet other enthusiasts that could be new friends for life.
    You'll learn about modding, repairs, who does the best paint jobs, where to get the best parts, trackdays and car show events.
    There's plenty more depending on what kind of enthusiast you are.

    • blehgg on 06/06/2018 - 09:29

      Go for a test drive - every weekend.

  • ozzpete on 06/06/2018 - 03:24

    If you've been working hard, no kids or family commitments financially atm … You have to think subjectively about what entertainment/fun value such purchase will have to you? .
    If you decide to buy a 'fun car' … be very patient, wait for a great deal on car, and then hopefully if you sell it later, then you will either make profit, or not lose much, provided you get a great deal when you buy.
    There are plenty of great deals on cars, have to be patient, and be willing to jump on that great deal, tell seller you will come straight away. Similar to great deals posted here where sells out fast, that amazing deal on gumtree or whatever other site, won't last. Also if someone desperately wants something gone, it doesn't hurt to politely offer them much less than asking price. They might say no… but some will say "yes, I want it gone" and accept much under market value, for a quick and hassle free sale, offer to come buy today etc.

  • nobarginsarehere on 06/06/2018 - 03:54

    If you want it, buy it

  • sky blu on 06/06/2018 - 06:33
    +5

    It's better to have driven and let go, than to have never driven before.

  • HKS on 06/06/2018 - 06:48

    Buy, you'll regret not doing it. Maybe look into a fiesta/focus st if you're looking for practicality as well, they handle pretty well and go quick. Mazda 3 MPS's are fun too and i feel more connected to the road in mine than in a friends focus st.

  • MoonlapseVertigo on 06/06/2018 - 07:04
    +1

    Life’s short mate. If you can still afford to eat and have a roof over your head, do it. Before you know it you will be working too much, bathing kids and dreaming of those days in your Brz

  • SydStrand on 06/06/2018 - 07:53
    +3

    It's illogical. You know this, vut buy whatever makes you happy. That being said, I wouldn't go near a used GT86. Those drivers are some of the biggest tools on the road along with WRX and Mustangs. Whatever 'gently used' car you pick up from Bankstown has probably been thrashed to hell and back.

    • vietbargain on 07/06/2018 - 11:20

      I parents live in Bankstown and can confirm this is true. Auburn is a close second.

  • conza on 06/06/2018 - 08:08

    Buy a used one because, their depreciation is MASSIVE, much more than I expected, and look at the new MX-5 because it's basically a better car in every way except cargo capacity, the BRZ/86 doesn't really have more seats. But $20k for a BRZ/86 it's more than half of an MX-5 at 35-40k (guess there's also used MX-5s now).

    You live once, do it now.

    • [Deactivated] on 06/06/2018 - 16:53

      I agree mx-5 ND is a better car and can pick them up for 25k used with the 2.0L engine.

  • jacross on 06/06/2018 - 08:12
    +1

    Buy a liberty GT wagon or if you want new, levorg 2L.

    Fun and practical. Also, when you eventually have kids you will have a family friendly car that isn't a terrible crossover SUV abomination.

    Or wait. A lot of people here have saidfun is over when you have kids but that's not true. Your choices now will determine how much financial power you have as a parent.

  • this is us on 06/06/2018 - 08:13

    I couldn't justify buying a car in the same situation but people are different and have different hobbies. I don't see cars as investment because we shouldn't expect to sell the car after some years for the same price or more. I'd rather spend the same money travelling because that gives me pleasure. I don't have kids and I don't want to have kids in the foreseeable future, which makes my life easier in terms of financial decisions.

  • magic8ballgag on 06/06/2018 - 08:15

    You're very game asking that sort of question around these parts, but good for you!

    I say buy whatever makes you happy, because at the end of the day isn't that why we're all alive, to live and enjoy? Plus you aren't getting any younger.

  • Zondor on 06/06/2018 - 08:23

    high YEILD investment.

  • sunnyboys2 on 06/06/2018 - 08:49

    Just curious on how much this discussion changes if we are talking about a 50k car ? I’m in the same position but with higher budget

  • RP071 on 06/06/2018 - 08:54
    +2

    Some tips if you want a "fun car" from someone that has been there and still doing that.

    Get a standard 86;
    Do not modify it, no matter how tempting it might be;
    Shannons Insurance is the place you want to talk to and ask for limited use cover.

    I have a highly modified 1997 Supra which I have owned for around 15 years and it's been off the road for close to 10 of those due to dodgy mechanics and a lack of money to fix it.

    Just my .02 cents.

    • solidussnake on 06/06/2018 - 09:35

      If its stock you would be better off going with Budget or Racq cheaper insurance and preimums and dont have to worry about driving under certain amount of kms. Shannons is good for expensive, classic or highly modified cars that dont usually get driven much.

      Is the Supra twin turbo ? Dont see many getting around these days mate

    • macrocephalic on 06/06/2018 - 11:15

      Agreed. Mods attract police, increase (or nullify) insurance, and lower resale.

    • Broke-Ken on 06/06/2018 - 15:20

      Looks like you wanted a 10 second car, but ended up with a 10 minute car, could probably push it across the line….. ;)

    • SirDangles on 06/06/2018 - 23:08

      I thought insurance would be a pain with my 86 when I ended up modifying it. I went with Bingle because they were cheapest tbh. I'm 22 and it costs me just over $1000 a year.

      When I had an accident with a kangaroo I thought I was completely screwed, but they actually ended up replacing all the damaged mods: aftermarket front lights, carbon fibre front lip, even re-rolled my guard in a really short time.

      If you end up modifying it, there's heaps of options that are reversible, for around $500-$600 you can buy an Open Flash Tablet to run e85 on an otherwise completely stock car, and you can re-tune back to stock in minutes.

      Before you make your decision I'd highly recommend joining the various 86/brz groups on Facebook, as well as reading some info on the 86/brz/frs forums to get an idea of costs of anything you want to do to your car, and read about what everyone else says.

      • TheOneWhoKnocks on 07/06/2018 - 07:33

        The 86s and BRZs are such versatile cars.

  • SupeNintendoChalmers on 06/06/2018 - 09:09

    You're only here once on this planet OP.

    Live your dream.

  • solidussnake on 06/06/2018 - 09:28

    86's are so boring why not get a second hand wrx ?

    Ive owned
    06 WRX
    Evo 8 GSR with tune and exhaust
    06 WRX tuned by sti with exhaust sti turbo and better upper intercooler
    05 Lancer
    Evo X final edition

    • [Deactivated] on 06/06/2018 - 09:34
      +2

      Not to mentioned they're so slow.

      I've been owned by
      12 Polo GTI
      15 Renault Clio
      Those buggies that sweep the street in the morning
      Shopping carts going down the slope.

      • Architectonic on 07/06/2018 - 04:28
        +1

        And an electric bicycle. ;-)

    • PlasticSpaceman on 06/06/2018 - 09:57

      Hey - at least the question isn't "Should I get a Corolla or a Prius?" ;-)

      But another issue is price - just did a search on carsales.com.au and there were no Rexs for sale under $20k. There was one 2014 model for $25k. There are currently over one hundred 86/BRZs under $20k. There are a handful of Rexs on unique cars but again not cheap. Basically, it's a buyers market for the 86/BRZ so you can get a pretty decent car for a good price. The WRX etc are good fun cars, definitely, although can be rough and noisy inside. Heck of a lot of fun though.

    • Cheapo Moose on 06/06/2018 - 14:01
      -1

      Did you ever end up with a grown up car? ;)

  • PlasticSpaceman on 06/06/2018 - 09:40
    +8

    Just do it.

    I bought a 3yo Toyota 86 GTS also around the $20k mark so less than half the new car price. Have had it for over a year now - good solid reliable car, cheap to run and lots of fun to drive. Boot can fit a fair amount of luggage for a holiday. Two rear seats that can be used in emergencies but otherwise can also be used for luggage. Rear seats fold down so longer things fit in there. People go out and buy a ten year old BMW etc and end up spending a fortune on maintenance. For $20k you should also be able to get a 3yo top spec car that you can enjoy without the worry. If you sell it in 5 years for, say, $10k then it's cost you $2k per annum (excluding petrol, tyres, insurance, etc). Assuming you need/want a car anyhow then work out how much that might cost you and see what the difference is between having a "sensible" car or the "fun" car. Or, just do it.

    Things to be aware of:
    * After 3 years the factory capped service will have run out - but service costs are not stupid high anyhow. Maybe allow for $500 if it's due for one and you take it to a dealer.
    * The car may still be on the original tyres, so factor in the cost of replacing them - a set of four Michelin Pilot Sports will set you back around the $700 mark
    * The 54 month/90k service is a major service so need to allow for that (between $1k to $2k depending on who does it - they need to replace the spark plugs and the fuel filter which can require a lot of labour if they do it by, and I'm serious here, lifting the engine and removing the fuel tank)
    * The head unit is awful in the 86/BRZ. I've learnt to live with it but you may want to allow $1k for replacing it with a 200mm unit that supports android auto/apple carplay
    * The front 'scoop' is low. Expect to scrape things. You eventually learn it is a small car and you can leave a lot of space in front and still have a lot of space behind you in a normal car spot
    * For a fun car, an MX5 is also a decent option if you also have a hard top for winter - but I am over 190cm tall and my head hits the roof in one when it's down. Also there is a lot more interior room in a BRZ/86
    * It drinks 98 unleaded (so not cheap), but is reasonable as far as how much it uses - on long trips it can be quite frugal but I tend to do mainly short trips, driving like a maniac, so over the past year have averaged just under 10L/100km. It has a 50L fuel tank, so I easily get over 400km between top ups.
    * If you want a little more power, there are also sorts of things out there to plug onto the car from better exhaust systems, flex fuel kits (https://www.carmodsaustralia.com.au/eca2-v2-ethanol-content-…) to enable using E85, etc etc. Personally, I reckon the car is fine as is.

    • Hybroid on 06/06/2018 - 10:11
      +1

      That's a fantastic run down, quite informative, thanks. Can you elaborate a little more on why this is considered 'fun to drive'? Struggling with the concept of a 200 hp car being good fun. I know raw power isn't everything but that's quite a low figure for a sports car nowadays. So what's the X factor? Is it the chuckability handling? Road feel? Genuinely curious.

      • Oz8argain on 06/06/2018 - 10:28
        +1

        It's mostly handling/cornering, RWD. A lot of it is power to weight ratio, it's light and almost a 50-50 weight distribution.

      • PlasticSpaceman on 06/06/2018 - 11:05
        +3

        The car is very well balanced - this means that you can drive it very quickly around a corner (which is fun) and when/if it loses grip it will almost always be the rear that slips which can be handled by balancing the power and steering (which is fun). If you've never drifted around a corner in opposite lock you have not lived a life worth living. ;-)

        So it is fun to drive but also safe - a great car to learn how to drive properly as it feeds back to the driver what's happening and potentially allow you to avoid accidents. I reckon it's brilliant seeing so many P platers with an 86/BRZ. It is also well designed to protect occupants if there is an accident (http://www.howsafeisyourcar.com.au/2014/Toyota/86/ZN6-MY14-G…)

        Although it is not a powerful car compared to a lot of other designated sports cars, it still has a decent amount of power at 147kW (197bhp in old school language) so will burn off most cars (which now seem to be mainly SUVs) in a red light race. In standard form you can lose your license (ie break the 100km speed limit) easily in the mid 7 second range. With a simple tune so it can use ethanol fuel (E85) and a few other tweaks you can get into the mid 5 second range without sacrificing reliability (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RFGhLon_VDY). The Lotus Elan (that Mazda basically copied to make the MX5) had 115bhp. The 2L MX5 has about 158bhp I think. As you say, raw power is not everything, but saying this car is underpowered is a little misleading. It can handle more power, sure, but it's not a damp squib.

        I will say that raw power is quite intoxicating, and I have driven and owned some very fast and powerful cars in the past. If I was in a race on Sandown or Philip Island where people could drive any car they wanted, well yes my 86 would not be my first choice. Again, I am certain that the 86 could easily handle a lot more power (after upgrading the suspension, brakes, etc as well) but I wanted a car I could use every day, was not expensive to buy or maintain, would be reliable, and would still have that fun factor. Keeping in mind that the only place to legally stretch the legs of a true high performance car in Australia is off the public roads and on a race track (even in NT the max speed limit since 2016 in 130km/h, and although driving very fast is fun - 260km/h is my record - personally I prefer the twisty bits), the 86 ticked all the boxes for me.

    • Oz8argain on 06/06/2018 - 10:23

      Thanks for all the info! I heard about the sparkplug service that costs a ton! and also recalls for older models regarding power steering. I'm torn between getting older or wait 1 more year and get a 2015+

      • PlasticSpaceman on 06/06/2018 - 11:41
        +1

        Mine is an MY14 - the recall fix (it was a very simple one - https://www.toyota.com.au/news/toyota-86-vehicle-to-be-recal…) had already been done when I got it (there was a label on the driver door jamb), but needed to be done to cars made in 2015 as well. If it hasn't been done, it will be done quickly and for free - but you'll find it almost certainly has been done unless the car hasn't been serviced properly in which case that's not a good sign. I'd not worry about waiting for a 2015+ but rather just start looking and jump when you see one that meets your requirements eg make a list such as "86GTS or BRZ with top specs, keyless entry, manual, MY14 minimum, $20k or less drive away, no sign of dumb modifications, under 60k, regular service, interior/exterior in good condition, not a horrible colour, etc"

        Note that you probably should be able to get a MY15 (built from July 2014).
        eg For around the $23k mark, probably less with some haggling:
        https://www.carsales.com.au/dealer/details/Toyota-86-2014/OA… (the orange looks better in person)
        https://www.carsales.com.au/dealer/details/Toyota-86-2014/OA…
        https://www.carsales.com.au/private/details/Toyota-86-2014/S… (dumb wing and front skirt which is a little concerning)

        Again, that major service is a known thing - just allow for that in your financial calculations. By shopping around can probably get it done for $1k or less - in particular if you have it done at a place that knows how to deal with WRX maintenance apparently.

  • TheLurker on 06/06/2018 - 09:47

    I was thinking about getting an 86, but realized it's a bit small and impractical. Instead I spent a little more and got a clean used Land Rover Discovery 4. It looks classy (so the wife likes it), has loads of room for kids (first coming November), and I can take it on beach trips and bush drives with mates. Still fun with 180kw/650nm too. Maybe a different way for you to look at things?

    • Oz8argain on 06/06/2018 - 10:05

      Wow that's a leap!

    • PlasticSpaceman on 06/06/2018 - 10:05

      Good luck with the kids! I got the 86, and my wife got an 8 seater Kia Carnival. Both are happy. How's the reliability been with the Disco? Seriously, I'm interested. My neighbour had one and had to have it towed a number of times (I personally saw it being loaded onto a truck outside his house on two separate occasions), and he claimed the repairs cost a fortune. He got rid of it after a year and now has a Landcruiser…..

      • Oz8argain on 06/06/2018 - 10:30

        I never hear good things about range rovers, but they look so amazing, especially velar. I think it's best to lease them.

        • TheLurker on 06/06/2018 - 11:26

          Had a mate leased an Evoque on 4 year deal. Got amazing resale at end, but still regrets how much the lease cost. I've always gone quality used just out of warranty where depreciation vs newness is most effective.

      • TheLurker on 06/06/2018 - 10:58

        I went the Disco 4 2010,as Disco 3 had electrical issues. I got it cheap as an air suspension sensor was faulty (change height by button). Otherwise immaculate with 75kkms. Paid $34k a year ago.

        After GFC Tata got involved and reliability is great. So far mine is rock solid reliability wise, and actually fairly cheap to run with twin turbo version. Averages 9.1l/100 for me. Added bonus of 7 seats for full size adults beats similar vehicles. Only issue is I'm scared to scratch it off road. Best vehicle I've owned!

  • Lucky13 on 06/06/2018 - 10:09

    Nice Toyota 86, only $21,500 - https://www.carsales.com.au/private/details/Toyota-86-2013/S…

    • Oz8argain on 06/06/2018 - 10:35

      Personally I would run far away from that kind of stuff. This looks more like a rich kid's/retired guy's track day toy who wouldn't care if something breaks. I can see there's a lot of care put into it, but it's a gamble and not for everyone

      • [Deactivated] on 06/06/2018 - 10:41

        That's not a track day toy. It's dripping in rice street cred.

        And street legal track weapons are generally well cared for. The driver has to have confidence that the car can be thrown around the course and still make the drive home afterwards.

        • Oz8argain on 06/06/2018 - 10:45

          Works a lot better than a pedo van at giving young boys erections

        • [Deactivated] on 06/06/2018 - 10:47
          +2

          @Oz8argain:
          Not sure why you know.

        • TheOneWhoKnocks on 07/06/2018 - 07:55

          @tshow: Exposed himself.

      • PlasticSpaceman on 06/06/2018 - 11:08
        +1

        Yeah. Would recommend the GTS model anyhow. The premium is minimal with the second hand market, and you get keyless entry/start button and a few other nice to haves.

  • arrays on 06/06/2018 - 10:19

    I bought a '98 MX-5 about 2 years ago. I spent a year before then deciding if it was a good idea financially, and if I REALLY needed a sports car. I would lurk r/miata daily.

    I ended up getting a awesome deal and I don't regret the decision at all. It's a blast to drive and maintaining it has turned into a hobby for me.

    Do it OP - but you probably will end up spending more money than you initially planned. i.e mods and cosmetic upgrades

  • DiscoJango on 06/06/2018 - 10:31

    You only get one chance at life. And you only get one chance at being young. Enjoy life while you can. Get that expensive, impractical 2 door sports car. I did. No regrets. Just don't wrap it around a tree like some 86 owners do.

    • Oz8argain on 06/06/2018 - 10:59

      not sure if 86 is fast enough to wrap a tree :S

      • Tech5 on 06/06/2018 - 18:48

        Dunno about the downvote. It's slow enough for the tree to grow out of the way ;)

  • Kers on 06/06/2018 - 10:56

    Skid rig, pumpies for ACA & Tracy Grimshaw. #PumpiesForDal

    Skids for Tracy Grimshaw

    • Oz8argain on 06/06/2018 - 11:05

      I can't afford tires

  • ataraxia on 06/06/2018 - 11:03
    +1

    If you have the money saved and it is something you have wanted for a while go and buy it with no regrets.

    I bought my fun car 4 years ago just after getting married, I did all the things I wanted from 12 hour cruises, track days and hanging out with mates to 3am talking cars. I planned to have kids in 4-5 years starting with 1 and living putting them uncomfortably in the backseat but life does change quickly. I just had twins so that plan went out the window. For the next couple years I dont see myself having the time to take a 6 hour cruise away leaving the care burden to a already tired mother.

    You don't know what life will throw at you and I can definitely say I didnt want to wait until 50 to have a fun car.

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