I keep changing my mind

[T_Yamamoto]

I currently drive a 2015 Mazda 3, it's a good car and gets good gas mileage. 100% paid off.

After spending the past year working full time (first "real" job out of college), I realized that I should treat myself instead of trying to save every last penny. Essentially live a little. GF may be going to optometry school so if she goes, house is off the table for 4 years since we plan on moving back to our home state after school.

In terms of finance, I have a rainy day fund. I would be trading in my car + using strictly cash to pay for this car.

This car that I'm currently contemplating is a MK7 GTI. 2016+ models can be had for around 20k (with mileage around 40K or less). Comparing to my Mazda, mileage will be same or less, newer model year.

What do you think, what other car suggestions do you have (20k give or take 3k)

 

[BonzaiDuck]

I would think this all depends on your "permanent income" prospects, any "transitory income" prospects which you don't mention, and how dire your need to purchase housing as opposed to a harmless deferral of doing so.

My prospects for earning money (at my post-retirement age) and my desire for more money (very little or none) propel me toward a commitment to spend as little as possible on transportation --- vehicles -- while assuring that my vehicles are in tip-top condition. So my view of this will be different than yours.

What you describe under your own circumstances is not a terrible prospect of debt. But you should take my advice to save as much as you can now, even though your income prospects may be rosy.

On the other hand, looking at your 2015 Mazda 3, what sort of mileage is on the odometer? If you drive 12,000 miles per year, you might have 60,000 miles on the car. In that case, it is only "beginning" to make sense for trading it in or trading it "up". It looks like a great ride. Your gas mileage is great, so it has a low carbon footprint.

Do you want more cargo space? Or do you just want more prestige among people who see you on the highway whom you will never meet or know personally?

See, I might like to have a BMW M1, but I'd much rather keep the money. What I lose in "performance" or prestige has much less weight than having a stand-up SUV ride that is essentially free short of annual expenses << $1,000. I get more satisfaction that way. I take greater pride in my ride for that, than sporting a sportier and more expensive ride. Just buying a newer vehicle that looks like I spent a hefty piece of change on it doesn't do that for me.

What do you hope to get for trading in your Mazda 3? It's only 5 years old. What sort of new features do you covet?

There's also the problem of what I call the "girlfriend effect". Throughout my life, it always seemed to me that women were always trying to get me to buy a new car. Let me tell you about the 1964 SS Impala I lost, because my girlfriend called it an "old beauty queen" which I would likely get rid of sooner than later. Ten more years, and that car would've been worth $25,000.

And -- frankly -- I'd stick with a Mazda over a VW Golf. A VW Golf?! Whadda we need stinkeen VW Golfs for? We don' need no stinkeen VW Golfs!

 

[T_Yamamoto]

...

My answers to what you wrote may be out of order, so sorry in advance.

My gf isn't pushing me to buy a new vehicle, I only brought it up because if she decides to go to optometry school, i wont need funds for a house immediately.

My car hasn't even broken 45k miles, so it's still very new.

I guess my overall reasoning is that I want to enjoy myself a little bit.

(Bang for buck, in terms of performance from a Golf is insane)

 

[repoman0]

GTIs look like big toes driving around (never driven one though) and the Mazda 3 is a nice looking and decent driving car. A nice ND Miata is in your price range 😀

For what it's worth, I'm in the camp that car loans aren't the worst things in the world, especially with interest rates where they are and with a decently valued trade-in. With the small amount of savings that you probably have (since you are just out of college) it's better to keep the money in your pocket if someone will let you borrow it instead for 2%. Especially since a lot of big life things could come up quickly, e.g. ring and wedding, house, whatever. I bought my E46 M3 on a 2% loan five years ago, also a couple years out of college -- still paying it even though I could pay it off and no regrets even though the internet experts say it's bad. I have a ring and a house now too, both of which I didn't necessarily expect at my age 🙄

 

[VirtualLarry]

I'm not really sure I'm qualified to comment on this, but I would think a Mazda 3 would be "sportier" than a VW, anyday. If you've got low mileage on the Mazda 3, not sure why you would want to do this, other than to show off (to strangers? who cares). Unless the GF is pushing you to do this, I guess I don't get the motivation. Unless this is some sort of Asian status thing, in which case I'm even further less qualified to comment.

Edit: Don't forget to account for the difference in the price of car insurance in your state, between those vehicles.

Edit: I second the Miata purchase though.

 

[T_Yamamoto]

GTIs look like big toes driving around (never driven one though) and the Mazda 3 is a nice looking and decent driving car. A nice ND Miata is in your price range 😀

For what it's worth, I'm in the camp that car loans aren't the worst things in the world, especially with interest rates where they are and with a decently valued trade-in. With the small amount of savings that you probably have (since you are just out of college) it's better to keep the money in your pocket if someone will let you borrow it instead for 2%. Especially since a lot of big life things could come up quickly, e.g. ring and wedding, house, whatever. I bought my E46 M3 on a 2% loan five years ago, also a couple years out of college -- still paying it even though I could pay it off and no regrets even though the internet experts say it's bad. I have a ring and a house now too, both of which I didn't necessarily expect at my age 🙄

Well I'd be upgrading with cash, so no loans for me 🙂

I have 10k cash available to upgrade with plenty of money elsewhere (rainy day fund, investments, etc. so savings and money is not that big of an issue. My saving habits are pretty good for my age (50% of take home goes into savings, investments, retirement, etc.)

I was looking at the Miata BUT going from a hatchback to a 2 door with not that much space will be a hard thing for me to do (even if it means sticking with FWD).

I'm not really sure I'm qualified to comment on this, but I would think a Mazda 3 would be "sportier" than a VW, anyday. If you've got low mileage on the Mazda 3, not sure why you would want to do this, other than to show off (to strangers? who cares). Unless the GF is pushing you to do this, I guess I don't get the motivation. Unless this is some sort of Asian status thing, in which case I'm even further less qualified to comment.

Edit: Don't forget to account for the difference in the price of car insurance in your state, between those vehicles.

Mazda 3 is definitely not as sport as the GTI
155HP vs 220HP
150 ftlbs vs 258 ftlbs

The entire reason why I want to do this is for me. I'm a huge saver and willing to give up fun (travel, etc.) for the future. I don't want to end up regret not doing something fun for myself while I'm younger. The original plan was to save up and buy an old 90s JDM car but I realized that those dreams can actually wait, after a house, after getting married (although those cars may be harder to come by, I will atleast have the space for it).

It boils down to me wanting to live a little. Yes, financially, it doesn't make that much sense. The car I have now is fine and works great but I want to have a little fun.

So people are taking the GF part differently than I had intended. We currently live together, and she is currently deciding if she wants to pursue optometry school. If she does, she will be attending a school that's not in North Carolina. I plan on going with her to whatever place she goes to (since it'll be around the time I should leave and go to a different company for more $$$). Since school is 4 years, there is no need to settle aka there is no need to have the funds for a house immediately. If she wasn't planning on going, I would not spend this money and get a house instead when the recession hits. (I hope that makes more sense now.)

Asian status: I would def not be getting a VW if it was able status. I would def be getting a Lexus or Benz.

Insurance: I am lucky enough right now where I don't pay for my insurance but I am capable of doing it if asked

I think many of you overlooked this part in my original post: I realized that I should treat myself instead of trying to save every last penny. Essentially live a little.

 

[mindless1]

There are so many better ways to treat yourself rather than replacing a perfectly fine, nice little car, with a faster little car.

Besides, public roads aren't a race track.

I don't understand the question. It's your money, spent it on that if you want to. You are the one that has to live with the decision.

I think that looking back years from now you will feel the money was wasted. Personally I would at least get something larger, more utilitarian that can move more things and people around, and/or tow things.

 

[snoopy7548]

You've got new car fever. What exactly about the GTI will make you enjoy life more? Why is your Mazda causing you to not enjoy life?

I think you'll regret it, especially if you're thinking about buying a house within the next four years. You'll wonder why you thought it was a good idea to downgrade from a four to a two door car, especially if you decide to have kids. Sounds like you're planning a lot of stuff right now - moving to a new state, buying a house, buying a new car, getting married, getting a new job, but you're only one year out of college. Slow down.

But it is your money and your life.

 

[Muadib]

Since you mentioned buying a house, do you have the cash to buy one, or will you be getting a mortgage? If it's the latter, then you need to start looking at your credit rating. Have you checked it recently? If not, I would hold off on getting another car until you do.

 

[T_Yamamoto]

There are so many better ways to treat yourself rather than replacing a perfectly fine, nice little car, with a faster little car.

Besides, public roads aren't a race track.

I don't understand the question. It's your money, spent it on that if you want to. You are the one that has to live with the decision.

I think that looking back years from now you will feel the money was wasted. Personally I would at least get something larger, more utilitarian that can move more things and people around, and/or tow things.

I'd like to try my hand at autocross (SCCA holds stuff in my state that I'm willing to drive to)

You've got new car fever. What exactly about the GTI will make you enjoy life more? Why is your Mazda causing you to not enjoy life?

I think you'll regret it, especially if you're thinking about buying a house within the next four years. You'll wonder why you thought it was a good idea to downgrade from a four to a two door car, especially if you decide to have kids. Sounds like you're planning a lot of stuff right now - moving to a new state, buying a house, buying a new car, getting married, getting a new job, but you're only one year out of college. Slow down.

But it is your money and your life.

Since you mentioned buying a house, do you have the cash to buy one, or will you be getting a mortgage? If it's the latter, then you need to start looking at your credit rating. Have you checked it recently? If not, I would hold off on getting another car until you do.

I guess I should clarify again (I guess I wrote/gave out too much info)

Not getting a house within the next 4 years IF gf goes to optometry school.
Moving: only if GF decides to do optometry school.
New job: only if GF decides to do optometry school (since I'd relocate with her to where her school is).

Mazda 3 is not super exciting to drive, I have the 2L which is okay for daily driving but not exciting.

 

[repoman0]

I'd like to try my hand at autocross (SCCA holds stuff in my state that I'm willing to drive to)

Definitely go for it then. Non car people here won’t get it or will tell you to get an SUV or suggest that a two door is a downgrade, but they are wrong. Driving events have a wonderful welcoming community surrounding them — plenty of new friends and lots of fun to be had.

RWD is a big plus for HDPE, but there’s not a lot that’s newer and in your price range. Plenty of older BMWs but I’d avoid if you don’t do your own repairs and work. GTI should be plenty of fun though.

 

[mindless1]

Why does driving need to be "super exciting"? There's something missing in your life. A car may distract you from it, and maybe that's what life is, a series of distractions, but if you really want super exciting, and since you don't have children depending on you (yet), get a motorcycle.

 

[repoman0]

Why does driving need to be "super exciting"? There's something missing in your life. A car may distract you from it, and maybe that's what life is, a series of distractions, but if you really want super exciting, and since you don't have children depending on you (yet), get a motorcycle.

Why do you waste time on PCs and posting bad advice on tech forums? Something must be missing in your life. No need to judge because people have different hobbies and interests from you.

Motorcycle is a terrible suggestion, he clearly needs some minimal amount of utility. Not to mention the fact that a reasonable fun car offers way more protection in the event of a crash, and is significantly more forgiving to mistakes.

 

[Muadib]

I guess I should clarify again (I guess I wrote/gave out too much info)

Not getting a house within the next 4 years IF gf goes to optometry school.
Moving: only if GF decides to do optometry school.
New job: only if GF decides to do optometry school (since I'd relocate with her to where her school is).

Mazda 3 is not super exciting to drive, I have the 2L which is okay for daily driving but not exciting.

Four years will fly by now that you are out of school. Do you have the cash to buy a home now or even 4 years from now? If not then you need to prepare.
Find out where your credit stands, so you can be ready to buy that house. It's been my experience that people who pay cash for everything, have no, or very little credit history.
I'm not against you buying another car, I'm just saying find out where you stand credit wise. Unless you come from a rich family, you may need it.

 

[mindless1]

Why do you waste time on PCs and posting bad advice on tech forums?

Troll much? It's even a wild lashing kind of nonsense troll with no teeth. You can do better!

Something must be missing in your life. No need to judge because people have different hobbies and interests from you.

On the contrary, I am probably far more of a "car guy" than the OP, or you. I recognize that it's short-sighted to focus only on an econobox that can go fast. Poor man's race car? Save up some money and do it for real if that's the goal.

Motorcycle is a terrible suggestion, he clearly needs some minimal amount of utility. Not to mention the fact that a reasonable fun car offers way more protection in the event of a crash, and is significantly more forgiving to mistakes.

Lol at utility. Really? That's so ridiculous I don't know where to start. A tiny go-fast car has the least utility of anything. At least a motorcycle has some positive attributes and if the need for speed and thrill is the primary one, it wins hands down, no contest.

 

[T_Yamamoto]

Four years will fly by now that you are out of school. Do you have the cash to buy a home now or even 4 years from now? If not then you need to prepare.
Find out where your credit stands, so you can be ready to buy that house. It's been my experience that people who pay cash for everything, have no, or very little credit history.
I'm not against you buying another car, I'm just saying find out where you stand credit wise. Unless you come from a rich family, you may need it.

(I'm going to choose to ignore the two arguing over the internet to answer this question)

In 4 years, I will be able to buy a house (30% in cash), even after using 10k +/- 2k on a car.

I have 5 years worth of credit history and my score is 760/742. I use my CC for just about everything.

 

[Muadib]

(I'm going to choose to ignore the two arguing over the internet to answer this question)

I have 5 years worth of credit history and my score is 760/742. I use my CC for just about everything.

Cool, have fun with the new car.

 

[mindless1]

It almost seems like you are asking our permission because your parents are still paying your bills,

Insurance: I am lucky enough right now where I don't pay for my insurance but I am capable of doing it if asked

You don't cover your own expenses and want a car upgrade instead of taking responsibility for your own bills? Doesn't that make you feel emasculated? A faster econocar won't fix that, more like it perpetuates it.

 

[zinfamous]

what, you think you're some special flower for replacing a Mazda3 with a GTI?

 

[zinfamous]

I'm not really sure I'm qualified to comment on this, but I would think a Mazda 3 would be "sportier" than a VW, anyday.

what? the GTI is a classic. the Mazda3 is...classically boring.

As for the OP: also consider a 2018-2019 Mazda6. Those are a little peppy and could probably be found ~$20k with decent miles.

You know, you could probably get a 2018-2019 GTI S for close to $20k...and with the 2019, and assuming manual, you get to play the unintentional stalling lottery!

 

[zinfamous]

Also--you could always buy JLee's sweet MR2 that he is/was trying to sell...

 

[Brainonska511]

, I realized that I should treat myself instead of trying to save every last penny. Essentially live a little.

If this is the goal, why not put the money burning a hole in your pocket towards some trips instead of another car? Changing vehicles from what you have now seems pointless. Additionally, moving to a newer vehicle likely means more expensive insurance premiums.

 

[Aikouka]

Unless you really don't like something about your current car, I wouldn't do it. It may sound weird to some, but one of my bigger regrets in life (i.e. one of those things you'd change if you could) would be to not trade in my '07 Altima back in '13 for a Ford Fusion. Not that I didn't like the Fusion... well... actually it felt way too underpowered, but anyway... it's just that it wasn't worth it. My main gripe about the Altima was the lack of media support (CD only with MP3-CD support), but I could've went with an aftermarket solution for that.

It's really easy to get sucked into an idea of getting something new and shiny. Heck, that's mostly what my Tesla was, but it all goes back to my same remark... it's rarely worth it. There's a part of my that also wishes that I didn't have the Tesla and I just let myself ride the no-payment gravy train!

 

[zinfamous]

Also, OP.

You mentioned that you want to get into Autocross. ....be aware and please actually understand that as soon as you start down this path (nothing wrong with it), your reasonable "$20k used GTI" is eventually going to cost you at least $8k in parts and labor and tunes, because it is a GTI and that is what you are going to do; and up to $12k when you start including the more frequent, expensive oil changes and brake replacements over the life of this thing. You just are. believe me. I have little to no interest in such things....but I convinced myself to get a GTI because maybe I do have such an interest....maybe. I have no interest in modding the car, because it's pretty decent stock....but maybe I do? maybe...Yes. I am convincing myself they I need a new FMIC, a new downpipe and eventually a new stage 1 clutch. Yes, this is all stupid because I don't need any of it. My brain is working against me, though. Luckily, I spent the fun money on the car already so I really can't shit it away any more.

however: you will get new performance tires, and you will very likely get new, lighter, possibly wider and/or taller wheels. It's the thing that you have to get with a GTI, because the stock tire options are garbage. That's a default $1k on top of whatever you pay for it. You will lower the car because you don't like the gap in the wheel wells. All those baller dudes on Reddit have done fancy things to their cars. You are going to need new springs....who cares if you ruin the great adaptive chassis control tuning on your car, if you get one with DCC, you're going to do it anyway. You're going to get plasti-dipped VW logos, and black badges to replace the red badges. You're going to get a spoiler to stick on top of the stock spoiler, because it needs more rice. You're going to get carbon-fiber mirror caps and euro-style adaptive front and rear lighting packages because the US version sucks.

You're going to prowl EBay and international parts distributors for either Euro GTI rear seat headrests (low profile), or US Audi A4B7 headreasts (Same fit), because the US high profile rear headrests are unacceptable! And when you can't find a good used Audi set on Ebay for ~$40, you will convince yourself that a set from Europe, ~$270, is quite a reasonable expense...Hey, it even has the red stitching!

You are going to prowl deAutoLED to find bomb interior lighting options like underwell red lighting and brighter trunk lighting packages and such, because man is it cool. You are going to replace your stock air intake with an IE or APR one with fancy carbon fiber detailing and improves performance....exactly zero but hey the engine bay looks cooler and it sounds a little neater and oh man, carbon fiber! You're going to swap out at least 2 rear sway bars. You're going to decide that you should have replaced the end-links the first time, which means you will have to perform this service at least 3 times.

.....owning a GTI is something of a disease. It's willfully engaging in a large, uncured illness that many just accept and have no reasonable plan to cure in themselves. You can fight it as long as you want, but the only way to fix it is to drive the car into a ditch or sell it for a Hyundai. There is a strong community for those with this disease, but none of them are seeking a cure.

....by the way, have you even considered the Veloster N? I highly doubt you could get one at $20k (probably have to pay ~25-27k for one, which would be great deals). It is supposedly much better to drive, it's far ricier and it farts a lot. Kinda garbage on the inside, but it's a fan favorite....and think about it this way: you are spending at least $5k more on your GTI. Without question. That is what you will do. Veloster N is more track-ready at stock than is the GTI.

It's also a car (back to GTI) that I would be more hesitant to buy used. You have no idea how that car was driven, but most likely it was rough, and not always in a good way. You should really only consider 2018-2019 models, because they come with the 6 year/75k warranty, that is only available with those model year VWs--it has already been discontinued with 2020 and forward VW toys.

 

[thedarkwolf]

Keep the 3 and buy a cheap NA/NB miata for around $3k for your fun car/autox. Then you can have something to play around with and have a nice daily.