Thoughts on Downgrading?

[Apoc]

Downgrading is the wrong word, but "Getting Something Cheaper and Older" doesn't sound as good.

I'm of the general mind that my Legacy just isn't what I want. That probably comes as no surprise, but despite doing everything fairly well it just doesn't really excite me. Maybe I was ruined by my E36 M3 and/or B5 S4, but I just don't get the excitement I used to from my car. The Legacy is plenty fast and plenty capable, but I rarely use the back seats or the Sport Sharp throttle mode. Essentially, I'm just not using all of the car.

I have three very distinct opinions on what I should do.

1) It's paid off, just shut up and drive it. I've tried to convince myself of this for the last few months, but it never seems to stick.

2) Get something ridiculous like a V8 S4 or Z4 Coupe. I've been pricing both for some time and the Z4 is pretty close to an even trade, but I can't really afford to lay out any extra cash. Additionally, I think I've finally come to realization that I just want a car that "works" and it doesn't have to have 250+ hp.

3) Get something cheaper and more utilitarian. It annoys me that I can't fit my pedal bike in my car, so I've also been considering a wagon of some sort. I've also been thinking about finally upgrading from my first bike, so I could use the extra cash. I could sell the Legacy, get a used WRX Wagon, MS3 or 92-x and upgrade the SV to something like a 748.

WWJD?

[.RJ]

Can you trade cars with the wife on the days you want to drive a wagon?

I still say you need a Z4 coupe or A5 (with warranty). If you buy older/more utilitarian it'll be like the legacy only worse.

[Apoc]

Can you trade cars with the wife on the days you want to drive a wagon?

I still say you need a Z4 coupe or A5 (with warranty). If you buy older/more utilitarian it'll be like the legacy only worse.

We can trade, but there are times like this weekend where we both want to carry bikes and aren't going together.

I might agree with you about trading down, but I've never really done it so I have no basis for comparison. I'm pretty sure I would like both of those, at least for a few years :lol:, but I'm kinda sick of the escalation of commitment game and want to break the cycle. Find me a white Z4 with nav and manual for an even trade and we might be getting somewhere.

[.RJ]

I'm kinda sick of the escalation of commitment game

Why do you hate America?

[Sijray21]

z4 coupe - ftw!

i've wanted one of these for a while. i even went so far as to test drive a z4 m roadster (similar) and i had a LOT of fun. Bottom line: you need a fun car. what do you want to drive? what's a car that you can have fun with? you can almost always get a hitch and a bike mount and put that on any car (or a roof rack, or whatever).

[SlimKlim]

By some counts I downgraded from a low mileage 2003 325i Sport/Premium to an old busted high mileage M3, and it was the best decision I ever made. Its all about what fits you and what you turn around to look at after you've parked. If the new shiny thing doesn't do it then get rid of it.

[CaptainHenreh]

3. If you have a fast fun bike why do you need a fast fun car?

[Kaan]

because fast fun bike > fast fun car...

[Apoc]

Kaan, I think Rex was saying the same basic thing... or at least, I don't need two super awesome things so it should be a bike if that's what I want.

I think the one issue with getting a cheaper car is that I've really gotten used to creative comforts. Finding a car that has satellite radio and navigation (I'm not an aftermarket person) that I don't think is ugly and sells for <$18k is a tough find.

[Kaan]

fine... you NEED both... and the reason... because you can

[CaptainHenreh]

Kaan, I think Rex was saying the same basic thing... or at least, I don't need two super awesome things so it should be a bike if that's what I want.

I think the one issue with getting a cheaper car is that I've really gotten used to creative comforts. Finding a car that has satellite radio and navigation (I'm not an aftermarket person) that I don't think is ugly and sells for <$18k is a tough find.

Yeah. I mean, it sounds like you would get alot of use out of something reasonable with four wheels, so buy a <Utiliwagen> and an 848.

[Kaan]

if you can do both for the money, there is no reason NOT to do both IMO

[Apoc]

if you can do both for the money, there is no reason NOT to do both IMO

There's something to be said for being happy with what you have. Could I afford to buy a Z4 M and a 1098 tomorrow? Sure... but I think I'm getting to a point where I don't want to do things just because I can. That hasn't seemed to work yet, so I'm wondering if a step in the other direction might actually be more better.

[Mike]

downgrade ftw. if you don't do it eventually, you'll never be happy as there will always be something shinier that you COULD afford. i've downgraded a lot of my life over the past few years... and it feels really good. i wish i could expand on that, but it's not coming to me... i just feel a lot more free. no debts, fewer possessions...

[Dave]

downgrade ftw. if you don't do it eventually, you'll never be happy as there will always be something shinier that you COULD afford. i've downgraded a lot of my life over the past few years... and it feels really good. i wish i could expand on that, but it's not coming to me... i just feel a lot more free. no debts, fewer possessions...

Mikey is sounding like a dirty hippie...

Track Santa will show up one day in sandals, a grungy beard, dreads, and a hawaiian shirt; I really hope I'm there to see it.

[JohnC]

downgrade ftw

I wrote a version of this too, but the bottom line for me lately is simplicity and focus.

[HAULN-SS]

I downgraded from my legacy. The less maintenance, cheaper tires, and less frequent oil changes has been nice. I did it because I drive a lot commuting and out of town (83k on the malibu).

I do miss the boost sometimes, and if i had to do it all over again, I would've bought a cheap as shit camaro or something with a cheap drivetrain, thrown in 2 - 3k of rebuilt LS1 goodness, and drove that around til it fell apart. This would be sort of like having a new car, with no payment, and still keeping the fun factor for me

[NTIman]

Downgrade.

Man up and face the fact that no matter what car you have, you're not going to be completely happy with it.

[CaptainHenreh]

Man up and face the fact that no matter what car you have, you're not going to be completely happy with it.

True enough.

[.RJ]

I almost forgot... if you're going to make good money, at least spend it irresponsibly