Mark my words

[T_Yamamoto]

I'm doing this to hold myself accountable and to put forth a strict saving regiment.

In 3 years time (late 2021, early 2022) I will buy an R32 GTST

I hope to get it imported with some mods already done, things that most people would do, so wheels, exhaust, and coilovers.

Since R32 GTST go for $15,000 (for Japanese Classics LLC) and the vehicle tax in VA is 4.15%, I'll need to save up at minimum of $16,000 as well as learning how to drive manual. I'm looking at picking it up through Japanese Classics because they pick up good examples of cars as well as do maintenance so you can drive it home (oil, plugs, etc) without worry.

So in order to achieve this, I will need to save $400 a month for 40 months.

I tend to be a planner type of person so at the same time I need to save up for a ring (don't even ask how expensive of a ring my girlfriend wants, ps you can buy the car I want with that money), as well as saving up for an "entry level" home/townhouse (anything with a garage), and moving up in my career path.

After all of those things, I'd like to start saving up for an RB25DET swap for the car. I've compiled a complete list. These are the things required to swap in an RB25DET (along with the trans and diff)

RB25DET: $4000
R33 Diff: $400
Gasket Kit: $200
Water Pump: $90
Oil Pump: $200
Oil Filter Fitting: $20 (direct to block)
Timing Belt Kit: $90
Oil Restrictor $7
Thermostat: $22
Timing Belt: 42
Spark Plug $25
Modified Cross Member: $200
Custom Driveshaft: $???

Plus misc stuff ~$6000 for the complete swap (I can sell the RB20DET with trans and diff to someone for like $2500)

Years down the line after the swap, I'd like to go single turbo, and I have a list complied for that one also but I won't bore y'all with that information. The goal is 400+ hp on the stock engine, which is possible and well documented.

 

[deadlyapp]

Whatever you think you need to save for that car, make sure to save a hell of a lot more for maintenance on it, which is going to be high for a car that old, and expensive since most normal parts will be out of production.

Personally, despite your attachment to the model, I would look at something more modern.

 

[BurnItDwn]

Whatever you think you need to save for that car, make sure to save a hell of a lot more for maintenance on it, which is going to be high for a car that old, and expensive since most normal parts will be out of production.

Personally, despite your attachment to the model, I would look at something more modern.

Due to regulations, if you want a model of car that wasn't originally sold in the US, you have to wait for it to be 25 years old to import it.
That said, yes, the R33 will be available to import by then, but, the R32 is generally seen as a much more desirable car for collectors.

 

[deadlyapp]

Due to regulations, if you want a model of car that wasn't originally sold in the US, you have to wait for it to be 25 years old to import it.
That said, yes, the R33 will be available to import by then, but, the R32 is generally seen as a much more desirable car for collectors.

People have been importing these cars for tens of years already, so there's definitely a work around (presumably you have to convert much of the emissions system, not sure what else). Or perhaps people have been just taking 240Sx and converting them into JDM (RHD, etc). I won't claim to know the details since I never cared much for the cars.

 

[rstrohkirch]

I assume it's the same as motorcycles? Certain states have very lax requirements to title something and make it very easy to title vehicles that have no title to begin with. In my state I was able to to title a grey market bike with no title and it only cost me $125 and some forms. Maybe cars are different though.

 

[HarryLui]

https://www.theimportguys.com/product-page/1989-nissan-skyline-gtst-rb25det

You missed one with swap already done.

 

[T_Yamamoto]

Whatever you think you need to save for that car, make sure to save a hell of a lot more for maintenance on it, which is going to be high for a car that old, and expensive since most normal parts will be out of production.

Personally, despite your attachment to the model, I would look at something more modern.

I have a paid off modern car (my shitbox 2015 Mazda 3 and just hit 30k on the clock). Thankfully, Aussies have had a long time to learn all about the car so in terms of maintenance, a stock RB20DET are pretty good motors stock (just needs regular maintenance. With most cars from the 90s, it shares a lot of parts with other Nissans (oil filter is the same as a 240sx), etc. etc. I don't plan on doing any power mods to it when I get it since it'll be pointless with the RB25DET swap (unless it can be carried over, so new coilpacks/LS1 coilpack mod). So overall, not worried about finding parts as there's plenty OEM nissan parts still floating around/Nissan still makes them.

I assume it's the same as motorcycles? Certain states have very lax requirements to title something and make it very easy to title vehicles that have no title to begin with. In my state I was able to to title a grey market bike with no title and it only cost me $125 and some forms. Maybe cars are different though.

US law is 25 years or older can be imported. There are ways around this, IE: show and display cars, vin swapping, Florida reg, etc. but not worth the cost/risk.

https://www.theimportguys.com/product-page/1989-nissan-skyline-gtst-rb25det

You missed one with swap already done.

Looks good, missed a good ass deal.

Honestly, I wouldn't mind have to wrench on a car. And doing any mods will come after some life events like marriage and getting a house.

 

[coxmaster]

People have been importing these cars for tens of years already, so there's definitely a work around (presumably you have to convert much of the emissions system, not sure what else). Or perhaps people have been just taking 240Sx and converting them into JDM (RHD, etc). I won't claim to know the details since I never cared much for the cars.

Without exception, those are all very much legally "grey".. The Feds have seized some before, and continue to do so in some circumstances.

That being said, I just don't get the hype behind the skyline.. They're just not that great

 

[sdifox]

Such a bad idea

 

[Kaido]

Whatever you think you need to save for that car, make sure to save a hell of a lot more for maintenance on it, which is going to be high for a car that old, and expensive since most normal parts will be out of production.

Personally, despite your attachment to the model, I would look at something more modern.

Agreed...if you're going to have a "vintage" car, especially an import, as a daily driver, then follow the rule of "one to run, one for fun".

I would save up for both your Skyline & something like a Nissan Leaf, which you can buy used with low miles for cheap (20k miles for $12k in my area, assuming you don't need more than an 80-mile range). That way, you're not dependent on your "fun" car being a totally reliable ride. This is one of the reasons I bought my Mustang new...I rely on my car every single day. I work an average of 70 hours a week. I don't have time to goof off with my car in the shop...my Jeep Renegade was a lemon & caused me tremendous headaches (averaged one full week in the shop for every month of ownership, nearly two years of ownership total)...looking back, I should have ditched that piece of junk ages ago & just eaten the cost, haha.

 

[Kaido]

That being said, I just don't get the hype behind the skyline.. They're just not that great

It's like the BMW E46 or E30 M3...people get a certain attachment to them. I mean, I feel the same way about the Delorean...I just love everything about it. To anyone who's a real car person, it's a complete piece of junk...fiberglass underbody, no airbags, underpowered rear engine, awful safety specs...to regular people, it's a fun car from the BTTF movies, or else "wow, it's stainless steel & the doors go up!" To me? I freakin' love it, lol. I mean, just look at how much this dude loves his baby...if a particular car bug bites you, then that's that, haha:

 

[Kaido]

I'm doing this to hold myself accountable and to put forth a strict saving regiment.

In 3 years time (late 2021, early 2022) I will buy an R32 GTST

I hope to get it imported with some mods already done, things that most people would do, so wheels, exhaust, and coilovers.

Since R32 GTST go for $15,000 (for Japanese Classics LLC) and the vehicle tax in VA is 4.15%, I'll need to save up at minimum of $16,000 as well as learning how to drive manual. I'm looking at picking it up through Japanese Classics because they pick up good examples of cars as well as do maintenance so you can drive it home (oil, plugs, etc) without worry.

So in order to achieve this, I will need to save $400 a month for 40 months.

I tend to be a planner type of person so at the same time I need to save up for a ring (don't even ask how expensive of a ring my girlfriend wants, ps you can buy the car I want with that money), as well as saving up for an "entry level" home/townhouse (anything with a garage), and moving up in my career path.

After all of those things, I'd like to start saving up for an RB25DET swap for the car. I've compiled a complete list. These are the things required to swap in an RB25DET (along with the trans and diff)

RB25DET: $4000
R33 Diff: $400
Gasket Kit: $200
Water Pump: $90
Oil Pump: $200
Oil Filter Fitting: $20 (direct to block)
Timing Belt Kit: $90
Oil Restrictor $7
Thermostat: $22
Timing Belt: 42
Spark Plug $25
Modified Cross Member: $200
Custom Driveshaft: $???

Plus misc stuff ~$6000 for the complete swap (I can sell the RB20DET with trans and diff to someone for like $2500)

Years down the line after the swap, I'd like to go single turbo, and I have a list complied for that one also but I won't bore y'all with that information. The goal is 400+ hp on the stock engine, which is possible and well documented.

1. Awesome, I love the idea, DO IT!

2. I am very much the same way. I was always disorganized growing up & have turned into a planner person. At least a decade ago now, I started a savings program called the "New Every 2", where I decided to buy a new $2,000 hot computer setup every two years to stay current. I went this route because I was working for minimum wage back in the day ($7.10 at the time) & simply couldn't afford to shell out that kind of money. Then I had to pay for college, then got married, then started a family, and now have bills. But, I still have my Smartypig account where I auto-withdraw $20 every week from my bank account, and I still get $2,080 (plus interest, currently 1.75% APY at Smartypig) every couple of years to blow on computer toys. Because I live on a budget (not rich, not financially independent), this approach is a no-brainer for me. Goals work man!

3. I don't know how flexible your girlfriend is, but check out mossanite as a cheaper alternative to a real diamond. Don't forget the blood diamond argument if you really want to push the issue, especially the child slavery aspect. My wife plans on replacing her ring with mossanite at some point, due in a large part to how the diamond trade works (plus you can get a freakin' huge stone in mossanite for way less than a real diamond, lol). Also, check out building your own custom ring online. There are plenty of documentaries on diamond exploitation on Youtube, like this one:

4. You are signing up to a maintenance game. There's nothing wrong with that, as long as you fully understand what you're getting into & are prepared for it. It's an old car with old technology with imported parts. Buy the major spare parts ahead of time. Read forums & watch videos on how to replace stuff yourself. Get tools & become proficient in basic mechanics. Join forums & subreddits & Facebook enthusiast groups, and subscribe to Youtube channels to learn more about your machine. Buy a copy of the manual. Be prepared for the problems you'll run into, then they won't be as bad of headaches when they DO come (and they WILL come!).

I tend to be a planner type of person so at the same time I need to save up for a ring (don't even ask how expensive of a ring my girlfriend wants, ps you can buy the car I want with that money), as well as saving up for an "entry level" home/townhouse (anything with a garage), and moving up in my career path.

5. Buy an audiobook copy of "The Millionaire Next Door", listen to it multiple times, and pay special attention to the parts about people who are high earners with high consumption rates & low net worths, especially the parts about home & vehicle purchases. Aside from really liking turbos, this is one of the reasons I chose to go with a 4-cylinder Mustang over the 8-cylinder models ($20k-range vs. $40k-range, for the packages I wanted), because for my income level, budget, and long-term goals, it made a lot more sense.. It sounds like you've got a solid work ethic, are actively working on your education, are ambitious about your job, and want to have a home & a family, plus some fun toys like a cool car, so number one, more power to you! And number two, it's wise to look at the whole picture, including the long-term picture, and make decisions with that in mind. If you get a job making decent money, don't go nuts about needing a huge, expensive house in an upscale neighborhood right away, and invest in a reasonable car (~$15k in your car, plus another ~$6k in planned mods), you should be able to plan well for your future while enjoying some reasonable toys today. I don't see anything wrong with your plan...you seem to have it pretty well thought-out. The only thing I'd recommend is making sure you have backup arrangements for transportation if you vehicle becomes undriveable at any point in time (ex. waiting on a part or in for service or whatever), whether that means having another car (ex. beater or a cheap used EV) or having your girlfriend give you a ride or taking public transportation or whatever. Oh yeah, link to the audiobook:

https://www.amazon.com/Millionaire-Next-Door-Surprising-Americas/dp/0743517849

6. Don't forget to post pics when you get it!

 

[T_Yamamoto]

1. Awesome, I love the idea, DO IT!

2. I am very much the same way. I was always disorganized growing up & have turned into a planner person. At least a decade ago now, I started a savings program called the "New Every 2", where I decided to buy a new $2,000 hot computer setup every two years to stay current. I went this route because I was working for minimum wage back in the day ($7.10 at the time) & simply couldn't afford to shell out that kind of money. Then I had to pay for college, then got married, then started a family, and now have bills. But, I still have my Smartypig account where I auto-withdraw $20 every week from my bank account, and I still get $2,080 (plus interest, currently 1.75% APY at Smartypig) every couple of years to blow on computer toys. Because I live on a budget (not rich, not financially independent), this approach is a no-brainer for me. Goals work man!

3. I don't know how flexible your girlfriend is, but check out mossanite as a cheaper alternative to a real diamond. Don't forget the blood diamond argument if you really want to push the issue, especially the child slavery aspect. My wife plans on replacing her ring with mossanite at some point, due in a large part to how the diamond trade works (plus you can get a freakin' huge stone in mossanite for way less than a real diamond, lol). Also, check out building your own custom ring online. There are plenty of documentaries on diamond exploitation on Youtube, like this one:

4. You are signing up to a maintenance game. There's nothing wrong with that, as long as you fully understand what you're getting into & are prepared for it. It's an old car with old technology with imported parts. Buy the major spare parts ahead of time. Read forums & watch videos on how to replace stuff yourself. Get tools & become proficient in basic mechanics. Join forums & subreddits & Facebook enthusiast groups, and subscribe to Youtube channels to learn more about your machine. Buy a copy of the manual. Be prepared for the problems you'll run into, then they won't be as bad of headaches when they DO come (and they WILL come!).

5. Buy an audiobook copy of "The Millionaire Next Door", listen to it multiple times, and pay special attention to the parts about people who are high earners with high consumption rates & low net worths, especially the parts about home & vehicle purchases. Aside from really liking turbos, this is one of the reasons I chose to go with a 4-cylinder Mustang over the 8-cylinder models ($20k-range vs. $40k-range, for the packages I wanted), because for my income level, budget, and long-term goals, it made a lot more sense.. It sounds like you've got a solid work ethic, are actively working on your education, are ambitious about your job, and want to have a home & a family, plus some fun toys like a cool car, so number one, more power to you! And number two, it's wise to look at the whole picture, including the long-term picture, and make decisions with that in mind. If you get a job making decent money, don't go nuts about needing a huge, expensive house in an upscale neighborhood right away, and invest in a reasonable car (~$15k in your car, plus another ~$6k in planned mods), you should be able to plan well for your future while enjoying some reasonable toys today. I don't see anything wrong with your plan...you seem to have it pretty well thought-out. The only thing I'd recommend is making sure you have backup arrangements for transportation if you vehicle becomes undriveable at any point in time (ex. waiting on a part or in for service or whatever), whether that means having another car (ex. beater or a cheap used EV) or having your girlfriend give you a ride or taking public transportation or whatever. Oh yeah, link to the audiobook:

https://www.amazon.com/Millionaire-Next-Door-Surprising-Americas/dp/0743517849

6. Don't forget to post pics when you get it!

I'm just now learning everything I didn't learn in college, so everything adulting (HSA, 401K, etc. etc). Since I'm a planner, I've sort of set up a road map for myself (how much I want to save a month, etc.) and I plan on keeping it that way. My GF knows that's the type of person I am and she's perfectly happy with not eating out and doing cheap thrills.

I've done enough research on rings to where I'm comfortable knowing what I should be looking for (4Cs, etc.) and I understand the blood diamond/diamond trade problems BUT as a guy, we want to make our girl's (or guy's) dream come true. Ring price will differ once we actually go to a B&M store to see how big the rocks actually are (I'm sure she'll find 1.5 karat to be suffice) so that'll help me put the money that I do save in plan for her "dream ring" (2 karat round rock in the middle, etc.) towards a down payment for a house.

In terms of maintenance, I'm ready to get down and dirty. I know I'll blow money on buying tools and what not but they're an "investment". I've done a lot of research on the car and if I do have a problem, there's so many threads on SAU (Australian RB engine focused forum) with countless solutions that I've come across.

I've cut back on my spending (I tend to spend 100 bucks buying 3 items vs 1 item) and I like deal hunting (especially groceries). Once I move out, I plan on using a spreadsheet to track my spending and try to lower it in places that I don't need to (while also putting money into my 401k, etc.). In terms of backup transportation, I have a paid of "newish" car (2015 Mazda 3 with 30k miles) and I plan on driving it to the ground and have used my GF's car in the past to get to places (IE: a job interview when my car battery was dead) plus there's uber and what not.

Recently read an article about millennial transitioning from purchasing "entry level homes" (think townhomes and condos) and renting longer till they purchase their "adult" home. I'm not sure where I'll head in terms of housing but I'd like to go out and get a townhouse/house/whatever before I'm 30. There's a chance my GF's dad will give us his house but I'm not betting on it (I don't let "possible" external factors affect my plans/goals unless it's something I can control/can't control).

I actually bought that book at a thrift store a few years back and haven't read it yet. I'll take a read when I find it.

Going back to money management, I like money and I like working for it. I find great pleasure in being able to buy something with the money that I've worked for. I'm not trying to brag or show off but I've been putting money away for a long time and I've accumulated enough money to buy the car outright at this time; however, I'm saving it as a rainy day fund or maybe even towards a down payment for a house.

And of course I'll post pictures when I pick it up, I want to brag about it.

Also thanks for your wise wisdom and helpful information

Edit 2: I'll take a look at Smartypig and research other low risk high yield savings

 

[deadlyapp]

1.5Caret expect to spend around 12-15k depending on quality of the diamond. Add 5k if you get it from an actual B&M (Zales, etc) rather than from a small jeweler/diamond wholesaler. Don't forget about wedding costs since more than likely you won't have parents that cover 100% of the cost. Then another 1-2k for the wedding band.

Buying a house before your 30's can be admirable, however for many people is a really dumb decision, especially if very early in your career. If you absolutely know that you will not leave the area (maybe you're very family oriented, etc etc) then it can be fine, however it does lock you in long term if you want to at the very least break even. Right now we're also headed towards a terrible housing market (high interest rates, still high house prices).

Personally, I just turned 30 years old, and I've moved nearly every single year since I graduated college in order to advance my career. I've also more than doubled my salary (from starting salary of 60k) and have reduced my cost of living by 30-40% due to moving to lower COL area. I'm about to propose to my GF and we'll likely buy a house in the next year or two, however we'll see what the housing market does. So you and I are similarly tracking - i'm just a few years ahead of you.

 

[lsd]

Imho money would be better spent on a R32 GTR. I know it's a good deal more expensive up front but once you factor in all your plans it may work out cheaper and far more collectible.

 

[sdifox]

Imho money would be better spent on a R32 GTR. I know it's a good deal more expensive up front but once you factor in all your plans it may work out cheaper and far more collectible.

Or he can buy Madoka's used GT-R

 

[T_Yamamoto]

1.5Caret expect to spend around 12-15k depending on quality of the diamond. Add 5k if you get it from an actual B&M (Zales, etc) rather than from a small jeweler/diamond wholesaler. Don't forget about wedding costs since more than likely you won't have parents that cover 100% of the cost. Then another 1-2k for the wedding band.

Buying a house before your 30's can be admirable, however for many people is a really dumb decision, especially if very early in your career. If you absolutely know that you will not leave the area (maybe you're very family oriented, etc etc) then it can be fine, however it does lock you in long term if you want to at the very least break even. Right now we're also headed towards a terrible housing market (high interest rates, still high house prices).

Personally, I just turned 30 years old, and I've moved nearly every single year since I graduated college in order to advance my career. I've also more than doubled my salary (from starting salary of 60k) and have reduced my cost of living by 30-40% due to moving to lower COL area. I'm about to propose to my GF and we'll likely buy a house in the next year or two, however we'll see what the housing market does. So you and I are similarly tracking - i'm just a few years ahead of you.

I've shopped around online to gather a feel for the market.

My understanding is:

Color: don't go below I
Clarity: VS is optimal
Cut: ??? (Very good I guess?)
Carat: 1.5 hopefully

GF's dad owns a rental business that includes rental equipment for weddings and I expect we'll be able to take advantage of that one. Honeymoon cost is also another factor (but we should have time to gather funds for that).

I'm honestly not sure what age people buy houses and I understand the whole "I'm young and want to make career moves". The longer I think about it, the more I like living in the area that I do currently, but I am down to move dependent on career changes. I'll take your approach and wait around to see what my future has in store for me, but I'll be gathering funds to help fund a down payment.

Imho money would be better spent on a R32 GTR. I know it's a good deal more expensive up front but once you factor in all your plans it may work out cheaper and far more collectible.

So I did factor in the cost of an R32 GTR with my plan. A clean GTR is more than double the cost of an GTST. GTR's respond to power mods better, etc. etc. but I want to be able to tinker and use my hands. I take great pride in being able to build things. Also saving up for a GTR will increase the time it takes to save up for it by double (since I'd like to buy it outright vs getting a loan) and by that time, life changes could occur, etc.

I do agree that it's money better spent; however, I'm too impatient and don't want to risk being 30+ without being able to drive fun manual cars.

Or he can buy Madoka's used GT-R

Although I'm Japanese, I'm not into itasha vehicles.

 

[sdifox]

I've shopped around online to gather a feel for the market.

My understanding is:

Color: don't go below I
Clarity: VS is optimal
Cut: ??? (Very good I guess?)
Carat: 1.5 hopefully

GF's dad owns a rental business that includes rental equipment for weddings and I expect we'll be able to take advantage of that one. Honeymoon cost is also another factor (but we should have time to gather funds for that).

I'm honestly not sure what age people buy houses and I understand the whole "I'm young and want to make career moves". The longer I think about it, the more I like living in the area that I do currently, but I am down to move dependent on career changes. I'll take your approach and wait around to see what my future has in store for me, but I'll be gathering funds to help fund a down payment.



So I did factor in the cost of an R32 GTR with my plan. A clean GTR is more than double the cost of an GTST. GTR's respond to power mods better, etc. etc. but I want to be able to tinker and use my hands. I take great pride in being able to build things. Also saving up for a GTR will increase the time it takes to save up for it by double (since I'd like to buy it outright vs getting a loan) and by that time, life changes could occur, etc.

I do agree that it's money better spent; however, I'm too impatient and don't want to risk being 30+ without being able to drive fun manual cars.


Although I'm Japanese, I'm not into itasha vehicles.

Err I don't think Madoka painted stuff on his GT-R.

It's his LEGO transportation vehicle.

 

[deadlyapp]

Once you actually go look at ones in person, you'll get a better feel. I went with an excellent perfect symmetry cut that was eye clean and with great color, rather than trying to get a diamond with less inclusions. The larger the diamond, the harder it is to find one without inclusions also. I originally went in planning on a VVS and ended up very happy with a SI with H color and unless your gf is a gemologist or her friends carry around loupes with them, you'll be pretty good.

Play your cards right and if you're smart you can do the honeymoon for free with CC bonuses. Wedding venues are the most expensive part.

House isn't something you have to wait on, but I know plenty of people who have bought houses just because they felt like they needed to, only to be stuck in a shit hole they can't get rid of or their life changes and they suddenly have to get out of a house. Not to say you can't end up on top of it, but right now the market is in a similar position to 08/09 with high prices, climbing interest rates, and an easy way to end up in a housing market where the property value is going down but you're stuck with a high mortgage.

I've shopped around online to gather a feel for the market.

My understanding is:

Color: don't go below I
Clarity: VS is optimal
Cut: ??? (Very good I guess?)
Carat: 1.5 hopefully

GF's dad owns a rental business that includes rental equipment for weddings and I expect we'll be able to take advantage of that one. Honeymoon cost is also another factor (but we should have time to gather funds for that).

I'm honestly not sure what age people buy houses and I understand the whole "I'm young and want to make career moves". The longer I think about it, the more I like living in the area that I do currently, but I am down to move dependent on career changes. I'll take your approach and wait around to see what my future has in store for me, but I'll be gathering funds to help fund a down payment.
*snip*

 

[Yuriman]

I do agree that it's money better spent; however, I'm too impatient and don't want to risk being 30+ without being able to drive fun manual cars.

There are plenty of fun, inexpensive manual cars out there you could probably afford with what's in your account right now. You're just (seemingly) fixated on one in particular. Not that there's anything wrong with this. I'm sure you're aware that your specificity is what's pushing this way out, and that you're aware that a majority of people see nothing special about this car.

I too have a car fixation, and I'm actually in the process of building it right now. I DD a 2000 Honda Insight, which was my dream car when I bought it 5 years ago. Manual transmission, roomy hatch, great handling, responsive steering, primitive enough to work on any part of it at home, dead-reliable and consistently delivers 60-80mpg, what could be better? The answer is, of course, the same car but 4x as much horsepower. I know it's not worth the money I'm putting into it from an objective standpoint, but I'm committed to my idiocy.

 

[_Rick_]

Pro-tip: skip the ring, get the car instead, and propose with that.
Dump her, if she doesn't accept - at least you have a cool car, instead of someone who doesn't care about your passions.

 

[T_Yamamoto]

Err I don't think Madoka painted stuff on his GT-R.

It's his LEGO transportation vehicle.

This was the first image when I googled "Madoka GTR" but looks like it's an actual itasha of the character (I don't watch anime so oops)

Once you actually go look at ones in person, you'll get a better feel. I went with an excellent perfect symmetry cut that was eye clean and with great color, rather than trying to get a diamond with less inclusions. The larger the diamond, the harder it is to find one without inclusions also. I originally went in planning on a VVS and ended up very happy with a SI with H color and unless your gf is a gemologist or her friends carry around loupes with them, you'll be pretty good.

Play your cards right and if you're smart you can do the honeymoon for free with CC bonuses. Wedding venues are the most expensive part.

House isn't something you have to wait on, but I know plenty of people who have bought houses just because they felt like they needed to, only to be stuck in a shit hole they can't get rid of or their life changes and they suddenly have to get out of a house. Not to say you can't end up on top of it, but right now the market is in a similar position to 08/09 with high prices, climbing interest rates, and an easy way to end up in a housing market where the property value is going down but you're stuck with a high mortgage.

Yeah, I agree. Seeing vs reading are two different things.

When I'm about to make a huge purchase, I'll get a Chase Sapphire card since it looks like it has good travel rewards.

I've read about the housing problem (as you explained) and don't see myself purchasing a house anytime soon so that shouldn't be a problem (for the time being)

There are plenty of fun, inexpensive manual cars out there you could probably afford with what's in your account right now. You're just (seemingly) fixated on one in particular. Not that there's anything wrong with this. I'm sure you're aware that your specificity is what's pushing this way out, and that you're aware that a majority of people see nothing special about this car.

I too have a car fixation, and I'm actually in the process of building it right now. I DD a 2000 Honda Insight, which was my dream car when I bought it 5 years ago. Manual transmission, roomy hatch, great handling, responsive steering, primitive enough to work on any part of it at home, dead-reliable and consistently delivers 60-80mpg, what could be better? The answer is, of course, the same car but 4x as much horsepower. I know it's not worth the money I'm putting into it from an objective standpoint, but I'm committed to my idiocy.

Oh yeah I completely agree. I could easily pick up a used Z3/Miata/whatever for cheap, but I don't want to spend unnecessarily cars that'll put me behind (because I'll also spend too much on mods).

Yeah the fixation on this car is sort of new though, a couple months ago it was a 300zx but learned that it was too hard to work on. I did want to LS swap it but not worth the overall cost since I have no fab skills.

I did look at trying to trade my car for an S2K BUT same reason as not getting a $5k project car.

Pro-tip: skip the ring, get the car instead, and propose with that.
Dump her, if she doesn't accept - at least you have a cool car, instead of someone who doesn't care about your passions.

:hmm:

seems like a good idea.

 

[sdifox]

Madoka the atot user... Not the three thousand different anime characters named madoka

 

[coxmaster]

Yeah the fixation on this car is sort of new though, a couple months ago it was a 300zx but learned that it was too hard to work on. I did want to LS swap it but not worth the overall cost since I have no fab skills.

You do you man.. But anytime somebody opens with "I want to buy XX and engine swap it" I suspect a lack of real hands on car experience.

If you really want a GTS-T then there's no point in trying to change your mind.. But don't be surprised when you meet your idol and it lets you down in a number of ways.

 

[T_Yamamoto]

Madoka the atot user... Not the threw thousand different anime characters named madoka

oh

You do you man.. But anytime somebody opens with "I want to buy XX and engine swap it" I suspect a lack of real hands on car experience.

If you really want a GTS-T then there's no point in trying to change your mind.. But don't be surprised when you meet your idol and it lets you down in a number of ways.

Yeah I have 0 experience what so ever and I expect a lot of headaches, but I'm willing and it's well documented.

They say never meet your idols, but my true dream car would be a GTR. My obtainable dream car is the GTST with the swap. I have some expectations with the car, but that's not in the power department; however, any car that's over 155 at the crank is a power increase from my current car. The joy of being able to own a manual will be pretty great though.