What would you do...?

[mach schnell]

So, I have a couple of questions that might stir up a little debate, some good discussion and hopefully give me some useful information as I have to answer the question myself.

I need to go from two cars to one car - much to my dismay, it doesn't seem like there is a great market for a modified 2.0L VW Beetle - even selling it for what I owe and abandoning the goal of recovering even a tiny amount of what was invested into the car, may be a difficult task. Now, if I had all the time in the world, then maybe it would be an endeavor worth pursuing - but since I start my residency in one month (and much unlike what you see on Gray's Anatomy - residents don't get a ton of time to screw attendings and drink beer at the local tavern) - so, something needs to happen before the end of June. Here are some thinkings I've been thinking about.

I have equity in the Porsche. Remember, this was purchased by my wife and I intended as a "congrats for finishing a billion years of school/congrats on getting your top choice for residency!" So, even though it may sell easier than the VW and we'd pocket money (what we'll do with that $$ is coming up - stay tuned) I'd need to buy something else to justify its sale (makes sense, eh?!).

1. Sell or trade the Boxster, keep the VW as my daily driver (at least for a few more years) and buy a bike (probably a Ducati or RC51)

2. Trade both cars in (including the Porsche will help to cover the neg. equity in the VW) on something worthy of driving and achieving performance/luxury satisfaction (what would that be?)
2A. Used M3 (e.g., 2004 with 20k miles...) Still a couple years warranty, etc
2B. Used 911 (maybe early 2000) - problem, though - no warranty so hard hit if mechanical problems coupled with routine maintenance costs ...
2C. 06 Infiniti G35 coupe - nice performance, reliability, warranty, luxury, boredom factor in a few years, though.
2D. 06 Mini Cooper S with the whole tuning pkg - fun, less boredom factor then Infiniti - performance, not sure?
2E. 06 Subaru WRX loaded with all the Subaru performance parts - performance, non-luxury and who am i - high school student or doctor?! Although a friend who is an ER resident in MI bought one (great place to have all wheel drive) and he constantly ranted about how he spent less and had more performance (and traction) than many of his attendings with their bimmers and porsches! Not sure I have his mindset though.
2F. 05 330ci all blacked out - low mileage, but it's automatic
2G. 05 MBc230 Red and 5 spd - super price - luxury and mild performance? every other car in soCal.

Not much interested in going to an older Boxster (like the style of the 987 and if let go of boxster would opt for something with 4 seats, thus why not considering 350Z or S2000) Not entirely crazy about sport sedans (MB has a reasonable price, Lexus IS see em everywhere!) The bike is a fun option - I miss my old crotchrocket and with these crazy ass gas prices, I'd hold on to a little more disposable cash. Not too mention, maybe a new car in a few years, plus retaining the bike (equity in the Porsche would easily buy the bike)

So, what would you do? (Oh, yeah, you can choose as your answer, 'Gee, I've been dying for a VW Beetle - I'll buy it!!!)

[aBsOlUt]

2A for me.

M3, great car, fun factor is high especially since you are coming from a boxster, enough back-seat space - unlike the 911 - relatively low mileage for a two-year old car.

I was never a bike lover, however I see your passion but as you mentioned with the high gas prices I would reject this option.

The other cars are fair choices but the M3 as an overall package will provide you everything.

Second choice is the 911 as long as you are willing to take the risk without warranty on it and you do not mind the "fake" 4-seats!

Whatever you do good luck!

[SD987]

In your situation, I'd get the new BMW 550i. Just a complete badass sedan with phenomenal performance, no need for the M5.

1. Box is pretty impractical, plus I sense you've "fallen out of love" with it. No guy should drive the "new" VW Beetle, sorry...that's "Man Law".

2a. If you're going to get a BMW, get a new one with the free maintenance for 50K. BMW maintenance/repair is not much cheaper than Porsche out of warranty.

2b. Not a fan of the 996, nor the 986 (whoops, did I say that out loud?).

2c. Not bad...

2d. That would be a tragedy...

2e. I know I wouldn't personally want to be operated on by a Doc driving a WRX.

2f. New body shape isn't bad

2g. Meh...

There's a new 300HP Lexus IS out, although it's still coming up second in most reviews to the 3-series.

[dezigns]

take the VW to your local Carmax...you may take a few k hit on what you may still owe, but in the long run, its a great place to unload it, provided no major accidents, etc. I've sold 2 cars there (Celica GTS and 350Z), and hey, i didnt make money, but I got rid of them same day...

[RazrPorsche]

Quote: "while at the same time trying to manage my new 100 hr/wk schedule"


Mach, I hope you mean "80hr/wk" schedule.....the ACGME is watching, LOL.

I'm new to the forum, a fellow resident, and looking for a Boxster.....or as I call it, "The One". I'm still looking though. My 944 will have to do until I find it.

Good luck with the VW sale. I vote keep the box if possible. Good luck!!

[alex911s]

Trade both and get a preowned CayenneS or Carrera and pay $1400 to cpo..just me

[mach schnell]

dbth - you're missing the point - I don't have a ton of time to attempt to sell the VW - a recent 10 day ad on ebay yielded two watchers and no bidders!!! If car doesn't sell before June 26 (which is my fear, that it won't) - too hard to sell it after that - no time to take calls, show the car and not a good job for my wife to attempt (very car nieve, she is!) So, looking at equation that maximizes time, $$$ and still yields a liveable and happy outcome. Trust me, if time wasn't an issue (not to mention, I'd like to eliminate a car payment!) I'd drag out the sale of the VW to hold on to the Box - couldn't agree more with that option, but limited reality!

[Brucelee]

Wholesale the VW, keep the Box.

[mach schnell]

Originally Posted by Brucelee

Wholesale the VW, keep the Box.

unfortunately, don't have the $$ on hand to pick up the difference if wholesale the VW - but nice thought.

sd987 - wife would kill me if i even presented the idea of a car more expensive than the boxster - if go the route of dropping both the 987 and vw, then the new purchase will have to be less than $40k - preferably $30k-ish once VW paid off and remaining equity on Porsche towards purchase price. Not too mention - still not a big fan of the sedan sports car - in my eyes, sports car is two doors and requires manual shifting - thus the conundrum with the MB (4 doors, but MT) and the 330ci (2 doors, but auto - maybe I'm more worried that my wife will drive it if its auto )

[SD987]

Uh oh Mach...I don't have a good feeling about this. I'm skeered....