I never been a believer in buying new cars because of the deprecation hit.
But it seems that is less relevant now because of how the economy has effected
the value of cars like this. $27k for a brand new CR is a great deal and it shouldn't
depreciate too much (if at all) after the purchase.

However, because of how the CR is relatively exclusive, one would be more inclined
to take better care of a car like that because it may be a collector's car someday and
also simply because it's new. But at the same time the CR was meant to be raced.
And you know that racing any car can wear stuff out faster than one that is not.
So, if it was me buying a car like that ... I would also be spending money
keeping the overall condition up to par after beating on it at the track.
It would certainly be a balance and like your current car would be
just as a money pit (if not more).

Anyway Pat, after all that BS ...
If you can afford it. DO IT!!
Just make SURE you get enough for your current car.

 

Tom - good points. I really would hate to make payments on a car if it gets damaged. But I have also been track-accident free since then (spent a year of spinning out at autoxs finding the limit so I'd be more comfortable at speed). But accidents happen.

Almostlude - I don't know if I would buy a used CR. Like I said, the appeal of the CR to me is the rawness of the AP1 but in a new car. But you're right, the brunt of depreciation is done on my car.

Jeff - You're right. I would take better care of this car than I do my current one. Before I got into my accident I washed my S every saturday. When I got it back from the accident, I started autoxing every saturday. Since, in the back of my mind, my car was already damaged, I didn't care how it looked. Plus, my focus was on performance not looks. That being said, I really miss having a "nice" car. I would take care of the CR. I'd clean brake dust off the wheels after events. Change fluids more often. Wash and wax often. Painters tape on the bumper for long drives. This would be time, effort, and added expense. But the cool thing about a new car is that I will know all the stuff I have done to it. With my current S, it's history is a mystery to me.

 

Last night I was thinking I wasn't going to go through with it. Based on your guys comments, I think I'll remove some aftermarket parts from my car (comptech FSB, autox pads, clear sidemarkers, hardwired radar) and see what deal I can get. I think I'll walk away from anything but an amazing deal. For all I know the dealer is tempting me with a low price because they know they can F me on the trade in. I won't let that happen. Optimistically, I'm hoping they are just having a horrible time trying to sell a non-convertible convertible with no a/c or radio in downtown Chicago weeks before it starts to get cold and are willing to do anything to get rid of it.

 

I know what you mean about buying a used CR, but like someone else said, this is a collectible car. It will depreciate beyond $27,000, especially if you track the car pretty hard. They will begin to appreciate probably after the 25 year mark or so. Look at the NSX, Forbes or Money Magazine rated the NSX as a top 10 future collectible car, but their prices have been falling as well. Strangely enough, the classic cars for the 60-70 and earlier have doubled in value over the last 8-10 years.

Hey man I found you some low milage OEM axles in the Marketplace section, if you need them & 80 bucks shipped....


https://www.s2ki.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=625702

 

Yeah. I think the NSX prices have leveled off though. The lowest priced reasonable cars I can find are $30 and are staying there. But they aren't appreciating in value yet. I don't think I'm that big into having a collectible car anyway. I had originally planned on keeping my S forever, but since I kind of dropped the ball on keeping it in good condition (accident, doing more racing than maintaining), it would be nice to start fresh. I think it would be cool if I had my CR in 30 years and the kids autoxing their electric cars would be amazed at the old guy racing the shit out of his good condition classic.

Yeah, I could probably really fix my car for a little over $2K if I tried.

 

Is the CR Suzuka? If not, trade.

 

[QUOTE=Gf

 

Get your car appraised at Carmax and bring the dealer the quote. Get the CR and the tax credit on trade in.

 

Carmax will most CERTAINLY give you 25% LESS than what the dealership will give you. Without the tax credit. This makes carmax usually a last resort.

But it gives you a good base as a bottom line.

No tax savings out here in CA = GHEY......

Private party MIGHT be tough, especially in Chicago at this time of year, but you might be better off? You don't often see 12-14k S2ks... But depending on condition, you may run into a lot of tire kickers and ricers with no money trying to low ball. You may end up in the winter months shopping for a CR, and who knows you might be able to get a killer deal if you wait it out.

But trading is always soo easy....

 

This happens with all things S2K