October 13, 2004

• Xanga True Life: I'm an Import Car Slut!

  
  

  Koreans and luxury import cars typically go hand in hand.  What better way to spruce up your image of materialism than to drive around in a new BMW, Lexus, Mercedes, etc.  Notice I didn't say wealth because driving around in a luxury car doesn't always equal having money.  Just take a look at the majority of Korean guys in LA for proof.  They drive around in nice ass cars and try to give off the image of wealth, when in reality, they're living in some shit hole apartment.  Don't believe me?  Go to any Korean club in LA and you'll see a collection of luxury cars.  Now follow the owner of one of those cars home and chances are, you'll end up either in front of a shack or in front of their parents' house (see spoiled rich kids from previous entry).

  
  

  Personally, luxury cars don't really do it for me.  Unless you really ARE rich enough to afford it, what purpose does having a nice car really serve?  Does having a nice car help you pick up girls?  If that's the case, what does that say about the quality of the girl?

  
  

  Fact of the matter is, new cars are the worst investment you can make with your money.  The second you drive away from the dealership, the value of your investment just went down.

  
  

  One time, I was hanging out with a group of guy friends and the question was asked, "If you had $50,000, what car would you buy?"  Everyone joked that I'd probably buy a Honda Civic.  Ok, maybe they weren't joking but I'd rather buy a Civic and use the rest of the money towards something else.

  
  

  Over the past 8 years, I've gone through the following cars:

  
  

  
  
  • 1991 Nissan Maxima SE
    
  • 1990 Nissan Maxima SE
    
  • 1988 Honda CRX Si
    
  • 1991 Acura Integra LS
    
  • 1993 Honda Civic DX coupe
    
  • 1992 Honda Civic Si hatchback
    
  • 1994 Honda Civic Si hatchback
    
  • 1992 Honda Civic Si hatchback
    
  • 1991 Honda CRX Si
    
  • 1995 Acura Integra LS
    
  • 1991 Nissan Maxima SE
    
  • 1993 Honda Prelude VTEC
    
  • 1994 Honda Accord EX

  
  

  Hmm, that's 13 cars in 8 years.  Yes I know, I go through more cars than people go through gfs/bfs.  People may think it's excessive but what if I told you that with every car that I've bought, I've always sold it for more than what I bought it for?  That's including any modifications I've done to them.

  
  

  Here is my philosophy on cars...

  
  

  To most people, the cars I've listed are nothing more than cheap economy cars but to me, they're my outlet from life.  Most luxury cars you see can be a dime a dozen depending on where you live, but when you modify a car, it takes on your own personal flair.  The modifications may not be on the exterior or even noticeable to most people but to me, it gives me a sense that the car is mine.

  
  

  People use various activities to escape from the stresses of life.  To me, nothing beats working on your own car and seeing the results.  Granted, I've had my share of busted knuckles, cuts and scrapes but the satisfaction you get afterwards makes it worth it. 

  
  

  The great thing about my "hobby" is that I manage to always find cars and the parts to hook them up for pretty cheap.  So when I get bored with the car I'm working on or want to try something different, I always sell the cars for more than I spent on them and I just start with a new canvas.  

  
  

  This may all seem retarded to you but at least I can say that I don't have car payments to worry about every month while the value of the car is continually decreasing.  

  
  

  Don't get me wrong...I'd love to own and drive a BMW M5 (M3 works for me too) but reality is, I can't afford one right now so I live within my means.  Besides, in my current situation, the money can be spent more usefully elsewhere.

  
  

  

  
  

  Here is the car I just sold two weeks ago.  As much as I hated to sell it, I used the money to pay off a debt that my mom owed as well as paying off one of my creditcards in full.

  
  

  It's cool though because I just picked up the following car to replace it:

  
  

  

  
  

  

  
  

  1991 Nissan 240SX SE (5spd) 

  
  

  Not bad for $800 don't you think?  I bought it from a middle aged woman who had recently purchased a new 350Z. The car came with receipts for all the maintenance work done on it too.

  
  

  I just installed a shortshifter on the car and OMG, the car is a blast to drive.  RWD (rear wheel drive) may suck in the snow but it definitely ups the fun factor in driving.

  
  

  Yeah yeah, you may think it's an outdated piece of crap...but you know what? It's MY piece of crap and I like it! I don't buy cars to impress people and I'm content with my ride.

  • 10:09 am
  • 48 Comments