What do ???? sell, upgrade, down grade ???
Discussion
Oops that was supposed to read WHAT TO DO ??? but you guessed that I'm sure ?
OK guys & girls - what should I do ???
Got a kid on the way as well as a new house build about to start (= large mortgage, no time ?)....so thinking about selling the Elise, drop some money into the house and do one of the following.
Options are -
1./ Rotax Kart - lots of regular racing, cheap to setup $ 15,000 to be fully kitted. Not sure if it will keep my interest ??
2./ Buy this Elise chassis I have been watching and build a dedictaed track machine with Honda engine and slippery body, aka 340R but ligther, lower & super slippery.
3./ Buy an already built second hand race car - I hear the new Radical racing this weekend was landed here for NZ$ 37 K !! cheap and a lot of car for the money......not saying I'd find the same deal but at least start looking.
4./ Grow up and realise I'm going to be father.......get a pipe, slippers and a lazy boy chair & X Box.
5./ Keep the Elise and work harder, risk loosing licence every time I drive it on the road....:-(
So rate each option and comments on why ?????
OK guys & girls - what should I do ???
Got a kid on the way as well as a new house build about to start (= large mortgage, no time ?)....so thinking about selling the Elise, drop some money into the house and do one of the following.
Options are -
1./ Rotax Kart - lots of regular racing, cheap to setup $ 15,000 to be fully kitted. Not sure if it will keep my interest ??
2./ Buy this Elise chassis I have been watching and build a dedictaed track machine with Honda engine and slippery body, aka 340R but ligther, lower & super slippery.
3./ Buy an already built second hand race car - I hear the new Radical racing this weekend was landed here for NZ$ 37 K !! cheap and a lot of car for the money......not saying I'd find the same deal but at least start looking.
4./ Grow up and realise I'm going to be father.......get a pipe, slippers and a lazy boy chair & X Box.
5./ Keep the Elise and work harder, risk loosing licence every time I drive it on the road....:-(
So rate each option and comments on why ?????
Option 6, swap my nice reliable S1 for your slightly less reliable Honda S1... straight sawp, I'll take it off your hands for you, as a favour y-know? 
Personally, I'd hang onto the Honda S1, if it's all bought and paid for, you might just want to use it (abuse it) less and maybe cut back on the ambitions for future development (for now) and just drive it for what it is; one of the quickest damned cars on the road. I think that if you buy the bare chassis and go for your custombuild project one of two things will happen:
1: It'll become a huge money-hungry obsession and you'll end up worse off than you are now with Londa, but with an incomplete car that's no fun on a sunny day.
2: It'll continuously take lower-priority in the financial stakes to mortgage+kiddie etc and it'll sit there gathering dust until you eventually lose heart and sell it.
To my mind that's the sort of thing you should do when and only when you're set up for it and are 100% sure you want to bite off such an ambitious project.
Look at it this way, your Londa is one of THE fastest road-legal, point-to-point cars in NZ, with the bugs being out the way (as they seem to be now) it's a fun weekend car that's as economical to run as a DC5 (even moreso maybe) and you can still take it out on track when finances/family permits.... you might just have to cut back on the abuse you give it so that it doesn't go pop, and give up on plans of making it significantly faster than it is now.
If you want to go racing then you could always buy a KT100 kart or a secondhand Rotax and just dabble into it.... $5-6k will get you in the door and semi competitive, might be a cheaper way of getting the trackthrash out of your system every month.
Personally, I'd hang onto the Honda S1, if it's all bought and paid for, you might just want to use it (abuse it) less and maybe cut back on the ambitions for future development (for now) and just drive it for what it is; one of the quickest damned cars on the road. I think that if you buy the bare chassis and go for your custombuild project one of two things will happen:
1: It'll become a huge money-hungry obsession and you'll end up worse off than you are now with Londa, but with an incomplete car that's no fun on a sunny day.
2: It'll continuously take lower-priority in the financial stakes to mortgage+kiddie etc and it'll sit there gathering dust until you eventually lose heart and sell it.
To my mind that's the sort of thing you should do when and only when you're set up for it and are 100% sure you want to bite off such an ambitious project.
Look at it this way, your Londa is one of THE fastest road-legal, point-to-point cars in NZ, with the bugs being out the way (as they seem to be now) it's a fun weekend car that's as economical to run as a DC5 (even moreso maybe) and you can still take it out on track when finances/family permits.... you might just have to cut back on the abuse you give it so that it doesn't go pop, and give up on plans of making it significantly faster than it is now.
If you want to go racing then you could always buy a KT100 kart or a secondhand Rotax and just dabble into it.... $5-6k will get you in the door and semi competitive, might be a cheaper way of getting the trackthrash out of your system every month.
That's a tricky one Dean. And ultimately something that only you can answer for yourself.
Your Londa is a brilliant machine and I suspect it's 'worth' more to you than the cash you'd get for it. If you can reasonably afford it I'd be inclined to keep it.
I'm all for being financially prudent . . . but taken to its extreme makes for a very boring existence
Your Londa is a brilliant machine and I suspect it's 'worth' more to you than the cash you'd get for it. If you can reasonably afford it I'd be inclined to keep it.
I'm all for being financially prudent . . . but taken to its extreme makes for a very boring existence
Hmmm, tough one but I'm in the same sort of position. I've got a huge mortgage and we are very strapped for cash. If I'd had the time to get it sorted (minor trimming needed) the TVR would be on the market by now and the cash either put in the bank or wacked off the mortgage.
As far as I am concerned I've had my fun with some nice cars and I had my dream car at 25 (4.3 Griffith). My priorities now are quality of life for my family and in particular my daughters (nearly-5 and not-quite-so-nearly-7). As far as lifestyle is concerned I wish I'd moved out to a rural area sooner. There'll be plenty of time for cars in a few years when I'm no longer permie and my skills are more up to date!
Anyway, back to the cars thing! If I were you I'd forget any idea about racing, at any level. It WILL cost you more than you think. If you are even slightly competitive you will never be satisified until you are at the front of a race or on pole position. I agree 100% with George's view on the Elise chassis - save a project like that when the house is built and your son/daughter is older.
If it's any help I've been toying with the idea of getting a Caterham/Westfield/Fraser when the TVR is sold. You can pick them up very cheaply ($15k upwards), they're cheap to run and easy to work on, you can take them out on track and still use them on the road. Perfect compromise?
As far as I am concerned I've had my fun with some nice cars and I had my dream car at 25 (4.3 Griffith). My priorities now are quality of life for my family and in particular my daughters (nearly-5 and not-quite-so-nearly-7). As far as lifestyle is concerned I wish I'd moved out to a rural area sooner. There'll be plenty of time for cars in a few years when I'm no longer permie and my skills are more up to date!
Anyway, back to the cars thing! If I were you I'd forget any idea about racing, at any level. It WILL cost you more than you think. If you are even slightly competitive you will never be satisified until you are at the front of a race or on pole position. I agree 100% with George's view on the Elise chassis - save a project like that when the house is built and your son/daughter is older.
If it's any help I've been toying with the idea of getting a Caterham/Westfield/Fraser when the TVR is sold. You can pick them up very cheaply ($15k upwards), they're cheap to run and easy to work on, you can take them out on track and still use them on the road. Perfect compromise?
Options are -
1./ Rotax Kart - lots of regular racing, cheap to setup $ 15,000 to be fully kitted. Not sure if it will keep my interest ??
**Nope it wont, will never be a real car like the Elise and always aspiring for something higher. You'll end up forking out to keep it in front as well.
2./ Buy this Elise chassis I have been watching and build a dedictaed track machine with Honda engine and slippery body, aka 340R but ligther, lower & super slippery.
**Possibly, but could end up costing a small fortune, save it for later when the finances have settled down in a few yrs time.
3./ Buy an already built second hand race car - I hear the new Radical racing this weekend was landed here for NZ$ 37 K !! cheap and a lot of car for the money......not saying I'd find the same deal but at least start looking.
**Again could end up costing you a bomb, a constant money drainer and headache. Leave it for later.
4./ Grow up and realise I'm going to be father.......get a pipe, slippers and a lazy boy chair & X Box.
**Nothing wrong with having toys and being a committed father at the same time. I know heaps of dedicated fathers who still race, hotrod, have time out fishing, hunting with the guys. Its important and something you should maintain when there's some days you have just had enough.
5./ Keep the Elise and work harder, risk loosing licence every time I drive it on the road....:-(
**
This option is the best. You know the car inside and out and know what needs doing on it next in terms of repairs. It doesn't matter that its not a family car as remember its your escape, or time out machine. Also assuming it owes you bugger all? at the moment is another plus. Its a good looking car that will not date and to be fair you have made it unique and special from the rest. Work harder yes, put this spare cash into the house and family. Just be more careful of your speed at all times. Think of how many more people you can pose in front of if they see you cause yr driving slower 
So rate each option and comments on why ?????
**DONE!
Option 7 is to find something that makes you residual income so you can stop trading hours for $$$$$ and that you can build up while doing your other job. Short term this will mean MORE work but once the growth curve kicks in, your choices are increased about a squillion (rough estimate)
Other ideas:.... could you get sponsored by a Honda dealer?-you're certainly a good advertisement for their power-plants
Or you could buy a Fraser.....? you could even put a Honda motor in one....?
I am 45 and a father of a 7 and a 9 year old and don't own any carpet slippers, don't watch Antiques Roadshow and have so far avoided growing roses or snoozing in the afternoons.
Other ideas:.... could you get sponsored by a Honda dealer?-you're certainly a good advertisement for their power-plants
Or you could buy a Fraser.....? you could even put a Honda motor in one....?
I am 45 and a father of a 7 and a 9 year old and don't own any carpet slippers, don't watch Antiques Roadshow and have so far avoided growing roses or snoozing in the afternoons.
Roger A said:You don't look a year over 44 Roger.
. . . I am 45 and a father of a 7 and a 9 year old and don't own any carpet slippers, don't watch Antiques Roadshow and have so far avoided growing roses or snoozing in the afternoons.
What are the rules when both the 7 and 9 year-olds want to go for a ride in Dad's 7 at the same time.
Thanks guys & girl,
I have had the same thoughts rolling around in the head for a while...
to answer some questions - car is paid off I own all of it.
Here's where I was going with the different options -
Kart - cheap tie me over until the house & kids are under control BUT didn't know if it would do it for me ? George why did you give them up ?
Elise Chassis - project to keep the garage full (1/2 of double) and I kinda enjoyed re-powering the Elise and although painful, fixing all the issues.....
Buy a race car - gone off the idea, don't like the idea of trusting someone elses handy work and ya right, it could be expensive...........same as above I guess ?
Growing up - is out of the question, I have tried and I'm not very good at it - kids or no kids !
Keep the Liz ?? not sure think I'll sell the Liz put some money in the house and keep some for ????
I think I'll advertise the Liz, if I get an offer that is good then I'm afraid she's going to a new home.
What to do with the cash ?????? still open to suggestions.
D
>> Edited by kiwi le on Monday 20th March 08:18
I have had the same thoughts rolling around in the head for a while...
to answer some questions - car is paid off I own all of it.
Here's where I was going with the different options -
Kart - cheap tie me over until the house & kids are under control BUT didn't know if it would do it for me ? George why did you give them up ?
Elise Chassis - project to keep the garage full (1/2 of double) and I kinda enjoyed re-powering the Elise and although painful, fixing all the issues.....
Buy a race car - gone off the idea, don't like the idea of trusting someone elses handy work and ya right, it could be expensive...........same as above I guess ?
Growing up - is out of the question, I have tried and I'm not very good at it - kids or no kids !
Keep the Liz ?? not sure think I'll sell the Liz put some money in the house and keep some for ????
I think I'll advertise the Liz, if I get an offer that is good then I'm afraid she's going to a new home.
What to do with the cash ?????? still open to suggestions.
D
>> Edited by kiwi le on Monday 20th March 08:18
kiwi le said:Well I suppose the question is - If you get a good price for the Londa, and you take a lump sum off your mortgage, how much do you want to spend ?
. . . I think I'll advertise the Liz, if I get an offer that is good then I'm afraid she's going to a new home.
What to do with the cash ?????? still open to suggestions.
D
I'd be inclined to go for a se7en of some kind as they're really fun and there is lots of choice.
What to do with the cash? The way NZ is going you should probably sink it into paying off your mortgage. You then 'effectively' have a rate of return on that money of whatever interest rate your loan is at, for as many years until you pay your loan off. Do some sums and you'll see that you'd save a big stack of cash down the track when you're going to be in a position to get back into some serious car stuff. Short term loss (the car) for long term gain (house for less money) is always hard to do, but it makes financial sense- all the not-fun things make financial sense!
Roger A - that sounded like an Amway line - you making people nervous ;-)
You (htsd) and all the people reading this thread know you are right BUT most of them own (partly own + bank) cars that are loosing value as we type.....your right the "correct thing to do" is not always the most fun.......the NZD is on the way down but hopefully the interest rates will follow but right again - nothing beats a lower mortgage sum.
As for the Seven, I have never really been a 7, Fraser fan, great litle cars and quick but just don't do it for me.
I'm thinking its narrowing down to the Kart or the "Elise" project car ? probbly the Kart ? maybe a sick shifter Kart :-0 but thats more $$$$ OOOOOOOOOOOOOO I'm so confused (pulls hair, shifts in seat !!!)
Time to sleep on it - dream of winning Lotto and I can have it all or just get up and go to work.....night all. zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
>> Edited by kiwi le on Monday 20th March 09:58
You (htsd) and all the people reading this thread know you are right BUT most of them own (partly own + bank) cars that are loosing value as we type.....your right the "correct thing to do" is not always the most fun.......the NZD is on the way down but hopefully the interest rates will follow but right again - nothing beats a lower mortgage sum.
As for the Seven, I have never really been a 7, Fraser fan, great litle cars and quick but just don't do it for me.
I'm thinking its narrowing down to the Kart or the "Elise" project car ? probbly the Kart ? maybe a sick shifter Kart :-0 but thats more $$$$ OOOOOOOOOOOOOO I'm so confused (pulls hair, shifts in seat !!!)
Time to sleep on it - dream of winning Lotto and I can have it all or just get up and go to work.....night all. zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
>> Edited by kiwi le on Monday 20th March 09:58
I like Mark's suggestion... especially if she's a hot nanny and your wife is accommodating
As for why I gave up Karts... I did it at 13 and 14... loved it, but I came over all sensible and decided that I could race Karts and spend all my schooldays with my head in the clouds and all my weekends spent spending money on the kart, or knuckle down with school, put some money aside so I could pay for a forthcoming university education without having to get myself a squillion (like that word Roger?) dollars in debt and maybe get a Lotus by the time I was 25
Well that's how it worked out anyway... Karting is brilliant, but I think I'd still rather be actual car-racing.... for me, Karting's only really brilliant for kids, where if you're any good it'll lead somewhere else.... by the time you get to my age and up, no matter how good you are behind the wheel of a Kart, you'll not move elsewhere unless you finance it yourself or are good enough with your wit and charm to get someone else to do it for you..... I'm not rich or charismatic enough to do either.... well that and I suck at driving :P
As for why I gave up Karts... I did it at 13 and 14... loved it, but I came over all sensible and decided that I could race Karts and spend all my schooldays with my head in the clouds and all my weekends spent spending money on the kart, or knuckle down with school, put some money aside so I could pay for a forthcoming university education without having to get myself a squillion (like that word Roger?) dollars in debt and maybe get a Lotus by the time I was 25
Well that's how it worked out anyway... Karting is brilliant, but I think I'd still rather be actual car-racing.... for me, Karting's only really brilliant for kids, where if you're any good it'll lead somewhere else.... by the time you get to my age and up, no matter how good you are behind the wheel of a Kart, you'll not move elsewhere unless you finance it yourself or are good enough with your wit and charm to get someone else to do it for you..... I'm not rich or charismatic enough to do either.... well that and I suck at driving :P
Actually, I quite admire people who do Amway-at least those who say up-front that it's Amway, rather than some obscure acronym which then turns out to be Amway. You've got to hand it to someone who decides to go ahead with something that most people would run miles over broken glass to avoid.
I also admire (in a way) those people who do the "Running with the Bulls" thing . . . Not that I'm ever going to do it.
[MODE = RESTORE THE TOPIC]
If you're not a fan of 7's how do you feel about B.E.C's Dean ?
What about building a Busa, R1 or ZX12 powered mini ?
Possibly with a CVT ?
how about a mk1 MR2 as a cheap Londa substitute? small, light, mid-engined, by all accounts they handle brilliantly if not quite up to Elise levels, and you should be able to get a good one for under $5k. and theres plenty of tuning options for the old 4AGE (or factory supercharged 4AGZE) - or even replace it with a newer 4AGE from a Levin, or a 3S-GTE, or whatever else fits.
I'd probably still be inclined to say keep what you have, given how much you've put into it in terms of money/time/effort etc, but you seem to have decided you need to get some money out of it, and you should have a much better idea than any of us about what you can afford
I'd probably still be inclined to say keep what you have, given how much you've put into it in terms of money/time/effort etc, but you seem to have decided you need to get some money out of it, and you should have a much better idea than any of us about what you can afford
Esprit said:OK, so a decompressed, turbocharged 'Busa powered mini with meta-dinitrotoluene injectors ?
Knowing Dean as I (kinda) do, I don't think he'll be satisfied unless it's fecking quick, snorts fire AND looks like something you'd see hanging between the rear legs of a male rottweiler* hence why he should keep Londa
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