My brother and I had been talking about getting new cars for the last year or so. We both liked the Challenger, he liked the Taurus and Cadillac CTS, while I liked the Mustang. I considered buying a Mustang GT Shelby Cobra, but I couldn't wrap my mind around the idea of buying a car with the sticker price more than half the cost of my house. In any case, I'm not the kind of guy who needs the top of the line, very best to enjoy something. I
am the kind of guy who likes to have his cake, and eat it too. For instance, in 2005, I had $25k to spend on a vehicle. I considered buying a nice, full sized truck (F-150, of course) or buying a decked out Harley Low Rider or Fatboy. Instead, I bought a bottom of the line Ford Ranger for $13k AND a Harley Davidson 1200cc Sportster for $10k.
My brother knew I was considering a new car, and his friend decided she wanted to sell her 2007 Mustang Convertible. I've always wanted a convertible, but I always thought of a caddie, or some other older boat. He got us together, she sent me some pictures, and we worked out a deal!
After tax, title, and licensing fees, the total cost of the car was about $19,000. That leaves me ~30,000 (if I had bought the Cobra) that I can spend elsewhere, like on a new garage or a new roof, or some other home improvements.
I'll still get the enjoyment of driving a convertible, having a fairly fast car with a manual transmission (5 speeds of fun!), plus it's a beautiful automobile. I'm feeling rather proud of myself right now! (pats himself on the back)
