At your age, I would recommend Not wasting money on a car until you have more income .... save your money for something else, invest it in something ( car is not an investment)... take it from a guy who did the same thing u did at age of 21 and bought a 335i because i could and sold it a year later because i was working 50hrs and my commute dont involve driving my car ... but i know i know, the itch to buy a car is there .....

 

I'm 21, turning 22 in June and I've had my X since May of 2011. At the end of the day, who are we to tell you whether or not you're ready or are financially stable? You want an Evo? Get an Evo. As long as it makes sense and you're not busting your *** off to make the payments and put you in a financially ****ty position, then ****ing do it.

Just my two cents.

Edit: And here in CA you can get a brand new Evo X for ~$230/Mo and $3K down. A lease of course, but only 2 years and your residual won't be insane.

 

I've never sold an Evo to someone and had them tell me they were unhappy with it later on. There's absolutely no doubt you'll like the vehicle.

However, you're looking for a needle in a haystack. A 2012, under 5k in miles, and less than $30k. This is what we call a unicorn. NADA retail on a base package, with 5k is $32,100, KBB is right in the same neighborhood with $32,504.

When you account for pack fees and inspection (yes, the car has to be inspected even if it only has 5000 miles) the dealership now owns the car for $1000 more than whatever they bought it for. Dealers typically try to make about $2500 on a used car. Meaning the dealer would have had to bought the car for a minimum of 27.5 to sell to you for $30k. There's no way you're going to get that kind of price, lol.

Honestly, if you're that worried about someone beating on your car, buy a new car. They're about $34k-ish. If you can't afford a new one, then you can't be as picky.

So really what it comes down to is can you get approved (if your dad is willing to co-sign it shouldn't be an issue), and can you afford a $400-500 a month car payment + insurance. I would call your agent and get a quote so that you can factor that in too.

Mind you that advertised price doesn't include Tax, Title and Licence. Also, the residual on a 24month/24,000 mile lease isn't going to put you in a good position to buy the car afterwards. I always recommend that if you plan to buy it afterwards that you lease for 3 or 4 years so that your residual is more manageable.

 

I'm just saying that because you're not gonna be able to afford mods and supporting mods for you auto x needs. Then you'll brake stuff and have no money to fix it. Now for your age I don't think is anything is wrong with it, I bought my Evo X used for 23.5k for my 20th birthday.

 

Just go buy it...

 

As long as you do not put yourself in a bad financial situation go for it. Just do not forget to factor in the cost of the car payment, insurance, gas and maintenance costs. Factor in more $ for mods as well.

 

^^^
don't over think it.
just put enough money down, about 8k or so. that will leave you a way out if you dont like it or find that it is not for you. but you're coming from a honda you will be fine. and it never hurts to see if the dealer can get you a better rate.

 

Only way to find out if the X is "right" for you is just buy it. You can still sell it for a decent amount even after initial depreciation. I was in the similar situation deciding among the X and a bunch of other cars in the same price range. The BRZ is aesthetically more pleasing to me--maybe since it's new--but it's no Evo performance-wise IMO. I wound up with an X in the end and I don't regret it at all.

 

i agree with GsrJake, you probably wouldnt be able to afford the mods/tires. Stage 2 will probably cost you a couple grand + the tires you'll be burning in autox, and dont forget the suspension. Also the parts are not cheap, i've heard of a lot of people messing up their t-case while launching their cars. I think a t-case replacement from mitsu would cost $3000-$3500 and rebuilding it would cost at least $1500. and in order to get a good time in autox, you would probably want to launch. However, I think if you were to buy one and hold out on the mods for a bit you'd be alright. Age wise you're good man, I got my new 2012 X when i was 20.

 

Get financed through a credit union. I bought my Evo 9 CASH in 2009 and I just recently pulled out $10k to buy a motorcycle and a new turbo. They gave me 1.99% on my used evo lol. Practically free money to some extent. I'm 25 though and have great credit.

 

I think your plan is so good and you can follow it. I hope you will be succeed.

 

Oh yea. I forgot to mention that mods & AutoX won't come until after graduation. Maybe some coils and an exhaust until then but that is all. Still, thanks for the concern.


Great reply man, I take it your a salesman. I was thnking 30k before TTL but I might have to opt for under 10k instead.

 

If you want it buy it. Its a great car. I love mine.

But Personally, based on what you've said about your situation, I wouldn't.

 

I am! And, yes, I think 10-15,000 miles (depending on options) is more reasonable to get you to your $30k figure.

 

Got mine used with 800 miles on it for 32k out the door like i said in other post its not a SSS only has the high wing an upgraded shift knob an E break handle an it was in lancaster PA...Soo like i tell others if you take your time an don't rush into buying one a good deal will come to you.