[Curt2000]

I was doing some thinking today about my expensive hobby/sickness (depending on who you talk to) of modifying cars and started to wonder if there were others like me out there. The thread title suggests that we all have to sacrifice something to own/modify our cars weather it be money, time, or relationships. For me its been a little bit of all those things over the years.

When I first started modding in College (Honda S2000), it came at great impact on my monthly budget, to the tune of probably 25-50% or more of my money. The priority was rent, car parts, girl friend, beer, food. Needless to say I ate a lot of ramen in those days. Luckily for me I had a surplus of time to spend working on cars and going to meets/events or just taking a few hours to go out and drive for no other reason than enjoying the experience. It was all worth it because my car was an expression of my identity and driving/working on her was like therapy and one of my favorite things to do.

After college when I started making a lot more money, I began dropping a lot more cash on my cars in the form of purchasing BMWs and their parts, now being forced to pay that pesky BMW tax. My budget was easily able to maintain a nice standard of living but the car payment and parts ate up pretty much everything I should have been saving for retirement. With less time/energy due to a demanding career, I found myself attending fewer and fewer meets which were now populated with people who seemed to just get younger and younger to me. So my attendance at small night time meets waned in favor of HPDEs and large weekend shows/events. Of course with a Fiancé who didn't quite appreciate all day sitting around in a parking lot or watching cars go around a track I had to split my time between woman and car.

Now that I've reached a more mature stage in life I am able to meet retirement goals as well as purchase high end parts for my cars but the real constraint is time. With a wife and children my availability to go to local night time meets is pretty much non existent with the opportunity to steal away for a weekend few and far between and the source of much negotiation! I often think about what I would do with the extra cash and cant really think of anything besides stowing it away for a rainy day.

Compared to other hobbies like Golf, Guns, Traveling I believe that cars is actually inexpensive considering that you can usually see about 60% of your investment back on car parts via selling them on the used market, even more if you buy used to begin with. A car is required for daily use and serves a practical purpose as opposed to any other of the above listed hobbies as well. So all in all my rational is, compared to other things I could be doing for enjoyment, my cars are actually a pretty good investment!

In Summary, I suppose the sacrifices we make are dependent on our stage of life.

College age and below: Money
Young Professional: Time and Money
Established w/family: Time

Thoughts?

[Snertz]

My sanity fortunately driving my car brings it back

[RudyP]

A parking spot I could use for another car.

[P1]

You assume all BMW owners modify their cars, and attend meets.

[grieverr]

Originally Posted by P1et

You assume all BMW owners modify their cars, and attend meets.

I was about to say something similar.

Thankfully, the only thing I've sacrificed is money that could have gone somewhere better (extra mortgage payments, retirement, investments, etc...).

I've always wanted to modify my cars, but I couldn't justify spending the money. Especially because I've also never gone to a meet or anything like that (which I would have liked to), so I'd have nowhere to show it off, other than to myself. I also don't have the patience to spend hours putting something on when I can be at a bar instead

So, that's why I come to the forums, to have my virtual meets and see other people's modded cars!

[dreamingat30fps]

Not much since my BMW is 9 years old and the only mod I have on it is exhaust which I got on a group buy. All my previous cars and my other cars currently are 100% stock. The fact that I do like cars in general and probably end up trading cars more often than the average person probably has cost me something. I couldn't really put a number on it though and it has had 0 effect on other aspects of my life. While some people like to go out to fancy diners and buy fancy clothes and $10,000 refrigerators, I'd rather get a new (to me) car in my sears clothes and go eat at the taco truck.

[kevinbahnz]

Originally Posted by Snertz

My sanity fortunately driving my car brings it back

This.

[NEFARIOUS]

A lot, really... I've been DYING to mod this car since day one, even if it's simple stuff like tint especially since sensitivity to light runs in the family, or... I don't even remember what's on my wish list anymore, I just want SOMETHING.

However, when I bought the car, I was in a MUCH better financial position with even small amounts of money just pouring in left and right, and dunking all of my late dad's truck's trade-in value warranted a sizable down payment for my E90, which I've been wanting to have a Bayerische in my driveway since I was 17.

However, little did I know, my luck was incredibly lousy last year; first jobs I get after having a bereavement leave / mini-vacation from a micromanaging job? I got my paychecks royally screwed over by 2 jobs in a row (one tried to pay me below minimum wage and another company went broke but stalled me instead of laying me off until I ragequit), and unemployment gave me every excuse in the book to not issue me benefits... So thanks to being late so many times with the auto financiers, my interest rate is now at max and my credit is probably so beyond ruined I probably can't even get a grocery store discount card... But I'm glad I start a new job on Monday and hopefully all that will change.

So my sacrifice?

• A nice full meal whenever I want; there were times I had to starve.
• While I struggled to look for work after quitting at the end of November and every temp position has been filled, I managed to do some odds and ends repairing computers, posting on CL for giving people rides to the airports and doctor's office appointments when I HATE having people I don't know in my car (so I sacrifice having a PRIVATE E90; I might as well paint it yellow since it's now literally a fucking taxi)
• I'm still struggling to raise even $200 to fix the broken DISA valve since everything I do goes straight to bills, so starting the car is really a load of fun, and I'd probably sacrifice having a clean CA smog check reading since it's been running rich for 5 months in a row; the gas mileage sucks balls and there's a nice soot buildup in the exhaust.
• Instead of an apartment I had last year before I dumped my girlfriend, where she announced HER intention to leave but the landlord assumed I was leaving with her, I had to rent a room, but it turned out he was incredibly abusive (we almost got into a fist fight) and liked to dip his nose into my belongings when I was at work. I hastily moved out into the cheapest room I can find... A fucking jail cell is bigger than my room; just enough length to perfectly fit a bed, and enough width to store a nightstand and provide a corridor. My roommates smoke cheap Chinese knock-off cigarettes indoors (so it smells like burnt plastic + chemical shit-storm), and one guy snores as if he has a demonic possession.

With all that, even though selling the E90 is tempting, I'm still negative equity, and I was without a car for 2 years as it was, and I would rather wish cancer, Lou Gehrig's disease, an unfaithful wife that makes you a cuckold in front of your bedridden paralyzed ass, a whore daughter, an incompetent son that leaches off of your disability checks and lives in your basement, or even my quality of life for the past year... Before I wish upon my worst enemy ONE DAY without a car in LA.

With all that, how's THAT for a sacrifice for keeping a car?

[jballs16]

Jesus, man. So sorry to hear about your misfortune. Things will get better for you - you have the drive and the clarity. You just need some time.

[Nkc]

Originally Posted by RudyP

A parking spot I could use for another car.

+1. Actually 3 spots.

[BMW F22]

Originally Posted by NEFARIOUS

A lot, really... I've been DYING to mod this car since day one, even if it's simple stuff like tint especially since sensitivity to light runs in the family, or... I don't even remember what's on my wish list anymore, I just want SOMETHING.

However, when I bought the car, I was in a MUCH better financial position with even small amounts of money just pouring in left and right, and dunking all of my late dad's truck's trade-in value warranted a sizable down payment for my E90, which I've been wanting to have a Bayerische in my driveway since I was 17.

However, little did I know, my luck was incredibly lousy last year; first jobs I get after having a bereavement leave / mini-vacation from a micromanaging job? I got my paychecks royally screwed over by 2 jobs in a row (one tried to pay me below minimum wage and another company went broke but stalled me instead of laying me off until I ragequit), and unemployment gave me every excuse in the book to not issue me benefits... So thanks to being late so many times with the auto financiers, my interest rate is now at max and my credit is probably so beyond ruined I probably can't even get a grocery store discount card... But I'm glad I start a new job on Monday and hopefully all that will change.

So my sacrifice?

• A nice full meal whenever I want; there were times I had to starve.
• While I struggled to look for work after quitting at the end of November and every temp position has been filled, I managed to do some odds and ends repairing computers, posting on CL for giving people rides to the airports and doctor's office appointments when I HATE having people I don't know in my car (so I sacrifice having a PRIVATE E90; I might as well paint it yellow since it's now literally a fucking taxi)
• I'm still struggling to raise even $200 to fix the broken DISA valve since everything I do goes straight to bills, so starting the car is really a load of fun, and I'd probably sacrifice having a clean CA smog check reading since it's been running rich for 5 months in a row; the gas mileage sucks balls and there's a nice soot buildup in the exhaust.
• Instead of an apartment I had last year before I dumped my girlfriend, where she announced HER intention to leave but the landlord assumed I was leaving with her, I had to rent a room, but it turned out he was incredibly abusive (we almost got into a fist fight) and liked to dip his nose into my belongings when I was at work. I hastily moved out into the cheapest room I can find... A fucking jail cell is bigger than my room; just enough length to perfectly fit a bed, and enough width to store a nightstand and provide a corridor. My roommates smoke cheap Chinese knock-off cigarettes indoors (so it smells like burnt plastic + chemical shit-storm), and one guy snores as if he has a demonic possession.

With all that, even though selling the E90 is tempting, I'm still negative equity, and I was without a car for 2 years as it was, and I would rather wish cancer, Lou Gehrig's disease, an unfaithful wife that makes you a cuckold in front of your bedridden paralyzed ass, a whore daughter, an incompetent son that leaches off of your disability checks and lives in your basement, or even my quality of life for the past year... Before I wish upon my worst enemy ONE DAY without a car in LA.

With all that, how's THAT for a sacrifice for keeping a car?

Set up a gofundme account. I wouldn't mind helping out a fellow enthusiast.
But I feel that you don't want charity.

[hongsc]

Having to park far away to avoid door dings. There was at least 1 row of empty spaces and it was still empty, when I came back. But someone managed to ding my door, while I was out shopping. And while getting Starbucks someone backed into my bumper. Again I parked away from cars. What's wrong with people these days? To Nefarious, I hope your luck turns out for the better and you go on a lucky streak. I think it's about time for you.

[NEFARIOUS]

Originally Posted by BMW F22

Set up a gofundme account. I wouldn't mind helping out a fellow enthusiast.
But I feel that you don't want charity.

http://www.gofundme.com/frcw7k

Actually I have a long time ago. Things are under control and much better, so I haven't campaigned for it. I don't really need the handouts, but if you're willing to help it'll be much appreciated.

[bimmette]

Originally Posted by NEFARIOUS

http://www.gofundme.com/frcw7k

Actually I have a long time ago. Things are under control and much better, so I haven't campaigned for it. I don't really need the handouts, but if you're willing to help it'll be much appreciated.

Sometimes I'm appalled by your over-sharing on the net, but I read your whole story and donated a bit for being so open and honest. Good luck, Nef.

[Curt2000]

Originally Posted by Snertz

My sanity fortunately driving my car brings it back

This also

Originally Posted by RudyP

A parking spot I could use for another car.

What other car would you want!

Originally Posted by P1et

You assume all BMW owners modify their cars, and attend meets.

Originally Posted by grieverr

I was about to say something similar.

Thankfully, the only thing I've sacrificed is money that could have gone somewhere better (extra mortgage payments, retirement, investments, etc...).

I've always wanted to modify my cars, but I couldn't justify spending the money. Especially because I've also never gone to a meet or anything like that (which I would have liked to), so I'd have nowhere to show it off, other than to myself. I also don't have the patience to spend hours putting something on when I can be at a bar instead

So, that's why I come to the forums, to have my virtual meets and see other people's modded cars!

The bar scene was probably one of the first things to go for me. Id much rather be sipping on a beer while listening to iTunes in my garage working on something!

Originally Posted by dreamingat30fps

Not much since my BMW is 9 years old and the only mod I have on it is exhaust which I got on a group buy. All my previous cars and my other cars currently are 100% stock. The fact that I do like cars in general and probably end up trading cars more often than the average person probably has cost me something. I couldn't really put a number on it though and it has had 0 effect on other aspects of my life. While some people like to go out to fancy diners and buy fancy clothes and $10,000 refrigerators, I'd rather get a new (to me) car in my sears clothes and go eat at the taco truck.

Amen brotha!

Originally Posted by kevinbahnz

This.

[grieverr]

Originally Posted by Curt2000

The bar scene was probably one of the first things to go for me. Id much rather be sipping on a beer while listening to iTunes in my garage working on something!

I hear ya! The "bar scene" is not for me, either. Not that it really matters in this conversation but I should have said that I enjoy gastropubs and micro breweries, as well as mine and my friends' bars in our kitchens!

I also enjoy a beer in the garage, when someone else is working! I should learn to do more on my car so that I can perform my own maintenance.

Let me ask you a question - is the "sacrifice" worth it? With cars getting better pricing and equipment, is the BMW experience still worth sacrificing for?

[BMW F22]

Originally Posted by bimmette

Sometimes I'm appalled by your over-sharing on the net, but I read your whole story and donated a bit for being so open and honest. Good luck, Nef.

Same. It's not much but I hope it helps.

[upstatedoc]

Proper grammar?

[Curt2000]

Originally Posted by NEFARIOUS

A lot, really...

I hopeyour situation improves man, just stay motivated and your time will come!

Originally Posted by jballs16

Jesus, man. So sorry to hear about your misfortune. Things will get better for you - you have the drive and the clarity. You just need some time.

Originally Posted by BMW F22

Set up a gofundme account. I wouldn't mind helping out a fellow enthusiast.
But I feel that you don't want charity.

Good idea!

Originally Posted by NEFARIOUS

http://www.gofundme.com/frcw7k

Actually I have a long time ago. Things are under control and much better, so I haven't campaigned for it. I don't really need the handouts, but if you're willing to help it'll be much appreciated.

May be worth a few more posts, I think the community would rally around your story!

Originally Posted by bimmette

Sometimes I'm appalled by your over-sharing on the net, but I read your whole story and donated a bit for being so open and honest. Good luck, Nef.

Originally Posted by BMW F22

Same. It's not much but I hope it helps.

Makes me feel good to see people helping a brother in need!

[Curt2000]

Originally Posted by Nkc

+1. Actually 3 spots.

One of my top three 'must have's' was a 3 car garage when shopping for my house...next place I will be looking for a detached shop that I can put a 2 post lift in!

Originally Posted by grieverr

I hear ya! The "bar scene" is not for me, either. Not that it really matters in this conversation but I should have said that I enjoy gastropubs and micro breweries, as well as mine and my friends' bars in our kitchens!

I also enjoy a beer in the garage, when someone else is working! I should learn to do more on my car so that I can perform my own maintenance.

Let me ask you a question - is the "sacrifice" worth it? With cars getting better pricing and equipment, is the BMW experience still worth sacrificing for?

I think so...when you go all-in like I have and get to see tangible results. I build my cars for the purpose of magazine features, global social media proliferation and major show display like SEMA, Bimmerfest, etc...its been a lot of fun getting to see the media of the cars take off as well as getting to know all the great folks in the industry!

Originally Posted by upstatedoc

Proper grammar?

I'll gladly edit the OP with any corrections you may have.

[BMW F22]

Curt- let me join you on your ED trip! Lol

[NEFARIOUS]

Holy cow, LOL... My only intent was just to say "yeah, I had a GoFundMe going", but got not only ONE, but FOUR people from Bimmerpost to help. I am literally speechless. Thank you all so much, especially since for my own efforts (posting on CL, a fraternity group that I pay membership to be a part of, plus about 15 other etc...), the most I ever got was a question and no donations from people I either don't know at all or have only "met" in this forum; all who have contributed until today were friends and family.

Thanks everyone!