Subject: The **** has hit the fan. I've been tasked to sell both my E38 & 911 :o( Author: stever500 as Steve R : member since July, 2005 : 6459 posts Posted on: 2010-03-08 23:58:37

Well folks, it's been a fun ride with you all. We're screwed. We're sunk. It's all over, kind of. So we spent the weekend looking at condos to downsize our life and stop bleeding money. After my old job was eliminated, as I've mentioned ad nauseum I took a different job w/ my company to at least keep my benefits. Instead of making $150k, I now make $50k. Not good. Not good at all. Can you imagine living on 1/3 of what you used to make, now? Spent 11 months looking for another $100k sales job with no luck so far.

I'm not giving up. I feel that I will find one in time. But, we decided to try to find a condo for about $500 that's 2 BR and a den in Bethesda, closer in. Something that we'd like, and then sell our big house. We'd have $150k or so in the back and a paid off condo. No luck. All the condos we looked at were too small and none had a 3rd BR that was actually a 3rd BR in the buildings we could afford and liked. Sure, for 1.2 mill there are great condos to be had. Yes, we live in a frustratingly expensive area.

So, we decided to keep our house and make some other changes. Our mortgage is $2133 a month, less $800 rental income for the apt above the garage we recently finally rented out to a gent. That's cheap for living in a nice house in a great neighborhood = $1333 + $391 mo for utilities.

The bad part, I've been told I have to sell both cars as they're maintenance hogs. They cost us on average over 5 years divided out, about $3k each per year. That's about $25k over 5 years. In good times it wasn't a big deal. Now it's a deal killer with my lovely, smart, dear wife.

Ok, I see her point. She said I should sell both cars and get something very reliable like a 2007 Acura RL, a 2008 Honda Accord, a 2007 or 2008 Lexus ES350 (I hate this car - fake Camry), or something I looked at again today... I shouldn't bring it up here as I know you're feelings about it, but a 2007 LS 460. Yes, the 460. I looked at 2 today. Really nice, till I read some review about the 07 model and the wind noise problems they're having with them. And then there's this Motor Trend review online:

"As we spent more time behind the LS's wheel, however, our admiration shifted to dissatisfaction, back to the days of December 2007. Complaints ranged from minor grumbles ("Side mirrors are too small") to major grievances ("If you're a driver, you'll just find the whole experience numb and uninvolving. There is no emotion to this car. None"), all of which made us wish Lexus had produced more of a driver's car than a curtailed limousine. "Too soft" and "floaty" were common notebook entries, as was, "more wind noise than I expected." In fact, at highway speed, the LS seemed to suffer from more wind clatter than the lower-level GS 460. And lest we forget, the LS's gimmicky Advanced Parking Guidance system -- you know, the one in which the car parks itself -- was deemed clever when trying to impress friends, but frustrating to use ("I've tried it twice and it's either scared me a little or just refused to work at all") and unrealistic in purpose ("The real-life practicality of this feature is non-existent")."

That leaves the 2007 Inifinity G35 or M45. I don't like the way they look, at all. But I'm open to looking again.

Another Acura 2007 RL like my wife has can be had for $24k or so now instead of the $41k we paid for hers 2.5 years ago.

I know what you're thinking. Is Steve crazy? Doesn't he see the forest through the trees? What IS he smoking? Did he forget something important?

Ok, so what you're probably saying to yourself is "Steve ole buddy ole boy. Sell the damn 911 for about $30k or so, and keep the unreliable, maintenance hoggy BMW with that extra buffer of $28k-30K you'll be getting.

I'm pretty sure she's going to want to put ALL the money from the sale of the 911 into the bank. That leaves me with my BMW, her unhappy about future maintenance costs and general unreliability (face it, they're expensive to maintain if you're not a DIY'er like me). There's no getting around this fact. Yeah, one year they may only cost $1000 but the next year could be $3k-4K easily. I know this! I've lived this for many years on 3 of these beasts. She's afraid the engine could get messed up or the tranny so we should sell it now - it's at 99400 miles while it's still in great shape.

See - I realize you may not understand my logic, but this is my chance to get a $40k car! It would have to be Japanese though. I know. Total bummer in a way. She equates Japanese with total reliability because that's the way her RL has been.

So... I think I'm about to take a powder and go out of this E38 BMW game. I did stupidly look at 2008 BMW 550i's on cars.com tonight. I thought if I could find a certified one for cheap, maybe she'll go for it because it has a long warranty. If Lawguy could drive one, so could I ...right? Not wild about iDrive, but life could be worse, like being in a 2007 Acura RL all day instead of this. I've seen 2008's going for $32900 asking price.








What to do...

01 740i Sport
96 911 C4S
07 Acura RL (her's)
http://www.cardomain.com/ride/317361/1

• The **** has hit the fan. I've been tasked to sell both my E38 & 911 :o( (pic) - Steve R 2010-03-08 23:58:37 (947 views)
  • I think..... - kapone 2010-03-10 17:58:09 (315 views)
  • No offence Steve, Moderator, can we please move this to OT or Lounge? (nt) - Mario 2010-03-10 14:09:05 (311 views)
    • We will, but this is evidently a popular topic, so I'm going to let it sit for - DavidC 2010-03-10 14:39:36 (316 views)
      • One of the best threads of all time. Good life lessons here. (nt) - chuckc 2010-03-10 23:25:06 (297 views)
        • +1.....I spent a year driving a POS Grand Am before getting my e38 - steveKC 2010-03-10 23:38:40 (268 views)
      • I just found it annoying having to scroll a LOT to see other post. - Mario 2010-03-10 16:34:04 (305 views)
        • Aw, just relax.........its all good. - Lawguy 2010-03-10 16:47:12 (304 views)
          • You just wanna drive his 911... (nt) - Mario 2010-03-10 16:50:49 (281 views)
            • How could you ever suggest such a thing... (nt) - Lawguy 2010-03-10 17:19:24 (285 views)
  • As Ian says look at a straight 6 BMW - cliffwilliams 2010-03-10 03:01:55 (333 views)
  • here's what I did... one of the best car decisions I have ever made (pic) - ian 2010-03-09 23:55:52 (486 views)
    • Those are phenomenal cars. I had a clone of yours. Sorry I ever sold it. - chuckc 2010-03-10 00:29:41 (273 views)
    • That's a really nice one, too. Love the wheels. I'll think that over, for sure (nt) - Steve R 2010-03-10 00:18:59 (278 views)
  • My prior offer to 'lease' your 911 from you still stands! - Lawguy 2010-03-09 22:05:47 (268 views)
    • And, you're going to pay for all the maintenance when it f's up? :o) (nt) - Steve R 2010-03-10 00:19:44 (274 views)
      • Absolutely. (nt) - Lawguy 2010-03-10 13:42:47 (288 views)
        • WOW.... We have a Win-Win situation here! (nt) - _wolf 2010-03-10 16:36:48 (328 views)
        • That sounds like a super deal to me. (nt) - DavidC 2010-03-10 14:34:52 (308 views)
          • +1 (nt) - chuckc 2010-03-10 23:26:38 (299 views)
          • I'm serious. I'd love to have a 911 for a few months or til things turn around! (nt) - Lawguy 2010-03-10 16:46:14 (269 views)
            • And for SteveR he will have turned his liability into an asset (something that - chuckc 2010-03-10 21:58:51 (278 views)
    • I think Steve's holding out for lease the wife and keep the 911 (nt) - wcsnyder 2010-03-09 23:33:12 (280 views)
      • I am game, but my wife would probalby kyibosh that idea! (nt) - Lawguy 2010-03-10 16:44:37 (304 views)
  • Re: The **** has hit the fan. I've been tasked to sell both my E38 & 911 :o( - nxtkjv 2010-03-09 21:58:46 (293 views)
    • You are too, too kind, in more ways than one. Peace be with you. - Steve R 2010-03-10 00:21:12 (298 views)
  • Clark Howard always says “the cheapest car out there is the one you already own” - Brian 2010-03-09 21:34:54 (316 views)
    • Well, I'm not selling it anytime soon I don't think. Long though tells me it's - Steve R 2010-03-10 00:25:26 (269 views)
  • Focus on how to surive on 1/3 salary and not a new car. Sell the other car, keep (nt) - the BMW and find a condo. Don't buy a new car-Ed 2010-03-09 21:19:28 (286 views)
  • That is a tough pill to swallow man, IMHO sell both cars.... - e38ag01 2010-03-09 21:10:02 (291 views)
    • I might do that in time, but I decided to keep it, at least for this month. (nt) - Steve R 2010-03-10 00:26:29 (299 views)
  • Steve man.......you know what you've got to do. Stop putting it off. (nt) - beechy 2010-03-09 20:38:07 (259 views)
  • OK, here is the voice of non-reason.... - Peter 2010-03-09 18:50:54 (332 views)
    • Yes - Keep the E38. Got it. It's safe, today. As long as the trans & eng don't - Steve R 2010-03-10 00:28:15 (335 views)
    • (a) you are definitley the voice of non-reason, Peter.... - Lawguy 2010-03-09 18:58:29 (285 views)
      • Great minds think alike?? Ha! Fools seldom differ............ (nt) - beechy 2010-03-09 20:36:44 (295 views)
        • Yikes. Great advice and reply.. - tanger 2010-03-09 22:28:47 (313 views)
          • Awesome idea to try medical sales. I do apply for every job on the search engine - Steve R 2010-03-10 00:37:50 (282 views)
            • Of course! I had three jobs in my life so far. Two of them were not posted - _wolf 2010-03-10 16:33:27 (311 views)
        • Ahhh yes Beechy....and in your case, ''There is no fool like an old fool'' (nt) - Peter 2010-03-09 21:59:53 (261 views)
          • The old uns are the best my friend......nudge, nudge, wink, wink, say no more. (nt) - beechy 2010-03-09 22:25:23 (257 views)
  • Have to finally reply (long)! - 740isport 2010-03-09 18:50:00 (491 views)
    • I just shared the story with my family. We are so touched by what you - kingdom7 2010-03-10 11:19:54 (304 views)
      • I know what you mean and I had it too! - 740isport 2010-03-10 13:56:36 (330 views)
        • Very powerful story. Thanks for being so open and sharing.... - bghark 2010-03-10 15:16:58 (301 views)
    • Thanks for sharing your personal travesty. A real wake up call for me. - Steve R 2010-03-10 00:34:33 (288 views)
    • Good things are coming your way man........... (nt) - beechy 2010-03-09 20:56:31 (299 views)
    • Very humbling story - BJames38 2010-03-09 20:40:33 (331 views)
    • Wow, I am speechless... Washington politicians need to read this when they (url) - JL 2010-03-09 19:58:06 (326 views)
    • YGM (nt) - aaron00740il 2010-03-09 19:50:00 (299 views)
      • YGM 2! (nt) - 740isport 2010-03-09 21:45:52 (282 views)
    • That is an amazing story of your fortitude and wisdom. As Zig Ziglar says, - chuckc 2010-03-09 19:08:27 (320 views)
    • That's an incredible story about your journey. You have my profound respect. (nt) - Lawguy 2010-03-09 19:06:09 (257 views)
      • Re: That's an incredible story about your journey. You have my profound respect. - tx740il 2010-03-09 19:15:24 (285 views)
      • + 1000 (nt) - chuckc 2010-03-09 19:08:58 (290 views)
    • By the way - 740isport 2010-03-09 18:52:22 (310 views)
  • Toyota is offering great incentives! - notenufgarage 2010-03-09 17:34:55 (286 views)
    • I'll consider your suggestions. Thanks. (nt) - Steve R 2010-03-10 00:39:15 (257 views)
    • LMAO! Volvo is giving Toyota owners $1,000 discounts now too! (nt) - Lawguy 2010-03-09 20:15:50 (289 views)
  • A man's gotta do what a man's gotta do: save your house, your lovely wife, - eismark 2010-03-09 16:21:46 (274 views)
    • +1. Steve you came back to E38 once before, can always do it again :-) (nt) - JL 2010-03-09 16:57:09 (289 views)
    • Forgot to mention: - eismark 2010-03-09 16:38:40 (316 views)
  • Sell the Porsche, keep the E38... What are the guys on the Porsche board telling - Wiggi 2010-03-09 16:07:18 (313 views)
  • sorry to hear - pt 2010-03-09 15:40:35 (278 views)
  • Japanese cars have their own problems as well.... - oliverr871 2010-03-09 14:41:52 (299 views)
  • How about if you present it to her like this. - AL 2010-03-09 13:33:21 (348 views)
    • I think that's where this thing is going at this point. Selling the E38 now - Steve R 2010-03-09 13:39:21 (276 views)
  • Selling two paid for cars and then financing a newer one, maybe not cheaper - JohnG 2010-03-09 12:19:27 (363 views)
    • We werent going to finance a car but sell both of mine, use that $'s for a - Steve R 2010-03-09 12:31:05 (280 views)
      • Okay, but you still need to do what is actually cheaper - JohnG 2010-03-09 12:39:19 (278 views)
        • Well, the RL is paid for and worth $24k or so. She will never sell it. We have a - Steve R 2010-03-09 12:49:47 (345 views)
          • That's harsh. Why is the RL off limits for a sale? (url) - DavidC 2010-03-10 04:54:38 (376 views)
          • My friend... - kapone 2010-03-09 13:09:51 (273 views)
            • thats 3-3500 a year you can drive the E38 for that! (nt) - Edwin™ 2010-03-09 13:10:54 (291 views)
              • Yeah, BUT..... - kapone 2010-03-09 13:12:04 (268 views)
                • I will think about this. I think a new Honda is $280 mo w/$1500 down or somethin - Steve R 2010-03-09 13:40:38 (238 views)
                  • Need to stop thinking 'new' (nt) - sdmike 2010-03-09 14:39:58 (257 views)
                    • Yip, any used Porsche, Ferrai, Lambo, Aston , Bugatti is fine. (nt) - bmw635 2010-03-09 23:18:08 (254 views)
  • Steve you seem to be the single provider - any chance your wife can step up and - _wolf 2010-03-09 11:27:20 (300 views)
    • She works for her parents. Pays for all groceries, most clothes and shoes for us - Steve R 2010-03-09 12:31:49 (284 views)
  • Sorry to hear that Steve, Wish I lived closer I would help with repairs - jbkds 2010-03-09 11:08:28 (287 views)
    • I did find a new indie. (nt) - Steve R 2010-03-09 12:32:36 (261 views)
  • very sorry to hear that steve unfortunately hear it too often - mmawolverine 2010-03-09 11:02:01 (282 views)
    • Thx. I wasn't going to finance NE thing though, just sell my cars and buy Japane - Steve R 2010-03-09 12:45:20 (300 views)
  • Steve, I hear your frustrations. - mermar 2010-03-09 10:59:59 (324 views)
    • I agree. Good points. Not quite ready to make any move but we're talking, not - Steve R 2010-03-09 12:50:59 (275 views)
  • You need to listen to Dave Ramsey more often. Why would you sell both cars to - R7 2010-03-09 10:41:20 (336 views)
    • Well said. Crazy is spending $24k-$41k on a new(er) car when the 7 is already (url) - DavidC 2010-03-10 04:29:58 (367 views)
    • You are so right.... - Lawguy 2010-03-09 19:05:33 (267 views)
    • Argh! Makes sense. I may take get my real estate license next month as a 2nd job - Steve R 2010-03-09 12:56:27 (266 views)
      • Can you make money part time brokering? You need to get a gig at Foot Locker! (nt) - Lawguy 2010-03-09 20:17:36 (253 views)
  • Re: The **** has hit the fan. I've been tasked to sell both my E38 & 911 :o( - Tony K 2010-03-09 09:23:17 (315 views)
    • Nice idea but my wife needs to be able to drive it & an M5 is stick. (nt) - Steve R 2010-03-09 09:57:12 (268 views)
      • Well then, you should look at '94 MB E500! (nt) - Tony K 2010-03-09 09:59:43 (285 views)
        • Yeah, she keeps saying NO to anything other than reliable Japanese w/no maintena - Steve R 2010-03-09 10:00:58 (309 views)
          • She wants you to drive a toyota/lexus? Sounds like she benefits from your - Tony K 2010-03-09 10:30:59 (328 views)
            • :-0 (nt) - R7 2010-03-09 11:31:28 (305 views)
  • Steve ... you know what I have been through ... In the end you must preserve - aaron00740il 2010-03-09 07:01:42 (331 views)
    • Thanks, good advice. My brain is overloaded w/options. Don't know which way to g - Steve R 2010-03-09 07:41:29 (277 views)
  • 03 530i Sport (nt) - jeffw 2010-03-09 05:47:42 (271 views)
  • you will get 8-9 for the E38 and buy back a 25-35k car? that will also need - Edwin™ 2010-03-09 04:49:11 (312 views)
    • With all the cash from the Porsche & BMW sale,we just figured this is the time t - Steve R 2010-03-09 07:43:20 (340 views)
    • I agree with Edwin. - farnarkler 2010-03-09 07:41:54 (305 views)
      • +2 with Edwin & Farnarkler - camberley 2010-03-09 10:01:21 (288 views)
      • +2... - inconsistent 2010-03-09 09:14:51 (336 views)
        • Interesting ideas all around. The thought of renting our house out isn't appeali - Steve R 2010-03-09 09:59:52 (266 views)
          • Re: Interesting ideas all around. The thought of renting our house out isn't appeali - inconsistent 2010-03-09 10:21:09 (297 views)
            • I hear ya, but if we're only paying $1333 mo w/our renter, we shouldn't move - Steve R 2010-03-09 12:54:05 (291 views)
              • Re: I hear ya, but if we're only paying $1333 mo w/our renter, we shouldn't move - inconsistent 2010-03-09 17:25:32 (313 views)
                • Yeah, the $1333 a mo includes the taxes! So cheap to live in super nice house. (nt) - Steve R 2010-03-10 00:41:58 (306 views)
                  • Dayum! I'd hold onto that house like grimm death. (nt) - inconsistent 2010-03-10 00:58:54 (296 views)
      • So I don't pull the money from the 2 sales & buy the Lexus? :o) - Steve R 2010-03-09 07:46:10 (292 views)
  • What if you sold the 911, kept the e38, and bought a cheap honda. - //M7 2010-03-09 00:48:43 (261 views)
    • Or just sell 911, keep all the cash and drive e38 full time. - Lawguy 2010-03-09 06:11:54 (315 views)
      • This idea is rising to the top of good ones. I'll just have missed out on the - Steve R 2010-03-09 07:47:57 (321 views)
        • I look at the recent repairs as an 'investment'. - Lawguy 2010-03-09 08:48:16 (298 views)
          • Yes, I'm sure it will pass too, like a kidney stone :o) (nt) - Steve R 2010-03-09 10:02:05 (280 views)
            • True...but a kidney stone beats a torn sphincter any day! (nt) - Lawguy 2010-03-09 10:11:02 (276 views)
              • Beechy can vouch for that. (nt) - R7 2010-03-09 10:54:34 (284 views)
    • That's actually one hell of a great idea. I thought of it too. She approved it - Steve R 2010-03-09 01:00:44 (294 views)
      • she'll like this better - //M7 2010-03-09 01:14:20 (296 views)
        • But, a $10k car would need maintenance PLUS my E38 + xtra insurance. - Steve R 2010-03-09 07:51:23 (288 views)
          • Att his point - shjould you really be concerned about 'liking' a new car? - Lurcher 2010-03-09 15:42:06 (279 views)
      • Dude...let's face it. We are driving 10 year old cars at this point. - kapone 2010-03-09 01:06:31 (335 views)
        • Food for thought... Thanks. Still have no idea what to do so I'm doing nothing - Steve R 2010-03-09 01:08:53 (272 views)
          • well, if you end up living in your car... - //M7 2010-03-09 01:20:29 (321 views)
  • May be keep the E38 and learn some DIY. You got plenty of folks around that - bmw635 2010-03-09 00:40:14 (302 views)
    • I don't see the logic either in selling my $10k and getting a newish Honda Accor - Steve R 2010-03-09 00:45:15 (342 views)
      • With my 2 BMW (Break My Wallet 2x), I avrg about $1000/ yr on repairs & - bmw635 2010-03-09 00:49:01 (350 views)
  • I'm with both of the prior posters. Time to retrench and liquidate some assets - sdmike 2010-03-09 00:22:12 (314 views)
    • +100 on what sdmike says. There is always better future oppurtunities for E38 - JL 2010-03-09 00:58:17 (299 views)
    • Arghhh, you're making too much sense. I know you're right but it hurts. (nt) - Steve R 2010-03-09 00:28:36 (295 views)
      • I've been there twice in the last 4 years. I didn't have to sell a car, but... - sdmike 2010-03-09 00:47:07 (339 views)
        • Re: I've been there twice in the last 4 years. I didn't have to sell a car, but. - tx740il 2010-03-09 23:30:27 (314 views)
        • You are a wise man sdmike. Nicely put. (nt) - chuckc 2010-03-09 18:31:43 (288 views)
        • The hard truth sucks. I'll show everything you wrote to my wife, though. - Steve R 2010-03-09 01:04:12 (281 views)
          • well, you can buy that back later too. lol! (nt) - sdmike 2010-03-09 01:56:54 (279 views)
  • I'm with Kapone Steve. You'll never leave us, but you have to make home happy (nt) - bpddaddy 2010-03-09 00:11:09 (303 views)
    • Yep - home isn't happy right now, that's for sure. Wife happy, life happy. (nt) - Steve R 2010-03-09 00:27:57 (311 views)
  • My friend....life is tough (as you very well know) - kapone 2010-03-09 00:04:35 (337 views)
    • That makes all the sense in the world but I want an 06 MB E55 or at least - Steve R 2010-03-09 00:27:20 (301 views)
      • And if my situation was different, I'd be offering to take the 911 off you... - Lurcher 2010-03-09 15:45:47 (309 views)
      • I know bud, the tough decisions are always painful. - kapone 2010-03-09 00:35:31 (325 views)
        • Sorry to hear, I know you loved that Lotus. Oh well, it was a good run of luck (pic) (url) - Steve R 2010-03-09 00:43:32 (405 views)
          • At least the Accord will park in a Garage that's above its station!!! (nt) - dj37027 2010-03-10 00:03:50 (277 views)
          • Stop thinking $20k car and think $8k car (nt) - sdmike 2010-03-09 00:51:53 (283 views)
            • But what will a 8k car cost you in a year to keep it driving? (nt) - Edwin™ 2010-03-09 04:52:27 (297 views)
              • Less than depreciation on a $20,000-$30,000 car (nt) - JohnG 2010-03-09 12:22:37 (307 views)
                • Ding ding ding...folks, we have a winner. That is a great pt for keeping the E38 (nt) - Steve R 2010-03-09 12:51:46 (277 views)
            • I'd rather not... but I will. :o( (nt) - Steve R 2010-03-09 01:01:17 (319 views)