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Hi guys!

I wanted to post my (kinda) blog here to get your 2 cents and maybe help me figure things out. Its just that Im again coming to a crossroads and despite being pretty rigid and logical with my decisions on pretty much everything, when it comes to cars, its always a ver emotional (mostly in a good way) experience. to wit:


Cars

Its always been a big part of my life. It dictates how I plan things, how I undertake financial responsibilities. Hell, it pretty much defines me. Photography and Cars are expensive hobbies by themselves. Put them together and its not pretty. Ive experienced these first hand.

My very first car experience was with a Mitsubishi Galant Sigma. I was maybe 10 then. My family have been die hard Mitsubishi owners and since then have owned some pretty good examples from the Asian market - the Galant GTi (4G63 non turbo), Galant VR (2.0 DOHC V6). I cant really remember clearly, but I believe the GTi was 4WD - pretty much a non-turbo variant of the Galant VR4 here. Culturally, I was tied to the car, and that being said, it was no surprise that Jackie Chan was my idol when I was young. He drove some of Mitsubishi's best at the time - the Evo 3, 4 and the GTO.

So began my love affair for the automobile. Photography crossed my path right about the same time since my dad had what was state of the art in the early 80's - the Canon A-1, predecessor of what will become the EOS-1 series. We later had an Olympus SLR and there began an expensive hobby (I was inschool then and didnt really work - it was unheard of if you were a private catholic school student) that crossed over here.

Throughout the years, we would study there (in Manila) and stay here for the remainder of the school year, to "see the world". We eventually were petitioned to become legal immigrants back in '84 (when the process began), culminating in our eventual move 16 years later when our visit here was permanent in 2000. All those years were spent shooting photos and reading and learning about cars. I became "involved" as an enthusiast with WRC and F1, and earned the right to buy my first car, a 1995 Mitsubishi 3000GT 5MT DOHC, in the fall of 2001.

I owned that car for the longest time before the beck and call of a much more faster, modern ride came around in the form of the 2003 Lancer Evo. I weighed all the pros and cons and, had the VR4 been still on sale new, Id have gotten that over the Evo. But the Evo wins hands down just because I cant buy whats not there. At the back of my mind though, is a dark desire - the desire to own an NSX. Fast forward about a year after owning the first Evo, I was lured by the 6-speed MR. A tad bit more power, refinement and little improvements made it an irresistible (though illogical) choice for the avid enthusiast and I bit it on exactly Christmas eve of 2004.

You see, Im a car enthusiast, not a car fanatic. I will not make a bad business or financial decision just because I love a car. But with the last Evo purchase, I broke my own rule. It was worth it if you looked at things from the eyes of a car nut/fanatic. But from an enthusiast point of view, discretion was the better part of valor. I made the most of teh situation by focusing more on photography and starting my own Evo show team about a year after owning the MR - Team Emperor. Since its conception, we have participated in a lot of local and, recently, high profile events and meets. We're starting to get recognized and things are moving in the right direction.

Until the fall of 2006. Anticipating some changes and dictated by work in itself, I had to switch gears and go back to my naturally-aspirated roots. One of my subliminal choices was the Acura TL when the 3rd Gen came out. But I never really took a closer look until recently, and the geek in me found a ton of toys that made the switch a lot more bearable. Things tyhat would dictate the change couldnt have come at a better time as well - a better paying job dictated a lot more formal events and functions, and showing up in an Evo simply didnt help convey a professional image. So with a heavy heart, the Evo had to go. My brother kept his MR, and I appointed some senior staff members to quell any possible uprising in the Team as I still maintained ownership and overall control. Turns out that wasnt needed as luckily I set things up in a "family" type situation, and everyone lent a helping hand in keeping the Team together.


So thats a brief history until now, which brings me to the reason behind all this: Im constantly being haunted by two demons - the calling back of my love for the sheer thrill of owning an Evo and be part of my Team as a whole again. And the subtle call of the NSX. Since owning an Acura Ive been going to a certain dealership for service. This particular one is club-friendly, and hosts an NSX night every first thursday of the month. a Yellow NSX - lowered slightly, dark tint, dark/gunmetal 18s - catches my eye and I personally see from time to time on the road, calls to me. With my current financial situation, I can chuck the TL and go with the NSX, but then I would be without a DD. Or I can continue, follow through and buy the new house with my family, wait and pay off the TL (I got a short term) and get the NSX then. A used late-model NSX (by local estimates and by following closely how much they sell for here) will be worth the same, if not cheaper than an Evo X (or XI, XII) when the time comes that Im ready. Add to that fact that Canon recently came up with two new EOS-1 Bodies and a new crop body - the Canon 1D Mk III (10FPS, 10MP, sensor cleaning, 1.4x crop, $5000USD body only), the Canon 1Ds Mk III (4FPS, 21MP, sensor cleaning, Full Frame, $9000USD body only) and the Canon 40D (10MP, 6.5FPS, sensor cleaning, 1.6x crop, $1800USD with 28-135mm lens) and things even look more confusing for me. I have been doing a lot of model shoots, a few weddings and other photography gigs that help me earn a little money on the side, so I also must factor those in.

A new car will do nothing but fullfill the car geek/nut inside me, but the photo gear is going to be no different - just cheaper. What am I to do?


Help



---------------------------------


I can logically figure out what to do, but its really harder than it looks. Any advice and opinion would be highly appreciated. Thanks guys!

you've survived this long balancing your habits, what's wrong with continuing?

Become and ibanker, it's lucrative and you can fund both addictions well.

but in the short term, stick with photography because it's cheaper.

[quote=""Macky""]Blah blah blah I'm still a f-ing traitor blah blah[/quote]



Logically: Buy the house. Prices have stabilized dropped even a bit, and interest rates are still low. It's an investment that should pay off in the future.

Hold off on the really expensive camera stuff until you decide to take the plunge and become a professional photographer; once you set up your own company at least you will be able to write some of it off as a professional expense.

If you still have money burning a hole in your pocket put some of it in savings and invest the rest somewhere.

Counterpoint: Life is short, you should live each day to its fullest. Buy the NSX and let me borrow it from time to time

Buy the house. Think of it this way, the NSX will always be there, and the technology for the cameras will be getting increasingly better. Both of them will continually depreciate where as the house has the potential to appreciate over time (especially with how the housing market currently is). You're a responsible guy and you certainly know what the responsible thing is in this case. Just keep in mind as well, that all good things are worth the wait, and once you have the house, then the NSX, and then the new camera (or the camera first, followed by the NSX, or both at the same time? ) you'll be much happier than if you just went out and splurged and bought the NSX/camera now.
I'd also forsee the prices of the NSX dropping a little bit with the release of the next generation NSX that Honda is working on.

Sounds like you're at the "grown up" crossroads..

Toys or life? Toys or life?
Life would be buying a house, raising a family, etc.
Toys are what we've been doing for years. Unfortunately, most of us aren't well off enough to do both in parallel.
However, you are doing well enough to:
1) Buy a house.
2) Save your extra cash (from photo shoots, etc) for a couple years and put a big downpayment on an NSX.

I know nothing about photography, so I don't know what kind of return you could get on upgrading to a multi-thousand dollar camera (you mentioned a $9000 camera..what would it do better than what you can do now? I mean, hell, you're already an awesome photographer!)
I'm not trying to put down the camera or it's importance, but I see it as a cost-to-earnings ratio. How quickly could that camera pay for itself (either in cash, or experience, or networking with other professional photographers?)

Now, I'll say this, the camera is a far better investment because it _can_ earn you money..a car never will (unless you charge for rides at the local fair ).
But, a car isn't an investment..it's a toy..for car geeks/nuts, it's the best toy you can have.

So, in order of practicality:
1) House
2) Camera
3) NSX

In order of fun:
1) NSX
2) Camera
3) House

Logically, it would be best to choose the option that best balances with your current life, namely the camera. But this, in my opinion, is after you buy a house. A house is a great investment (if you plan to remain there for more than 5 years).
So, get the camera, use it to earn some extra money on the side, then use that money to buy the NSX. Most people can never say "Hobby X helped pay for hobby Y". Most people on this planet will say "My job pays for hobby X and Y".

As a car enthusiast (I can't believe I'm saying this), get a house, then the camera, then the NSX

[quote=""Zentelis""]Sounds like you're at the "grown up" crossroads..

Toys or life? Toys or life?
Life would be buying a house, raising a family, etc.
Toys are what we've been doing for years. Unfortunately, most of us aren't well off enough to do both in parallel.
However, you are doing well enough to:
1) Buy a house.
2) Save your extra cash (from photo shoots, etc) for a couple years and put a big downpayment on an NSX.

I know nothing about photography, so I don't know what kind of return you could get on upgrading to a multi-thousand dollar camera (you mentioned a $9000 camera..what would it do better than what you can do now? I mean, hell, you're already an awesome photographer!)
I'm not trying to put down the camera or it's importance, but I see it as a cost-to-earnings ratio. How quickly could that camera pay for itself (either in cash, or experience, or networking with other professional photographers?)

Now, I'll say this, the camera is a far better investment because it _can_ earn you money..a car never will (unless you charge for rides at the local fair ).
But, a car isn't an investment..it's a toy..for car geeks/nuts, it's the best toy you can have.

So, in order of practicality:
1) House
2) Camera
3) NSX

In order of fun:
1) NSX
2) Camera
3) House

Logically, it would be best to choose the option that best balances with your current life, namely the camera. But this, in my opinion, is after you buy a house. A house is a great investment (if you plan to remain there for more than 5 years).
So, get the camera, use it to earn some extra money on the side, then use that money to buy the NSX. Most people can never say "Hobby X helped pay for hobby Y". Most people on this planet will say "My job pays for hobby X and Y".

As a car enthusiast (I can't believe I'm saying this), get a house, then the camera, then the NSX [/quote]


also, some thoughts on a compromise:

mack daddy wrote: Until the fall of 2006. Anticipating some changes and dictated by work in itself, I had to switch gears and go back to my naturally-aspirated roots. One of my subliminal choices was the Acura TL when the 3rd Gen came out. But I never really took a closer look until recently, and the geek in me found a ton of toys that made the switch a lot more bearable. Things tyhat would dictate the change couldnt have come at a better time as well - a better paying job dictated a lot more formal events and functions, and showing up in an Evo simply didnt help convey a professional image.

I can appreciate that an EVO might not fit that that necessary image for work, but would an NSX? just a thought. At that point you'd be swapping practicality of a 4door for your hobby/happiness. ...not to mention lots of sexy NSX pics might attract new photography business from other NSX owners.

ok that's enough devil-on-the-shoulder from me :suspect2:

[quote=""Zentelis""]Sounds like you're at the "grown up" crossroads..

Toys or life? Toys or life?
Life would be buying a house, raising a family, etc.
Toys are what we've been doing for years. Unfortunately, most of us aren't well off enough to do both in parallel.
However, you are doing well enough to:
1) Buy a house.
2) Save your extra cash (from photo shoots, etc) for a couple years and put a big downpayment on an NSX.

I know nothing about photography, so I don't know what kind of return you could get on upgrading to a multi-thousand dollar camera (you mentioned a $9000 camera..what would it do better than what you can do now? I mean, hell, you're already an awesome photographer!)
I'm not trying to put down the camera or it's importance, but I see it as a cost-to-earnings ratio. How quickly could that camera pay for itself (either in cash, or experience, or networking with other professional photographers?)

Now, I'll say this, the camera is a far better investment because it _can_ earn you money..a car never will (unless you charge for rides at the local fair ).
But, a car isn't an investment..it's a toy..for car geeks/nuts, it's the best toy you can have.

So, in order of practicality:
1) House
2) Camera
3) NSX

In order of fun:
1) NSX
2) Camera
3) House

Logically, it would be best to choose the option that best balances with your current life, namely the camera. But this, in my opinion, is after you buy a house. A house is a great investment (if you plan to remain there for more than 5 years).
So, get the camera, use it to earn some extra money on the side, then use that money to buy the NSX. Most people can never say "Hobby X helped pay for hobby Y". Most people on this planet will say "My job pays for hobby X and Y".

As a car enthusiast (I can't believe I'm saying this), get a house, then the camera, then the NSX [/quote]


Thanks guys!

We've been pretty busy this weekend, as we went back several times to survey the progress with the house. Its actually ahead of schedule. We went back to the model unit to take pictures to bring to the design center this saturday. We now have about $30,000 worth of included upgrades FREE with the unit, on top of the house again dropping in price (its not at $390,000 for a 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath, 2-storey unit in the heart of Orange County). Things are just looking better for that project. Below are composites (albeit quickie ones, as you can see the divisions) I took from the model that im printing and bringing to the design studio this weekend:

master bedroom:


over the dining, overlooking the rest of the living area:


Now as far as the NSX, part of what will influence the purchase would be available prices. Right now, a decent '97 model is around $50K. The camera on the other hand does give a bit of an immediate return. Im just getting torn around with the decision making - its like I know what I need to do but Im having a hard time convincing myself to do it. Plus with the X coming out early February, thats another temptation teasing me from another angle.

Ive already locked an investment with the house. We are all on the loan to get the income to debt ratio as low as possible (with the price reduction we are now at 38% I/D, with 50% minimum, which is HELLA good). Its not figuring out what to do post mortem. I want to have some fun but at the same time keep my feet on the ground. Photography does give a lot of freedom for self expression and gets some money on the side. The NSX will do that too, except the money part.


But I may just take a cue from you Aaron and charge for rides on teh car should I get it earlier than expected

I'll keep you posted!

that's a nice house!!! o.o

[quote=""Macky""]Thanks guys!

We've been pretty busy this weekend, as we went back several times to survey the progress with the house. Its actually ahead of schedule. We went back to the model unit to take pictures to bring to the design center this saturday. We now have about $30,000 worth of included upgrades FREE with the unit, on top of the house again dropping in price (its not at $390,000 for a 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath, 2-storey unit in the heart of Orange County). Things are just looking better for that project. Below are composites (albeit quickie ones, as you can see the divisions) I took from the model that im printing and bringing to the design studio this weekend:

master bedroom:


over the dining, overlooking the rest of the living area:


Now as far as the NSX, part of what will influence the purchase would be available prices. Right now, a decent '97 model is around $50K. The camera on the other hand does give a bit of an immediate return. Im just getting torn around with the decision making - its like I know what I need to do but Im having a hard time convincing myself to do it. Plus with the X coming out early February, thats another temptation teasing me from another angle.

Ive already locked an investment with the house. We are all on the loan to get the income to debt ratio as low as possible (with the price reduction we are now at 38% I/D, with 50% minimum, which is HELLA good). Its not figuring out what to do post mortem. I want to have some fun but at the same time keep my feet on the ground. Photography does give a lot of freedom for self expression and gets some money on the side. The NSX will do that too, except the money part.


But I may just take a cue from you Aaron and charge for rides on teh car should I get it earlier than expected

I'll keep you posted![/quote]
is there a particular year of NSX then that you are interested in? i did a quick kbb before posting last and earlier models checked in around 20k.

[quote=""Macky""]We've been pretty busy this weekend, as we went back several times to survey the progress with the house. Its actually ahead of schedule. We went back to the model unit to take pictures to bring to the design center this saturday. We now have about $30,000 worth of included upgrades FREE with the unit, on top of the house again dropping in price (its not at $390,000 for a 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath, 2-storey unit in the heart of Orange County). Things are just looking better for that project. [/quote]

Yeah, builders are offering mad discounts and incentives to sell their stock right now. I know a broker in Orange (she has 2 German Shepherds, btw )who specializes in selling builders' homes, and some of the deals she was telling me about are insane!

It's good that you are so tight with your family, I can think of one or two in my family that I NEVER would get into any financial deals with!

[quote=""bluej""]is there a particular year of NSX then that you are interested in? i did a quick kbb before posting last and earlier models checked in around 20k.[/quote]

the late model ones with the HID headlights. preferably yellow. the ones for 20K locally arent in such good shape, and im aiming for the low milage ones.