Worldly Purchase?

[appleman2006]

a new VW has 7 years warranty

You could look at one or two year old Beetle convertibles that might cost a third less but still have a good chunk of the warranty remaining. The savings would pay for an extended warranty plus a couple trips to FL and CA.

Before you do anything, though, ask Undershepherd's advice. He's the expert on this.

I agree. Ask the expert.

[Josh]

I've love VW Beetles since I was 5 years old-

This is the last year their making them-

Would purchasing (as I have to buy a new car soon, I had a great deal on a lease) a "Final Edition" VW convertible beetle be considered 'worldly'?

Hubby & I were discussing this- we have been looking at the reliable suv's out there now but oh, this bug!! I have a VW presently-I respect their products-

Just wondered- it's funny how we can 'rationalize' things- like I was thinking about when we drive to Holmes County how nice the roofless buggies are for couples as their horse drives them around the countryside

In my church fellowship, “worldliness” in a car is determined by one’s intent. A younger couple has a VW Beetle, and the husband bought it when he was just a youth boy.

On the flip side, questions get asked if someone buys a brand new truck fully loaded. The main concern is excessive cost along with pride in owning a new or highly esteemed vehicle.

[Josh]

I see where Wade is going with this. I will honest, some day I would like to own a new vehicle. But not now, I can't justify it. The vehicles I've spent less than $500 are the ones I had the most fun with.

Honestly, whats the difference between buying a new car and owning a classic ('69 Camaro?) that's kept in the garage most of the year? Nothing. Its something you wanted and maybe your proud of. Or it holds some value to you. If you like the VW Beetle, go for it. It means something other than just a new car. That's how I look at it anyway.

Currently, my $600 car is still running fine (in Australia) whilst my $6,000 car is sitting at a mechanic who won’t call me back with its umpteenth unexpected breakdown. It is a “reliable” car from a reputable Japanese make.

With that said, I would be much better off if I’s bought a new car 3 or 5 years ago with a long factory warranty.

[temporal1]

Appreciate the topic.
it makes me recall when my dear mil, widow, later 80’s, one day went out and bought herself a brand new car. a Toyota Camry.
they had always “bought American” and, with subsequent repairs, sometimes questioned this decision.

family was all pretty shocked! - but we adjusted.
the guys made sure she got a fair price, she did. all was well.

she passed at 90. the like-new car went to an appreciative family member.
it’s all good memories.

a good thing about when our elders do something unexpected, it gives us hope, that, one day, we may have a chance to do something unexpected, too.

[Valerie]

a new VW has 7 years warranty

You could look at one or two year old Beetle convertibles that might cost a third less but still have a good chunk of the warranty remaining. The savings would pay for an extended warranty plus a couple trips to FL and CA.

Before you do anything, though, ask Undershepherd's advice. He's the expert on this.

I agree. Ask the expert.

Do you know how I can achieve this? He is rarely on MennoNet, correct?
I'd like to ask his advice-

I considered the 'investment' aspect as you brought up too- I looked at used as OJ brought up-there's pros and cons to that route- this is called "The Final Edition" which makes it's value more 'down the road' but I could be wrong- they've just done a few special things to it to make it so. I have a 5 yr old granddaughter in CA- when I was a teen, I wanted a beetle so bad but ended up always talking myself out of them for one reason or another- she is in 'surfer' area and they were always popular- (her dad is a surfer) anyways- I don't rule out I'm trying to rationalize all this & justify- however the reason I posted on MennoNet is I wanted the opportunity to be talked out of it so far, I'm not, thankfully

Thanks everyone for the input, I won't 'bug' you too much about this- just wondered the 'worldliness' aspect of it-
we do have to turn my lease in soon so it's not a question of an 'extra' car or purchase- it's 'which one'.

[ohio jones]

Do you know how I can achieve this? He is rarely on MennoNet, correct?
I'd like to ask his advice-

I suppose the obvious answer would be to click here, then on either the email or PM link.

[ragpicker]

“You deserve this” - kind wishes that made me cringe after I bought my new truck three years ago.

That said, when I got green lighted by God, my wife, my son, a few counselors, and the numbers to buy my truck, I did add on a few “since I’m getting what will probably be my only new vehicle, I may as well get this” type things. Mostly practical stuff like the larger fuel tank. But also the larger engine which I had rather flimsy arguments for getting. I feel no guilt for that indulgence. It brings me significant enjoyment and to my surprise, it increased my safety. I drive a lot and many times that extra power has allowed me to extract myself from uncomfortable situations. (I hate being in “packs” at highway speeds.) Turns out this power has also been helpful when pulling some larger loads.

In 3 years of driving I’ve put on 94,000 miles now. I haven’t regretted the purchase a single moment. My only possible regret was declining one expensive option, and that only because my circumstances changed. (Moved to Ohio. 4WD might be nice now.)

If you pay attention, the really important stuff is in my story. Green light from God, family, and counselors. Plus the numbers work. That’s a formula I won’t back down from no matter the person’s circumstances. In my case it unexpectedly led to a new vehicle. I ended up changing jobs and suddenly I was very, very happy I made this choice. But when I needed to purchase a car for my wife, the same formula led to a newer used vehicle. At a different time it might lead to a $500 beater. The outcome isn’t the point, the formula is. I haven’t always used it and it led to bad choices.

I highly recommend this approach. And I highly recommend asking advice from Linford Berry if you’re considering anything VW. He’s a big time authority on VW.

PS. Beetles are just plain fun. I know. We bought a bright yellow diesel one. Totaled in a wreck or we would still have it. We replaced it with a gas Passat.

[ragpicker]

Valerie, check your FB messages.

[PeterG]

If you buy it and take really good care of it this might be a good investment. New cars rarely are but this one might. Maybe not in your lifetime but in the lifetime of you children.

Just a word of caution. I've spent my entire life around the car enthusiast community, mostly at the edges and sometimes closer to the middle of things. (I once owned a RWD wagon with a diesel and a manual, which will mean something if you've hung around certain corners of the car-enthusiast internet. ) A car, even a desirable classic car, is virtually never a good investment. This article does a decent job explaining why. Yes, in rare instances people do cash in, but like the article says, "It’s like watching a super-cut of holes-in-one and deciding to try your hand at golf." A personal vehicle should be thought of as a transportation expense, or, in the case of a classic or enthusiast's car, a hobby (usually an expensive hobby). It should never be considered an investment. 20 or 50 years from now a 2019 Final Edition Beetle will probably be worth just marginally more than a 2017 Beetle in the same condition with the same level of equipment, and both will probably be worth considerably less than they originally sold for (adjusted for inflation), even if they're in like-new condition (taking restoration costs into account).

Green light from God, family, and counselors. Plus the numbers work. That’s a formula I won’t back down from no matter the person’s circumstances.

Tough to beat that formula.

For what it's worth, here's the best thing I've ever read about choosing a car. (Note that some articles on that website contain profanity, unfortunately.)

[appleman2006]

Good advice Peter. As someone who has never personally owned a new vehicle I can agree with it.