My dad has gone on a small shopping spree ever since his medical practice started to flourish again.

He bought my sister a new Jeep Patriot (her first car), bought himself a 100th anniversary Dodge Challenger R/T and his wife bought a '10 Jag XF Supercharged.

Now, today, when he was negotiating the Challenger, he spotted an '03 XK8 in white with tan interior and tan top. A few hours later he told me he gave a $1k downpayment and that he'll keep adding to it in the coming weeks before trading-in my triple black '00 XK8.

The white car has only covered 20k miles, whereas mine has 76k. Call me crazy, but I don't want to go through with this. I love my Cleopatra, I'm not willing to trade her in for a newer, less worn out, and in much better condition car. Am I nuts?

The white car is basically brand new and has the 4.2L engine. Everything about that car screams "babied in a garage". My car however, needs new shock mounts, and a few bushings and a paint job. However, I've put so much time and effort into my car, I can't bare to think I'd have to start anew.

I don't want to trade, not even for those so delicious Apollo wheels. My logic says to trade, but my feelings say otherwise. I've never been one to listen to my feelings, but concerning Cleopatra, I can't help it. The triple black is my first car, I've learned so much about wrenching and mechanics, driving, so many close calls and amazing memories. I even lost my virginity in that car.

I just can't let go of her. Would you guys go ahead with the trade?

 

Considering that I have my XK8 plus two really nice hobby cars and a very large motorcycle I would suggest that there might be an alternative to the 'trade in' solution.

If that doesn't fly on a purely logical basis jump to the '03 as you may come across this decision point again several years in the future with a car with much greater value.

 

Take a test drive in the '03 and then decide.

 

I already did. It drives and handles better than my car and has no faults. I still can't decide.

 

I think that you should read what you just wrote, and then consult your Yellow Pages to find a good shrink.

 

The price on the white car is $19k.


PS. My dad is a shrink.

 

Is he paying for it? If not, then I wouldn't.

 

I totally get it. I wouldn't trade my 1997 for a perfect 2006.

You're emotionally invested in the triple black. You love it, and that's not nuts!

Tell your dad that if he wants to do something nice for you, he could get your triple black a new paint job, instead of investing in a car that doesn't speak to you.

Your heart and soul are talking to you...listen.


.

 

I'm listening. I think you're right, It'd be less expensive to just finish restoring my car. And I'd still have the love of my life.

dsnyder: He's paying for it, but my mom and I have reached a conclusion. Unless he can pay it cash, I'd rather keep my triple black. I wouldn't want to finance the white one, and my cleo doesn't owe any money to the bank. If for some reason we miss a few payments on the white car, I'd probably be stranded for a long time.

 

You've already acknowledged that the white XK8 is a better car from a mileage and condition standpoint. If I remember correctly, you're a college student struggling on a budget. Economics 101 clearly dictates you to pick Door Number Three (the better car) as long as Pops is picking up the tab....

 

Is this a trick question? If you won't take the white one then maybe your dad will adopt me?

Doug

 

I hope he can pick up the tab. But let's be honest, he can't pay off the remainder of that car without financing it. He's already bought a villa, a challenger, an XF and a Patriot in this past month. I'd only accept the white car if he can pay it off completely. I'd rather keep my car, which is in worse condition, if it means I don't have to pay a mortgage off of it.

 

Too bad you can't keep both...

 

I don't think it's economically feasible, although dad toyed with the idea.

 

I am one of those people who must tinker. My wife does not think my S-Type needs anything done to it, and now that her XK8 is pretty much finished, I am jonesing for something to fiddle with. Looking for another project but it will have to be small - no more garage space and summer in FLA is no time to work outside. You either cook in the sun or drown in the rain. But look who I'm talking to! LOL. Maybe I'll buy a scooter or cycle...

 

Triple black vert with apollos, hard to beat. 03 4.2 6 speed also hard to beat. I have an 03 vert British Racing Green,Cashmere interior and Apollo wheels. Needs suspension work, could use a repaint and other things like switches. I don't think I could part with her. Maybe the same exact car in an R. Ask dad to fix yours.

 

He eventually got around to seeing it through my eyes when he saw me driving my black car topless to meet him at Chili's.

He removed the deposit from the white one and put it towards painting my car. I'll detail this in a thread I'll post later tonight. We also ordered all of the front suspension bushings and the shock mounts. Those parts are scheduled to arrive on the 2nd of September. After that I need to change the heater hoses and the car is all set. From there on out I'd probably just deal with interior details, a new Hi-Fi audio system and just general modding. I hope my raise will help with those upgrades.

 

You made the right decision. Owning an XK8/R is an act of love, not practicality.



Mark

 

I'm going to quote you in my signature.

 

I still am reeling at the idea of losing your virginity. I cannot imagine how that was possible😳