conversation: User (ComradeGrumbles): "This is a fairly open-ended question to all of you. In short, when is a reasonable and affordable “upgrade” or fun car acceptable?  Some may say “never,” while others say “any time X goal is met.”  What is your feeling and why?  \n\nMy situation, in general terms: \n\n- 20% down payment saved and stashed for future house, budget allocated, won’t be touched\n- 6-month Emergency Fund in place and also won’t be touched. \n- 22% going to retirement\n- Generally frugal lifestyle\n- debt free\n\nThis fun car would be used, and be purchased with a trade of my current, paid-off car, plus cash. This cash is saved outside the above categories.  The total cost of ownership would be 10% of takehome, only slightly higher than my current car. \n\nYes, I could invest this extra cash now, being 25yrs old. In fact, that’s what I’m leaning towards... but I have been wanting this particular car for years.  That’s why I’m here... again. :)\n\nAt what point do you make the call of fun and wants vs the smart financial move?  Do you have an example of your decision process and how you worked through it? \n\n\n*** 2:30pm, April 5: Thank you all for the comments and experiences! I may not get to everyone, but I really appreciate all the different points of view. I feel a bit better about keeping this idea alive, even if it isn’t the best financial decision, in absolute terms. Even so, I’m making sure to collect accurate cost of ownership estimates and fit them into a smart budget BEFORE even looking at autotrader. :)"
  Self: "Throughout life, you'll constantly have to balance saving and investing, with spending and enjoying. It sounds like you're in a decent financial spot. And the fact that you're weighing these options at all puts you way ahead of other 25 year olds.      \n\nMyself, I've always looked for the "sweet spot" in a car. Something that is "fun" (at least to me) but still practical. Cheap to fix, and has a track record for being reliable. What model car are you looking at? Is it something that will last a while (say 10+ years?). Is this a brand new car? or a few years old?"
  User (ComradeGrumbles): "Thank you!  \n\nI’ve had my eyes on either a BRZ or an FR-S for several years.  Only now has my financial situation and the depreciation on 2013-2015 models reached a point where I can consider one without feeling like I’m committing a Personal Finance Sin. \n\nDespite the relatively low power, I’m a huge fan of the handling, the looks, the fairly good reliability, and the good safety ratings, all bundled up into a sweet little coupe. I consider the Miata a lot, and I’m a Mazda guy through and though.  I just don’t feel comfortable in a convertible, considering that this car will be a commuter.  The FR-S is 90% as fun as a Miata, while being a top safety pick.  I’ll take that. :)\n\nI’ve test driven several, but always remain strong and walk away afterwards.    One of these days, I’ll sit down and sign.   I’m looking at 2013-2015, budget of $18k"
  Self: "Oh nice! well it sounds like you've done your homework, and looking for one a few years old is exactly what I recommend. \n\nMy business partner bought a MR2 spyder last year. It seems the same as you described, not super fast, but handles like a go kart! It's really fun to drive!\n\nIf you're between those 2, I'd probably look more toward the BRZ. simply because the FR-S doesn't technically exist anymore (Scion is no more) although the Toyota 86 is the same car. Down the road if you go to sell it, the fact it's a Scion will probably hurt the value a bit. But on the flipside, you may be able to get a better deal on the FR-S vs the BRZ because of that same fact.\n\nCurious, what car are you trading in? I've been passively looking at cars, currently have a 12 year old Honda Accord that still runs well, but I have no clue what I'd replace it with if it dies, or got totaled in an accident. \n\n"
  User (ComradeGrumbles): "I have wondered a bit about the resale on the scion models, given that many people don’t realize they’re Toyota/Subaru underneath.  That said, the prices on the FRS’ are dropping a good bit and that just makes them even more affordable. :)\n\nI’m trading a Mazda 3, which is perfectly reliable and relatively fun. It makes me feel bad, because I do enjoy the car and there’s no good reason to sell it.  That said, I’ve always just wanted a toyobaru... I do a double take every time I see one.  Sooner or later, I’m going to just do it out of “want,” utility and logic aside. :D"
  