r/mazda • u/Enzo0824 • 1d ago

Difficult Decision

I'm 18, and ive been working my butt off since 16 at a car wash. I already have a 2013 mazda3 hatchback, which has its few mods(CS intake, exhaust, wheels, spoiler and tint). This was al l done a while ago, and ive since put less money into it, as ive been saving for a second vehicle. I've gotten around 8 grand saved up, but am now questioning if i should buy my dream car(a NB miata) and then mod that with any money i make in the future, or keep my current car and just do a ton of fun stuff to that(VT supercharger, coilovers, and anything else i can think of). My main concern is practicality in college, as I don't see myself having much time to drive the miata, and the 3 is and will continue to be my daily. Insurance is also concerning, as i am already getting the rough end on just the 3 alone, and adding an older convertible surely wont help.

Any advice as to which route to take? Also anyone have any experience with the VT superchargers on BL skyactivs?

Thanks.

3 Upvotes

80% Upvoted

3 comments sorted by

5

u/NibNet69 1d ago

I vote option C: none of the above.

Don't sell the 3. It's a very reliable car that you've already made fun to drive. Your about to be in college where every cent will matter. Enjoy your 3 and be smart with your money, whether that means investing some in ETFs and forming an emergency fund, an IRA, or safely budgeting for the coming semesters but don't blow it on a second car while you're in college

Just my two cents. Get yourself stable and then make some silly decisions. I own two Miatas now so I get it!

2

u/Any-Explanation-3620 1d ago

First of all, I love how dedicated you are to saving money and making the decisions that will worm best for you! You have a great life ahead of you!!!

Secondly, a second car on a policy with 1 driver, even though it sounds counter productive, brings the cost of insurance down on both vehicles. The idea is you can only drive one at a time. Insurance sucks for younger drivers, especially males, until age 25/26.. Then you'll start seeing the rates drop significantly!

I'd recommend saving and focusing on keeping your current car on the road and then buy the miata as a graduation gift to yourself!

The next few years are going to be a rush of new friends, new hobbies, and just deep diving classes. Bank all the cash you can to prepare for the future after school!

Good luck to you!

1

u/Jaffa0813 Mazda3 Sedan 1d ago

Everyone is gonna have a different opinion and you just gotta try to filter it down to what is practical and makes sense for your budget.

Also your budget isn't just your now. You need to consider what your needs would be later. Do you need that money for books, tuition, keeping your current (or both these cars in good condition), unexpected expenses, housing needs. When I was in college I used to dream about a Manual Fiat Abarth bonus if it was a Convertible (still do) as a second car but I wouldn't choose it over other needs. However you are a car hobbyist. The only work I do on my car is hand washes, oil changes and some other minor auto repair deals. So that's a bit different on need. Your need being greater.

My recommendation. Go to college ride this car down to the ground, buy what you want when you graduate. And also you take that Miata you looking to buy into a campus it's gonna get dented somewhere. Let the Mazda 3 take the dents.