MR2 Roadster Owners Club

The Workshop => Appearance Related => Topic started by: steveash on January 19, 2021, 11:24

Title: Vanity splurge
Post by: steveash on January 19, 2021, 11:24
Driven stir crazy by lockdown I ventured onto ebay and bought a set of JDM centre caps with blue badges to match the one I put on the nose. They're coming from Japan at an extortionate price. I know nobody else will even notice them but I'll appreciate them.

Looking for solace, is there anyone else out there who's wasted a pile of cash on something for your car that is barely visible?
Title: Re: Vanity splurge
Post by: 1979scotte on January 19, 2021, 11:58
Quote from: steveash on January 19, 2021, 11:24Driven stir crazy by lockdown I ventured onto ebay and bought a set of JDM centre caps with blue badges to match the one I put on the nose. They're coming from Japan at an extortionate price. I know nobody else will even notice them but I'll appreciate them.

Looking for solace, is there anyone else out there who's wasted a pile of cash on something for your car that is barely visible?

You used to be able to buy gel badges that would make UK stock look very much like JDM.

Do engine swaps turbos or superchargers count? They're not very visible with the engine lid shut?
Title: Re: Vanity splurge
Post by: shnazzle on January 19, 2021, 12:02
I spent the better part of my yearly bonus on an ecu for nothing... Does that count?
Title: Re: Vanity splurge
Post by: Call the midlife! on January 19, 2021, 12:11
Quote from: steveash on January 19, 2021, 11:24Driven stir crazy by lockdown I ventured onto ebay and bought a set of JDM centre caps with blue badges to match the one I put on the nose. They're coming from Japan at an extortionate price. I know nobody else will even notice them but I'll appreciate them.

Looking for solace, is there anyone else out there who's wasted a pile of cash on something for your car that is barely visible?
Matt Lee had 5 for sale on Facebook yesterday, £50 if I remember right?
Title: Re: Vanity splurge
Post by: Petrus on January 19, 2021, 12:13
Thanks @steveash ; very recogniseable.

Lots of cash not really but non functional ´waste of money´ yes.
Bought some titanium bolts and a steampunk fastener and hid them in the engine room.
Also bought two cambiocorso badges though those were both cheapish and are visible, still silly buggers only.

Oh and the vinyl, the pokeball, tsurikawa and Hello Kitty exhaust tip. All silly buggers. Even the wooden steering wheel is really although that does steer/feel rather nicely. Well, to mý taste.

Who cares??!!


Also recognise the Covid confinement induced ´nééd´ to buy stuff for the car. It galls me to no end that I am thwarted from buying funtional lightweight stuff.
Title: Re: Vanity splurge
Post by: steveash on January 19, 2021, 14:23
Quote from: 1979scotte on January 19, 2021, 11:58You used to be able to buy gel badges that would make UK stock look very much like JDM.

Do engine swaps turbos or superchargers count? They're not very visible with the engine lid shut?

I don't think engine swaps count unless there are absolutely no gains in performance. Ruining your car with heavy iron block V8 for the nice noise would qualify admirably!

I have the gel badges, they just didn't look quite right.

Quote from: shnazzle on January 19, 2021, 12:02I spent the better part of my yearly bonus on an ecu for nothing... Does that count?

A brave move but you at least had hopes of a transformative effect even if none were forthcoming!

Quote from: Call the midlife! on January 19, 2021, 12:11Matt Lee had 5 for sale on Facebook yesterday, £50 if I remember right?

Dammit I paid nearly twice that after Ebay unexpectedly added VAT. I'll probably have to pay some import duty when it arrives for good measure.

Quote from: Petrus on January 19, 2021, 12:13Thanks @steveash ; very recogniseable.

Lots of cash not really but non functional ´waste of money´ yes.
Bought some titanium bolts and a steampunk fastener and hid them in the engine room.
Also bought two cambiocorso badges though those were both cheapish and are visible, still silly buggers only.

Oh and the vinyl, the pokeball, tsurikawa and Hello Kitty exhaust tip. All silly buggers. Even the wooden steering wheel is really although that does steer/feel rather nicely. Well, to mý taste.

Who cares??!!


Also recognise the Covid confinement induced ´nééd´ to buy stuff for the car. It galls me to no end that I am thwarted from buying funtional lightweight stuff.

Thank you, I'm feeling much better about it now I'm not the only one! I realised it isn't even the first time I've fallen for something like this. I once payed £120 for brake calliper springs because they had a sporty logo on them!
Title: Re: Vanity splurge
Post by: 1979scotte on January 19, 2021, 14:49
Quote from: steveash on January 19, 2021, 14:23
Quote from: 1979scotte on January 19, 2021, 11:58You used to be able to buy gel badges that would make UK stock look very much like JDM.

Do engine swaps turbos or superchargers count? They're not very visible with the engine lid shut?

I don't think engine swaps count unless there are absolutely no gains in performance. Ruining your car with heavy iron block V8 for the nice noise would qualify admirably!

I have the gel badges, they just didn't look quite right.

Quote from: shnazzle on January 19, 2021, 12:02I spent the better part of my yearly bonus on an ecu for nothing... Does that count?

A brave move but you at least had hopes of a transformative effect even if none were forthcoming!

Quote from: Call the midlife! on January 19, 2021, 12:11Matt Lee had 5 for sale on Facebook yesterday, £50 if I remember right?

Dammit I paid nearly twice that after Ebay unexpectedly added VAT. I'll probably have to pay some import duty when it arrives for good measure.

Quote from: Petrus on January 19, 2021, 12:13Thanks @steveash ; very recogniseable.

Lots of cash not really but non functional ´waste of money´ yes.
Bought some titanium bolts and a steampunk fastener and hid them in the engine room.
Also bought two cambiocorso badges though those were both cheapish and are visible, still silly buggers only.

Oh and the vinyl, the pokeball, tsurikawa and Hello Kitty exhaust tip. All silly buggers. Even the wooden steering wheel is really although that does steer/feel rather nicely. Well, to mý taste.

Who cares??!!


Also recognise the Covid confinement induced ´nééd´ to buy stuff for the car. It galls me to no end that I am thwarted from buying funtional lightweight stuff.

Thank you, I'm feeling much better about it now I'm not the only one! I realised it isn't even the first time I've fallen for something like this. I once payed £120 for brake calliper springs because they had a sporty logo on them!

You've got it bad
Title: Re: Vanity splurge
Post by: Petrus on January 19, 2021, 14:53
Quote from: 1979scotte on January 19, 2021, 14:49You've got it bad

Ah well, it´s cheaper than therapy.
Title: Re: Vanity splurge
Post by: 1979scotte on January 19, 2021, 15:02
Quote from: Petrus on January 19, 2021, 14:53
Quote from: 1979scotte on January 19, 2021, 14:49You've got it bad

Ah well, it´s cheaper than therapy.

You obviously pay over the odds.
All that red tape in the euro zone.
Title: Re: Vanity splurge
Post by: Petrus on January 19, 2021, 15:08
Quote from: 1979scotte on January 19, 2021, 15:02You obviously pay over the odds.
All that red tape in the euro zone.

What is the going rate for therapy in the UK?

I am not aware of what it is over here but can not imagine that a few hours of professional help beats 120 quid.

...and concerning the red tape; it is high tech lightweight tape dûh.
Title: Re: Vanity splurge
Post by: 1979scotte on January 19, 2021, 15:36
Quote from: Petrus on January 19, 2021, 15:08
Quote from: 1979scotte on January 19, 2021, 15:02You obviously pay over the odds.
All that red tape in the euro zone.

What is the going rate for therapy in the UK?

I am not aware of what it is over here but can not imagine that a few hours of professional help beats 120 quid.

...and concerning the red tape; it is high tech lightweight tape dûh.

It varys with income.
I pay £50 for 90 mins.
Title: Re: Vanity splurge
Post by: Petrus on January 19, 2021, 15:40
Quote from: 1979scotte on January 19, 2021, 15:36It varys with income.
I pay £50 for 90 mins.

I rest my case.
Title: Re: Vanity splurge
Post by: Call the midlife! on January 19, 2021, 15:42
I splurged £390 inc delivery for some new rear lights for the bus today, from Germany, still £45 cheaper than the best price I could get with a UK based supplier.
Title: Re: Vanity splurge
Post by: steveash on January 19, 2021, 15:45
Offending article:

21C8A9BD-66BD-444E-8E52-26301D13C012.jpeg

Quote from: Call the midlife! on January 19, 2021, 15:42I splurged £390 inc delivery for some new rear lights for the bus today, from Germany, still £45 cheaper than the best price I could get with a UK based supplier.

What was wrong with the old ones?
Title: Re: Vanity splurge
Post by: 1979scotte on January 19, 2021, 15:50
Quote from: Petrus on January 19, 2021, 15:40
Quote from: 1979scotte on January 19, 2021, 15:36It varys with income.
I pay £50 for 90 mins.

I rest my case.

It's far cheaper than having your car serviced at a local independent.
Thats £60 per hour.
I rest mine.
Title: Re: Vanity splurge
Post by: Call the midlife! on January 19, 2021, 16:29
Quote from: steveash on January 19, 2021, 15:45Offending article:

21C8A9BD-66BD-444E-8E52-26301D13C012.jpeg

Quote from: Call the midlife! on January 19, 2021, 15:42I splurged £390 inc delivery for some new rear lights for the bus today, from Germany, still £45 cheaper than the best price I could get with a UK based supplier.

What was wrong with the old ones?
Nothing, absolutely nothing at all, the new ones are just a more modern version.

A bit like changing perfectly good PFl lights for FL really 😆
Title: Re: Vanity splurge
Post by: steveash on January 19, 2021, 16:40
Quote from: Call the midlife! on January 19, 2021, 16:29
Quote from: steveash on January 19, 2021, 15:45Offending article:

21C8A9BD-66BD-444E-8E52-26301D13C012.jpeg

Quote from: Call the midlife! on January 19, 2021, 15:42I splurged £390 inc delivery for some new rear lights for the bus today, from Germany, still £45 cheaper than the best price I could get with a UK based supplier.

What was wrong with the old ones?
Nothing, absolutely nothing at all, the new ones are just a more modern version.

A bit like changing perfectly good PFl lights for FL really 😆

Attaboy!! 😆
Title: Re: Vanity splurge
Post by: Petrus on January 19, 2021, 16:42
Quote from: 1979scotte on January 19, 2021, 15:50It's far cheaper than having your car serviced at a local independent.
Thats £60 per hour.
I rest mine.

My neutered Main Coon just clobbered a big bad feral Tom off the rear patio. Is beside the point too.

Enjoy the rest.



@Call the midlife!  Hope the next years wiring does not give you headache. Apart from looks, they should be brighter too.
Or were you just going for an updated look on the bus?
Title: Re: Vanity splurge
Post by: 1979scotte on January 19, 2021, 16:47
Quote from: Call the midlife! on January 19, 2021, 16:29
Quote from: steveash on January 19, 2021, 15:45Offending article:

21C8A9BD-66BD-444E-8E52-26301D13C012.jpeg

Quote from: Call the midlife! on January 19, 2021, 15:42I splurged £390 inc delivery for some new rear lights for the bus today, from Germany, still £45 cheaper than the best price I could get with a UK based supplier.

What was wrong with the old ones?
Nothing, absolutely nothing at all, the new ones are just a more modern version.

A bit like changing perfectly good PFl lights for FL really 😆

Not really FL are far better at their job.
Title: Re: Vanity splurge
Post by: Call the midlife! on January 19, 2021, 17:18
Quote from: 1979scotte on January 19, 2021, 16:47
Quote from: Call the midlife! on January 19, 2021, 16:29
Quote from: steveash on January 19, 2021, 15:45Offending article:

21C8A9BD-66BD-444E-8E52-26301D13C012.jpeg

Quote from: Call the midlife! on January 19, 2021, 15:42I splurged £390 inc delivery for some new rear lights for the bus today, from Germany, still £45 cheaper than the best price I could get with a UK based supplier.

What was wrong with the old ones?
Nothing, absolutely nothing at all, the new ones are just a more modern version.

A bit like changing perfectly good PFl lights for FL really 😆

Not really FL are far better at their job.
BUT it still remains that a fully functioning set of PFL lights are fit for purpose and there's no NEED to replace them for FL light other than vanity, the same as I'm doing with the BM lights from pre LCI to the LCI M Performance ones.

Okay so the LCI ones are dark smoked lenses and LEDs and look (subjectively) more nicerer than the originals but they don't do anything different/betterer...🤓
Title: Re: Vanity splurge
Post by: Ardent on January 19, 2021, 17:38
I had a moment of weakness and went for some smoked side repeaters.
Title: Re: Vanity splurge
Post by: ManInDandism on January 21, 2021, 10:09
Quote from: steveash on January 19, 2021, 11:24Driven stir crazy by lockdown I ventured onto ebay and bought a set of JDM centre caps with blue badges to match the one I put on the nose. They're coming from Japan at an extortionate price. I know nobody else will even notice them but I'll appreciate them.

Looking for solace, is there anyone else out there who's wasted a pile of cash on something for your car that is barely visible?

I bought a set of those as well a good while back. Also off eBay but there are German sellers along with those in Japan. Worked out cheaper not least because no additional charges for customs and handling. Not sure what post-Brexit ruling is meant to be ultimately, but seems you presently get stung in the same way as for non-European goods (the less said about that the better  :-X ).

Oh - and wheels need to come off to actually fit them as there no real shortcut!

Have got a Zero Exhausts sports cat on order but is more a requirement than a splurge as flexi on current one has turned to mush. Can't really think of anything else to buy but the nature and age of these cars means you are half expect something to give at some point.  Fortunately nothing is that expensive relatively speaking but touch wood  :)
Title: Re: Vanity splurge
Post by: Ardent on January 21, 2021, 12:31
Zero manifold?
Something to buy
Title: Re: Vanity splurge
Post by: Call the midlife! on January 21, 2021, 16:44
The overnight parts from Japan arrived today, happy days! (Ok so they're from Germany and took two nights but I still think that's pretty sweet)
Ordered Tuesday morning and arrived this morning, ironically before the auxiliary cable needed to fit them which was ordered straight after the lights and only had to make it's way up from Hereford.
See if I can break them on Saturday now 👍🏻
Title: Re: Vanity splurge
Post by: Petrus on January 21, 2021, 17:32
Quote from: Call the midlife! on January 21, 2021, 16:44ironically before the auxiliary cable needed to fit them which was ordered

Fingers crossed it works without mods.
Title: Re: Vanity splurge
Post by: Topdownman on January 21, 2021, 17:33
Quote from: Ardent on January 19, 2021, 17:38I had a moment of weakness and went for some smoked side repeaters.

Thats not vanity, on a sable, they are essential.

On a side note, I got a parcel the other day and couldnt help smiling when I noticed that the item had passed within a mile or less on its way from the distribution centre to the courier some 35 miles away before it came back!
Title: Re: Vanity splurge
Post by: Call the midlife! on January 21, 2021, 18:18
Quote from: Petrus on January 21, 2021, 17:32
Quote from: Call the midlife! on January 21, 2021, 16:44ironically before the auxiliary cable needed to fit them which was ordered

Fingers crossed it works without mods.
Some pins to move around and extra cables to pin into existing plugs and then a few pages of coding.
Title: Re: Vanity splurge
Post by: Joesson on January 21, 2021, 18:49


[/quote]
Quote from: Topdownman on January 21, 2021, 17:33
Quote from: Ardent on January 19, 2021, 17:38I had a moment of weakness and went for some smoked side repeaters.

Thats not vanity, on a sable, they are essential.

On a side note, I got a parcel the other day and couldnt help smiling when I noticed that the item had passed within a mile or less on its way from the distribution centre to the courier some 35 miles away before it came back!


This reminded me of the 70's early 80's when I was involved with equipment for the then new distribution hubs. It was a different way of looking at movement. I guess it's stood the test of time even if, as in this case, the package passed very close to you during it's journey.
Title: Re: Vanity splurge
Post by: Petrus on January 21, 2021, 18:57
Quote from: Call the midlife! on January 21, 2021, 18:18
Quote from: Petrus on January 21, 2021, 17:32
Quote from: Call the midlife! on January 21, 2021, 16:44ironically before the auxiliary cable needed to fit them which was ordered

Fingers crossed it works without mods.
Some pins to move around and extra cables to pin into existing plugs and then a few pages of coding.

Which is why I decided to stick with the pfl units and go brighter simple swap red LED ´bulbs´. Philips even.
Title: Re: Vanity splurge
Post by: Call the midlife! on January 21, 2021, 20:20
Quote from: Petrus on January 21, 2021, 18:57
Quote from: Call the midlife! on January 21, 2021, 18:18
Quote from: Petrus on January 21, 2021, 17:32
Quote from: Call the midlife! on January 21, 2021, 16:44ironically before the auxiliary cable needed to fit them which was ordered

Fingers crossed it works without mods.
Some pins to move around and extra cables to pin into existing plugs and then a few pages of coding.

Which is why I decided to stick with the pfl units and go brighter simple swap red LED ´bulbs´. Philips even.
These are for my daily bus, I already have FL rears on the 2.
Title: Re: Vanity splurge
Post by: Petrus on January 21, 2021, 20:21
Quote from: Call the midlife! on January 21, 2021, 20:20These are for my daily bus, I already have FL rears on the 2.

Hats off to you.
Title: Re: Vanity splurge
Post by: SuperArt on January 22, 2021, 18:37
Hm spent money on things for the car that's barely visible.

Shed full of parts/spares?
Full genuine TRD stage two body kit with rainbow foglights
TRD strut braces and member braces
TRD Genuine VM180 spoiler with correct end plates
TRD Genuine low spoiler (3-piece) with brake light
TRD exhaust
Backup Toyota GB ducktail

Etc etc.
Doesn't get more barely visible than hoarding bits with no intention of fitting.
They'll end up in the classifieds soon enough, not out of choice.
Title: Re: Vanity splurge
Post by: Dev on January 23, 2021, 00:50
I have also spent a small fortune on the little things some of them used items from other cars like the Audi TT shift knob. 
The latest edition is a custom flat black anodized gear shifter surround and a tight grain leather shift boot of the highest quality. These little details are not so visible but they are blended in to give it a high quality look.

 Another nice detail that is never seen is a real set of aluminum pedals. I went out of my way to color match a set of aftermarket carbon fiber mirrors because I don't like the carbon fiber look since it makes the car look custom.
Title: Re: Vanity splurge
Post by: Ardent on January 23, 2021, 09:32
Struggling to visualise the gear shifter surround.
For a moment I thought you meant an open fingered type gate. But then you have a leather boot that would cover it.
A pic per chance?
Title: Re: Vanity splurge
Post by: Dev on January 23, 2021, 14:09
I will try and get a picture for you.  That surround was originally a aftermarket Toyota part for this car that a member gave to a company to reproduce as a limited group buy and thankfully I did not get the chrome option.
Title: Re: Vanity splurge
Post by: Ardent on January 23, 2021, 20:03
Cheers chap.
Title: Re: Vanity splurge
Post by: steveash on January 24, 2021, 20:12
My shiny bits arrived but due to snow on the ground, they're not going on the car until it warms up a bit (I'm a southern softie). For now they're decorating my desk. Pity it's not December, I could have put them on the tree...
Title: Re: Vanity splurge
Post by: Dev on January 25, 2021, 18:38
I was able to get a cellphone image. Just know the gear shift trim looks like one piece with the gear shifter plastic. If it was any other color it will look like I did it which is not what I was going for as I wanted it to look subtile but impactful as a whole.The quality of the leather shift boot is better then what I have seen on some high end luxury cars. 
Title: Re: Vanity splurge
Post by: Petrus on January 25, 2021, 18:41
Looks very much like a chunky version of the SMT surround.
Title: Re: Vanity splurge
Post by: Dev on January 25, 2021, 18:55
It is a replica of an actual Toyota aftermarket trim for manual transmissions. Apparently it was a rare part that not many had.

  I found the company that made the limited run with better pictures. They had a difficult time to get it right but the end result was very good. 
https://super-klasse.com/products/spyder-shifter-trim-bezel-pre-order?variant=8102497026151
Title: Re: Vanity splurge
Post by: steveash on January 25, 2021, 21:01
Quote from: Dev on January 25, 2021, 18:55It is a replica of an actual Toyota aftermarket trim for manual transmissions. Apparently it was a rare part that not many had.

  I found the company that made the limited run with better pictures. They had a difficult time to get it right but the end result was very good. 
https://super-klasse.com/products/spyder-shifter-trim-bezel-pre-order?variant=8102497026151

It's probably a good job they're sold out, I'd be all over that!

S2000 seats?
Title: Re: Vanity splurge
Post by: Dev on January 25, 2021, 22:41
Quote from: steveash on January 25, 2021, 21:01
Quote from: Dev on January 25, 2021, 18:55It is a replica of an actual Toyota aftermarket trim for manual transmissions. Apparently it was a rare part that not many had.

  I found the company that made the limited run with better pictures. They had a difficult time to get it right but the end result was very good. 
https://super-klasse.com/products/spyder-shifter-trim-bezel-pre-order?variant=8102497026151

It's probably a good job they're sold out, I'd be all over that!

S2000 seats?

Yes S2k seats. What I like about them is the shade of leather matches the other leather bits I had made like the center leather arm rest and side rests by the door.
On the rear of the S2k seats I was able to remove and exchange the plastic trim on the back for newer ones in silver which comes close to matching the aftermarket wheels and the silver bits in the cabin. What I did not know is after adding the trim from a distance it looks like style bars or rests that you see on more upscale roadsters.

 It is the little things that may seem insignificant but if properly planed out you see the car as a whole and not the individual parts. 
Title: Re: Vanity splurge
Post by: Ardent on January 25, 2021, 22:54
Quote from: Dev on January 25, 2021, 18:38I was able to get a cellphone image. Just know the gear shift trim looks like one piece with the gear shifter plastic. If it was any other color it will look like I did it which is not what I was going for as I wanted it to look subtile but impactful as a whole.The quality of the leather shift boot is better then what I have seen on some high end luxury cars. 
Like.
That leather does look very soft and supple.
Title: Re: Vanity splurge
Post by: Dev on January 26, 2021, 00:06
Quote from: Ardent on January 25, 2021, 22:54
Quote from: Dev on January 25, 2021, 18:38I was able to get a cellphone image. Just know the gear shift trim looks like one piece with the gear shifter plastic. If it was any other color it will look like I did it which is not what I was going for as I wanted it to look subtile but impactful as a whole.The quality of the leather shift boot is better then what I have seen on some high end luxury cars. 
Like.
That leather does look very soft and supple.

Thanks. It's not as soft but it's supple. The grain is very fine and it has a kind of dull satin sheen that you can tell from a distance that it's high quality. I was told it was air craft leather and I assume it's used in private jet interiors. This replaced a previous aftermarket leather boot which was nice but the grain was too corse. The OEM pleather boot is just awful.
These cars have so much potential because of the many cheap items that can be upgraded. I would say the best interior mod from a design perspective is the Navpod.
 
Title: Re: Vanity splurge
Post by: Petrus on January 26, 2021, 10:44
Quote from: Dev on January 26, 2021, 00:06Thanks. It's not as soft but it's supple. The grain is very fine and it has a kind of dull satin sheen that you can tell from a distance that it's high quality. I was told it was air craft leather and I assume it's used in private jet interiors. This replaced a previous aftermarket leather boot which was nice but the grain was too corse. The OEM pleather boot is just awful.
These cars have so much potential because of the many cheap items that can be upgraded. I would say the best interior mod from a design perspective is the Navpod.
 

Boy what a barbarian I am :-)
Title: Re: Vanity splurge
Post by: steveash on January 26, 2021, 15:15
I have to say, when I bought my car it was to be driven rather than looked at but I'm steadily going down that slippery slope of prettying it up. I'd love to have the interior professionally remodelled (I wouldn't trust myself) but it would probably cost more than the car is worth!
Title: Re: Vanity splurge
Post by: Petrus on January 26, 2021, 15:22
Quote from: steveash on January 26, 2021, 15:15but it would probably cost more than the car is worth!

The work is worth what the result is worth it to yoú.

There a few more clear examples of that than in the low rider subculture:
One taketh sixties Detroit real estate on wheels.
Spend several times the value on a custom paint job.
Ditto engraved chrome.
Ditt custom interior.
Ditto engine tuning and blinging up.
Even more on hydraulics to make the thing dance to the tune of a
silly expensive sound system.

One well over >100K example that started out as a few K Chevy was shipped to London to be exhibited as art.

To put it in perspective very véry few casr beyond hatchbacks are wórth their price for the transport qualities. Never mind the luxury end of the hyper things.

Title: Re: Vanity splurge
Post by: steveash on January 26, 2021, 16:00
Quote from: Petrus on January 26, 2021, 15:22
Quote from: steveash on January 26, 2021, 15:15but it would probably cost more than the car is worth!

The work is worth what the result is worth it to yoú.

There a few more clear examples of that than in the low rider subculture:
One taketh sixties Detroit real estate on wheels.
Spend several times the value on a custom paint job.
Ditto engraved chrome.
Ditt custom interior.
Ditto engine tuning and blinging up.
Even more on hydraulics to make the thing dance to the tune of a
silly expensive sound system.

One well over >100K example that started out as a few K Chevy was shipped to London to be exhibited as art.

To put it in perspective very véry few casr beyond hatchbacks are wórth their price for the transport qualities. Never mind the luxury end of the hyper things.


Very true, but despite the time I've spent on it, my wife still considers my car first in line for the financial ejector seat should we have to tighten our belts!
Title: Re: Vanity splurge
Post by: 1979scotte on January 26, 2021, 16:05
Quote from: steveash on January 26, 2021, 16:00
Quote from: Petrus on January 26, 2021, 15:22
Quote from: steveash on January 26, 2021, 15:15but it would probably cost more than the car is worth!

The work is worth what the result is worth it to yoú.

There a few more clear examples of that than in the low rider subculture:
One taketh sixties Detroit real estate on wheels.
Spend several times the value on a custom paint job.
Ditto engraved chrome.
Ditt custom interior.
Ditto engine tuning and blinging up.
Even more on hydraulics to make the thing dance to the tune of a
silly expensive sound system.

One well over >100K example that started out as a few K Chevy was shipped to London to be exhibited as art.

To put it in perspective very véry few casr beyond hatchbacks are wórth their price for the transport qualities. Never mind the luxury end of the hyper things.


Very true, but despite the time I've spent on it, my wife still considers my car first in line for the financial ejector seat should we have to tighten our belts!

Somethings are no go areas in a relationship.
My wife wouldn't ever ask/tell me to sell .
As I wouldn't tell her to sell her designer shoes.

A sorn mr2 costs nothing and they're not worth much.
Sell the engagement ring instead.
Title: Re: Vanity splurge
Post by: shnazzle on January 26, 2021, 16:35
Agree with Scotte. 
Basically the mr2 is so worthless on the market that it doesn't make sense to sell it, especially if its your main car or your cheapest car to get around with.
Especially off the road... Best locked, covered, isolated and left for a better day
Title: Re: Vanity splurge
Post by: Petrus on January 26, 2021, 16:39
Quote from: 1979scotte on January 26, 2021, 16:05
Quote from: steveash on January 26, 2021, 16:00
Quote from: Petrus on January 26, 2021, 15:22
Quote from: steveash on January 26, 2021, 15:15but it would probably cost more than the car is worth!

The work is worth what the result is worth it to yoú.


Very true, but despite the time I've spent on it, my wife still considers my car first in line for the financial ejector seat should we have to tighten our belts!

Somethings are no go areas in a relationship.
My wife wouldn't ever ask/tell me to sell .

One of my views on love is that it is feel good to see your love happy.
... and that is double sided sword in this aspect ;-)
Title: Re: Vanity splurge
Post by: Petrus on January 26, 2021, 16:44
Quote from: shnazzle on January 26, 2021, 16:35Basically the mr2 is so worthless on the market that it doesn't make sense to sell it, especially if its your main car or your cheapest car to get around with.

Which brings us back to to that spending any proper money on it easily adds up more than the thing is worth.
Title: Re: Vanity splurge
Post by: 1979scotte on January 26, 2021, 16:48
Quote from: Petrus on January 26, 2021, 16:44
Quote from: shnazzle on January 26, 2021, 16:35Basically the mr2 is so worthless on the market that it doesn't make sense to sell it, especially if its your main car or your cheapest car to get around with.

Which brings us back to to that spending any proper money on it easily adds up more than the thing is worth.

Which brings us back to you can't put a price on happiness.
Title: Re: Vanity splurge
Post by: Petrus on January 26, 2021, 17:22
Quote from: 1979scotte on January 26, 2021, 16:48Which brings us back to you can't put a price on happiness.

and to the wife who does :-)

No, seriously, in any cohabitation the finances are part of it and circumstances are both different and fluid.
Title: Re: Vanity splurge
Post by: Dev on January 26, 2021, 18:17
Quote from: steveash on January 26, 2021, 15:15I have to say, when I bought my car it was to be driven rather than looked at but I'm steadily going down that slippery slope of prettying it up. I'd love to have the interior professionally remodelled (I wouldn't trust myself) but it would probably cost more than the car is worth!

  I have invested in this car primarily because it is the car I want to keep as long as I can. No other car has the fun to drive satisfaction this car brings.  If I go to sell I still win because I have used and enjoyed the car the way I like it and that is the price of admission.
   Why buy a new car that depreciates quickly and will be plagued with all sorts of complexity when it needs to be serviced. Our cars are reliable and easy to work on. The only thing it needs is a little make over and the car will look stunning and less dated. Just about every time I take it for a drive someone comments positively about it which is something I wouldn't get with a car that is recognizable. Most of the new cars look like a polygonic disaster with too many lines.

 Im now eligible for historic tags in my state and with it is lower registration fees and no more emission tests which also has fees.  Keeping the car is starting to be an investment that is giving back and ownership costs are very low because of Toyota reliability.   
 
 The world is changing and I have a feeling that people will start gravitating to vintage stuff just because inflation is going to make the quality of items worse.
Title: Re: Vanity splurge
Post by: Alex Knight on January 27, 2021, 08:12
My Fidanza flywheel and EliseParts sump combined cost the best part of £1,000. Can't see them! 💁🏽‍♂️
Title: Re: Vanity splurge
Post by: 1979scotte on January 27, 2021, 08:54
Quote from: Alex Knight on January 27, 2021, 08:12My Fidanza flywheel and EliseParts sump combined cost the best part of £1,000. Can't see them! 💁🏽‍♂️

Possibly the best mods for a 2zz swap after the dipstick.