Mastana

Hey guys this isn't SC related but it is car related. Why do all people build cars and then sell them once they are up and running? They go through so much work and labor and money but end up of selling it. I'm trying to get motivated for a build but i want to clear up somethings before i officially start. Any information would be appreciated thanks

Biddles

iTrader: (2)

It's not the "it" that you want, it's the fantasy of "it." So, desire supports crazy fantasies. This is what Pascal means when he says that we are only truly happy when daydreaming about future happiness. Or why we say the hunt is sweeter than the kill. Or be careful what you wish for. Not because you'll get it, but because you're doomed not to want it once you do.

t2d2

iTrader: (8)

It's the difference between a hobby and a means of transportation. When it's a hobby, you want to keep busy with subsequent projects. That's why many people say that a good build is never completed. As long as you remain interested with ongoing tinkering and improvements, there's no pressing need to toss aside all that work and start anew.

For some people it's a source of income, but I imagine it's tough to make a buck building and flipping cars. For others, I think they over-build and realize the finished product isn't practical.

I waffle daily between perfecting the interior and stripping it out. Maybe I'll do both in alternating years or months and never be finished.

Edit: Biddles, I think that applies more to purchasing fantasy cars than building them.

bigwes

ditto to what t2d2 said. some ppl get bored once they finish and sell it to start a new one. i know for me, im a builder and a car collector. i like to enjoy my finished products. so when i finish a project, i buy a new project instead of getting rid of them

Studiogeek

iTrader: (6)

I think loads of people sell because of intermittent mechanical problems in some boosted cars. Others wreck their finances and have to sell right away. And also there are many that achieve a goal and immediately fall in love with something newer or more high end. They have a chunk of liquid asset. It's like they saved up 10K (but spent 14K doing it).

TXMAG

iTrader: (1)

Basically what t2d2 said.


For me it comes down to I just like having something new to tinker with. There are hundreds, if not thousands of cars I'd love to get my hands on, even for a brief period of time. These days though I look to buy other people's projects that need minimal work so when I do get bored and sell the financial hit is negligible.

eknine9

iTrader: (8)

I'm always wary of "finished projects" for sale. Sure there are definitely people out there who just love the making and not so much the having. But often times it turns out not being what people imagined, or it doesn't quite run right. Maybe its too much power to drive comfortably. Or it's noisier then expected and less comfortable. OR maybe all of the solid mounts led to a ride too rough and jarring to be comfortable. There's nothing quite like getting out of a car and feeling like you're finally letting go of a jackhammer.

I like building projects, but I also like keeping them. And if you want to keep it, it needs to be somewhat practical. Otherwise it'll end up like so many other projects "only 500 miles on the swap" for sale to some unsuspecting fool who doesn't realize that the individual parts may be awesome, but the overall experience of driving the car is not. I'm not saying all builds end up like this that are for sale. But I am saying that a lot of swaps, FI, and builds with extremely low mileage are typically just uncomfortable, or unenjoyable due to the fear induced from the driving experience.

There are a lot of great rides out there that people have built that are enjoyable to drive. And getting something custom to be enjoyable is exceedingly difficult. It takes engineers at automotive companies countless years of tinkering and adjustment just to mildly update an existing vehicle. So it stands to reason that not all builds will manage to maintain that same level of comfortability when driving. A harmony of mods is more important than having the most power, or the most fitment, or the most of whatever. I think thats why most builds ultimately end up for sale. When it comes to cars a 7 is arguably better than a 10 in quite a lot of cases. Also sometimes people just get bored and want a change of scenery. Not every build for sale is uncomfortable... but most are.

ems

iTrader: (1)

Bucket list+No storage(or money)=selling car+buying another

OBEEWON

Yeah, dude hit it on the head.
For me things are never perfect and those things bug me. So when you are done there is a disappointment and the grass looks greener elsewhere.

But I've built enough cars to be cured of that and I think I'm done doing that.

KahnBB6

iTrader: (5)

It's what Buddhists (or is it specifically Tibetans?) refer to as "The impermanence of things."

No, it's mostly what t2d2 stated, however for my part I tend to get into a project car because I can't find brand new car (incl. affordably) that is EXACTLY what I am looking for with EXACTLY the specs I am looking for in EXACTLY the shape and driving feel I am looking for... and as close to bulletproof longevity as possible. But to date I haven't picked up a project car as a second vehicle just for the fun of the project and then become bored with it. I tend to get fixated on the strengths of a certain model no matter its age and prefer to fix or improve its issues as a mostly daily vehicle. I tend to keep mine for a LONG time.

In short, I'm not easy to please and I'm particular. I expect a lot of specific options and characteristics to exist on most non-econobox cars, even on many four door cars. I'd love to do a 2nd project vehicle though. Maybe my SC will become that eventually. But many, many, many car people in general exhibit this habit of spending a fortune on a car only to lose interest 85% of the way there or once they've messed with it too much.

But that, by itself, is just another expression of creativity and journey. With a huge dent to the wallet and time as the caveats, of course. Personally I feel that if you can and really love the experience.... do it!

LEXXIUM

iTrader: (1)

I'd have to say life priorities, then again I have a 3yr old and 5 yr old and I dont and won't want part with this sc no matter what.
Unless someone totaled it, then it's a different story

mikef

iTrader: (3)

Tell me whats better then a 2jzgte v160, nothing. if you cant enjoy having a car that its all bolt on super car parts, you should just quit now. the supra/sc are the last of the best hands down

TXMAG

iTrader: (1)

Ever driven a 4spd Big Block car?

TXMAG

iTrader: (1)

Not sure if it's the greatest for everyone, but I'm in the same boat as you. I love what you get for the money with these things. And I've ALWAYS loved the styling.

KahnBB6

iTrader: (5)

I agree with both of these statements. The 2JZGTE+V160 is a legendary drivetrain and always will be. From a different era, so are the Ford 427+4-speed, Ford 429 Hemi+4-speed, Chrysler 426 Hemi (or 440)+4-speed, Chevy 454+4-speed and probably the Viper 8.4L V10. The Buick GN 3.8L V6 turbo engine should also be included but it's closer in spirit to the 2JZGTE and is auto-only.

Different approaches from different companies with wildly varying availability and price. But Toyota has yet to best their first and still only legendary engine. I don't count the LF-A V10 because it's unobtanium and no one is going to modify it the way any of the above mentioned bulletproof engines have been for decades.

As for the bang for the buck with the SC chassis in general... that's a no brainer there, aside from cosmetic interior restoration parts being difficult to obtain sometimes.