Thinking of Cashing in... selling off all my rides...

[Brock Samson]

Things have changed to such a large degree in my life the last three years...
...those who followed my saga know of the loss of my family (father, sister mother in the past few years), the "Downsizing" of my job, and a few other major life changing events.
I'm looking/thinking seriously of selling off all my vehicles and starting a new home business or maybe even moving from San Francisco to a less Taxed location. This town has really gotten way too expensive for an average Joe.
So Jan. is the date I've set to begin this endeavor and though I may change my vehicle and location I will allways have a soft spot in my head for the Charger.
(Smart comments from snooter aside) I can't see going through another year of paying Insurance, Taxes and Reg. on four vehicles and watching gas bump $5.oo per Gal. as I expect it will by summer.
Any thoughts?..

[Ghoste]

My first thought Dave is to make CERTAIN you do what YOU want.  Selling some cars?  Maybe. The Charger?  I don't know about that one.  A move might improve your outlook but you take some great pics of your area and local car culture so be sure of wherever you want to go to.  All areas suck for some reason and all are great for some reason but a change can always be helpful.

[greenpigs]

The motor home would be the first to go and then rethink things. If I was to go into my own business and the driving wasn't going to be much I would ditch the 300.

[BB1]

Kansas, Welcome Home Brock.

I left the Communist State of California 13 years ago, I wished I did it sooner.

Good times man.

[ITSA426]

Keep what you like best but this is a tough market to sell in if you want top dollar.  I'd try to wait it out awhile into spring - more motivated buyers, some with money.

[Brock Samson]

yes

[Sublime/Sixpack]

Things have changed to such a large degree in my life the last three years...
...those who followed my saga know of the loss of my family (father, sister mother in the past few years), the "Downsizing" of my job, and a few other major life changing events.
I'm looking/thinking seriously of selling off all my vehicles and starting a new home business or maybe even moving from San Francisco to a less Taxed location. This town has really gotten way too expensive for an average Joe.
So Jan. is the date I've set to begin this endeavor and though I may change my vehicle and location I will allways have a soft spot in my head for the Charger.
(Smart comments from snooter aside) I can't see going through another year of paying Insurance, Taxes and Reg. on four vehicles and watching gas bump $5.oo per Gal. as I expect it will by summer.
Any thoughts?..

I relate to your situation and feelings somewhat, I plan to sell a couple of my cars this spring, simplify life, and change direction a bit.  "Change" can be a very good thing at times.
Thoughts? Yes, think through it well so you won't have any serious regrets, and good luck in the future.

[69bronzeT5]

I'd sell the motorhome and the Roadrunner but keep the Charger. Move up here.

[billssuperbird]

think about it real hard 

[Daytona R/T SE]

Figure out which car is your favorite.

Keep it.

Sell everything else except a reliable daily driver.

Move.

Be happy.

I know EXACTLY where you're coming from.

I've got room in my garage for three cars/projects.

I own nine, plus two trucks, a car trailer and a Harley.

This shit has got to stop. 

[A383Wing]

Figure out which car is your favorite.

Keep it.

Sell everything else except a reliable daily driver.

Move.

Be happy.

I know EXACTLY where you're coming from.

I've got room in my garage for three cars/projects.

I own nine, plus two trucks, a car trailer and a Harley.

This shit has got to stop. 

You and I must be related...I got the exact same problem as you   

Except no Harley...sold my bike years ago

[RallyeMike]

Brock: I wasnt aware of your tough year. Hang in there.

All in all, I think the life changes about moving on to a new career and home are a lot more stressful and complicated that the car decision, and only you can work through those. I agree that if you decide to move forward with major changes, hang onto the Charger for another year or so at least until you are 100% positive that it's the right decision. You've laid down a lot of rubber in that car and the memories are not replaceable. When you shed some of the other newcomer Mopars it's not going to hurt as much - they can even be replaced later on. It can even be a relief... I trimmed down from 6 hobby cars to 4 so far and it's actually been liberating.

[TruckDriver]

Seriously, DON'T SELL THE CHARGER!
   You own one of the nicest Charger's on the forum.










I'm hoping you'll keep it long enough for me to buy it.

[General_01]

I would have to agree with the others who said to pick one  and keep it, at least for now. If down the road you want to sell the last one off, you still can.

Sorry for the last year or so that you have had. Take care.

[skip68]

   Do you ever think about living in a small community?  Like in the hills or some place slower?  Cash out of Ca. and buy a nice little place with some room and a nice big shop/garage.    God knows we've moved a time or two and it's not easy but change is good.  This is a TUFF decision that only you can make.     I know you have a few more years of wisdom under your belt than I but remember, friends and family are only a phone call away.  So don't fear leaving S.F.     Make a pros & cons list for moving and selling.     Chuck...................

[SFRT]

keep the Charger and yes, get the hell out of friggin crisco frisco.

[Brock Samson]

  Belive me folks the Parade Float would be the very last to go... 

I am not yet desperate but the writing is on the wall. 
I need to get busy this spring and reverse the cash inbalance,
because at this point more is comming out of pocket then in and as we all know that wont fly...
I was lucky to strech my savings the 18 Mos. I have but come Febuary I'm loseing my health care and the decent cushion I have previously enjoyed...
The current job market dictates I be a "Warrior not a Worrier".
I have prettty much every material possesion a man could possibly want as I am surrounded by comfort and toys and the stuff I've collected since 1966.
I have options but they don't include being frivolous.
The Road Runner is posted on Cars for Sale.

Thanks for your kind wishes...
 

[The70RT]

Sorry to hear that. Move out of Cali and you could probably keep your cars. In the midwest you can get a 100K house that would cost 3 times that in Cali and you get a yard, and don't need your e-brake to park everywhere you go. Your bound to get better MPG. Gas here is about a buck 50. Good luck which ever direction you choose.

[Ghoste]

Do NOT sell the Charger unless it becomes absolutely necessary.  I made the mistake once of selling that "special" car we each get and I've spent two decades regretting it.  Bad times always pass.

[Daytona R/T SE]

Figure out which car is your favorite.

Keep it.

Sell everything else except a reliable daily driver.

Move.

Be happy.

I know EXACTLY where you're coming from.

I've got room in my garage for three cars/projects.

I own nine, plus two trucks, a car trailer and a Harley.

This shit has got to stop. 

You and I must be related...I got the exact same problem as you   

Except no Harley...sold my bike years ago

I really should sell the Harley-I rode it maybe three times this past summer 

I keep telling myself I'll have time for the bike when I get this damned Daytona clone done (like that'll ever happen)

Now back to Brock's thread...

[WingCharger]

Dude. Keep the Charger. Get the heck out of cali. It is only going to get worse for muscle car owners there. Hop you can make it through this.

[Mefirst]

  Dave...

Sorry to hear about your worries.. Hope things turn out in a good way in the end..

Take care Bud...

/Tom

[ACUDANUT]

 Man I am sorry for your loss this past year or two.
Get out of Californa and move East...Say KC or Texas
Keep that awesome Charger and the Roadrunner.   SELL the Motorhome, Bike and boat, if you have one.  What kind of work do you do ??
Degree

[Neal_J]

It seems to me that your basic underlying problem is the lack of incoming cash flow.  Unfortunately, no matter where you might move you will have the same challenge, albeit to a lesser degree.  And selling stuff, like the cars, merely defers the timing but doesn't change the basic problem.  Lastly, the market to selling anything these days (real estate, vehicles, etc.) is in the tank so the mitigation that option provides will be tenuous & temporary at best.

So, focus your efforts on the incoming cash flow (& health benefits) NOW and selling stuff LATER.   Critically assess your skills in the new media age, update your resume and get after it, pronto.  Yea, it's going to be rough now but it ain't gonna get any better for quite a while. 

You asked...

Neal

PS - What was the last name of the Road Runner's owner near me?

[Brock Samson]

  Welp,.. I just lost the loooong post and info,.. cause i allready posted this appearently, but it's funny i don't remember posting it the first time... 
The short story is,.. moving out of cali is simply an option but waaaay down my list of piorities...
The cars are fine as is but the upkeep is a factor, four insurance policies, four Regs. and Taxes are pressing concerns at this point...
I may re-start my old Moving Company, only this time - rent vehicles on an as-needed basis...
I simply need to make $3K a month... Not impossible..
But I need to get started.

[vancamp]

I have been before and am looking at now being in the same position your in and to this day I still regret selling my road runner but you do what you have to, if you do decide to move houses are cheap here in BFE arkansas. neighbor down the road has been trying to sell a two bedroom,1 bath, brick built with enclosed carport and two acres for $55 grand and no takers. 

[C_stripes]

I found a house in Nampa ID about 20 minuets from Boise for $109,000. 4 bedroom 2 bath on .70 acres. Firebird raceway is about 30 minutes away. I wouldn't mind living up there. It gets a little windy, but very little snow. Frisco is not cheap. But I am sure you already know that.

[Finn]

Get the heck out of cali. It is only going to get worse for muscle car owners there.

Them be fightin' words boy.

(jk )

Brock: Had a thought; could you pull the engines or something of the like to be able to register your cars as non-ops (assuming you have room to keep them that way)? That might help lower the amount of cash you need to bring in and allow you to keep them.
Good luck with any decision you make man

[tan top]

sorry to hear that about your Family & stuff over the last few years ..you just gota keep that awesome Charger  dude  ....
good luck in what you ever decide to do 

[PocketThunder]

Maybe the Gate will take you back?

http://tbe.taleo.net/NA3/ats/careers/searchResults.jsp;jsessionid=83BB5015046D431D87C335EB17C298EE.NA3_primary_jvm?org=TRD&cws=1

[Todd Wilson]

I'll give you 500$ for that gas guzzling pig of a motorhome you have!   



Todd

[Ponch ®]

Man, hopefully you don't have to sell any of your rides. But if you do, maybe they'll stay "in the family". Will you take payments on Skunkenstein? 

[TUFCAT]

I'd like to have the Gold Roadrunner survivor!!!   

[Brock Samson]

 Watch it there tuff guy, She hits back...   

[TUFCAT]

I know it hurts to even think about parting with your pride and joy(s)    ....but hell, I' might even be willing to pay for it. 

Honestly, I only wish you the best. You've been a great member here, and speaking for all of us, .....nobody likes to hear this stuff happening.  Good luck. 

[Old Moparz]

The money part always hits you in the head first. I've spent a lot less the last couple of years on everything in general, but mostly because I buried myself in projects & feel overwhelmed. I've been trying to simplify things & my cars have been neglected because of all the daily things in life that come first. They sit in the garage collecting dust because other things are a higher priority, like the house, family, etc.

I have my '71 Barracuda for sale, but the timing with the bad economy leaves very little interest in it from buyers that don't exist. Fortunately I'm not in a position where I have to have a fire sale, so maybe when things pick up I will sell it. Selling your Road Runner might ease the situation for you, but like others said, it'll be short term. Going back to work will keep your mind occupied. Sometimes too much down time leaves you too much time to think, which in turn might allow you to dwell on the negatives.

As far as where to live, I know I'd never be able to retire in NY where I am, so later on I'll need to consider a move to where taxes & property is generally cheaper. CA can't be any better, but you also have to stay where you like living. I left a very congested part of Northern NJ to be in an area that was more rural & like it a lot. I don't know how I'd feel moving away, but I guess I'll find out years from now. A friend moved to VA from this area & loves it. He has no regrets, but his situation was very different with no ties to family & moved with his Dad who has since passed away.

I suppose it's different for everyone, & you'll know better than anyone offering advice. Maybe selling just the Road Runner & working at home will be enough to make you happy.

Good luck with it.

[b5blue]

Hey cheer up!There are lots of great deals on homes here in Fl. and tax is low!I'll bet you could keep your Charger and find a nice place here with the profits from the other cars!There are tons of options,I'm building my Charger as a "D D" cause that's the only way I can keep it!Sit down and make a list of what you need:food-shelter-clothing kinda thing, then cut overhead knowing you were smart to invest in some mighty MOPAR and may cash in on some, Think of all the stock market crap that's been going on.....you can't drive stock!(My bro is pretty wiped out about now)Don't let all the hype get you down, cars are just "things" you and yours are what's important.Hang in there man I like the idea of starting your own company!   

[gordo1968charger]

i don t even know you and i want to send you some money!
i ve been taxi driving for nearly 3 years now as well as my regular bodyshop job,the part time taxi job PAYS FAR MORE than the car bodyshop,i ve thought about selling up myself a few times, BUT its like driving your charger slow,its just too hard to do,when i m skint(which is all the time)i just do another shift AND KEEP THE CHARGER IN THE GARAGE WHERE IT BELONGS NOT IN SOMEONE ELSES!!

[chargerboy69]

Strat,

I do know what you are going through as far as contemplating selling your cars. I recently sold off both my 69 Chargers, and to be honest I do not miss them all that much. Did I have to sell them, no I did not. But with the poor economy I wanted to make sure my family came first and we had cash on hand and all of our bills paid off. Until people are in your situation some people will not understand. And as far as it being a soft market it is true. But there will be a buyer for your car. It might take a little longer to sell, but it will sell. Heck, I got full asking price for both my cars, so it can be done.

As a side note, Indiana is great state to live in. Good luck to you in whatever you decide.

Tim

[Brock Samson]

          First up I'd really like to thank you all for your heartfelt concern and suggestions...
Selling the Charger is a last resort and I don't think that's really the issue,..
It's just that I've done the math and without a quantum leap in income over my pre retirement level I can't justify maintaining four vehicles. Insurance, registration and normal maintenance costs are prohibitive - never mind the cost of bringing the Road Runner back with the motor rebuilt disc brakes a decent paint job and the other myrid details these "restorations" require.
  Now, the latest news on automobile gas prices is good as they say the depressed economy will damp down prices far under what we suffered this past summer, here in my neck of Calif. they were bumping above $4.70 Per. U.S. Gal. for Regular. the Runner and the Chinook both take Premium gas while the R/T with it's hardend valve seats and the 300 M will accept Regular gas. in any case those premium prices were enough to derail any plans i had for extended trips in the R/V and even the short 100-200 mile trips I made were a brow wiping affair.
Few folks under the age of 50 will appreciate the cost and importance of health care which has now become my priority and the $511.oo Per Mo. which is minus dental and vision would be handled readily for some time with income the R.R. might bring.
If you'd like to give money to someone, all kidding aside, find a school teacher somewhere, anywhere as they are the most deserving.
Thanks friends and have a fantastic new Year.
Dave aka Brock aka Strat.

[General_01]

I sold my General Lee replica earlier this year because it just gets to be costly to keep cars running that you hardly drive. I am hoping my wife comes to that realization with her Vette. She only drives it back and forth to work about twice a week in the summer. She does not take it to any events. We have a couple of Vette clubs in town that hold shows and she has never gone to one with or without the car. It doesn't matter to me if she doesn't sell it, but it is just taking up space in the garage during the summer. I will have to take it in for a tuneup this summer and I think I will buy a smaller carb to put on it. I wasn't thinking and bought a 770 carb for the stock 350. Way to big. Maybe after that she will drive it more.

I wrote all this to let you know that your situation is not unique. My wife and I both have full-time jobs, and we are in our early 40's and get health coverage through her work. So our situation seems to be a little better than yours and I still felt the same thing. Good luck downsizing the fleet and living with a little less stress in your life. It feels good.

[Steve P.]

Hey Strat,  I just got a new computer and I am playing catch up here. I know what the gut says and what the mind is saying too. I made a major move back in 94'. I left much family and big money work. Sometimes you just have to do what you have to do.. 

We moved from upstate NY to the Clearwater, Florida area.  Most people here are from somewhere else. There is much to love about this area. One is no state taxes. Another is no sniff tests. This being an area in which many people move in and out of quite a lot, might just be the ticket for your moving company.  When we moved here there was a very small moving company called"TWO MEN AND A TRUCK". Now they still go by the same name, BUT they are huge.. Trucks all over the place all the time.. They are well known around here. 

Another thing to think about is the cost of housing. I just saw a 2858SF home on .57 acres in Spring Hill, Florida for $122K. It was built in 2005 so it would be all up to code and hurricane standards..  Of course you have to be ready for the occasional hurricane, but this area is not prone to them. (Not that you can bet on that).

This is the time of year when all the hot rods and muscle cars are cruising all over while most of the rest of the country is shoveling out to find their winter bomb. I love it. 

The fact is, it doesn't matter where in this country you go or anywhere for that matter, there is a give and take. The average wage here sucks. BUT,,,,, if you are in the right niche you can make a killing and live pretty cheep.  Our taxes are not very bad and as long as you don't live inside of or very close to a larger city your car insurance isn't bad either. (I pay way too much). I should live in Spring Hill myself..

The other major thing is that you are use to plenty of sunshine and ocean breezes. We have all that too. One thing you might miss is the occasional Earth quake or mud slide, but don't worry, we have hurricanes and sinkholes.  I am dealing with a sinkhole right now.. Glad I paid the insurance bill..

Good luck with whatever you decide...

Anyway

[snooter]

Things have changed to such a large degree in my life the last three years...
...those who followed my saga know of the loss of my family (father, sister mother in the past few years), the "Downsizing" of my job, and a few other major life changing events.
I'm looking/thinking seriously of selling off all my vehicles and starting a new home business or maybe even moving from San Francisco to a less Taxed location. This town has really gotten way too expensive for an average Joe.
So Jan. is the date I've set to begin this endeavor and though I may change my vehicle and location I will allways have a soft spot in my head for the Charger.
(Smart comments from snooter aside) I can't see going through another year of paying Insurance, Taxes and Reg. on four vehicles and watching gas bump $5.oo per Gal. as I expect it will by summer.
Any thoughts?..



ive regreted for years selling of my baseball cards in 1971 for 5bux....mom made me sell em.....man i had a sweet baseball card collection in 71...and the mini skirts and cute high skol girlies are still vivid in my mind back to those hot 71 summer nights....hippies were interesting too....mom use to feed em and such.....good luck with future endeavours but at least keep 1 car for yourself

[NHCharger]

         
Few folks under the age of 50 will appreciate the cost and importance of health care which has now become my priority and the $511.oo Per Mo. which is minus dental and vision would be handled readily for some time with income the R.R. might bring.
 

Dave, I hear ya on the health care. You can always take Cody's suggestion and move to Canada for the free health care

[Neal_J]

Yea, that's the ticket:  cruise up to the great white north so you and Cody can room together!!   I'd bet he would let you have the bottom bunk, half his Hot Pocket, and at least 10 full minutes of computer time per day.

I smell a reality show....or a homicide.  Awesome!

Neal

[Brock Samson]

  One thought I've been playing around with in my head, is selling off my rides and getting a new Chally. that would replace prety much everything but the R/V.
But That's pretty much rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic if ya' know what I mean..
And Neal, I have seriously concidered Moving to Cody's neck of the woods for about the last 8 years, that was, intill I found out he lives there... 

[69bronzeT5]

 
And Neal, I have seriously concidered Moving to Cody's neck of the woods for about the last 8 years, that was, intill I found out he lives there... 

Thanks Dave

[Brock Samson]

 Hey Man we could start a band!.. 

[69bronzeT5]

Hey Man we could start a band!.. 

Already in a band 

[gordo1968charger]

  One thought I've been playing around with in my head, is selling off my rides and getting a new Chally. that would replace prety much everything but the R/V.
But That's pretty much rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic if ya' know what I mean..
And Neal, I have seriously concidered Moving to Cody's neck of the woods for about the last 8 years, that was, intill I found out he lives there... 

one reason i wanted to send you some money is i think your funny as f$$K!!
i ve read some of your posts and they always give me a chuckle
happy new year

[Silver R/T]

Things are hard for most everyone. It's hard for me also but I try to fight back and just hold on in there, hoping for things to pick up. I certainly cut back on things I don't need. Charger would be last thing I'd think about selling.

[Dough88]

Hey Brock, (bitchin username by the way) sorry you're having a hard time, hope you can find a way to keep all your toys or at least your favorite one  . 

I've never been to San Fran, but I spent a week in the valley last year (near Bakersfield) and it seemed pretty cool If that's something you might consider.  If all else fails, come on down to Texas with the rest of us lunatics. 

I hear you about the health insurance.  I'm only 30 but I got hurt pretty bad back in June and my 2,000 max out of pocket health coverage ended up with me paying about 5,500 out of my pocket.  I hope things get better and work out well for you.