View Full Version : Considering selling up.....
Hi all,
As titled really Im quite upset that yet another year has passed and the novas only covered 400 miles... In fact in the past 3 years its only covered approx 1800 miles! Now bearing in mind I only tax it for 6 months a year I think its ridiculous and a waste of a damn good car. I really to be honest do not want to part with it but is it worth it to keep throwing money at it? Where do you draw the line? (4k in the past two years alone without my labour) and not getting the benefits from it I'd like to. Some of you know that six months ago I bought my first house, This I thought would give me more time for the nova as It was seconds from me in the garage But Ive found it to be quite the opposite and I seem to have less time for it than ever! My thinking is to possibly buy something that can be enjoyed everyday with the funds without worrying about bad weather turning the it to scrap! Or scenario two would be to use funds to build a low budget xe track car and enjoy myself that way. Although the nova has a good spec I couldnt see myself abusing it to death on a track as Id be to worried about damaging the paintwork or such like. I cant afford to have a good daily user as well like I used to as funds wont allow. Unfortunatly for me its one or the other. How do you guys that wrap them up for six months cope? Does it not frustrate you that your not enjoying your car to its full potential? All constructive opinions welcome as my tax runs out at the end of this month and Im down in the dumps with the car at the moment :(
Nick.
you thinking about selling you nova if so how much mate
paul james
28-09-08, 04:31 PM
Just accept the fact you'll get the odd stone chip occasionaly and start driving it more.
Perhaps sell the expensive engine and drop in a standard XE, if funds are a problem.
Just looked at the feature in your sig and it's a gorgeous looking car, love the everyday racecar feel of the flock and carbon fibre dash. I wouldnt want to let it go either! Not sure I understand correctly here, but why not use it for more of the trips that you use your other car for and enjoy it a bit more as a sort of part time daily driver, is it the fuel costs or maintainance or something else that stop you doing this atm?
The way i see it at the moment just because your car is a really nice example that you can't just buy out the showroom run into the ground and scrap, doesn't mean it can't be used a little more on the roads at the cost of a little more maintainance :thumb:
Just looked at the feature in your sig and it's a gorgeous looking car, love the everyday racecar feel of the flock and carbon fibre dash. I wouldnt want to let it go either! Not sure I understand correctly here, but why not use it for more of the trips that you use your other car for and enjoy it a bit more as a sort of part time daily driver, is it the fuel costs or maintainance or something else that stop you doing this atm?
The way i see it at the moment just because your car is a really nice example that you can't just buy out the showroom run into the ground and scrap, doesn't mean it can't be used a little more on the roads at the cost of a little more maintainance :thumb:
Thanks..... I sorn it over the winter months like a lot of people as everyone knows the bad weather will soon take its toll on a nova. To keep it in its current spotless condition I only use it in good weather. Funds are not an issue on this car however what I mean is I cannot afford to have two nice cars. I currently use a 1.2 corsa as my daily runner and as you can guess its not much fun! Which is why Im considering selling up to use the funds to buy something more practical.
paul james
28-09-08, 04:54 PM
I'm sure you could find a cheap fun car to replace the corsa -Scirocco, Chevette, old mini. Plenty of cheap and interesting cars about. Your worried about the nova getting wet or whatever, but who knows what the next owner might do to it if you sell, could wrap it around a lamp post.
Break it and sell the carbon goodies :)
Seriously though it does seem a real shame having it sat there doing 400 miles per year...
IMO as long as the car is well undersealed, waxoiled and cleaned up after each "Wet" use it will stand up. My Mk2 nova i try to keep as clean as possible underneath and in the arches etc.
staggy_gsi
28-09-08, 05:39 PM
dont sell it!!!!!!
as above mate, as long as its kept well undersealed etc it should stand up to a bit more driving. after seeing the car up close its easy to see the amount of time and love you put into it, i dont think you should part with it as you know full well youll regret it!
Geordie-Chris
28-09-08, 05:59 PM
Dude, your coming round to my way of thinking now!! Only I hit this slump a month or two ago, after Billing really!! I'm really in two minds about selling mine, but like yours I feel its too 'pretty' to destroy round tracks for the rest of its life, and am very close to selling it and getting a cheaper, more abusable car for my fun. Me and Shell have had our house for over a year now, and there's still loads of things that keeps me from being able to use my car, and the 6 months its not used over winter is a total waste. The way I see it I'll probably sell mine and use the 6 months or so to build something new, I get bored looking at it and not actually doing things to it! There is a point when you've got to stop throwing money at it, and I think your realising, like me, you've reached it!!
Its a sad time, but you may be right!!
vaughanmc
28-09-08, 06:04 PM
I know you don't have much time to use the car Nick mate but to be honest if it has all been 'rust-proofed' under neath I see no reason why you can't use it in the rain etc
I know bad weather kills Nova's lol as with washing mines all the time it made a hole in the front panel really bad
I'd draw a line at using your car in the winter months but get it out in the wet and use it :D
Geordie-Chris
28-09-08, 06:14 PM
The thing is, you can't really enjoy a powerful XE Nova in the wet, all you have is wheel spin and a manky car afterwards to clean. A car of Nicks standard will be fully rust proofed and capable of getting wet, but a car like that you can't leave anywhere because some jealous pikey ******* will key it/steal it/abuse it!!
When its cost so much to make, and worth so much personally you can't use it to pop to the shops with the missus, because you can't park it and forget about it, any damage will ruin all the effort and expense thats been poured into it!!
Either keep it and love it mate, or sell it and enjoy things a bit more!!
I'll swap you for mine PMSL!!
vaughanmc
28-09-08, 06:16 PM
Aye thats another point GC...Hmm some dilema lol
I know you don't have much time to use the car Nick mate but to be honest if it has all been 'rust-proofed' under neath I see no reason why you can't use it in the rain etc
It dont matter how well there protected, they still rust. Mine has....
Does seem a shame Nick having it sitting about, but youve spent too much on making it clean and shiny imo for you to abuse it on track etc.
The best track cars are a clean original shell(just tidy), and then everything spent on engine/handling. Using yours you would be too worried about coming off tracks etc and damaging it, i know i would anyway with a car of your standard.
Thing is, at the end of the day it is only a car. I know how well you've looked after it how much time/money has been spent but why have a car that doesnt get driven?
Even if you sell it, the next owner will drive it around so it will still get dirty/wet. I would say just drive it more often, can still garage it for the winter but drive it more often when it is taxed. You might as well get the use out of it.
If it was mine i would probably be scared to drive it as well, was bad enough with my old nova, used to park it accross 2 bays whenever it was in a carpark lol
krobinson
28-09-08, 06:53 PM
Nick, I know exactly how you feel but I dont think selling up is the solution.
Your way too concious of keeping the car mega clean, and its probably because you don't want anyone commenting badly at the shows etc. At the end of the day your in the right trade to spruce up the car once in a while so if I was you i'd just use it alot more
When you come home from work and its a dry evening, take it a good run.
I find dry nights, late when the roads are empty are the most fun, you can drive around at your leisure and not worry about too many people being around.
I'll be driving my Nova to england and back (about 800 miles total) 2/3 times next year, along with a 2,000 mile round trip to the ring. Start saving and bring it to the ring with us in 2009.
Keith
Dude, your coming round to my way of thinking now!! Only I hit this slump a month or two ago, after Billing really!! I'm really in two minds about selling mine, but like yours I feel its too 'pretty' to destroy round tracks for the rest of its life, and am very close to selling it and getting a cheaper, more abusable car for my fun. Me and Shell have had our house for over a year now, and there's still loads of things that keeps me from being able to use my car, and the 6 months its not used over winter is a total waste. The way I see it I'll probably sell mine and use the 6 months or so to build something new, I get bored looking at it and not actually doing things to it! There is a point when you've got to stop throwing money at it, and I think your realising, like me, you've reached it!!
Its a sad time, but you may be right!!
Chris.... Im in exactly that same boat fella.. There not something you can leave parked up at asda are they! And as for swapping with you Id be in exactly the same situation as yours is just as spotless! lol
Keith... I know what your saying fella however I just dont know If I can justify the car for the use it gets that all however If I do still have it Id love to possibly do the 09 ring trip with the car.
Personally, I'd just sell it, take the money, and put it into said new house. You'll make far greater returns in life from a house, not a car.
novacabrio
28-09-08, 07:31 PM
just use it when ever, if it rains then so be it. The rain doesnt do the damage its the salt in the winter
Jeff16v
28-09-08, 08:25 PM
Nick, honestly, if i worked in your game i wouldn't mind restoring it every couple of years. You know that once you've sold it that you'll regret it. Even if it goes to a worthy owner things on it will change like Ricks.
I'd say drive it and enjoy it, thats what its been built to do.
I'll be 60 and still playing with mine and its a worthwhile hobby.
Even if you sold it for good money 5-6K won't go far in a house.
Obviously if its running 45s then thats a big no-no for a daily driver due to running costs.
I use my Nova as an everyday driver, I just tend to leave it where everybody can see it (less chance of theft/vandalism).
Mines not mint like yours, but I do take a lot of pride in it.
I've no concerns about rain/rust. Dodging the rain in a Nova can't be good fun. Hell I'd drive mine through 3 foot of snow and then just clean it after!
My input: Change the engine/carbs to something more economical, make it secure, then drive the hell out of it.
Nick, honestly, if i worked in your game i wouldn't mind restoring it every couple of years. You know that once you've sold it that you'll regret it. Even if it goes to a worthy owner things on it will change like Ricks.
I'd say drive it and enjoy it, thats what its been built to do.
I'll be 60 and still playing with mine and its a worthwhile hobby.
Even if you sold it for good money 5-6K won't go far in a house.
Thanks Jeff, tbh though again its having the time to do just that, Ive had novas on and off since I was 17 which was 11 years ago! The money wouldnt go into the house It would buy me something which I could use everyday and just keep tidy and maintained. I think Id get much more enjoyment this way.... who knows! I definatly need something to have a little fun in!
Jeff16v
28-09-08, 09:05 PM
Thanks Jeff, tbh though again its having the time to do just that, Ive had novas on and off since I was 17 which was 11 years ago! The money wouldnt go into the house It would buy me something which I could use everyday and just keep tidy and maintained. I think Id get much more enjoyment this way.... who knows!
I hear what your saying, i've owned a nova for 18 years (makes me sound old) I did consider buying Ricks to boot around day to day.
You could easily build a street legal track car for a small amount and have a lot of fun.
MARTIN KELSON
28-09-08, 09:26 PM
I know how you feel but selling i dont think is the right thing.
I dont really use mine enough, but today i got it out of garage and went to Shakesphere County Raceway.
Stood away from car at burger van and alot of people were looking at it and taking pictures and that fealt good.
On way back had a 'dapple' with a Saphire Cosworth who had to conceed, followed me most of way home and stuck hand up when exited motorway. Days like this make it worth while.
And now its plastered in dust and got rained on..............
Keep it mate.
Enjoy tinkering in garage and use it as Keith says in evenings etc.
Martin
RSTChris
28-09-08, 09:26 PM
Just go out and start enjoying it again chap, dont worry abotu stone chips and waxyoil takes away the worry of rust!
hybridturbo
28-09-08, 10:42 PM
Sell it and start all over again with a mk2 escort lol
Nah its a loverly car Nick but youve kinda gone off track with it imo. Its a track prep'd stripped out, big engined nova that doesnt get used as it maybe should
This might be due to money or lack of time, but i think its more of show car and yes youve spent hours on just painting a plug cover etc but now youve built a car you no longer wanter to use :confused:
Sell the shiny stuff half the £4k your spending on it and enjoy it
Much like RICH does with his base blue nova LET
matthew172
28-09-08, 10:43 PM
u gotta keep it terry, i dont use mine and never realy have but **** it once u sell it its gone for good!
Sell it and start all over again with a mk2 escort lol
Nah its a loverly car Nick but youve kinda gone off track with it imo. Its a track prep'd stripped out, big engined nova that doesnt get used as it maybe should
This might be due to money or lack of time, but i think its more of show car and yes youve spent hours on just painting a plug cover etc but now youve built a car you no longer wanter to use :confused:
Sell the shiny stuff half the £4k your spending on it and enjoy it
Much like RICH does with his base blue nova LET
Very true there fella! It is more show car than it should be really but If I do keep it Im going to possibly change that a little! I think R1ch is having similar feelings at the moment after reading his wip thread!
Martin.... Thanks, I guess you've possibly considered this many times yourself after the amount of years you've owned your own and £££'s you have spent. I'll certainly have a long hard think before I make that decision. Im sure using it more would make me feel better about it.
Fred... Your probably right I would live to regret it... be over your way shortly as soon as I get the missus a new motor. Will bring your shiny bits etc :)
I've only read your first post so if its been said sorry,
But why dont you just use the car, get some miles on it and enjoy it?
tom_beverley
29-09-08, 10:14 AM
I've started thinking a little recently how much I'm putting into the car and other things it would be better spent on (like more savings for a deposit on a house) but I haven't even got mine finished yet so I'm trying not to think about it lol The end product I'm after is something similar to yours Nick in terms of I want it to be show quality but just at home on track too.
Its a cracking car and I'd be very concious leaving it in carparks and driving it through crap weather but Martin's comments ring so true with me. Its those occasions where you suprise more prestigous cars and have people showing interest and taking photos of it that make the whole build so rewarding, but you will have to start driving it more mate.
I personally wouldn't sell it, just try and use it a bit more and go from there, Keith's idea sounds excellent.
craig green
29-09-08, 10:34 AM
It just goes to show that speccing or building a car for the track but making it too showey (sp) only means its suitable uses or days when you might want to use it will be limited.
For me I get nearly as much fulfilment from building & fettling the car as I do from driving it. Much of the experience is ownership not just driving it.
Seeing as you work in the bodyshop trade I would say you are in as good a position as anyone to keep the car in tip-top shape should you ever feel the need to spruce it up after a couple years of spirited road use etc. Why not keep it & make it a more practical car to use, ditch the carbs for SFI injection & lose the bucket seats for some more comfortable std Nova recliners & make the car a better place to spend some time rather than it feeling like you are in a single seater race car that isnt particularly inviting.
I hope you come to the right decision Nick.
Different circumstances, but essentially the reasoning I had about selling VHD. I miss it in some ways, but IMHO a car should be driven more than 400 miles a year!
My advice is to do one of 2 things:
Sell it and buy an E36 M3/Scoob/Evo/Civic TypeR/other performance car for 4-6grand and use it as your main car whenever you want and worry not (and no second car required to insure/mot/tax) and you could still paint it up to a high standard. The double-whammy is that someone else can enjoy the Nova then.
OR
Use the Nova more. . . . And accept that it's gonna need work in the future.
At the end of the day, the Nova is NOT the money pit to you (as a bodywork specialist) that it is to others, but as you get older (I'm 35) you realise that you don't have the time anymore to do everything you want! Especially with a house and a missus and (Hopefully) children later on!
uummm... get off the forum and go for a drive :p
That will put your head straight ;)
Geordie-Chris
29-09-08, 07:20 PM
uummm... get off the forum and go for a drive :p
That will put your head straight ;)
For an hour or so - then you'll start feeling the same!! I've been going thru the exact same thing as Nick, changed my interior to try and keep me interested again, took it for a mad blast along some awesome counrty roads at the weekend and loved it, but I'd still be happy to sell it!! Aaaaggghhh, bloody Novas, take your time mate and see what happens!!
Don't sell it Nick, just start using it more and re-finish it before the show season, its one of my favorite novas of all time and I would hate to see it fall into the wrong hands and either deterioration or be stripped for parts
Wow! One hell of a response..... Thanks for the comments guys I appreciate it the suggestions and It gives me plenty to think about etc. I have a few things going on with the car at the moment/parts already paid for so Im going to finish what Ive started and then see how I feel but It wont be a decision I will be making in a hurry I will say that. thanks again, Nick.
If you start driving it more you'll love it more and wanna use it all the time.
And if you chip it who cares, do like i do and repaint it.
Rick Draper
30-09-08, 10:14 AM
Dude, your coming round to my way of thinking now!! Only I hit this slump a month or two ago, after Billing really!! I'm really in two minds about selling mine, but like yours I feel its too 'pretty' to destroy round tracks for the rest of its life, and am very close to selling it and getting a cheaper, more abusable car for my fun. Me and Shell have had our house for over a year now, and there's still loads of things that keeps me from being able to use my car, and the 6 months its not used over winter is a total waste. The way I see it I'll probably sell mine and use the 6 months or so to build something new, I get bored looking at it and not actually doing things to it! There is a point when you've got to stop throwing money at it, and I think your realising, like me, you've reached it!!
Its a sad time, but you may be right!!
Which is exactly where i was at. I cannot thrash my nova round a track, i have 2 much respect and time in it to do that. Bought a cheap corsa b shell and i am gonna make a track car out of it, no bodyshops for this shell.
Keep hold of it mate, when I sold my old red one I soon realised it was a mistake. A few years later I ended up buying another Nova anyway, and with decent Nova shells being so thin on the ground, you may not get another chance!!!!
Yours is one of my all time favs, it's sad to see the classics disappearing from the show scene...
Dec
garethcolley
30-09-08, 11:18 AM
I would be thinking the same thing really, i would love my car to be as clean as yours but then i simply wouldnt want to blemish it. I would clean it and keep it in a heated garage all its life. I was planning on going down that route but ive made myself realise my car needs to be driven (when its running again). Im about to get a full re spray on mine but im still planning on driving hard. Ive been having more problems with my engine when i drive it like a girl, when i thrash the LET it seems to enjoy it....keep the car but maybe overcome the fear of damaging it, they were built to drive.
Pistol Pete
30-09-08, 11:26 AM
Keep it. Quite often you see threads with a reg number and people trying to trace their old cars:roll: . Why sell it in the first place!!?? Just keep it, through the show/track day season use it and abuse it and over the winter put it in the garage and do any little jobs that need doing. I've looked at your car and it is evident that you have spent alot of time and money on it. Go out and enjoy it! :thumb:
No point in speading time building it to not use it and sell it to someelse to enjoy..
No point in speading time building it to not use it and sell it to someelse to enjoy..
I know what your saying Benn, however I know its never going to be a daily driver regardless, too uncomfy for one! And my missus hates every minute of being in it too :( . I'll see how things progress with it over the next few months, Id really like to be at billing again next year with it.
vaughanmc
30-09-08, 07:52 PM
Nick I know my car isn't even a patch on yours and I've thought about selling mines - With this driving age supposedly going up etc
But every time I say that I see myself on PNG or Pistonheads / eBay looking at Nova's forsale etc
I keep coming back to them, I'm sure others will be the same!
Personally I'd keep a hold of it mate, you'l end up on eBay or whatever looking to buy another
Maybe a lesser spec'd Nova but a Nova all the same - Your cars at its peak and its awsome - Give it some abuse out there :D
I know what your saying Benn, however I know its never going to be a daily driver regardless, too uncomfy for one! And my missus hates every minute of being in it too :( . I'll see how things progress with it over the next few months, Id really like to be at billing again next year with it.
Make its compfy then... Ands i wanna see it at billing too.
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