The time has come...

MATCHBX · 04-01-2005

It's with a heavy heart that I shall depart from the car scene for a while. I have decided it's much too expensive at this time for what is coming up. I got a very generous offer for my Talon and spare engine last nite from one of my neighbors so I sold the beast. I am going to use the money to save for a down payment of a house. I don't think I will be making it to any events this year (Rally or otherwise) as I need to save every penny I can.

I've enjoyed my time here and have made alot of great friends. I don't know when I will return but I will miss everyone. I have resigned from the rally committees and won't be making it to any of the rallycrosses this year.

My next step will probably to get rid of the CRX and get a more practical car. I will be needing something with 4 doors so access to the back seat will be easier for the new arrival. I will go into more detail tonite when I get home from work.

Thank you all for the great times.

Erik D

Matt D. · 04-01-2005

Having a kid, eh? Good luck in whatever you do and hope to see you back here soon.

And if this is some sort of April Fools joke, it's a poor one.

**JET** · 04-01-2005

If you are thinking about getting a house, I would start looking now. I was amazed at how cheap you can get into a house! I think I put $3,500 out in the beginning and it could have only been $1,500. Basically just insurance for the house & your ernest money. Everything else can be rolled up in your loan. The earlier you buy in the year, the bigger the tax break too. That is huge.

DSMPARTSGURU · 04-01-2005

hmmm anyone curious that its on april 1st? or just a fluke??? hmmmm

**Kracka** · 04-01-2005

When buying a house, its a good idea to have at least 20% down on order to avoid PMI (private mortgage insurance), which can really add up over time since it runs ~$50/month.

**JET** · 04-01-2005

Mortgage insurance is usually ~$100/mo, but you can do like I did and do a 0% down. That will give you a first and second mortgage, but no PMI. I am paying extra on my second mortgage, so once that is done I will be set. You can always just refinance after 2-3 years and you will be able to put it on one mortgage also because you will have 20% equity.

You are MUCH better off buying the house early and paying a tad extra than waiting and saving up 20%. It isn't even close. By the time you save up 20%, the house will probably have went up 20% in value, and that is money you lost out on.

Raptor · 04-01-2005

He is full of shit, it is april fools. Erik would shrivel up and die without rally and everyone knows it. So nice try, but I call BS.

Shotgun! · 04-01-2005

I could quote his sig, but i'm too tired. I call BS too.

TheBlizzard · 04-01-2005

I call BS as well. I suppose your giving up poker too? Right........

CRAIG

MATCHBX · 04-01-2005

Awwww....You guys know me too well. It was early and the idea popped in my head.

No, we are not expecting a child and HELL NO am I leaving the car scene or rallying.

You caught me. Next year f@#&ers!!!!!!!!!!