Thinking of seriously selling the Javelin...

Long version:

I've owned the Javelin for exactly 3 years now. I bought it without asking SWMBO first (we wed like 2 weeks later) but it was also stupid cheap. Anyway, 3 years of work later and it's a respectable 10 footer that runs great but has a trashed interior. She's yet to touch it and I can't bring mini-me in it (needs a new back seat, new seat belts, a carpet kit, and the rear window re-sealed at a minimum). It's causing marital strife and it stresses me out that it's going to spend another winter outside.

Conversely, Dad's been looking for another Javelin for years. He always had a 70 through my childhood (Big Bad Orange 360 SST that rusted out, then a Black Cherry Mark Donohue 360 that got totaled, then a Red/White/Blue Mark Donohue 360 that went to Cali) and he and Mom had a Yellow 72 (that was crushed by a tree in a lightning storm) when I was born. I've already talked to him about selling him my Javelin, and he's really into it.

I feel like I'm giving up, both on the car and my own dreams, but family should come first. I would be able to buy something else to replace it. SWMBO really wants a Mustang, and I wouldn't mind one either. With the Javelin sale we'd be able to swing a 05-09 GT/Auto. Then we could take the kids with us and both autocross again, which would be very important.

TL;DR - Feeling emo about whether or not to sell the "Most Interesting" car in the Reader's Rides. Please help.

Javelin wrote: It's causing marital strife

That's enough to get rid of it right there. I can't think of any car, or really any situation that can be easily dealt with, being worth causing strain on the marriage.

Sell it and don't look back.

At least you got to own it for 3 years.

Sorry buddy, but it's gotta go. After owning 40+ cars I can say, when the little lady is backing the idea, things are monumentally easier. How old is your kid(s)? Buy the mustang and he/she can help you put brakes or shocks on it when the time comes.

I think you have 2 choices sell it (marital strife is not worth it.) or put it away somewhere where swmbo forgets about it. Thats what i have done with my MGA for last several years. My boys are now getting to the age where they want to start playing with it which has made it ok with my wife again. I know it may not work for your situation, but i am glad i still have it.

Yup, time for it to go.

My 924 project has caused all sorts of strife since I got it, for similar reasons. While I wasn't particularly excited about a 944 turbo due to the maintenance headaches, etc. the fact that SWMBO was behind getting it made it that much easier to pull the trigger and I'm looking forward to having a decent car to drive again and to have her willingly ride shotgun.

The fact that the Javelin would stay in the family should help immensely and having the family involved in your car hobby makes it that much easier in the long run.

Javelin wrote: Long version: I've owned the Javelin for exactly 3 years now. I bought it without asking SWMBO first (we wed like 2 weeks later) but it was also stupid cheap. Anyway, 3 years of work later and it's a respectable 10 footer that runs great but has a trashed interior. She's yet to *touch* it and I can't bring mini-me in it (needs a new back seat, new seat belts, a carpet kit, and the rear window re-sealed at a minimum). It's causing marital strife and it stresses me out that it's going to spend another winter outside.

I didn't have to read past this. Either the car goes or she goes. Take your pick.

Momma ain't happy, ain't no one happy.

If you sell it to your dad it's still available to you down the line as long as you make sure there is a 100% right of 1st refusal or decades down the line it comes back to you in his will.

In reply to DrBoost:

My daughter is 20 months on Sunday and we are currently fostering a 13-week old. Daughter already helps wash the car and clean wheels.

In reply to Swank Force One:

To be fair, nearly everything I do causes marital strife (amirighttuna55?!?). She loved our Miata and hated our 944 (then I got in trouble for selling the 944, WTF?!?)

It would be nice for the whole family to be able to enjoy the "fun" car again though.

Javelin wrote: In reply to Swank Force One: To be fair, nearly *everything* I do causes marital strife (amirighttuna55?!?). She *loved* our Miata and *hated* our 944 (then I got in trouble for selling the 944, WTF?!?) It would be nice for the whole family to be able to enjoy the "fun" car again though.

I made SWMBO well aware that if it gets to the point that i can't do anything right, the problem will mostly likely not be me.

Sell, change name to Mustang!

I would put my woman in her place and go on. Which she would never do that as long as she has her project cars/truggies.

If its making you miserable and you think you can honestly get over the regret of selling it within 6months sell it. I usually try to look 6 months ahead before I sell one. You know, when the money's gone and there's that empty spot in your heart and your garage.

Tell her shes your wife, not your mother. If its taking food out of your kids mouth, its a problem. Until that happens, what you do with your money and hobby time are your concern, not hers.

Sadly, I got this advice from a gentleman who was old enough it could work, and too late to do me any good. I stand by the principle, though.

I'm at the same place with my W123. The wife won't drive it, I'm DDing the RX8 and it's just sitting sadly outside.

Selling it to your dad is a win-win situation. It basically stays in the family, you know its going to a good home, and your family issue is solved.

bgkast wrote: I'm at the same place with my W123. The wife won't drive it, I'm DDing the RX8 and it's just sitting sadly outside.

My wife has never driven my Sentra and even hates riding in it. Whenever we go anywhere together, we take her van.

jstein77 wrote: Selling it to your dad is a win-win situation. It basically stays in the family, you know its going to a good home, and your family issue is solved.

^^^this. Hit the easy button. Let it go.

It's just a car, and sounds like it is going to family. At one point I had a Corvette and I was sure I would have that thing forever. But with kids a two-seater wasn't really practical, and even though I imagined the two of us going out to nice dinners in it that almost never happened. I sold it and moved on.

If it makes you feel any better, I watch these shows on Velocity where people are always buying and selling things like concours winning Ferraris, real Cobras, muscle cars worth 6 digits, etc. etc. Cars that I could only dream of owning, and they buy and sell without batting an eye. For me at least it makes me realize that it may not be so important to hang onto my junkers forever.

jstein77 wrote: Selling it to your dad is a win-win situation. It basically stays in the family, you know its going to a good home, and your family issue is solved.

^^^^^^ times ten, exactly what I was going to type. But before you sell it do two things, first tell your wife not to bust your balls over a $250.00 car? (according to profile) & second Just be sure to use the buy back clause with your dad and that your wife understands this, you have the first right to get it back if you want to.

SEADave wrote: It's just a car, and sounds like it is going to family. At one point I had a Corvette and I was sure I would have that thing forever. But with kids a two-seater wasn't really practical, and even though I imagined the two of us going out to nice dinners in it that almost never happened. I sold it and moved on. If it makes you feel any better, I watch these shows on Velocity where people are always buying and selling things like concours winning Ferraris, real Cobras, muscle cars worth 6 digits, etc. etc. Cars that I could only dream of owning, and they buy and sell without batting an eye. For me at least it makes me realize that it may not be so important to hang onto my junkers forever.

Also a good point

Causing marital strife? Either get rid of the car or get rid of the family. I would suggest getting rid of the car.

There are other cool cars out there. Is the fact that it still needs work the reason why she hates it? Could you find another one down the road with all your AMC family connections that's more complete?

SilverFleet wrote: There are other cool cars out there. Is the fact that it still needs work the reason why she hates it? Could you find another one down the road with all your AMC family connections that's more complete?

I thought this was an important question. She dislikes this particular Javelin, not all of them. She'd be A-OK with me getting an already nice one in the future. Although she acknowledges the amount of progress I've made on this one (and yes, it really was $250, I have the BoS and Title to prove it), it will always be that "ugly rusty orange POS" I brought home without asking.

This why I am leaning towards letting it go to Dad. He practically owns half of it anyway (he sent me, for free, the brake booster, master cylinder, complete front suspension, carburetor, valve covers, exhaust manifolds, tons of misc pieces and trim, etc). He needs/wants a car now (he has a 69 Ambassador he's been using for the last 15+ years and it's literally rusting away, no floors left, doors have baseball sized holes, etc) and the door is open for me to get a better AMC in the future. I've always really wanted a 68-70 AMX or a 70 Javelin.

I'm in the sell it camp. It sounds like you'd be equally happy with a Mustang, and everyone else would be much happier. So if that can fit the family budget, I say do it.

Keep it. If you think you'll regret selling it you will. The interior can be fixed, so you can eventually take the kiddo for rides and the wife, well I'd figure out a way to work with her on it that isn't so absolute as everyone else is suggesting (her or the car), I mean damn have any of you guys ever heard of compromise?

Plus, if you sell the only car you brought home without asking you pretty much kill ever getting to do that again. I love bringing cars home without asking....it's fun seeing her expression, which can be good or bad.

bgkast wrote: I'm at the same place with my W123. The wife won't drive it, I'm DDing the RX8 and it's just sitting sadly outside.

I'm somewhat at the same place with our Mazdaspeed Miata and the Escort.

The Miata, i couldn't give a E36 M3 less about, i don't drive it. She drives it 4 miles to and from work, and it's ruining the car. She seems to like it. I'd rather have the car in cash form in my pocket and save on insurance. Mentioning that i'd like to sell it leads to strife.

The Escort, i'd like to finish, and it wouldn't take much, but in looking back, i don't feel like a huge void has been opened in my life by not autocrossing the last 3 years, so what exactly is the Escort going to bring to the table? The answer is: Nothing.

I'm considering sending an ultimatum to SWMBO to choose between Escort and MSM, one is getting the axe, but i also like my balls not suddenly anointed with a foot at very high speeds.