The Use Case Rule

[SSO]

I've been having a number of discussions with a friend on different potential acquisitions this year and how they fit under a Use Case Theory. Its killed a few acquisitions that I might have made in my younger years and is generating a lot of discussion on how a 430 Scuderia 16M would fit given the other cars we currently own.

I finally tried to document the approach and implications: Use Case Rule (https://karenable.com/the-use-case-rule-of-supercar-collecting/)

Thoughts on the approach?

[Twin_Cam_Turbo]

Coming from a much less wealthy point of view, I agree with your reasoning. I recently changed my entire garage minus one vehicle and if I think about it, it really came down to having a bunch of stuff but not really having a use for it that I enjoy. The only car I kept was a worthless Crown Victoria that sits as a sea can blocker for someone else that I have plans for next year. My Corvette I thought was one of the attainable dream cars, but it was a nightmare and I turned it into something that was fast but totally unenjoyable to drive. I put only ~8000km on it in three summers of ownership, did not enjoy anything more than the occasional street drive, wasn’t getting any faster at Castrol with it and it was costing me a huge part of my income to run. I bought a truck and a car hauler to remedy the fact that I didn’t want to drive it to events, which became mostly irrelevant once I traded the Corvette (my dad is building a small trailer and changing vehicles to tow his car to events still since I no longer can for him). I took a CTS-V and some cash on trade but my girlfriend hummed and hawed about driving manual and eventually it became pretty clear at best the car was maybe a nice summer journey vehicle for me, was fun but extremely slow at Castrol and was basically sitting stored with the hope of gaining some value to offset the massive running costs of the Corvette. So now I’m down from 4-5 vehicles including the trailer to two relatively cheap to run vehicles that fit my income situation a lot better, and I find I don’t hesitate to go for a little drive for no reason now as fuel and complete vehicle ownership costs are much less. On the flip side as well I’m not expecting any of the current vehicles to depreciate much which puts my mind at ease as well.

[A2VR6]

Sounds similar to an approach that i've heard of: "tool for the job".

[Buster]

SSO ... I saw this for sale and thought of you. Your thread was timely! Local car.

https://www.lamborghinicalgary.com/listings/2018-koenigsegg-agera-rs/

96393

[Buster]

As for the article itself - all good points.

The Use Case rule really applies to both space and budget - both of which are a constraint for me. I've got 4 spots in the garage, but one is taken up by kids toys and bikes. One is taken up by the family hauler (3 kids under 12). One is going to have my fun AMG daily driver replaced by a truck for mountain biking and activities duties.

So I'm left with one space for a fun car. My AMG GT departed earlier this year to make room, but it's tough to figure out what to fill it with. With more budget and more spaces, a person can get more granular with your Use Case categories. I need a one trick pony. Given that we don't have a plethora of fun roads close by to Calgary, and our new track is still under construction, a pure driver's car is generally wasted here. No point in an Elise or similar track/canyons focused weapon. Here, you have to err on the side of GT capabilities - so you can do weekend trips into the mountains and catch some fun there. It's interesting that regardless of budget or space, we are still making some of the same decisions - is the car useful for my lifestyle, am I getting track usage, can I afford giant repair bills, etc.

[SSO]

As for the article itself - all good points.

The Use Case rule really applies to both space and budget - both of which are a constraint for me. I've got 4 spots in the garage, but one is taken up by kids toys and bikes. One is taken up by the family hauler (3 kids under 12). One is going to have my fun AMG daily driver replaced by a truck for mountain biking and activities duties.

So I'm left with one space for a fun car. My AMG GT departed earlier this year to make room, but it's tough to figure out what to fill it with. With more budget and more spaces, a person can get more granular with your Use Case categories. I need a one trick pony. Given that we don't have a plethora of fun roads close by to Calgary, and our new track is still under construction, a pure driver's car is generally wasted here. No point in an Elise or similar track/canyons focused weapon. Here, you have to err on the side of GT capabilities - so you can do weekend trips into the mountains and catch some fun there. It's interesting that regardless of budget or space, we are still making some of the same decisions - is the car useful for my lifestyle, am I getting track usage, can I afford giant repair bills, etc.

That sounds like a tough brief to fill. GT that will eventually be good on a track. A Ferrari F12 might work but will not be cheap to run. I'd also give a 997.2 GT3 a look.

- - - Updated - - -


SSO ... I saw this for sale and thought of you. Your thread was timely! Local car.

https://www.lamborghinicalgary.com/listings/2018-koenigsegg-agera-rs/

96393

Thanks but a K'egg is a car you you want to own once in your life and I've already ticked that box.

[killramos]

I don’t think I’ve ever owned any car that could be considered worthy of “collectible” status.

But until last fall I had 4 cars kicking around, and ultimately I sold the only one that was any good because I literally never used it.

For practical reasons, whether it was the need to haul the dog around, projects, road trips, hail paranoia etc. I ended up driving my winter beater jeep 8 times out of 10 while my AMG was rotting and depreciating in the garage. Ended up selling the jeep and getting a much nicer daily driver pickup so I wasn’t always driving around a piece of garbage. And worked to offload the C63.

Somehow my wife’s little Lexus and her mustang have remained immune from this purge lol.

Boring story, but the closest I can come to relating.

[dirtsniffer]

Wrong thread

[ExtraSlow]

My Automotive life is pretty boring as well compared to most of the "car guys" on beyond, but I do get it. Sometimes it's more hassle than it's worth wondering which vehicle to choose to drive to grocery store. One thing people at all income levels can enjoy is more time and a simplified lifestyle, and a smaller fleet just takes less time to care for, and less mental space as well.
I still feel like 3 vehicles was about right for my family of 2 adults and 2 kids, but for a lot of years, I was counting my pennies too much, and wanted upgrades on 2/3 of them. Decided to drop the two worst ones, and upgrade into 1 swiss army knife kind of vehicle, and it's mostly good. Still miss the small car for downtown commuting, although only do that about 6 days a month now, so it's not a big issue.


Sorta relevant, I have a relative who has been provided a company car from his work for 20 years, and since he works at a rental car place, he can swap back and fort from SUV's to pickups to smaller sedans at his pleasure. He hasn't owned a personal vehicle in those 20-ish years at all, and he's considering buying one. The issue is, he's so used to the flexibility that he has a really hard time figuring out his use case at all. A 1-ton truck with a camper on it would be good for his fishing trips. A true GT car would be great for ripping out to the mountains or to a lake. He's saved up enough pennies that he could buy some legit nice cars, but he's so confused with options, and so clearly doesn't "need" anything, that he's been sitting on this idea for a couple of years.

[dirtsniffer]

I really don't know what my plan is. Trucks are so damn awesome I don't see myself without one.
New faster truck
Or supplement with a 3 series, camaro, genesis.. corvette? Do I need to drive my kid ever? Ya, probably not a two seater.

[ExtraSlow]

as a parent of young kids, it's hard to figure out the use-case for a two-seater, because there are more opportunities for a fun drive with the kids than without.

[Twin_Cam_Turbo]

as a parent of young kids, it's hard to figure out the use-case for a two-seater, because there are more opportunities for a fun drive with the kids than without.

My gf does not like my version of a fun drive so I think I’m ok for the future...

[SSO]

as a parent of young kids, it's hard to figure out the use-case for a two-seater, because there are more opportunities for a fun drive with the kids than without.

If they are still pretty small, you can always drop them in the back of a 911.

- - - Updated - - -




Somehow my wife’s little Lexus and her mustang have remained immune from this purge lol.

Boring story, but the closest I can come to relating.

My wife's Maserati Granturismo is also has complete immunity to any Use Case discussions.

[dirtsniffer]

My gf does not like my version of a fun drive so I think I’m ok for the future...

A truck with a jumpseat up front can lead to some fun drives

[Twin_Cam_Turbo]

A truck with a jumpseat up front can lead to some fun drives

I just got rid of one of those.

[brucebanner]

We're currently down to two vehicles in the household. One suv & one summer only car. We don't need another daily but I dislike the suv and have been looking steadily since we've gone down to one daily. I plan on selling the summer only car this upcoming year as well since it's only good for making noise around town and heading to the straight line race track, Buster 's favorite place.

Trying to figure out a more "fun" year round vehicle (trackhawk:D without the trackhawk budget) while also upgrading the summer only car too.

The use case is interesting and something I generally try to put into consideration personally. Then I look at my dad who really likes and collects classic GM muscle cars, which essentially all have the same use or in some cases non use for him. Use case theory goes right out the window.

Everyone's situations are unique to them though, so whatever can manage and enjoy, go for it. :thumbsup:

[90_Shelby]

I don't live in Aspen, therefore my budget isn't unlimited and since I have kids, I can't justify a two seat sports car. We typically commute in one vehicle but need the option to drive either vehicle anytime for multiple purposes. I'm very pleased with the two cars in my garage and they never fail to make even the most mundane drive exciting.

707hp Jeep and 600+hp wagon

96395

Snowstorm, take the Jeep
96396

Mild winter conditions, take the wagon but expect to break the tires loose at any speed under 150km/hr.
96397

Summer vacation or mountain biking, either option works. The wagon handles the curves better but the Jeep is not bad at all for an SUV and passing on the highway is never an issue.
96398
96399

[90_Shelby]

I don't feel the need for a pickup truck so I bought a very small utility trailer for dump runs, landscaping or runs to home depot.
96400
96401

The option to tow with both is handy
96402

They can hold their own light to light or at the drag strip as well

CTS-V
96403

Trackhawk
96404

They aren't the fastest or the coolest, and the interiors are worse then a Kia, but when it comes to multi-purpose vehicles for a car guy, these do the trick for me.

[A2VR6]

My gf does not like my version of a fun drive so I think I’m ok for the future...

This. Wife doesnt like my version of a fun drive either and likely doesnt feel comfortable with me taking the kidi solo on one so a 2 seater still works ok in my case. If i head out on a fun drive it's usually just me so hence why I was fine with going from a 4 seater fun car to a two seater fun car.

[rc2002]

The way I see it, use case is a consideration for those (pretty much the overwhelming majority) who don’t have the space and money to collect cars. If you’re not a collector and want to be efficient with money it always makes sense to minimize the number of vehicles while maximizing utilization and enjoyment.

The article feels like a flex. If you had enough money to buy a P1, F50, F40, etc does use case really matter? Storage and depreciation seems like it should be a secondary consideration if you had that kind of money, no?

[spikerS]

I don't have the room or finances to really own a 3rd "fun" vehicle. Baygirl and I would both love a high HP fun "driving" car to bomb around in, but, it is nowhere near our realm of possibility right now. We have 2 vehicles, a Ford Focus and an F-150. Baygirl uses the Focus to zip around town in, and I use the F150 to haul the family on road trips, hauling building materials and such. We have all the bases covered for our use cases pretty well, so we haven't really missed not having a fun vehicle. But her idea of a fun vehicle and my idea are pretty far apart. I would love a ZR1, Viper, or my personal fave, an AMC Gremlin, and Baygirl hates all of them and has stated that if I got one, it would be grounds for divorce. She wants a foxbody mustang.

[Team_Mclaren]

The way I see it, use case is a consideration for those (pretty much the overwhelming majority) who don’t have the space and money to collect cars. If you’re not a collector and want to be efficient with money it always makes sense to minimize the number of vehicles while maximizing utilization and enjoyment.

The article feels like a flex. If you had enough money to buy a P1, F50, F40, etc does use case really matter? Storage and depreciation seems like it should be a secondary consideration if you had that kind of money, no?

Werd, at that level of wealth... does use case really matter? You buy them because you can, not because of their functions...

[Buster]

The way I see it, use case is a consideration for those (pretty much the overwhelming majority) who don’t have the space and money to collect cars. If you’re not a collector and want to be efficient with money it always makes sense to minimize the number of vehicles while maximizing utilization and enjoyment.

The article feels like a flex. If you had enough money to buy a P1, F50, F40, etc does use case really matter? Storage and depreciation seems like it should be a secondary consideration if you had that kind of money, no?

Flexing only counts if you're not anonymous.

[killramos]

How much money is “enough money”?

[Buster]

How much money is “enough money”?

I dont understand the premise of the question.

[killramos]

Well the question is if you have enough money does it matter.

I’m curious at what point you have enough money to buy those cars. Or enough money to not matter

[Buster]

That sounds like a tough brief to fill. GT that will eventually be good on a track. A Ferrari F12 might work but will not be cheap to run. I'd also give a 997.2 GT3 a look.



Thanks but a K'egg is a car you you want to own once in your life and I've already ticked that box.

That color scheme is the identical one to what the Pfaff guys had McLaren build for a Canadian limited edition 570S. Red carbon on white. Probably just a coincidence.

As for my one-car problem - I think I've give up track capabilities in order to maximize the sports-car/GT car mission. The F12 is the current contender, with an FF/Lusso also in consideration to fit two of my kids. Although I think the 720S would also be a logical choice - with the caveat I've mentioned elsewhere regarding McLaren's more shaky position in the marketplace (well deserved or not).

Of course, my dream car is an F40, but that's a whole other conversation and one the other side of a liquidity event.

[Buster]

Well the question is if you have enough money does it matter.

I’m curious at what point you have enough money to buy those cars. Or enough money to not matter

Well, if you are on FChat or McLaren life, it's hard to tell where people fit. But I would say that in general the people who really, truly don't care are still a relatively small minority even amongst those customer bases. I'm sure SSO would have a better fix on the drop-off in this regard, but it's probably a single-digit percentage of the owners in those places that truly don't care at all about the financial resources involved in their garages.

[BavarianBeast]

I like the use case rule and try to follow it, although some cars see a lot more garage time.

89’ VW Vanagon Westfalia - Camping/Weekends
89’ BMW 325i convertible - 20 degree sunny days
2013 Audi TTRS - Daily driver
2016 Dodge Ram - Farm and mtb vehicle
2018 Audi R8 RWS - Thrills/Summer/Date night

Every car is very different and each one invokes a different driving experience and vibe. I used to think I’d collect multiple exotics and other cars but don’t seem to have much of a desire anymore. Maybe one V12 Lamborghini and call it complete.

[SSO]

Well, if you are on FChat or McLaren life, it's hard to tell where people fit. But I would say that in general the people who really, truly don't care are still a relatively small minority even amongst those customer bases. I'm sure SSO would have a better fix on the drop-off in this regard, but it's probably a single-digit percentage of the owners in those places that truly don't care at all about the financial resources involved in their garages.

I don't know of any owners that truly don't care about what they have invested in there garages, the running costs etc and this includes a few very wealthy individuals. While they may not be buying cars as investments and expect them to appreciate, they do look at their cars as assets and expect them to hold value well. No one wants to be writing off 7 figure sums on anything and some of the stingiest people I know are some of the wealthiest.

[Buster]

I like the use case rule and try to follow it, although some cars see a lot more garage time.

89’ VW Vanagon Westfalia - Camping/Weekends
89’ BMW 325i convertible - 20 degree sunny days
2013 Audi TTRS - Daily driver
2016 Dodge Ram - Farm and mtb vehicle
2018 Audi R8 RWS - Thrills/Summer/Date night

Every car is very different and each one invokes a different driving experience and vibe. I used to think I’d collect multiple exotics and other cars but don’t seem to have much of a desire anymore. Maybe one V12 Lamborghini and call it complete.

You have built an impeccable garage.

[SSO]

That color scheme is the identical one to what the Pfaff guys had McLaren build for a Canadian limited edition 570S. Red carbon on white. Probably just a coincidence.

As for my one-car problem - I think I've give up track capabilities in order to maximize the sports-car/GT car mission. The F12 is the current contender, with an FF/Lusso also in consideration to fit two of my kids. Although I think the 720S would also be a logical choice - with the caveat I've mentioned elsewhere regarding McLaren's more shaky position in the marketplace (well deserved or not).

Of course, my dream car is an F40, but that's a whole other conversation and one the other side of a liquidity event.

F40 ownership is a whole different experience. They are 25+ year old cars now and need lots of TLC to stay in great running condition.

FF/Lusso is a pretty capable car but I wouldn't want to track it.

[Team_Mclaren]

For sure, the wealthy/smart bunch would still care about vehicle depreciation and running cost etc. Not every super/hyper car owner is a rapper/sports star. But is function/use case really matter? Like if you already have one track car, would you care if you get another? I'd think that you'd just buy a particular car just because you want to. That's how I look at it... but all my cars are cheap compares to what's being mentioned.

[SKR]

I've had more than one version of the same vehicle several times. The only thing that ever stops me from getting more is either money to buy them or places to put them. I spend a lot more time thinking about getting more storage space than shrinking my fleet.

If I'm making payments on something it has to earn its keep, but once it's paid for and there's a place for it to sit, fuck it.

Edit: I think there's a lot of people in this thread that didn't read the article.

[Buster]

For sure, the wealthy/smart bunch would still care about vehicle depreciation and running cost etc. Not every super/hyper car owner is a rapper/sports star. But is function/use case really matter? Like if you already have one track car, would you care if you get another? I'd think that you'd just buy a particular car just because you want to. That's how I look at it... but all my cars are cheap compares to what's being mentioned.

Ultimately, we all have the same limitation - time.

[The_Rural_Juror]

I read the article

[Team_Mclaren]

Ultimately, we all have the same limitation - time.


This I do not disagree. I guess if the argument is based on usage then I understand.

[ExtraSlow]

89’ VW Vanagon Westfalia - Camping/Weekends
89’ BMW 325i convertible - 20 degree sunny days
2013 Audi TTRS - Daily driver
2016 Dodge Ram - Farm and mtb vehicle
2018 Audi R8 RWS - Thrills/Summer/Date night

Every car is very different and each one invokes a different driving experience and vibe.


You have built an impeccable garage.
+1 BavarianBeast has a nice fleet.

[ThePenIsMightier]

SSO ... I saw this for sale and thought of you. Your thread was timely! Local car.

https://www.lamborghinicalgary.com/listings/2018-koenigsegg-agera-rs/

96393

Wow, that car. Wow!
Another wow is the complete wholesale change in staff at Weissach! I recognize one person as I cruise through their personnel. One!
I wonder what happened.

[mr2mike]

The article feels like a flex. If you had enough money to buy a P1, F50, F40, etc does use case really matter? Storage and depreciation seems like it should be a secondary consideration if you had that kind of money, no?
This!
I didn't click his link but definitely a flex and all this guy does is workup articles to link to and send traffic to his website. Nice "flex".

[The_Rural_Juror]

This!
I didn't click his link but definitely a flex and all this guy does is workup articles to link to and send traffic to his website. Nice "flex".

How can one be flexing when they've got a Mclaren Senna at one end of his humble garage and a GT3 RS at the other? :dunno: My only beef is that I expected a marthematical theorem in the article to guide my future Tesla Fit purchase.

[SKR]

My only beef is that I expected a marthematical theorem in the article to guide my future Tesla Fit purchase.

Fuck marth. Treat yourself, son.

[dirtsniffer]

That is the way of the marth

[Buster]

This!
I didn't click his link but definitely a flex and all this guy does is workup articles to link to and send traffic to his website. Nice "flex".

They're interesting articles, and I linked to them prior to him joining here. Flexes only count if people know who you are.

[The_Rural_Juror]

They're interesting articles, and I linked to them prior to him joining here. Flexes only count if people know who you are.

You mean his name is not Karen?

[SSO]

You mean his name is not Karen?

Explanation on the name: "Karenable is a term our children invented to decide if a hotel or restaurant would meet Mrs SSO’s (aka Karen) standards. When planning different trips and vacations, the kids often would take a look at the hotels and immediately give the different venues a 1-5 “Karenable” rating"

[The_Rural_Juror]

Explanation on the name: "Karenable is a term our children invented to decide if a hotel or restaurant would meet Mrs SSO’s (aka Karen) standards. When planning different trips and vacations, the kids often would take a look at the hotels and immediately give the different venues a 1-5 “Karenable” rating"

Are your kids saying that your wife is high maintenance? Oh dear.
In which case, you are entitled to purchase any vehicle you wish. Duplicates even!

[SSO]

Are your kids saying that your wife is high maintenance? Oh dear.
In which case, you are entitled to purchase any vehicle you wish. Duplicates even!

Discerning is a term I would use.

[mr2mike]

How can one be flexing when they've got a Mclaren Senna at one end of his humble garage and a GT3 RS at the other? :dunno: My only beef is that I expected a marthematical theorem in the article to guide my future Tesla Fit purchase.

Anything you post for images or video online is a flex or why are you posting it? Because you want to show your close friends? Pff. Right.

[The_Rural_Juror]

Anything you post for images or video online is a flex or why are you posting it? Because you want to show your close friends? Pff. Right.

I don't see him posting photos of his wife. Rule #69 - It's not a flex unless you post photos of your wife.

[Buster]

I don't see him posting photos of his wife. Rule #69 - It's not a flex unless you post photos of your wife.

It's not a flex unless you post pictures of your wife.

And your girlfriend.

Together.

[ExtraSlow]

That's a flex.

[ThePenIsMightier]

Pffft! We've got lots of pictures around the house of my wife & her mom. In frames, yet!

[M.alex]

OP sounds poor ... should just build more garage space.

[SSO]

OP sounds poor ... should just build more garage space.

Working on it. Hope to have two more spaces ready shortly.

[Buster]

Working on it. Hope to have two more spaces ready shortly.

plans for the spaces yet?

[ExtraSlow]

Probably a Ford escape

[killramos]

Nothing a ridge line or 2 can’t solve

[SSO]

- - - Updated - - -


plans for the spaces yet?

Yes, SCG 004S and a McLaren 765LT Spider

[vengie]

- - - Updated - - -



Yes, SCG 004S and a McLaren 765LT Spider

That's not how you spell "Trackhawk".

[SSO]

That's not how you spell "Trackhawk".

I don't tend to buy American cars. SCG 004S will only be the 2nd I've owned. First was a Mosler MT900S.