Hey everyone,

I joined the forums a while back but haven't properly introduced myself, so I thought I'd start with a dilemma I have at the moment with my Magna. I have owned a 2000 V6Si since April last year and absolutely adore the car.

It is my first car and unfortunately over the last 18 or so months I have owned it, people have keyed it quite well, with a big one down the drivers side and a slight one across the front and it has suffered some minor damage due to my own carelessness. Its only cosmetic damage, and mechanically it is very sound and is well looked after as I get it serviced quite regularly (every 5000km/6mths). Just ticked over 134' last week.

Now my dilemma, I have taken a keen interest in upgrading to a Magna AWD sometime mid next year as I will be on my full license by December '08 (unless I fail the test... then it would be shorty after that). But I have only owned my V6Si for 18 months, so maybe I should get it repaired and save up more money so I could buy a new 380 a few years done the track (as an AWD version may be available then)?

Here is a pic of my current V6Si:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2180/1494139049_6db2585aea.jpg

Cheers.

I'd get it fixed up, you don't need to get the whole car resprayed or anything, there are places which specialise in repairing scratches to bodywork. Shouldn't cost you too much at all and would improve the value of the car when the time comes to sell her.

If you're happy keeping the car for a while, and you're concerned about the damage, get it repaired.

I understand how you feel; I went through the same thing with a 2nd Gen I used to own. I thought about it for a bit, and went against what everyone told me, and fixed her right up.

Personally I'd hang on to it. You'll get a bit sentimental with it being your first car. Save up and wait for a 380.

ur thinking about a plan atleast 6 months down the track.. why suggest stuff now, when in 6 months u could be over ur car, or adore it.

come back to us in 6 months with ur budget, and ask then

Saw some 380 ES at Eastside Mitsubishi for $19990 or $90 per week finance, so thats some good deal if you want an upgrade. First cars always have sentimental value. I'd like to keep my first car but I think I'll have to trade it in to get another one. Its a plan that I'll just need to get finance approval and put pen to paper.

It looks like your very happy with your car, so fix it, keep it, and save your money up for something better. Dare I say if you get the AWD, you will probably part with$ $6k or more, and realise why did you do that just to get into a car thats virtually identical.

:)

the AWD uses more juice and is slower unless you like your twisties.. then thats a different story... i say keep it... as well