The Real Cost of Owning a Dream Car—and How to Make It Work Anyway

A Porsche 911? An old Land Cruiser? A GTR? These are dream cars for many of my clients. I help them budget realistically and avoid lifestyle creep.

Owning a dream car isn't just about the price tag—it’s about the total cost of passion. I’ve worked with clients who bought a Porsche 911 or an imported Skyline GT-R only to discover that the real expenses come later: $2,500 clutch jobs, $500 oil changes, specialized insurance, and a sudden urge to buy a lift and build a climate-controlled garage. The emotional high of ownership is real—but so is the financial whiplash if you're not prepared. That’s why I coach my clients to treat dream cars like long-term projects, not impulse buys.

Here’s my framework: First, build a realistic “TCO” (total cost of ownership) forecast, including maintenance, parts, and depreciation. Then, make the car earn its keep—through YouTube, consulting, or peer-to-peer rentals if you’re comfortable. Your dream car can double as your brand, your escape, and yes, a sneaky little side hustle. It just requires planning. Dream responsibly. The joy of firing up a flat-six at sunrise is worth every penny—but only when those pennies are accounted for.

Dream cars are attainable—but only if you treat them like investments, not ego boosts.