What car to buy?

HardDrive · 02-23-2006, 10:22 PM

I am having some sort of circular arguement with myself about what car to buy.

Its not so much about model, but about how much to spend, and 'just how vain am I ?'. I was looking at Mercedes E series cars, and I could afford one. I turned 36 this year, and some part of my brain is telling me I need a 'proper' car. I'm not shy about being a little vain.

But then the other half of me is saying, "are you nuts!?!?!?" All I need is a commuter car. An MB would be setting me back $900+ a month. I drove a VW GTI today, and it was a great little car. I could take it home and be paying less than $400 a month. Think of the 911 parts I could be buying with the extra $500! Hell, I could have another P-car in the stable for than kind of $.

Do I really need a $56k MB for the 20 mile round trip to work everyday? No. Do I want one? Kinda. Would a $25k VW do the job just as well? Yup.

ARRRRRRGGHGHGHGHGHGHGH!!!!!!!!

pwd72s · 02-23-2006, 10:39 PM

Hmmm, if you're still into "how much a month" thinking...maybe buy neither? You're getting to work and back somehow, right?

HardDrive · 02-23-2006, 10:51 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by pwd72s
Hmmm, if you're still into "how much a month" thinking...maybe buy neither? You're getting to work and back somehow, right?

I'm driving my 99 VW to work. Its starting to get unreliable, and thats not acceptable. Althought it does provide a great excuse for driving the P-car to work....

I'm still into the 'how much a month' thinking because I am a cheap bastard. I could pay $2k a month if I wanted for a car, but that just seems stupid. I would feel much better putting the money into mutal funds or another piece of property rather than some absurd car that screams, "Look at me! God cheated me in the manhood department!".

RANDY P · RANDY P's Garage

1 year old BMW with a warranty. Let someone else take the depreciation. 550I would be a good one. Stay away from the Benzes- worse by quite a margin these days.

rjp

Big Ed · 02-24-2006, 05:55 AM

A Benz? I thought you had an endorsement deal with Lexus.

Vin-barrett · Vin-barrett's Garage

This is my E. I have a long 40 mile commute every day and it's a nice quiet comfy ride. I appreciate it most in the am when I'm still waking up. I might prefer a speedy lil' GTI or something on my way home though. I still miss my A2 VW GTI and GLI from time to time.

SlowToady · 02-24-2006, 08:38 AM

What about a BMW 330 or M3?

My father was just in this position and decided on a new Acura TL over the MB, and over a Phaeton. At ~270HP, the Acura isn't exactly slow.

fastpat · 02-24-2006, 08:47 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by HardDrive
I am having some sort of circular arguement with myself about what car to buy.

Its not so much about model, but about how much to spend, and 'just how vain am I ?'. I was looking at Mercedes E series cars, and I could afford one. I turned 36 this year, and some part of my brain is telling me I need a 'proper' car. I'm not shy about being a little vain.

But then the other half of me is saying, "are you nuts!?!?!?" All I need is a commuter car. An MB would be setting me back $900+ a month. I drove a VW GTI today, and it was a great little car. I could take it home and be paying less than $400 a month. Think of the 911 parts I could be buying with the extra $500! Hell, I could have another P-car in the stable for than kind of $.

Do I really need a $56k MB for the 20 mile round trip to work everyday? No. Do I want one? Kinda. Would a $25k VW do the job just as well? Yup.

ARRRRRRGGHGHGHGHGHGHGH!!!!!!!!

Take a look at 2001-2003 BMW 540i's. They're fabulous cars and not too pricey.

pwd72s · 02-24-2006, 09:43 AM

You said you could afford payments of $2K a month? Then why not live with the beginning to become unreliable '99 a bit longer, and pay yourself that $2k per moon. Money markets don't yield much, but you wouldn't be taking the hit of car loan interest. In other words, do it the old fashioned way....save up the money, walk into the dealership, strike your best deal, and write the check. Then you can begin taking that depreciation hit!

HardDrive · 02-24-2006, 11:14 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Big Ed
A Benz? I thought you had an endorsement deal with Lexus.

I would by a new Lexus on the spot, except for one issue: I don't fit in them. I went and sat in both the new IS350 and the GS. The seats sit so high that my head is touching the ceiling, even in the lowest position. I either have to slouch, or put the seat back so far I look like I cruising the hood.

MB and BMW fit me fine. I guess the german crash test dummies are taller

mschuep · 02-24-2006, 11:37 AM

Gotta be something in between that will satisfy your luxury and speed needs, and not make you look like you have a small wanker. From one tight wad to another, I would keep looking.

HardDrive · 02-24-2006, 12:39 PM

What about a 350Z? Only about 5K more than a GTI.

mschuep · 02-24-2006, 01:06 PM

I hear those are very small on the inside...I also hear that they are very fun and easy to drive. There are a lot of cars in that just over 30k range.

mschuep · 02-24-2006, 01:08 PM

Infinity G35?

1967 R50/2 · 01:15 PM

Get a MINI Cooper S. Much more fun than either a M-B or a VW (even the new GTI is heavier, bigger)....or anything anyone has named so far. Lot's of USEABLE SPACE inside too.