Car shopping

[Draco]

Something that really helped me out was making a spreadsheet projecting the total cost of owning the car for the next 5 years. Include projected sale price, gas, maintenance, repairs, financing and insurance. When I did all of that the new car wasn't any more expensive, it is worth much more 5 years from now then a used car. But if you only look at the cost to buy today the used car appeared cheaper because it had more delayed hidden costs. Obviously different makes and models will vary but in general I think the used car market is a very efficient one that is good for sellers.

 

[BrianFromWA]

In all my years of owning cars... The only one that I had and bought a newer model to replace was a 1972 VW Bus I replaced with a 1984 VW Vanagon.

Otherwise, I haven't had a car or vehicle I loved so much that I wanted a newer version of the same thing.

Is this true for anyone else?

Opposite. I went from a 2007 Avalanche to a 2013 when the warranties were coming due. Paid upfront for all the maintenance and "ding" package so my wife wouldn't have to worry about it when I was gone. Only thing I didn't replicate was the 4WD -- in Tampa, I don't need to spend an extra $6k to get it.

But we're a 1-car family. If I needed a commuter vehicle or something, I wouldn't get another truck.

 

[BLAZER PROPHET]

Audi >>>> Acura TL, Infiniti G35 and Lexus IS300

This is a joke, right?

 

[BLAZER PROPHET]

In all my years of owning cars... The only one that I had and bought a newer model to replace was a 1972 VW Bus I replaced with a 1984 VW Vanagon.

Otherwise, I haven't had a car or vehicle I loved so much that I wanted a newer version of the same thing.

Is this true for anyone else?

Wifey & I have updated Ford Rangers, Ford Escorts and Toyota Corollas.

 

[THE HCP]

Something that really helped me out was making a spreadsheet projecting the total cost of owning the car for the next 5 years. Include projected sale price, gas, maintenance, repairs, financing and insurance. When I did all of that the new car wasn't any more expensive, it is worth much more 5 years from now then a used car. But if you only look at the cost to buy today the used car appeared cheaper because it had more delayed hidden costs. Obviously different makes and models will vary but in general I think the used car market is a very efficient one that is good for sellers.

Damn...... nice work on the research! I just sat in my A6 and made sure I looked like a baller! And I did! And I love BMWs as well even thought I've never owned one. I've been in some nice japanese cars, but they just don't have that feel or smell of a German car. I love my ride! AUDI 'TIL I DIE FAMS!

 

[THE HCP]

This is a joke, right?

I can understand you like asian cars, but why would you question his opinion? I know BeerBoy is like myself and likes German cars?

 

[HailBlazers]

I like GTI's. But, they I'd feel like I was in high school or something. I'm really sold on the iS 300 or 350.

350, gotta get the more powerfull V-6.

It's no german car but for the luxury and reliability it can't be beat.

 

[THE HCP]

Zags, just went and checked out some pics........ I like the Lexus of those 3! Looks nice!

 

[Denny Crane]

Zags, just went and checked out some pics........ I like the Lexus of those 3! Looks nice!

Looks like you're wiping your ass on a car in your avatar.

 

[The_Lillard_King]

I was cool just watching this plea for attention, but to say a BMW is in any way a better car...I have owned many of both, I would much rather keep an Audi or a Volvo on the road....Bmws enjoy repair shops

I have owned both and have had a lot more trouble with Audis than BMWs. I thought that was the general reputation. That and BMWs handles better and has better engineered engines, while the Audi has a better interior and more luxury ride.

I prefer the BMW, but Audi's new design and that navigation system is taking a bite out of the BMW market.

Lexus is a smoother ride than both the AUdi and BMW, but the handling and performance doesn't come close (at least Audi is close to BMW). I'll buy a Lexus when I get old.

 

[BLAZER PROPHET]

I can understand you like asian cars, but why would you question his opinion? I know BeerBoy is like myself and likes German cars?

I question his opinion because he's like you.

 

[THE HCP]

oh, well that makes sense than.

 

[tlongII]

Lexus > Audi

Audi's are for hipsters.

 

[Mediocre Man]

IMO, Honda's seem to run forever, and Honda makes Acura. I have had the whole German/Euro engineered cars, and while they are fun and all, they seem to be constantly in the shop for something.


As for the 3 choices, I don't think you can go wrong with any of them. You would probably be able to pick up the Infinity for the best price because they don't hold there resale value as well as the other two.

 

[The_Lillard_King]

Wasn't it the Lexus that was having all kinds of issues with stuck accelerators.

I listened to the 911 recording of the off duty officer with his family in a Lexus (I beleive) while the car was doing 120 on the freeway and he couldn't get the car to stop. Listen to the tape and tell me that doesn't make your hair stand on end. Chilling tape recording . . .

I'm sure they fixed that problem by now. But most cars are operating by computers and the days of the basic japanesse car being basic and easy to fix are gone. A lexus maintanance will cost as much as BMW. WIth regard to reliability, I think Japaneese cars are living mostly on their reputation from the old days.

 

[Mediocre Man]

Wasn't it the Lexus that was having all kinds of issues with stuck accelerators.

I listened to the 911 recording of the off duty officer with his family in a Lexus (I beleive) while the car was doing 120 on the freeway and he couldn't get the car to stop. Listen to the tape and tell me that doesn't make your hair stand on end. Chilling tape recording . . .

I'm sure they fixed that problem by now. But most cars are operating by computers and the days of the basic japanesse car being basic and easy to fix are gone. A lexus maintanance will cost as much as BMW. WIth regard to reliability, I think Japaneese cars are living mostly on their reputation from the old days.

Yes. Toyota makes Lexus and it was the Toyota's that were the accelerator death traps

 

[blazerboy30]

I was cool just watching this plea for attention, but to say a BMW is in any way a better car...I have owned many of both, I would much rather keep an Audi or a Volvo on the road....Bmws enjoy repair shops

There is absolutely no comparison in the handling, build quality and feel. BMW is head and shoulders above Audi, and Volvo shouldn't even be in the conversation.

 

[Denny Crane]

Or a newer model

 

[VanillaGorilla]

...why not just get a brand new one these for a few thousand more --> Hyundai Sonata Limited 2.0T <-- best bang for your buck!

Get outta here with your good, logical ideas that are more financially responsible. I need to look like a boss! a 2013 Hyundai Sonata is a much better car than a 2005 Audi.

 

[Denny Crane]

I picture HCP driving one of these:

 

[Haakzilla]

I picture HCP driving one of these:

...ahaha, you mean the "Mexican" version:

 

[Denny Crane]

...ahaha, you mean the "Mexican" version:

That car looks half polish.