Why does an S class intimidate so many people?
08-01-18, 10:40 AM
#331
Lexus Fanatic
For me the LS was not even an option until I was making $250k.
08-01-18, 11:13 AM
#332
Lexus Champion
Exactly. I get a LOT of enjoyment out of my cars. Being a car guy, and my dad was a car guy, my car is a connection and a memory to and of him as well. My son loves my car and we go on “dada car” trips and make great memories there.
People who go to car meets and such, tons a great friendships and memories made there.
Cars have been a motivator in my life. One of the reasons why I’ve worked so hard and succeeded to the level I have is because of my desire to drive a certain level of car.
Thats the point, if you’re an enthusiast it’s not just a “thing”.
I agree with you about empty stuff, empty things. However, some things have meaning to different people.
I can afford cash payment for that unless they offer me 0% interest rate. Lately a dealer had 0.99% rate where I am qualified to get 1% rate discount meaning -0.01% rate for me. Rounded to 0%.
Lease or own, I am not the type for leasing car or renting a house.
08-01-18, 12:48 PM
#333
Lexus Fanatic
A house and a car are really different. Owning a house builds wealth, owning a car does not. Cars are an expense all the way around. Leasing vs buying is just a question of how best to manage that expense.
08-01-18, 01:11 PM
#334
I agree 100%. Had a Mercedes that lived in the shop. I went against my better judgment, because it was "pretty." Only kept it a year and half before going back to Lexus. They guy I was dating also had a Mercedes that broke down frequently, including the AC in July in Houston. But he wasn't bothered because it was covered under warranty. However, that's not the point. It's an inconvenience to have to get a loaner, which were Camrys for the most part. My dad said it was because Mercedes doesn't want you to break down again. Lol. I've had 4 Lexus and have never had a repair, only routine service. And yes, I can afford an S-Class, but I'd be pissed paying that sort of money to drive a Camry when (not if) it broke down.
08-01-18, 01:22 PM
#335
08-01-18, 01:57 PM
#336
Lexus Fanatic
You are right. But just to play devils advocate, rare exceptions and a good upcoming example are 60's Ferrari's going for $45M+
08-01-18, 01:58 PM
#337
Lexus Fanatic
You are right. But just to play devils advocate, rare exceptions and a good upcoming example are 60's Ferrari's going for $45M+
08-01-18, 02:48 PM
#338
Several times a year with older Ferrari's, Bugatti's, old American Duesenberg's from the 30s etc.. This specific Ferrari is one of 36 and was raced many times. History, pedigree, and heritage usually dictate these absurd prices. A Ferrari 250 GTO sold for close to $70M in a private sell. Not to go too of topic though, just mentioning that rare or limited automobiles might actually appreciate over time like a Toyota 2000GT. As this thread is about Mercedes, the Mercedes-Benz 500K (1934-36) is very rare and worth a pretty penny.
08-01-18, 03:08 PM
#340
Lexus Fanatic
Just wait till you need a new kitchen......or a new bathroom. Or when that real-estate/property-tax bill comes each year...if it is not already built into the mortgage. 
Yes, a home can appreciate (or depreciate) in value over the years...but that usually doesn't do you much good unless you sell it and move (and, the more it is worth, the more property-tax you pay on it every year). And then, of course, when you sell your house, you are also probably dealing with the inflated value of the new property you are going to buy.
Last edited by mmarshall; 08-01-18 at 03:13 PM.
08-01-18, 03:13 PM
#341
Lexus Fanatic
Paying for for that kitchen or bathroom adds to your homes value, and your taxes are tax deductible, at least up to $10k nowadays.
Outside of special classic or collectible cars, cars always depreciate. The argument for owning a house vs renting a house being applied to cars doesn’t make any sense.
08-01-18, 03:50 PM
#342
Lexus Champion
I agree 100%. Had a Mercedes that lived in the shop. I went against my better judgment, because it was "pretty." Only kept it a year and half before going back to Lexus. They guy I was dating also had a Mercedes that broke down frequently, including the AC in July in Houston. But he wasn't bothered because it was covered under warranty. However, that's not the point. It's an inconvenience to have to get a loaner, which were Camrys for the most part. My dad said it was because Mercedes doesn't want you to break down again. Lol. I've had 4 Lexus and have never had a repair, only routine service. And yes, I can afford an S-Class, but I'd be pissed paying that sort of money to drive a Camry when (not if) it broke down.
08-01-18, 06:11 PM
#343
You know people who own LS’s they bought new that make less than $100k a year? That is definitely not the norm. If you make $95k a year your monthly income is $7,900 a month. An LS lease is at the bottom end $1,000 per month. Mine is $1,200. A finance payment on a car the price of an LS is $1,200-1,500 a month. That means that the cheapest LS lease is 13% of that persons gross monthly income, which is a lot.
For me the LS was not even an option until I was making $250k.
08-01-18, 06:54 PM
#344
Lexus Fanatic
You know people who own LS’s they bought new that make less than $100k a year? That is definitely not the norm. If you make $95k a year your monthly income is $7,900 a month. An LS lease is at the bottom end $1,000 per month. Mine is $1,200. A finance payment on a car the price of an LS is $1,200-1,500 a month. That means that the cheapest LS lease is 13% of that persons gross monthly income, which is a lot.
For me the LS was not even an option until I was making $250k.
08-01-18, 07:04 PM
#345
I think one could definitely do a LS making less than a $100K. It would be a bit difficult and a stretch and likely not the target buyer. The average auto loan in US is $500 or so, I think average income across all demographics is about $52K. My guess the avarge household income of a LS buyer is around $250K.