tracerit

I'm currently 21 now and will finish my education in a year. By then I'll be able to upgrade from my 04 Accord to an IS350. I'm stuck deciding what I should do. I have a few options:

Option #1: Buy a used 04/05 BMW 330Ci for 25k, keep for at least 3 years or until it starts showing signs of serious problems.

Option #2: Buy a new IS350, keep and finance for 5 years. Chances are I will keep it after those 5 years if no problems show up.


Being young, Option #2 will be the better choice for me, because the Lexus will last for a longer time compared to the BMW, and I won't have to worry about unexpected maintenance costs (not to say there won't be, but the chances of it are less). Option #1 seems really appealing though because of the thought of having a new car every few years.

I'm too lazy to do the math, but if I go with Option #2 and finance the car for 5 years, then sell it for another car int he 6th year, I'll essentially be paying every month, I might as well just lease right?

kensteele

If you can afford it, option #1 to buy is probably best IMO.

casey225

I would probably agree from a purely financial standpoint (I'm not a CPA, or anything). Cars are a horrible investment, but everyone wants to be seen in a nice set of wheels. The best bang for the buck is to buy one about 2 years old so that someone else has taken the brunt of the depreciation. However, I've heard to get your money's worth out of a new car, you should keep it 5-6 years, so you probably won't go wrong either way. But, if you look at how much you'll actually pay for the car with a 5 year finance and how much it will be worth at that time, well, here's a roll of toilet paper...

mwaull

I would go with option #1 just to be safe and get you going on the right track. You can still have a very nice ride, but also save and get settled with your job, etc after college. I would say go with option #1 then after a couple years, and you are settled, look and see what it is you really want with your money.

S L I C K

Go with Option #2. Don't ever buy a used BMW.

4TehNguyen

iTrader: (1)

6-7 years for a IS350, i think the car will have a lot of lasting power

Dabigman

Go with the Lexus unless you are one of those people that has to have a new car all the time.

motoguci

GO with the lexus.

BlueOnyx1

Yeah, i say lexus too, i think the used BMW will give you lots of unexpected problems

Foxberry

Screw economics and get the Lexus!

PhilipMSPT

iTrader: (5)

True. Keep in mind that people that have owned a 330Ci most likely have riden that car very hard, unlike owners of sedans or the 325. A used 330Ci will have some more wear and tear from "enthusiastic driving".

I'd go for the IS350. No need to hassle with buying and selling/trading the 330Ci, to get a 3 year old IS model by 2009. Enjoy the exclusivity of the new IS for now.

ptmIS350

Agreed and the BMW probably won't make it to 2009.

Good Luck

kensteele

Why I put option #1 I will never know. I probably read the second one first. I meant option #2, buy the IS new. I would never buy a used BMW.

tracerit

wow, i never thought about that, raises a good point. I don't like the look of the 330i sedans as much as the coupes.

Hot damn! the IS350 is expensive. Equipped with the Nav/ML it peaks at $45k, way too much for someone my age to be driving. I can afford it, but i'm going to run dry each month pyaing it off. I was thinking of selling my Accord for 12k, use that as a down payment, and finance for 60 months. I'll be making 600/month car payments, then add on the 300/month for insurance...

PhilipMSPT

iTrader: (5)

One word: prostitution!