The point about German cars is very true.I have never subscribed to living as cheaply as possible. But I also don't subscribe to splurging on items where there are cheaper alternatives to be found that can do exactly what you are looking for, especially when it comes to vehicles which for me, are a means of transportation to get me from Point A to B safely. It matters not what the badge says on the front because I don't care what anyone else thinks.Hi all,
I know most of you are in the camp of you just live as cheaply as possible with the goal of saving as much money as possible, but some argue that you need to splurge at times in life for happiness. I am looking for advice on if I am able to splurge.
I currently have a 2019 VW Jetta SEL Premium with 60k miles(purchased it in Sept of 2018, had a loan on it for a year to build credit and paid it off). I am looking at a 2024 Audi Q3 Premium Plus S-Line for $36,800 with just over 10k miles.
I would trade in my car ($12,000), put down $5,000, and finance the rest for 36 months at 4% interest(it is their current special as this is a CPO car.)
All advice welcome - that is why I am here.
I have never bought a German car. But I've had two acquaintances who have and both ended up selling them because maintenance or parts were essentially double or triple what it cost for the similar parts of other brands.
Like others said above, cars are depreciating from the moment you sign the agreement. Thus other than in times of great need or perhaps for your first vehicle in life, I have always paid cash up front for them.
A relation owned a BMW X3. 3 weeks before the 8 year extended warranty expired, it needed $10k of front end and suspension work.
They, who are the last person in North America to want to own a Japanese "sensible" car, now has a Subaru and a Toyota RAV 4 hybrid (inherited). You reach an age where reliability and lower Total Cost of Ownership really matter more than driver feel & image. (Their "fun" car is a 1930s make, similar to a Cadillac of that vintage -- it doesn't do winters
).I believe I read somewhere that 80%+ of BMWs and Mercedes bought in North America are on lease. People who budget by the monthly payment, rather than the total cost. That tells you a lot, I think.
Statistics: Posted by Valuethinker — Wed Nov 13, 2024 3:46 am — Replies 19 — Views 1636
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