A friend just graduated and is starting a new job in a couple weeks. He is looking to buy a new car (2009 or possibly 2010) and has narrowed it down to the three above. Apparently, Mercedes is offering pretty aggressive financing about 2.9%, the Audi dealer is kicking in a couple extra thousand off MSRP and the BMW guy is holding pretty firm.
On Ebay, the '06 BMW 750 really holds up resale value significantly better than an '06 S class- most S sedans are in the low 30s when the invoice price was north of 80 less than three years ago. Is this because of the well known quality issues that hit the S class in the mid 90s? Perhaps the Chrysler shared engineering also took its toll on prestige.
I encouraged my friend to lease but he thinks the mileage constraints are onerous.
Incidentally, for the same price range, a Jaguar XFR is a realistic option (Ian Callum design).
they all three are very solid cars. if hes in that range, he should check out the maserati quattroporte - a really hot sedan. and yea the Jaguar XFR is pretty damn hot as well. but you cant go wrong with the Audi A8. its just supreme.
Obviously I don't know your friend's situation, but is now really the best time to be plunking down that kind of cash on a rapidly depreciating asset, right out of college, and with all the uncertainty in the marketplace?
Plus, presuming he's in NYC, will he even drive it enough to get his money's worth?
I hate being the voice of reason.
Maserati Quattropone is probably like 40k more than the BMW...but if you got the money Maserati beats all of the above IMHO. But the 7-Series is a solid car my father has one and loes it, I personally have a BMW Z series and I think that BMW cars have a better construction than MErcedes and a better appearance than an Audi. The brand new 200 Mercedes that my father bought was in the shop alot, now he's had his 745 for a few years, its barely ever in the shop and its an all around great car. I've never liked the look of an Audi, but its your (friends) decision.
So what do you do? -I work for an investment banking firm. Oh okay; you are like my brother, he works for Edward Jones. -No, a college degree is required in my profession
yeah thanks, I agree it is excessive especially with the lack of job security out there... I'm pretty sure his parents are going to buy the car for him or at least make a substantial down payment. He's working in Connecticut so he'll drive it every day.
The funny thing is that if enough is paid up front, monthly payments are on the order of $900 or so in a five year loan. Living away from the major MTA lines/Greenwich/Stamford, you can find a one bedroom for around 1100. Add in the car & insurance and you're at about 2300 all in, not that bad for an associate (agreed that if he loses the job, it's going to suck to try to sell the car).
I have a Mercedes S-class (previous generation), my dad has the new S63, I recently test drove the BMW 7 series B7 Alpina, and I test drove the Jaguar XJR couple years ago when I was in high school (got Range Rover instead). Since I have some background on the subject, here are my thoughts regarding the cars..
Mercedes - This is definitely the pick if you want the best in and out. Having a Mercedes, and then test driving the BMW, the interior just seems a couple levels lower. The reason the 2006 price is probably so low, is because of the new generation (the look changed + the warranty is probably gone)
Audi A8- I think the Audi is the best value for the money. It's very comparable to the Mercedes, but more affordable (in comparison to the S, but the A8 will still cost you a lot).
BMW 7- This is the best pick if you want the "bachelor" car, I feel the Mercedes is more associated with older men (but I like it, and I'm 22). You can definitely "feel" the car more when you drive it, compared to the Audi and Mercedes. However, like I said, if you aren't into the gadgets, comfort, etc., then this is it.
...just my two cents
how the hell does a college grad justify buying a Mercedes S?
no offense to your friend personally, but imo only stupid people take out loans to buy uber-expensive cars. (at that level you should either be able to pay in cash or admit you arent pimp enough to have one yet)
If I was him, and had to show off pimp transportation, I'd get the bmw 5 or merc E. most girls who are impressed by 7 and S will still be impressed by 5 and E.
If you are getting it at around 3% like he says he is that is realistically below the discount rate I'd use; there are relatively safe investments that over a three-five year horizon can be expected to pay out in excess of that, so tying up cash in a vehicle is simply not sensible
All three are excellent cars, it all comes down to personal taste. I think the mercedes is more associated with older men, and in NYC most S-classes are chauffeured. BMW is a great choice for a single young guy, but is all too common. The new 7-series generation is definitely more unique. I'm personally an Audi fan, but no point of buying a new A8 now cause it's due for a refresh in 2010 I believe. I'm sure the new A8 will be gorgeous, considering Audi's models in recent years (A5, R8, etc).
And I agree with Philosipher. Why would a single individual driving to work out of college need the full-size sedan? I agree get a mid-size car. The new E-class and E-class coupe are nice, but my personal favorite is the Audi S5. Even in NYC I've only seen 2 so far (less than I've seen Bentley Continentals or Phantoms), so it's sure to turn heads.
Those are all pretty boring cars for their price range. To make this a worthwhile post though, here's two bits of advice: 1) the Mercedes will be more fun (has the most interesting options for tuning/modifying--which will really make it less of an old man's car); 2) and most important, your friend will be encountering the winter of Connecticut, so his only real option here is the Audi (for it's all-wheel drive).
Because the Audi will be most practical due to the seasons he will face, I'd suggest a different Audi than the boring A8. I'd look at: 1) an S5 (or A5); and then, 2) an S4. The S5 is fast as hell, and looks sporty (with class). The S4 has the best power for price (I'd know from experience).
Good luck.
-Porsche restorer.
P.S., if he's set on a Benz, an AMG CLS 55 is about as baller as you can get http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2214/2276018581_8551c727bc.jpg?v=0
ok, it was fun to let you believe this guy was an early 20s egomaniac. In reality he's early 30s, just finished an MBA and did law school before that with a few years at a big firm in between. I don't know the exact details of the new job but apparently it involves reading the fine print in offering memoranda and some compliance work.
Thanks for the suggestions though, I sent him an email about this thread.
Being up in CT is tough becuase you really miss out on the social aspect of hanging out where other (relatively) young people are. A fancy car is an indulgence sure- but e.g. if you dislike your job, don't have a wife yet and all your friends are married, the car can add a lot of utility to your daily life.
p.s. I'm not talking about myself here haha
BTW, your friend could get an 08 or 09 Porsche 911 in that price range, which trumps all those cars.
Just sayin'...
Haha I knew this thread was a dud. Why would a fresh college grad buy an old man Mercedes S? lol... wait another 10 yrs bub
Make it rain!
Personal preference: - Maserati Quattroporte - Jag XFR - Mercedes S - Audi s8 - BMW 7
They are all similar but I think BMW is the best bet
Noone under 35, with a liquid net worth
Tell him to get a Maserati Quatroporte...He could pick one up with like 10k mile for around 50k...Way sweeter on the inside and out than a 7
That he can pick up a 996 Porsche 911 Turbo for under 50k. Do that instead of a stuffy sedan, comon you're 22 fucking years old, live a little... Plus a Porsche pulls wayy more tang than BENZ, BMW, or AUDI.
That's what I said. He could probably get an air-cooled 911, though, which is significantly better if you want to be a porsche snob.
Yeah the 993's are the best Turbo as of yet. My professor last semester got a brand new 997 Turbo (HF Manager on the "side") and let me roll around in it for a few hours. That bitch is FAAASSSST. The AWD makes it so stable though, it's so smooth.
Tell you buddy if he wants AWD to get a low mileage MKIV R32 and turbo it, not too flashy, fast a f*ck and rarer than any of the aforementioned cars (except maybe 993T), tell him he can buy my MKIV R32 lol.
Hey, about you guys think this one through, and realize the climate he is in (Connecticut)calls for a non-sports car that can handle the weather with some decent traction. It seems as though this vehicle will be his primary car. Also, since it is his primary car, wouldn't he want more than 2 seats? This is why a Porsche, etc is probably not an option.
Cool comment, dude!
Look up, I already recommended the Audi, specifically noting CT's climate issues. I just brought up 911's, because the OP mentioned his friend wants an indulgence car (which, for lame people, I guess means a sedan with an automatic transmission, that everyone in the suburbs has too).
And the people in the houses All go to the university, And they all get put in boxes, Little boxes, all the same.
...Fast & flashy car for year round, GTR (AWD sports car).
awesome, i know that song from the intro to Weeds, great show.
Is someone seriously pretending that the climate in Connecticut is so severe that you can't get by with a Porsche? Sure, you may skid on ice occasionally, but that's half the fun. If you really are concerned about how it handles in the snow, then yes, the Audi is probably the top choice, but if you're going to get an Audi, I'd go with an RS4 or RS6 at that age.
Assuming that this is directed at my earlier post:
Pretending it effects the handling? It's called snow and ice, you mentioned it yourself. I'm sure you can buy a Porsche and chain the tires, but AWD would be the easier decision. Your point would have gotten across without the rhetorical retarded question to start.
HAHAHAHA. My question was not rhetorical. Have you ever driven in a real winter? My point was that Connecticut's clime can hardly be termed severe; it snows a couple of inches a couple of times a year - to base what car you drive 365 days a year around your fear of a few mild cold fronts is ridiculous. Try living somewhere where it actually snows before you suggest chains; and you do realize you can get Porsches with AWD, right?
I drive down 5th ave blasting killa cam in my PT cruiser......always gets ladies looking. Works 70% of the time works all the time.
Snow tires go a long way, too. My FWD car w/ snow tires handles better than the Jeep Grand Cherokee I drove as a first vehicle. That's why I suggested the CT guy gets a 911. I'm from IN and WI, where the snow is insane. If I can get by with FWD+snow tires, this person can get by with a rwd+snow tires or awd 911.
Yes, I have driven in a real winter. I live somewhere where it snows a lot actually. And to boot, our family has a GT3 (though it is not driven in the snow at all). Also, I'll admit an AWD Carrera would work in most weather, so in that case a Porsche is fine. However, a friend of mine who had a Porsche without AWD, actually used chains in snow, then traded for an M6, and this past early Winter got an AWD GTR, and he himself said the GTR was better out of the 3 because it was AWD. I'm not gonna go back and forth with you anymore, but I was speaking from first hand experience. If you scroll up, I actually would recommend a Benz (my daily), but a GTR if something flashy was desired. I KNOW what driving in snow is like, but I just might have overestimated the amount Connecticut receives.
Fine then, no need to go back and forth; I found it hilarious that you'd suggest chains for Connecticut, as it snows about ten inches a year there. And I agreed that AWD is clearly the easiest solution, hence the recommendation of an audi or AWD Porsche.
bmw M5 or M3 >>> 7/S/A8 for young people...
OP: I am surprised your friend wasn't immediately chastised by you and others for narrowing his list to those cars considering his age.
Also- the chains debate was hilarious
I would definitely suggest Mercedes. Been using it for over a decade now as corporate limousine service in Westchester and there was not a time it let me down on the road.
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