Analyst Cars

I would probably make a very poor financial decision and purchase a Tesla Model 3.

I do know a few analysts who have a Mercedes CLA

Generally the "lower end" cars. All the 1st, 2nd, and most of the 3rd years drive a honda, toyota, mazda etc. with a 1st and 2nd year couple of rich kids driving parent paid BMWs and Audis. Some of the 3rd years have decent to nice cars - lexus, acuras, bmws, e class. 

'21 MB CLA 250 4Matic coupe lease. I commute from jerz though and have a kid, so need a car. Now whether I need a MB is up for debate. Every dime on my car is paid out of my wallet; my parents are lower middle class.

My dad luckily had just finishing paying off the finance on his Wraith and got a G-Wagon so gave me the Wraith. Was a kool car.

Lexus IS 350 2020 model

Would someone come across as a hardo for driving a Mercedes / Audi / BMW? Something that costs under $50k

While I was in SoCal (have since been 3 years removed) I was driving a Tacoma. Absolutely loved that car and would throw my boards in the back for a weekend trip down to San O, bikes for a trail run or long ride along the beachfront, and the crew cab was actually pretty comfortable.

Sold it while I was in NYC (now Chicago) and looking at getting a TRD 4Runner. 

VP. ~30 year old here. Take it from me, don’t waste your money on a nice car when you’re in your 20’s. Just don’t. I did it and regretted it. Lease a Honda for $250/mo or buy a used car.

Wait till later on in your career, after you hit some big financial goals, and when your net worth isn’t comparable to the value of the car you want.

Used 2017 VW GTI, bought it at the start of my second year in IB. I’m somewhat of an enthusiast, and I found this to be the best balance between cost and “fun-to-drive”. 

I drove a used mustang in my analyst days. V6 with leather seats

I’m graduating this semester and will probably lease a Benz c class coupe. I’m making like 175k base though so have a bit more room.

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If I make it into banking, id buy a 10 year old porsche cayman as an analyst

I've noticed in these threads there's always a discrepancy between people who are/have been analysts and college students. Take that FWIW. Also, as an enthusiast, the answers to these threads always greatly confuse me. Different strokes for different folks I suppose.  Buy what you want. Will take sacrifices to some extent ($400/month car payment means $400/month less money to spend elsewhere or invest) but as an analyst I'm thinking anything <$75k would be considered fair game. Jus remember: buy used. New cars are a scam.

Don’t even think about what other people say. If you enjoy cars, splurge on something you’ll enjoy (within reason). Being a huge car enthusiast myself, I can’t imagine how depressed I would be if I had to drive a boring car after grinding for 90 hours a week. I won’t judge anyone that does, but at this point, cars are my only hobby. Some people like to go out to a steak house each weekend, others love to golf a new course every week, some people like to drive a nice car. I’d rather go out once or twice a month and I’ll put the other $500+ a month toward a car payment instead. It all comes down to what you value. After being diagnosed with an auto immune disease in the past years, my life flashed before my eyes and made me wonder “wtf is the point of working so much and not having something to show for it? What if I die next year? I’ll have lived a miserable life and never rewarded myself, but thank god my family could inherit my 6 figure investment account... nah”. I’m still maxing out my 401k, saving more than half my TC, and investing on the side, while rolling around in a 600hp car which makes every long hour so much more worth it. Learn to live a little people - life is too short. Enjoy it before it’s too late.

2017 Honda Hybrid Accord. Very happy with ~50 MPG. Content driving it for another 5 years and then decide if I want tot trade up.

I drive 2015 automatic mustang v6 black. It’s nice enough but nothing crazy. I alwags liked mustangs as a kid

Bought a brand new Toyota Camry when I was 19. I financed it at 0%, but I think my dad co-signed. I paid the monthly loan + gas. My parents paid the insurance since it was a family plan. 

Paid the car off in 4 years. Have now owned it for 10 years total. Have been tempted to upgrade, but the damn car won't give me a single excuse to do so. Have spent exactly $0 on major repairs, car is fuel efficient (25 mpg), environmentally acceptable, RELIABLE, and low maintenance (unlike my gf). 

With that being said, there is something gratifying about running a car into ground and getting your full money's worth.

LOVE the $0 monthly payments and ironically, my car has gone up in value over the past few months, so my cost of ownership has gone done (after accounting for residual value).

Live in SoCal, own a 2021 Jeep Wrangler and can't imagine owning any other car in my 20s. Take the top down to cruise, and get some fresh air. Rugged enough to go to the beach, the mountains and everything in between.

Thoughts on getting a Tesla Model 3 as an analyst?

When I started as an analyst I made the mistake of purchasing a new car.  That said I had been driving old beaters for a long time and the lack of mechanical headaches has been quite enjoyable.  Nothing special, 2018 Ford Fusion right when they put the 2019's on the lot, second lowest trim.  Still paying on it and as of right now hardly use it, since I moved cities.  That's a $650 a month cost for it to sit there including parking, comprehensive insurance, and the car payment.  I wish I had just bought a 2005 civic.  Other than avoiding maintenance, a new car is just a flex, a pricy one at that that is probably not worth it unless you are driving around for sales.  And who am I trying to impress anyway?

Don't get anything too fancy, what you need is something that is reliable (avoid used cars especially with how expensive they are right now) and looks decent.  A couple of things you need to think about before doing any car shopping. 

1. Do you like sedan's or SUVs?  Its mostly a preference thing, I have always been a sedan guy and think they drive better but some people just enjoy the SUV feel more, but if you need more storage for whatever you are into it might make more sense to get an SUV.    
2. You mention LA so I assume not going to be driving much in inclement weather but if you are be sure to get a car with front wheel drive and seriously consider 4 wheel drive  
3. Another LA thing is that you might want to consider a hybrid especially if you are going to be driving a lot as some hybrids allow you to go in the HOV lane which can save a ton of time.
4. What is the parking situation at your home/office? if its tight or on the street you are going to need to consider that.  

Think that leaves you with 2 options here

1. Buy whatever the basic Honda/Toyota entry level sedan or SUV is.  Don't need to go crazy with upgrades or whatever, just see what the various dealers in your area have and buy one that you like.  I would avoid buying an American car, they just don't last and have awful resale value. 
2. LEASE the entry level luxury sedan (BMW 2/3 series, Mercedes CLA, Audi A3, Infiniti Q50, Lexus IS) or SUV.  Do not buy this. 

Personally I lean toward option 1, own that for a few years/until you pay if off and then upgrade your car to the next step up of luxury sedans/SUVs (BMW 4/5 series, Mercedes C/E class, Audi A4-A6) when you get promoted.  Will give you something to look forward to/work towards.  You are actually paying for more than just the brand at this level.                                               

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