Car appropriate for senior associate/1st-yr-VP

i am about 3 years away from being in your shoes but i'd go for the M3... porsches are very expensive when it comes to repairs. not that bmw's are not, but not that much. also you get 4 seats with the M3 - can drive 3 chicks instead of 1:). cayman is too big to be cool.

personally if I were at your level, I'd get the new LS450, luxury out of the ass, insane resale value, insane reliability(1990 LS400s easily last 300K miles, w/o any major repairs), brand new body style, and a much bigger bang for the buck compared to the S class and the 7 series. The LS450 starts at like 60K.

but if you want something sporty, and BMW--> lease, instead of buying. BMW has a ton of problems, and you really don't want to own one when the warranty is out, same goes for porsche and pretty much any exotic. Thats pretty much my opinion on all expensive sports cars...they cost WAY too much to repair. + as an associate, you really won't be driving that much, so leasing mileage limits aren't a problem, and you'll probably want the newest hottest thing, so it you'll probably not own the car past the 3 years.

i.e. with M3 there is a tiny problem with the earlier years of blowing the engine at around 40K miles.

Personally I'd get get an expensive luxury sedan, and then for like 10 grand build something cheap(miata, civic, mustang) that'll be able to decimate most of the cars.

i.e. 10k gets you a supercharged miata, or a miata with a Corvette LS1 V8 swap, or a Civic with a turboed K series swap...both of these should bump up the power to hang with the 60K sports cars, as far as handling some coilovers, sway bars, LSD, a roll bar and sticky tires should bring up the handling department to way outperform the others.

I mean if you ever go to a track day, there are plenty of Miatas(some even stock) that lap M3s and Porsches.

But cars are my hobby, so if you want something sporty/luxury the Cayman is a good choice.

here is a pic of LS450 http://www.lexus.com/lexus-share/images/gallery/models/LS/photos/exteri…

and as far as fitting 2 people in the back seats of a M3....the only people that'll fit back there are midgets.

Disclaimer: The post above has been made by someone who is not currently employed in IBD, and has not had an interview yet...

Less than $1,500 buys me a little happy! Do I get a Pomellato cushion ring in blue topaz that I can wear casual and dressy or a YSL Muse handbag in brown?

I don't need either. I just want one. Maybe. NOT.

Did I hear Pied-

I'm no VP or anything, but my mom has an M3, and from driving it many-a-time, I can tell you that it is the best bang for the buck on the market. It's an absolute BEAST. 0-60 in 4.8 seconds, the power from 50-70 is overwhelming, and the engine really doesn't let up until you get to around 100+.

Get the stick though, that automatic garbage is not a good look.

"To Know Me Is To Love Me"-Jebus Price

Maserati....just kidding.

Those things cost like $100k but they're really beautiful. They're gas hogs though...yeah but for a sr associate I'd probably go with a mid-tier lexus (that would be ES, GS, RX or similar) or something in the $40k-$60k range (midrange Audi, higher end VW, mid range Volvo, low range Jaguar, whatever). I don't think you want to drive a nicer car than your VP (he might get jealous lol...just kidding).

in IB its not like you'll get to drive your car to work that much.

• I'm sure someone at VP range would be driving things like S600/S65/760 etc.

as far as getting stick in NYC..not the best idea.

Disclaimer: The post above has been made by someone who is not currently employed in IBD, and has not had an interview yet...

Thanks for the comments.

The car won't be my main ride/mode of transport. Just something to use on the weekends and a couple of nights a week.

Also, I'm not going to drag race it or take it on a track day. I have friends who are into motor sport, but I doubt that I would get into it the way they do.

The repairs/reliabilty of a used Porsche is a concern. I wonder if I can get some kind of warrently on the main bits (engine/transmission) (perhaps if I buy from an official dealer).

To me, the M3 seems the more complete car, but I like the idea of the Porsche and I don't plan on starting a family for a couple of years. A (used) Maserati is an enticing idea, although I would imagine that it isn't even close in terms of reliability and I would probably have to go for something pre-2002 for it to make sense financially.

I'm in my late 20's at would like to get something nice now rather that I can enjoy without looking like someone in their 40/50's trying to recapture their youth.

Yeah, I'm thinking of getting an apartment, but I'm not sure. Not in Chicago though. I haven't been there since I was very young.

As you can tell, a lot depends on the year-end and if I end up in the 1st-yr-VP bracket.

Get a 5 or 7 series. My VP just picked up the M6. Why would you get an M3 at your level? Unless you're a middle market banker, I guess.

you'd be surprised about motor sports, once you do it once you'll get hooked. The second you'll feel what your car feels like at the limit, you'll be hooked on improving it. But yeah its very expensive.

Anyways it seems like you want something thats fun to drive, and even though you didn't give budget #s, I'm guessing its around 60K.

So here are my suggestions: Used Exotics: NSX. Used Performance Sedans: E39 M5, E55 AMG,RS6, S8 Used Performance Coupes: CL600/CL55 AMG, CLK55 AMG, M3,911 Carera 4s New Performance Coupes: Z06, M coupe, 335i, Cayman New Performance Sedans: RS4, s4, S6, C55 AMG, CTS-V, STS-V, S60R

The car that'll turn the most heads and will hold the most value: NSX. Example 1990 NSX with 100K miles still goes for 25-30K .

But NSX is a car you need to drive on the track, its not the best for the NYC streets because the car sits so low(like all exotics...and yes I consider the NSX an exotic, because it came out in 1990 and completely decimated all Ferarris and Lambos that cost 3 times as much

For the streets I'd go with the RS4 or the RS6 if you want something bigger. Mainly because they are AWD which helps in the winter.

---------------------------------------------------------------

Disclaimer: The post above has been made by someone who is not currently employed in IBD, and has not had an interview yet...

I don't like big cars (i.e. 6/7 series). You're right, the M3 does lack in status, it looks too much like a 3 series (it is one!). Nice drive though.

5 series is great, but I want something a little more youthful/sporty. A friend suggested a Lexus SC, but I think that it doesn't have enough edge (if that makes sense).

To be honest, I'm leaning towards the Porsche (a used cabrio 4, or a S or Turbo coup

yeah SC is such a trophy wife car. Don't get a porsche w/o warranty. It sounds like you want a convertible?

Disclaimer: The post above has been made by someone who is not currently employed in IBD, and has not had an interview yet...

I'm not set on a convertible, but I saw one today and I guess it could be an option.

thanks for the list aspiring, I may have overlooked a few of those cars, especially the NSX. I like it. I even prefer the older style headlights. It has an almost 80's appeal to it, which I like. I'm pretty sure that some of the people I know would think that I've lost it if I bought a 1990s honda!

I think that I've narrowed down my criteria a little bit:

• No large sedans (i.e. 7 series, XJR).
• No cars that could be mistaken for a 1.8 engine version (i.e. 3 series, Audi4, C55).
• Exotic/sports appeal preferred.
• Appropriate for work.
• Prefer to be in the ~$60k region.
• Used ok.

Any thoughts? What are your non-BSD/MD colleague's driving?

well i'm still in school :P, so most of the cars in the parking lot aren't that great since college students are broke.

I didn't mean buy a 90 NSX, for 60K you can get a newer one.

Ok lets see exotics/exotic looking cars in that price range: Acura NSX Aston Martin DB7 Corvette Z06 Dodge Viper Ferrari 348 Ferrari 355 Jaguar XKR Lotus Elise Lotus Espirit Lotus Exige Maserati GT Coupe Maserati Spyder Panoz Esperante Porsche 911 Turbo

Its a good list hehe

Disclaimer: The post above has been made by someone who is not currently employed in IBD, and has not had an interview yet...

here is a good vid of what a NSX is capable of

NSX vs M3 CSL, Lambo Gallardo, Lambo Murcielago, Ferrari 360, 911 Turbo

granted its a NSX Type R, but still very impressive, to see a car that has the least horsepower end up in the lead

and if you feel like killing yourself, here is a 477 whp NSX for sale which is a bargain for that price. Speaking from experience that car is built right, he has just the right safety mods to work with the turbo. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1993-ACURA-NSX-477WHP-TURBO_W0QQitemZ190…

---------------------------------------------------------------

Disclaimer: The post above has been made by someone who is not currently employed in IBD, and has not had an interview yet...

Porsche, there's no substitute. It was my first car (996 TT), it's now my new car (997 TT), it will forever be my car.

Yeah, this will be the first car I pay for from my own hard earned cash.

I don't get it. It's just a black shiny car with a funny looking back side. It's not even a good make-out car!

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1993-ACURA-NSX-477WHP-TURBO_W0QQitemZ190…

Now this is a good leather seat!

Smooth like butta tufted leather seat juxtaposed on top a seagrass rug and grasscloth wall. Sigh. The best.

http://baker.kohlerinteriors.com/baker/1_1_5_3_prod_view_scene.jsp?coll…

It's a Baker chair. Unlike a car which has depreciating value.

Ok, jk. :-)

This thread is so serious.

aspiring, I watched the movie you linked to. I can't help but think that it was a little biased from the dialogue. Good to watch though.

aadpepsi, you might want to check out this site. It's one of the reasons behind my motivation to get a pied-

yeah cars are a depreciating value, but the NSX holds its value really well, a 15 year old NSX still costs 37.5% of its original cost(technically its still 75% of its cost since the initial price was much less)

But for me for example cars are a hobby, and I have no qualms in spending a little bit more to drive something thats fun because it makes the drive a lot more enjoyable.

Granted it makes you drive like a jackass...since you don't feel the speed as much(i.e. I find myself doing 90-100 in a 55 on a daily basis because you don't feel the speeds)

Disclaimer: The post above has been made by someone who is not currently employed in IBD, and has not had an interview yet...

To tell you the truth, for the most part, I'm quite utilitarian when it comes to buying goods as opposed to services. I don't really have any sentimental feelings for my stuff.

I'd prefer to get a used sports car and have a nice place to entertain in, instead of getting the S/Turbo/M/Supercharged 2007 version and having room mates. Even if I make VP at the end of the year, I will probably try to invest/save most of my excess cash.

Having said that, I'll still drive it like I stole it.

If I look at my colleagues it's "mostly" 5 series, GS lexuses (sp?), Range Rovers, and Porsche Cayennes for the Associates, with S-classes/7series for the VPs. In terms of MDs, it's also S-Class/7series, but there are a few driving Porsche 911s, Turbos, Ferrari 550 Maranelo, etc...

Any additional thoughts? What are your non-BSD/MD colleague's driving?

agreed relinquo, good living conditions should come before a car, kinda reminds me of this 1 guy I know, he drives a M3...but still lives at home at 29.

Disclaimer: The post above has been made by someone who is not currently employed in IBD, and has not had an interview yet...

are predominantly driving S-Class/7 series...

I don't own a car. I walk to work or take a bus! Besides, at an average $30/day I can usually rent a trusty Ford Taurus if I ever need to get around :-)

Je je je

you need to get out more, Ford Taurus has been discontinued for like a year already.

Disclaimer: The post above has been made by someone who is not currently employed in IBD, and has not had an interview yet...

escort has been discontinued for like 5 years heheh

but yeah thats understandable, no reason for a car in NYC...everywhere else gotta have it, I live in NJ and honestly w/o a car, you can't get anywhere. Closest train station is 40 minutes away.

Disclaimer: The post above has been made by someone who is not currently employed in IBD, and has not had an interview yet...

I have no clue about American vehicles. Pray for me.

besides the XXX-V series, the Corvette, and the Viper there are no good American cars. Trucks etc they know how to do, cars run for the hills.

Disclaimer: The post above has been made by someone who is not currently employed in IBD, and has not had an interview yet...

Ford GT?

oh yeah that too...although they did have this little problem in the beginning with the lower control arms

Disclaimer: The post above has been made by someone who is not currently employed in IBD, and has not had an interview yet...

Okay,

I'm in the same position (get promoted to VP on Jan 1) and am going through the same decision. I have been driving a 2002 BMW M3 Cabriolet that I bought new before B-School. With the new M3 coming out and no cabriolet for 2-3 years, I was looking at a number of options. I looked at the new M6 cabriolet, Porsche (not the crappy Boxster or its coupe version), Maserati, Jaguar (very briefly) and a few Mercs. But my girlfriend recently picked up a new Audi A4 and I was helping her with some pricing research (I'm such a banker). Anyway, I came across the Audi R8, which is now my front-runner. While I can't get delivery at least for a year, it makes more sense than anything in its class. I might even wait for the Cabriolet version in two years.

The R8 is awesome. Current engine is the V8 420 HP engine from the RS4 but they are talking about dropping in the 500 HP V10 from the Lambo.

Google it and have a look.

R8 is good, although I'd try to get it in black, the headlights look funny on lighter colors.

http://uploader.ws/upload/200611/0102062108800.jpg

---------------------------------------------------------------

Disclaimer: The post above has been made by someone who is not currently employed in IBD, and has not had an interview yet...

Nayls, I haddn't thought about the R8. Good call. It will be too far out of the budget that I have decided on though.

I wonder whether it will be a true 911 turbo competitor, or if they are pitching it against more expensive cars. If they give it the Lambo engine what will happen to the Gallardo?

As to the other cars, a Jaguar XK8/XKR would just be wrong for someone my age, although, strangely perhaps, I think that I could pull off a Bentley GT (far too expensive though).

Also, as a valuation question, do you look at your estimate of cost per remaining useful life (assuming a figure of say 80-100k as mileage), or do you adjust your comps by gut feeling?

Current press suggests the Gallardo will get an engine upgrade. Latest I heard was that it will be powered by a twin-turbo version of the V10, producing 600+ horsepower. Not a bad upgrade.

Lines on the Jag are great, but you're right, it's an old man car (and historic service problems). I don't even dream of Bentleys. If I wanted that I'd start playing the lotto.

As for valuation, I would look at a sports car on a 5 year ownership with ~10k miles a year. The R8 is a punt on resale value but then so was the M3 Cabriolet. All told, I expect the R8 to cost ~US$10,000-12,000 per year including maintenance, tires and depreciation. Although I haven

nayls how sure are you in calling audi a more premium car in Europe? From what I've been told by guys who've been to europe, audi is considered a glorified VW...just like it is in USA, but the VW brand is diluted even more in Europe(60 hp Jettas etc)

Will R8 hold its value? I would say better than the current audi line up since its an "exotic", but don't expect the resale value to jump up on all cars. i.e. look at VW Phaeton, it sold for like 90K when it came out, and you can get one used for like 30K now, 3 years later.

VW/Audis are known for electrical problem...they are considered to be the most unreliable German brand, way ahead of BMW and Benz in that department...that is why their resale value is crap...because an Audi with 100K miles is going to be nothing but pain and suffereing.

I was actually looking at an s4, until I read all the problems everyone had on audi forums. For example Audi turbos apparently like to go at 60K miles, and on S4 for example you need to take out the engine to replace them.

So I would really be carefull about buying a 1st year audi...unless you want to get to know your service writer on first name basis.

Speaking of driving like you stole it, I subscribe to that too...actually funny story. My friend was driving on the NJ Turnpike and was doing like 100 mph like he usually does. He has every little gizmo for cops...even illegal stuff like jammers and a bear tracker. So he hauls ass all the time.

A bear tracker lets you listen to any police band thats near by(so pretty much find out if a cop is anywhere close)

Anyways he is doing his 100 mph, and little does he know that he is getting paced by a helicopter(none of his current stuff at the time was aimed in the air, he bought an upgrade for that since then)...5 minutes later 4 Crown Vics rush him from an exit and force him off the road(1 in the back, 1 in front, and 2 on the side), cops guns drawn rush his car and make him turn it off and get out, then they cuffed him.

Apparently the cops thought that the car was stolen since he was driving like he stole it.

So its a good idea to be aware of your surroundings when driving like you stole it.

Of course all that speeding really screwed his car up. His front bumper lip was pretty much stripped of paint, he used to go thru tires like crazy, until I reccomended him a better tire that lasts a lot longer w/o sacrificing performance...and we also had to replace 1 of his motor mounts because he killed it from all that flooring.

Disclaimer: The post above has been made by someone who is not currently employed in IBD, and has not had an interview yet...

oh and I'd like to say that I don't know that much about exotics(I don't want to spoil myself). i.e. after driving a Supercharged Z06, my car felt soooo slow.

So if you want to find out more info the best place is http://www.6speedonline.com/forums/

http://www.fourtitude.com/gallery/albums//Audi/R8/Audi%20Forum%20New%20…

---------------------------------------------------------------

Disclaimer: The post above has been made by someone who is not currently employed in IBD, and has not had an interview yet...

rsx

Disclaimer: The post above has been made by someone who is not currently employed in IBD, and has not had an interview yet...

Yes, the Bentley is a dream car, which won't make sense financially for me for a few years (hopefully it will eventually). It does look a lot more youthful then the jag.

I'm pretty sure that I'll be buying used. I hope that I don't get one that has been thoroughly thrashed, though.

If the promotion to VP doesn't materialise or if my bonus is lame (unlikely given performance) then I might wait for an extra year on the car and try to pick up a used 997 model carrera instead (gotta love the lines). The apartment is a priority if i find the right one. Hopefully I will be able to do both within the next 6-9 months or so.

I really want a maserati.

Just saying. Get one if you can afford to drop $130k on a car.

My car's hot, couple of rust patches, sun roof leaks on me sometimes. drive it about 1,000 miles/year.

Eff cars. Get a Ducati.

Terrible car....are you concerned about being too flashy? the M3 is nice. What about an Audi s4?

my friend had a viper(97 I think), every time you got out of it, you'd burn your legs on the side exhaust if you werent careful

Disclaimer: The post above has been made by someone who is not currently employed in IBD, and has not had an interview yet...

I knew a guy who was very into cars...ferraris, lambos, everything. He looked his porsche turbo the best though. Porsches are wonderful cars

Very true. Can't go wrong with a 996 TT or even a 996 4S. Better yet if you can get your hands on a GT2 or even a GT3, you'll be in heaven on earth!

H2

Get a Mercedes-Benz CLS class coupe, god they are sexy.... and they run about 70k brand new.

IF you want bang for the buck, there's no way to argue against a new corvette z06 with 500 hp and low maintenance costs at the local chevy dealer

on the otherhand, nothing wrong with that CLS, if you need the 4 doors

Or the E series.

Or you can go green and buy a Toyota Prius and get a second car with the leftover money.

If it is your only car I'd opt for something a bit more conventional, especially if you live in New York.

If you play golf, a 911 is kind of hard to accomodate clubs.

My choices would be

-CLK550 -SL500 (Used)

-If you live a little bit farther south and are a speed freak, get a C6 Vette and then take a look at APS twin turbo system and a set of HRE wheels.

Now if you want to get two cars to meet both needs my choices would be:

-Lotus Elise 2005 -Land Rover Discovery 2004 or used 3-series

Wimps need more than 2 wheels.

i thought that i'd bump this thread as there has been some recent car talk on the forum.

Here's why: 1. This thing will be in the garage for most of the week. When you will want to drive, you'll want a beast, but something that can handle NYC roads. 2. Maintenance is covered for 5 years, which you may not be completely using. You don't want to be responsible for maintenance and repairs, since they will be expensive and time consuming. Plus you'll get a loaner. 3. Get the SLK55. NYC is warm enough for 6-7 months of top down driving. That car has AIRSCARF, which vents hot air over your head and neck for those 50 degree days.

If you decide on the Porsche, congratulations and good luck. Just be careful around corners since it has a tedency to slide (mid engine) and you need to be a bit more experienced to drive it(not sure how much or where you'll do most of your driving).

Get a fully loaded Range Rover or Hummer baby.

Crown Victoria

RS4

No question.

It has enough room for friends, girls and golf clubs. It is also faster than most of the pansy ass "sports cars" in the sub 100k price range.

If you absolutely have to have a porsche, do not get an Non-S. My younger brother in his Subaru STi routinely blows away 911s (not Turbos or GT2/3). You can't have every young kid in an Evo or STi pulling away from you at stop lights. You might even have trouble with them in an S if you aren't a good driver, get an automatic, or buy a convertible, but at least you have a chance. I'd say just pony up the extra cheddar and get a Turbo. You'll never regret it, and you can afford it. Go certified pre-owned on a 996 Turbo if you have to. Warrant and cheaper.

Don't be a wuss it's the Phantom or nothing.

...

I got an FX45.. it isn't a supercar, but I seldom drive my car and when I do it's to go up to the mountains to snowboard.

For me its the best combo of sport and function.

you have to give it to porsche. i keep thinking of this choice and it all comes back to the 911. i like the aston martin as well, but i'm not sure if i am old enough to pull it off. also, it is a little too expensive for the amount that i intend to spend.

i wonder if i should go for a used 997 model 911 or if i should get a porsche approved 996 model. i don't think that i will switch cars for the next 4 years at least, so i am more inclined to go for the 997 model. I know that i want a sports car (rather now that i am young then when i am older), so a range rover or something wouldn't be ideal, even though they are lovely.

anyone have an MD who has a full-time driver?