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new econo car or old luxury car?
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| tvmann |
My car is just about shot and needs to be replaced. I don't need a big car so I was thinking of a new small car like a Toyota Echo. Gets 53 mpg highway, and Toyotas are reliable so I think I could get 10+ years of driving with very low fuel and repair costs.
But I've discovered there are some real deals on older luxury cars! Like a 1997 BMW 740i, 140K km for $16,000. And today I saw some 1989 Mercedes-Benz S-class sedans at a Hyundai dealer, apparently they are bringing them in from Japan, two of them have only about 33K km and look almost new. I haven't found out yet why the mileage is so low, maybe owned by a wealthy person or for government use.
I've read that these are all excellent cars, but the BMW 740 might be expensive for maintenance. The Mercedes S class is apparently very relable. Most of these cars have V6 or V8 engines so might be gas guzzlers compared to the Toyota. Definitely these cars are very classy, luxurious, fast, and way too expensive to buy new. They probably only get 25-30 mpg highway but I don't drive much so the fuel cost is not a big deal.
So, $18,000+taxes buys either a 2005 Toyota Echo with a few options, or an old (1989) mint condition low-km Mercedes 560SEL with 5.6L V8 and many options, or a 1997 BMW 740i. Which would you get? New econobox or old lux machine?
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| |cEbLu3 |
old skool luxury my man. I have a 1990 BMW 520i with the AC Schnitzer rims and bodykit. Put a supra engine in it, and now i can race when i want to, but still be pimp, :D
:toocool: |
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| DarkAngel |
| I love the old 740iLs. I like them better than the 745 series that's out now. I think Echos are hideous, but if they're economic, more power (and money) to you, considering how jacked the up gas prices are now. |
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| Disco_Gibson |
that toyota is absoluetly hideous looking.definately go for a seconh hand luxury ride.
my favourite is a 96-02 BMW 5-series 530d or 540i V8.Best car ever made...
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| |cEbLu3 |
my mom drives a 530, like the one above ^^
:toocool: |
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| dj_alfi |
| im thinking of getting me an 87 Coupe de Ville.. thats luxury in a box, my dear.. It's like, many new cars don't even have what that car had back then.. It's white, its a convertible, it has a giant engine.. whats there to not like about it? plus its like only $15,000 here in norway, which is VERY cheap for a car, with those standards.. its like, brand new cars costs about $70,000... |
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| Moral Hazard |
Where in Canada are you?
If you're in Ontario and under the age of 25 both the BMW and the Mercedes are going to carry very high insurance premiums, especially if you get collision coverage (which is more or less mandatory if you're financing it or getting a secured loan). Check around for rates before you buy so that you're not shocked after the fact. |
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| dbb |
I have never thought of BMW, nor Mercedes as luxurious...
But I would by a new car. First of all, it _works_, It's safe (new technology, air bags for example), and you have a guarantee. |
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| dbb |
| quote: | Originally posted by Moral Hazard
Where in Canada are you?
If you're in Ontario and under the age of 25 both the BMW and the Mercedes are going to carry very high insurance premiums, especially if you get collision coverage (which is more or less mandatory if you're financing it or getting a secured loan). Check around for rates before you buy so that you're not shocked after the fact. |
Hehe, my friend and I checked with the bank to see what insurance we would have to pay anually for a Porsche Cayenne (19 y.o). It was around 30 000-40 000$ :crazy:
Though car prices in Norway are crazy (insurance to, for expensive cars)... Costs more than twice than in the U.S. A new Mazda RX-8 is like 75 000$ :stongue: |
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| DjConfessions |
| i have an echo and it isn't exactly that fun to drive. i only use it cus i need something reliable. once i get enough money i'll get another car for my car modification hobby. 240sx :) |
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| dj_alfi |
| quote: | Originally posted by dbb
Hehe, my friend and I checked with the bank to see what insurance we would have to pay anually for a Porsche Cayenne (19 y.o). It was around 30 000-40 000$ :crazy:
Though car prices in Norway are crazy (insurance to, for expensive cars)... Costs more than twice than in the U.S. A new Mazda RX-8 is like 75 000$ :stongue: |
its way more than the double.. its insane.. basically just taxes.. |
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| BadBadNeil |
I think the Echo is absolutely hideous looking and probably takes about 1/2 hour to hit 60 but if you don't care about looks or speed then I'd go with a new car simply because you have the warranty. BMW and Mercedes aren't exactly stellar performers in the reliability category. Also if you are even thinking about gas (mentioning the 50mpg for the echo) why even consider cars that have poor gas performance?
Personally I think you'd be better off with another econocar like a civic. Sure they are played out but they look better, have decent reliability, don't cost a lot, have good gas mileage, and are better performers. |
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