Car Purchase -- seeking opinions

[rolliefingers]

We are in the market for a car.  Our stache has grown to $2.6MM & we have an annual spend of $85k, as a point of reference in this decision.

The question is, how do you go about budgeting for a car.  Naturally, my wife is leaning toward a lightly used BMW or Audi.

I am leaning toward her staying in the fully paid off 2011 Acura MDX with 120k miles on it (I drove most of those, then the company switched us to a car program).  It is in good shape but is beginning to exhibit signs of uniform wear.

Part of me thinks "what the heck -- she can have anything (within reason) that has taken the depreciation hit."  The part of me that amassed our stache thinks diametrically opposite.  She is dropping hints of buying NEW, which is a non-starter with me.  I am sure many here can imagine this tension.  Thanks for any thoughts. 

[GoHokies]

I mean, from a purely financial standpoint, it's clear buying a used reliable car is better, and you obviously know that.  It's also against mustachian principles to be a consumer sucker and buy a new (or newish) luxury car that will just make you softer and more accustomed to luxury over time. 

However, if I was in your financial position and the car decision was causing any tension in my relationship, I might just cave in get and whatever my wife wanted. You are in a financial position such that a dumb car decision (within reason obviously - we aren't talking about going out and getting a brand new lambo) isn't really going to have any effect on your long term financial goals.  I would just try to not make it a habit and view it more as a one time splurge and marriage compromise.

Good job on the stache though! Quite impressive.

[SunnyDays]

Well, with your stache and expenses, you know you could be FIREd, right?  Do you want that now or soon?  If yes, then keep the Acura.  If no, then keep the Acura!  To me, cars are no more than butt-moving machines, and if it does that job safely, that's good enough.  Sounds like your wife is into prestige.  I would encourage her to buy whatever car she wants to out of HER money.  (Are you the only bread-winner?)  That might narrow her options quickly!

[Ann12345]

BMW's are notoriously unreliable, even new. I would lean more toward the Audi if a luxury car is a must for the wife, but what is wrong with the acura?  Why not drive it until it is undriveable, which should  be a long time if you are biking most places ;)

[RWD]

BMW's are notoriously unreliable, even new. I would lean more toward the Audi if a luxury car is a must for the wife, but what is wrong with the acura?  Why not drive it until it is undriveable, which should  be a long time if you are biking most places ;)

Audis are even less reliable than BMWs... If you're looking for a reliable luxury car then a Lexus is an obvious first place to look.
http://dashboard-light.com/reports/Audi.html

[Dave1442397]

If she has to have new, and it has to be an Audi or BMW, just lease the thing. You certainly don't want to own one outside the warranty period.

While I think Audi reliability has gotten better, my mechanic says that routine maintenance is expensive just because of the parts and tools required to do the work. He showed me the parts needed to do the timing belt on an Audi A4 - $4400 at his cost, plus he had to buy a special tool to hold the crankshaft in place while opening up the engine. He said that's the first and last A4 timing belt he's doing.

[gooki]

Order a Model 3. By the time it rolls of the production line, you’ll have earned more than the cost of the car from your investment returns.

[rolliefingers]

Ha.  Good call.  This may be the ultimate compromise.

Order a Model 3. By the time it rolls of the production line, you’ll have earned more than the cost of the car from your investment returns.

[Laura33]

You need both of you to be happy; no matter how stupid her idea is (and a new BMW is very high on the stupidity scale), you don't get to decide that for her -- you both need to find a compromise between the 'stache and her more material desires. 

What I want to know is why she wants a new car -- safety features?  Bling?  Impressing the neighbors?  That feeling of "new"?  Wants something smaller/sportier?*  And then what is your concern about the costs of the new car -- what is the real impact of her choice on your plans?  What budget do you think you guys can manage without affecting your plans? 

Once you guys understand each other's priorities -- the "why" -- then you can both look at reliable, gently-used vehicles that meet her primary needs.

But no matter what the answer is, it's not a BMW or Audi.  Gah.  Those things will kill you with operating and maintenance costs.  Second the notion for a used Lexus -- my in-laws have had them for about 20 years, and they just don't die.


*Note that that this last one would be me -- I don't care how already-depreciated it is, I am never driving DH's boat).

[Car Jack]

Order a Model 3. By the time it rolls of the production line, you’ll have earned more than the cost of the car from your investment returns., you'll be retired.

Fixed that for ya.  :D

If you consider a used BMW or Audi or for that matter Land Rover, buy certified pre-owned only.  This way, you get a factory backed warranty for when all the things break and fail.  You will want to know what the dealer's loaner car fleet looks like and how quickly you can get into a loaner because you'll be in one often.

I've owned both BMW and Audi.  The Audi was great because the dealer was on my commute to work so I'd drop mine off, pick up a near identical car for the day, only putting in gas and pick up a fixed, washed, vacuumed car.  Once the warranty was gone and I had to pay out of pocket, 2 visits were enough for me to dump that turd.  I'm not made out of money and a few $750 services a month aren't in my plan.  I sold it and bought a Subaru.