Car suggestions for young professional (monthly budget of ~$1,500) (best, sports car, engine)

[tewest86]

I say get a S550 AMG.. I saw one with $101,000 on the sticker so I'm sure you can talk them down.

[NJGOAT]

Originally Posted by robrobrob

I really like the 1 series although it isn't that flashy compared with a Cayman.

The OP can actually afford a decently equipped 1-series though. A new Cayman is well outside of his budget for anything but a total base model.

[robrobrob]

Originally Posted by NJGOAT

The OP can actually afford a decently equipped 1-series though. A new Cayman is well outside of his budget for anything but a total base model.

My point was that if he wants a Cayman he won't be happy with a 1 series. I am not a techo geek when it comes to cars. Basic options are fine. I don't need the latest gadgets. So, could live with a base Cayman. I have no idea if it can be used a daily driver.

[Engineer_Guy]

Originally Posted by NJGOAT

The OP can actually afford a decently equipped 1-series though. A new Cayman is well outside of his budget for anything but a total base model.

Well in many cases a base model car is still a better choice than a lesser car that is fully loaded with features.

[smokingGun]

If you're a under-30 professional and don't really care about cars to have a preference regarding brands, driving dynamics & even size, just lease a BMW X3 for $600/month (all maintenance except tires included). And if you want to save a few bucks there's the X1 which is about $500/month. Unless you're running with a flashy monied crowd (think Malibu, Beverly Hills) there's no need for Cayenne's, Evoque's or E-class convertibles imo.

[Momma_bear]

Originally Posted by stan4

I didn't get a $100k car until I had 3 times that in the bank to back it up.
I wouldn't splurge on luxury unless I had 2 years' salary sitting in the bank.

Savings first. Lux later.

There is a saying in our house that anything that has six figures in the price tag should come with a bathroom.

[southernnaturelover]

Originally Posted by Momma_bear

There is a saying in our house that anything that has six figures in the price tag should come with a bathroom.

Or two.

I recommend looking for a slightly used Maxima SE, or maybe a Lexus IS350. You'll have a decent amount of luxury while not going into debt.

[stan4]

Originally Posted by superseiyan

Unless one is destitute, it's not an either/or.

Purely financially, yes what I'm saying is of course nonsensical--however, I'm thinking about it more philosophically. Doing one doesn't automatically mean you can't do the other. It is highly situational.

Once necessary bills (rent/mortage, health insurance, etc) are taken care of, there's more to life than save, save, save, save, invest, save save--and then only when you are 60 or 70 do you get to kind of enjoy life. Just IMO.

I didn't say anything different.
Just square away your future and don't put yourself into debt to do something entirely unnecessary. I love cars (really LOVE cars), but a luxury/high end car is entirely unnecessary.
But once you're squared away and can do it, sure. I don't see any wisdom in getting yourself into some crazy debt so young for no reason.

[BMW Dave]

BMW 328i.

Anything else is trying to be a 3 series and they all fail.

It comes in 2 and 4 door, they can even be ordered as a wagon.

But don't get the 335i, the twin turbo, while powerful is trouble prone.

[parentologist]

I have this totally insane idea. Why don't you BUY the car you can afford with the money you have in savings, instead of borrowing to buy a luxury vehicle you can't afford?