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As is often the case, I'm in the frustrating position of helping my best friend make a major purchasing decision. We met in 7th grade and we're now 42, but he always seeks my advice (and approval) before he makes any significant purchase. I've learned to live with it and try to give the best, fact-based advice that I can.
Anyway, he has just accepted a job that will move him from his current home in Pittsburgh to lovely (well, warm at least) southern Alabama. For the past 15 years, he has enjoyed the use of a company car and he currently has a 2017 Ford Fusion Titanium. He will be turning that car in to the company on his last day in mid-May. His only choice will be to purchase something before that date or, worst case scenario, rent something until he can buy one.
His new employer will be paying for his new vehicle. The owner of the company and the person currently in the position my friend will be filling both drive newer Mercedes-Benz vehicles. The boss has a 2015 S-Class (S550, if I'm not mistaken) and the guy he is replacing drives a 2014/2015 E-350. While the company will be reimbursing him for the monthly payment, insurance sand giving him a credit card for maintenance, repair and fuel, the car will ultimately belong to him. His new employer has subtly hinted that he would like for him to get a Mercedes, but his only firm requirement is that it be a "luxury" brand vehicle.
So, here's the situation...my friend can buy a CPO M-B (2015/2016) E-class (probably E-350 with Sport Pkg) OR he can get a brand new Lexus NX 200t F-Sport. He drove the M-B GLC (comparable to the Lexus NX) and hated it and he did the same with the Lexus GS350. He's not interested in Audi, BMW, Infiniti, Acura, Lincoln, Cadillac, Volvo or any other brand. That's how he arrived at these two very different final choices.
With all of that said (don't you just hate exposition?), which would you choose and why? A 2014/2015 CPO Mercedes-Benz E-350 or a 2017 Lexus NX 200t F Sport?
The Mercedes, because that's what his employer wants him to get.
Plus, it didn't get hit in the face with an ugly stick.
This^^^ end of story. Do you really want to start a job with owner disapproving of a vehicle he's paying for? Look at the E63 too, there isn't a Lexus that comes close to numbers it puts up, and it shouts success which the owner is obviously wanting to portray in this deal (new is over $100k)
This^^^ end of story. Do you really want to start a job with owner disapproving of a vehicle he's paying for? Look at the E63 too, there isn't a Lexus that comes close to numbers it puts up, and it shouts success which the owner is obviously wanting to portray in this deal (new is over $100k)
Except the boss may not take too kindly to an employee having a better engine than him! LOL
OP, look for a 2014 E550. Last year they offered it, and it has the new front end design. In my opinion, you really can't have a mid tier or higher luxury car without a V8... unless it's a V6 with two turbos strapped to it. The vast majority of E classes sold are the lower tier engine models (same goes for most Mercedes model lineups, actually.) If you want to make an impression, get the V8 version.
His new employer has subtly hinted that he would like for him to get a Mercedes...
The company will be reimbursing him for the monthly payment, insurance sand giving him a credit card for maintenance, repair and fuel...
Mercedes is the choice, then. The company wants him to get one, the company is paying for everything associated with it, and if the company says they'd like you, I mean him to drive one, that's what he should do. They are going for a conservative, mature business person's image, and the E-Class delivers it in several conservative shades of silver.
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