POLL: Which car to buy? (luxury car, vehicles, tuning, percentage)

[NYCresident2014]

What currency is the 50k in? Given the mileage is in KM it seems it's not USD. Especially since Camrys are in the 20s and 30s.

[OutdoorLover]

Originally Posted by Ruth4Truth

No contest: the Toyota. Mercedes and BMW are too expensive to repair, REALLY expensive, and they both tend to have things go wrong with them chronically. I don't know about Audi, but Toyota has the reputation world-wide of being extremely reliable, and also long-lasting, if it matters to you. Where most other cars give out at around 150K mi., Toyota just keeps on trucking upwards of 250K mi., and beyond, if you take good care of them.

And here's a thought: just because you can afford a $50K car, doesn't mean you have to get one. Yes, I said it. You could get a $30K car, and take a nice European vacation or see New Zealand in style with the remainder.

Also: consider getting a Toyota hybrid, since EV's and various hybrids will be required in coming years anyway.

Lots to think about.

Yeah, it's not just the cost to purchase, it's also the cost to operate these things. Fuel costs will be lower with the Toyota, but more importantly, I think the repair and maintenance costs in years 1-5 with a Camry might in aggregate be $10K less, maybe $20K less, than the repair and maintenance costs in years 6-10 with a BMW, Audi or Mercedes - you've got an older vehicle, that's less reliable to begin with, and that has higher unit parts and labor costs as well - that's a lot of dollar factors against the older premium German option.

[Parnassia]

Originally Posted by Deuce88

So if someone drives a certain car you would consider them "shallow"?

Not quite. Shallow people are those who judge someone by what they own instead of who they are. Doesn't matter whether they own the same thing or not. They still judge.

[johngolf]

Originally Posted by OutdoorLover

If it's a 5yo premium German car versus a new Toyota, I say get the new Toyota. Yes, it will be less impressive, but it will also be less trouble. And, you'll get to enjoy the car when new, as the first owner.

I agree but also I do not buy used cars. I only buy new cars.

[txtea]

Originally Posted by Deuce88

So if someone drives a certain car you would consider them "shallow"?

That's not what I said.
The people that judge you by what you drive are shallow.

[kwong7]

Originally Posted by lukazi2

My max budget is around 50k. I'm thinking between the following options:

Mercedes C class 2017 (~70,000km)
New Toyota Camry Ascent 2021/2022
Audi A5 2017 (~70,000km)
BMW 320i M-sport 2017 (~70,000km)

I like Merc C class however the new 2022 model has been fully redesigned and I'm worried that my C class 2017 will look outdated very soon. Could you please vote in the poll?

Your comments would be also very much appreciated.

Thanks

I would never be concerned about most things of mine looking outdated, but that's just me. Outdated can also be a function of commonality where the more obscure and rare a vehicle is, it can often times keep its look lasting in the public court of "what's cool." For instance, the MKI Audi TT still looks quite stylish even after 22 years, the Saturn Sky, even the 2008 Pontiac Vibe (the sole production year) looks like a brand new car...I saw one for the first time last week.

As for the European luxury-sport cars, I would have to be a DIY mechanic who liked fixing problems, have a mechanic-friend who loved working on my car, not mind spending $800/yr in random repairs, and not mind the inconvenient down-time of repairing the car to even consider owning one of those. I've had extremely good luck with my 2001 VW Golf TDI, but I know that has been the exception to the rule.

But if fun was the goal I'd totally lean towards the BMW.

[lukazi2]

Thanks guys! I'd love to throw another one in the mix and get your thoughts on it - Kia Stinger, probably 100,000km on it as they are more expensive. What are your thoughts?
And to clarify, my budget is 50,000 AUD (I live in Australia).

Thanks for all your comments!

[recycled]

Originally Posted by lukazi2

Thanks guys! I'd love to throw another one in the mix and get your thoughts on it - Kia Stinger, probably 100,000km on it as they are more expensive. What are your thoughts?
And to clarify, my budget is 50,000 AUD (I live in Australia).

Thanks for all your comments!

I think you would be better off seeking advice on an Aussie oriented car discussion forum. It's obvious that most North Americans (including me) on this forum don't know the car model names that are available in your country.

[Loriact]

Being a practical person, I’d have to go with the Camry.

[PacoMartin]

Originally Posted by lukazi2

Thanks guys! I'd love to throw another one in the mix and get your thoughts on it - Kia Stinger, probably 100,000km on it as they are more expensive. What are your thoughts?
And to clarify, my budget is 50,000 AUD (I live in Australia).

Thanks for all your comments!

The average transaction price for a Toyota in America in April 2022 was $36,799 = AUD$52,861 .

Toyota is the most popular brand in America, and the three most popular Toyota vehicles first quarter 2022 were

• 101,192 Rav4 Sport Utility Vehicle
• 66,026 Highlander Sport Utility Vehicle
• 61,505 Camry Midsize car

The Toyota Camry is rated as reliable and customers are highly satisfied. Resale value is very high.
So you are asking about a new hybrid with good fuel economy vs an aging luxury models that will cost you a lot of money to maintain. Most people are naturally going to pick the Camry on your poll.
Toyota Camry hybrd/Torque 149 lb.-ft
2022 Toyota Camry/Torque 267 lb-ft 3.5L V6 (not sure if available in Australia)

OTHER IDEAS (new cars similar to a Kia Stinger but for less money)

Subaru WRX AWD Manual From AUD$49,830 retail driveaway price (RDP)

• 2022 Kia Stinger/Torque 311 to 376 lb-ft
• 2022 Subaru WRX/Torque 258 lb-ft

The new generation WRX is not as powerful as a Stinger, but the lower price should allow you to get a new one.

Toyota's existing hot hatch,the GR Yaris ~AUD$50,000 is not sold in America, but it gets excellent reviews.
Toyota GR Yaris
Toyota GR Yaris/Torque 266–273 lb⋅ft

The price has not been set on Toyota's newest hot hatch, but this article guesses AUD$60,000 when it is released in 4th quarter of 2022.
Toyota GR Corolla revealed: 2022 Australian launch confirmed!
Toyota GR Corolla/Torque 273 lb.-ft