[collegegrad92]

Good or bad idea? I'll be a graduating this summer and got a great job near St. Joseph area that pays quite well. Since I don't really have any obligations (no wife/kids/mortgage) I was thinking I buy an Audi A4 but I'm worried how my future boss/co-workers will take it. I'm usually not the one to care what people think but I don't want to start my career on a bad foot. I was thinking Audi would be a good choice since it comes in AWD as well.

Is this a good or bad idea? And is AWD necessary or will FWD be fine?

Thank you!

[Chengdu Nanhai]

Go ahead and get that Audi A4 if it brings you enjoyment and is financially sensible for you. A4 isn't too flashy of a car really, so I wouldn't worry about it rubbing your boss/coworkers the wrong way. I drive a Porsche Cayenne, and when I worked in real estate last year, NO ONE in my company had a nicer car, and I was only a first-year

[belleislerunner]

Considering a car is probably the worst investment you can make in terms of depreciation etc (as contrasted with appreciating assets) - feel free to buy whatever you can afford - but recognize the financial stewards of the world (e.g. bosses) will be judging your financial intelligence. Or lack thereof.

[michigan83]

One of the best parts of growing up is when you go through personal growth and your priorities change. One of the best things that ever happened to me was when I stopped worrying about what I drove. I now view cars as a "point A to point B" necessity and I buy used, reliable, non-flashy cars. That allows me to spend money in more important and less wasteful ways. It is like a form of freedom. Freedom from the need to waste so much income on transportation.

Of course, this only happened after a few rounds of obsessing over vehicles, buying them, getting buyer's remorse, and then selling later. When I heard advice like what I'm giving you, I would just ignore it. I had to learn it myself, the hard way. I'm guessing you'll ignore this as well, because "car fever" is tough to resist. I couldn't do it either. So I'm not going to judge. And maybe you never will regret it and think about all of the other things you could be spending $50,000 on, such as meaningful life experiences. A lot of people get so much enjoyment out of cars that they don't care. I am not one of those people.

Like someone else said, buying a new car is the worst investment you can make. So hopefully the intangibles of driving a beautiful car can make up for the financial loss.

[Chengdu Nanhai]

The OP has not specified whether he will be buying a new Audi. I would definitely recommend buying used (2-4 year old off-lease cars). The two posters above me make very good points. A car is a depreciating asset, but it brings functionality as well as enjoyment. With that in mind, the idea is to maximize your enjoyment while minimizing cost. In my case, my actual cost-to-own on my 4-year-old Porsche is not much higher than a new Toyota Highlander Limited.

I would not spend $45k on a car if I were in your shoes. $25k-$30k may be more like it.

[MS313]

I honestly think noone cares, you have a car nicer than your bosses, so what? I'm sure having a nicer car than their employees is not part of their job description. It's YOUR money, do what makes YOU happy.

[michigan83]

Originally Posted by MarvinStrong313

I honestly think noone cares, you have a car nicer than your bosses, so what? I'm sure having a nicer car than their employees is not part of their job description. It's YOUR money, do what makes YOU happy.

There is some truth to this. But... I also wish that my younger self had been smart with money instead of following the "it's your money, spend it however you want" theory.

[scorpio516]

Driving a better car, or driving a car better?

Big difference. Later, as you've written, always suggest to drive, but don't show off. You want to get somewhere without crashing!

Former, no one cares. UNLESS you are working at a automotive plant! Depending on your career, you might never know what your boss or co-workers drive... I know what everyone in my office drives, but that's only because my job includes visiting a lot of buildings, and I ***** about my broken Miata lol

[YAZ]

Originally Posted by collegegrad92

Good or bad idea? I'll be a graduating this summer and got a great job near St. Joseph area that pays quite well. Since I don't really have any obligations (no wife/kids/mortgage) I was thinking I buy an Audi A4 but I'm worried how my future boss/co-workers will take it. I'm usually not the one to care what people think but I don't want to start my career on a bad foot. I was thinking Audi would be a good choice since it comes in AWD as well.

Is this a good or bad idea? And is AWD necessary or will FWD be fine?

Thank you!

Buy whatever you want (and can afford).

And congratulations on the job!

Cars get old fast in MI, so I would buy new if you can. Mine tended to last longer if I sprayed EVERYTHING at least twice per week at the carwash. This includes underneath your vehicle and removing the rubber plugs in the bottom of the doors and washing the INSIDE of them.

MUST REMOVE the WINTER SALT.

I prefer 4WD but keep in mind that I traveled many 2-tracks for my fishing/camping adventures.

I started driving in da U.P. with a 2WD pickup truck but I wouldn't recommend it in the lower with all of the traffic. Getting stuck "up north" just seemed easier than the Detroit area.

With FWD, the CV joints are covered with a rubber-like sleeve that tends to deteriorate quickly. If these open up, then the joint will be exposed to all of the salt (&other things), that can make your car inoperable.

so ya gotta keep an eye on 'em.

Much cheaper to replace the CV boots than the joint itself, ifya catch my drift.

Nowadays, it seems you can get any vehicle that you want with the extreme multi year financing available. I'd stick with a five year term (or less), and less than a half a week's net income regarding your budget. For the monthly payment that is.....

Don't forget insurance and general upkeep.

Consider leasing vs. buying......but that's a whole 'nuther thread.....

[YAZ]

My father used to say:

"Wait until you're at least 30 before you buy a sports car".

I hit 30 and bought a truck. I need comfort, man.