[Wilton2ParkAve]

$50k on a car I can pick up for $30 in 2 years isn't helping to validate the frugal concept.

[Stratford, Ct. Resident]

Originally Posted by Wilton2ParkAve

$50k on a car I can pick up for $30 in 2 years isn't helping to validate the frugal concept.

Find me a '10 Audi S5 for $30K.

I won't hold my breath waiting.....

[Wilton2ParkAve]

You may get lucky Stratford.. I picked up a two year old AMG for $35k in early '09. Obviously the economy was in the toilet, but the poor sap before me paid $81k.

Here is an '09 for under $40 with respectable mileage.

Cars for Sale: 2009 Audi S5 in Irwin, PA 15642: Coupe Details - 321226263 - AutoTrader.com

[kidyankee764]

Originally Posted by Wilton2ParkAve

but the poor sap before me paid $81k.

Ouch.

[Stylo]

AMG Mercedes are known to have crap resale value. Doesn't matter what the economy is doing, it's always been like that.

Even the Porsche I got with 12,000 miles was 1/2 the original MSRP, and Porsches are known for better resale.

I will say since I've bought it 4 years ago, it's only lost maybe 15% of the value I bought it for. It's great to take off that first sting.

The SUV's the OP is talking about will drop like a rock within a year or 2. Almost better leasing at that point if you want new.

[kidyankee764]

Originally Posted by Stylo

AMG Mercedes are known to have crap resale value. Doesn't matter what the economy is doing, it's always been like that.

Even the Porsche I got with 12,000 miles was 1/2 the original MSRP, and Porsches are known for better resale.

I will say since I've bought it 4 years ago, it's only lost maybe 15% of the value I bought it for. It's great to take off that first sting.

The SUV's the OP is talking about will drop like a rock within a year or 2. Almost better leasing at that point if you want new.

How do you think an S4 and a Touareg will hold?

[Wilton2ParkAve]

I agree Stylo. But you won't find a 2 year old E63 for $35 grand in this economy despite a change in powertrain and body. It's pretty obvious, the near depression of early 2009 impaired used car prices. I won't even discuss the other make I picked up at firesale prices.

Update: $65,000 is the least expensive 2010 E63 I can find on a national basis. Full disclosure: MSRP is up $7-10k since the 2007 model.

[Capital Guy]

Look at you all talking about your Mercedes, Audis, Porsches, Acuras. Lol, I still can't get over how many luxury cars I see in this state.

[gilfman]

Originally Posted by UconnHusky1

I'm ready to purchase a new car for our family or perhaps a certified pre-owned. We are a very frugal financially, but regardless we have finally decided to purchase something we will enjoy for many reasons.

We have narrowed down our SUV choices and they range between $40,000 - $50,000 (Acura MDX is our top choice). My primary reason for making this purchase would be for the safety of our family and also for the reliability. The Chevy Tahoe is also on my list for other reasons.

However, the only thing that I can't justify is paying the outrageous property tax associated with a vehicle in this price range. We are planning on moving to Monroe soon and I'm calculating a car tax bill of around $950/ per year.

Does anyone else have similar thoughts when planning to make a car purchase?? I feel like I'm being punished for making a purchase that will ultimately help the economy.

I'm basically to the point where I want to purchase a 15-year old Subaru station because I'm so disgusted with the tax system here....am I just being cheap and crazy??

NO YOU ARE NOT CHEAP & CRAZY!

Everytime I tell people from other states about this asinine tax they are appalled.

Watch out with the Acura, my 3 year old Nissan was assessed at a higher value than last year and the TAX WENT UP $45 while my wife's Honda 5 year old went down $25. (The Assessor in town told me most Nissan's, Infiniti's and Acura's held or went up on the value book they use: I believe they are sholveling and want more $). I could easily afford a souped up Mustang GT or a Benz with no problem but I am not paying a luxury tax every year to drive one. I am frugal too. I have to get a home in Rehoboth Beach, Lewes or Dewey Beach in Delaware. They pay no tax on buying cars and not this asinine tax every year.

It could easily be argued some heavy auto or trucking company looking to relocate in CT bypasses this state as soon as they see this, just like every trucker or car tries to blow by this state and get gas or diesel in MA or NJ. I sure do if I am going south fill up in NJ

[Enilder]

Originally Posted by Uconn97

And thats another reason why you shouldn't spend that kind of money on a depreciating asset. Look for a pre-owned certified or a less expensive brand. Toyota highlander? Pilot?? I personally don't care what people drive, but I think its funny that you are willing to drop 40-50K on a new car and then worried about the potential impact on your property taxes.

It's very personal because it's a lifestyle. Property tax in CT is on the extreme side and if the OP is from a different state, I understand how you feel (I've gone through that not too long ago and $1000 per year is, well, a lot). If you've been in CT long enough, you know what you are up against.

I sometimes wonder what CT does with all these insane taxes. What does CT do so differently compared to other states?

If you are concerned about 1 time $1000 per year basis, you probably aren't ready for it IMO.