Car Advice

Cars!
Question for you mechanical types out there in cyberland.

I’m looking to buy myself a car.

I have never purchased a brand spanking new car as it doesn’t make sense that having bought a brand new car,
that it devalues by 20% as soon as its driven it off the forecourt.

So like always, I will buy a used car.
Usually I buy a car that is between 6 – 24 months old.
I have always driven German made cars because I have found them to be reliable, comfortable and
very good value for money.
German cars also tend to hold their resale value too.

My question concerns what brand of car to purchase
I have driven Audi cars for the past decade or so.
Prior to that I drove Volkswagon cars.

My annual rate of mileage is minimal – maybe 6,000 miles per annum.
I prefer to use public transport/cycle/walk, if I can do so.
However, I have always wanted to purchase a Mercedes Benz car.
I like the Mercs for obvious reasons – they’re well made, they’re reliable, they hold their value and they go forever.
A friend of mine has one and he swears by it.
Granted he uses his car a lot and accumulates about 15k miles per annum.

My dilemma is : due to my lack of annual mileage, is it worth my while buying a Merc?
Are they really only suitable for those accumulating huge mileage?

__________________
.."But finally the last thing I’ll say to the people who don’t believe in cycling, the cynics and the sceptics. I'm sorry for you. I’m sorry that you can’t dream big. [I]I'm sorry you don't believe in miracles. You should believe in these athletes, and you should believe in these people. I'll be a fan of the Tour de France for as long as I live. And there are no secrets - this is a hard sporting event and hard work wins it" - Armstrong 2005 TDF
morelike hypocrisy.

In my opinion, mileage is only something you worry about when buying a car that you don't expect to be reliable or you drive 30,000 miles a year. I wouldn't use that as a reason to buy or not to buy a Merc (I'd buy an Audi or BMW but that's all my personal preference). Buy a car based on what your plan on using it for and what you like. Keep in mind that you're going to be stuck with this thing for several years and why have something you aren't thrilled to drive. When it comes to cars I'm very opinionated and take them very seriously because I love them. I do realize that all people are not the same and don't share that sentiment. Some people just buy a car to get from point A to point B. Still, why be stuck driving something you hate? Go get the car that you want! I smile every day because I get to drive a car I love.

For the record, I drive a Mazda Rx-8

Good advice.

I suppose my concern is that after talking to someone "who's in the trade", his view is that a Merc is more suitable for a driver doing more mileage than I would be driving.

I like my comforts when I drive - I drove Audi's for years.
I had thought about buying a beemer but decided against buying.

Maxda Rx-8!
Very nice machine, Boot

__________________
.."But finally the last thing I’ll say to the people who don’t believe in cycling, the cynics and the sceptics. I'm sorry for you. I’m sorry that you can’t dream big. [I]I'm sorry you don't believe in miracles. You should believe in these athletes, and you should believe in these people. I'll be a fan of the Tour de France for as long as I live. And there are no secrets - this is a hard sporting event and hard work wins it" - Armstrong 2005 TDF
morelike hypocrisy.

Thanks!

Audi's are well know for their comfort and interiors. If you've been happy with them in the past then I'd stick with them. Maybe an RS4 perhaps? I can't help it. I'm a gearhead!

As you may remember I drive an A4 so my advise is to throw caution to the wind and get an R8.
You only live once as far as I know.
The lack of mileage only enhances the trade-in or selling worth of a car, so I wouldn't fret over that.

__________________
Dope,when training and talent just aren't enough.

yeah, I'm with him. R8 is surely the way to go. God what an amazing machine!

I am looking into getting my state laws changed so it is legal to marry an R8.

__________________
Dope,when training and talent just aren't enough.

as a neighbor from NC, I think we can all look the other way....

My suggestion is to take the help of car buying guides and it would be more advantage.

G'day, Lim.

As an accountantician, you are aware of sunk costs. The World is a much more volatile place in terms of change than it was 10, 20, or 30 years ago. Don't worry too much about resale value, unless you are planning on replacing again in the next 5 years.

Worry about:
- How much you are prepared to fork out (including the opportunity costs of investing a large dollop in a car).
- What you can get for that amount.
- What you want.

If you have always wanted a Merc, and the opportunity is available and fits in with the scheme, you will have achieved what you wanted. If you don't, you will continue to always have wanted a Merc.

The mileage issue is in your favour. Less miles basically equals longevity so, as long as you get the car you want (and look after it), you'll have it for a long time.

Don't forget, middle age (or thereabouts) is not necessarily about overusing the sensible gene.

Cheers,
Eoin

Thanks EC :

Its nice to be in a position to buy a car.
And your advice is welcome.

Bought the Merc last week and I have to say I'm really pleased with it.
I've been busy looking to chauffeur people all over the place, ever since!

__________________
.."But finally the last thing I’ll say to the people who don’t believe in cycling, the cynics and the sceptics. I'm sorry for you. I’m sorry that you can’t dream big. [I]I'm sorry you don't believe in miracles. You should believe in these athletes, and you should believe in these people. I'll be a fan of the Tour de France for as long as I live. And there are no secrets - this is a hard sporting event and hard work wins it" - Armstrong 2005 TDF
morelike hypocrisy.

G'Day, Lim.

Good job. Don't go letting it stop you turning the pedals, though. I just had a 7 week break from the velocipedes while I was over in Africa, and it hurts to start out again.

Cheers,
EC