Looking for a car- which would you go for?

[Trumpetchris]

OK, so I just hit 140k on my 1996 Saturn. I figure I have a little time left with it, as it's still running fine. But, Should I use it as a trade in now (since it works) or drive it into the ground?

I'm looking at a couple used cars that are a significant upgrade from Saturn. There's a 1999 Mercedes E320 with 89k, a 2001 Lexus ES300 with 102k, and a 2001 BMW 325i steptronic with 116k. All are within 1000 dollars of each other. My question for you BOTLs is: of these 3 cars, which would you recommend?

I've heard great things about Lexus quality and reliability. I've heard Mercedes will also last forever. I like BMW, but have heard they can be expensive for repairs.

Any advice would be great.

 

[caudio51]

I'd go for less car with less miles. A higher end car with high miles will end up costing a lot more to fix. Parts become $$$ as well as labor.

 

[dpricenator]

I'd go for less car with less miles. A higher end car with high miles will end up costing a lot more to fix. Parts become $$$ as well as labor.

YEP YEP YEP, toomany miles. I'm not sure of your price range, but a lease return lets you pick up a car at half price and it's only 3-4 years old. Out of these cars you listed, i would say that Lexus is the most reliable. And sinse it is a toyota product, parts are less expensive than the Benz or the B'mer.

 

[BamaRed]

Lexus or the Benz, you cannot go wrong with either one.

-BR

 

[bballbaby]

i agree with caudio...high end cars with high miles can lead to high costs to fix them. Not saying you need to go american made or anything, but my opinion woudl be to get something with less miles.

 

[jwintosh]

if the saturn is paid off, drive it for another 2 years,,, then buy a new car! or not.... might want to think about fuel economy too!!

 

[smokem94]

I'm a big fan of all three although I'm not to fond of the Mercedes E Class. The mileage is way to high on all 3 for me to make a recomendation although the repair and maint. record on the Lexus is the best, then BMW, then Mercedes.
You are just asking for problems buying one of these Makes with that many miles.

 

[WhiteLightning]

Drive into the ground. There are great deals for leases or other daily driver cars that you could finance. I don't feel comfortable buying used. I bought my Maxima new and it's going to be driven until it doesn't go anymore ( hopefully a few more years). Then I'll be looking for another new car or maybe a lease. Just my .02.

 

[Angry Bill]

You also have to think about repair costs in there. The BMW and MErcedes are on the high end of repair casts. IE, brake job.. Its about a $700-1000 for a brake job on these cars. They replace the rotors each time, since BMW machines their rotors so thin. You could use after market parts to lessen the costs.

Also MBZ requires special tools, which are out the world costly to begin with.

Just my two cents. I have always bought a new car and driven it into the ground. In fact, my Dodge Ram has the lifetime warranty, so Im not paying for nothing cept $100 in reapir.. lol.. Engine, tranny, computer. You name it.

And to answer your question, I would go with the Lexus. Best car for the buck.

 

[RigilKent]

Audi R8 all the way

 

[Angry Bill]

Audi R8 all the way

Hell yeah... But that is an $80K to start with.. Add extras and it goes up from there. I personally would love a Astin Martin DBS... lol.. That's my dream car. I drove a DB9 for 6 months and fell in love. Now all I have to do is win the lottery. hehe.

 

[RigilKent]

yep the lottery is the best way to go IMO

 

[Greg]

Of the cars you mentioned, I'd go with the Lexus because of reliability issues. Also, because that particular V6 is one of the best ever produced in terms of wear and tear, ask any mechanic.

 

[N2Advnture]

Take a look at Acuras, Toyotas or the Infinity G35x

 

[Smurf]

Less miles.

Also, youll notice, the newer cars you mentioned had more miles then the older ones, which means they are probalby going to be even bigger headaches in the near future.

 

[Clinton]

Since you're talking trade in, I assume you're not looking to pay cash for a replacement car. An already-paid-for car costs a helluva lot less than monthly payments. Keep the Saturn until it starts generating large repair bills.

 

[Greg]

An already-paid-for car costs a helluva lot less than monthly payments. Keep the Saturn until it starts generating large repair bills.

That's the truth.

 

[Boppa-Wasch]

Since you're talking trade in, I assume you're not looking to pay cash for a replacement car. An already-paid-for car costs a helluva lot less than monthly payments. Keep the Saturn until it starts generating large repair bills.

Then donate it to charity and claim Blue book as a deduction on your taxes.

 

[Clinton]

Then donate it to charity and claim Blue book as a deduction on your taxes.

That doesn't work anymore. Unless the charity will actually use your vehicle and gives you a receipt stating so, the most you can claim is $500. Found out the hard way last year.

 

[Boppa-Wasch]

Works if they (charity) are the direct receiver of the vehicle. A "appraisal" is needed if the value of the car is $5000.00 or over. I have donated 3 cars this way....not the same if the group you are donating to is 2nd party or gets a certain % of the donation