OT: New Car?

[Mr. Gerbz_rivals]

So..almost 40 years old, almost done with 11 consecutive years of daycare/pre-school payments over 3 kids and now starting to think of buying myself a new car.

I’ve had 3 Honda Acords...yes 3, since my first car which was a ‘89 Chevy Beretta. Currrent Acord has 166k miles and still good but I don’t know..just want a luxury car for first time. I know...waste of $, save for college around corner, retirement, put toward paying off house, etc. but just speaking from car perspective, I need some recommendations since I don’t know much other than Acords lol !!!

I was thinking something in the neighborhood of BMW 5-Series, (mainly bc BMW was “big time” to me back in high school, haha) so give me some similar or better options on that price point. Also may go 2017 with 20k miles since buying or financing car off lot seems to be waste, and I drive 20k miles year, so leasing is out. Probably will wait till spring or even September. Recommendations??? Or go for the 4th Acord!!

 

[rutgersal_rivals139582]

So..almost 40 years old, almost done with 11 consecutive years of daycare/pre-school payments over 3 kids and now starting to think of buying myself a new car.

I’ve had 3 Honda Acords...yes 3, since my first car which was a ‘89 Chevy Beretta. Currrent Acord has 166k miles and still good but I don’t know..just want a luxury car for first time. I know...waste of $, save for college around corner, retirement, put toward paying off house, etc. but just speaking from car perspective, I need some recommendations since I don’t know much other than Acords lol !!!

I was thinking something in the neighborhood of BMW 5-Series, (mainly bc BMW was “big time” to me back in high school, haha) so give me some similar or better options on that price point. Also may go 2017 with 20k miles since buying or financing car off lot seems to be waste, and I drive 20k miles year, so leasing is out. Probably will wait till spring or even September. Recommendations??? Or go for the 4th Acord!!

I went from an Accord to a BMW and couldn’t be happier. My 3 series has provided Accord type reliability.

There are lots of good deals on 2018 BMW 3 and 5 right now. You can get 10 grand off the 3 series model that is being discontinued. It still is a significant upgrade from the Accord. Mike Wendroff from Open Road BMW in Morristown has previously given me a great deal, without any pressure. He can be reached at [email protected]

I would recommend either the 340xi or 540xi. Both have the same engine, but the 5 series is bigger and has a slightly upgraded interior. Must have options include navigation and heads up display. Some people get the adaptive suspension, but I think The standard one is good enough.

Lots of great info on the Bmw forum bimmerfest.com

You should definitely buy rather than lease.

 

[RU4Real]

BMWs are generally okay. Although my wife's best friend has a recent 3 series and hates it because it seems to break pretty often. I had a 5 series about 20 years ago and it broke a lot. But you can't really tell from that.

 

[jay_hq]

I too went from an Accord (first real car I bought my self in my 20s) to a BMW (440) after I got older.

I am happy with the reliability. No issues.

Do remember the maintenance will be more expensive. I believe BMW gives you free maintenance for the first 3 years/36k (they did when I got the car). You can read about it here: https://www.bmwusa.com/explore/bmw-value/bmw-maintenance/terms-and-conditions.html

FWIW I am mechanically inclined and an engineer. I do most if not all the maintenance myself so cost of ownership isn't a huge deal for me.

I could see my experience being different if I had to deal with expensive maintenance procedures.

 

[RUschool]

My sister had the 500 series BMW and had a lot of repair. Traded it in for a Lexus.

 

[Tango Two]

So..almost 40 years old, almost done with 11 consecutive years of daycare/pre-school payments over 3 kids and now starting to think of buying myself a new car.

I’ve had 3 Honda Acords...yes 3, since my first car which was a ‘89 Chevy Beretta. Currrent Acord has 166k miles and still good but I don’t know..just want a luxury car for first time. I know...waste of $, save for college around corner, retirement, put toward paying off house, etc. but just speaking from car perspective, I need some recommendations since I don’t know much other than Acords lol !!!

I was thinking something in the neighborhood of BMW 5-Series, (mainly bc BMW was “big time” to me back in high school, haha) so give me some similar or better options on that price point. Also may go 2017 with 20k miles since buying or financing car off lot seems to be waste, and I drive 20k miles year, so leasing is out. Probably will wait till spring or even September. Recommendations??? Or go for the 4th Acord!!

https://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/

 

[dollarbill]

Went from twenty years of Accord to Toyota Camry because of available safety features at the time last year. I won't be going back. $$$$

 

[knightru]

I just picked up a Tesla model 3 and love it so far. Let me know if you have questions about it.

 

[RU2055]

If you want German you get Audi. Audi blows away BMWs - performance, reliability and value. No contest.

 

[Bababooey_Class'80]

I have had BMWs (3 and 5) for the last 12 years. Very reliable and most importantly for me, excellent in bad weather. (Cannot say the same for my prior experiences with Lexus and Jaguar). Any repair after 3 year warranty (and tires!) will be very expensive, so recommend private extended warranty purchase at expiration (CarChex). Flemington BMW is an outstanding dealership - price and service.

 

[RU4Real]

If you want German you get Audi. Audi blows away BMWs - performance, reliability and value. No contest.

I agree with this post, however I am quite biased.

 

[So.RiverRat]

I have a Toyota Sequoia which is headed to the shop on Monday with almost 200k miles. I'm in the market for a new vehicle myself. One of the good things about this board is to get experiences from real people. Anyone else? I'm thinking of buying the same again

 

[WhoRU?]

I just picked up a Tesla model 3 and love it so far. Let me know if you have questions about it.

Cost is comparable to 3 series. How long did it take to arrive? Is the interior comparable to a Beamer? All wheel drive? Any idea what the big maintenance items are? Interesting.

 

[knightru]

I went with a long range RWD model just before they stopped offering them. Ordered in mid October and got it in 6 weeks.

The interior is very nice but very different. It is minimalist since there is no console. Took a bit getting used to but now I look at all the buttons in my wife’s SUV and cringe. Lol.

Maintenance ... tires. Refill window fluid. Brakes (which will last longer due to the regen system). That is pretty much it.

 

[RUNVA]

So..almost 40 years old, almost done with 11 consecutive years of daycare/pre-school payments over 3 kids and now starting to think of buying myself a new car.

I’ve had 3 Honda Acords...yes 3, since my first car which was a ‘89 Chevy Beretta. Currrent Acord has 166k miles and still good but I don’t know..just want a luxury car for first time. I know...waste of $, save for college around corner, retirement, put toward paying off house, etc. but just speaking from car perspective, I need some recommendations since I don’t know much other than Acords lol !!!

I was thinking something in the neighborhood of BMW 5-Series, (mainly bc BMW was “big time” to me back in high school, haha) so give me some similar or better options on that price point. Also may go 2017 with 20k miles since buying or financing car off lot seems to be waste, and I drive 20k miles year, so leasing is out. Probably will wait till spring or even September. Recommendations??? Or go for the 4th Acord!!

Stopped, you deserve a Porsche. Pick up a used 2017 Cayman S.

 

[TM514]

The Dodge Charger shares the same 8 speed transmission as some BMW models. I have a 2012 Charger, 180K milesvand excellent reliability and more interior room than BMW.

 

[T2Kplus10]

I agree with this post, however I am quite biased.

Would never consider a BMW. They are for people that are trying too hard to look like they have money. Just my 2 cents, but have been seeing this trend for years.

FYI - the long awaited XT6 drops in Detroit next weekend!

 

[theRU]

We must have the highest fan to accord ratio ever. Probably explains our donation levels.

 

[gunboat]

I will never buy new. 2-3 years old and less than 40K is my ride. I just gave my 05 GMC Denali XL with 180K to Jr. and picked up a 2016 Denali XL with 39K. Shows and rides like new. And yes, I donate. :stuck_out_tongue_winking_eye:

 

[RUSK97]

I went from an Accord to a BMW and couldn’t be happier. My 3 series has provided Accord type reliability.

There are lots of good deals on 2018 BMW 3 and 5 right now. You can get 10 grand off the 3 series model that is being discontinued. It still is a significant upgrade from the Accord. Mike Wendroff from Open Road BMW in Morristown has previously given me a great deal, without any pressure. He can be reached at [email protected]

I would recommend either the 340xi or 540xi. Both have the same engine, but the 5 series is bigger and has a slightly upgraded interior. Must have options include navigation and heads up display. Some people get the adaptive suspension, but I think The standard one is good enough.

Lots of great info on the Bmw forum bimmerfest.com

You should definitely buy rather than lease.

WTH???!? Aren’t you the original guy who recommended an Accord to every car thread? And now you no longer drive an Accord?

Nothing was more ridiculous than the time I started a thread asking about a pickup with a 7000lb towing capacity and was recommended an Accord. :joy:

 

[ScarletDave]

If you want to impress your friends and your kids friends, want to have fun driving, etc, and you’re looking to get a BMW etc .. just get a Mustang. You can add accessories etc for the cost of a plain old BMW and have the coolest car on the block

 

[RU4Real]

If you want to impress your friends and your kids friends, want to have fun driving, etc, and you’re looking to get a BMW etc .. just get a Mustang. You can add accessories etc for the cost of a plain old BMW and have the coolest car on the block

This isn't true, really.

There are now, fundamentally, two kinds of Mustangs. One comes with a 2.3 turbo 4 cylinder engine of 300-ish horsepower, goes nowhere particularly fast and makes noises like a mildly flatulent vacuum cleaner.

The other Mustang comes with a large V-8 of some variety, produces at least 465 horsepower in its mildest form, goes from 0-60 in 4 seconds or less and makes noises like the Hounds of Hell all screaming and jumping up and down so as to make the very Earth shake.

Which one you'd rather have is, I think, no real question at all. Trouble is, appropriately and comfortably optioned, that choice is going to now run you the better part of 50 large.

 

[FRA10Thunderbolt]

Just my 2 cents. I was looking at cars this time last year. I too was interested in BMWs but ended up with a Mazda 3. For me the issue was stick shift, I love it! BMW really does not offer stick anymore except as custom order. I went to several bimmer dealers no sticks on lot. Anyhow, heard lots of good things on the Mazdas as far as reliability and performance. So far not disappointed at all. I drive lots of miles and the performance has been great, gas mileage good, fun to drive, and the interior is very nice for a non luxury car. The kicker is it was about 20k less than what I would have had to spend on a bimmer. Try and drive one and see. A friend of mine bought one on my rec and he loves it too. His is automatic.

 

[RU4Real]

Just my 2 cents. I was looking at cars this time last year. I too was interested in BMWs but ended up with a Mazda 3. For me the issue was stick shift, I love it! BMW really does not offer stick anymore except as custom order. I went to several bimmer dealers no sticks on lot. Anyhow, heard lots of good things on the Mazdas as far as reliability and performance. So far not disappointed at all. I drive lots of miles and the performance has been great, gas mileage good, fun to drive, and the interior is very nice for a non luxury car. The kicker is it was about 20k less than what I would have had to spend on a bimmer. Try and drive one and see. A friend of mine bought one on my rec and he loves it too. His is automatic.

The Mazda3 is a good car. I test drove one, once, about 10 years ago. Unfortunately for Mazda I made the mistake of, immediately afterward, driving a GTI. Night and day difference, GTI hands down. Bought it on the spot.

 

[FRA10Thunderbolt]

The Mazda3 is a good car. I test drove one, once, about 10 years ago. Unfortunately for Mazda I made the mistake of, immediately afterward, driving a GTI. Night and day difference, GTI hands down. Bought it on the spot.

That was 10 years ago. Take a test drive of the new mazdas. They have upped their game .

 

[RU4Real]

That was 10 years ago. Take a test drive of the new mazdas. They have upped their game .

They've upped their game but the new turbo motors haven't hit the showrooms yet. That engine notwithstanding, the Mazda3 powertrain is exactly the same as it was 10 years ago. The GTI, meanwhile, has gone through two complete revisions of the EA888 and now produces - in the lowest trim level - 232 hp and 252 lb/ft and blows the doors off the 3. The MQB chassis is also one of the best in the industry.

Don't get me wrong, the Mazda is a really good car. But against the GTI it's decidedly second-best. There's no authoritative opinion, anywhere, that will say otherwise.

 

[ru66]

stick is fun unless you drive into manhattan everyday

 

[RU4Real]

stick is fun unless you drive into manhattan everyday

I was a manual transmission devotee right up until I bought my first car equipped with a DSG.

There's no going back.

 

[T2Kplus10]

This isn't true, really.

There are now, fundamentally, two kinds of Mustangs. One comes with a 2.3 turbo 4 cylinder engine of 300-ish horsepower, goes nowhere particularly fast and makes noises like a mildly flatulent vacuum cleaner.

The other Mustang comes with a large V-8 of some variety, produces at least 465 horsepower in its mildest form, goes from 0-60 in 4 seconds or less and makes noises like the Hounds of Hell all screaming and jumping up and down so as to make the very Earth shake.

Which one you'd rather have is, I think, no real question at all. Trouble is, appropriately and comfortably optioned, that choice is going to now run you the better part of 50 large.

A Mustang with a turbo 4-banger.....WTF? That should be against the law. Go V8 or why bother.

 

[RU4Real]

A Mustang with a turbo 4-banger.....WTF? That should be against the law. Go V8 or why bother.

Precisely.

Personally, I think Ford made a fatal mistake with their engine choices.

Chevy offers a turbo 4 in the Camaro, but it's basically the "rental fleet" choice that gets picked up on the lots by... well, girls.

If you don't want to go for the full-blown Camaro SS you can opt for the absolutely fabulous 335 hp V-6 that sounds every bit as good as a Jag and gets you to 60 in 4.5 seconds. The V6 Camaro is a legit road car, while the turbo 4 Mustang is basically a piece of ****.

 

[T2Kplus10]

Precisely.

Personally, I think Ford made a fatal mistake with their engine choices.

Chevy offers a turbo 4 in the Camaro, but it's basically the "rental fleet" choice that gets picked up on the lots by... well, girls.

If you don't want to go for the full-blown Camaro SS you can opt for the absolutely fabulous 335 hp V-6 that sounds every bit as good as a Jag and gets you to 60 in 4.5 seconds. The V6 Camaro is a legit road car, while the turbo 4 Mustang is basically a piece of ****.

Great stuff, thanks! Question, what are you thoughts on large SUVs, talking Yukon, Tahoe, and the like. Any other good options? Obviously, driving experience is secondary, but rather quality and reliability.

 

[dollarbill]

We must have the highest fan to accord ratio ever. Probably explains our donation levels.

Correct. We have money left to make the needed donations. $$$$

 

[RU4Real]

Great stuff, thanks! Question, what are you thoughts on large SUVs, talking Yukon, Tahoe, and the like. Any other good options? Obviously, driving experience is secondary, but rather quality and reliability.

I like the big GM utility vehicles. As you say, they're not the best drivers in the world (although there are high-spec variants that can move that needle considerably) but they're spacious and comfortable.

 

[rutgersal_rivals139582]

WTH???!? Aren’t you the original guy who recommended an Accord to every car thread? And now you no longer drive an Accord?

Nothing was more ridiculous than the time I started a thread asking about a pickup with a 7000lb towing capacity and was recommended an Accord. :joy:

The Accord is the optimal vehicle for most use cases. Had it for many years and enjoyed its great gas mileage and reliability. Now i moved on to something different, and like that too.

 

[yessir321]

I know this is tacky, but I bought the 18’ Accord Sport 2.0 last year and it’s awesome. The new Accord actually is a fantastic car, right now compared to Toyota, suburu, etc it’s no contest in the sedan market

 

[Plum Street]

I know this is tacky, but I bought the 18’ Accord Spot 2.0 last year and it’s awesome. The new Accord actually is a fantastic car, right now compared to Toyota, suburu, etc it’s no contest in the sedan market

What about nissan’s, altimas and Maximas compared to the accord?

 

[RUScrew85]

I had a 98 M3 - awesome car. But once it went of warranty - Big dollar repairs.

I think you'd be surprised at the luxury available in other import brands.

I'm surprised @RU4Real wasn't pushing Audi.

 

[RU4Real]

I had a 98 M3 - awesome car. But once it went of warranty - Big dollar repairs.

I think you'd be surprised at the luxury available in other import brands.

I'm surprised @RU4Real wasn't pushing Audi.

You must have me on your ignore list. llo

 

[RUScrew85]

You must have me on your ignore list. llo

I got there eventually - too lazy to update the post.

 

[rutgersal_rivals139582]

If you want to impress your friends and your kids friends, want to have fun driving, etc, and you’re looking to get a BMW etc .. just get a Mustang. You can add accessories etc for the cost of a plain old BMW and have the coolest car on the block

OP, You can buy steak at Golden Corral, Texas Roadhouse, and Peter Lugars, but it ain’t the same thing. The difference is in the details.

The Mustang is a good car, but lacks BMWs refinement, creature comforts, and sophistication. But it does provide raw fun at a reasonable price point, and good bang for the buck.

Features I really enjoy on the BMW 3 series are steering feel, the excellent navigation system, comfort access, heated steering wheel, hands free trunk opening, heads up display, strong acceleration, and stability at high speeds. My friends appreciate that the car can absorb two 6 footers in the back with no problem. The car handles snow effortlessly, thx to its all wheel drive. I’ve driven through several snowstorms with no issues. The 16 speaker Harmon Kardon system is especially good, and the LED lights do a good job of lighting the road ahead. Because of free loaners, I haven’t had to wait for my car to be serviced in 6 years. I especially like trying out a different loaner each time.

I’d recommend a test drive to see for yourself. Don’t bother with the. 320 or 330. Go right to the 340.