New Car Help

[jma3660]

Hello everyone! I need some help deciding which car is right for me. I am a college student looking to purchase my second car. The 3 main cars I'm looking at right now are a 2004 & up Infiniti G35, 2006 & up BMW 3 series, and a 2006 & Lexus IS250. I am looking for something that is both powerful and luxurious. I want to feel like I'm in a luxury car, but I also want something that is a blast to drive. I spend a lot of time in the car so I want something that's going to put a smile on my face when I hit the pedal. So far everything I've read says that you just can't beat the driving experience of a BMW. But I've also read that maintenance for BMW's can be a nightmare, and that worries me. I really like all the extra features the Lexus comes with (like push to start) and I really like the way it looks too. I know asking this question on a g35 forum is going to give me some biased answers, but I just want to know your guy's opinion. If you think the g35 is the best option tell me why and tell me why you love your G. Thank you for any help!

[370Z/28]

I love my IS250c



Since you are a college student, you might want to consider this...my IS gets 24.8 mpg in city driving. If you want speed, you would have to go to the IS350. My car isn't a slug, it just isn't fast.

If you really want some advice on an IS, go to Club Lexus. There are some nice folks that can give you some advice.

[jma3660]

Gas mileage is not really a deciding factor for me right now, but that's a good point! I think I should add that my budget is $13k. I do really like the is250, but I just found a 2002 BMW M3 with SMG transmission and I think I'm in love....

[Starter]

Gas mileage is not really a deciding factor for me right now, but that's a good point! I think I should add that my budget is $13k. I do really like the is250, but I just found a 2002 BMW M3 with SMG transmission and I think I'm in love....

The 13K will get you the Bimmer and another 13K will get you the maintenance for it.

Well, maybe that's a slight exaggeration, but you get the idea.

[370Z/28]

I had a brother-n-law (he has since passed) He was, to say the least, a multi-millionair. When he got rid of a BMW because the maintenance was too expensive, I knew I never needed to own one.

[telcoman]

Hello everyone! I need some help deciding which car is right for me. I am a college student looking to purchase my second car. The 3 main cars I'm looking at right now are a 2004 & up Infiniti G35, 2006 & up BMW 3 series, and a 2006 & Lexus IS250. I am looking for something that is both powerful and luxurious. I want to feel like I'm in a luxury car, but I also want something that is a blast to drive. I spend a lot of time in the car so I want something that's going to put a smile on my face when I hit the pedal. So far everything I've read says that you just can't beat the driving experience of a BMW. But I've also read that maintenance for BMW's can be a nightmare, and that worries me. I really like all the extra features the Lexus comes with (like push to start) and I really like the way it looks too. I know asking this question on a g35 forum is going to give me some biased answers, but I just want to know your guy's opinion. If you think the g35 is the best option tell me why and tell me why you love your G. Thank you for any help!

If you are still in college start with a Honda and save $$$

Just my $.02

Telcoman

[jma3660]

My parents are buying it for me

[larryau]

Don't be juvenile ....just because your parents are purchasing the car for you - doesn't mean that you should make a silly decision. Someone else here said start with a Honda and save $$$'s - very smart.

Then take the other dollars and invest it for your future

[larsG35]

There is something to be said for saving money, but life can get pretty monotonous if you don't reward yourself every once in a while. As a recent college grad I didn't have much money to throw around (and I made a lot of sacrifices in school to save/earn money - living at home at times, getting several scholarships, working weekend mornings). However, as long as you make an informed and educated investment, spending a little extra money on a car you love will make you happier than getting by on a car that "gets the job done".

In June I made a deal with my mother to help me purchase an '04 G35 for 9k. She would help with the initial cash and I would pay her back. Effectively I wrote off 90% of my income over the future 9 months (car, insurance, loans, other required expenses). I have never regretted it and I consider it probably one of the better choices I've made in life, cause damn, this car is good.

It's not a cheap car to own, but it's been reliable. $1500 for winter tires/wheels (obviously not a factor in some states... but this is Minnesota), $100 for a headlight, $150/month in gas, about $500 in 8 months for brakes/rotors/oil/fluid changes.

Just my opinion, but to guarantee a smile on your face every day when you get in your car, it's worth a fair amount of money.

[audtatious]

My parents are buying it for me

Get the newest model year with the least mileage you can find for your 13k. Research for recalls and unexpected maintenance so you know what to expect over the next few years of expenses for each of those cars. When you find a car check it's records if you can based on the VIN. Just make the most educated choice you can.