VTEC_Junkie

that's not necessarily true. what people neglect to take into consideration is that when you cash a car, one of the "expense" is not having the return from not having invested that, let's say, $60K. assuming the average return on investment is around 6.5% a year (and that's just being pessimistic), for that $60K, each annual return would be $3900. in 3 years, that's $11,700, and in 5 years, that's $19,500. after tax, that's still around $7605 and $12,675, respectively. on top of that when you purchase a $60K car, you pay tax for that whole $60K from the getgo, whereas when you lease you only pay tax each month on the payment amount, so the total tax paid by the end of the lease will be significantly less than that paid for a purchased vehicle. so basically, the total expense for the duration of the lease would be the sum of the payments and signup fee, plus tax on that amount, whereas the expense for cashing the same vehicle would be tax for the $60K, the unearned investment return during that "lease" period, plus depreciation of the vehicle for that same period. also, assuming you get rid of your car in 3-5 years, if you can't sell your car at market value (which most people have a difficult time doing), then the amount below market value would be additionally added to the expense of cashing a car. so ultimately whether an individual is better off leasing or cashing will depend on which of the summed up expense is less. so assuming that the average monthly depreciation for a $60K vehicle is $500, and that the monthly return on $60K after tax is around $211--that's already a monthly expense of $711 for cashing a car, and that's without taking into consideration the other expenses.

rai

[QUOTE=VTEC_Junkie,Nov 1 2004, 06:44 AM] that's not necessarily true.

derryck

You imply that you're paying cash for the car..WHY? That's downright idiotic with interest rates where they are. My bank is offering 84 month financing in the high 4 low 5% range with strong credit and that's 84 MONTHS...the rate gets lower as the term decreases.

rai

[QUOTE=derryck,Nov 1 2004, 07:55 AM] You imply that you're paying cash for the car..WHY? That's downright idiotic with interest rates where they are.

Legal Bill

If you are an anti-American car person, you won't be interested, but I recommend driving the Cadillac CTS-V before you decide anything. Read about them, look at them, listen to what others say about them, that's all fine. But just try driving one before you amke up your mind. I'm pretty sure you can get one for cash in the $46,000 range brand new. I didn't think I was going to like it, but I did. Be sure to get the upgraded shocks.

kntrider

G35 and save the rest so when the next gen m3 comes out you can trade it in if you want. Is the 1 second gain in acceleration and better handling worth another 25-30k to you? NOT ME!

supaman

I am still leaning towards the m3, and I don't really want to get a first year production car because of the many problems first year cars always have. I'm going to wait till december and see then.

under-rated

As long as the rod and bearing recall has been performed you should be alright on an earlier model. This problem was recently resolved and in relation to the 03's and under models.

03.5, 04's were not subject to this action. I've had zero problems with my 2004 M3. I now have 18000 miles - it only had 10 miles when I bought it. It's been very reliable.

Shouldn't have any problems whatsoever with a 2005

Carlson

Carlson

Can a 645ci hang with a E46 M3?