Lux Tip: Drive a Luxury Car for Less
Want to drive a luxury brand automobile but can't afford it? You might be surprised to find that many luxury brands (like BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, and Lincoln) offer vehicles that start in the low 30s. Just by foregoing a few extras like a bigger engine and built-in GPS you could be driving a new luxury car for about the same as you'd expect to pay for a nice Toyota or Honda. It really comes down to deciding if the term "fully loaded" is really that important to you -- do you have to have that gas-guzzling V8? If the answer is 'no' then you suddenly have a lot more options.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
melikeycars Oct 21st 2008 4:55PM
I don't know about that. I think it's better to define which class of car you can afford in the fully loaded, maxed-out version of that car. If it's a Civic, so be it. Get the best Civic they make, and be proud. Why suffer with a low-end BMW with no options and an anemic engine, just to say you have a BMW? Especially when there are far better "loaded" cars for less. Seems kinda poseur-ish, doesn't it?
Chad Oct 21st 2008 5:05PM
A better tip would be to buy Certified Pre Owned. Luxury cars tend to depreciate VERY quickly and 95% of people can't tell an 09 5-series from an 06 5-series(for example). You can get on 05 for like $25-30K while a loaded 09 5-series would be in the 70s.
beanspants Oct 21st 2008 5:11PM
If you are going Chad's route, be sure to remember than luxury cars have luxury repair bills, and go for one that has a high degree of brand reliability (Lexus) or prepare to pay the piper.
Jason Oct 21st 2008 5:25PM
Even the low end model of some luxury brands is much better equipped than the upper end of lesser priced brands. For example and Audi A4 base 2.0T may seem average on paper but when you compare the fuel economy, best interior in the business and excellent engine and powertrain it is hard to say a Maxima would be better. Plus the warranty and service are far superior.
Buy them pre-owned or lease for the lowest monthly payment.
Kate Oct 21st 2008 6:28PM
I agree with melikeycars.
A low-end BMW doesn't say anything much about you, but any car bought it to appear "lux" for less reveals a level of brand-obsession that says quite a lot.
willzville Oct 21st 2008 7:09PM
LOL you clearly have never been in a luxury car (what the heck are you doing on Luxist!!!).
Its NOT about the brand, its about the comfort, luxury, power and style. I've got so use to my newish Jag that when I drive a honda/ford/vauxhall/etc I get extremely dizzy (almost puke) due to the lack of comfort and driving smoothness. I bought my jag for $55k, and I'd pay more or less that same amount if it came without the badge.
Kate Oct 21st 2008 11:24PM
willzville, I'll assume English is not your first language and try to explain in simpler terms.
The fact that someone buys a low-end BMW does not say anything much about them. He may have bought it simply because he liked it and not care about it as a "status" symbol. However, if that person bought the car because he wanted to impress people by driving a "luxury brand" he couldn't couldn't really afford, he's a poseur. If that person bought the car because he had a lot of money and wanted to make sure everyone knew it, he's a poseur of a different kind.
Deliberately conspicuous consumption of mass-market "luxury brands" is tacky and middle-class whether you're a hockey mom or a Russian billionaire.
Racetrack_Owner Oct 22nd 2008 5:12AM
If English isn't willzville's first language, he nevertheless did a better job with it than you have.
He makes a valid point (along with a few others who have posted). Even a relatively low-end BMW or Benz is considerably nicer than the best Civic. However, I do also agree that if the only reason you're buying it is for the badge, you need your head examined.
It all depends on what "luxe" means to you, and I wouldn't take that advice from a bunch of low-income blog-authors who can't even spell the word properly despite being paid to write this nonsense.
verdegrrl Oct 22nd 2008 12:36AM
Basically equipped luxury cars are often the choice of driving enthusiasts. Just be sure to get the sport suspension and manual transmission. Cloth seats are a real sign of a hard core driving nut, because they tend to hold you in place better than leather or pleather.
Even a basic European luxury car tends to drive better (sportier) than a larded up more basic model/brand. However, if precise handling and lots of feedback from the steering and suspension, are less important than a sunroof, leather power seats with memory, navigation system, megawatt stereo, and playing with bells and whistles, then by all means buy something more mundane but better equipped. There is no shame in knowing what you like and sticking to your guns, status or not.
Hoolrah Oct 22nd 2008 12:00PM
I think it is ridiculous for luxury carmakers to spend so much time and money selling mediocre cars with a fancy logo to people who wouldn't ordinarily comprise their customer base. The whole point of "luxury" is understated elegance and exclusivity. Take away that and you have the typical middle class poser ideal- unwarranted arrogance and a wrongful sense of entitlement. I don't even want to count how many times I've seen some smug poser in a C-class or 3 series terrorize the road because they think their hood ornament is special. At least I'm glad that true class transcends material goods.
Andrew Oct 22nd 2008 9:20PM
I completely agree with the principle of your argument. Unfortunately, it isn't grounded in reality. You forget (or ignore) the primary function of a carmaker - profits. If promoting "true class" was their purpose, they'd all be bankrupt. As ridiculous as it may seem, those "middle class posers" have lots of money to buy aspirational luxury products and the carmakers rightfully take advantage of the demo. As for true class transcending material goods, you're right on the money - literally.
Anil Oct 22nd 2008 10:50PM
Even better get a membership at a car club that allows you access to their garage for a minimal amount, usually less than renting one. If you are in Atlanta check out www.atlantajoyrides.com. They were in the ajc about a month ago. I'm a member so I can drive my normal car an integra and drive a porsche or a vette, even a vintage mustang when I want too. Yall should check it out.
Sandy Oct 23rd 2008 4:31PM
If you have never driven a BMW you won't know the difference. It handles like a dream - it hugs the curves, it accelerates through curves, yes, I drive a 325 CI - love it.....it's my 2nd one. But one of the main reasons I drive one is the warranty...I never pay for anything on my car - including oil changes. I always get a loaner - they come pick up my car and drop off the loaner for an oil change. Honda, Toyota won't do that. Plus it has great German engineering...
If you ever try one - you will see the difference that's why we hang on to them and they retail higher even when pre-owned.
Kim Oct 27th 2008 12:33PM
We all love our luxury vehicles here.. I drive a Jaguar XK 2008, but I also have a Toyota Tundra Crew Max LTD, 2008 ( I need for towing) and unless you actually have been serviced at Toyota you can't really talk about how they treat you. I never pay for oil changes on the Toyota either, and I have life time free oil changes, and they do them on the spot, that I don't need a loaner vehicle. haha.. The price tag on my Toyota was $65 k .. You should try informing yourself on what your writing, with regards to other companies, because its apparent you have no idea.
I agree with Bill in that the beamers felt rough, drove rough. BMW's are good vehicles, but have you noticed they are everywhere, very attainable, run of the mill ordinary car. Teenagers and young adults everywhere have them and yet you act like driving your c class, your something special for having this car. Its obvious you drive your car for the logo, playing the part of the 'poseur' badly...
Your vehicle retails used (depending on the year) a 2004 BMW 325 CI, with minimal mileage for $27k. Generally between $24K up to $37k for a 2006.. in US prices.
Bill Oct 25th 2008 5:19PM
My wife and I test drove several new lower-end BMW's recently in the $75K-100K range. And, I must say, I was not impressed at all: About the only thing I thought was nice about them were their exteriors. As a matter of fact, I'd take a fully loaded Honda Accord Coupe over them every time! The Beamers felt rough, drove rough and their interiors were noisy and loose sounding.
However, after test driving the to the lower-end Mercedes, again in the $75K-100K range, and comparing them to the Beamers, the Mercedes came out well ahead in terms of fit and finish. Not to mention that the Mercedes sales consultant was nowhere near as *snotty* as the BMW one. ;)
Sandy Oct 27th 2008 4:14PM
Kim - here in FLorida you truck sells for less than 40K - hopefully you didn't pay what you stated.
Since a "Poser" (hip-hop) word used as a slur - usually lets everyone know the price of something - your using it in an incorrect way. Yes, there is a difference between the nouveau riche and old money - we don't spend every dime we have and we pay cash instead of financing and buying over our head. We save and worked hard to get where we are. We have owned several Prevost's (large RV's) and retired early. Don't be so quick to judge others by what they drive or have - my husband drive a Royce and we have other vehicles. I just love to drive the car because it's fun not because of the logo.
KIM Oct 28th 2008 12:16AM
You're kind of off topic Sandy.. The topic was with regards to purchasing some low end BMW/Audi/Mercedez etc.. for the price of some Toyotas or Honda's. Your comment was on how the service at Toyota or Honda wasn't up to Par comparred to BMW.. and I made a correction, because Toyota offers life time free oil changes, etc. suggesting that you shouldn't talk about a company you don't know anything about.
One line out of my whole comment, wouldn't be considered 'judgement' you're just offended, that old saying; the truth hurts?
The Term 'Poseur' is not (hip hop) its origin dates back to the 1800's and the definition is; a person who attempts to impress others by assuming or affecting a manner, degree of elegance, sentiment, etc., other than his or her true one. I meant it exactly this way therefore not incorrect in definition or the statement.
As far as the price of my truck I did pay that much, I get my vehicles fully loaded with extras, with regards to what I need and look for in a vehicle.. Not to mention we have a higher cost of living here in Alberta,Canada.
By the way, most people work hard for their money!
=)
Daniel Dec 3rd 2008 10:51PM
It's better to drive what you like...no matter the brand. For me it's Land Rovers. From my first car to what I drive now, raido or not, it's been Land Rovers. Most of them older than me, but it's what I love and look forward to driving every day. I have a loaded Discovery, but I feel like a rock star in my 1969 (with power-nothing) driving with the top off.
It's about what makes YOU happy...that's it!