Renault78law
Distinguished Member
- Joined
- Jan 29, 2003
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I'm in the market for a used car, and I can pay around $40k. This is a much harder decision then I thought it would be.
My dream car is a 99 Mercedes SL500. I like that it's a two seater; I like that it's a cruiser; I like that it's luxurious; I like that it's a hard-top convertible. At my pricerange, it might have close to 50,000 miles on it. My concerns are two-fold. First, I'm scared of the cost to maintain it. On the one hand, I'm told that the engine is bullet-proof. On the other hand, purchasing a 6 year old German car seems like just asking for trouble. My other concern is that it's too flashy, especially for someone my age (26). Just like my clothes, I like nice things, but I don't want to draw attention to myself. I'm especially concerned because I'm starting a my first real job in a couple of weeks (first year associate), and I don't wanna be known as 'that superficial rich kid,' or the guy who drives a nicer car than the partner. Ok, it may be stupid that I consider these things, but I do.
Another car I'm considering is the 02 CLK430. Newer and less miles than the above, but built at the height of Mercedes costs cutting and made the Consumer Reports 'do not buy' list. Are the problems associated with this car rumors?
Whatever car I buy, I plan on having it for a long time, so maintainance is probably the biggest issue. I like that fact that the above cars are older models. I don't want to ever feel then need to upgrade when another model comes out...which is how I'd feel if I bought a late model 3-series or something.
Other cars I might consider: 04 Audi S4 (though, I prefer coupes), and the 02-03 Porsche Boxter S. Comments?
My dream car is a 99 Mercedes SL500. I like that it's a two seater; I like that it's a cruiser; I like that it's luxurious; I like that it's a hard-top convertible. At my pricerange, it might have close to 50,000 miles on it. My concerns are two-fold. First, I'm scared of the cost to maintain it. On the one hand, I'm told that the engine is bullet-proof. On the other hand, purchasing a 6 year old German car seems like just asking for trouble. My other concern is that it's too flashy, especially for someone my age (26). Just like my clothes, I like nice things, but I don't want to draw attention to myself. I'm especially concerned because I'm starting a my first real job in a couple of weeks (first year associate), and I don't wanna be known as 'that superficial rich kid,' or the guy who drives a nicer car than the partner. Ok, it may be stupid that I consider these things, but I do.
Another car I'm considering is the 02 CLK430. Newer and less miles than the above, but built at the height of Mercedes costs cutting and made the Consumer Reports 'do not buy' list. Are the problems associated with this car rumors?
Whatever car I buy, I plan on having it for a long time, so maintainance is probably the biggest issue. I like that fact that the above cars are older models. I don't want to ever feel then need to upgrade when another model comes out...which is how I'd feel if I bought a late model 3-series or something.
Other cars I might consider: 04 Audi S4 (though, I prefer coupes), and the 02-03 Porsche Boxter S. Comments?