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I originally wanted the C for the smooth drive reputation but then all the reviews said that the bimmer has a superior driving experience. I guess a test drive would be the best bet but what really threw me off from the c300 was the subpar 0-60 speed. I think it was 6.7 or 6.9. I realize that when your dealing with the 328 and the c300, speed is the last thing on your mind but still. An almost 7 second 0-60 speed when the 328 does 5.8-5.9 is disappointing to say the least. Im def not going to be racing or anything but the quickness is appreciated.

With that being said, the car that possesses comparable 0-60, four wheel drive, and overall cheaper would be the a4. but again, thats out the question because someone in the family already has an audi.

Theres always the g37 as a last resort.

Wish I had these problems :rolleyes:

Why not look to get something badass like a Porsche Cayenne. You can get a 2011 for around $45.
 
I originally wanted the C for the smooth drive reputation but then all the reviews said that the bimmer has a superior driving experience. I guess a test drive would be the best bet but what really threw me off from the c300 was the subpar 0-60 speed. I think it was 6.7 or 6.9. I realize that when your dealing with the 328 and the c300, speed is the last thing on your mind but still. An almost 7 second 0-60 speed when the 328 does 5.8-5.9 is disappointing to say the least. Im def not going to be racing or anything but the quickness is appreciated.

Again that isn't surprising. Reviewers like the BMW due to its better handling characteristics. That goes back to both companies philosophies. Mercedes is more a smooth driver and meant for a nice long highway cruise in luxury. In order to get that comfort handling, driver feedback, etc is sacrificed. BMW is the opposite. BMW's ride a bit stiffer due to their philosophy of creating the, " Ultimate Driving Machine".

Overall, go with the vehicle that you like better. A test drive is a must. I am biased and that I prefer a sportier vehicle so I would say get the BMW( I love driving my dads 335xi). But, in doing so you will have to wait for the xDrive version to be released.

If you do wait, again consider the Cadillac ATS when it is released this year( and even the G37). Consider all your options. Mercedes and BMW may still come on top, but you will have a better formed opinion when buying than simply buying due to a brands perception/image.

I would also consider long term with this purchase. Your parents may help with the initial purchase, but are they going to help with the vehicles maintenance? I don't know the field of work you will be going into so I don't know how much you will be making initially. Once BMW's/Mercedes warranties are up, maintenance will be expensive. Once my dads old E46 330xi hit around 60,000 miles things became expensive in order to maintain it. Not to say it became unreliable, but when things naturally wore out, it was expensive to have it replaced. Either do the work yourself( if you are savvy enough of course) or go with a non-German vehicle.
 
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If you're going to spend that much on a car (which I wouldn't recommend), then look at the volvo s60.

2012-volvo-s60-sedan-rear-angle-view.jpg
 
Then i switched over to a 328xi because they received some pretty good reviews. But then i found out that the xi doesn't come in seda form, and only coupe. Which at the same time im not a fan of and also would raise the price a couple thousand.

You can get the BMW 328i sedan in xDrive starting with July production.
 
Serious? Where? If I could find a s4 at 45. That would be my option 100%.

You're right; my bad. The 7 speed transmission bumps up the MSRP to $48,700. :(
 
Ah thank you!!!

Hopefully it'll be about 3-4k cheaper when similarily configed with the coupe version.

Im just hoping that the dealerships wont charge more than the msrp.

I would say at least $2,500 less MSRP than the coupe. You can easily get the new (2012) 328i for less than $1,000 over invoice, so I would expect the 2013 to be the same. Post up in this forum to find a board sponsor near you and they will take care of you. 335i models are very constrained and demanding higher prices, but they will deal on the 328i model.

Here is a nice online tool that will give you MSRP and invoice on all models.
 
Although these cars don't fit your criteria, I'd say for under $30k a Subaru BRZ/Scion FRS or $45k could get you a nice 2007 Lotus Exige S. You don't see many people driving those so you don't have to worry about someone else in your family driving one, which you seem to worry about. But I guess you're looking more for the 328i X Drive.
 
Although these cars don't fit your criteria, I'd say for under $30k a Subaru BRZ/Scion FRS or $45k could get you a nice 2007 Lotus Exige S. You don't see many people driving those so you don't have to worry about someone else in your family driving one, which you seem to worry about. But I guess you're looking more for the 328i X Drive.

The Exige is extremely fun to drive and the manual transmission was one of the easiest I have ever driven. But, it's not a daily driver. It's a street legal go-cart. And one of the biggest drawbacks is that it is a bitch to get in and out of it.....
 
Young man, save money, even your family can afford to pay that big amount of money, save some.
Invest in yourself, in your future and independence.

Get a VW Passat.
http://www.vw.com/en/models/passat/gallery.html

Save the rest, and ask your father how to use your reminder balance of the money to make more money?
And share with us your wise father knowledge.
I wish I can afford to pay my kids' college tuition.
 
golf r

check out the golf R. nice power, 4wd, and a lot less than 45 grand, while being sporty. you also get a nice interior as vw doesn't really make low quality cars. its also gonna be a lot cheaper to maintain than a c class, and you won't look like you're driving your parents hand me down car since it is more age appropriate
 
Check out the Infiniti G series. They just started giving $3000 rebates on it, making it a really good buy.

You can't go wrong with the 3 series either, and everyone knows there's nothing more endearing than a young person in a brand new BMW. ;)
 
I originally wanted the C for the smooth drive reputation but then all the reviews said that the bimmer has a superior driving experience. I guess a test drive would be the best bet but what really threw me off from the c300 was the subpar 0-60 speed. I think it was 6.7 or 6.9. I realize that when your dealing with the 328 and the c300, speed is the last thing on your mind but still. An almost 7 second 0-60 speed when the 328 does 5.8-5.9 is disappointing to say the least. Im def not going to be racing or anything but the quickness is appreciated.

Sorry but I just don't understand this obsession with 0-60 times. There are so few practical scenarios where this makes a difference that it seems crazy to base an entire car buying decision on it.

My car does 0-60 in 12.9 seconds. I can happily drive along the highway at 70mph. Like you, I don't race the car, so why would it benefit me to be at 70mph half way down the slip road to the highway instead of 3/4?

Also, something I also don't understand these days is people who buy overpriced premium cars. I don't think it's possible to buy a "bad" car any more - all of the manufacturers produce great products. What more do you get from a C-Class that you cannot get from say a Ford Mondeo or Volkswagen Passat?

You can get a Ford Fiesta with full iPod integration, auto lights, wipers, heated seats, push button start etc for a fraction of the cost of a C class. Will the C class last longer? Will it break down less often? I don't think so.

Also remember that Ford owns the patent on heated front windscreens. You can scrape at your C class while I press a button and the ice disappears ;)
 
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Sorry but I just don't understand this obsession with 0-60 times. There are so few practical scenarios where this makes a difference that it seems crazy to base an entire car buying decision on it.

My car does 0-60 in 12.9 seconds. I can happily drive along the highway at 70mph. Like you, I don't race the car, so why would it benefit me to be at 70mph half way down the slip road to the highway instead of 3/4?

Also, something I also don't understand these days is people who buy overpriced premium cars. I don't think it's possible to buy a "bad" car any more - all of the manufacturers produce great products. What more do you get from a C-Class that you cannot get from say a Ford Mondeo or Volkswagen Passat?

You can get a Ford Fiesta with full iPod integration, auto lights, wipers, heated seats, push button start etc for a fraction of the cost of a C class. Will the C class last longer? Will it break down less often? I don't think so.

My thinking is the premium car is a look at me status symbol.

One of the bio-engineers just bought a CTS, very nice car.
Hasn't driven it to work for sometime. I asked him why.
Over the last 9 months his priorities had changed so he traded it in for a focus. Something about meeting with a realtor and not living in an apartment.
He was candid about it
OP take 6 months to make the decision.
Then make the call if a BMW, Mercedes or whatever is the right choice.
 
The Infiniti G37 is a nice car. My old college roommate has that and it's very nice. Maintenance isn't an arm and a leg either as it would be with the Mercedes.

Personally, I don't think you need that much of a car fresh out of college. Then again, that's just me and I was driving a Civic coupe while dealing with college debt so your situation sounds to be different.

I agree with others that saving as much money as you can, especially on a luxury item, is a wise decision but again it sounds like your situation is different. Drive your candidate cars, consider the maintenance costs and pick which you like best.
 
My car does 0-60 in 12.9 seconds. I can happily drive along the highway at 70mph. Like you, I don't race the car, so why would it benefit me to be at 70mph half way down the slip road to the highway instead of 3/4?

Also, something I also don't understand these days is people who buy overpriced premium cars. I don't think it's possible to buy a "bad" car any more - all of the manufacturers produce great products. What more do you get from a C-Class that you cannot get from say a Ford Mondeo or Volkswagen Passat?

Yes, a more useful measure would be 30 to 60 for highway merging or passing. This is where it's important to have power. 12.9 seconds for 0 to 60 time is really too slow for highway travel.

If you compare premium cars to regular cars, it's mostly interior plushness, dealer experience and advanced electronic features. Buying a highly optioned regular car gets you close enough to premium and is a much better value.
 
Well here in the UK assuming it's your first car and you're say in your early twenties with that budget you'd only be able to budget 2 grand for the car - you'd need the other 43 grand for one year's insurance! ;)
 
No Infiniti??? Dude, that M56 is SWEET. I'd be driving that if I had the money.

Totally agree!

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Check out the Infiniti G series. They just started giving $3000 rebates on it, making it a really good buy.

You can't go wrong with the 3 series either, and everyone knows there's nothing more endearing than a young person in a brand new BMW. ;)

Where did u find the 3k rebates? I'm looking at their site and can't find anything. I'm looking at getting a G37 or G25 not sure if I'm going to go used or new though.
 
Totally agree!

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Where did u find the 3k rebates? I'm looking at their site and can't find anything. I'm looking at getting a G37 or G25 not sure if I'm going to go used or new though.

Skip the G series. Basically a more expensive Altima. I test drove one and was not impressed.
 
Skip the G series. Basically a more expensive Altima. I test drove one and was not impressed.

All the japanese "lux" models are just more expensive versions of the Nissan, Honda, and Toyota. I like the look of the car and the interior is very nice and offers a lot.
 
All the japanese "lux" models are just more expensive versions of the Nissan, Honda, and Toyota. I like the look of the car and the interior is very nice and offers a lot.

Well not really. Lexus is far from a Toyota, but the G series from Infinit I've never been a fan off after my first test drive. Nissan doesn't have a car that is even in the same realm as the M56 though. You are right about one thing, Acura is basically a Honda. Most of the models of Lexus are far from a Toyota, but I still love that M56. I've seen a few on the roads and they are large, beefy and sleek looking sweet cars.
 
Well not really. Lexus is far from a Toyota, but the G series from Infinit I've never been a fan off after my first test drive. Nissan doesn't have a car that is even in the same realm as the M56 though. You are right about one thing, Acura is basically a Honda. Most of the models of Lexus are far from a Toyota, but I still love that M56. I've seen a few on the roads and they are large, beefy and sleek looking sweet cars.

I honestly don't find Lexus to be anything special. Their interiors are very antiqued and even looking at a 2008 IS250 the interior is dull. I can be sold on an interior paired with a "just nice" exterior. That's just me though.

I haven't seen any M56s here yet!! I've watched a bunch of youtube videos and it looks amazing! If I had the money I'd snag it up no question about it!
 
First world problems :rolleyes:.

Just because you aren't starving to death doesn't mean you don't have real problems.

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Hello my fellow MR peers. I was wondering if you could assist with something.

Im finishing college in two months. As a grad gift, my parents will be chipping in 25k to buy a good car for me. Im looking to spend a maximum of 45 overall.

So this is where it gets sticky.

I originally wanted to get a 2012 c350 but the problem is, it does not come in 4matic which the father won't agree with so most likely he'll stop me from getting that car.

While the c300 comes with 4matic, im not really interested in getting a c class with such meh power. Then i switched over to a 328xi because they received some pretty good reviews. But then i found out that the xi doesn't come in seda form, and only coupe. Which at the same time im not a fan of and also would raise the price a couple thousand.

Not really looking at infiniti. Not a fan of the styling. And probably not an audi because one of the family members already has one.

Should i suck it up and buy a c300 with 4 matic? It'll top out at 43k and could get most options. If i go with the 328xi coupe, i would only be able to get the needed options and i would be hardpressed to find it for 45k ish.

thoughts? probably down to only mb or bmw though.

Definitely buy a used one, whatever you do, and purchase the extended warranty. Totally worth it.
 
I honestly don't find Lexus to be anything special. Their interiors are very antiqued and even looking at a 2008 IS250 the interior is dull. I can be sold on an interior paired with a "just nice" exterior. That's just me though.

I haven't seen any M56s here yet!! I've watched a bunch of youtube videos and it looks amazing! If I had the money I'd snag it up no question about it!

The LS is a great car and their interiros are much better than a standard Toyota. Now the Avalon, otoh, is nice but that's the only Toyota I recommend to people, and this from a AAA provider's perspective.
 
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