'New' Car Question

Hypotethically...if you were buying a slightly used 'new' car with miles under 20K and your choices were either a BMW 3 Series or a Mercedes C Class which would you choose and why?

I know this isn't what you're asking, but I have to ask. Why are you picking two problematic cars when you can get a nice Japanese car that will run forever? We bought a GORGEOUS Infinity G37 that turns heads everywhere

to answer your question I'd go with the Mercedes because at least every douche doesn't own one

Fantasy car....I did test drive the Infinity G35.  I found it couldnt corner at 85mph.

Likewise, the BMW Z4 is not as powerful and doesnt hugs curves the way a Nissan 370Z does.

Have zero knowledge of the problems between the 3series and the C class..what have you heard?

Am toying with ordering consumer reports just so I can read their reviews on the cars. 

I would check into the warranties that come with the cars.  I got a slightly used Volvo with 11,000 miles on it, and it was still covered under the 4 year/40,000 mile warranty, also comes with complementary road side assistance.  I had to use that a few weeks ago because the battery died.

Check into the perks, I don't know much about Merceces brand, but I know that the BMW has some sort of free scheduled maintenance and warranties involved which could be beneficial since both cars are expensive to maintain.

The Infinity has the highest customer satisfaction rating out of all luxury vehicles.  It also has the highest quality rating in buying used....(dream car as well...)

I'm personally biased towards the BMW, but not the 3 series, or the Z's.  I'd be in heaven with a 6 series coupe.

I know several people who curse their BMWs because of the costs of maintenance and repair. They all say they would never buy one again. I think it's after ~3 years or so that the costs start becoming a problem. They all have 3 series.

I have a Honda, pretty much for the reasons spirochete outlined. But I also was not looking for a "fantasy" car -- more like a nice family car that will last a long time, get good mileage and also be comfy and kind of sporty, and nice looking inside and out. This is my third one and I love love love it.

Why not get an Acura or Infiniti instead?

Hmm sounds like I do need to do a bit of research.  Thanks for the input all.

I would go for the Mercedes for the same reason spirochete gave at the end of her post :)

Yeah, I agree with the Mercedess too if you are definitely choosing between those two. I think they look nicer but more so it seems like way more people have the BMWs (at least around where I live).

I would take public transit and give the money to the poor.

Did I mention that I'm poor? 

Original Post by devilish_patsy:

Fantasy car....I did test drive the Infinity G35.  I found it couldnt corner at 85mph.

 Just wondering - where do you test-drive cars that they're cool with you cornering at 85 mph?  :)

At the risk of getting in trouble with the authorities, let me just say that I tend to have a way with people and can be very persuasive.  Had a salesman recently tell me that I drove a sports car like a man (hehehe, of course, and you would expect anything less?)

German cars are over-engineered, IMHO.  They put ten little motors in where one would be fine.  That's one reason why they have so many maintenance problems.

That said, if I wanted a fast luxury car, I'd probably get an Audi.

Original Post by devilish_patsy:

Fantasy car....I did test drive the Infinity G35.  I found it couldnt corner at 85mph.

Our G37 begs to differ. My husband drives that thing like he's on the Autobahn

My husband just read a report in one of those car and driver mags that said the Audi 8 (I think it goes up to an 8!) was one of the top cars for performance and maintanance. I used to drive Audi 5000's (3 of them) back in the 80's and 90's. My friends have had nothing BUT trouble with their Infinities. Me, I drive a jag XK8 and LOVE it... except for really long cross country driving. After about 4 - 5 hours it starts to feel stiff.

Try this out:

http://autos.yahoo.com/car-compare/overview/? trimId0=16876&trimId1=17353

you can compare the exact year and model to see which one performs better.  You can add the Infinity and Audi on there as well (just for fun), it lets you compare up to 4 cars...

The Benz...class all the way!

BMW= white color penis extension...

I would go with the mercedes. You can't just look at the engine in a car, such as those with good engines like hondas and toyotas - you have to think about safety as well, and mercedes have safe bodies so if God forbid you're ever in an accident, you'll have better protection.

Original Post by purespark:

Original Post by devilish_patsy:

Fantasy car....I did test drive the Infinity G35.  I found it couldnt corner at 85mph.

 Just wondering - where do you test-drive cars that they're cool with you cornering at 85 mph?  :)

 purespark could sell you her SmartCar, when she wins it! lol

Can I ask why one would need to go 85mph and make a turn at that speed?! :O

Original Post by carolann5111:

My husband just read a report in one of those car and driver mags that said the Audi 8 (I think it goes up to an 8!) was one of the top cars for performance and maintanance. I used to drive Audi 5000's (3 of them) back in the 80's and 90's. My friends have had nothing BUT trouble with their Infinities. Me, I drive a jag XK8 and LOVE it... except for really long cross country driving. After about 4 - 5 hours it starts to feel stiff.

Do you live in bizarroland??? Issues with almost unflappable Japanese cars and no problems with your Jag? I refuse to believe this post.

and cptbunny it's fun!

agreed spirochete.

I've never heard anything but troubles with Audi's.  My Dad had the sedan one for about a month.  The electrical was messed up and the key wouldn't come out of the ignition.  It was messed up and back it went.  He has since stayed with the 7 series BMWs and not had problems.

aren't Jags made by Ford now?