you're right, and that's why i asked here to get a general idea. the c class is small and is not really worth the 40k at all. so i guess that goes for the glk too since it's the same car...just a diff body style. their pilot has close to 200,000 miles. the other camry is 10 years old. my dad does love the highlander but it would be nice to drive a car from the next class.
If your parents have driven the Pilot before, I'm not sure if they'll like the downgrade (size) to a 30-40k luxury SUV. With this price range, you're looking at an Infiniti EX and Acura MDX. Both are about the size of a CR-V and start at around 32-33k. If you want to move up a bit, the Lexus RX350 starts at around 37k and is the size of a highlander. With all the recalls, you can probably get one with decent options for under 40k drive out. I'd probably do this instead of buying a smaller SUV.
My parents actually own a Camry as well....haha I guess it's really the Asian/Indian family car. Anyway, if this is not a surprise, talk to your parents regarding how likely they'll perform the scheduled maintenance. We never did any of the maintenance on the camry, but it's a pretty big must for luxury cars since parts are so expensive. I ultimately went against buying my parents a luxury SUV since I didn't think they'd want to spend so much money on just maintenance stuff.
acura rdx = cr-v acura mdx = pilot bmw x5 infiniti ex/fx lexus RX350 (better highlander?) that's about all i can see them getting in terms of a luxury suv. i dont see them in a audi, cadillac, land rover, lincoln, porche etc. considering these are the only suv options they have, i am better off convincing them to get a sedan. thanks so far.
A used car dealer I know told me the brand with the most bang for the buck is the Infiniti. He was specifically talking about the FX 35. Thus, my dad chose to buy one of those certified last year.
Sorry, in my previous post I meant to say the RDX starts at 33k or so. The MDX I think starts at 42k, so it's a little on the expensive side if you originally wanted to spend 30-40k. If they are the "traditional" type, I'd probably go with the Lexus. If they are more "hip", then probably the MDX. Like Mr. Brightside said, the FX35 is a great bang for your buck. My top 3 choices would be 1) RX350, 2) FX, and 3) MDX.
Yea, you can get Factory Navigation, CD/MP3 Multi Disc, Rear View Camera and bunch of other options for like 25K USD, Factory Certified 2007 FX 35. Alot of good deals on used cars these days with the recession.
they dont find the fx35 attractive at all. they are not the sporty type either..even though they would be ok with the mdx. i started some emailing on the mdx and this is how it went so far. sticker price for mdx + technology package = 467800 or so. Invoice - 42818 actual cost for dealer after holdback and all that is like 41500. first offers were: 44700, 44500, 43300. I said 42500 and we will talk. everyone had an excuse on why they cant do it. so i said thanks. i will email the lexus ones friday after i visit a dealer to see what kind of packages they put on there.
how do you guys go about financing? these 2.9% for 60 months sounds like a good deal. i have a credit score of 771. has anyone applied for credit directly at the makers website? how does that process work instead of doing it at the dealer?
I don't mean to get into your biz, but why in the world would you finance a car for you parents who are retiring soon? I mean if the kids want to do something big, how about a great vacation somewhere? Now if you're rich, then thats another story, but since you're talking about finance options, I'm assuming you're not.
Financing is a good option for things like homes because the time value of money goes down over time (inflation). But for a car, they had those really sweet deals of 0% financing a few years ago, which were too good to pass up. I was more intrigued into finding out the rationale of someone buying a new vehicle. Even my friends who are millionaires don't even buy new vehicles.
Why do people hate on the C-Class and love the BMW 3-Series? I have seen people who drive a 3-Series say the same thing about the C-Class you're saying.
You can customize the car to your tastes. You don't need to worry about what someone else has done to the car. Everything is new.
Get a BMW. BMW's are not that expensive and their service is top notch. Everytime I go to the dealership, they remember my name... My car is connected to some satellite and every time it needs service, I get an email, and they automatically schedule the appointment for me. I have never owned a Mercedes, but BMW sends gifts in the mail all the time... pens, watches, etc. The pens are really nice. You can definitely get a BMW within your price range.
And everytime you need repairs, the guy behind the desk grabs the red ball and is preparing it for you mouth like pulp fiction.
Pretty much. Alot of well off people don't waste money on new cars. Cars are the single worse investment you can make. A person would be better served buying gold and diamonds vs a car.
