Planning on Buying My First Luxury Car

buckethat on 15/02/2019 - 00:02
Last edited 15/02/2019 - 18:55

First of all.. I fully understand that this is not a financially sound decision at all.. and I'm fully aware of the incoming 'high yield vehicle' jokes. But I want to get something nice while I'm still young and spend some of the money I've worked hard for on something that will make me happy.

Anyways, I'm looking to upgrade to a nicer car.. what I already have in mind is a BMW 230i F22 LCI (was also pretty keen on 430i but bit pricy).. I don't need a four doors sedan, I currently own a sedan and 98% of the time, my backseats are empty.

What I've been looking at are fairly new, either demo or used, between 1-3 years old with low milege. I've seen a couple going for around $50-55k.

A couple question I'd like to ask are..

  1. How much would I generally be able to shave off for a car around this price range..
  2. Any advice regarding BMWs in general or this car specifically? New to BMWs

Any input is welcomed, positive or negative.

Update: Hey guys, thanks for all the input. Some people are asking for my income and age for a better context.

I'm 23 & my salary package is just shy of 72k. My family is not rich, nor are we poor. We're just comfortable. I've got a good chunk of change saved up. Still living at home, no kids, so not much outgoings.

I understand the cars I'm looking at are not the most powerful you can get for the price. Shallow as it sounds, status is an appeal to me as well. Enjoyed reading through all the comments that's been coming through.

Update2: Definitely pretty humbling reading through some of these comments.

First of all, I think the term 'luxury car' seems to mean very different things to different people. To me, when I said luxury I basically just means something nicer than cars on the lower end of the markets like.. Mazda 2.. Golf TSI.. cars in those range. At my age and socioeconomic level most people I know around me would consider these European brands luxury.

I also understand that the cars I'm looking at are at the lower end of what the brands offer.. I'm definitely not kidding myself in thinking that these would make people turn their heads as I drive by, nor is that my intention. Just to clarify, I'm not really going into this wanting to impress others.. Its more like something for myself and while I understand that to some, these are not impressive at all, I think its enough to satisfy my ego.

I 100% agree with everyone saying that I should be investing my money into other things like property, if I do go through with this, its definitely going to be a stupid financial decision.

Automotive Car

Comments

  • [Deactivated] on 15/02/2019 - 00:12
    +2

    What are you driving now and what about those cars you listed entices you?

    Why do you think the better car will make you happy?

    • buckethat on 15/02/2019 - 00:23
      +27

      I'm driving a Toyota Camry.. and to be completely honest its a perfectly good car.

      The reasons for wanting a nicer car is definitely not something profound.. its rather shallow.. I suppose I have always wanted a 'nice' car when I can afford to ever since I was young. I suppose the cachet of owning a nicer car is definitely a factor.

      I don't really know myself but its just a goal that I've always had. Though my logical side have always battled with me on it, and could still lead to me not buying it in the end.

      • [Deactivated] on 15/02/2019 - 00:29
        +46

        If you're smart enough to provide the response you did, you won't end up buying the car because you know you're trying to buy a sense of achievement.

        Those cars are run of the mill cars. They're not fast nor luxurious. It could go a bit quicker than a Camry but not by much because you're on public road. On a race track, it is categorically a slow car.

        They are also very common.

        It's the equivalent of an LV wallet in high school. Expensive, does the same job, and you eventually find out that practically anyone can get one if they wanted.

        Sense of achievement gone.

        • Kangal on 15/02/2019 - 02:09
          +9

          When I was younger I found that (some) knock-off LV wallets and bags actually had higher quality than the genuine product.
          As an adult, I later found out the "knock-off" Japanese cars have much higher quality than their European rivals.
          Strange times.

          • Cleaner on 15/02/2019 - 15:22
            +3

            @Kangal: I used to sell fake RL polo and the quality & softness of the material was far better than the genuine for $50 more.

          • [Deactivated] on 15/02/2019 - 20:59

            @Kangal: It took me a while to figure out designer houses don't really manufacture. Often, the good designs aren't even theirs. They take a classic from a heritage manufacturer and slap on their branding and/or materials.

            Example, Prada and Church's. The Prada shoes are just Church's made on Church's lasts but with the crap Prada printed canvas and other nonsense.

      • JIMB0 on 15/02/2019 - 05:03
        +2

        Why not look at the Lexus ES. It's the luxury version of the camry.

  • rompastompa on 15/02/2019 - 00:28
    +63

    If you're Kean, go for it.

  • Some Human on 15/02/2019 - 00:56
    +13

    Can you afford the ridiculous ongoing maintenance costs that come with owning a luxury car?

  • dcep on 15/02/2019 - 01:14
    +1

    Those are slow cars under 250 horses but if by 'nice' car you meant you're after 'status' credit then might as well get something with more 'classy' looks.

    merc c200 coupe.
    https://i0.wp.com/carsonspecial.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/…

    alfa giulia
    https://pictures.dealer.com/h/herbchambersofwaylandalfaromeo…

    infiniti q60 3.0t - 300 horsepower (or 400 horsepower for Red Sport model)
    https://hips.hearstapps.com/amv-prod-cad-assets.s3.amazonaws…

    Ozb choice
    Kia stinger GT - 365 horsepower
    https://images.autotrader.com/scaler/620/420/cms/images/cars…

    • Cheapo Moose on 15/02/2019 - 09:13
      +12

      A luxury car is not defined by it's horsepower.

      • dcep on 15/02/2019 - 11:01

        you don't see bentley or rolls royce with 200hp

        • Cheapo Moose on 15/02/2019 - 11:36
          +6

          The engines in Bentleys don't make them luxury cars.

          It's the level of equipment and quality.

          • dcep on 15/02/2019 - 11:39
            +1

            @Cheapo Moose: you don't feel luxury anymore when getting on ramp to highway, taking you 10 seconds to get to 100kmh while the camry v6 behind tailgating and horn out loud

            • Cheapo Moose on 15/02/2019 - 13:54
              +5

              @dcep: Nevermind.

              You're missing the point.

            • smartazz104 on 15/02/2019 - 19:13
              +9

              @dcep: No Camry driver in the history of motoring could ever be accused of tailgating; they're usually the ones being the rolling roadblock.

          • aussieolfaction on 15/02/2019 - 14:09
            +1

            @Cheapo Moose:

            It's the level of equipment and quality.

            This is true, but I'd consider the engine is an inseparable part of that "level of equipment and quality". No true luxury car rolls off an assembly line with a lethargic engine.

            I do agree there may be some nasty exceptions like the entry level or base model Mercedes Benz cars like the B series that are being sold exclusively on a rather perceived luxury car image, and will be beaten black and blue by a 12 year old v6 camry off the ramp signal. But these cars are only perceived to be luxurious, as opposed to be actually and objectively being luxurious.

            While the equipment and quality levels are important, no true luxury car should struggle to pass a camry.

            • Cheapo Moose on 15/02/2019 - 14:19
              +3

              @aussieolfaction: I agree.

              The point I was trying to make is that phunkydude lists suggested cars making no mention of anything other than power.

              HSV GTS has plenty of power. I wouldn't call that a luxury car.

              • aussieolfaction on 15/02/2019 - 14:25
                +2

                @Cheapo Moose: Neat, that makes sense, yes. While the engine is a part of the deal, it's not just the engine alone.

                Yes again, if I were hunting for a luxury car, I'd not touch any holden with a barge pole. No matter what logo they slap on it. :-)

            • [Deactivated] on 15/02/2019 - 21:04

              @aussieolfaction: I have never understood the B series' appeal. Who are they marketing to?

              One was parked outside my office and when it was leaving the park, the patient noticed the Benz badge. Her response was, "what a dreary looking car".

              She uses the word dreary so you guessed right. The patient is in her 80s and uses a walker and the B series is dreary to her.

              So who does it appeal to?

              • aussieolfaction on 15/02/2019 - 22:20
                +3

                @[Deactivated]: It might appeal to those people who just want to own one of those "euro luxury cars" and brag about it; perhaps not explicitly, but they must certainly be feeling enough good about the badge that they're willing to overlook everything else that's otherwise absolutely consternating and awful about the vehicle.

                The fit and finish is going to be crap, the equipment levels abysmally low (the manufacturer will charge a bomb for every little thing like GPS, a decent sound system with more speakers, android/apple car play, alloys, etc, etc.) the engines from the "bottom feeder" range, often severely lacking in power and torque, and sometimes compensated with a turbo that almost makes it feel sufficient. Don't even get me started on reliability.

                Pick a similarly priced car from Japan or Korea and objectively compare them by placing them side by side (one might have to ignore the looks here), and the perception of luxury will disappear faster than the meat on a rottweiler's bowl. Sure, some of those euro cars were once the epitome of luxury, but I just don't see it to have been the case for at least 15 years now (ignoring the top-end here), and most certainly not so with cars like B class. Nauseating little shitboxes.

                There's of course the other kind of person who buys these things; for example, I know a woman who is a friend's wife that "just wants" a range rover, and IT MUST BE RED. I talked to her for a minute to understand her point of view, and it became apparent to me that my greyhound will know more about the works of Mozart than she knows about cars. I'm not trying to judge her for wanting what she wants or mocking her knowledge of cars, but merely stating the facts.

                There's of course those who want luxury, but they're not the ones buying these nasty bottom-end cars. These people are usually incredibly smart, and often lease reasonably decent cars (at least C class, but often E class or above), put a ton of miles on it, and sell it off in a couple of years or right before the warranty expires (that's when the vehicle becomes a money magnet).

                I have also noticed that "cheap luxury" cars like the B class often appeals to people from a certain ethnicity/background. I am not sure why that is, or if my observation is wrong, but it's what I see.

    • cansydint on 15/02/2019 - 10:11
      +1

      the stigner is an amazing car but the q60 would be my choice.

      Might even push the budget to an RCF, now that would be a fun car

      I think his best option is a used 370gt, a bit older and dated tech but you are in it to drive and those things are fantastic fun to drive

      • elektron on 17/02/2019 - 09:10

        RC350 F Sport

      • boostpak on 18/02/2019 - 09:00

        these cars are horrible. look straight out of fast and furious tokyo drift and guzzle fuel down like there's no tomorrow, I doubt OP wants that look or that extra expense. They also have plenty of problems, my best mate is a mechanic and says he has had to fix many of them and they always have niggles. They are old and are hard to sell. Selling that bmw would be easy as. 370 is an old car and all imports with terrible displays (i've driven one before). Why would OP even want that?!

    • Ozbargainlyf on 15/02/2019 - 13:33

      free upgrade to C300 atm with a c200

    • cameldownunder on 15/02/2019 - 15:06
      +1

      TESLA ?

    • alikazi on 16/02/2019 - 19:39
      +1

      Ufff… That Kia and that Alfa melts my heart. They look fun to drive and own.

    • MementoMori on 19/02/2019 - 14:59

      My personal choice are the Infiniti's. So much car and quality for the money - FAR more expensive in Europe and the US.

      Sold at the Merc / BMW price level overseas. Here, around 70-80%.

      • inasero on 19/02/2019 - 15:56
        +1

        I don't trust modern Nissan's since they got taken over by Renault…the quality just isn't what it used to be

        • Tea-Aholic on 20/02/2019 - 12:30

          Infiniti’s actually use Mercedes parts. Open the hood of an Infiniti and you will see a Mercedes engine. Sit inside an Infiniti and you can see all the Mercedes switch-gear down to the seat controls and indicator stalk.

          And Renault uses Nissan parts, not the other way around.

          • eug on 20/02/2019 - 12:40
            +1

            @Tea-Aholic:

            Open the hood of an Infiniti and you will see a Mercedes engine.

            Some Kogan TVs use Samsung panels, but Samsung TVs still have better image quality and/or reliability. ;)

            • Tea-Aholic on 20/02/2019 - 12:47

              @eug: Completely different analogy….

              Infiniti cars literally are on a Mercedes platform, and shares engine, transmission, electronics. Only the shell is different.

              My Sony TV uses an LG OLED panel, but the CPU, imaging processor, software, etc, is all custom Sony.

              Of course products share parts, but underneath an Infiniti is a lot of Mercedes.

              • eug on 20/02/2019 - 12:55

                @Tea-Aholic: Sorry, I was being a little cheeky. :)
                I never looked at how much they share, I assume it's like the 86/BRZ. Anyway, were all Infinitis merc-based, or just the compact?
                Didn't Infiniti and Mercedes end the partnership in 2017?

                • Tea-Aholic on 20/02/2019 - 19:27

                  @eug: 86/BRZ are probably the best analogy :)

                  TBH, I don't really have interest in Infiniti cars, but only interested in cars enough to sit in them when I see them in shopping centres.

                  I have the impression that the smaller compact cars are based off the Benz's A/CLA/GLA platform, I would have guess the larger SUVs are Pathfinder-based.

                  As in terms of their partnership ending I really have no idea!

  • [Deactivated] on 15/02/2019 - 02:34
    +3

    Smart choice not buy brand new.
    If I was in your position, wanting a luxury car, but wanting to save, I would go even older than 3 years as long as it is still under full factory warranty and make sure it has the log book and all the required service intervals etc been done, or that 5-7 year factory warranty may be void.

    • Pratty on 16/02/2019 - 14:53
      +2

      I feel like that would be almost impossible to find. Standard luxury car warranties are 3 years.

  • Halo375 on 15/02/2019 - 02:54
    +20

    The maintenance costs for BMW are horrific - not worth your pain.

    • Skramit on 15/02/2019 - 07:56
      +1

      Agreed.

      My in-laws have a new-ish BMW and it's very expensive to service and constantly has niggles that need fixing.

    • geoffs87 on 15/02/2019 - 09:25

      4 brakes and rotors just cost me $1,500 on a 2013 X1… certainly more expensive to service than my old focus!

      But! I enjoy my car, it drives well, thats the only money i've spent on it since buying it, and my mechanic reckons my car only needs servicing on the mileage points, not every year.

      So for me, im actually pretty happy with my purchase, and it makes me feel good to drive it :)

      • Darron65 on 15/02/2019 - 18:22
        +2

        Hmm, did you take it to a dealer for the magical BMW brakes? Wear items like brakes and tyres don't have to come from the dealer.

        • Charity on 18/02/2019 - 18:09

          Also sounds like he got scammed on the old unneeded rotors trick. Dealer probably didn't touch them.

          • [Deactivated] on 28/02/2019 - 23:45

            @Charity: 1500 is reasonable. EU car use harder pads and usually discs are not machined.

            $1800 on 4 corners of my old cooper s some years ago.

            Mate's Volvo xc60 $2000 for the four corners.

    • boostpak on 18/02/2019 - 08:55

      Halo375 have you ever even owned a BMW, or just a typical toyota or cheapskate car fanboy…. I've owned multiple BMWs and all have been very reliable and any issues it has been as normal as any other car to fix. There's thousands and thousands of bmws in australia so finding parts are easy. They aren't a rare car where to source parts would be super expensive and hard to find. Also you can service it at your local and you'll save heaps. I serviced my mazda and bmw and they cost the same at my local. Supply some actual facts about maintenance costs instead of such a blanket statement.

  • twww on 15/02/2019 - 04:53
    +3

    First off: What is your income?

  • pantsparty on 15/02/2019 - 06:05

    Last time I had my Corolla serviced it cost almost $1k because it was a major service and it needed new brakes and a new battery. I do wonder how much these kind of big services would cost with a luxury car like a BMW!

    • rambutann on 15/02/2019 - 08:11
      +1

      Fairly sure a basic service is about a grand..

      • geech on 15/02/2019 - 09:00
        +1

        I've owned an X3 for a bit over 4 years now (Bought new) and it's got 100K km on the clock. The only services I've had that have been in the ballpark of $1000 have included new brake pads and rotors. A "standard" service is usually ~$300-$400 - which I think is reasonable for a 6 cylinder diesel. The service costs for the first service was actually lower than what I paid for my first service on my Ford Ranger (Only had the Ranger serviced once so far)

    • Oz8argain on 15/02/2019 - 09:23

      someone on WP was talking about how their bmw had to change not just brake pads but also rotors every 10,000 km, not sure if true..

      • geech on 15/02/2019 - 11:49

        Sounds a bit excessive. You do need to do pads + rotors at the same time. I've done my rear ones twice in 100k, and my fronts once.

        According to the scheduled servicing, you only need to change the oil every 2nd service interval (So every 30k km) so needing to do brakes every 10k seems a bit weird

      • ozeebee on 15/02/2019 - 12:04
        +1

        Also safe to assume these are the same people you see braking and on the gas pedal at the same time…

        • Bargain80 on 18/02/2019 - 15:16

          10,000 KM seems like a bit excessive.
          But I had to change both rotor and brakepads of my Dualis at 40,000 KM service.
          I heard that was pretty normal for European car.

          I had a Toyota Corolla before this. I had about 50-60,000 KM and never had to change the rotor.

      • Jaysful on 20/02/2019 - 09:07

        It depends on your usage. There are a few BMW models that uses brakes to maintain cruise control/radar cruise control. Some models uses the gearbox and will have no wear on the brakes. That plus your driving habit can actually contribute to a 10,000km pad change.

    • elf888 on 15/02/2019 - 12:01

      4.5K for an A4 Major service with new break and tires and some others don't even know what it is…..

  • mskeggs on 15/02/2019 - 07:13
    +25

    I’ve had a couple of nice cars, and now I drive the cheapest reliable I can find.
    The difference is $2000 a year ex-fuel but including depreciation, rego, repairs, insurance etc. and closer to $10k.
    That is nearly $200 a week that you could spend on something else to improve your life.

    That said, I think you will have the itch if you don’t scratch it, so budget to own a nice car for a couple of years, and go get what you want. I suspect once you have driven one long enough for the novelty to wear off you will find something better to spend the money on.
    When you go to sell it, and see how much it has depreciated, it will be a strong reminder of how much a fancy car costs!

    • BreezyPalms on 20/02/2019 - 07:40

      Sound advice.

      In my experience, German cars depreciate significantly faster than Japanese cars. With Japanese cars there can be negligible (minor) difference between a new car and one that is a few of years old hence buying new may be the best idea. Whereas with German cars there can be up to 50% discount on a 3-4 year old model vs new hence, second hand is probably the way to go.

      My theory is the german cars are often purchased by corporate/executive types on lease agreements that expire in 3-4 years, when the car is returned and upgraded or the lessee pays the final payment and takes ownership of the car, then sells it because they are upgrading and taking a new lease.

      Many people who want a luxury or high end model variants want new, not used. There is also a perceived risk on maintenance costs and reliability which deters people buying used…. this issue will also bite you when you re-sell.

      Example. I purchased a one owner, pristine Golf GTI with all the options 4 years old, with only 50k kms on the clock for $19K. The guy selling it was in his 50's and the car was at the end of his lease. New this car is $50k+ with all the options. 4 years later, market price for this car is $10K… at the time I could have got a Mazda 3 SP25 for the same price and the resale now would probably be circa $14K. Therefore, the depreciation is significantly greater however, I don't regret it since the car is so much fun do drive!

      I have a great mechanic who specialises in german cars and is significantly cheaper than the dealer servicing. Before I purchased he did a full inspection and connected the car up to the diagnostic computer to check the history of the car (they can tell if panels have been removed - which can confirm accident history)

      If you go the used route, try to find one that is at the end of the lease, one owner, pristine with full service history…. do your homework on the model/variant too. Sometimes there is a particular model that is prone to issues.

      • gimme on 21/02/2019 - 11:22

        Bought a 3 year old Mazda at approx 45% discount from original price. Low Kms and very good condition. So not sure about the generalization that Jap cars don't depreciate.

  • modgod on 15/02/2019 - 07:56
    +2

    Most of these euro cars bmw, merc, audi have a thing called “corporate program” where you get free servicing, concierge service, lower interest rate etc

    On my second year of my CLA45 amg free servicing saved me thousands

    https://www.mercedes-benz.com.au/passengercars/buy/business-…

    • [Deactivated] on 15/02/2019 - 09:18
      +4

      The A200 AMG is so much cheaper. And just as quick*. Still an AMG.

      *When going 80 on an 80 road.

      • Hybroid on 15/02/2019 - 11:04
        +7

        You don't have to break speed limits to enjoy higher performance vehicles. Acceleration, overtaking confidence, sports suspension and stiffer chassis are all real factors along with the general feel. Some people enjoy driving more than others.

        • [Deactivated] on 15/02/2019 - 12:01
          +4

          Whoosh.

  • rkl on 15/02/2019 - 07:56
    +1

    Just going to say with BMW, if you can learn how to do some servicing yourself and learn how to program where needed (cable and software required) you will save yourself a decent amount of money.
    Not that forums are big anymore, but there is a wealth of knowledge available to guide you too.

  • Ugly on 15/02/2019 - 08:26
    +3

    Mustang? (I know it's not what some would call a luxury car, but you can pick up a 2017, V8 with less than 10,000km on it for under 50k)

    Carsales

  • Stimps on 15/02/2019 - 08:49
    +9

    I’d low ball private sellers on Carsales.com. With property crashing in Melbourne and Sydney there will be some excellent distressed sales of luxury cars from savvy property investors.

  • Bid Sniper on 15/02/2019 - 09:13
    +2

    1. How much would I generally be able to shave off for a car around this price range..
      Depends which car, what they have in stock, and what dealer.

    2. Any advice regarding BMWs in general or this car specifically? New to BMWs.

    a. prepare to pay "euro tax" on servicing and parts
    b.BMWs are good cars generally, I look at the CPO (BMW certified Pre owned) cars, has warranty and possibly capped service pricing in the deal.
    c. be aware depreciation is steep on euro cars, can work your way if you want to buy used

    https://www.graysonline.com/lot/0001-20000468/motor-vehicles…

    My adice look at all cars, there a wide range of good cars. $60K is decent budget and can get something great, of course spend less the better!

  • TheMindsetTraveller on 15/02/2019 - 09:47

    The newly updated Mercedes Benz C-class is nice; the C200 whilst people may think is under powered has a new fancy electronic system that makes it pretty good. However the deal at the moment, is you pay for a C200 and you get a complimentary upgrade to the C300. You will end up paying around the $69k the the C200 pricing, to get a C300.

    • Bid Sniper on 15/02/2019 - 10:21

      I was looking at those on the weekend for family, new one is a 1.5L (disappointing for a big car) Can get under 60K if you look hard enough ex demo kays on it with options.

      • TheMindsetTraveller on 15/02/2019 - 13:38
        +1

        Yeah demo models seem to be the way to go, given they are often 'loaded' up with all the extras.

        Did you end up getting one or still thinking about it?

        The new BMW 3 series look pretty snazzy too if you haven't had a look at that.

        • Bid Sniper on 15/02/2019 - 14:38
          +1

          No, for my brother inlaw. We were really underwhelmed with the C200 overall, even at the discounted price. For that price Id rather a Tesla model 3, far superior car. I test drove the S and I was blown away by it (and its price).

          I convinced him to test drive a WRX premium, he loves my STi premium but wants a auto. Tech in the Suby is better than the C200, let alone drive train, handling etc…

          BMW might be something for him to look at as well, but he's kinda meh on BMWs.

          Cars are not a logical choice sometimes

  • altomic on 15/02/2019 - 09:58
    +1

    My dad bought a BMW after he retired as a "nice" car. Previously he had had 2 Magna's (each lasted 10years & 300,000kms), before that a Fairmont, before that a Cortina.

    He likes his BMW and is very proud of it. And he loves the customer $ervice he gets at the dealership. But to be honest, I find the car to be boring and woefully underwhelming to drive.

    Plus, He lives in a suburb where every second or third car is a BMW so it is not like it stands out and radiates "luxury".

    You have a Camry, gets some mods/upgrades to it.

    • HighAndDry on 15/02/2019 - 10:40
      +2

      Plus, He lives in a suburb where every second or third car is a BMW so it is not like it stands out and radiates "luxury".

      I think that might be part of it - fitting in with people who own BMWs probably feels better than standing out in a Magna in a neighbourhood of BMWs.

      • [Deactivated] on 15/02/2019 - 18:43
        +4

        I drive a bloody ute to conventions.

        If I don't stand out like the sorest of thumbs…

        • HighAndDry on 15/02/2019 - 20:03

          These are….dr conventions? Hahaha yeah I'm just picturing it.

          • [Deactivated] on 15/02/2019 - 20:17
            +1

            @HighAndDry: Yup.

            The big events are normally in convention centers so it doesn't look so awkward. Probably looks like a tradie just rocked up.

            At hotels, it certainly stands out. It is a flagship current gen ute so that's a small consolation?

        • aussieolfaction on 16/02/2019 - 09:45
          +2

          That is genuinely awesome. :-)

    • boostpak on 18/02/2019 - 08:52

      Get some 'mods and upgrades' to it.. dude it's a camry haha I'm actually at my desk laughing at your comment

  • GG57 on 15/02/2019 - 09:59
    +8

    In my view the previously classified 'luxury' cars, such as BMW and Mercedes, have downgraded their brands in the pursuit of increased sales.
    Both of those brands were always reasonably standard cars in Europe (e.g. regularly used as taxis), but for some reason we here in Australia thought that anything out of Europe was better. Coupled with the demise of our domestic car production industry, and more accessibility to a wider range of overseas car models, I think that those brands have introduced lower cost / lower luxury models to the market.
    A friend was showing me his new Mercedes recently; there was little in it that my Subaru doesn't have (he had tv reception and his dash lights changed colour).

    If you really want to scratch that itch, just buy what you want and ignore the opinions of others.

    • Bid Sniper on 15/02/2019 - 10:23
      +1

      I wasn't impressed with latest Benz compared to my STI, let alone with current XV with eyesight.

      • [Deactivated] on 15/02/2019 - 18:46
        +2

        Come on, the STI is wicked fun but surely you can admit the fit and finish is miles above the STI.

        I'd probably never buy a luxury comfort car ever, and I'm likely to own an STI (the car, not the other one…) in the future but honestly, the trim and materials in the STI looks very cheap.

        Doesn't make me love the STI any less though.

        • Bid Sniper on 15/02/2019 - 20:28
          +1

          Drive both and tell me after, Subaru has come long way with the current STI and Benz has stagnated.

          inlaw has a CLA200 2014. It looks and feels really cheap. It was after driving my new STI he decided to upgrade, mine has a better interior.

          Compared to C200, interior on C200 is definitely nicer, Id argue Subaru is a better built car, C200 features is pretty underwhelming. The infotainment mouse pad cracks in heat (even floor model was cracked) infotainment is rubbish.

          Comparing WRX premium to C200 (2018)
          -Android auto in WRX, C200 infotainment is dated and kinda crap (Tesla gold standard)
          -WRX 200kw AWD with torque vectoring vs 120kw 1.5L RWD. Handling WRX hands down and then some.
          -WRX safety is better, auto braking with Subaru eyesight, only as option in C200.
          -Cross traffic alert in WRX via rear mounter radar, nothing like that on C200
          -Traffic departure warning, nothing like that on C200
          -True key-less entry with WRX and push button start, C200 have to push the remote to unlock but has push button start.
          -Subaru 2 computers vs 138 computers on the Benz
          -5 year warranty on WRX vs 3 years.

          Both have
          -Adaptive headlights
          -adaptive cruise control
          -lane keeping assist
          -seat setting memory
          -heated seats
          -heated mirrors
          -auto dimming rear view mirror
          -auto wipers, auto lights

          WRX premium ex demo is low $40K and C200 is low $60k. Apart from the nicer interior interior Benz is a inferior car.

          Sums up my thoughts
          https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bAw4JtcgG_I

          • [Deactivated] on 15/02/2019 - 20:41
            +6

            @Bid Sniper: I don't dispute any of that, especially the mechanical superiority of the STI.

            You're comparing a performance car to a "luxury" car. Your metrics are technology and performance. Of course the Benz would lose in that criteria.

            Apart from the nicer interior interior Benz is a inferior car.

            That's true. To the people that buy a car for the luxurious cabin (which is what the C200's target market is), the Benz is a better car.

            (Ps. We're talking STI. The WRX premium is… not the same league. I'd definitely not argue in favour of the premium).

            • Bid Sniper on 15/02/2019 - 21:52

              @[Deactivated]: True, cars are always a personal choice, everyone metric is there own.

              I have the STI premium model. I bought it to flip but was amazed how refined it was so I kept it (I had a modified 03 WRX), I originally wanted a Levorg STI. WRX premium is a better daily driver, I liked the CVT + Subaru eyesight option. I live in inner city, STI is a stupid car to own but it's has lolz per litre and character.

              Base model Benz see I everywhere to be honest, its lost its exclusive appeals, just a euro taxi imo AMG is a complete different kettle of fish, they exclusive to drug dealers.

              • [Deactivated] on 15/02/2019 - 22:08

                @Bid Sniper:

                they exclusive to drug dealers.

                Any idiot with a pen can sign a loan for an AMG.

                CVT+ is a killer for me. I love the STI's manual box.

                • Bid Sniper on 15/02/2019 - 22:20

                  @[Deactivated]: Keyword is idiot! $160K+ car 60% deprecation in 3-4 years, thats insane. My old WRX I bought for $29K sold it 15 years later for $14K, same deprecation but in 15 years of ownership.

                  Give the CVT a go, they gave me an overnight loan / test drive of the Levorg. Really liked it for my daily route. BUUUUTTT 6MT is awesome, stock its a bit loose because I had a STI short shiftier in my old car, with the new 6MT short shiftier in its a joy to drive. Now modded with 30% more power, can smoke all four off the lights with a 7K launch, STI box who cares.

                  • [Deactivated] on 16/02/2019 - 08:29

                    @Bid Sniper: I did test drive the CVT on the premium.

                    Wet sponge.

                    The dealership though I had it on eco mode and insist I went on a second drive with him as passenger. He did confirm it is on the right setting and seems to think it pulled hard. Felt like a Corolla+.

                    • cille745 on 16/02/2019 - 09:22

                      @[Deactivated]: Having driven one in all mods the mode barely affects the speed, just the rpm, but due to it making good torque down low it doesnt really do much

                      • [Deactivated] on 16/02/2019 - 09:40

                        @cille745: Maybe for regular road driving.

                        I have 2 tonne diesel for that.

                        If I buy a WRX, I want to fly.

                      • Bid Sniper on 16/02/2019 - 14:38
                        +1

                        @cille745: The drive mode only really affects throttle response. Thats what it does in my STI. It what made me want to keep the car. Put in "I" (granny mode) and less likely to get booked. Underrated feature.

                        • [Deactivated] on 16/02/2019 - 15:57

                          @Bid Sniper: I have my track car reconverted back to road and currently as my second daily (due to lack of use).

                          I hop between the ute and that. I know how you feel. I get really worked up when I am over taken in my track car. I guess my brain also goes into race mode.

                          • Bid Sniper on 16/02/2019 - 19:53

                            @[Deactivated]: What track car?

                            Yeah the mode helps you not to those monetary lapse of judgements (fun).

                            • [Deactivated] on 16/02/2019 - 19:59
                              +1

                              @Bid Sniper: It's a mk7R.

                              It was converted to a (one of but my fav) track car within 2 months of brand new. :P

                              Spent as much on mods and labour as the car itself. And more to convert it back. Went from weekend warrior to seasonal and kept having to replace flat batteries and drain the oil.

                              (I know I know, trickle charge but my garage has trickle and normal chargers to too many things as is.)

                              • Bid Sniper on 17/02/2019 - 10:07

                                @[Deactivated]: Got a build thread?

                                My tuner wants one lol I'm impressed that only with a rune thry can 11s.

                                LOL i did same with my old WRX went too far and had to unmod it to make it more drivable. My new STI only a handful of minor mods.

                                I just disconnected the battery when it was in storage.

                                • [Deactivated] on 17/02/2019 - 10:22

                                  @Bid Sniper: Your PM doesn't work so here is an info dump.

                                  First round of mods

                                  Hardware all Racingline/miltek - valved turboback, BBK, tracksport coilovers, intake, IC, subframe mount, control arms.

                                  Wheels were Volk monoforged rims. ET45. (Too large, 48 would be perfect, with BBK rotors but making it work cause it's pretty).

                                  Cage was bolt in. Stuffed the rivet (my bad with impact wrench), so welded rods. Welding broke (not enough space to weld nicely) so we fully weld. Then we halved it recently for street legalness.

                                  Changed software to Racingline due to manufacturer and distributor issues. Added Racinglinr turbo kit and stage 3.

                                  Inside - RacePro mk3 telemtry unit. Titanium pedal shift.

                                  No aesthetic mods. Debadged.

                                  • Bid Sniper on 18/02/2019 - 09:31
                                    +1

                                    @[Deactivated]: Total sleeper, niiiicceeee. Would out accelerate my STI with only a tune and downpipe.

                                    Extensive expensive shopping list there. Was the ride teeth chattering with the coilovers and mounts? I did the whole motorsport mounts and bushings but was too extreme, way too annoying. No gearbox mods, oil cooler for example?

                                    How much ATW?

                                    • [Deactivated] on 18/02/2019 - 10:56

                                      @Bid Sniper:

                                      Extensive expensive shopping list there. Was the ride teeth chattering with the coilovers and mounts?

                                      Deafening (and I specced for quietest hence valved) and yes, I feel like I should wear a bra when I drive the thing.

                                      I didn't do proper Dyno with charts after the stage 2 but I was already doing 212kw and 480nm ATW (significantly above advertised estimate).

                                      I also have a custom tune for lower boost and timing which is what I use except for when I am doing silly launches. The higher boost has a noticeable lag which I absolutely despise.

                                      Ps. Not total sleeper. Muffler tips (cerakote and slightly larger vs stock SS, rims.

                                      • Bid Sniper on 18/02/2019 - 17:52

                                        @[Deactivated]: How did get it tuned if you dont have a dyno chart? Thats strange.

                                        Mine is dyno and road tune with print out. For the STI, intake, dump pipe and tune, 190kw@all four wheels 660nm torque. 9L/100km fuel economy down from 13L lol

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