Dr.Murdock

I'm almost at my graduation date and my 18th birthday, which brings me closer to getting a car. I think i narrowed my choices down to a 04 bmw 330i , a 04 TL, or a 04 G35 coupe. What car is better in overall performance and at the same time is a reliable car that will have little or no problems, while being cheaper to fix if there is one? What car would you choose if you had no TL and you could get it for free?

Dr.Murdock

Also...What would be the price diffrence between the 3? Im planning to lease the car for 2-3 yrs. What are you paying for the TL (for those who lease it)?

Tripp11

What one person pays for a lease doesn't mean the next person will. There are too many variables in a lease such as the residual which changes every month and changes based on lease term and TL model (navi/non-navi). Plus, there's the whole money factor issue which is basically an interest rate and this is based off of a person's credit rating (in your case, your parents credit rating). Factor all of this with differing terms and money down and you've got a bunch of comparative numbers and it's not going to be apples to apples.

My advice, call a few dealerships and have them run the same exact lease on the same car (i.e. 36 months, $0 down, 2004 TL 6MT Non-navi, 12K miles per year, etc...). Apples to apples and you'll be fine.

Tripp11

If I were 18 and my parents were going to buy me any of those three cars, I would first be thankful and extremely appreciative and do anything/anywhere/anytime to please my parents.

With that said, I would choose the G35 coupe if I were your age. It's hot, period. 4 doors vs. 2 doors is a no brainer when you're young and don't have children of your own or clients to take out to dinner.

Plus, if you're leasing the car, why do you care if one will be cheaper over the next to fix? Everything will be covered bumper to bumper for the lease term you're considering.

Aspector Gadget

Well said.

I would have chosen the G35 coupe but I am planning to keep the TL for 8+ years and in that time the 4 doors will be a must when starting a family. If I were 18, I would take the G35 coupe out of those three.

Maybe looking at the 330cd, M3, and S4.

caball88

G35 coupe if i was and in your situation. i actually was thinking about getting it but the rwd turned me away because it does snow here in the winter and i have to use it for work. but if i was 18 and in college again the coupe just looks alot hotter and you will have a fun time driving it around as it will probably handle better than the TL. as for value i think the TL offers the best deal.

rets

G... you guys say it all...

Here is 04TL forum, but I agree G35 Coupe is the good choice for your situation.

vtechbrain

What about a job, I'd get you a job, snot nose, see if you can afford a KIA flipping burgers!

caball88

hahahaha leave the kid alone there is nothing wrong with getting a car as a gift from your parents. it doesn't mean hes a stuck up jerk whole does not appreciate the value of a hard earned buck. just means he's lucky and has parents who can afford to give him a car. i paid for all my cars myself and can see how you would feel vtechbrain but people grow up differently. my first car was a $3000 nissan 240sx which took me a year to save for. doesn't mean i am a better person than Mr.Murdock here. just that i had to work hard to buy my first car because my parents could not afford to get me one. i am sure they would have but the money was tight for them and other things came first.