nokiaman

That's really nice of your boss!- I would also suggest you to look at the G sedan, an E90 330i, an A4 avant model or a Spec B Legacy(which I'm not sure has AT)

herbalist

I'll keep looking. Should I be concerned with that type of mileage?

herbalist

I'm still going to take a closer look at that one.

herbalist

I know where you're coming from but I am 100% certain that its a non issue.

The Dougler

iTrader: (1)

not really, if you buy CPO it's probably covered beyond 100k a none issue IMO. What I would look at is when the warranty expires-current km/ your annual mileage= Useful life of car.

virtualbong

That's awesome then!

What about insurance? I am sure it will go up with a new car right? Are you ok with that?

Maybe you should lease a car to be safe...

I like the choices that are being thrown at you right now. Audi or BMW AWD are great choices used.

herbalist

Why is leasing a safer option?

andrew070489

^^ if the car depriciates faster then estimated like right now the dealer eats the cost in difference instead of you, they cover the maintenance, its under warranty for the whole lease term, and you have the option to move on or buy the car when your done.. lease > buy in my opinion

andrew070489

and also to add if your leasing then go for whatever car you want, but if your buying and it will lose warranty before you decide to move on with it i would reconsider a more inexpensive car to fix instead of bmw and audi..good luck with the choices!

Dr. Colorado

If you're going to keep it, then finance it to own. This seems the appropriate route because your boss is reimbursing you for payments you are making. If your boss is making the payments, it may make fiscal sense for him to lease it for tax purposes as a business expense. From your explanation, this does not seem to be the case.

I like a 1-2 year old A4 as an option.

Dr. Colorado

BTW, leasing a used car is a much less attractive option than leasing a new automobile.

CraZydudE

The new A4s are pretty nice, and quattro will definitely come in handy since you live in Canada.

virtualbong

After thinking this through...you might as well just take a gamble and purchase a new car or a 1 year old one because if he's going to pay $600 per month for it, why not just buy it. If he stops paying after a year or two for some reason, you can just refinance the car and it'll be in your monthly price range AND you'll have a sweet car to show for it.

dom

As much as I'd like to say get a 3 series and I much as I want one, everyone and their sister has one up here. I can't drive 100 feet without seeing 5.

nokiaman

You're in T.O, I don't think I've seen more than two today.

The A4 would be the ideal car for herbalist but I don't know where a brand new 09 A4 2.0T in his price range. I'm also very fond of the wagons if you're into that, even the previous generation with the right wheels( see SlyRaskal's) looks very sexy.

herbalist

I'm way too indecisive. Even though the 3 series is common, its still at the top of my list but the Audi is a close second.

I think I'm leaning towards financing the vehicle. I'm not paying for it so I might as well get something to show for it at the end. The only thing that worries me is if there are costly repairs. That makes the lease and the warranty for the entire term look more appealing.

Street Spirit

Well yeah, most of the brands suggested sound pretty costly to repair, when they're needed.

Since you're not paying $600/mo in car payments, you can always throw some of your own money in and buy an extended warranty. Or you can add money to his $600/mo and buy something new(er) with the higher monthly budget.

Street Spirit

I understand the desire for some to feel like the car they're driving is "rare" but in the end you've just gotta drive what you want to drive, regardless of who does or doesn't have one and how many others are on the road.

Street Spirit

Oh, and if someone was buying me a vehicle, I'd 100% buy it to own, no question.

You have an EXTREMELY generous offer to find yourself in a new car (even if it's used), why would you want to return it at the end of xx months? What will you end up with at the end?....Back to your '97 TL? If you don't like the new one at the end of the term then sell it and move on. <---BTW, will he have any decision in that?...Letting you profit in the end for a vehicle he paid for? If you love it, you can drive after it's paid off until you're ready to get yourself something new....I don't see any point in returning it.

herbalist

^It is very generous. The car will be mine at the end of the term so I agree that buying to own is the best bet. Thanks for the insight SS.

dom

Still rather not drive what I see 15 of per day.

Having said that just saw a 09 335 sedan in the flesh. Love the changes they made. The rear is now much more aggressive/chiseled.

DAYTA

+1

This was actually a test I conducted. I brought my hockey bag to the dealership to see if it'd clear the trunk opening.

For the G37 coupe, my bag didn't even come close to fitting in the trunk. They actually specify that the G37 coupe trunk was designed to accomodate two golf bags, that's it. The G35 sedan trunk was a VERY tight fit (I had to force it in).

Based on that, I wouldn't recommend any of the Infiniti G's given your requirements.

AMGala

iTrader: (4)

White A3 gets my vote

herbalist

So if everything goes well, I'll be picking up a 2006 BMW 325xi later this week.

Any tips for selling my old car? How can I ensure that the person doesn't just drive away during the test drive? What is the generally accepted method of payment? Sorry if these are noob questions. The other cars I've had I've just driven them into the ground or traded them in at the dealer.

nokiaman

Make sure you have an extended warranty on the 06 325 so you'll be covered for awhile.

herbalist

^Yes its a Certified Pre-Owned.

Moog-Type-S

Go on a test drive with the buyer.

For payment, I usually tell the buyer that I will go with them to their bank when they get their bank check. This avoids bogus bank checks because you are there in person when they recieve the check from the bank.

herbalist

^ Sounds good. Thanks.

bgsm1th

As someone who's sold several cars private party - , and

The Dougler

iTrader: (1)

What color? and post pics when you get it.

herbalist

^Its black on black with the premium package. If and when I get it, pics will follow.

virtualbong

Nice choice if you go that route. Maybe even go with an 07...

herbalist

Signed the papers today. Going to pick it up in the next few days. Stoked!

The Dougler

iTrader: (1)

nokiaman

Congratulations. Another new member of the 3 series thread! Hopefully you picked up something with low mileage.

JediMindTricks

congrats!

Sly Raskal

iTrader: (1)

I know you say that you're good friends, but business is business. I'd be so worried about buying a car, that a) someone else is paying, but is in my name. b) what if I lost my job and couldn't pay it.

if he is that worried, have him buy the car, put it in his name, he makes the payments, you pay for the insurance on it. When he pays it off, he transfers title over to you. That would be no different than what he's asking you to do now, but at least you won't be held liable for the payments in case you get laid off, or want to leave the company since the car is in your name. You never know what will happen. I'd just feel bad giving you advice and not erring on the side of caution, especially with the economy doing so bad.

Sly Raskal

iTrader: (1)

too late, congrats on the new 3-series!

I didn't read the rest of the thread. go ahead, kick me. I deserve it.

virtualbong

Congrats! Look forward to seeing what you do with it.

herbalist

45000km with the extended warranty up to 2012 or 160000km.