Possible New Car

[/Angelo350Z/]

The purpose of this thread is to get your opinion, my fellow Z car brothers, on a potential new car purchase. Before I get to the details, I think it's important to provide some background.

My wife and I recently relocated back to Germany due to my military commitment. My 370Z isn't due to arrive for another month, but we bought a one owner, well-maintained, and inexpensive BMW E39 540i to get us around. I'm in the twilight of my career so we've spent the last few years paying off debt and investing on rental properties. So far so good. In fact, we planned on selling the 370Z while in Germany, as well as liquidating most of our assets prior to my retirement, to make our transition into the civilian life a bit smoother and put a lot more cash in our pockets when I begin my second career. The bottom line is, the last thing we wanted was a new car payment.

However, while headed out to grab some lunch, we decided to stop by one of the many military car dealerships in the area. Big mistake. To make a long story short, I am now seriously considering purchasing a new BMW. The dealership has a program similar to the BMW select program in the US, but their OTD prices are between 10% to 15% less. For reference, the salesman and I built and priced the car of my choice. The prices below reflect the US prices:

- 2016 BMW M4 ($65,700)
- Tanzanite Blue Metallic ($1,950)
- 19" allow wheels ($1,200)
- Black extended Merino leather ($950)
- Enhance USB and Bluetooth integration ($350)
- Aluminum blade interior ($0)
- Manual transmission ($0)
* Destination and handling ($995)

Total = $71,145

The dealership priced the exact same car between $62,000 and $63,000. Their program is essentially a 2-year lease with an option to buy or sell. They would, however, guarantee to value the car for $48,500 after 2 years--provided it doesn't accumulate 24,000 miles. Monthly payments for the first two years are around $650 at 2.99% from a pre-selected credit union. After 2 years, I could either sell the car to pay-off the balloon payment; seek financing for $48,500 to keep it; or return it, get another BMW, and start the process all over again. Basically, I have the option to lease a 2016 BMW M4 for $650 a month for two years, and buy it for $48,500 afterwards.

The dealership provides a great program for one to get into an M car. I never envisioned my retirement car to be an M4, and it won't be. If I do end up getting the M4, I'll eventually sell it for something less common and get a late generation Porsche 911 Carrera S (possibly a 991) or an older, entry-level Ferrari in the similar price range (maybe a 360 Modena). I do understand that the Porsche and Ferrari will cost considerably more than what the M4 will be worth.

So what do you think?

[FNR32]

I think you should do it. I totally understand the mindset you're in with transitioning to civillian life and getting rid of debt, but if you get the type of enjoyment out of great cars that I do, it's worth the extra few bucks a month. I fully support your decision! lol

[Z-Girl 12]

Do it!!!!

[barncobob]

i had a bmw 850 and recently a 06 997 C4, I actually enjoy the 2016 Z better
it comes down to what u prefer

[/Angelo350Z/]

Originally Posted by FNR32

I think you should do it. I totally understand the mindset you're in with transitioning to civillian life and getting rid of debt, but if you get the type of enjoyment out of great cars that I do, it's worth the extra few bucks a month. I fully support your decision! lol

I had a 2015 228i rental when we first got here, and man, that car was fun. I haven't driven an M4 or any M car in recent years, but if it's indeed a bigger, faster version of the 228i, I'm sure it'll be a blast.

[MagmaRed370z]

Go with the Z for sure.

[UNKNOWN_370]

I think you have a great plan for retirement. Deal with retiring, getting into your second career etc. Once it's all established. Make a purchase as your reward. Making purchases now of this caliber seems impulsive and you'd be compromising $70,000 of retirement funds before establishing your new life situation.

[JARblue]

Being that you're in Germany, get the M4. I would get it with the expectation of letting it go after the lease. But the experience over two years would determine my final course of action and whether buying it or leasing a new one is in the running.

If you weren't buying a BMW in Germany, I would agree with the don't bother consensus. But I don't think I would pass up that deal with the Autobahn nearby.

GL whatever you choose

[LAVA]

lease

[/Angelo350Z/]

Thanks for the input guys. If the M4 wasn't 10% to 15% less than US prices, I wouldn't even consider it. Even after owning older BMWs, I still think they're over-priced and overrated. They are, however, very solid drivers. My E39 540i feels way better than the 2001 Mercedes Benz S500 we originally considered buying. I haven't looked at KBB or NADA, but if a 2 year old M4 with under 24,000 miles costs more than $48,500, then I may have to talk to the wife about getting the car. I saw a white M4 gun it on the acceleration ramp, and that thing just took off. I heard the rasp 20 feet away .

[Rusty]

Don't forget the maintenance. And once the warranty is up. They could become a money pit.

[/Angelo350Z/]

Originally Posted by Rusty

Don't forget the maintenance. And once the warranty is up. They could become a money pit.

True. But any car in the hands of an enthusiast has that potential. I know what you're saying though. I originally planned on getting a Ferrari F355 down the road and read all about the cost of ownership. It's ridiculous. I'd still rather own a 360 Modena than an M4 though.