[Halsifer]

Originally Posted by chrisny

Now, 15 years later, a fully loaded 3 series is both bigger and more expensive (my F30 was $20 more than that E46, which itself was the larger engine and fully loaded at the time!!). So I'm surprised to see how many college students and people just starting out are getting F30's, fully loaded 335's and 435's in a lot of cases. The 2 series is probably more the equivalent of my E46, both financially and the size and fun factor. And at $500+ / month for that E46, I certainly wouldn't have had it while still in college or had I started out with a lower income (again, not judging, just agreeing that it's a bit puzzling, outside of those that are "subsidized…").

And that's where I come in.

20 years-old, full-time college student studying Computer Science and Computer Engineering.

I will fully admit, I did not buy, nor help pay for my F30. My folks insisted on trading in the Audi and getting me the F30. It was a blessing to be given the opportunity and responsibility of an expensive luxury vehicle. I've known it since high school and I appreciate it greatly, but it's both a luxury and a burden. It may not bother other people, but personally for me, it's an awful feeling when a group of students enter my car and one of them says, "Wow, this is a really nice car. I don't think my parents have ever had anything this nice." ...How do I even respond to that?

Don't be so surprised though. Anytime I have seen a college kid with a relatively nice car, it's typically paid for by the parents. If they say they worked and paid for it, I usually give them the benefit of the doubt. Later on, sometimes they admit they didn't pay for most of it, or admitted they paid for a bit of it but traded in an already expensive car given to them by their parents.

By the way, if the OP is wondering what the career of my folks are. Mother is a hair stylist. Step-father is a CEO of a transmission company for automobiles, bikes, and other recreational vehicles.

[DJ Rocc]

45 - General Manager and Director of an Industrial Engineering Firm - Sort of a 20 Year Anniversary Gift.

[chrisny]

Originally Posted by Halsifer

And that's where I come in.

20 years-old, full-time college student studying Computer Science and Computer Engineering.

I will fully admit, I did not buy, nor help pay for my F30. My folks insisted on trading in the Audi and getting me the F30. It was a blessing to be given the opportunity and responsibility of an expensive luxury vehicle. I've known it since high school and I appreciate it greatly, but it's both a luxury and a burden. It may not bother other people, but personally for me, it's an awful feeling when a group of students enter my car and one of them says, "Wow, this is a really nice car. I don't think my parents have ever had anything this nice." ...How do I even respond to that?

Don't be so surprised though. Anytime I have seen a college kid with a relatively nice car, it's typically paid for by the parents. If they say they worked and paid for it, I usually give them the benefit of the doubt. Later on, sometimes they admit they didn't pay for most of it, or admitted they paid for a bit of it but traded in an already expensive car given to them by their parents.

By the way, if the OP is wondering what the career of my folks are. Mother is a hair stylist. Step-father is a CEO of a transmission company for automobiles, bikes, and other recreational vehicles.

There's always plenty of debate about this topic, but IMO, your outlook is refreshing and goes to show why it's not always a bad thing to give your kids something nice, as long as they appreciate it. Whether you're talking about a nicer bicycle or a luxury car, if your parents have the means, I see no issue with it (other than the ones who give 16 year old's M3's, but that's another story ). They've obviously raised you to appreciate it, where others may take it for granted and abuse it (I saw plenty of that when I was in college). You don't need to apologize or feel bad that your parents are successful, nor do they… just appreciate it, as you clearly do.

[cptdaz]

Professional pet stylist.

Originally Posted by Marckymarc305

33, merchant mariner working in the Gulf of Mexico on tug boat as a Mate. Not home as often but when I am I drive as much as I can and back at sea. Two years old f30 and 17k, thanks to my brother he keeps on adding miles lol, oh well.

Very nice setup. Is that a stock front? More info on the front bumper if aftermarket please.

[NorCalAthlete]

Originally Posted by chrisny

There's always plenty of debate about this topic, but IMO, your outlook is refreshing and goes to show why it's not always a bad thing to give your kids something nice, as long as they appreciate it. Whether you're talking about a nicer bicycle or a luxury car, if your parents have the means, I see no issue with it (other than the ones who give 16 year old's M3's, but that's another story ). They've obviously raised you to appreciate it, where others may take it for granted and abuse it (I saw plenty of that when I was in college). You don't need to apologize or feel bad that your parents are successful, nor do they… just appreciate it, as you clearly do.

+1

[rking117]

Me = health and welfare SA

Wife = BA

Note: when wife got the job as BA she called and said hey I got the job as a BA. I said, "good job honey, I have always known you have had a (B)ad (A)ttitude." Well that didnt go over very well. ;-)

[rking117]

Originally Posted by Halsifer

...How do I even respond to that?

One way to approach it might be from a very numble stand point. I would say something like, "Well its just a car, but i do spend a lot if time caring for it and making sure it is clean".

that does two things.
1. it lets them know that you are NOT trying to be better than they are by using your vehicle to prove it.
2. it puts them on notice to not mess up the car when they are in it.

Recently i got rear ended by a guy on a motorcycle in my Z4. While i was really hurt that my car was damaged i acted cool calm and collected with the guy. Thankfully no one was physically hurt in the crash as i was stopped and he misjudged his distance. Afterwards, he said, i really appreciate how nice you have been because if that were my car i would have lost it. I gathered my thoguhts and simply said, "Well it is just a car and it can be repaired but you can't repair a lost life so I am just glad we are ok."

[kanuck34]

42 - own my own IT Contracts/Cost Control consulting firm. I've always been reasonably conservative with my cars but I also always wanted a 3 series. This was a reward to myself for my company's success.

[TheCamboRambo]

23 as well, just like the other guy. Senior in College. Mechanical Engineering major.

I've been fortunate enough to get a full ride through school so my parents thought it was fair to give me what they had saved up for my education since I worked for it through my grades. Also had the opportunity to intern for several engineering companies that paid much more than I deserved.

Received a job offer before senior year started and Parents and I agreed it was time to reward myself.

Originally Posted by northern_435GC

Got and undergrad degree right out of highschool but changed career paths after hearing how obscene these oil company salaries are, so took a 1 year course and now loving life.

+1 on the oil companies comment

[TheCamboRambo]

Originally Posted by Halsifer

I will fully admit, I did not buy, nor help pay for my F30. My folks insisted on trading in the Audi and getting me the F30. It was a blessing to be given the opportunity and responsibility of an expensive luxury vehicle. I've known it since high school and I appreciate it greatly, but it's both a luxury and a burden. It may not bother other people, but personally for me, it's an awful feeling when a group of students enter my car and one of them says, "Wow, this is a really nice car. I don't think my parents have ever had anything this nice." ...How do I even respond to that?

Don't be so surprised though. Anytime I have seen a college kid with a relatively nice car, it's typically paid for by the parents. If they say they worked and paid for it, I usually give them the benefit of the doubt. Later on, sometimes they admit they didn't pay for most of it, or admitted they paid for a bit of it but traded in an already expensive car given to them by their parents.

I feel guilty at times too. I was lucky enough to drive an 05' Lexus through high school and my friends would say the same thing. A lot of what I've been able to do is because my parents worked hard and set me up with a very solid foundation. Both from a financial and work ethic standpoint. I am very grateful for that.

[Coolhydro]

25 ,soft.dev, >avg

[stephano87]

27 and was a branch manager for a big bank.. now self employed but thinking about going back to banking.

[X2 Monstah]

Originally Posted by TheCamboRambo

I've been fortunate enough to get a full ride through school so my parents thought it was fair to give me what they had saved up for my education since I worked for it through my grades. Also had the opportunity to intern for several engineering companies that paid much more than I deserved.

Rambo - Congrats! Not only is it nice to see you working hard to get what you want, but it's nice to see you are humble and thankful for what you have. Your parents must be proud! Keep up the good work!

[karupspc]

Self-employed as IT consultant going on 11 years. It's a roller coaster ride being self-employed. Lots of ups & downs. Hard to give it up but I'm definitely getting worn out.

2014 428i xDrive GC, Tech, Led, Drivers Assistant, M Sports, Cold weather packages

[eric135i]

39 - law enforcement

what speed limit?

[chrisny]

Originally Posted by eric135i

39 - law enforcement

what speed limit?

You bastard lol

[Buckeyes]

36 - airline pilot

[DocB]

As my profile name implies, I am a Physician. Starting at age 16 I have had the following vehicles.

75' Buick Regal
76' Chevy Nova
84' Honda CRX-HF
86' Honda CRX-SI
91' Honda Accord
94 Audi A4
98 Audi A6
2001 325i
2004 328i
2006 330i

and now 2015 435-GC. All bought and paid for by jobs starting with a paper route, lawn service, bakery truck driver, baker and so on. IMHO, I believe it is a mistake for parents to purchase high end vehicles for their children unless the youngster has experienced and fully appreciates the work it takes to be able to afford such a luxury. Others may consent.

[ClubsportJunkie]

24 male - Executive Recruiter focusing on material handling manufacturing, IT, and financial institutions. As an added bonus I have worked in manufacturing for 2 years and have a CS degree which has helped MASSIVELY when talking to IT professionals. I also get small bonuses for writing programs that streamline data entry for my team so I'm pretty happy, but always hungry to reduce redundancies .

[rjpeaks]

i will not be buying nice cars for my kids -

son will get DL in just over two years. daughter in 4.

both will drive manuals.

[Deleted853]

31 Television Editor… 130k. Also own commercial real estate that makes me a mostly passive income on top of my annual salary.

The only nice automobile I've ever cared to own. I love BMW's, but very little else. However, before this i drove a Kia Rio5 because if I couldn't have something I loved I would have a true appliance.

If I return to not wanting to spend BMW money on a car, I will return to an appliance I don't feel guilty about treating poorly.

[Deleted853]

Originally Posted by Trcb777

36 - airline pilot

Legacy carrier or? Airtran? Southwest? My brother flies for Republic in the Embraer 190, but he's about done with their never ending union contract negotiations and is looking to move to Legacy or international carrier. He has an F30 and is 29. He has 320i that he pays like 312 bucks a month for and absolutely loves it after he put a Stage 1 in it. Because he is a pilot he also did ED on it.

He has been telling all his buddies to do ED. Did you? I think he said it cost him 70 bucks in taxes to get to Munich and back and food/hotel cost… a Cheap way to get to Europe for a week with his wife.