[volsfan0911]

Originally Posted by twerle

Im on the same page... I do about 95K USD year with a 1,500/month mortgage... Can definitly pay $550 a month for a car but I think is just too much, so, Im saving some money to give 16k down + tax, I will also choose less options, get the EP delivery so I can save another 7% and if all work out my payments will be close to $400 and that my friend is a good monthly payment for a brand new bimma.

Good planning. I might also suggest joining BMW Car Club of America if you aren't already a member. After 12 months of membership you are eligible to participate in their rebate program. In the past, it has been as high as $1,500 on some models so come late 2012 or 2013 you might see BMWNA start allowing those on the F30. Plus, the National Capitol Chapter (my local folks) are a blast to hang out with. I've been a very happy non-BMW-owning member for several years.

[tony20009]

Personally, I feel if one wants a luxury car, a BMW isn't the car to get. People may refer to a 3er as a lux car, but it's really not. The 5, 6 and 7 are lux cars. The 3er is just a utility car that drives very well. If I wanted gizmos and cushy feel, I'd buy something other than a 3er.

Lastly, a very nicely appointed 3er can be had for little over 40K USD MSRP if you avoid those damn packages and just add the options you actually need. Should the F30 be around when I buy my next 3er (sometime between 2017 and 2020), I'll get a sport 328 with tech package, heated seats, heated steering wheel, and a moonroof. After discounting, I expect that should cost around 40K. Same options on a base 328 rather than the sport will most certainly come in under 40K.

[Tukansam]

Originally Posted by Calmwinds

I'm wondering what people do for a living to be able to afford such cars. I myself make around $90,000 a year but I can't seem to pull the trigger on such cars no matter how much I like them.

I hear you! But I think the crux of it is family circumstance. I make just north of $200k and my wife close to the same BUT we have 5 kids, a house DT, go on 3 to 4 trips a year etc etc. if I was on my own or we were a couple with no kids and M3 would be easy. For me the 323i along with the family truck (09 Pilot) are good. I love cars but I would never sacrifice family life and trips etc so I could have an M3 (which I sadly love to death!!). If I could do both I soooo would.

[Sandpiper]

Originally Posted by Tukansam

I hear you! But I think the crux of it is family circumstance. I make just north of $200k and my wife close to the same BUT we have 5 kids, a house DT, go on 3 to 4 trips a year etc etc. if I was on my own or we were a couple with no kids and M3 would be easy. For me the 323i along with the family truck (09 Pilot) are good. I love cars but I would never sacrifice family life and trips etc so I could have an M3 (which I sadly love to death!!). If I could do both I soooo would.

Damn, that's good. May I ask what your profession is?

[raannathr333]

My Rules of Thumb...

1. Max out 401(k) / Keogh or other tax deferred plan
2. Max IRA contribution (if allowed)
3. Annual Net Income after contributions (less taxes) / 12 = Y

Y / 3 = Mortgage / Rent
Y / 4 = Car Payment
Y / 5/12 = Food, Gas, entertainment, clothing, and additional investing activities... You know... Like Vegas

[Alex_bm]

Why do you care. If you are an adult you can make a decision based on your financial situation what you can and cannot afford. Let others make theirs.

We all have different hobbies, priorities, relatives, etc. Salary on it's own does not tell squat. Additionally location is very critical, what people spend in one city could be totally different in another to get the same level of life.

Just not sure what is the point behind the question. Are you trying to measure up against other folks? Don't!

Originally Posted by Calmwinds

I'm wondering what people do for a living to be able to afford such cars. I myself make around $90,000 a year but I can't seem to pull the trigger on such cars no matter how much I like them.

[jtuds]

Originally Posted by Alex_bm

Why do you care. If you are an adult you can make a decision based on your financial situation what you can and cannot afford. Let others make theirs.

We all have different hobbies, priorities, relatives, etc. Salary on it's own does not tell squat. Additionally location is very critical, what people spend in one city could be totally different in another to get the same level of life.

Just not sure what is the point behind the question. Are you trying to measure up against other folks? Don't!

agreed.

[bl@ster]

Originally Posted by Alex_bm

Why do you care. If you are an adult you can make a decision based on your financial situation what you can and cannot afford. Let others make theirs.

We all have different hobbies, priorities, relatives, etc. Salary on it's own does not tell squat. Additionally location is very critical, what people spend in one city could be totally different in another to get the same level of life.

Just not sure what is the point behind the question. Are you trying to measure up against other folks? Don't!

I call bulls**t on this post. It's a valid question and people can discuss as they wish. Are you trying to shut down conversation? Don't!

[1BMW335]

College grads in the bay area are making 90-110k with a CS degree. It's not difficult to own a 60k BMW with their lease rates.

[sunxnus]

Originally Posted by Alex_bm

Why do you care. If you are an adult you can make a decision based on your financial situation what you can and cannot afford. Let others make theirs.

We all have different hobbies, priorities, relatives, etc. Salary on it's own does not tell squat. Additionally location is very critical, what people spend in one city could be totally different in another to get the same level of life.

Just not sure what is the point behind the question. Are you trying to measure up against other folks? Don't!

Originally Posted by jtuds

agreed.

Disagree! Only self centered moron don't ask question. If everyone know how to make financial decision, then we wouldn't have profession like Financial Advisor, and we wouldn't had this whole financial crisis 2 years ago. Do you how many doctor die poor?

[Zirenz2006]

Originally Posted by sunxnus

Do you how many doctor die poor?

Is that a trick question? How many?

[ebeem]

who said that most people driving 60k+ cars can actually afford them?

you missed the point,..today`s car industry is living from that,...thus collaborations with BMW Financial Services etc and lease deals to enable less liquid individuals to "rent" a car and increase money flow for BMW

[jtuds]

Originally Posted by sunxnus

Disagree! Only self centered moron don't ask question. If everyone know how to make financial decision, then we wouldn't have profession like Financial Advisor, and we wouldn't had this whole financial crisis 2 years ago. Do you how many doctor die poor?

What are you even saying?

You're a self centered moron if you don't ask other people what they do for a living and how much money they make? I have a feeling you've seriously misunderstood the post I agreed with. Either that or you've got a very unique outlook.

[svache]

Originally Posted by Alex_bm

Why do you care. If you are an adult you can make a decision based on your financial situation what you can and cannot afford. Let others make theirs.

We all have different hobbies, priorities, relatives, etc. Salary on it's own does not tell squat. Additionally location is very critical, what people spend in one city could be totally different in another to get the same level of life.

Just not sure what is the point behind the question. Are you trying to measure up against other folks? Don't!

Very good points, and it's exactly why never answered the question of the thread yet

[Vector Pilot]

The question sounds like a student conducting a marketing survey. But if you must know, I specialize in nothing address everything and spend most of my free time thinking about doing something different.

[sunxnus]

Originally Posted by jtuds

What are you even saying?

You're a self centered moron if you don't ask other people what they do for a living and how much money they make? I have a feeling you've seriously misunderstood the post I agreed with. Either that or you've got a very unique outlook.

That wasn't what I said. I said adult like you don't ask question is a self centered moron.

[pruettfan]

I buy two years old. I get them for about 35 to 40 percent less which makes me enjoy them more.

[ric124]

To answer the original question of this thread...I am a business analyst

[walile]

Originally Posted by pruettfan

I buy two years old. I get them for about 35 to 40 percent less which makes me enjoy them more.

In that case are you buying a 90-100k car depreciated down to 60k or are we talking about a 36k-40k car?

In any case, this is a legitimate question but I am not sure if this is the best forum to have that discussion. I am much more interested in what type of people buy the F30 new 3 series, in other words do cocks drive BMW these days or have they switched to Audi according to Jeremy Clarkson.

[jtuds]

Originally Posted by sunxnus

That wasn't what I said. I said adult like you don't ask question is a self centered moron.

My position is as follows: it doesn't matter what you do or how much you make for doing it. People can buy what they want and the predicament their decisions put them in is on them and nobody else. So at the end of the day, it doesn't matter....at all.

As for the poster I have replied to, you're making no sense. I'll remove myself from the conversation until you're able to clarify what you've said, because it reads as though you think "adults" ought to compare salaries, and those who don't are morons.

[CasZy NL]

Originally Posted by Raspartan

For Canada there is also the handicap that everything seems to cost more here, so an equivalent salary in the US means better affordability there. I believe income taxes are higher here in Canada than in the US too.

Comparison with the Netherlands: Income tax is 52%, VAT 19% and we have all kinds of luxury taxes (42%) and CO2 penalties. A 335i loaded therefore cost here around EUR 85,000 (= c. USD 110,000). So i believe you should not complain and be happy your administration are printing new money instead of levying taxes ;-)

[gnosis8]

Come on, guys. There's no need to start insulting each other. If you want to express your opinion about financial responsibility, your whole investment profile, savings %, etc., that's all good stuff too because it's very important, no doubt. If you want to tell the guy what you do for a living, then great, feel free. I'm curious too, why not. That's why you clicked on this thread too, isn't it? If you prefer not to discuss your career or income, then just don't post.

FYI I'm a physician. There you go. Enjoy!