There seems to be a misunderstanding here. I wasn't suggesting an individual who chooses to lease a 320i to go for a 340i or the 330i, a large price difference, simply because... From what I've seen in younger crowds, which is also what I was talking about originally and not necessarily families, they'll typically have their parents (or if they've got a decent job) pick out a low end BMW of the 3 series, and option it out to the gills, to the point that it either meets the price of a 340i or exceeds it, and lease or finance that car. The payment is going to be roughly the same or more than the 340i and the insurance will roughly be the same. That's what I'm talking about. It makes little sense to me. You get more options standard when you pony up for higher trims. Lease specials through a dealership, from what I've noted in the last decade, are for a specific trim with specific options. Though BMW, as
@AutoUnion39 says, loves to throw out specials. One could grab a current M5 for "cheap" compared to other cars in its price range on a lease, because that's not a car you'd want to keep due to depreciation and the cost of maintaining it after warranty.
And yeah, I know what you mean. There's a slightly younger couple with 4 kids several blocks from us. I won't drop a name, but the husband and wife are notable, an according to Google have a combined net worth of mid-low eight figures. What do they drive? A minivan, the Odyssey (which is a fantastic value IMO) and a Prius with the snazzy solar roof. While we don't have quite their wealth (maybe by the time I'm an older sod), I value other stuff like investing my money. And yeah, I can buy an insane car most people would kill to have, but I don't fancy having to sleep on the couch or the fact that it draws attention and people would think I'm a dick. I can be a dick, only when needed. I hate to bring age up here, but when you get older, your priorities change. It's why you won't see wealthy households spend silly money on sports car unless the kids are older and off to college or soon going to. A luxury sedan is acceptable, as you pointed out.
There's a stark contrast between what I mean, what you interpreted and what the harsher reality is. I'm not sure what it's like in New England, but on the west coast, I see far too many people your or AU's age range where they make an alright salary, but spend a ridiculous amount of money financing or leasing a car that they shouldn't have gotten in the first place. Because their lifestyle outside of the car suffers. They can't save money, they have no means of investing it, they have trouble paying bills, etc. which I'm sure that John Oliver video is about (as I haven't seen it yet.).
Honestly, if MBZ offers a decent V6 engine with good power in their E Wagons, I'd probably get that instead of of the AMG. Apart from the lower price and more sound investment, the last time I spent nearly that much money I ended up with an SUV I can't quite sell without being lowballed, can't really do anything because it has a airbag recall, etc. And honestly, that Prius with the solar roof is the coolest thing I've seen in cars. AC when you're not around? That's amazing. You can either autostart the AC for a few minutes prior to entry or leave it turned on before you exit the car.
As we've spoken in private in detail, I'll simply say the car I'd buy in instant if it weren't for the previous details of sleeping on a couch and it being used (some assume used is used), would be a mint 930 slantnose. I've wanted one for a good 20 years. I'll probably buy one as my only splurge once my kids are much older. By then the $75K used price may well exceed double it, but it's still something I'd love to have. There's no other car that can get me as excited as those. I feel silly for admitting that, but really, there is nothing that comes close to it. Well, maybe a 50s Land Rover like the one my father owned in the old country.
