The Car Thread ... !

[44267547]

Fair point, still seems a heck of a lot of money for such a car. I could buy a Mercedes AMG S63 for 2/3 of that if I wanted a fast luxury sedan.

I guess I’m just not getting what’s great about those cars.

The Marauders appeal wasn’t about being ‘fast’. It was the platform that was popular that stemmed from long lived Crown Victoria, plus the rarity of the car itself.
If you do some simple research on the Marauder, I don’t think I’ve ever come across anyone buying that particular car because it was ‘Just fast‘. It had some power for it’s time, but certainly is dated in HP ratings by V8 standards today, but was very durable

Thanks for the link to that.

Yes, it's sharp looking. I think the red is my favorite of the factory colors they made them in-black is a close second but the silver just looks a little too much like a standard Grand Marquis color for my taste.

I've always liked light interiors also. Around the early 2000s, a lot of FoMoCo products seemed to go to light gray color leather/interior instead of the cream color they used for a few years prior. My dad's first Continental(98) was cream, and the second(01) gray. Same deal on my mom's Town Cars going from 99 to 06. I had kind of a darker tan in my LS(which I liked) but again am not wild about gray in the MKZ. Most of the Marauders I see, again, are gray.

I know a lot of folks like black interiors in dark colored cars, but for whatever reason I've mostly been drawn to the lighter colors.

I didn’t see red as an option linked. I didn’t even know they offered that color. Not that you’re about to buy this, however; BTW, Keep an eye out on BaT, that Mauarader I mentioned is going ‘live’ in about week Post approval (Unless he sells to an outside source first.) He has some videos of it running and it’s awesome. It obviously was a ‘garage queen‘, But I think his reserve price is a bit high, but he may very well fetch that number given everything it offers. Also, original sticker and stock materials all included with cover. I’ll be book-marking it just to see how it lands.

Oh, he mentioned to me also that the 2004 Marauders corrected a lot of issues the 2003 struggled with, and it was the better of the two models that are more sought after, which I guess also helps the value a bit higher. I still think 35K is a bit high, but ultimately it really comes down to how much of an enthusiast you are.

If he walks away with the car over $35,000 with a $95 selling fee, I’d say that’s pretty good. He literally would be selling the car for what his sticker price was in 2004. (Which I was a senior in high school When that car was released!)

 

[44267547]

@bunnspecial

Have a look! I bet you want this now once you see these pictures!

The Marauder is going live in exactly 5 days. The Marauder was Factory super charged. I expect this Marauder to sell Near 40k based on what he said below:


Direct from owner ,Which will be listed direct in the BaT listing:

“Factory supercharged. Ford authorizes trilogy motor sports to put 246 units on these cars. This is the correct car. I have tons of mods. All is perfect needs Nothing. Has 12 inch wide tires on custom widened marauder wheels. The car is in the process of going on bring a trailer . Com. Google trilogy marauder and watch videos.”

Love the license plate dig!

 

[44267547]

^ Oh... One more thing. He has ‘model one‘ Factory Supercharged with paperwork direct from Steve Linden, who appraised Jay Leno‘s cars!

Man, I’m good...😁

 

[cyb3rdud3]

If it is truly factory supercharged, and I guess those truly liking these big four-door sedans would know whether true or not (Wikipedia seems to think differently, and not even Trilogy Motosport has it in their company history...) then maybe it could fetch that. But there seems to be no evidence that this was a car build by Ford (Mercury) leaving a Ford factory like that.

But as you say, all it takes is the right fan of an early 2000 car, that looks like an early 1990s car with four doors and a boot, to pay the money. Good for him if he can get it.

For me, I'm an unapologetic fan of the Panther platform, and the Marauder is in a lot of ways sort of a modern-day classic muscle car.

It's a big body on frame car with a decently powerful NA V8(in stock form). No, it doesn't have a big block, huge displacement engine, but it does have a fairly modern V8 with a lot of the tricks Ford knew to get as much power as possible out of it.

I'm sorry but 302Hp out of a 4.6 V8 is by no standard a decently powerful V8. Perhaps this is a big difference when looking at these things with a European lens vs a USA lens, but to me, that would be a typically underpowered lazy lump of metal. Sounds awesome but totally underpowered for the engine size, the size of the car, and so on.

 

[44267547]

If anybody has any recommendations for a solid and reliable Vehicle service shipping company that is based on the East Coast (More Specifically, near North/South Carolina, TN border) that can travel to the Midwest, I would like to hear your recommendations. [Preferably, I’m looking for an enclosed trailer, obviously someone that is insured, but no U-ship recommendations please.] For me, it’s not really about the price, but somebody that knows a solid shipping service that has a built reputation on the East Coast

I think I found the next ride to replace the Sonata......

Thanks!

 

[MacBH928]

Speaking of expensive cars, is there an argument for buying a car over leasing it? I mean , leasing it you will enjoy it when its new and pay much less, then you can lease another one new. If anything goes wrong its on the lease company. You can also enjoy a much more variety of cars. Meanwhile if you buy it you are stuck with loans and most likely expensive repairs.

Which is more financially sound? Lease and release or Buy and Sell?
I am guessing that leasing companies make their money with the difference between the bank instalments and lease price.

True, I get the cult following part. But even so that a fair bit of money for a large sedan with an underpowered V8 in my opinion.

They didn’t do an S63 in 2004, but yes it’s easy to pick up such a car for a 2007 model.

Hmmm...is there a catch? I mean £17k to drive around an S63 is something to think of. What do they go for new? $225k? they lost $200k(90%) in value over 13 years? sheesh....

BMW unreliable? Hmm that is the first I hear about them in that context.

really? I thought this was common knowledge. BMW is the 5 year car, after that you are on your own with their exciting repair prices. Its a rich man's car, not due to price tag, but due to repair+maintenance price. Not sure if this is world wide, but somewhere like in the late 90s they had some sort of a study wondering why does BMW loses a lot of its price in the 2nd hand market compared to mercedes. Of course, Mercedes lost its reliability and became a 5 year car too. The 1980s models seem to be some sort of industrial grade workhorses, they keep on going, thats what I heard.

@bunnspecial

Have a look! I bet you want this now once you see these pictures!

The Marauder is going live in exactly 5 days. The Marauder was Factory super charged. I expect this Marauder to sell Near 40k based on what he said below:


Direct from owner ,Which will be listed direct in the BaT listing:

“Factory supercharged. Ford authorizes trilogy motor sports to put 246 units on these cars. This is the correct car. I have tons of mods. All is perfect needs Nothing. Has 12 inch wide tires on custom widened marauder wheels. The car is in the process of going on bring a trailer . Com. Google trilogy marauder and watch videos.”

View attachment 951343 View attachment 951344 View attachment 951345 View attachment 951346 View attachment 951347 View attachment 951348 View attachment 951349

Love the license plate dig!
View attachment 951350 View attachment 951351

TBH..if I was rich I'd buy it.

 

[MacBH928]

Most fun? It depends what kind of experience you want, and there's a ton of fantastic cars available today. I had an S2K, it was a blast to drive, high RPM, really kinetic experience, like driving a go kart Heck, just on exhaust note alone, my GT is more fun than an M Cab

We had 3 BMWs, not really any issues, a few small things that were covered under warranty. I think most of the concerns are repairs out of warranty, my general sentiment is don't own a modern one out of warranty, unless you have a good repair source - we've only leased ours, 3 years, all maintenance covered, return it, start over.

Even non-BMWs I lease the family car, I want it to be hassle free, under warranty, have the newest, most reliable equipment, safety features, etc.

I'm not much of a Mercedes person, but this doesn't seem bland


View attachment 951203

Specifically when it comes to consumer cars its the most fun/comfortable driving experience. This is why BMW has a dedicated fan base, I am only reporting what I hear. This is not in comparison to sport cars like Ferraris, although I heard Lambourghinis are a chore to drive with tough clutches and stiff steering. Note this is only what I hear and read no personal experience.

No mods at all - you can choose the colour of the interior. I just went with the blue for now.
I did look at Mercedes too, but I just liked the interior of the BMW more in the end. This is my first X5 - always wanted one but am now comfortable enough to splash out on one without affecting family like at all - that and the fact that the kids are getting older and wanted more space in the car! lol
I intend to keep it long term - for the moment its all covered by warranty and a service package - lets see what the future brings! lol

How would you say is the driving experience compared to other cars you had? Any reason you chose to buy over lease?

If it is truly factory supercharged, and I guess those truly liking these big four-door sedans would know whether true or not (Wikipedia seems to think differently, and not even Trilogy Motosport has it in their company history...) then maybe it could fetch that. But there seems to be no evidence that this was a car build by Ford (Mercury) leaving a Ford factory like that.

But as you say, all it takes is the right fan of an early 2000 car, that looks like an early 1990s car with four doors and a boot, to pay the money. Good for him if he can get it.


I'm sorry but 302Hp out of a 4.6 V8 is by no standard a decently powerful V8. Perhaps this is a big difference when looking at these things with a European lens vs a USA lens, but to me, that would be a typically underpowered lazy lump of metal. Sounds awesome but totally underpowered for the engine size, the size of the car, and so on.

There is something I think you are missing. Up until late 90s and early 2000s cars were not as powerful as they are today. Big SUVs didn't have 300HP enginge like the 1999 Lexus SUV had 230HP, BMW 540 which was considered a fast car had 280hp, the '94 Impala SS had 260HP(speedy car), so an American family sedan that is packing 300HP is a real rubber burner that flies!

Of course this is not impressive any more as the new Lexus SUV had 380HP and top of the line(non-m) 5-series has a mind boggling 500+hp!!

 

[Nütztjanix]

I have plenty of times.

I've driven cars(often without more than a cursory look at the tires before driving to make sure they're halfway serviceable) and said "These tires are absolute crap and need to go."

Even at the high end from the big names(Michelin, Bridgestone, etc) you often have two major lines of tires, the "sport" tires and the "grand touring" tires. Sport tires are usually somewhat lighter(in something like a 235/50/17, which was the size on my previous daily and one where I experimented with tires a fair bit) something like a Michelin Pilot Sport A/S(sport tire) was ~20lbs, while the OEM spec "touring" MXM4 was 25lbs.

Touring tires usually give up a bit of dry traction for better wet traction and low temp traction. The often use somewhat harder rubber(not too much harder) to give a good balance of performance and life, and the tread pattern is often designed for low noise and smooth riding(which you can feel both in the seat of your pants and in the steering wheel).

Sport tires usually have softer rubber, which gives better traction than a touring tire as long as the pavement is warm enough, but comes at the expense of tread life. The tread pattern is somewhat more aggressive, and gives better dry traction(often at the expense of some wet traction, although a street tire can't safely sacrifice too much wet traction) but usually is noisier and not as smooth riding. "Summer" rated tires can be dangerous below about 50ºF, while All Season can handle somewhat lower temperatures although they are not as good as a more general purpose tire at lower temperatures(and really not as good as a true winter tire).

Over the years, I've had touring tires from Michelin(MXM4 and some other related lines), Bridgestone(Turanza Serinity) and Pirelli(Centurato). I'd rate the Michelins best in ride quality/noise and overall wet/dry traction balance. The Pirellis were the noisiest but I thought gave the best dry traction. The Bridgestones are a good middle ground and I felt like had the best wet traction. One point Michelin has been emphasizing the last few years is that they claim better traction toward EOL than many other tires when new. I could reliably get 40K miles out of any of them. I've stuck to Michelin Pilots for sport tires, but get maybe 20-25K miles out of them.

[…]

I don't know if US and continental Europe compounds/tyres are at all comparable, but on all cars I've had so far I always went with the Bridgestone Potenza RE050A tires when available. This is the "sport" line from Bridgestone, and they perform great in the dry, surprisingly good in the wet and also do last quite long. They also have a very stiff sidewall, which is what I prefer anyways, as it really helps on cornering. You get a very precise reaction on turn in, compared with the somewhat wobbly experience when the sidewalls are softer. Of course, the ride comfort is a bit affected by this - but that's to be expected.

 

[bunnspecial]

I'm sorry but 302Hp out of a 4.6 V8 is by no standard a decently powerful V8. Perhaps this is a big difference when looking at these things with a European lens vs a USA lens, but to me, that would be a typically underpowered lazy lump of metal. Sounds awesome but totally underpowered for the engine size, the size of the car, and so on.

First of all, is it that crazy considering the age? A 2003 540i(at 4.4L) is 290hp and 324 ft-lbs.

The Marauder has a spec torque of 318ft-lbs at 4350rpms, so I'd call that-at least on paper-pretty much a wash on power for a European V8 of similar age.

The 5.0L Coyote in the 2018+ Mustang GT is 460hp and 420ft-lbs.

 

[D.T.]

Specifically when it comes to consumer cars its the most fun/comfortable driving experience. This is why BMW has a dedicated fan base, I am only reporting what I hear.

Owned 3, along with dozens of other makes, models, I don't think they're especially the pinnacle of the "most fun and comfortable", since those are pretty subjective (particularly the former, and many M flavors are not exactly what I'd call a "luxury comfort" ride, hell, our Z3 was spring like a Honda on cut springs, hahaha, and that was stock). Plenty of makes/models have a dedicated fan base, and if you frequent car forums, cruise-ins, shows, tuning shops, etc., as much as I have you realize there's a bit of "brand snobbery" , or maybe said slightly less negative, very subjective brand preference, that occurs as well.

All that being said, I'm keeping an eye out of the final BMW i4 product

If it is truly factory supercharged, and I guess those truly liking these big four-door sedans would know whether true or not (Wikipedia seems to think differently, and not even Trilogy Motosport has it in their company history...)

It's not, this is direct from the official Ford performance site:

Mercury

performance.ford.com

After the car's initial fanfare had worn off, sales of the sinister $34K sedan slowed, forcing product planners to drop production estimates from 18,000 units a year to 12,000 for only a two-year run. While most of the motoring media praised Marauder's handling, others were disappointed with its low-end torque and off-the-line acceleration, insisting it should have the full factory SVT treatment, including a supercharger (only available in the aftermarket).

That's the word from Ford Performance, there's no such thing a "factory supercharger" for that car, even if the company entered into an FP distribution agreement (which Trilogy did in 2004 according to their site), that's still not factory. I can order a new GT, have the dealer bolt on an authorized Roush supercharger, work that into the entire price, it's still not factory.

From, again, Ford's own documentation regarding Ford Performance superchargers:

Ford Performance Supercharger Limited Warranty

Select superchargers are warranted for factory-supplied material and workmanship when correctly and completely installed on late model Ford vehicles by an authorized Ford or Lincoln Dealer, Shelby American, Inc., mountune LLC or an automotive service technician certified by the Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE).

Installation of these select Ford Performance and mountune warranted performance packs and components by an authorized installer will NOT void your New Vehicle Limited Warranty. Engine, driveline and suspension concerns not caused by the use of Ford Performance or mountune parts remain eligible for warranty coverage according to the terms of the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.

Ford Performance superchargers are aftermarket parts. The use of Ford Performance superchargers may impact the performance characteristics of other systems of the vehicle. Even when operating properly, Ford Performance superchargers, such as these, have the potential to adversely impact other systems of the vehicle. If an adverse impact is caused by a warranted Ford Performance supercharger and calibration, the period and coverage of this Ford Performance Racing Parts Limited Warranty apply to the repairs.

A Ford dealer can take a brand new Marauder from a lot, bolt on a Ford Performance product and it's still NOT factory.

Words man, words.

 

[D.T.]

First of all, is it that crazy considering the age? A 2003 540i(at 4.4L) is 290hp and 324 ft-lbs.

The Marauder has a spec torque of 318ft-lbs at 4350rpms, so I'd call that-at least on paper-pretty much a wash on power for a European V8 of similar age.

The 5.0L Coyote in the 2018+ Mustang GT is 460hp and 420ft-lbs.

Yeah, that is an important point to frame: it was 2003/2004, and an engine from the "parts bin", in any performance snapshot in time, you kind of have to review the entirety of the market.

We've definitely had a performance Renaissance in the last several years, it's astounding the amount of performance you can buy for $75K or less.

 

[bunnspecial]

Yeah, that is an important point to frame: it was 2003/2004, and an engine from the "parts bin", in any performance snapshot in time, you kind of have to review the entirety of the market.

We've definitely had a performance Renaissance in the last several years, it's astounding the amount of performance you can buy for $75K or less.

I've made the statement many times that it's amazing now that we can buy a Camry-of all things-with a sub-6-second 0-60 time(in V6 trims for the last couple of years). In the early 2000s, 6 seconds was some sort of mythical barrier that only true performance cars could cross. Now, that's a $30K 5-person family car...

There are some early 2000s cars that do turn out some impressive performance numbers. Circling back around to BMWs, the E39 M5 managed ~400hp and a 4.8s 0-60 time with a 4.9L engine, but they also used some sort of ahead-of-their time tricks(at least for 1998) to get there. Variable valve timing, now ubiquitous, is a big one but reliability problems in the E39 M5 are well documented(search M5 Double Vanos for a read-up on that for anyone wondering).

 

[Apple fanboy]

Speaking of expensive cars, is there an argument for buying a car over leasing it? I mean , leasing it you will enjoy it when its new and pay much less, then you can lease another one new. If anything goes wrong its on the lease company. You can also enjoy a much more variety of cars. Meanwhile if you buy it you are stuck with loans and most likely expensive repairs.

Which is more financially sound? Lease and release or Buy and Sell?
I am guessing that leasing companies make their money with the difference between the bank instalments and lease price.



Hmmm...is there a catch? I mean £17k to drive around an S63 is something to think of. What do they go for new? $225k? they lost $200k(90%) in value over 13 years? sheesh....



really? I thought this was common knowledge. BMW is the 5 year car, after that you are on your own with their exciting repair prices. Its a rich man's car, not due to price tag, but due to repair+maintenance price. Not sure if this is world wide, but somewhere like in the late 90s they had some sort of a study wondering why does BMW loses a lot of its price in the 2nd hand market compared to mercedes. Of course, Mercedes lost its reliability and became a 5 year car too. The 1980s models seem to be some sort of industrial grade workhorses, they keep on going, thats what I heard.



TBH..if I was rich I'd buy it.

Lease vs buy and sell depends on what type of person you are. I personally don’t lease anything. I prefer knowing my outgoings are in my control.

 

[Allyance]

Lot of nice cars in here, economics dictate that I have switched to bikes for less expensive performance.
Here a photo of a similar car that I bought in 1968. I had a choice of a 1967 BRG coupe or a yellow 1968 roadster. I drove the '68 which had the 302 Cleveland station wagon engine with smog. Not that impressive, the coupe was on the showroom floor but the battery was dead. Went home to think about which one to get, then went back the next day to check out the coupe. It had a high performance 289 in it (same as the Cobra), solid lifters, dual point Mallory dual point ignition, 4 barrel Holley. When he started it, the hair on the back of my neck stood up! I knew immediately which one to get. Had a lot of fun in it. 0-60 in 5 seconds. 62 mph in first gear! I started out to find a 427 Cobra, but was a month too late, non available. Looked at a Jag E-Type roadster, but the metal frame hit my left shoulder with the seat all the way back. Car was $6000 new, now worth $150,000 if you can find one.

Mine was dark green, and didn't vents in front fenders or after market wheels, otherwise the same.

 

[cyb3rdud3]

Lease vs buy and sell depends on what type of person you are. I personally don’t lease anything. I prefer knowing my outgoings are in my control.

To me it depends on the total cost of ownership. Always do the sums. Sometimes it makes a lot more sense to lease than to buy, sometimes it doesn’t. Take the VW Golf R MK7, they did crazy low lease prices like 1+23 for $200/month. It simply didn’t make sense to buy it with my own cash as I couldn’t get such a discount. So that was a straight forward lease.

Or another time for our Mercedes-AMG GLS63, a personal contract purchase was better. The finance contribution was worth nearly 28% of the purchase price. So I bought it on finance, but then paid off the full amount within 7 days during the cool off period. That way I avoided interest and got the discount. Thanks to EU consumer laws.

But like my current Range Rover supercharger there were no deals due to Corona and it made more sense to just buy it.

So to me it depends; not on the type of person but on the total cost of ownership.

 

[Apple fanboy]

To me it depends on the total cost of ownership. Always do the sums. Sometimes it makes a lot more sense to lease than to buy, sometimes it doesn’t. Take the VW Golf R MK7, they did crazy low lease prices like 1+23 for $200/month. It simply didn’t make sense to buy it with my own cash as I couldn’t get such a discount. So that was a straight forward lease.

Or another time for our Mercedes-AMG GLS63, a personal contract purchase was better. The finance contribution was worth nearly 28% of the purchase price. So I bought it on finance, but then paid off the full amount within 7 days during the cool off period. That way I avoided interest and got the discount. Thanks to EU consumer laws.

But like my current Range Rover supercharger there were no deals due to Corona and it made more sense to just buy it.

So to me it depends; not on the type of person but on the total cost of ownership.

Can’t agree. Doesn’t matter how crazy the deal is. I’ll never lease a car. I don’t want to live on credit thanks. If I can’t afford what I want, I’ll just drive my old ride another year.

 

[D.T.]

To me it depends on the total cost of ownership.

Absolutely. There's a psychological blocker for some folks on conventional finance vs. lease they can't get past. I've reviewed the TCO on both models, extensively, and when I factor in the desire for the family car to stay as "repair free" as possible (in terms of both cost and time/effort impacts), it makes much more sense (if the lease specifics are good).

Can’t agree. Doesn’t matter how crazy the deal is. I’ll never lease a car. I don’t want to live on credit thanks. If I can’t afford what I want, I’ll just drive my old ride another year.

So you only pay cash for vehicles? i.e., no financing?

 

[D.T.]

Here a photo of a similar car that I bought in 1968. I had a choice of a 1967 BRG coupe or a yellow 1968 roadster. I drove the '68 which had the 302 Cleveland station wagon engine with smog. Not that impressive, the coupe was on the showroom floor but the battery was dead. Went home to think about which one to get, then went back the next day to check out the coupe. It had a high performance 289 in it (same as the Cobra), solid lifters, dual point Mallory dual point ignition, 4 barrel Holley.

That's just __glorious__

 

[Apple fanboy]

Absolutely. There's a psychological blocker for some folks on conventional finance vs. lease they can't get past. I've reviewed the TCO on both models, extensively, and when I factor in the desire for the family car to stay as "repair free" as possible (in terms of both cost and time/effort impacts), it makes much more sense (if the lease specifics are good).






So you only pay cash for vehicles? i.e., no financing?

Correct. I don’t borrow money. Only for my small mortgage.

 

[D.T.]

Correct. I don’t borrow money. Only for my small mortgage.

Ahh, good for you! Some people get way too into debt.

I don't mind floating some money for a vehicle at a trivially low interest rate (or none at all) to: 1) reduce my concern over the vehicle (i.e., keeping it new, safe, maintenance cost free), and 2) increase my enjoyment of vehicle, plus at any given time I could pay off all our debt, including our house, so might as well keep the cash handy for _whatever_, i.e., cash is king, I can afford to pay cash, I choose not to.

 

[Apple fanboy]

Ahh, good for you! Some people get way too into debt.

I don't mind floating some money for a vehicle at a trivially low interest rate (or none at all) to: 1) reduce my concern over the vehicle (i.e., keeping it new, safe, maintenance cost free), and 2) increase my enjoyment of vehicle, plus at any given time I could pay off all our debt, including our house, so might as well keep the cash handy for _whatever_, i.e., cash is king, I can afford to pay cash, I choose not to.

Sadly many don’t. Someone I used to work with got made redundant recently. Between her car lease, rent, phone bills and the rest I’m really not sure she’ll survive for long. Credit card debt on top of that as well.

 

[cyb3rdud3]

Absolutely. There's a psychological blocker for some folks on conventional finance vs. lease they can't get past. I've reviewed the TCO on both models, extensively, and when I factor in the desire for the family car to stay as "repair free" as possible (in terms of both cost and time/effort impacts), it makes much more sense (if the lease specifics are good).






So you only pay cash for vehicles? i.e., no financing?

I agree. Even when one had the cash available sometimes it’s just nice to know exactly what the costs will be. My wife for example doesn’t like to challenge in a dealership. She really likes having a brand new car, under warranty and on a service and maintenance plan. That way she doesn’t have to care, no confrontations or anything. Anything wrong and it gets sorted.

 

[cyb3rdud3]

Can’t agree. Doesn’t matter how crazy the deal is. I’ll never lease a car. I don’t want to live on credit thanks. If I can’t afford what I want, I’ll just drive my old ride another year.

To me it’s only living on credit if you can’t afford it in the first place. I thought I was quite verbose in explaining looking at the various angles.

But yes, I agree living on credit isn’t necessarily good. Saying that, I couldn’t pay for my house outright so did get a mortgage But I could pay off the remainder now, but it doesn’t make financial sense with the interest rate being so low as it is. I can make more money elsewhere then paying it off right now. So never say never. ?

 

[44267547]

I agree with Fanboys comment above and regards to the other member that quoted me ‘You have to be rich to buy certain cars’, So here’s my take:

I know the whole ‘leasing versus owning‘ out right option is a very sensitive topic for some. I personally don’t believe in leasing, and I think it’s absolute waste of money regardless of cost of maintenance included, change of vehicles every 2/3 years, ect, there’s absolutely no value in doing that, And anecdotally, I find that those who lease, can’t afford to actually own a vehicle in some aspects, So they use leasing as a leverage tool as a scapegoat to actually not own the vehicle.

I always purchase my cars out right, because it gives me the right of ownership that it’s mine #1 and # 2, I’m free to do what I want with it when on my terms, which means modifications, sell at my leisure, ect. Also I don’t like the idea of paying someone for something that you don’t own, you’re essentially renting it when you lease a car. I don’t answer to anyone, my cars are my cars and that’s what I like about owning out right without having a financial institution involved with silly mileage restrictions, etc.

But again, everybody values think differently and I respect those who prefer leasing or vice versa with owning out right.

*******************************
Also, I think it’s worth mentioning sometimes when you look at these cars that actually increase in value (Say a 69 Mustang for example), it requires almost to be made a cash purchase. Because what happens is, some financial situations base values of NADA guides or basic market research That doesn’t truly identify the value of the vehicle worth, Which can be completely inaccurate, which requires you have an appraisal for the net worth of the vehicle. which that’s the crucial key, is finding an appraiser that actually has backed credibility and knows how to value a car properly, because if the wrong dollar amount is appraised wrong, it can create a host of problems for the future of the vehicle if the owner is selling it and can cause mixed signals what it’s actually really worth.

When I Purchased my Cobra, there was confusion of actually what it was worth, I had an appraisal, (which was a nightmare with the first appraisal hack that tried to fool me, but failed miserably), and then I found a reputable appraisal in New York Who is relatively expensive to use, but ‘You get what you pay for’ Who I would use/recommend for anyone in that position.

 

[Apple fanboy]

To me it’s only living on credit if you can’t afford it in the first place. I thought I was quite verbose in explaining looking at the various angles.

But yes, I agree living on credit isn’t necessarily good. Saying that, I couldn’t pay for my house outright so did get a mortgage But I could pay off the remainder now, but it doesn’t make financial sense with the interest rate being so low as it is. I can make more money elsewhere then paying it off right now. So never say never. ?

Each to there own. Personally I paid my mortgage off in my 30’s. It wasn’t the plan but ended up moving again in December so purchased a project house.
So ended up with a mortgage again. But only for 10 years. I’ll pay it off sooner than that though.

But the difference between a house lease (mortgage) and a car lease, is the cost of the car goes down the minute you drive it away. You also never own it.

With a mortgage the house price (generally) goes up. At the end of the term, you own it.