SueBMW

Usually, yes. However, there are a few benefits to getting it when you get the car. You can roll it into financing, and usually there is a discount if you buy it at the time of purchase. Also, if you don't buy it at time of purchase, there is usually an inspection required, which adds to the price. With almost every single warranty out there, you have to get it BEFORE your factory warranty expires.

Hormazd

I don't think anyone said that. Driving a new car costs money, sometimes a LOT of money. The assumption is that people driving new/newer cars have more disposable income to allot to transportation than people driving older cars. A $6000 hit on depreciation is a lot easier to take by someone in a high income bracket who is voluntarily trading it in on a newer model. They are the ones that put themselves in that situation. A $6000 repair bill on an older car, however, is a lot harder to swallow when you are driving an older car because that is all you can afford.

No one NEEDS a new car. People WANT a new car. Is it "financially smart" to buy expensive jewelry? Of course not. You do it for the prestige, the personal enjoyment, the "look at me" factor. You get a new car for the same reason. You have the money to do it, and you want something better. Plus, assume for a minute that you are an extremely busy executive. Your time is very valuable. It would be completely unacceptable for you to miss a meeting, etc... or be late because you had car trouble. How many times is, "I'm on the side of the road waiting for the tow truck," or "I'm stuck at the dealer waiting for my rental car to show up" going to fly as excuses? Driving a new car mitigates that risk. It is expected that once you get to a certain income level, you will use that income to purchase nicer things.

A car should never be looked at as an investment (with very rare exceptions). It is something you choose to spend your money on. The more disposable income you have, the more choices you have. No one needs a new 5 series as transportation. We could all take the bus, or drive a $1000 car. They would get us from point A to point B just the same. They may be more inconvenient, and they certainly won't get you there in style, but they accomplish the goal of transportation. If everyone looked at getting a new car as wasting money, there would be a lot less new cars on the road. And look around you-- I don't think that is happening.
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I am surprised the fanatical guest hasn't chimed in here to accuse you of justifying your decision. You said it all very well. I will refer the Lease vs buy 545 thread to your very well wriiten post.

markt540i

In the States, do you have extended warranty as an option?
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yes, but it is not as good as the original warranty.

pinguhk

until the F10 comes out for 1 to 2 years

Uk525i

I purchased mine at 6 months old ( 500 miles on clock, BMW car ), 30% off book price, including options. Its coming up to 3 years old now. I'm getting rid of it due to the amount of problems I have had with it. Bearing in mind the discount I had, it has been fairly cheap motoring for 2.5 years. But if I had to pay for the 10+ visits to the dealers it would be a different story. The car is reliable, but electronics have been a nightmare. And it is electronics which I suspect will always mean a trip to the dealers ( at vast cost ). I have looked at extended warranties but feel that the insurance companied will evade paying out for most things.
So, 3 years for me!!

pinguhk

sounds like your not haveing fun like me then?

arcleid

Long term for me.. I'm just going to stick with this car until I'm finished by business in the US. Maybe I'll get another E60 in Indonesia...