30K for a first car

You must be loaded.

You certainly don't need to spend that much.

Rodgers96 wrote

Carporn wrote

RS3 wrote

Carporn wrote You guys are a bunch of *****. My first car was 37k and i haven't gotten a single ticket, pulled over, or in an accident. Some parents like there cars and trust there kids with cars. These comments you guys are making are so ignorant. If your parents have a good record, insurance wont be bad. I pay $100 a month for my car. So please, for the love of god, stop hating just because you're jealous.

You make yourself sound good saying you drive a 37k car yet its on finance. your gonna be paying that 100 a month for a long time.

Lol, i pay $100 a month for insurance buddy. Car was paid for up front in cash. All paid off. You talk like you know how i bought the car lol Now before you go all "stupid rich kid", please feel free to send me a pm if you want me to explain
Im not rich at all, and i paid for a good portion of it.

$100 a month? for a car that was 37k and it's your first car... somehow I don't believe that

Well i pay $100 a month for insurance and if you dont believe me, i really dont care cause i pay it. My mom has never been in a ticket, only a small fender bender and my dads last ticket was in '89. My whole family has an amazing driving record, thats why its so cheap.

What im trying to say is about 30k on your first car is that some parents, such as mine, dont trust a used car. Yes theres car faxes and mechanics but they are much more prone to breaking down. So they want to feel safe and put them in a.new car. And when they do spend that much, they will most likely keep the car for much longer, if not foever, compared to getting a used say 2k car. I atleast plan on keeping mine until i die.

Now for the people saying im trying to look good saying i spend a lot on a car:
All im trying to do is prove a point. I am proud of my car cause maybe not in your opinion, but in my opinion, its a nice car. Im not trying to brag or anything about it, im simply trying to defend this kid from all the hate you ignorant keyboard worriors are giving him.

And like i said, he may not be loaded, i am not rich at all and my parents dont make close to even triple digits so please stop calling him rich. Like i said before, feel free to PM me if you want me to go into further detail.

What years are you trying to get? First off, 30k will be more than enough to get you a great first car. You just need to be smart about the car your'e getting. Since you're looking into luxury cars, I'm assuming you're also looking at all the German engineered cars which would be primarily Mercedes, BMW, and Audi for your budget. Well that would probably get you a Mercedes C250, BMW 328i, and Audi A4 within your budget. While those cars are great and vice versa, I wouldn't spend all 30k on them if you're sold on them. They look nice but it's risky to get one because if you have problems, replacing parts and doing maintenance on the car will cost you much more. You should leave at least 1k every year to the side for maintenance if you decide to get one of those cars. But on the bright side, you can find all those cars for around 24k used for a 2011 model. Once you start building packages, it's a different story. Overall, if you can, try to get one of those cars with a backup camera/parking sensors because it's worth it if it's your first car since you haven't seen it all yet.

To focus on Mercedes-Benz C-Class solely, make sure you buy it by the year. Understand that they change the models completely in between. For example, 2012 and beyond models have a 4 Cylinder Turbo engine instead of the 2011 model which has a 6 Cylinder. They did it for fuel economy but turbocharged engines are taken care of differently so keep that in mind. Some rather have a V6, some a V4T. The interior also was changed completely from 2011 to 2012.

About the Infiniti G37, I think it's a fantastic first car to get because of the value you get for the money. Unlike German engineered cars, you will pay less for each repair because the parts don't cost as much, but the bright side is that it could even be more durable as well. G37s discontinued in 2013 and the 2011-2013 models look all the same. Therefore, you should aim for a Certified Infiniti G37 for around 24k. This will be the best value because you will get a backup camera, parking sensors, navigation, and all these luxury features. Does it look as great as a Bimmer or a Benz? Depends on you. If you want to get real deep into it, the 250, 37, and all those numbers are all about the engine you get. 250 = 2.5 liter. 37 = 3.7 liter. The Infiniti has the most powerful engine out of the 3 Series, C Class, and A4. While it has the most powerful engine, it doesn't mean that it's the fastest car. Depends on how you maintained the car and the previous owner on how he maintained it. Overall, the G37 is the safest car that has the looks.

Make sure you do your research though. Check the service records of each car, take your time, and find a car that you like. My opinion may not sound great to you if you have fallen in love with the Mercedes but that's ok, I didn't get an Infiniti G37 as my first car. The consensus is that the G37 is a better first car than a Mercedes as the Mercedes is going to cost you more than just the tag price moving forward.

Tom_Brady wrote What years are you trying to get? First off, 30k will be more than enough to get you a great first car. You just need to be smart about the car your'e getting. Since you're looking into luxury cars, I'm assuming you're also looking at all the German engineered cars which would be primarily Mercedes, BMW, and Audi for your budget. Well that would probably get you a Mercedes C250, BMW 328i, and Audi A4 within your budget. While those cars are great and vice versa, I wouldn't spend all 30k on them if you're sold on them. They look nice but it's risky to get one because if you have problems, replacing parts and doing maintenance on the car will cost you much more. You should leave at least 1k every year to the side for maintenance if you decide to get one of those cars. But on the bright side, you can find all those cars for around 24k used for a 2011 model. Once you start building packages, it's a different story. Overall, if you can, try to get one of those cars with a backup camera/parking sensors because it's worth it if it's your first car since you haven't seen it all yet.

To focus on Mercedes-Benz C-Class solely, make sure you buy it by the year. Understand that they change the models completely in between. For example, 2012 and beyond models have a 4 Cylinder Turbo engine instead of the 2011 model which has a 6 Cylinder. They did it for fuel economy but turbocharged engines are taken care of differently so keep that in mind. Some rather have a V6, some a V4T. The interior also was changed completely from 2011 to 2012.

About the Infiniti G37, I think it's a fantastic first car to get because of the value you get for the money. Unlike German engineered cars, you will pay less for each repair because the parts don't cost as much, but the bright side is that it could even be more durable as well. G37s discontinued in 2013 and the 2011-2013 models look all the same. Therefore, you should aim for a Certified Infiniti G37 for around 24k. This will be the best value because you will get a backup camera, parking sensors, navigation, and all these luxury features. Does it look as great as a Bimmer or a Benz? Depends on you. If you want to get real deep into it, the 250, 37, and all those numbers are all about the engine you get. 250 = 2.5 liter. 37 = 3.7 liter. The Infiniti has the most powerful engine out of the 3 Series, C Class, and A4. While it has the most powerful engine, it doesn't mean that it's the fastest car. Depends on how you maintained the car and the previous owner on how he maintained it. Overall, the G37 is the safest car that has the looks.

Make sure you do your research though. Check the service records of each car, take your time, and find a car that you like. My opinion may not sound great to you if you have fallen in love with the Mercedes but that's ok, I didn't get an Infiniti G37 as my first car. The consensus is that the G37 is a better first car than a Mercedes as the Mercedes is going to cost you more than just the tag price moving forward.

I just wanted to say, THANK YOU for the first informative answer. And the years that I'm looking into are between 2012-14 if possible.

You should start with a little Audi a3 or something and hen save the rest of the money, you are likely to crash I'm the first few months so spend it on repairs or buying a new car

30,000 is a very high budget, as stated very dangerous as well for a first car.

But I'd have to say choose the Camaro.

$30,000 and you don't know if that will be good?

That's more than enough money for a first car. My advice would be to not spend it in a hurry, wait and look around at different options. There isn't going to be a rush and you don't have to buy whatever looks nice at the time, when you may see something better for less money?

If I was you I wouldn't spend the full 30k on a car, you could spend half of that or less than half and customize it.

I would say get a BMW. Just because i like them that's what i would say for you to get

iTwerks wrote

Tom_Brady wrote What years are you trying to get? First off, 30k will be more than enough to get you a great first car. You just need to be smart about the car your'e getting. Since you're looking into luxury cars, I'm assuming you're also looking at all the German engineered cars which would be primarily Mercedes, BMW, and Audi for your budget. Well that would probably get you a Mercedes C250, BMW 328i, and Audi A4 within your budget. While those cars are great and vice versa, I wouldn't spend all 30k on them if you're sold on them. They look nice but it's risky to get one because if you have problems, replacing parts and doing maintenance on the car will cost you much more. You should leave at least 1k every year to the side for maintenance if you decide to get one of those cars. But on the bright side, you can find all those cars for around 24k used for a 2011 model. Once you start building packages, it's a different story. Overall, if you can, try to get one of those cars with a backup camera/parking sensors because it's worth it if it's your first car since you haven't seen it all yet.

To focus on Mercedes-Benz C-Class solely, make sure you buy it by the year. Understand that they change the models completely in between. For example, 2012 and beyond models have a 4 Cylinder Turbo engine instead of the 2011 model which has a 6 Cylinder. They did it for fuel economy but turbocharged engines are taken care of differently so keep that in mind. Some rather have a V6, some a V4T. The interior also was changed completely from 2011 to 2012.

About the Infiniti G37, I think it's a fantastic first car to get because of the value you get for the money. Unlike German engineered cars, you will pay less for each repair because the parts don't cost as much, but the bright side is that it could even be more durable as well. G37s discontinued in 2013 and the 2011-2013 models look all the same. Therefore, you should aim for a Certified Infiniti G37 for around 24k. This will be the best value because you will get a backup camera, parking sensors, navigation, and all these luxury features. Does it look as great as a Bimmer or a Benz? Depends on you. If you want to get real deep into it, the 250, 37, and all those numbers are all about the engine you get. 250 = 2.5 liter. 37 = 3.7 liter. The Infiniti has the most powerful engine out of the 3 Series, C Class, and A4. While it has the most powerful engine, it doesn't mean that it's the fastest car. Depends on how you maintained the car and the previous owner on how he maintained it. Overall, the G37 is the safest car that has the looks.

Make sure you do your research though. Check the service records of each car, take your time, and find a car that you like. My opinion may not sound great to you if you have fallen in love with the Mercedes but that's ok, I didn't get an Infiniti G37 as my first car. The consensus is that the G37 is a better first car than a Mercedes as the Mercedes is going to cost you more than just the tag price moving forward.

I just wanted to say, THANK YOU for the first informative answer. And the years that I'm looking into are between 2012-14 if possible.

That should give you a great choice of cars. Where I live, Infiniti G37s are mainly 2011 models or 2013, hard to find 2012 models. I'm not sure if that's the same in your area but if it is then you probably are limited to 2011 vehicles because 2012 are hard to find and a 2013 model would be a new car since there's no 2014, so 2013 would cost north of 35k. Also check for an Infiniti G37 Journey. G37 Base won't give you Navigation and G37 Sport has some catch to it that I forgot.

A big thing you should know is if you plan on buying at a dealership, make sure that you don't buy the car for 30k, they'll add fees and fees to it so you could end off with a 33k car after taxes and fees. If you are to look for cars, try to top off at 27k or 28k so you have room for taxes. Sure you can go for 30k vehicles exact, but you have to have good negotiating skills. As well as that, but if you're considering 2012-2014 models, make sure you can find a Certified vehicle and buy that instead of a Used. Certified means that they checked that car thoroughly and will give you an extended warranty which is a huge plus. If you buy a used car, you're more likely to have some problems with it because every dealership tries their best to sell cars certified because it takes a few hundred to certify a car for them but they bump up the price another 3k. Certified vehicles can only be found at a manufacturer dealership as well. Meaning, you can only get a Certified Infiniti at an Infiniti dealer and a Certified Mercedes at a Mercedes dealer. Don't be fooled if they tell you they certify a car either, make sure at the top of the page on the Carfax that it says Infiniti Certified Pre-Owned with a Star in one of the sections where they state the mileage, service records, and owners. If they say it's certified by Carfax says it isn't, then the dealership isn't a certified dealer by Carfax and you could trust the dealer or you could move on and trust Carfax which I recommend.

On to a Mercedes, just keep in mind that you literally have to buy every single thing that's not the engine or the body. For example, you buy a G37 Journey which is pretty basic in all the Infiniti G's you'll see, you get yourself a rearview camera, moonroof, keyless start, and vice versa which is a huge plus. Then you go to a Mercedes, all three of those things itself will probably cost you 3k to add. You may find those features too much but if you plan on having this car throughout college, you'll find out that they're real valuable to have in the future and you'll want them.

Regardless, start searching for cars now. Don't procrastinate for this because the problem with used cars is that each one is unique. Not every one is the same because not every owner is the same. In the two months, research the cars you want, and take notes on them. See the differences in each Carfax and eventually you'll be able to pick apart a good and bad car looking solely at the record. When you find one you're comfortable with, you go after it and move on from there.

30k for your first car is absurd, if you're being serious. I'd find a good reliable car that if you crash, isn't a big deal.