Quote:
Originally Posted by XutvJet
Why? Because they are cheaper to maintain. I love my M2 DCT and Cayman 6MT and my two kids (17 daughter and 21 son) know how to drive sticks and I'll let them drive either car when they want to and I've let my son take my Cayman to prom and on dates. They both love sporty German cars, but the rule in the house is absolutely NO German cars or turbo cars (because of the potential expense to repair) or cars that do 0-60 under 7 seconds while we're helping them out financially. When they are on their own, then they can buy what they want. Now, that rule would be slightly different if I had a child that was a true DIYer. I have both of my kids help me when I service and repair their cars and they enjoy learning, but neither is really into doing the work themselves much less have the time due to their very busy schedules.
Let's not bend the truth here. Used German cars are much more expensive to maintain, fix, and insure than a Mazda, Honda, Toyota, or even a Subaru (usually). Now if you're a DIYer and have the tools, maintaining and fixing a German car isn't that bad. However, most people aren't into doing their own work. Also, it would be a royal pain in the butt to have a kid in college hours away with a German car problem. At that point, you're likely spending big bucks to fix something you and I could knock out easily in our own garage to 30% of the price. It's just not worth the hassle and stress, IMO.
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I hear you (or read you) and I generally agree. But, it I am paying a lower insurance price for the 3 series compared to the Mazda 3 or a Civic because claims data yields higher risk profile for those drivers. Again, the cost of acquisition was the same (we had a specific budget in mind).
This is an enthusiast forum so I thought many of the people here would be able to find a good independent shop, DYI simple things, find well priced parts, and know how to maintain their cars, thus negating the high costs of BMW dealership service. Is that not the case?
True story. Just last month, the 3 series, which is at college now, showed a low coolant light. Coolant hadn't been filled in a few years, so not shocking. My son didn't know what to do. It was a great teaching and learning experience. He learned how all about the coolant tank, lines, checking levels, what product to buy, and how to fill it. That education is worth a lot and definitely justifies the tiny bit more I might be paying for the 3 series (again, I still believe I am at a net savings vs some of the entry cars).
Bonus, he actually loves the car and realizes how much better it is than many of the other cars/brands on the road from a driving dynamic standpoint. That is also education and worth something.