Cars. What does the typical audiophile drive?

I loved that Corvette. Ultimately, I sold it because the roof seals heavily leaked water when it rained due to environmental heating and cooling cycles. Sold it to buy a BMW 330i.

Ironically, there are very nice deals currently on two or three year old Corvettes. Yet, I keep eyeing Honda Civics.

I had my eye on a Honda Pilot, the best equipped model. This was to replace my GMC Yukon which was a very good vehicle (NO problems at 5 years old), but the lease was expiring.

When I discovered the Honda was more than a new GMC (about $40,000.00 for the Touring model with Navigation). I bought a used BMW X5 with four years of total warranty and service contract.

This kind of service contract is with BMW, not an independent warranty company and covers EVERYTHING, even brake pads and hoses. The BMW was about $5K less than the Honda, so I went for it.

I know it's sacrilege, but honestly I would have been happy with another GMC, a Chevy Tahoe, a Honda Pilot Touring or the BMW. Guess I'm getting old :^).

We presently own two used BMWs. Our 2000 540i is honestly the best overall car we've ever owned in terms of performance, driving experience and comfort. No one appreciates the BMW four year free service, and six year (for a certified used) warranty more than us. We've probably had nearly $10k in repairs done on the 540i under warranty. My 2003 330i has had at least $5k in warranty repairs. It's year seven when the chickens come home to roost, and the hefty BMW repair bills begin to make a dent in the wallet. Until then, a BMW is a great vehicle.

My wife wanted an X3, and I said it was time we looked at alternatives.

I agree on the BMW warranty, it's the only way I would have invested in this vehicle.

No doubt the Honda would have been great because they are pretty much bullet proof, but every brand of car deprecates when you drive it off the lot and Honda is no different.

I figured with $5K down the BMW was set for little or no depreciation, I think payments will keep up with lost value, meaning I could get out in three or four years and owe nothing. If I keep it perfect, I might even get some money back.

All automobiles are a depreciating investment, the best one can hope to do is get something reliable that you enjoy and hope you can operate it with as little loss as possible. As you say, with the stunning BMW warranty I know I will only make payments, no repair bills at all.

The Honda was a close second. Good warranty and even after warranty it would likely give no problems, but the $40K was a choker, I remember when Toyota and Honda were bargains. Hard to imagine they now cost more than a 1.5 year old BMW X5 with Navigation and rear seat DVD system.

Like all luxury cars, the Doctor that owned the BMW before me took the big hit, I've owned BMW's before and although I've only gotten in 4 months driving experience, it's a hell of a vehicle to be a SUV.

I guess the difference with us is that we buy our cars with cash. We don't lease them, and we don't finance them. We also look to keep them long term if possible, which is why reliability and fewer repairs is important. We are very much in favor of buying used and letting someone else take the depreciation hit.

It's amazing to me what one can buy today. $38k for a 2004 Mercedes SL500 that originally sold for $95k...but what will the repair costs be?

$40k for a new Honda is ridiculous.