[Orson]

SUPPOSE you are living in Central Europe. What kind of car would you buy?

As we all know, travellers don't need a car (unless on a buddy tour or something). The metro, tram, bus or taxi is fine.
On a month or three stay, a car can be rented (and expenses shared). But for longer-term stays or actual residence, a car for weekend travel adventure is really desirable. The party time can move out, away from 'home base,' or else the date time becomes more...mmmmm, sociable!

My budget is 6 to 14K (US dollars). Thus, a quality used vehicle is called for - not new.

While many would choose a regular car for frequent commuting or shopping, my driving purpose is the most popular one here on the board - weekend or weeklong trips elsewhere in Central Europe - or else to Eastern or Western Europe. (Therefore, I expect to have it garaged somewhere.)

My top choices are either a later model Porsche 944 (the more desirable Boxster is excellent and best for most people, but too tight for me - a very tall 235 pound man); or else a BMW 3 series coupe (from 10 or 12 years ago). The first is a flashy, fun, grand touring classic money pit (up to 1,500 per year); the second is a high quality dependable ride with more pep than looks - but it does convey a decent degree of status when a man wants to reveal something of that.

So - questions: would you consider other vehicle options? What are the game effects of these for rolling in style? As well as my two top choices?

I thought about doing a poll for this question and making it very general, open-ended one. But then rejected this approach as too unfocused and therefore less useful except for mere 'dreaming.' I think my more practical requirements may prove a better 'think through' exercise for others - or so I hope.

Older car's registration expense are quite affordable - as little as $200 - but these vary by the size of engine, vehicles age, and - naturally - by the country of registration. I'm ignoring petro costs (or gas). VAT can be huge. But, apparently, for used cars in a private purchase, these do not (except rarely) apply.

[Sidney Crosby]

I don't know many people that would consider a 25 year old Porsche 944 rolling in style, if I was you I would get some more reliable and easier to sell.

If you plan on doing extended trips maybe look at an Audi A4 Quattro or something similar, decent on gas and they are nice enough.

[Antipodean]

G-Wagen

[Orson]

(02-08-2015 03:44 AM)Sidney Crosby Wrote:  

I don't know many people that would consider a 25 year old Porsche 944 rolling in style, if I was you I would get some more reliable and easier to sell.

If you plan on doing extended trips maybe look at an Audi A4 Quattro or something similar, decent on gas and they are nice enough.

Clearly, it depends upon condition. But the '87 (or '88?) Porsche 944 had air bags and anti-lock brakes - forward looking innovative technology, indeed. And roadsters are not bought for luxury. (Technically, the 944 was built for the US market and is a "Grand Touring" type of borderline sports car, ie, comfort - the turbo is considerably faster but folly to own.)

Your tastes may differ, but I think the interior of it is as strong as the Porsche-type lines.

Your point about re-sale is not doubt correct! If one is only living abroad for 6 to 18 months, strike the Porsche notion. Resale will be difficult.

An older Audi is a smart idea!

But I understand that the Audi A4 Quattro is only a sedan - not my style, but surely other's. My experience with Audi's is that interiors are sublime. But exteriors dull and unimaginative - and thus more like the Caddy's or Lincoln's of German auto design. (Yes, this opinion may well earn me hecklers. But for the sake of fun, I'll leave it out there.)

Going back to the Porsche, the Boxster is a fine entry baby Porsche. But at my size, I would need replacement racing seats that sit close to the ground. (his work around is do-able for many bigger men - but not for a man with a severe spinal pinch like me. I have to think BIGGER (just like an American) to have a good driving experience for a few hours.

The problem with the latter for me is that the most popular econo-boxes are neither sexy, nor attractive, nor suited for my spinal needs. The 2-door coupe style is the only widely available compromise. There are none of these in the Porsche line-up.

Maybe someone has more worthy ideas along these lines?

[Orson]

(02-08-2015 05:51 AM)Antipodean Wrote:  

G-Wagen

This the "Full-size luxury SUV" made in Austria which looks like the Mercedes answer to the Land Rover. An excellent lux choice....for EASTERN Europe, me thinks!

I have had a Lexus SUV, and it's a fine way to kill a full day driving across the US - especially the larger states. But in Central Europe? With typical drives of a few hours or less?

I think it's overkill - and over large (unless you have football team or family to transport - and I have neither).

[berserk]

Why not just get a lease?

[WD-40]

You do know that 14K USD in cash will buy you a brand new car, for example a compact cross-over SUV such as a Dacia Sandero Stepway.

It will depreciate about 30% during the first year, maybe a bit more depending on how much you drive it, but you will be able to resell it easily.

[Cattle Rustler]

Ford fiesta or hyundai

[aguasin]

I think you'll notice you could buy a reasonably late model (think 2006~2009) Mercedes E-class for that money. That's what I've been thinking of doing anyway.
Germany seems to be the cheapest market to buy them in, then drive it over the border. (Seems everyone in EE does this including dealers)

http://eng.auto24.ee/used/1914462
Diesel is the way to go in Europe.

[Orson]

(02-08-2015 04:09 PM)Cattle Rustler Wrote:  

Ford fiesta or hyundai

The Ford Fiesta - among others - is certainly best seller in Europe. But I'm not really looking for a best seller and not an economy car.

Hyundai - gaining respectability in the US for years and two decades, I think. But sales in Europe are still in small single digits.
http://www.bbc.com/news/business-21686822

This means the Euro market for older such vehicles is quite small. Therefore, the best option might be for a new resident of Europe to buy one in the US and spend the $1K+ to send it to their new country, duty free.

[Orson]

(02-08-2015 05:07 PM)aguasin Wrote:  

I think you'll notice you could buy a reasonably late model (think 2006~2009) Mercedes E-class for that money. That's what I've been thinking of doing anyway.
Germany seems to be the cheapest market to buy them in, then drive it over the border. (Seems everyone in EE does this including dealers)

http://eng.auto24.ee/used/1914462
Diesel is the way to go in Europe.

BEAUTIFUL, first rate! - but the registration costs and taxes may be considerable because it is a newer car. And unfortunately for me, the E-class has only recently (5 years ago) made coupe models.

Otherwise, this is highly attractive option. But personally I won't be caught dead driving a 4-door sedan. Thus, the Mercedes line is not just expensive.... I believe it is significantly pricier than the alternatives.

Other people have not weighed in on the issue of 'bling' factor or social cachet. Any others want to share opinions?

[medicineman]

The cars that seem to scream "biznizman" to local girls in EE and CE are:

Mercedes SUV

Porsche Cayenne

BMW + Lexis SUV

Having one of these cars, newer model, washed and shiny, will give you an image of "well-off" and help tick the box of "well-off & secure" on the mental checklist of the local ladies.

[Orson]

(03-01-2015 03:21 PM)medicineman Wrote:  

The cars that seem to scream "biznizman" to local girls in EE and CE are:

Mercedes SUV

Porsche Cayenne

BMW + Lexis SUV

Having one of these cars, newer model, washed and shiny, will give you an image of "well-off" and help tick the box of "well-off & secure" on the mental checklist of the local ladies.

ALL SUVs, M-man? To indicate success?

Americans see these as status symbols, of course - but also indicators of settles suburban family life! Is that what EE and CE local girls want to ID with in a man?

[zatara]

Not to be harsh but your budget is not going to buy you any sort of high status car. A 10 year old 3 series BMW is not a status symbol, its what 20 year old college kids drive. You'd be far better off renting a brand new, reliable, nice car for the odd weekend breaks you want to do. Even if you go on a road trip every second weekend, I'd wager good money your rental fees would be less than the cost of buying an old car outright, having to register/insure it, pay for maintenance etc. And it'll be far nicer to drive, and more likely to impress a ditzy girl.

Plus, you won't have to deal with the hassle of having to find (and pay for) parking during the week when its not being used. Thats quite a large concern in a lot of European cities.

[Guitarman]

I would get a late model 944 S2 coupe ( or convertible if you have enough budget). They are great cars, I like em and you will get at least double the MPG ( gas milage) of a big SUV.

[Guitarman]

Most chicks wouldn't know that this is not an expensive car and if you keep it in good condition you will get your money back when you sell it.

You are an Alpha male, if your heart tells you to get a 944 (turbo or S2) get one.

Btw, I don't think the turbo is much worse in upkeep than the S2. Just an extra oil change at 6000 miles. As long as there is good service history.

[lavidaloca]

I think you are underestimating the potential maintenance costs of a porsche. My friend owns a boxster and averages $3000+ / year in maintenance. Of course if you can do it yourself it's a moot issue. I find old Porsches quite beautiful.

[Guitarman]

Good point lavidoca, I do the maintainence myself. This is an enthusiasts car.

[medicineman]

I see quite a few of these in EE. Having one will never hurt you. It can only help you.

[1818Steve]

For Europe, this is the obvious answer. That soft Corinthian leather is sure to get the bitches wet.

[Antipodean]

G-Wagen

Get an earlier one, maybe even the 2 door SWB. Smaller footprint than the 944.

Average people won't differentiate it much from the expensive current high end models, because they all look much the same.
The people that do know the difference will likely engage you in conversation because its a bit of a collectable.

They are relatively expensive for an old car, but will likely hold value for resale.
Maintenance and reliability of an older one will probably be easy with less or no computers.

EE girls generally seem more impressed with 4wd's than sports cars both in EE and when they are in the west. Don't know why. Maybe it's the "local authority figure" (gangster) thing.