Sunday, September 9

To lease or not to lease

A friend of mine asked for my conservative opinion in regards to his (his girlfriend actually *wink...) overwhelming desire to trade-in her 1-year old Toyota Corolla S to lease a brand-new BMW. Not many get-rid of their new economic cars in exchange for the often disapproved lease option, let alone a BMW. I wondered if the curious inquiry had anything to do with my recent purchase of the relatively inexpensive Civic Si, or maybe just the fact that i had recently gone through the car-buying ordeal. I hadn't decided if i were offended just yet lol-- i mean what would i know about leasing BMW's? I got a Honda! "Your conservative opinion" just seemed belittling somewhat, although i was sure it was unintended. My opinion, simply put was that "i wouldn't lease a vehicle" period. Unless leasing a high-end vehicle somehow fits into my lifestyle. Like, say, my job included taking clients out to lunch or something. As it is now, there is no real reason for me to lease any vehicle.

Be that as it may, this isn't really about me, is it? (lol) He just wanted an opinion is all... Evidently she lives a bit extravagantly and changing her mind about material things is habitual (As he so eloquently put...). She owns a late model Chevy Tahoe (which i initially thought was not hers) that she intends to keep (at least for now), relegating the would be BMW as a recreational vehicle. That said, i suppose it wouldn't be such a bad idea if she were to go though with it. According to my buddy, the payment for the privilege of driving the 'ultimate driving machine' would increase just another $100 a month, albeit a lease (and a mere $1500 down payment). This would effectively change her status in society, which essentially is the whole intent we believe...

I think it is pretty obvious that she can afford it, otherwise i don't think she would bother. Unlike some people whose eyes are bigger than their stomachs, i really believe this thing is well within her automotive appetite. I would do it too if i were financially able (but not a BMW). As it is, i fancy the sporty Si as much as she does (and will) the impending BMW (And for a long time to come i suspect. Can you say mods?).

For me, i sincerely told him, ownership is what matters most. I like the sense that my money isn't going into some kind of a temporary state, but a solid investment. I purchased the 97 Civic (cash...) with the intent of driving it for a few years with the possibly of a trade or sell when i'm finally able to convince myself. While leasing a BMW improves your status in society quite well, it comes at a great premium. And to think that the money paid towards the car is nothing but temporary, i would tend to think the status gained by leasing the vehicle is, well, quite temporary... (Don't ya think?).

He did bring up a very good point. Having been exposed to the likes of BMW and knowing now that it is financially within her grasp, coupled with her insatiable need to change cars, there is really no stopping her anymore (Perhaps a better story is how she ended up at the BMW dealership to begin with...). Who's to say she isn't going to want a different car in a year? I think at this point, it's all academic. It does make more sense for her to lease a high-end vehicle for reasons stated above. Purchasing the ultra expensive car wouldn't make much more practical sense for obvious reasons. Though not much less practical that leasing...

Good luck, i hope she's worth it...

2 Comments:

At 5:00 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

To end the story, the corolla has been destroyed and it reincarnated into a 2007 - 328i BMW. WTF... And the so called boyfriend (wink) still drives the old a$$ 2002 CIVIC... (Gotta love that car, it rides like a pony) ha-ha...

Is she worth it, hmm, aren't they all, just as long as they like Dodger Dogs!!!!

Appreciate the advice. I now know there are still sane people left in this world.

 
At 11:41 PM, Blogger Marc Gabay said...

calm down!

 

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