Dad in search of new car...
 

My Dad's feeling pretty good, and is already talking about a new car. He's got a pretty funny list so far. Here's kinda how it breaks down:

Option #1. Take ins. $ and kick in some (or quite a bit in some cases) dough and buy something:
*Subaru Forester Turbo (new)
*Subaru WRX Sti (new)
*Subaru WRX (new or 2002/3 used)
*Mercedes E430 (2001 or so)
*Mercedes C43 (99)
*Mercedes C280 (2000)

Option #2 Take ins. money and buy something for the same price:
*Replace 1998 C230
*2002 Subaru Forester or Outback Ltd.

Option #3. Take ins $, pocket a bunch (like $10K), buy:
*98-99 Subaru Forester or Outback Ltd.
*94-95 Mercedes E320/E420

He's still got his 1990 190E 2.6 to drive until he makes up his mind, so no rush. Such a pickle.

Notice that he only considers Subaru or Mercedes. Goes for over-constructed tank-like cars.

The new cars don't offer anything more except less vision, more plastic, and more gadgets.:rolleyes:

If I were him, I'd pocket the money, and go with option #3. I would definitely opt for a '94 - '95 E320, fully loaded with factory CD, heated seats, cup holders, ASR etc.

Nothing beats the W124's, and since depreciation has already eaten away at most of its value, it is a lot closer to bottoming out in pricing than a 2000 + model anything. By buying a newer car, be it a Subie or a Merc, he is going to lose the extra money he invests on the initial purchase in a matter of a couple of years.

The W210 is nice, too but it is more expensive, and they have not really come close to "bottoming out". Especially '01 ~.

Used WRX would be my choice...

Perhaps a newer 4-matic.....

I agree with Spock. Your dad's probably getting up in years and would enjoy the comfort, styling and handling of a nice S Class vehicle. Why try and squeeze into a C.

I'm a big fan of both Mercedes and Subaru, so I like all of his choices.

He's already got a well-used car in the 190E 2.6, so I'd stay away from another well-used car. That rules out the '94-'95 E320. I think it would just be too hard to find one with a reasonable amount of miles on it.

I'd feel most comfortable with him buying the 2002 Subaru Outback Limited, the Subaru Forester turbo (got great reviews in all the car magazine tests), the 2000-2002 E430, or the 2000+ C280.

Is there a reason that he's not considering '96-'97 210 cars?

And what happened to the 114 you gave him?

Edit: or was it a 108?

He has the 1973 300SEL 4.5, but it's not much of a long distance-never-needs-attention kinda car. Actually, Dad's current stable consists of:

1990 190E 2.6
1979 450SL
1973 300SEL
AND a Dodge pick-up.

His insurance bills are killers, but he can't bring himself to sell any of them. The 300SEL gets driven occasionally in the summer. He drives the 450SL the least, as it was kinda Mom's car. It might get sold, and if so I might buy it. It was just too good a buy to pass up, just the same way the 300SEL was. He was thinking that he could sell the 450SL and take the insurance money, and he'd have about $40K, enough for lots of nice cars. However, the SL is a tough sell this time of year. The spring brings rag-top buyers.

The 190E has snow tires already on it. (Lots of snow here now...)

I'd go with option #3 also...Pocket the money and save it to pay insurance premiums later! :D Insurance will be lower on the older model anyway.

mike

John, I would go for option # 3 too.............would not hurt to have extra $$$$$$ in da bank....... ;)