I guess I'll start this thread here in off topic.. I want to get some thoughts on my choice of car to get next (by the eoy).

Issues / criteria?

• I drive alot, about 20K miles per year, spend about $350 in gas per month!
• Now, I am driving a 2004 Mustang GT, 5 speed, and 100 shot of N20.. Love it.
• Up to this Mustang, which has 92K miles (I bought with 30K miles about 3 yrs ago), I typically drive the cars until 100K miles or so and trade in after I get a little tired of the repairs. Now, for the Mustang I spent $1K for the ac last week, granted it is the ONLY repair I've had to do in 3 years, other than a battery and brakes.
• Wishful thinking? Imagine driving a CPO E350 and not havingi any problems in three years , or no more than $1K. lol

I was entertaining leasing this time and not getting to the 100k miles or to the point where the car becomes a money pit. So I went to look at the 2011 BMW 328.. Leasing with 20K miles per year with the couple of options I wanted was about $650, with first and last month up front. But then when I was thinking about the $650 car payment, I figured I really had more options...

• 2011 BMW 328 leased
• 2007-2008 MB E3500 w/sport package. I've been seeing these for about $29K to $33K with under 40K miles and CPO.. very tempting...
• 2010 Mustang GT - With the new 5.0 coming out for 2011 with 400+ horsepower, the dealerrs are giving away the left over 2010's. I am going to look at a red one , 5 spd (2010) that a dealer has this wknd. MSRP is $29K and dealer quoted me about $24,500... very tempting discount and price for a BRAND NEW CAR.

Keep in mind, I am going to NO LONGER keep a car more than 2-3 years, weather leased or purchased. So I also have to forecast how upside down I could potentially be at time of trade.. hence the benefit of leasing..

The threshold for comfort on the monthly payment would be $700.. that's it, not $726 or $750 lol... $700.

I know being an MB board It's going to be alot of MB choice, that's fine.. give me your thoughts and why...

I am not concerned about "ride" or "speed" etc, as I know all three cars are very different cars... Not expecting a Ford to ride like an MB, and not expecting an entry level BMW to be as smooth as the MB nor as fast as the mustang.. lol

Thanks


EDIT... Driving a 100K miles 10 years old MB is not an option; paying cash is not an option or a need at this moment in time, and realistically with the miles I drive I NEED a reliable car, hence no MB that I could pay cash would be worthwhile... If I was worried about car pmts I keep my Mustang... but I am NOT going to deal with the head aches of break downs, not in a german car nor an american. You can see my last 100 posts on here 3-4 years ago were all about "how much is this to fix" or "how do I change this part".. I'm done and been done for years in driving something that I have to work on to keep on the road. I love working on my cars but for fun, NOT to get me back on the road or to get me to the office on Mon am. lol.. thanks

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