The article the OP was referring to is from Automobile Magazine this month and WAS written by a car guy (Ezra Dyer) and actually had some validity to it. It was more than being just a flame on old european cars, it was based on the reality that there are many options out there and was slanted to those who look at automobiles as just a form of transportation...it was actually rather sarcastically written....another way to look at the same point is owning vs leasing...two good fights there...

Having owned a number of "high end" vehicles, and also quoting many on these boards (especially the E70 board that I'm always on), some of these vehicles are frighteningly expensive to own and maintain out of warranty so for many it is a valid concern. One of the points in the article was that if you're buying a 10-year old 7 series because you want to show off and think "wow a $70k car for $12k" you have another thing coming to you...

As my lease just ended I am actually debating heavily on the lease vs purchase scenario and struggle with the thought of owning something like an X5M 6 years from now...what will it really be worth...what are the lost opportunity costs... would I be in the same bottom line position after 5 years (real world value of car vs. what i have in it) or is it better to rent and walk away....

I've been reading the mag. since it started in the 80's and always read the editorials with a smile as MOST of the time they are a great mix of humor and insight....

flame on!

__________________