Originally Posted by Imy

I would say never buy a car on its purchase value, but rather its maintenence value. If you cant afford to maintain it, you cant afford to buy it period.

Originally Posted by bbultman

My guess is the 19 year old is paying for his X5, paying insurance, gas and all repairs. At least that's what the post implies. That's probably not the case with a teenager at home and dad has probably done the maintenace thus far and will continue to do the maintenance as long this 'fleet vehicle' stays in the family, taking all burden from the teenager. When I look for a first vehicle for my teenager, it will not be a 13 year old X5 based on my experience and what I read here. Maybe the 19 year old will continue to run his 4.4 and never have an issue. That would be awesome.