Monkey wrench thrown into my X5 decision...

[PUZZ]

Just when I finally decide that the X5 is going to be my future car, I get an offer from Mercedes-Benz Credit that shaves $8500 off my lease buyout to $22,000. So now my head is spinning. Do I stay the course and lease a $65,000 X5 for $900+/- per month or to I by my E500 with 49,000 miles on it for $22,000? I assume I can negotiate that number too.

What to do?

[rh71]

Well the $22k will be 2 years of lease for the X5. If money isn't a huge factor, it comes down to - same car or new car... easy choice for me.

[golfer4life]

Originally Posted by rh71

Well the $22k will be 2 years of lease for the X5. If money isn't a huge factor, it comes down to - same car or new car... easy choice for me.

+1 taking in consideration also the new warranty and free maintenance package on the new X5 vs. an almost out of warranty MBZ

[kimg9582]

I would base on the need ... AWD? cargo room, ride comfort?, etc. and the condition/satisfaction of driving the E500.

In my case, I kept both. E320 & X5.

[nynd]

Look at the financials and go from there. If the MB has been a good car and your happy with it - stick with it. If you forsee issues down the road, dump it and move on.

[AzNMpower32]

Do you like your MB now? If you're happy with it and don't see any big problems, then keep it.

[ljnlaw]

From a driving standpoint I have driven both and although they are different kinds of vehicles (one an SAV and the other a sedan) I like the ride better in the 4.8i over the E500 believe it or not.

[PUZZ]

Originally Posted by rh71

Well the $22k will be 2 years of lease for the X5. If money isn't a huge factor, it comes down to - same car or new car... easy choice for me.

I had that thought too. But the flaw in the argument is that after 2 years, I still have a car that's worth something. It's not like I'm buying the MBZ now for $22K and it depreciates down to zero in two years.

I don't know what to do. The sensible side of me that is turning 40 in June who has read the Millionaire Next Door says, write the check and drive it until the wheels fall off. The car nut side says, stay the course and get the X5.

[NOVAX5]

This is easy math:

solution 1: after 2 years you will own a decent used MB with no payment at all but still MB will need repairs.

solution 2: after 2 years keep paying (probably) $900 a month for another 3 years to actually own the used X5 (by that time) and still need repairs.

solution3: drive the new X5 and pay $900 a month 2 years and end up owning nothing.

SOLUTION 1 wins. period. MB = BMW

[Penguin]

Originally Posted by NOVAX5

This is easy math:

solution 1: after 2 years you will own a decent used MB with no payment at all but still MB will need repairs.

solution 2: after 2 years keep paying (probably) $900 a month for another 3 years to actually own the used X5 (by that time) and still need repairs.

solution3: drive the new X5 and pay $900 a month 2 years and end up owning nothing.

SOLUTION 1 wins. period. MB = BMW