Will You Buy The Same Brand Again When You Replace Your Vehicle?

I just bought a brand new Volvo C70 last week and I realized that I've never owned the same brand of car... Chrysler, Pontiac, Olds (okay those two could count together), Toyota and now Volvo... for me loyalty isn't an issue, usually I have some likes but I re-evaluate the field every time I go to buy, if someone has something new that I like or such I'll go for it. In fact I was considering a Mazda until I bought the C70 on pretty much a whim.

I'm sorry about your M3, but I am glad that your employee's OK. You handled it much better than I would've... but then again I don't give my car to people I work with anyway! LOL.

I probably will, but there's a chance I won't. Actually let me rephrase that--my next car purchase will probably be an Audi or BMW. However, it will only complement the S4. When I actually replace the S4, if I had gotten an Audi sedan to live with it, I will probably get something else. I'm partial to Audi, BMW and Porsche.

Have you driven a 135 yet?

001

Drove the 135i last year, was impressed. The local dealer is offering 135i convertibles for $500 a month with $0 down lease.

-00J

$500 per month for the 135i convertible? That's cheap, Agent J. How much is due at signing? What kind of leasing deals do they have on a 335xi? Thanks.

I'm sorry to hear about your M3. But I do echo Agent 001's sentiment about not loaning my cars out to my employees. There's a line that has to be maintained between the employer and his/her employees. With that said, I would probably replaced the M3 sedan with another M3 sedan. But if you wanted to get into something else different, the new S4 sedan is a good alternative that should, at the very least, be looked at.

But if you are looking into the 370z coupe, then other viable coupes like the Cayman S and 911 S are my choice of replacement for the M3 sedan.

I'm fairly young, so I haven't owned many brands: Ford, Pontiac, and currently Lexus (I have driven a wide variety, however). I can't say for certain that I would buy another Lexus, but I have been very happy with my current car and the Lexus dealership experience in general, and I would buy a Lexus over an equivalent car of another brand without question.

As for what I would consider, the only type of car I'd be hesitant to consider would be American, primarily due to my dealership experiences and long-standing reputations (deserved or not) for using lower quality materials and construction processes. Unless the dealership experience has improved substantially since I last considered American (which I have no reason to believe), it would take a pretty compelling reason to make me buy American again.

I'd say throw caution to the wind and...wait, you've already done that. Go for a used 997 or sorts. Can't go wrong there, unless you let someone else drive it.

I traded a 997S for the M3. I did this as the car seat for my son didn't fit in the Porsche. It was a good trade off as my son loves fast cars.

-00J

I'm actually seriously considering the Genesis Coupe. You should probably check it out. Much better than getting a Civic, Mini, or GTI.

Agent00J,

you're my kind of friend. lol. The only way anyone is driving my car is if I'm in the front passenger seat with my left foot hovering over the brake or I have their car (title and keys in hand) as collateral. Just kidding..There are a handful of people I lend my car out to, but unfortunately the risk of a crash is always a possibility when you cross that line... That said you seem to be a class act (unless you left out the part when the car jack mysteriously dropped on his big toe).
I didn't hear all of your criteria though.... Do you have another car..what do you look for in a car? What's your max budget etc..? There are so many choices so I always look at everything in the same segment. If you're looking at less dough than the M3, below are great practical yet solid performing all rounders that help deliver the doses of adrenalin you need regularly


Audi S4 (new)
BMW 335
Infinity G37


If space is not a consideration
Audi S5/A5
BMW 135
Infinity G37 coupe
Nissan 370Z
Porsche Cayman (used)

Just some future advice/rule that determines whether to lend someone your car...if they NEED to borrow your car the answer is no. If they can't afford a car , they can't afford to fix your car. If someone just doesn't have their car handy (and if it's nicer than yours) the answer is yes.

On loyaly, not especially. I've been through a Ford, Saab, Porsche, Jeep and now Subaru (STi). I highly suggest an STi, great track car, everyday car, and all wheel drive for the bad weather. Then your co-worker may not have spun out so easily!!!

Good luck with the Insurance Company.

Im still trying to imagine taking my bosses car out, thrashing it in obviously dangerous conditions just to phone in its done for, all while getting no work done that day--- Youre a good one Agent00J to deal with this so well! A bit more inexpensive but still fun? The Z, Cayman, Civic SI make sense to me too, would you consider a used late model Corvette for an American option to add in the mix

For the record, I uploaded some other photos from the accident this morning. Mrs. Agent 00J and Agent 00J went out last night, and Agent 00J drank a little too much forcing Mrs. Agent 00J to have to drive home (she is pregnant with a new Baby Agent so she drank Coke all night).

My only concern about the whole event was that no one got hurt, and for that the BMW did a great job. The pictures don't do justice to the amount of damage, so far $22,500 and counting! Part of the issue is the sheer cost to replace most of the parts as they come directly from BMW.

My thinking in replacing is getting something less expensive (this economy has hit my business as well) that rewards good driving by forcing the driver to extract the performance, not just gives it too you by sheer blunt force like the M3.

Time will tell the fate of the M3, I have had fun looking at other cars though.

A funny side note, when I went to look at the Nissan 370Z, I asked the salesperson what the cover at the center lower rear part of the car was for. His first response was that it was for a trailer hitch. I told him he was wrong. He tried again, this time telling me it must be for the tow hook. Again I pointed out to him the tow hook cover. If third time is the charm, his response would win an award, he stated that because the 370Z doesn't have a tow hook on the front of the car (it does) that it would require 2 tow hooks on the back.

Satisfied with his response, he walked away. I said in a voice loud enough for him to hear, "I love when salespeople MAKE UP ANSWERS instead of finding out the truth."

-00J

OOJ: I drive a 2005 Mercedes E500 and there is NO WAY that I will replace it with the 2010. Reasons: 1. The styling in nothing special and I don't think it looks nearly as good as the C Class. 2. The move of the shifter to the column is a mistake that BMW has rectified with the new 7. I use is a lot and steering wheel buttons don't cut it. 3. The dash looks like a step to the rear and the steering wheel as well. I will consider the new BMW 5 and the Audi A7. Good luck in finding something new.

After owning BMWs going back 20 years (I currently own two BMW cars and one BMW motorcycle), I will not be buying another new BMW. I won't buy a car that comes with atrocious tires and no spare and I won't buy a car that will not allow me to check my own oil! I guess BMW doesn't worry about what I want anymore. When a new BMW shows up with decent tires, a full size spare, and a dip stick - I will buy it.

I'm pretty sure your BMW already has a "dpi stick".. ;)

^^^^^^^Now I guess I'm a dip stick for misspelling it..;)

I have to agree with you. I've owned a few BMW 3 series over the past 15 years. I will probably not be buying one for a while. Though they are legendary for their performance and engines, sometimes they stink up the place with the smaller detail things. Example: I absolutely hate those run flat tires; some people prefer them. My friend has a more current 3 series model. The RF tires are expensive to replace, ride rough, get louder when the trend wears. Why did they stop putting any size spare in the trunk. I also dislike how you are nickeled to death with options that SHOULD BE standard such as: folding rear seats ($400), HD radio; keyless entry, metallic paint & etc. These options should be standard on a car of this expense & caliber. The interior ergonomics on the dash and cockpit for the 2000-05 model years was gorgeous. Now we get the two cheap cup holders up on the dash line. I would like to see them go back to a good high performance tire (non-run flat), get rid of the plastic cup holders in the dash, make a few more common features standard. As much as I liked my BMWs, I'll probably try some other manufacturer's product. There are many fine cars available in this segment that make driving fun I may give a - MB, Audi, Porche, Infiniti.

Sorry 00J, that is not a total loss, that car is very fixable. Nowadays, insurance companies are holding onto all the money they have. That car is simply worth too much to total it. Just because the parts come directly from BMW, all that means is that your are going to wait longer for your car to get fixed.

I am going through the same thing with my CTS, I hit a truck that cut me off in the snow, and the damage was appraised at 12000 not the 16000 i needed to get a total.

It doesn't look like a lot of damage, but the initial estimate is $22,500.

The insurance company and I are apart on value as they are placing the value about $10k higher than any evidence I can find to support that number.

I am not giving up the fight.

-00J

Sorry about the car but glad to hear you handled it well. I've owned alot of brands over the years since the early 70's of all shapes and sizes. I like to try something new each time and have never bought the same car twice until recently. My current vehicles are a 2006 Civic (leased new) and a '97 Dodge Caravan (bought new in '97 now with 270,000 km.) The Caravan which my wife loves is the longest running vehcile I've ever owned and hard to believe but other than a new transmission has proven to be the most reliable and least troublesome vehicle of the lot other than the new Civic. I will more than likely purchase another Honda (Fit or Insight), so perhaps my 'auto loyalty' is beginning to show. The Hondas have proven to be more than reliable. Considering the question of brands I don't think it matters as much as how many times you find yourself in a garage for service. I've found that the more expensive a brand does not guarantee a more reliable car. Quality and value are not exclusive to higher priced vehicles which might offer more in performance but usually not without a greater cost in both time and money to operate.

i totally agree with you about price having NO CORRELATION to reliability and overall expenses. of two toyotas, one nissan and one ford (focus) bought NEW, plus two more toyotas bought used, these are the TOTAL (not annual) costs to me for parts/repairs other than for normal wear and tear, over the YEARS of ownership (ranging from 5 to 15):

1971 toyota, less than $25
1986 nissan, less than $60
1993 toyota, $0
1994 toyota (bought used in '97; and still owned), $0
2000 ford, $0 (but several parts replacements under warranty)
2003 toyota (bought used in '05 and still owned), $0

i've also owned a number of used vehicles, including a buick and two cadillacs; NONE have been so inexpensive to keep and maintain.

needless to say, chances are high that my next vehicle will be another toyota product.

a number of OTHER used vehicles...

how about that Pontiac G8 xxxx that 001 wrote about? I think you need 4 doors for the fam and car seat if the kid still uses one.

Absolutely. I could not be happier with my '07 BMW 328xi coupe. I would buy another Bimmer in a heartbeat. It's a great car.

I have only had 1 minor issue with my Mercedes so I could definitely say yes. I'm waiting for the new one to come out so I can get one. Most likely triple black this time. If I don't get another Benz I'm thinking 911. My larger concern is what to do with my daily driver. I have an 01 Honda Civic that I drive back and forth to work most days and its been great. I've gotten my moneys worth. I put 149,000 miles on it with only oil changes and brakes. I don't like the new Hondas so when it dies I think maybe i'll get a year old A4 or something.
T

Sorry about your loss give the Passat CC a shot or S4 I think AWD may keep this from happening again, M3 a great car but winter a little scary.

My 2nd last NEW vehicle was a 1992 VW 1-ton truck. After years of new construction work (mostly off-road) and a camping trip driving to Mexico from Canada, its used by everyone at the office when they move, or need to haul dirt-bikes miles into the bush. Have no idea what will replace it when it wears out in another 15 or 20 years...

LAST NEW car: 1998 VW NB TDI 5-spd (son who drives it now was 11 when it was new)
NEXT NEW car: 2009 VW Jetta TDI Wagon with DSG (picking up next Saturday ... waited 6 months for it to be built ... definitely the most environmentally friendly car you can buy in North America, and it hauls more than an A4 wagon for 1/2 the price ... plus free maintenance!)

OTHER CAR: 2000 A6 2.7t 6-spd
REPLACEMENT: Possibly Passat CC 2.0-Turbo, 6-spd or maybe BMW 335D or any other turbo-diesel sports-car coming out in the next couple of years.

Current vehicle - early 2000's Pontiac Grand Am. Works well, pretty good mileage, cheap interior, high-school looking exterior. Based solely on my current car, would I get another GM... probably not.

BUT.... being that Im not the average dim witted citizen of our fine country, I have acutally looked at what GM has to offer right now and hands down, my next buy will be a GM vehicle (most likely the Cruze or LaCrosse).

Yes i know, I just said I wanted a Buick (and Im not even 30), but oddly enough, Buick has finally made 2 (yes TWO) models that are eye-catching sexy models. I would want the CTS/Escalade/Acadia but they're too expensive for my cheap ass.

replacing an m3 and want to spend less, maybe g37x sedan, 335xi bmw sedan, or s4 might be the way to go for you.

downgrading will not be easy from all that power trust me, i had an e46 m3 2005 and now have a 2008 335xi,

i cant wait till this lease is up, the car drives great for most people, but once you have driven an m3, you need an s4, another m, or amg to satisfy you.

"downgrading will not be easy from all that power ..."

see the article Joy of Slow in the current Automobile magazine for a differing opinion. it verifies what i myself have believed for years: It is far more fun driving a slow car fast, than having to restrain yourself in a fast car.

corollary: there are slow slow cars, and fast slow cars.

all of my recent 'slow' cars have been still capable of 110 mph; sufficient reserve to my preferred 70 - 85 mph cruising speed. and 30+ mpg is great too!

Sorry to hear about your car! What a bummer.

I currently drive an e46 M3 and plan to replace it with another BMW when the time comes.

Unfortunately I am in a similar situation, except they totaled my E46 328i after I got rear ended. On the plus side, they gave me a great value after I showed them receipts for my autocrossing mods, more than I could get on my own. I ruled out the G37 Sport sedan with manual due to a tighter fit (I'm 6'7") and the clutch/shifter just is not as refined as any I've driven on a BMW (my wife agreed). It's a great car other than that and I'm sure it'd be nice if I wanted an automatic.

I tried the 370Z and had my knees jammed up by the steering wheel, head brushing the roof, and bottom seat cushion digging into my thighs. I swear the 350Z was roomier.

I love the 135i, but the used market is limited and I don't really want to get a new one since I'm buying about a year ahead of schedule. The wife and I think it may be a bit small too. I probably can't fit in it with a race helmet.

The E9x 335i (still debating between coupe/sedan) is very nice inside and a lot of fun to drive. I'm considering '07 CPOs. I drive too many miles to lease a new car, so that option is pretty much out.

I'm also considering an '04/'05 M3, but maintenance/repair costs are kind of scary. Having owned a '99 M3 before, I know all the parts alone are a lot more expensive than with a regular BMW. It also isn't exactly a fuel miser and I would have to find one without a sunroof (not common) due to fitment issues. One negative is I've been sitting in basically the same car for over 5 years and something different would be nice. Bluetooth is a question, not sure how many had it, if it was even available. I also still need to drive one as I have only driven them on a race course and don't know how one would be on my 45 mile daily commute.

My final option is 2009 Pontiac G8 GT. Great prices, nice power, decent handling, roomy, but it's an automatic only. Thanks to cylinder deactivation, it gets better mileage than the E46 M3. I would have to find one with Bluetooth and those are just coming off the boat. The stereo also sucks and doesn't have RDS. Total Cost of Ownership is cheapest with this option, according to Edmunds.

I briefly considered the Mini (great cost of ownership, good autocross car, a 6'7" person in a Mini???), Mazdaspeed3 (hate to buy one when the new model is coming out, plus no bluetooth). Also, both are fun to drive, but still FWD.

Agent00J, I think somebody else mentioned it, but have you considered the Pontiac G8 GXP? My friend just got a manual one and it's really nice! It's no E9x M3 (I've driven those too) due to size/weight, but it's still fun, and a lot cheaper. If GM had built cars like that years ago, they might not be in so much trouble now.

I currently drive a 1999 Mitsubishi Galant Super Saloon. Right now Mitsubishi doesn't offer a Galant in the Jamaican market (thankfully, because the ones they currently offer in the US are disgraceful) so there is nothing to replace it with. They do offer a set of SUVs and the Lancer, of course, but I'm not biting. So my answer right now would have to be, no. I wouldn't buy a new Mitsubishi, even though I love my Galant. What new car would I buy? That's a tough question. In Jamaica there are two problems with buying a car. If the car isn't a bitch to maintain, then the dealers themselves are bitches, or both. I'd like to avoid those scenarios. Hence, I wouldn't buy a new car here.

Current: Lexus IS350 as DD

Primarily a 2D coupe driver, but even occasional transport of two small kids made my last car buying decision to move to a sedan. It was a difficult decision as I was looking at a 135i coupe at the time. I will, most likely, go back to a coupe when my next DD purchase rolls around. The 135i still looks good to me, but the A5/S5 is also tickling my fancy.

Yes, I would get in to the same vehicle. in the last 3 years I have gone from:
2006 330i sedan
2007 335i sedan
2008 335i sedan

If the current 335i got wrecked, I would get a 335xi coupe. I have driven many vehicles in the same price point and nothing comes close to the 335. I do not know how anyone would not want to drive this vehicle everyday. Once people drive the 335 more and more, they fall in love with it, the vehicles becomes a part of them. All of the other vehicles lose their luster within the first year. Somehow, you love your 335 more everyday.

At last count I have had some 29 cars. Yes, I am old. That number includes a lot of multiple car years. My present policy for example has 4 on it.

They have been a large variety of makes. 8 Fords (includes 3 trucks), 6 Chevy's, 2 Audi's, 1 Mitsubushi, 1 Fiat (bought new!), 4 Chryslers, a couple of Mercurys, 1 Nissan, 1 Honda, and a Buick. I am probably forgetting some.

The Nissan is the only brand I would never consider again. I do believe in holding a grudge and there was at least one Maxima built that was the poster child for POS's.

My repeat purchases have more been by accident than design. Even with the repating brands it has never been the same model with the exception of 2 Ford Club Wagons. Life's too short not to experience as many flavors as you can. I am hoping Alfa returns soon as I have always wanted to check off that box on the score card.

not me i used to drive a fait Uno 2002,3,4 then went to Golf Mk1 then it got wrecked so went to Ford focus current ride hoping to pay its off and keep it and move to a LExus is250c

I have owned 13 cars. I have been a hondaphile until recently. Keeping an eye on Hyundai. Have never had a problem with Toyotas. I will not buy chevrolet, ford or GM until they rate well in long term tests in consumer mag and other long term tests for a few years.I giving Hyundai a chance currently, but this is how my brands have stacked up, the list should explain my prejudice, not mentioned are normal wear and tear- cv joints, timing belts, brakes, filters, oil:

1. 86 Honda Accord, $3000 used at 100K miles, departed at 250K needed three distributors in it's lifetime.
2. 85 Civic 3 door, $4000 used at 30K miles, departed at 180K
3. 84 Civic 5 door, $2000 used at 100K miles, departed at 170K
4. 91 Nissan Stanza, $1000 used at 100K miles, departed at 180K after I let it overheat three times from failing hoses and water pump.
5. 2007 Hyundai Entourage 25K New, at 50K miles, still on the road, no major problems. Power doors needed recall parts replaced. Failed belt idler bearing. It's a tank, my verdict will be ready at 100K miles.
6. 2001 Toyota Echo, purchased new for 12K, still driving at 110K miles. AC compressor failed at 100K miles. Not a joy to drive but always gets me to work.
7. 2002 Subaru WRX, Purchased new for 25K, factory recalls for computer, axle seals failed at 30K miles, sold at 50K miles for 15K. A joy to drive but kept me too close to trouble with the law when driven as it was intended.
8. 1994 Isuzu Pickup, $1000 at 70K miles with problems, sold at 90K miles, cracked head, other friends with isuzus had better luck passing 150K miles, fuel economy was not as good as I would have liked.
9. 1991 Chevy S-10, $1800 at 60K miles, leaks, junked at 90K, failed computer, failed fuel pumps multiple times, blown head gaskets two times, waterpump at 70K miles, throttle position sensor was sketchy. transmission barely held 2nd gear, will not buy chevrolet again after watching neighbor go through similar experience with full size trucks from early 2000's
10. 1998 Mercury Sable, purchased used for $12000 at 20K miles, transmission 1 failed at 30Kmiles. Transmission 2 failed at 50K miles. Switchgear failed, door switches, neutral park switch broken. sold at 55K miles for $3000 will not buy ford again after my relatives had very similar experiences with ford trucks and cars.
11. 73 dodge dart. $2000 at 40k miles, died in flames at 90K after mods failed. This doesn't count. The dart was far better built than our K car.
12. 83 Dodge 600 ES, given to me when I was 18 with 99K miles and mitsubishi engine worked great, 3 transmissions, suspension overhauled twice in 50k warranty. Did not live to see 120K miles. would not buy dodge again, the only thing of value in that car was the mitsubishi engine.
13 1966 Chevy truck 3/4 ton, perfect in every way until the smog police modified it. this does not count. chevrolet lost their way after 1970.

I still love my 745Li and would buy it again in a heart beat. I will buy the new 7 later this year. I never get in this car that I didn't think "this is my baby." She's got that big beautiful butt. All the crying about the iDrive was just a tantrum from the old men who review cars.

Agent 00J, I'm sorry for your loss, but 2 things to be told...
1-Treat your beloved car like your beloved wife so don't lend your car to anyone...!
2-The sensible replacement for your M3 are either the MB C63 AMG or Audi RS4.