Would YOU Rather Have A TOP Of The Line NORMAL Car Or An ENTRY-LEVEL Premium Make? WHY?

If you grew up in a middle class family like mine, you're probably familiar with this case. It's time to buy a new car and there's a budget, BUT there's always a bit of wiggle room. That is if something catches your eye and makes your heart flutter.

And the more I think about it, this seems to be a more common occurrence than I originally thought. A lot of friends and co-workers come up to me and ask "What should I do?"

Should I get a Toyota Avalon or Lexus ES?

or

Should I get an Audi A4 or the Volkswagen Passat?

Of course most DON'T actually take my advice, they do what their original plan was anyway. And I understand that as automobile purchases are typically an individual's second-largest acquisition right behind a home. People should follow their heart.

That said, what do you do in this situation? Do you go for the brand with more cachet and appeal OR do you opt for saving a buck or two and bite the bullet?

trmckin - 5/2/2013 10:57:15 PM

+3 Boost

For me... "top of the line normal" over "entry level premium" any day. Even base premium brands carry higher maintenance costs. A loaded accord over a base TL... A loaded tahoe over a base escalade.. Easy choices there.

Agent00R - 5/3/2013 12:00:00 AM

+3 Boost

That makes two of us.

I actually like a more subtle, passive ride that doesn't get any attention — from people and the law ;)

85bmw745i - 5/5/2013 10:04:27 PM

+1 Boost

Loaded Tahoe over Escalade any day, especially since they are the exact same vehicle except for a sifferent grill, headlights, taillights, and a cheesy side vent that looks like it came from autozone. Anyone buying a escalade is a fool. I could take the 40 or 50k i saved and buy a VW TDI and get the grill, headlights and taillights and put it on the tahoe and have an escalade for half the cost.

Firewombat - 5/3/2013 7:43:51 AM

+1 Boost

Entry level premium for me, but proper premium, not Acura, Infinity etc, then I'd rather have a top of the line normal

Agent009 - 5/3/2013 10:25:24 AM

-1 Boost

That why I am in a CC over another A4, more bang for the buck. Now I did swap out and drive a 2013 Passat SEL for a few days.

Why it is very nice, I am not the target demographic for it. For the audience it is aiming for however, it is a good fit.

scenicbyway12 - 5/3/2013 11:38:36 AM

+3 Boost

The picture above is the same car/suv, insert sarcasm.

Drerx8 - 5/3/2013 12:33:45 PM

+2 Boost

It really depends. You can fully load a boring Accord or Camry etc. with options...which you'll get hosed on in resale anyway...but you'll still have an Accord or Camry. In the case of the Escalade vs. Tahoe/Denali, I would probably go Tahoe/Denali and save the cash. CC vs. A4, I'd go CC. It really depends, there is no broad stamp to place on this one.

MorePower - 5/3/2013 5:27:58 PM

+1 Boost

I would rather have the right vehicle at the right price.

BimmersNme - 5/3/2013 8:31:12 PM

+2 Boost

I would always go for a Pre-owned Premium over a new "normal" car. The satisfaction of driving a let`s say 2010 BMW 335i cannot be matched by a fully loaded new Passat In My Humble Opinion.

2ndbimmer - 5/4/2013 10:10:38 AM

+1 Boost

Base model premium over loaded non premium. This is because over time, the fancy gadgets wear off and its all about the drive. A loaded accord or altima or a 135i coupe? 135 all day errrday!
You cannot compare an escalade to yukon/tahoe. Its the same car! You have to compare different parent companies. of course I would rather take a loaded nissan over any infiniti because its the identical car!

Also, a base model premium vehicle will not have tons of extra electronics on it to fail, unlike if a loaded accord may have nav or parking sensor issues. the premium would require less service visits over 100k miles, assuming you keep your cars that long.