What is the price point for a nice car these days?

[Chunkee]

Seems most reviews state poor quality, fit and finish etc. To get a nice refined car, it would seem one needs to spend around 35000 bux.

i am not talking econobox, nor accord or camry... and i know things have gone up in price...

but it appears that the G35 starts the gammut for a "nice" quality car with balance of materials used, performance, safety, finish..etc..

What others?

 

[alkemyst]

depends on definition. However, most are limited to their budgets. Obviously at higher price points more is spent on refinement.

 

[ponyo]

Well, average cost of new car in the US is ~$29,000. So if you want something better than average, you're likely going to have to pay more than that if you want nicer new car.

Average cost of used car is ~$14,000. If you want nice car on a budget, get used luxury.

 

[alkemyst]

Originally posted by: Naustica
Well, average cost of new car in the US is ~$29,000. So if you want something better than average, you're likely going to have to pay more than that if you want nicer new car.

Average cost of used car is ~$14,000. If you want nice car on a budget, get used luxury.

While the average new car is selling at $28k, the average buyer of even a new car is not shopping that high.

 

[radioouman]

Originally posted by: alkemyst

Originally posted by: Naustica
Well, average cost of new car in the US is ~$29,000. So if you want something better than average, you're likely going to have to pay more than that if you want nicer new car.

Average cost of used car is ~$14,000. If you want nice car on a budget, get used luxury.

While the average new car is selling at $28k, the average buyer of even a new car is not shopping that high.

True.

 

[sniperruff]

well, your "econo boxes" are getting more features and power for an increased price. as for fit and finish, it's all relative.

 

[marvdmartian]

Originally posted by: Naustica
Well, average cost of new car in the US is ~$29,000. So if you want something better than average, you're likely going to have to pay more than that if you want nicer new car.

Average cost of used car is ~$14,000. If you want nice car on a budget, get used luxury.

Might go down a bit now, tho, with the death of the SUV.

 

[Kadarin]

It depends on what your criteria are for "nice". But a typical midsized luxury car starts around 35K.

 

[Bignate603]

I would say $30k would get you a nice car, but I my criteria is pretty easy going. If it drives reliably I consider it a nice car.

 

[Srfrbum]

You can get a base Bmw 1 series for like 29,000
And that car is sweeeeeet.

 

[Arkaign]

Maybe it's just me, but I've sat in the '08 Accord, and I can't tell any quality difference between it and the '07 Jaguar that I checked out, or the G37S.

 

[Mermaidman]

Anyone know what proportion of new car buyers borrow money to finance their purchases? Maybe I'm just poor, but I cringe at the thought of shelling out $30K in cash for a car.

 

[woodie1]

Originally posted by: Arkaign
Maybe it's just me, but I've sat in the '08 Accord, and I can't tell any quality difference between it and the '07 Jaguar that I checked out, or the G37S.

Did you not drive any of them. Makes a lot of difference.

 

[fstime]

Originally posted by: Mermaidman
Anyone know what proportion of new car buyers borrow money to finance their purchases? Maybe I'm just poor, but I cringe at the thought of shelling out $30K in cash for a car.

Welcome to America, where people finance a new car every 2 years with a payment thats 70% of their income.

Ballers.

I'll be first to admit a new car IS a huge waste of money but thats just me.


OP: the G35 is known as a good car for your market.

 

[Extelleron]

I suppose as has been said the average price for a car is ~$28-29k.

To be honest I'm pretty surprised that the average price is so high. Of course it is inflated by the ultra-expensive cars purchased, but that is a small part of the market. Considering the median American household earns ~$48,000/yr and typically will own two cars, that would mean that the average household spends more on cars than it brings in per year.

I think people spend way too much on cars TBH. If you have money, then sure, go buy a nice car. I definitely would. But considering the financial position most people are in these days, there is no reason why they need anything more than a <$20k car like the Honda Civic or Ford Focus.

I would say you can get a decent car starting at just below ~$20k. If you want full features, then you pay more. But if by a nice car you mean something reasonably safe, high gas mileage, gets you from point A to point B.... then you do not need to spend $30k.

 

[ponyo]

Originally posted by: Mermaidman
Anyone know what proportion of new car buyers borrow money to finance their purchases? Maybe I'm just poor, but I cringe at the thought of shelling out $30K in cash for a car.

About 10% of car buyers pay all cash for their new car purchase. That means ~90% of car buyers finance their purchase. Certain higher end brands like Mercedes, Volvo, Audi, and BMW, around 33% of their buyers pay all cash. These buyers are usually wealthier than a typical car buyer so they're more inclined to pay cash.

I normally pay cash for my car purchases and always for toys. The only exception I'll make is if I can get 0% financing or if it's for my business. It's tough writing a check for say $50k+ but when you leave the dealership, you feel much better knowing you don't have to write a check every month and quickly forget the missing money.

 

[Chunkee]

Originally posted by: Naustica

Originally posted by: Mermaidman
Anyone know what proportion of new car buyers borrow money to finance their purchases? Maybe I'm just poor, but I cringe at the thought of shelling out $30K in cash for a car.

About 10% of car buyers pay all cash for their new car purchase. That means ~90% of car buyers finance their purchase. Certain higher end brands like Mercedes, Volvo, Audi, and BMW, around 33% of their buyers pay all cash. These buyers are usually wealthier than a typical car buyer so they're more inclined to pay cash.

I normally pay cash for my car purchases and always for toys. The only exception I'll make is if I can get 0% financing or if it's for my business. It's tough writing a check for say $50k+ but when you leave the dealership, you feel much better knowing you don't have to write a check every month and quickly forget the missing money.

You are THE Cheddar Man... 50 g checks indeed. Must be nice..


JC

 

[Jumpem]

Originally posted by: Mermaidman
Anyone know what proportion of new car buyers borrow money to finance their purchases? Maybe I'm just poor, but I cringe at the thought of shelling out $30K in cash for a car.

I finance all of my new cars. Most I keep only one to two years though. On all but one, I have at least broke even.