KBB lists the high blue book trade-in value for my car at $27,700 (assuming it's back to stock). I am highly tempted to trade it in for either an 06 E55 ($47k), 07 E63 ($54k) or 06 M5 ($54k) for around the same price. In the past I test drove an 02 and 05 E55 and fell in love. Our car is good but it's not as satisfying.

I definitely want the car and affordability is not an issue, my only concern is the economy. So far my wife and I both have jobs. My wife is a project manager for a large corporation and I am a manufacturing engineer for a small start-up (both in the medical device field). The industry is fairly stable. I'm at my 5th company in 8 years and my wife's been at hers since 2002. Typically, it takes me between 1-3 months to land a new job after a layoff (company closure, acquisition, etc.). Being that I've been laid off in the past, I'm confident in finding a new gig with my experience and skillset. However, with the current economic situation, it kind of worries me a little more. Let me know what you guys think from the current economic standpoint, should I let go of my indulgence or fulfill a dream?

 

If I were a manufacturing engineer, I would be very worry. All these medical device will be made in a foreign country soon for half of the price. Hold on to your GS and put the money in the back, not waste it in a car.

 

Thanks for your feedback but it's not enough to sway me away from the car. Some established and marketed devices will go overseas but definitely not the early stage stuff (pre and early market release). With federal regulations, it takes a long time to take a device overseas, especially if it's an implantable (class III) or a complex disposable. Medical devices are not like semiconductors! I work mainly in manufacturing process development. Like I said, 5 companies in 8 years! From experience, I'll be at my current job for at least 6-24 more months.

 

You only live once.

I say get what you really want. As long as you have a emergency fund in case you do get laid off.

 

in current's economy, i'd prolong the job hunting to 6 months just to be safe

on the car, just look out for the e55, warranty is out and supercharger / brakes aren't cheap to maintain

performance wise, it's no brainer

 

You have a good point! The E63 is normally aspirated, meaning less parts and complications? If I decided to pull the trigger, would you recommend paying the extra dough to get an 07? It does appear better with the minor facelift from 06.

 

^^^ The new E-class is coming out this year. Don't know about you, but I would not pay that much for an old body.

 

I like the new 5 series body style coming out but I'm not really feeling the new E-class body. The front lights aren't the same and the back looks like a Lincoln sedan. E.g. I still like the previous S-class better than the new. The front looks good but the back has not grown on me.

 

It depends on the total picture, not just about the price. Do you plan to own or lease, how much would the payment diff be? I consider those cars to be niche cars and so they tend to hold their value a little better, but taking a big loss right now may not be the best idea, although it depends on what you owe, if anything on your lexus?

I like the E63 and M5 myself, pass on the E55 for reasons mentioned above...

 

I am thinking of trading the GS for the E60 M5 but since the economy is in the dump and who knows what could or might happen I'm holding on to my GS350 and my money but from knowing Benz and BMW going with BMW warranty coverage is way better, well for me anyways!

depending on dealer service changes, can be great or it could be real ******y!

Drove both cars, loved the M5 overall, all depends on drivers interests.

I learned waiting is always better than rushing in some cases anyway!

 

yes, when i looked at the amg, i also thought about e55 coz' the massive tq is so nice. but when i read more about the supercharger and the potential cost, it's a big no-no. mb also had problems with their 8 pot brake setup on the e55, that's why now they have the new 6 pot setup on the e63. they are all for a reason, and why i would only consider e63 and not e55

07 is more money for sure, but at least you also have a bit more warranty. it is a bit facelift on the amg cars, i actually don't like the changes as much, but i can live with the power

yeah this economy definitely make us all think. i was also this close from getting the e60 m5, the v10 is just something else, and i love the handling a lot more than the e63. but after judging more factors, paying less for m3 makes more sense

and yes, also keep in mind that the e class is having a redesign toward the end of the year. so by then all the current generation e class will take another major dump.

when i was shopping for e63 in dec 08, dealers were begging to me to buy the car and they admitted that they wanted to get rid of the car coz' the new e class is coming

so if you are shopping for a used one now, make sure they are aware that you know about the model change and not willing to pay more for the car. it's totally buyer's market now on the e class amg

i am moving this to car chat

 

Keep the Lexus! You'll thank me later. Stay away from MBZ products, these things are nothing but a nightmare with maintenance. My wife and I have learned the hard way. Her car has had numerous issues from powertrain to window grease and air bag sensors. Maintaining a Lexus is night and day difference compared to MBZ.

 

I agree. It is hard to justify a new car purchase, particularly one that is fueled by passion and not by playing it safe, but I say if you have enough money put away, BESIDES car money, to take care of bills for at least 3 months if you or your wife were to loose your job, then I say go for it, because you can always live your life in fear and never get what you want.

With all that said, no E55, make sure you get a warranty, which would mean newer M5 or E63. German is horrible to maintain out of pocket.

Also, consider waiting until they drop the price again with the new E, that way, you maximize your purchase.

Good luck!

 

if you have 6 months salary saved up for an emergency fund do it, otherwise, you're nuts in this economy.

 

The cars you're shopping are all new enough to have an existing/extended warranty. I wouldn't want to own any of them out of warranty. I've heard numerous reliability complaints for both the E55 and the M5.

So make sure you're covered and go for it! All 3 will be a blast to drive.