$600/ month car allowance

[ripnbst]

If your company gave you a $600/month car allowance and their only restrictions were: 4 doors, less than 5 years old, must be bought brand new. What would you buy?

I am looking at the Evo, and maybe the Caddy CTS-V, anything else you would recomend considering?

Oh yeah, they pay for gas too.

EDIT: CTS-V is out, I didn't think they were as expensive as they are.

[RHD95S14]

I'd get an evo or a luxo. I assume they won't let you mod it...

[duballstar37]

Lexus GS. You arn't going to be able to modify it so why get the Evo??? Get something luxury.

[brndck]

Q45. Or m35. Infiniti sedan + coilovers + 19s or bigger = instant win.
Just keep the stock stuff for when it's time to turn it in.

[Kouki*Monster]

id ask where in the fuck you work so i can get a job!

[Baby Zilla S14]

05-06 M5 would be nice

[ThatGuy]

Well, I know one thing for sure...

I wouldn't be looking in CHAT.



Moved, because there are no NEW, 4 DOOR S or Z Chassis. :duh:

[wannabdr1ftr]

06-07 STI would be my first choice

[EDT007]

Depends on what you're looking for. You can get a new Lexus IS 250 AWD and pocket the rest. Not bad for a daily "beater"..hahahah..Goodluck!

[yokotas13]

Since it has to be bought new...
Lexus IS
FX35
whatever the inifinty 4dr skyline is in the states now. G35 or whatever
No need to get a hot rod, just get something nice

[lflkajfj12123]

Ferrari

Since it has to be bought new...
Lexus IS
FX35
whatever the inifinty 4dr skyline is in the states now. G35 or whatever
No need to get a hot rod, just get something nice

g37 i think

[VROOOM]

im sure you could get a great deal on a G8 GXP.

[randomxzero]

mazdaspeed mazda3 said and done...

[cserrano86]

I'd go with an STI...

[XeroX]

"less than 5 years old, must be bought brand new"

I dont get how it has to be less than 5 years old but then it has to be brand new? They have "new" 5 yo cars? wtf?

I would get a lux car for sure...BMW or Mercedes would be nice...

[VROOOM]

lease or are you gonna buy it?

[dynamicck]

4 door M3.

[vvtisupra]

CLS 500 or E63 wagon

[MikeisNissan]

2009 maxima

[VROOOM]

CLS 500 or E63 wagon

E63 wagon is 90k you can't get that for 600 a month.

i checked with 10k down and 0% interest for 72 months, its $1244 a month. no options

[ronmcdon]

$600 monthly payment is going to get you a $30k car @ 60 months with 5ish APR, iirc.
EVOs are cool, but you figure this is a company car.
probably not too safe if you have to chaffeur clients/the boss around.
personally id opt for a G8 or Audi A3.
That's if it has to be a NEW car.

If leases are allowed, I'd shoot for a 335/535 sedan.

[ESmorz]

What about down payment? Eh?

[MunsonAuto]

Why is this even a question...G8 GT hands down. Comfortable interior, 6 speed & LS3, rwd....That's what i'd get in a heartbeat.

[VROOOM]

Why is this even a question...G8 GT hands down. Comfortable interior, 6 speed & LS3, rwd....That's what i'd get in a heartbeat.

GT only comes auto, the GXP comes with 6speed.

[ripnbst]

Why is this even a question...G8 GT hands down. Comfortable interior, 6 speed & LS3, rwd....That's what i'd get in a heartbeat.

If the need arises to transport clients to lunch or w/e I still need to be able to do it in the winter. I dont have the luxury of no snow that you cali boys do although its not completely out of the question.
What about down payment? Eh?

Down payment will probably be like 6k.

"less than 5 years old, must be bought brand new"

I dont get how it has to be less than 5 years old but then it has to be brand new? They have "new" 5 yo cars? wtf?

I would get a lux car for sure...BMW or Mercedes would be nice...

The cars must be bought new and your car isnt allowed to be older than 5 years. AKA you must buy a new car every 5 years. That is what the 5 years old stipulation is. The car will be bought and owned by me, titled in my name, not the company so I could mod to my hearts content. The only thing is that I would have to keep it semi-comfortable for transporting clients(PBM type coils are definitely out). I would just have to make sure that all mods done wouldn't ruin street manners. That is for 5 years, after I am obligated to buy a new car then I could turn whatever the last car was into a monster truck if I wanted to. Although it would more likely becoming a track whore. Which is why I am liking the Evo option.

[SimpleS14]

What kind of company is this? (especially with this economy)




Toyota Prius

[JohnJohn86]

I want your job!!!

[ronmcdon]

If the need arises to transport clients to lunch or w/e I still need to be able to do it in the winter. I dont have the luxury of no snow that you cali boys do although its not completely out of the question.


Down payment will probably be like 6k.



The cars must be bought new and your car isnt allowed to be older than 5 years. AKA you must buy a new car every 5 years. That is what the 5 years old stipulation is. The car will be bought and owned by me, titled in my name, not the company so I could mod to my hearts content. The only thing is that I would have to keep it semi-comfortable for transporting clients(PBM type coils are definitely out). I would just have to make sure that all mods done wouldn't ruin street manners. That is for 5 years, after I am obligated to buy a new car then I could turn whatever the last car was into a monster truck if I wanted to. Although it would more likely becoming a track whore. Which is why I am liking the Evo option.

Given your circumstances,
if you don't mind transporting your clients in an evo then I'd say thats your best bet.
the only thing you'd have to take into consideration is whether or not it's comfy,
and affordability of insurance, unless its also covered.
the current evo tracks very well stock.

for your price range and preferences, the evo would be hands down the best choice.
only choice would be deciding between the MR and GSR.
MR might be more comfortable.
GSR would prob be better for extensive modding.
GSR is kinda loud cruising above 65, and the Recaros aren't built for fat ppl.
Otherwise it's very comfy.
EVO also tracks fine at hpde events in stock form.
It feels a bit soft and uncomposed in AutoX, but it still turns out very capable runs.

[Akiros]

shell out some of your own money and get an m3 sedan or a c63 AMG :) and be straight classy (fuck audi)


evo sounds good too though, and it will be probably better for your interests long term.

[silviaguy240]

LS460L
http://img213.imageshack.us/img213/8805/img06151gd1.jpg

A8L
http://www.autocult.com.au/img/gallery/TorqueOmata2178.jpg

XJ8 PLAAAAASSSSSS
http://d.yimg.com/ca.yimg.com/autos/JAGUAR-XJ_SERIES-2009-4SA.jpg


or anything else that comes long wheel base

[SimpleS14]

Infiniti M35x


I have one and it's quite comfy with ample room.

[ripnbst]

^Silviaguy240 LOL, you're nuts. I said 600, not 6000. Those cars are baller but I dont have that kind of budget. i am leaning towards the Evo X GSR pretty heavily. I know its not a 3 series but it should be comfortable enough. I am not fat so the seat should suit me fine. I dont see my clients being that uncomfortable. The longest I could see a client in my car at any one time is a half hour. Thats not really long enough to bitch about comfort if you ask me.

To the guy who said spend some of my own money and get an M3, I honestly thought about it. But then in 5 years (Or less) I have to get another car and I spent money I didnt need to on the car upfront that I wont get back so to me putting more money on top. On the topic of BMW I have looked into getting a 3 series but for the options I would want it ends up being a little more money than the Evo. I am not sure what kind of incentives BMW has right now but I know Mitsu America is hurting to sell their Evo inventory.

I have also thought going the complete opposite direction and getting something like a civic or something of the sort. Whatever I have left from the allowance put it in my pocket. Then after like a year or two put a nice down payment on a 350Z, E36 M3, etc and turn that into a track car/weekend warrior.

[LongGrain]

LS460

done

[lolatclint]

school bus

[babowc]

LS460L
http://img213.imageshack.us/img213/8805/img06151gd1.jpg

A8L
http://www.autocult.com.au/img/gallery/TorqueOmata2178.jpg

XJ8 PLAAAAASSSSSS
http://d.yimg.com/ca.yimg.com/autos/JAGUAR-XJ_SERIES-2009-4SA.jpg


or anything else that comes long wheel base

My pops has the LS460 and I tell you, it is very very very comfortable, but $600 won't get him anywhere close to it. He's paying $1200-1300/mo.. $0 down, 60mo, 6 or 7%

[babowc]

And also, I think the majority of people are thinking too "sporty"
if you're going to be hauling clients around, wouldn't you want something luxury and comfortable?

3 series are NOT comfortable.
IS isn't that comfortable either.
I've never ridden in a A4 so I can't say.

$600/mo w/ 6k down should be able to get you a 5 series with a lease option or even over a 72mo period. Hell, if you're not paying for it, get the best car you can get with the longest payment period.

After the 5 year period is up, what happens to the car? Is it sold or kept?

[Def]

A "normal" (non-M3) 3 series with a sport package is pretty damn cushy. It's not a Cadillac, but I doubt anybody in the world would complain about being driven around in one.

If it were me, I'd probably get a G37 or E92(2 door 3 series). Screw an LS Lexus, he's not 50 years old(it sounds like). The Evo is just going to be seen as a Mitsu by 99% of the people out there, and that's not exactly what I'd want to show up in to pick up a client. They'll probably just think you're driving around in some loud Mirage or something, not a good first impression.


It also matters what your job is, and the image you want to project. So what exactly do you do? Everybody I know with a company car usually just gets a Ford Taurus or equivalent and has no out of pocket expenses.

[Taniguchi_Is_#1]

is250 awd
m35x
328xi



forget that evo jazz unless you work for HKS or something; boy racer type cars shouldn't be on the company car radar.

[flip3d]

I vote 05+ STi. Get rid of the airplane wing and get a nice subtle lip spoiler. Shit looks executive.

[ronmcdon]

^Silviaguy240 LOL, you're nuts. I said 600, not 6000. Those cars are baller but I dont have that kind of budget. i am leaning towards the Evo X GSR pretty heavily. I know its not a 3 series but it should be comfortable enough. I am not fat so the seat should suit me fine. I dont see my clients being that uncomfortable. The longest I could see a client in my car at any one time is a half hour. Thats not really long enough to bitch about comfort if you ask me.

To the guy who said spend some of my own money and get an M3, I honestly thought about it. But then in 5 years (Or less) I have to get another car and I spent money I didnt need to on the car upfront that I wont get back so to me putting more money on top. On the topic of BMW I have looked into getting a 3 series but for the options I would want it ends up being a little more money than the Evo. I am not sure what kind of incentives BMW has right now but I know Mitsu America is hurting to sell their Evo inventory.

I have also thought going the complete opposite direction and getting something like a civic or something of the sort. Whatever I have left from the allowance put it in my pocket. Then after like a year or two put a nice down payment on a 350Z, E36 M3, etc and turn that into a track car/weekend warrior.

The only way to test comfort would be to take a test drive.
comfort is subjective.
it entirely meaningless for me to tell that 'such & such' car is too harsh or soft.
it's something you just have to experience first hand.

personally i think the evo's suspension is perfect.
it's stiff enough without being uncomfortable.
but that's not necessarily going to be valid to everyone.

Just make sure that your test drive encompasses shitty roads and hwy driving, so that you have a better idea of how it drives under different conditions.

The deals on evos are definitely there.
The dealer I went to in socal (southcoast mitsu) was selling them for invoice pretty much the first few months they were out.

[flip3d]

If you're really set on a BMW, the 3 series is a bit pricey. Try looking into the 1 series. They aren't as bad as you think.

[ryguy]

They're going to look down on you if you get an Evo. Definitely not a car to haul clients around in under any circumstances.

[VROOOM]

Subaru Legacy GT Spec B

[shishcabobers]

Mazdaspeed 6

http://img4.imageshack.us/img4/6636/dsc3096cframed.jpg

[sub9lulu]

get the G8 while the stealership still got those
GXP !!!!

and how much different is "taking clients out to lunch" different in the G8 than ... a BMW 3 series ? or a IS 250 / 350

if u got ur mind set for the evo then whatever

[TheWolf]

I'd try and get a hyundai genisis sedan or shoot for some toyota avalon. Those are "smart" choices. A STI is not a "client" car. Neither is an Evo. An Acura TSX would work as well.

[Maximamike]

Something comfortable and quiet. You're out of your mind if you buy an Evo with a company allowance. IS250/350, M35/M45 or G37. Either that or a truck/suv depending on what industry you are in.

[undesiredshoe]

Hyundai Genesis and and if your company goes bankrupt, Hyundai will buy it back from you.....

http://www.dieselupload.com/files/509_gad3k/DSC_0044.jpg

[ANVIL]

Civic Si, or WRX Sedan and pocket the leftover

[sub9lulu]

Civic Si, or WRX Sedan and pocket the leftover

its car allowance ... doubt u can pocket it ...

[ANVIL]

he said he could pocket the leftover...

[imotion s14]

Gunmetal Hummer H1 with a .50cal mount on top to clear traffic while I talk on my cellphone and change lanes without looking.

[ronmcdon]

Civic Si, or WRX Sedan and pocket the leftover

owned an 08 Si and test drove a 08 WRX.
both are great & practical!
Just stay away from the pre-08 Si's.
They are prone to tranny problems Honda doesn't always support.

The WRX will offer a much more comfortable ride & nicer interior than the EVO.
Driving dynamics & performance of the EVO are hard to beat though.

The Si is super fun to drive, but it's somewhat of an acquired taste.

[DrftSLowHomIe!!]

Done plus this color ownz ..............
http://www.babez.de/mercedes/cclass2007/mercedes-benz-c-class-titel.jpg

[turbo_dreams]

A toyota cressida.
Yes, a toyota cressida.
Nvm the 5 yr rule.
....On a serious note, 5 series bmw sounds about right, or a gs300 and just pocket the rest.

[VROOOM]

600 a month is nice. but it wont buy you a 5 series. you can tell most of the people on this site have never bought a new car.


and a Toyota Cressida??? only a drift fanboy would suggest such a monstrosity. i would love to take clients out in my 25 year old POS. they would probably laugh at you when you pulled up.

[ZilviaKid]

what do used maserati quattroporte's go for in your area?

[Taniguchi_Is_#1]

what do used maserati quattroporte's go for in your area?

not less than 40K, i'm sure.

[ronmcdon]

I'm going to have to go with the consensus mentality here
you guys cant be taken seriously
http://www.automotoportal.com/media/images/vijesti/060711010.6.jpg

[aoiken3]

is-f, c63 amg, cls 500, m3 sedan, or 7 series

show your clients that your car can be baller and fun

[Taniguchi_Is_#1]

i just saw the answer on the streets of philly:

http://www.chrisabraham.com/VW-Phaeton-v12-thumb.jpg

v8 versions can be had under 30K easily. v12 if you're lucky.

[Sleepy240]

I would suggest one of these...

Buick Lucerne
http://www.autospectator.com/cars/files/images/X08BU_LU033.jpg
http://blogs.cars.com/photos/uncategorized/2007/03/27/lucerne6.jpg
Northstar V-8, Heated/Cooled Seats, Navigation, and a slick interior IMO

Acura TL
http://www.familycar.com/RoadTests/AcuraTL-S/Images2008/RightFront.jpg
http://image.automotive.com/f/miscellaneous/2008-acura-tl-continues-to-take-on-bmw-infiniti-lexus/7143554+w630+cr1+re0+ar1/2008-acura-tl-interiorjpg.jpg
Personally my favorite Acura offering

Mercedes-Benz C Class
http://www.thetorquereport.com/2008_mercedes_benz_c_class.jpg
http://z.about.com/d/cars/1/0/g/s/ag_08cclass_luxint_black.jpg

Sadly it seems to be you really want some type of performance oriented car, when that SHOULDN'T be your goal. I can tell you if my company allotted me 600$ a month I would be riding in style...

[sub9lulu]

he said he could pocket the leftover...

oh didnt read that part lol
but dude if u can pocket the $$ get one of these

they had those in 2004 / 2005

http://auta5p.eu/katalog/infiniti/infiniti_m45_01.jpg

best looking 4 dr car ever

u'd look good in it and have SO much left over

[MADE]

I'd go with an M35, 45 and something german. Depending on the job/clients image is everything.

The hydundai is nice though

[YoungGun]

C300!

Those things look sharp!

[ryguy]

With you hauling clients, you probably shouldn't consider anything with a manual tranny either.

God damn, it's amazing how much more inviting the interior of that Buick is than the interiors of the Acura and Benz.

[adictd2b00st]

With you hauling clients, you probably shouldn't consider anything with a manual tranny either.

God damn, it's amazing how much more inviting the interior of that Buick is than the interiors of the Acura and Benz.

really? i thought the Acura actually looked the nicest of the 3

[unlegendary]

What kind of job is this?

Why not market yourself and get the most luxurious thing you can get? You said your allotted car allowance is five years right? So you're only allowed 36,000. Hmm...
BMW 3-7 Series or M Series
Mercedes CLS to ---
Lexus GS, IS Series
You said you lived in the snow but the new RWD cars nowadays are pretty cool, just don't drive like a moron but an Audi is also in your budget. Most of the cars listed here can also be used on the track.

[MunsonAuto]

One of the new buicks, i think the high end LaCrosse can be had with a LSx V8 in it..i think...
And I agree with ryguy, the interior of that Buick looks A LOT more comfortable to me than the others did *shrug*.

[Akiros]

taking in the corporate side of things, I would say just go with a c300 because of the way it will set with clients that you pick up, and trade it in when you are done with the 5 year part for something that you want, or a nicer company car. Or get something cheaper like a TSX and pocket the rest and do the above statement. Shit has to be comfy for the clients! I mean, the company IS paying for it, haha.

just my .02.

[ESmorz]

Volkswagen CC.

When I was getting my Subie the dealership was Volkswagen/Subaru and while I would be waiting I test drove and fell in love with the CC. I think it looks great, the interior is awesome, especially the seats. It's a damn fine car for the money, and you could save your company a little $$.

http://www.businessweek.com/autos/autobeat/archives/volkswagen-passat-cc-1401-12.jpg

http://www.ridelust.com/wp-content/uploads/vw-passat-cc-08.jpg

http://www.globalmotors.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/volkswagen-cc-gold-coast-interior.jpg

http://images.myride.com/images/no-transform/myride/promotions/images/images/2009/2009VolkswagenCC/2009%20VW%20CC%20interior-rear.jpg

[silviaguy240]

CC is mad nice.

One of the new buicks, i think the high end LaCrosse can be had with a LSx V8 in it..i think...
And I agree with ryguy, the interior of that Buick looks A LOT more comfortable to me than the others did *shrug*.

newer buicks are damn comfy and pretty nice. few we've had through work ive really liked.

[VROOOM]

that VW looks pretty nice!

[Gnnr]

One of the new buicks, i think the high end LaCrosse can be had with a LSx V8 in it..i think...
And I agree with ryguy, the interior of that Buick looks A LOT more comfortable to me than the others did *shrug*.

You're thinking about the Lincoln LS.

[Akiros]

Also, I take back my comment about the c300.

g37 sport with a 6MT hands down.

[blackflag_Rms13]

I'm with the guy who said Phaeton, 90k car for 25-35k and legit as fuuuuuck...