Ethan writes:
Steve and Sajeev,
I’m a young gentleman in college, and I currently own a 1995 Volvo 850 wagon, a 2005 Dodge Ram and a 2005 Cadillac SRX with the Northstar (I received a good deal.) I adore the Caddy, but I recently have been lucky enough to come across a bit of money. With that money I am looking to try to find a car to take the Caddy’s place as my daily driver when I’m home. I have my heart set on a new Maserati Quattroporte, now that it has had a true automatic for a few years. Even though the Maser has a extremely frustrating dashboard button layout, it is the best driving large sedan I have ever been graced with the opportunity to drive. But I have looked at the much uglier, faster, and more expensive Panamera too, and that’s where my dilemma begins… I want to know, should I buy one of these two cars, or is there a better option out there? By the way, I don’t want another SUV, and I’m 6’5” and over 300 lbs. so no smallish sedan will ever accommodate my body (I can’t drive the Aston Martin Rapide, sadly because the seat is too narrow, and my driving loafers tend to cover more than one pedal each.)
Steve answers:
Every man has his own journey. As for you, I have absolutely zero association with your dilemma. I have been in both vehicles. Never drove either one. My mechanic just happens to know a lot about Maserati’s and has an amazing assortment of old and exotic machinery at his shop.
You already have three great vehicles and Cadillacs in particular are an especially good fit for the big and tall. I wouldn’t buy anything… for now.
As a ‘soon to be’ middle aged guy who has done an awful lot, one thing I did miss out on was traveling after college. Seeing the world. Just wandering through taking in all the remarkable people and sites this world has to offer. Eating great food. Meeting some amazing souls. Maybe you should consider doing something gratifying beyond ‘buying stuff’. If I were to blow a wad of dough at a young age, that would be the way I would do it.
Keep what you got… and enjoy the spice of life. Oh one more thing. Anyone who says they have a good ‘investment’ idea is full of it. Throw your money in some well chosen Vanguard index funds and enjoy your silver spoon.
Sajeev answers:
I know a guy who was in your shoes, at least I think I do: known him since he was a wealthy car-lovin’ teenager. He’s a former high school football player who loved ’em all, vintage iron and new metal. So your automotive quandary intrigues me, but I have a bigger concern: your combination of wealth and above-average body size makes you a target for classmates who pretend to like you, pretend to be your friend, only to sponge off your wealth. Free drinks at clubs. Chillin’ out with you in your hotel room over spring break. I say this because I’ve seen it happen with my own eyes to someone in that very position: gold diggers come in all shapes and sizes. And it truly sucks.
Mo money mo problems!
That said, the Maserati is a truly awful car for a daily driver, even as a car for “when you go home” from school. Owners tend to fall in love with their Camry loaners, service techs tend to hate anything behind that chrome pitchfork on the C-pillar. Maserati needs a little devil holding said logo, even during the warranty period. But unless you have a hot rodding streak (S65 AMG, son!), this car is still the best for a young guy with more money than sense. Just do us a favor and buy one on the “right” side of the depreciation curve.
Need help with a car buying conundrum? Email your particulars to mehta@ttac.com, and let TTAC’s collective wisdom make the decision easier… or possibly much, much harder.
young gentleman in college who came in a bit of money? what is this Great Expectations?
kind of lame for a topic of discussion
get an H1 and drive over all that stuff you own.
This is like the Top Gear UK segment where they read a fan letter as an excuse to fly to an exotic location with a bunch of unobtanium cars.
I suggest a gym membership. Oh, and what Steve said.
I am pretty sure that the “bit of money” that he came into has something to do with his current size. If he (or the wealthy alums that are “lending” him these cars) have more money than brains then you can’t go wrong with the Shaguar XKR-S.
If you’re 6’5″ and don’t weigh close to 300 you’re a skinny woman. Do you realize how tall 6’5″ is? 6’5″ 220 is nearing anorexic. Maybe anorexic is ok for “carguy”.
Ughhhh… Bottom line– you have no way of knowing how this fellow came to weight 300. He might be watching TV and eating potato chips or he might be squatting 500 pounds and deadlifting and F-150. Your comment was ignorant and offensive. I’d be careful when saying offensive things to 300 pound men. They’re usually hungry and might eat you.
6′ 5″ is tall but still should be under 250#. Unless he’s a powerlifter bodybuilder, he’s packing an extra 50 pounds of fat.
And yeah, I know how tall that is. A 6′ male should be under 200#, gaining 5″ height doesn’t translate into an extra 100# weight.
Times and standards have obviously changed. I’m 6’4″, and weigh 177. I’m hardly anorexic, as I sit here at the lunch table chowing down.
Sooo.. I would love to be the one writing in with the question. Post College 6’5, 330#, and recently shopped used Quattroporte’s with the eventual decision I am still 10-20k a year short. Sad times, they are BEAUTIFUL cars. And to the OP, if you can deal with repair bills that EASILY hit 5 figures, then there is no better looking 4 door available in the US market. Until Alfa imports, or Citroen brings a big car back over here, the Mazer is the best it gets ;) Mind you, a CTS-V coupe will also fit your size, and will attract ladies who are MUCH cheaper to maintain – and who won’t jet if your sudden liquidity goes sour. And in the end, when you drive a car like the Quattro, or a big Merc or BMW or Audi or Jag, if you are less than 30, everyone around you instantly hates you.
To the B&B who commented on his size – I am overweight, but not clinically obese. When you are 6-and-a-half, it is pretty easy in college football trim to sit comfortably in the low 3’s. I was 275 junior year of high school, and I was not in healthy shape (gogo purging for wrestling weight.) While eating right and worrying about your cholesterol and blood pressure in middle age will lean out your body mass, being young, dumb, and full of cum usually means carrying around some baby fat.
6’4″ and 177? You obviously aren’t aren’t built on the “Gorilla” model frame like a lot of us are! I’m about 6′ tall, and at my lightest adult weight was 187, and my pubic bones were sticking out like the hips of those poor horses on Animal cops. 230-240 is about right for me. A friend of mine is a built like you probably are, and he’s 6’3″ and is well over 220.
Saying someone who is 6’5″ should way under 250 is not taking body type into consideration at all.
The Body Mass Index is the standard for determining if someone is overweight. Anything over 253 pounds equates to a BMI of 30 which qualifies as obese.
Times and standards have changed in the US maybe. Here in the Netherlands (tallest people in the world!) I have been at 6’3″, about 180 for quite some time now. That’s pretty normal here.
Some of you ‘mericans just use supplements like creatine too much or even hit the juice like those MLB guys. It’s not healthy and frankly quite dumb to jeopardize ones health in that way already if you are an athlete, but if you’re not a pro athlete making millions for your family and to cover future doctor’s bills it’s just plain rediculous.
Uh, you fine folks all know there’s more than one body type, yes? As in I’m 6′ tall and weigh 225 with little to no body fat at all, and I’m in my 50’s, and still able to touch my toes and press my own body weight. The OP may well be a basketball power forward, or a football offensive lineman, or the scariest winger ever in ice hockey or any number of athletic pursuits.
My guess is a alumni coddled football or basketball athlete with a fresh signing bonus – and brains enough to know to ask for advice from the likes of us. And enough courage to take the heat, knowing how the last wealthy poster was excoriated by the B&B.
There’s nothing wrong with success, and nothing wrong with taking advantage of your situation, jeesh.
I’d follow the advice given above and stick with the Caddy and travel, a lot.
6’5″ 220 is nearing anorexic.
I’d like to congratulate Jon Jones on winning the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship last night despite his constant and ongoing battle with anorexia. A true story of inspiration and a testament to the human spirit. Hopefully someday he can overcome this disease, put on some weight, and achieve his true potential.
I’m confused by Sajeev’s response. Are you saying he should buy a q-porte even though it will prepare him for a lifetime of happy Toyota ownership? I dated a girl in college whose father had deep pockets, but not Maserati deep. She had a series of new Saabs and a Cherokee during her first 4 years with a license that always stranded her. Somehow, she got her hands on a used 1st generation Camry. A car that worked was such a revelation that she defended it passionately and still had it last time I saw her, which was about 5 years later. Toyotas are one of the two best cars anyone who actually needs a car can buy. Your letter writer doesn’t need a car. He needs a way of announcing his wealth so people will find him attractive. Where would he be without gold diggers?
The only way this youngblood’s gonna learn about the burn is if he actually touches the stove.
CJinSD…
Toyotas, SERIOUSLY?!
Ya got all this bloody money to spend.. and ya gonna waste it on a DAMN SNOOZER like a CAMRY / AVALON / ES?!
People buy Hyundais for the fact that they are CHEAP and they got a warranty! Says NOTHING about the car itself, or how the actual driving experience IS. If you truely expect garbage out of a car, than that’s all ya gonna get.
Ya used to be able to get a Honda and actually enjoy driving it.. pre 6th gen Accord or while it was in the same show room as a Prelude and or S2000. Now its boring as all hell and people dont know any better.
CHRIST..
A TOYOTA. Are ya trying to sentence someone to death?
How bout the dude find a vehicle he can squeeze himself into.. and actually enjoy DRIVING the car — something people dont do in CAMRYS or any vehicle on its frame. I don’t even mean expensive.. ya can go find (please lord god dont strike me)… this damn site has a CHUB for a damn PANTHER. Shows the avg age of this site… He could pick up one of those.. and really DRIVE IT — if he likes to drive.
The german cars.. are a bad idea. More problems than anyone wants to deal with.
i was encouraged by Sajeev actually suggesting a car purchase in a response to the question of what car to purchase. Steven is still planning everyone’s travel and retirement. Then I ran across this wonderful gem. great. now TTAC’s contributors are not only refusing to answer the question, but deliberately trying to mislead the readers because they think they know what’s best for them based on a question post. way to go guys. way to go.
Acc azda atch,
I’ve driven more Panthers than I care to remember, from a 1979 Marquis to a 2009 Town Car and almost every variant in between. I’ve also driven a 2011 Camry 2.5 with 6-speed automatic. It was better at everything except seating three people accross the back seat than any of the Panthers. Faster, better handling, more comfortable, roomier front seat, greater luggage flexibility, lower fuel consumption, actual control feedback, ride quality. Hell, it is like a car from an infinitely superior automaker, conceived 25 years in the future. Which is exactly what it is compared to a Panther. Just imagine what a V6 Camry would be like, or something from Toyota’s luxury division.
This reminds me of the Middle-Easterner of a couple of months ago who really took a beating from all the “poor” guys on here! Get rid of the car that you have the most trouble with and buy yourself something nice, but not pretentious until you mature, say, into your forties, when you will look more the part for the Maserati instead of looking ridiculous and regarded as a poser, or worse, a metrosexual, which really means if you stand for nothing, you’ll fall for everything! Be a man always! Personally, if I were in your shoes, I’d get a Hummer H3 and have fun! “The Great Gatsby” this ain’t!
When I was a young gentleman in college, I drove a 1963 Rambler handed down from my sister when she got married. I think I’ll stop commenting now.
I was never a “young gentleman”, but a very immature, self-centered kid in the air force who drove a very nice 1964 Impala SS convertible. No (well mostly) girlfriends, either. I bet you had that 1963 Rambler now! Finally, a fun topic to comment on!
Lorenzo, what model? I have a ’63 Rambler American Convertible that’s awaiting restoration in a friend’s barn up north.
What is this, The Truth about (penthouse forum) Cars????
Give us a problem that an actual problem
I went to college with the antithesis of you – a guy from a very wealthy family who went out of his way to hide it. He had a modern muscle car, a mullet, and a full array of ripped up t-shirts. No one knew he had money, and he never acted as though he did.
Nothing good will come of you buying a Maserati. If you need your auto thrills, take the money and rent exotics or take some courses at Bondurant or other driving schools.
Also, A gentleman in college?? WTF? Who says this?
Unless you want to be known as the rich guy who blows money on anything, don’t buy the Maserati. Keep what you have, invest the money, and give the finger to
If he wants to be known as the fat guy who sleeps with hot tramps, the Maserati might be just the tool. They had one on Entourage, and art does have a propensity for imitating life.
>>>I have my heart set on a new Maserati Quattroporte
You need to start exercising and eating healthily or 25 years from now repairing your heart is going to be paying for some cardiologist’s Quattroporte. You probably already have incipient diabetes, which is another word for premature aging. One downside of your condition that you can relate to is that you are at high risk for becoming impotent in middle age. Anything that damages the coronary arteries will also interfere with the ability to get an erection.
Healthy eating means fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, wild caught fish, and maybe poultry. Minimum 5 servings of fruit and vegetables per day.
As for exercise, you should aim for at least 5 half hours of aerobic exercise per week. Aerobic exercise means something that gets you huffing and puffing.
Don’t expect to be able to turn yourself around overnight on this stuff. Just keep on trying and you’ll get there.
I second Steve’s advice about seeing the world. That will give you some perspective.
If you adore the Caddy, I don’t see why you need to replace it. It’s great to have a car you adore.
<<<You need to start exercising and eating healthily or 25 years from now repairing your heart is going to be paying for some cardiologist’s Quattroporte>>>
No, collectively we ALL are going to be buying his cardiologist a Quattroporte…
HAHAHAA You guys made this up, right?
I was thinking the same thing, except that I know someone who knows young Mr. Ballmer
Just like the letters that Dear Abby used to answer.
It’s real. More to come on that. (Seriously.)
Yeah. Right.
Did TTAC get taken over by the Onion?
Seriously . . .
:-(
The other day I read this and thought the same thing. This reminds me so much of the question written in by a young college graduate of means who needed to drop $200k on a supercar.
I think the problem with the Maser is you’re going to want the Quattroporte Sport GT S, but those are not only the most expensive but also relatively new so they’re going to be hard to find at the right end of the depreciation curve. If you buy one new that’s cool but the new model isn’t too far away so just know you’re almost literally burning money (which is fine if you really have plenty, but not so much if it means you have to skimp on that beach house).
Still…Don’t know if right now there’s a better alternative. Maybe if you’re dead set on a new car a little out of the box thinking would lead to a new CLS AMG (not a big fan personally, but it’s a fast flashy sedan) or…a Ferrari FF. Benefit of both these cars is that they’re quite new and will be around for some time (of course the Merc will be cheaper and the Fezza more expensive, but price wasn’t specified and Ferrari will let you specify the size of the seats you want to an extent).
Panamera is too ugly…A7 too pedestrian…If you think about it, there really should be more of these 100-400K sport sedans available.
Being above-average body size and poor, on the other hand, means that your evenings will often be ended by the words “…and my buddy, here, thinks so too!” uttered by your short and inebriated colleagues who have just fatally mouthed off. Instead of being the sugar-daddy, your the fallback muscle.
Ask me how I know.
My initial thought was to get rid of the first seven words.
But I have known plenty of people like this in my life. To be frank, I am not going to damn them for coming into a fortune. Hopefully some day we all do… if that’s indeed one of the things you want out of life.
Out of the folks I’ve known with these benefits, some were fine. Some were spoiled. Some stayed in the family business or followed the same path as the parents due to the wealth involved. While others established their own merits and foundations elsewhere.
The post smelled an awful lot like BS to me. But I figured it’s worth a little perspective and a lot of comedic value. Maybe he should drive a Chevette.
Can’t believe you would recommend the S65. GOD. That thing is OLD.
Actually you need to switch the places of “old” and “God.”
Also can’t believe we’re all talking about how fat he is, or meta-questioning the validity of him asking at all.
That said, Jeeves has a point with the S-Class.
I don’t know how much money is involved here, but if I were a football player who suddenly came into a moderate pro contract, I’d put half the money away for the distance future, buy a decent home, and use the rest budgeted over, say, the next 10 years to experience the world.
Might as well go where your heart is if you’re young and have enough set aside for future contingencies (and the way the world financial situation is now, that could be a great necessity). You could experience great joy, or learn from any setbacks that come from not being as sensible as generally comes later in life with responsibilities, obligations, and duties to perform. Yuk, did I just make being middle-aged with a family and career to slave over sound like a drag?
Maserati??!?! BOOOORRRING! Go with something unique:
1. Chevy Chevette LSX. Sit in the back seat, Hightower.
2. Ford Transit Connect 5.0 mid-engine.
3. Stock late 60’s Caddy, candy apple pearl paint, lowered on 18″s with nitrous.
4. Chrysler Cordoba 6.1 pro-touring.
5. AMC Pacer RENESIS.
6. Chevy Beretta 5.3 SS
7. Nissan 810 Wagon VK56VD
8. Chrysler Cirrus 6A13 Twin Turbo V6 or 3.8 6G75
9. Porsche 928 LS3
10. Decent health, a savings account, a well funded 401k and IRA.
Chevy Beretta 5.3 SS
The Beretta could barely keep itself from shaking to pieces with the torqueless, gutless 3100 it was born with – putting a small block in one would be truly terrifying.
AWW, but severe chassis flex and flying interior trim pieces are part of the FUN!!!
Ok, scratch the Flying Burrito and in its place put the Educator Dan Special: 1980 Ford Thunderbird Cobra 5.4 Turbo
The Blind Side meets TTAC?
From the hints and guesses above, I think some B/B are missing the fact this is likely an athlete in college who has completed his eligibility and signed on to play professional sports. 6’6″ and 300 lbs means he’s an epic power forward or massive clean-up hitter, but likely a football player. BTW, we need line help here on the Bears so I hope you’re heading to Chitown.
Now, which luxury sport sedans — he wants a car, not SUV — will be comfortable for a man this big to pilot? I’m thinking that, while not as rare as the Porsche or Maser sedans, our friend will have to settle for S65 AMG (I know, boohoo). Big, fast, mean. Gentle at slow speed and civil around town, but a terror at full throttle…
Probably like our letter writer.
I’m thinking BMW M5 or maybe a 7 Series. German cars have always been size friendly.
How about that “Bentley” that Jeremy Clarkson recently took on a test drive?
+1
the health is the real biggest issue, if he keeps up the good life, is not difficult to add another 100 lbs to himself.
By then he will have a lot of appointments between GPs, cardiologist, internists, physios, chiros, Massage therapist, blood labs, xray labs et al, the list just never stops. I was sick 4 yrs ago and it was no fun at all, I thought I had bought the farm too. Thank God I am still around.
The feeling was no fun at all, someday u dont know whether u coming or going or just wish it all ends!
Thank God I also dropped 30 so lbs, It sure feel nice too.
I have anothe big friend, he used to had a hard time to get into his drop head 89 vette, he could slide in easy when the top is down! Living in Vancouver, we do get wet days often.
All this concern for his health is touching, but I think the odds point to him being a professional athlete with a fresh signing bonus.
You guys are harsh! I bet hes a pro baller… good for him…
I think the Maser might end up a bit small feeling inside. I would go with either the S65 AMG or the CL65AMG, or the 63 version of each if he wants to save a bit and ball less…
And if you wanna come to FL and hang out, I will roll with you… you can even leave a car with me to take care of while you travel! :)
Back to his question,
How about a BMW 7 ALPINA or a Dinan-modified 7?
– Good driving dynamics
– Big cabin
– Distinctive to those in the know
– Enough engineering and quality control for a mass produced car (BMW I know but compared to Maserati)
Very, very nice suggestions — BMW alternatives to the big AMG. Decked out with aftermarket performance bits that make them exclusive and rarer than factory offerings, and big enough for a very large man to feel comfortable.
My thoughts exactly, werewolf. A BMW Alpina B7 is big enough, has plenty of power, and is, above all, special. It’s even more unusual than a Quattroporte or the increasingly popular Panamera. It’s understated enough that someone who knows little about cars won’t realize the power of it until it blows their doors off. Meanwhile, enthusiasts will instantly recognize it by the wheels, and love it. What could be better?
The Bentley Arnage.
The S65 and Alpina B7 are great choices (so is the regular 760LI), but a guy who likes the Maserati obviously likes something different. If its something different you want I’d get a long body Jaguaur XJ SuperSport (XJL SuperSport). I’ve driven one, its big, comfortable, and fast; more importantly if you are a future pro-baller its properly gangster, and if you’re just a fat rich kid looking to bang gold digging skanks you’ll be able to tell them you’ve got a Jaaaag.
Fat, drunk and stupid is no way to go through life, son.
Given the current state of the NFL, and the fact the draft hasn’t happened yet, I’ll assume the young man is still is in college. See if the CTS-V fits you, power, ride, yet very fiscally responsible… I’m sure if you’re from a family of money, then the I-banks/consulting firms you interview with will appreciate that you still have the drive to hustle for them, and anything more expensive will create a concern that you’re too wealthy to be in the game for the long term. And if this was a signing bonus, then you don’t want to show up your superiors…
After sitting on a corner on Bond Street selling matchsticks whilst reciting lines from Shakespeare from memory (all as a lark of course, a true gentleman would never admit too such hobby!), I found myself with some extra revenue from which I could afford myself the use of a brougham with two handsome steeds to convey my ample derriere from salon to salon…I loved reading Mr. Mehta, and Mr. Lang’s contribution to TTAC. I find myself wishing quietly that they would return to their irreverent observations, as I am tired and drawn out from the erudite musings of Dr. Karesh who approaches the study of cars as if it were a Japanese porno…pretending to appear scholarly and professional all while doing something quite naughty. Now Mr. Mehta and Mr. Lang are printing letters that are, to put it mildly, causing me to exclaim WTF??!! into my kerchief…Come on! go back to Panther Love, seedy car auctioneers, and things that make us laugh.
Sounds like you don’t want to drive and Ordinary car anymore. But don’t believe the hype. Both your choices will be money pits and money is only good if you still have it. I would say upgrade the Volvo for a newer Mercedes E class wagon and forget about the snob appeal. Bye a Corvette.
Think of the future and think of what you love to do.
Since we do not know your interests, it is hard for us to spend your money!
My advice:
1. Sell the Volvo wagon, it’s redundant to the SRX. (you say you like the Caddy)
2. Take the Volvo money plus a “little’ cash to install a trailer hitch on the SRX and buy a jet ski !! (or invest a “equal” amount in your favorite hobby) If it’s cars, get a project going.
3. Take the remaining balance and buy the S&P 500 using the ETF ticker SPY. It’s low cost and dummy proof. Re-invest the dividends and fugetaboutit.
Value: CTS-V
Sporty: Jaguar XJ Supersport
Baller: Rolls Ghost
If you can wait: Lamborghini Estoque
OP, I was there, I lived it a long time ago.
In my time we didn’t have the candy store of great cars to choose from. What sealed it for me was when we went down to Annapolis to play Navy. When senior midshipmen got their bonus(and parking privileges)and pooled together and bought Corvettes. I’ve never seen so many in one place that wasn’t a dealer. I was hooked.
I didn’t even wait until the first ‘official’ check hit my bank-everything was done behind the scenes. It was just a matter of how much, or HOW MUCH?
So off to the Chevy dealer and ordered a Vette with EVERY option-living the dream right? It was the biggest POS I ever owned- and that list is long now, and even includes a ’72 Dodge Dart from my salad days. I got tired of bumming a ride while it was been fixed and sold it to a dentist after a year.
Just the word Maserati makes me weak in the knees too, but with the sparse dealer network you will come to loath the service experience. I would suggest something with more robust dealer (and factory) support. I can also remember a tour of a Ferrari dealer who was trying to show me the competency of their service department. Then I saw a 5K mile car with its ENTIRE engine and most of the rear clip removed for just a ‘routine’ service. My wallet still puckers at that memory.
However, if cars are the thing that pushes your button, then by all means be true to yourself, and have at it. After all, you’re young, and any ‘mistake’ you make on buying a car will be diluted by the years you have ahead of you.
So whether its the pros, a hedge fund, a trust fund, or the lottery , good luck.
BD
As a College student I’d recommend the CTS-V. People (students) tend to Judge (a bit too much) in college. The CTS-V is fast as hell, big enough and a good value. Invest the rest so perhaps you can be a Billionaire one day. As a college student I can accept someone driving a Cadillac, but a Maserati seems pompous and immature somehow. Don’t worry, You’ll still have the fastest car on campus, and possibly in the county with the CTS-V.
A few things.
1. I understand the posters on this site are smarter than everyone else–fuckin’ intellectual giants. Believe it or not, some who ask car related questions of the B&B actually want car related answers [gasp…a shocker I know]. Why is it assumed people who are contemplating higher priced cars need financial, health, fitness, and spiritual advice also?
2. As for the choice of car–I’d also recommend a CTS-V. Powerful, garners respect, and somewhat underspoken (is that a word??)
3. Why is it that the more expensive the car, the more it gets a pass in the reliability/dependability department. I find this especially ironic when dealing with manufacturers who flaunt their engineering prowess (I’m lookin’ at you Audi, BMW, MB, Jaguar, Land Rover).
Shouldn’t superior engineering translate into greater reliability/dependability or is that just in the bizarro world?
I am also a college student, and I know what kind of leeching and judgemental jerks schools are filled with. I also know how often accidents occur in parking lots with no notes left on windshields.
So people will either think you are spoiled, try and milk free stuff from you and your car will be dented all the time by young people who can’t drive and don’t leave notes when they demolish your bumper.
Get yourself a Lincoln MKS Ecoboost and have Hennessey work on the engine. Or even a Pontiac G8 and enjoy the fact that if a fender gets bashed in it wont cost a fortune to fix.
WOW, some of these comments are beyond the scope / decorum of TTAC!
I will give my advice on car buying.
IF I have this right, you want something big, comfortable, semi-sporty, 4 doors, AND different then all the S500 / 745li.
My solution: 1965 Lincoln Continental
In the 50’s cars started to develop classes. They become more then the people moving sedans or junk moving trucks. By the 60’s there was class distinction between VW and Cadillac. Lincoln stepped up as a luxury brand. Although things that were a luxury in the 60’s are standard equipment on a Chinese econobox today, all cars of the 60’s were bigger and softer. Plus, the Continental has suicide doors!!! You don’t get much more pimp than that, and i’m not talking extended cab or RX-8 suicide doors. This is the real deal, blow your mind with a .357, suicide doors.
There are two great car collectors that often come up in conversation: Jay Leno, and the Sultan of Brunei. Both have money, but one has class.
The ’65 Continental is pure class
Other pluses: it can be fixed by any mechanic, parts are available at all parts stores (I think Walmart may even have a distributor for it), it wont get you stereotyped as an NFL player fresh off the draft. All this boils down to it being fixed in 1/10th the time as the Q’Port, so you can enjoy it 10x more.
Good luck,
John
I’m 6’4″, 210 lbs, and WHO GIVES A DAMN.
This young gentleman was trying to provide information so that TTAC’s could help suggest a reasonable automobile for him to purchase. He wants a car, and y’all harp on his weight and financial situation. Best and Brightest? I think not.
Dude, if you can afford it, go for an S63 AMG. It’s a superb driving experience, super comfortable for big people, and not all that ostentatious. ALPINA B7 is a decent choice, too, but its seats aren’t as comfortable.
Oh, and if you have some of that money leftover, tune the hell out of that 850 wagon!
The guy isn’t asking for advice regarding health or wealth.
A young guy with a passion for cars and some cash.
I’d go with an 08 CPO Maserati. Here is a nice 08 — http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ct=u&car_id=291858530 — it still has the factory warranty until 2012 and a CPO will give it another 2 years up to 100k miles. He wants it for his ‘home based daily driver’ which eliminates the campus parking lot problem.
So — just go for it.
Get your service lined up in advance and factored into the price. Give it a shot, and if it doesn’t work out, then get something else. Pay cash drive it for a year or less if it doesn’t seem to be working for you and only end up with a $20k haircut or less. I have a feeling he can afford it.
I like some of the other ideas — a big Caddy or something big and German. But why not just indulge.
As far as young guy with expensive car = stupid — I would say an old guy with the same car is equally dumb.
Personally, I’d go for a 12 cylinder Bentley. Fast, quiet, and civilized.