Keep the '02 M5 Vs Buy The V Analysis

[Johnny_D]

Looks like a toss-up to me in cost of owning one over the other over the next 4 years. Any thoughts as to my analysis? Might just come down to personal preference since the numbers seems to add up.

Buyout of M5 (end of lease) $47,000
Tax & Reg. on purchase $4,600
Extended Warranty $3,700
Tires $1,200
Total Buyout $56,500

M5 Advantages
Classic design, End of era
High quality components
No vibration or road noise

Disadvantages
Rough ride
Dealer Service sucks


Depreciation over next 4 yrs $30,000
Value in 2009 $26,500
Net Cost to own $30,000
Per Mi 48m miles driven $0.63
Per Month Cost $625

--------------------------------------------------------
CTS V Purchase $39,000 (Employee Discount estimate)
Sunroof $1,000
Sales Tax & Lic. $4,500
$44,500

Net CTS V cost $44,500

CTS V Advantages
Cutting edginess design, modern
Smoother ride
Better Nav, HVAC & Audio
Less intrusive Stabilitrack with 2 levels including off
Roomier
Plays DVDs
Dealer Service


Disadvantages
Lower quality fit and finish
Rear-end noise & vibration at high speed


Depreciation over next 4 yrs $30,000
Value in 2009 $14,500
Net Cost to own $30,000
Per Mi 48m miles driven $0.63
Per Month Cost $625

Am I missing anything?

[urbanski]

well, don't forget not everyone has rear-end whine/vibration. i'm lucky so far.
she's been a true gem.

[Johnny_D]

Originally Posted by urbanski

well, don't forget not everyone has rear-end whine/vibration. i'm lucky so far.

How many miles so far without the whine?

[DgtalPimp]

I have not had rear end while/vibration either. I agree the interior differences between the two are great.

What about any insurance differences, and gasoline costs (one gets better MPG I am assuming)?

Dgtal

[Johnny_D]

Originally Posted by DgtalPimp

I have not had rear end while/vibration either. I agree the interior differences between the two are great.

What about any insurance differences, and gasoline costs (one gets better MPG I am assuming)?

Glad to hear no rear end noise, how many miles do you have?

As far as gas, both about 18mpg, normal driving combo city/hwy. Any differene would be pennies

Insurance I estimate about the same. The M5 is about $900/yr currently and would expect the V to be comparable.

[urbanski]

Originally Posted by Johnny_D

How many miles so far without the whine?

2000

[Dreamin]

Why are you thinking about selling the M5?

[DgtalPimp]

Originally Posted by Johnny_D

Glad to hear no rear end noise, how many miles do you have?

5500 miles.


One note on the V.
I did have a bad set of rear tires, they needed to be replaced at 4500 miles.



Dgtal

[CadV]

No whine for me either 4500 miles.

[Johnny_D]

Originally Posted by Dreamin

Why are you thinking about selling the M5?

Something different and new to me. The most difficult part is that the M5 is nearly perfect! Check out my listing. http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...ed=n&cardist=0

[StealthV]

Keep the M5 and buy a new Z06 for cheap (the new C6 has destroyed the market) or buy a new Corvette C6 for a fun, beat-the-snot-out-of car.

[globed70]

I've got over 5k miles.... there is some rear-end whine when I lift off the throttle at speed. Mine is not horribly loud, and I had a bad case on a Viper GTS... so perhaps I am not as sensitive. I've had an occassional slight giggle in the steering wheel at speed... not sure if it is related to tire wear or anything else. Since I am no longer on the autobahns, I don't really notice either to any great extent.

[Shinkaze]

Something you did leave out which I think illustrates the total cost of ownership to 2009 a bit better.

You have (2) VANOS controllers on your M...pretty much a little servo that makes the M5 a hoot....but cost $1600 each to replace. By way of comparison you can pretty much buy an entire CTS-V LS6 motor from a salvage yard for what those two VANOS controllers cost.

Anyhow I love the M5, it's a great car, but (IMOHO) is starting to look a little dated. the CTS-V has a "nicer" (feature wise) interior but is "cheaper" in materials and quality. That said the new "5" while "nicer" than the e39 is also "cheaper" looking IMOHO too.

As for getting a two cars, if you do that I think you should keep the M5 and get a Lotus Elise. A Z06 would be fun, but the Elise is a motorcycle on four wheels and I'm sure it's a blast to drive.

-Adam

[Johnny_D]

Originally Posted by Shinkaze

..total cost of ownership to 2009 a bit better.

You have (2) VANOS controllers on your M...pretty much a little servo that makes the M5 a hoot....but cost $1600 each to replace. By way of comparison you can pretty much buy an entire CTS-V LS6 motor from a salvage yard for what those two VANOS controllers cost.

Anyhow I love the M5, it's a great car, but (IMOHO) is starting to look a little dated. the CTS-V has a "nicer" (feature wise) interior but is "cheaper" in materials and quality. That said the new "5" while "nicer" than the e39 is also "cheaper" looking IMOHO too.

As for getting a two cars, if you do that I think you should keep the M5 and get a Lotus Elise. A Z06 would be fun, but the Elise is a motorcycle on four wheels and I'm sure it's a blast to drive.

-Adam

Originally Posted by StealthV

Keep the M5 and buy a new Z06 for cheap (the new C6 has destroyed the market) or buy a new Corvette C6 for a fun, beat-the-snot-out-of car.

Two very good points. First, my wife has a BMW Z4 3.0 so we already have the fun car. I need a 4dr to carry passengers so I am restricted. My wish list is rear wheel, stick shift and 400hp. This pretty well makes it a short list. I am terribly conflicted on this. The worst choice would still be a kick-ass car. I really can't go wrong.

[Rich H]

Originally Posted by DgtalPimp

5500 miles.


One note on the V.
I did have a bad set of rear tires, they needed to be replaced at 4500 miles.



Dgtal

Just curious, dgtalpimp, why were the tires replaced? Uneven wear, vibration due to out of round condition, ???