I was clued into this site by my buddy. I realize this is an E60 Forum. But, I have read through the posts on this forum, and it appears that the people here give good, honest, and sincere opinions, which is what I want.

I have been reading the posts for awhile. Nice site. Okay, yes I work in Politics, no, I am not a Politician. I give Political Advice at the State Legislative Level. Thus, I stay in the background; a very nice place to be in the cut throat world of politics. As to which party I belong, it is a secret, hence the 007 on the end of the name. I do not want to offend anyone on this board.

Okay, now here is the deal. I need a new car. I need a car that is cool, sporty, has four doors, and offers prestige, or some form of prestige. I am not trying to be arrogant here, the profession is what it is. I have looked at and test drove the following cars: Acura TL, RL. Infiniti M35 and M45, Lexus GS30, GS400, Audi A6, BMW 530i. Well, I have narrowed the choice to two: Believe it or not, I am either going with an Acura TL or a BMW 530i. Acura TL would be: Automatic, Navigation and all the standard goods that come with the Acura TL. BMW 530i would be: Automatic, Sport Package, Premium Package, Navigation, and all the standard goods that come with the BMW. The BMW is well a BMW and it's drive, handling and prestige are incredible. The Acura TL is a sporty sedan, with cool looks, good handling, great handling for a FWD, and offers some prestige, and great value.

As for the other choices. I did not like the RL, it looks too much like an Accord, and for a car over $40,000 that should not be the case. Plus, the inside room is about the size of the TL. The AWD, however, is awesome. But, the RL is out. In regards to the Infinit M35/45, Lexu GS300/400, and Audi A6, all are great cars. My favorite two out of the group are the Infiniti M35/M45 and the Audi A6. However, I am passing on all these cars, because if I spend that much money, I will spend the extra $3,000 to $10,000 for the 530i BMW, which brings me back to my two choices and dilemma; the 530i for $56,000 out the door, or the TL for $35,000 out the door. Both prices include all fees and a California Sales Tax of 7.97%.

So, what do you guys think? $56, 000 out the door for 2006 530i, auto, sport package, premium package, navigation. $35,000 out the door for a 2006 TL with Navigation. It is a $20,500 initial difference; quite a bit of change. In say three years time, what do you think the actual cost difference would be? I have ran some numbers, I am not sure if my logic is correct, maybe someone can check. Remember, I give political advice, others do the finances.

BMW 530i Price $56,000 out the door
Down 38,000
Finance 18,000
Loan/60 months/4.5% 335 payment
Total payments paid at 36 months 12080
After 36 months owed 7688

Sell Price (Kbb used as reference for future value 31800 (Assume 36,000 to 41,000 miles on car, 36 months old)
owed 7688
Maintenance Costs (From Edmunds.com) 0
BMW has Free Maintenance for 50,000/48months)
Equity 24,112 (Sell price $31800-$7688 owed)

Sub Total Owenship Costs

Down Payment 38,000
Total Payments at 36 months 12080
sub total at 36 months 50080 (Down Payment +Total Payments at 36 months)
Equity after selling at 36 months 24112
TOTAL COSTS OF BMW OVER 36 MONTHS $25968 (Sub Total at 36 months -Equity at 36 months)
__________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ ___________________
Acura TL Price $35,000 Out the Door
Down 17,000
Finance 18,000
Loan/60 months/4.5% 335 payment
Total payments paid at 36 months 12080
After 36 months owed 7688


Sell Price( KBB used as reference for future value $23,000 (Assume 36,000 to 41,000 miles, car 36 months old)
owed 7688
Maintenance Costs (From Edmunds.com) 1700
Equity $13612 (Sell Price - Owed-Maintenance Costs for 36 months)

Sub Total Ownership Costs
Down Payment $17000
Total Payments for 36 months 12080
Sub Total at 36 months 29080
Equity after selling at 36 months 13612 (Sell Price 23,000 -$7688 owed - $1700 Maintenance Costs)
TOTAL COSTS OF TL OVER 36 MONTHS $15468 (Sub Total at 36 months - Equity at 36 months.

WHEW! I hope I have done this correctly. So, after three years at these rates and assumptions (and they are conservative), the 2006 BMW 530i will have cost $10,500 more than the 2006 Acura TL at 36 months, even though it sold for $20,500 more. Well, if this is the case, I would spring for the BMW 530i for the same reasons I listed above as to why I would spring for the BMW over the other great cars I test drove.

Does any of this make sense? I welcome all opinions. Oh, by the way, I DO NOT WANT TO LEASE. I do not feel comfortable with a Lease, and in reality it is pretty much a wash anyway. Again, all opinions welcome. Thank you.