New or Used: Mo Money, Mo Problems!

Sajeev Mehta and Steve Lang
by Sajeev Mehta and Steve Lang

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.

Sajeev Mehta and Steve Lang
Sajeev Mehta and Steve Lang

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  • Scorched Earth Scorched Earth on Mar 19, 2011

    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!

  • CapVandal CapVandal on Mar 22, 2011

    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.

    • CapVandal CapVandal on Mar 22, 2011

      Personally, I'd go for a 12 cylinder Bentley. Fast, quiet, and civilized.

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