Affordable Luxury: A 1999-2005 Ferrari 360 Coupe

Affordable Luxury: A 1999-2005 Ferrari 360 Coupe

There aren’t many brands in the world that are as recognizable as the Ferrari brand.  Most people know what it stands for, exotic Italian performance cars built for both the streets and racetracks.  They are arguably the most recognized and sought after exotic car brand in the world and the 360 Modena certainly upholds that part of the equation.

Buying Guide Example: The 2013 BMW M6 Convertible

Buying Guide Example: The 2013 BMW M6 Convertible

Many would argue that any BMW convertible would be an acceptable means of transportation and you’d get little argument from me but of all their convertible offerings there is a special one.  Many of you define special in a number of ways but this kind of special is the M6 Convertible model.

Before we explore what makes this convertible so special I want to start with why the 2013 model year.  First off, it is still the current body style so for outsiders looking in you are driving the latest and the greatest, or simply put, a new car!  Just remember if you purchase one it will still be new, new to you!  Secondly as a four-year-old model it offers sizable savings off the MSRP of a new one and you can get great deals on a certified pre-owned version.  If you care to read more about why you should buy any car this way click here, as I wax poetically about lease new, buy used. The first year for this body style was 2012 and there are likely even better deals but lets get to the car.

The BMW 6 Series is arguably the best looking BMW not named an i8. It’s a big two-door coupe that delivers on all creature comforts and because it is a BMW when you mash the gas you probably won’t be disappointed. In this day and age when many manufacturers of sports coupes are deploying fancy hardtop convertibles it’s still nice to see the old school rag top look and that’s what you get with the M6 Convertible. All 6 Series have soft tops and this car’s beauty doesn’t get muted because of it.  Sometimes chopping the top off of sports coupes and sports cars isn’t always pretty.  These cars look great top up or top down and the exterior lines are great but what about the interior?

The interiors of these cars are laced with the latest in entertainment, communications and safety technology. The craftsmanship is very good and you won’t get many complaints about the quality, as they should also wear well. 

MSRP Range New: $120,000.00

PMPR (Poor Man Price Range): $61,000.00

Current Min Savings Against MSRP New: 49%

Current Body Style: Yes but the new one is no less than 12 months away.

Total Listed Nationally: 26

For: You’ll get a 50% discount of MSRP new and near supercar performance, which is more than you will need for the streets and you’ll look great doing it.  Top down motoring trumps everything.  Having a bad day? Drop the top! So what it’s December in New York City.  Life is always better when the top of your baby is down (or off).

Against: The biggest complaint most would have is concerning the back seat spacing.  If you are anywhere near six feet tall don’t expect any adult to be able to sit behind you therefore rendering this sexy vehicle a three seater. The space behind a six-foot driver can be utilized for small bags but the trunks on these cars aren’t bad either. While a soft-top convertible is a sexy classic look it’s still fabric and that will be subjected to wear over time.  It’s also not as secure as a coupe or hardtop convertible. Most people won’t know this particular 6 Series is special and will mistake it for lesser versions until you blow past them and they witness the quad exhaust pipes only associated with BMW’s famed M models. Lastly, the next version or body style of this car will be launched within the next 12 months. The next version will likely be an evolution of this body style so for those wanting or needing the current body you won’t be able to say that for more than a year.

Single Poor Man POV: This car is a classic GT that delivers brunt force trauma when power is summoned. Just mash the gas and you’ll have power on demand when needed to dismiss the Japanese rockets that challenge you in the stop light grand prix. You’ll take pleasure in teaching them that all BMW M models feature quad exhausts.  Fear the quads! This car offers dual personalities and allows you classic GT good looks but racer boy power when you feel like playing. Oh, and the top comes off and as a single guy something tells me good things tend to happen when tops come off. Know what I mean?

Married Poor Man POV: Since it has an automatic mode wifey will be able to drive it if she wants to or has to and that alone carries plenty of baggage.  If you have small kids you’ll be able to pack them in and go for a drive and give the wife some “me time”. You won’t be able to do any aggressive driving with the kids on board but you’ll still be driving one of the best GTs on the planet. Your kids will get a kick out of driving with the top down. 

Divorced Poor Man POV: If you still see your ex wife she’ll see you have moved on and having fun.  If you don’t see her every time you hit the start button and put the car in drive you will thank yourself for the separation and be reminded about how much fun life is again!  Sexy German luxury convertibles will bring your sexy back and either improve or complicate your social life.

Curb Appeal: I’d say 8.5 with the top up and 9 with the top down. If you got some style, potentially a 10 with the right aftermarket wheels 21s or 22s. 

Bottom Line: The 6 Series is a classic gentleman’s GT but when you get the M version it becomes a hammer!  Then add top down capabilities and it is hard to argue what’s better. This is a car that can satisfy the boulevard cruiser or the driving enthusiast. It’s class personified. It’s a great two-door coupe and if that’s what you are looking for this one is near top of the food chain in overall appeal and might be top dog for performance. I’m sure Mercedes new AMG S-Class Coupe would argue that but you’d have to spend close to $200K to experience that.

BMW M6 Online Forums:

http://www.6post.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=365

BMW Certified Pre-Owned Program Details:

  • Covers you for 2 years/50,000 miles whichever comes first, after the expiration of the 4-year/50,000-mile New Vehicle/SAV Limited Warranty for a total of 6 years/100,000 miles.

  • Includes up to 6 years of 24/7 Roadside Assistance and BMW Assist™ Emergency Call, which includes automatic collision notification, and TeleService.

  • BMW Certified Pre-Owned Elite: These are newer model year, lower mileage (more than 300 miles but less than 15,001 miles) vehicles. This warranty covers you for 1 year/25,000 miles* after the expiration of the 4-year/50,000-mile New Vehicle/SAV Limited Warranty or for a total of 5 years/75,000 miles.* This includes up to 5 years of 24/7 Roadside Assistance and BMW Assist™ Emergency Call, which includes automatic collision notification, and TeleService.

Did You Know?

  • BMW new car warranty is 4 years or 50,000 miles, which ever comes first.

  • 2012 is the first model year for the M6 Convertible and 2013 was the first year for the Coupe.

  • It’s 0-60 time of 4.0 seconds is on par with the Porsche 911.

Other Poor Man Options In Same Price Range:

  • BMW: 2015 750i xDrive Sedan

  • Maserati: 2015 Ghibli S Q4 Sedan

  • Porsche: 2013 911 Coupe

Poor Man Options Slightly Outside Price Range Of A 2013 BMW M6 Convertible:

  • Aston Martin: 2012 Vantage

  • Audi: 2008 R8 Coupe

  • Mercedes: 2014 S 550 4-Matic Sedan

Save No Less Than $50,000.00 When You Buy These Luxury/Performance Cars Pre-Owned

Save No Less Than $50,000.00 When You Buy These Luxury/Performance Cars Pre-Owned

If you’ve been here before you know the mantra. Depreciation is your friend! If this is your first time and the headline caught your attention you won’t be disappointed.

Unless you are really rich there is no economically smart reason to buy a car new as they depreciate once you drive them off the lot and that’s a fact.

Buying Guide Example: A 2012 Porsche 911 S Coupe

Buying Guide Example: A 2012 Porsche 911 S Coupe

In todays ever changing automotive world there seems to be a new model entry almost every year. However, there are still a handful of cars that have never wavered and have stayed true to their heritage since inception. It can be argued that the Porsche 911 is the most iconic of them all as for more than fifty years it has stayed true to its mission and form.

The Synopsis: Pre-Owned 911s

The Synopsis: Pre-Owned 911s

Porsche is synonymous with high performance and their 911 sports cars are the vehicles most associated with the Porsche brand even today as they now build sedans, SUVs and crossover vehicles.  So it should come as no surprise that one of the most desirable cars amongst men and boys is a 911. 

The Synopsis: There Is A Luxury Car That Fits Your Budget!

The Synopsis: There Is A Luxury Car That Fits Your Budget!

Every month all the usual US auto publications from Car and Driver to Road and Track, Motor Trend and Automobile Magazine feature almost the same cars at the same time.  That happens in part because the auto manufacturers give them access to the new models mostly at the same time. Then they add to the redundancy by creating “New Car ” and “Future Car” issues when every month in reality they review a new or future car in their publications.

The Synopsis: The Smartest Way To A Buy Pre-Owned Vehicle

The Synopsis: The Smartest Way To A Buy Pre-Owned Vehicle

PoorManRichCars.com was created to let buyers be aware of the fact that luxury is closer than you think.  The glut of inventory for luxury vehicles from prestige brands has made owning a luxury vehicle more affordable than ever if you consider buying pre-owned. 

Copy of The Synopsis: Why Buy Pre-Owned?

Copy of The Synopsis: Why Buy Pre-Owned?

Record sales have created used car inventory for all vehicles and that includes the luxury category.  It’s simply supply and demand. The greater the supply the lesser the demand and that has a downward impact on price.  Factor in depreciation with high levels of inventory and the advantage goes to you the shopper.  Depreciation is your friend! 

The Synopsis: Interpreting CARFAX?

The Synopsis: Interpreting CARFAX?

I will never buy a used vehicle of any kind without seeing what the CARFAX report says.  That report is invaluable as it shows a wealth of information that gives you a better picture of what you might be getting into should you decide to buy the vehicle. 

These Five Cars Are No Longer Depreciating

These Five Cars Are No Longer Depreciating

Depreciation is your friend when you buy used and almost any car you buy new is as certain as death to depreciate but there are some exceptions to the rule. There are a few modern luxury performance sports cars that are still fun to drive and no longer depreciating. Here are five.