jugman: just my thoughts on the options...options r the hardest things to decide on a car...as there's so much to think abt..."ooh i like that! but is it necessary? is it worth the money? can i get something similar later? will that be cheaper/better/more expensive if i get it fitted at a later time?
what i think is get the stuff that is useful (as in u'd use it everyday from the first day u have the car) and get the stuff that u can't get put on or it costs too much to get put on later on. for example, sports seats and MFSW are two good examples of this. they are relatively cheap options now that would costs a SH*TLOAD to change later...
the thing abt bmw (where u'll be going to if u want to change stuff later) is that it doesn't cost much when u get it new with the car but if u want to add it on later it costs a lot more due to labour charges etc...for example, fog lights are a $290 option now but if u add them later they cost almost $600 including fitting!
if u want bigger wheels and lower suspension (whether it be for cosmetic reasons or for handling/safety reasons) then u can get this stuff later for around the same money - this saves money NOW.
my BUDGET list of options is as follows:
-foglights (coz they look cool and so that u don't have an empty hole in ur toggle switches later) - $290
-ASC+T - well
DSC would be much better but think abt it, some traction control is better than none and it's $290 versus $1090! and again, if u don't get it, u'll have a hole where a toggle should be!
) - $290
-MFSW - trust me, u'll use it EVERYDAY and cruise control helps for boring STRAIGHT stretches of road with cops sitting around just waiting for u to speed!
) - $700
tips to save money NOW (hey what's more important u've got a great car or u've got cool looking wheels eh? i vote the car):
-choose a non metallic color (CR/W is a great combo - that's the colour of my car!
) that's $650 saved!
-don't get stuff that u want but don't REALLY need if u sit down and think abt it...eg sports seats...they're pretty cool and help u not slip and slide around as much when ur going around those lovely curves in the road but it's another $610 u could be saving!
-get aftermarket wheels and lower suspension - costs abt the same and gives u more choice later on...unless ur scared abt warranties and stuff then just get them now
one more thing...i know i've said a lot already but i just thought of this.
if u buy ur car with finance then just get whatever u want as when ur paying for something over a long period of time (like a few years) then options will only add a few dollars a week or month or however u pay for it and what's a few more dollars a month when u can have the car of ur dreams with every option that u want?!?
anyway good luck to u mate....but remember, a good option is to get a second hand or a test car because u save a few thousand dollars and as they're all still under warranty and all only abt a year old then it's another good way to save money - but then u don't get to choose ur options
and that's missing out on part of the experience of buying a new car
