First Car: Smartest decision?
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Junior Member
Joined: May 2013
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TBD
First Car: Smartest decision?
So after a year of heavy saving I am ready to buy a car. I'll be turning 17 soon and looking to buy my first car.
Options:
2007 BMW 328xi
~90k Miles
13k
2008 C300
~50k Miles
17.5k
Used Honda/Toyota
~50k Miles
10k
Is it smart for me to go and buy a C300? I found one for 17,500 with a year and 2 months/135k miles left on warranty, 54k miles, and the basically standard P1 package. I'm not planning to finance the car but pay it full in cash. I will have some money for maintenance but not looking for anything that will break the bank. I've been debating with myself if it is stupid to buy something so nice as my first car.
Thanks!
Options:
2007 BMW 328xi
~90k Miles
13k
2008 C300
~50k Miles
17.5k
Used Honda/Toyota
~50k Miles
10k
Is it smart for me to go and buy a C300? I found one for 17,500 with a year and 2 months/135k miles left on warranty, 54k miles, and the basically standard P1 package. I'm not planning to finance the car but pay it full in cash. I will have some money for maintenance but not looking for anything that will break the bank. I've been debating with myself if it is stupid to buy something so nice as my first car.
Thanks!
MBWorld Fanatic!
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2019 G70 6MT & 2022 Ford Maverick XL
Meh, the C300 is a reliable car. The only really expensive issue that comes up pretty frequently with the earlier cars is the EIS. I still would advocate buying the $7k less Honda, though.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2007
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From: Orlando, Florida
E350 Sport/ML350RWD
If the C300 you are looking at includes the 7yr/135K mile Extended Mercedes Warranty- the EIS should be covered by the warranty. $17.5K is a decent price for a '08 C300 with P1 and I can definitely vouch for the safety. The Service intervals are around 13000 mile or 1 year. A= $250-400/B=$500-600. I spend more servicing my Toyota FJ Cruiser.
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From: Germantown, MD/Rehoboth Beach, DE
2024 GLS450
I'd say go with the Mercedes. They made the first car on the road, and they still make the best car on the road IMO. It's not hard to do your own work on for basic maintenance, it's a very safe car and is light years ahead of the others listed in terms of refinement.
The e90 BMW is not exactly known for being the most reliable - particularly in early years (2006-2008 were a crapshoot), and while you don't say if the C300 is a 4Matic - I'd consider the AWD system on the BMW to be a liability if you don't need it - in repairs and fuel economy.
I would not go with a Honda/Toyota. You get what you pay for - I'll spare you my opinionated rant of inferior engineering and coasting on their past reputation. The only thing they have going for them is that they are FWD and would understeer predictably in an emergency or if you pushed the car too hard (albeit much easier to do than either of the Germans).
The e90 BMW is not exactly known for being the most reliable - particularly in early years (2006-2008 were a crapshoot), and while you don't say if the C300 is a 4Matic - I'd consider the AWD system on the BMW to be a liability if you don't need it - in repairs and fuel economy.
I would not go with a Honda/Toyota. You get what you pay for - I'll spare you my opinionated rant of inferior engineering and coasting on their past reputation. The only thing they have going for them is that they are FWD and would understeer predictably in an emergency or if you pushed the car too hard (albeit much easier to do than either of the Germans).
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Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 1,370
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From: Calgary
C63 AMG
The "real" smart decision would be go with the honda/toyota unless you/your parents are loaded.
Bmw and MB requires loads of cash to maintenance(If something goes wrong you will break the bank). If you really want to impress your friends and being surrounded by ladies during your college year and cash is not a issue then go for it.
Bmw and MB requires loads of cash to maintenance(If something goes wrong you will break the bank). If you really want to impress your friends and being surrounded by ladies during your college year and cash is not a issue then go for it.
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Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 97
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From: Malaysia
2010' C250 W204
The "real" smart decision would be go with the honda/toyota unless you/your parents are loaded.
Bmw and MB requires loads of cash to maintenance(If something goes wrong you will break the bank). If you really want to impress your friends and being surrounded by ladies during your college year and cash is not a issue then go for it.
Bmw and MB requires loads of cash to maintenance(If something goes wrong you will break the bank). If you really want to impress your friends and being surrounded by ladies during your college year and cash is not a issue then go for it.
If cash is an issue then a BMW/MB isn't the one to go for. It's a first car as well; BMW/MBs are luxury car segments by heart, and their main markets are the higher spectrum so usually as you get older, then the reality of owning one is generally more reachable.
But as others have stated, an MB is a very safe car, very reliable. Provided you drive carefully, and the car regularly checked, an MB will last you for quite a long time.
Actually now I'm contradicting myself lol. Ahh what the heck just get the Mercedes
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2009
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From: Southwest USA
Another round of ICE
Much of the answer will depend on your personality. Are you a planner or an immediate gratification type of person? The reality is that the C Class has proven itself to generally be quite reliable. However, 1) there are cars even on this forum which have had an unreasonable amount of repair issues, so it's a risk, even if lower than on other Benzes, and 2) maintenance will be significantly more expensive than on more commonly found cars, such as Hondas, even if you do the work yourself. You still need parts.
A planner would go to a Honda dealer and find a low mileage, certified used car to his/her liking that fits the current budget and work out a deal for a service loaner so getting to school/work was never an issue if a problem did arise. Then, they would secure an education in a field which promises them a future which would allow them to buy the MB of their choosing and be able to afford it comfortably.
Good luck with your choice!
A planner would go to a Honda dealer and find a low mileage, certified used car to his/her liking that fits the current budget and work out a deal for a service loaner so getting to school/work was never an issue if a problem did arise. Then, they would secure an education in a field which promises them a future which would allow them to buy the MB of their choosing and be able to afford it comfortably.
Good luck with your choice!
Last edited by Sportstick; May 13, 2013 at 10:18 AM.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 1,128
Likes: 19
From: Acapulco Mexico
2010 C300 Sport
After checking out all the recent changes in BMW and Audi, still think the 2008-2010 W204 is the most gorgeous mid-size car out there. After 3 1/2 years, have never had one service issue with the C300, only oil changes and TCU software update (free).
Reliability, the BMW Xdrive will have expensive service problems soon, as it is nearing 100k miles. The better "bargain" is the C300 with only 50k, just make sure the transmission has had a full fluid change including the torque convertor. Attached are the reliability surveys, you can also go to truedelta.com and check their owners survey.
Reliability, the BMW Xdrive will have expensive service problems soon, as it is nearing 100k miles. The better "bargain" is the C300 with only 50k, just make sure the transmission has had a full fluid change including the torque convertor. Attached are the reliability surveys, you can also go to truedelta.com and check their owners survey.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 1,128
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From: Acapulco Mexico
2010 C300 Sport
Sorry, should qualify previous post: the 2008 C300/350 Sport with the AMG trim package is the best looking, both inside and out. The 2007 BMW 328i, frankly the rear-end styling was a huge MISTAKE. Although the performance of the 3.0L inline 6 of the BMW is excellent, the Mercedes has both 10% more HP and torque, however the W204 is tremendously disadvantaged by the horrible 7G Tronic transmission shifting, making the 328xi a full second faster 0 - 60 MPH.
In either case, make sure the car you buy has the HK stereo with the Logic 7 surround sound system. If not, you will be VERY sorry about the stock audio systems from these two "luxury" manufacturers, as a base Hyundai has far superior sound and cabin technology.
In either case, make sure the car you buy has the HK stereo with the Logic 7 surround sound system. If not, you will be VERY sorry about the stock audio systems from these two "luxury" manufacturers, as a base Hyundai has far superior sound and cabin technology.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 1,128
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From: Acapulco Mexico
2010 C300 Sport
@caligreenzzz: two conflicting statements "who cares..." and "you only live once..." which means one should take care in every important decision like purchasing a first vehicle. Make up your mind, or be silent, thank you. MikeCeltic is here for our enthusiast help.
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 4,949
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From: Clifton, NJ
96 and 08 911 turbos
A C-class is not a luxury but parts are priced as if it was. If you can not do your own work, you will be hurting at $150 an hour. $17k isn't that much, but its also 70% more than the honda/toyota.
i recommend the honda/toyota. Simple, reliable, inexpensive to repair, and will give you something to reach for in college and after.
i recommend the honda/toyota. Simple, reliable, inexpensive to repair, and will give you something to reach for in college and after.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 1,128
Likes: 19
From: Acapulco Mexico
2010 C300 Sport
On the other hand, my high school vehicle was a 7.2L muscle car but for college bought one of the first BMW 2002's in the US (1968), used of course. Drove it 30k miles and modified it extensively. As for cost, "necessity is the Mother of invention", and car ownership while in school provides one with the incentive to be financially productive to support it. The more expensive the vehicle, the more resourceful one learns to be, something not taught in Business 101. Perhaps Honda/Toyota ownership engenders a pattern of behavior which is difficult to break later on.
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Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 2,208
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From: Westmont, IL
2014 C63 Sedan
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
TBD
If the C300 you are looking at includes the 7yr/135K mile Extended Mercedes Warranty- the EIS should be covered by the warranty. $17.5K is a decent price for a '08 C300 with P1 and I can definitely vouch for the safety. The Service intervals are around 13000 mile or 1 year. A= $250-400/B=$500-600. I spend more servicing my Toyota FJ Cruiser.
I'd say go with the Mercedes. They made the first car on the road, and they still make the best car on the road IMO. It's not hard to do your own work on for basic maintenance, it's a very safe car and is light years ahead of the others listed in terms of refinement.
The e90 BMW is not exactly known for being the most reliable - particularly in early years (2006-2008 were a crapshoot), and while you don't say if the C300 is a 4Matic - I'd consider the AWD system on the BMW to be a liability if you don't need it - in repairs and fuel economy.
I would not go with a Honda/Toyota. You get what you pay for - I'll spare you my opinionated rant of inferior engineering and coasting on their past reputation. The only thing they have going for them is that they are FWD and would understeer predictably in an emergency or if you pushed the car too hard (albeit much easier to do than either of the Germans).
The e90 BMW is not exactly known for being the most reliable - particularly in early years (2006-2008 were a crapshoot), and while you don't say if the C300 is a 4Matic - I'd consider the AWD system on the BMW to be a liability if you don't need it - in repairs and fuel economy.
I would not go with a Honda/Toyota. You get what you pay for - I'll spare you my opinionated rant of inferior engineering and coasting on their past reputation. The only thing they have going for them is that they are FWD and would understeer predictably in an emergency or if you pushed the car too hard (albeit much easier to do than either of the Germans).
The "real" smart decision would be go with the honda/toyota unless you/your parents are loaded.
Bmw and MB requires loads of cash to maintenance(If something goes wrong you will break the bank). If you really want to impress your friends and being surrounded by ladies during your college year and cash is not a issue then go for it.
Bmw and MB requires loads of cash to maintenance(If something goes wrong you will break the bank). If you really want to impress your friends and being surrounded by ladies during your college year and cash is not a issue then go for it.
^This.
If cash is an issue then a BMW/MB isn't the one to go for. It's a first car as well; BMW/MBs are luxury car segments by heart, and their main markets are the higher spectrum so usually as you get older, then the reality of owning one is generally more reachable.
But as others have stated, an MB is a very safe car, very reliable. Provided you drive carefully, and the car regularly checked, an MB will last you for quite a long time.
Actually now I'm contradicting myself lol. Ahh what the heck just get the Mercedes
If cash is an issue then a BMW/MB isn't the one to go for. It's a first car as well; BMW/MBs are luxury car segments by heart, and their main markets are the higher spectrum so usually as you get older, then the reality of owning one is generally more reachable.
But as others have stated, an MB is a very safe car, very reliable. Provided you drive carefully, and the car regularly checked, an MB will last you for quite a long time.
Actually now I'm contradicting myself lol. Ahh what the heck just get the Mercedes
Much of the answer will depend on your personality. Are you a planner or an immediate gratification type of person? The reality is that the C Class has proven itself to generally be quite reliable. However, 1) there are cars even on this forum which have had an unreasonable amount of repair issues, so it's a risk, even if lower than on other Benzes, and 2) maintenance will be significantly more expensive than on more commonly found cars, such as Hondas, even if you do the work yourself. You still need parts.
A planner would go to a Honda dealer and find a low mileage, certified used car to his/her liking that fits the current budget and work out a deal for a service loaner so getting to school/work was never an issue if a problem did arise. Then, they would secure an education in a field which promises them a future which would allow them to buy the MB of their choosing and be able to afford it comfortably.
Good luck with your choice!
A planner would go to a Honda dealer and find a low mileage, certified used car to his/her liking that fits the current budget and work out a deal for a service loaner so getting to school/work was never an issue if a problem did arise. Then, they would secure an education in a field which promises them a future which would allow them to buy the MB of their choosing and be able to afford it comfortably.
Good luck with your choice!
Easier said than done
Thanks!After checking out all the recent changes in BMW and Audi, still think the 2008-2010 W204 is the most gorgeous mid-size car out there. After 3 1/2 years, have never had one service issue with the C300, only oil changes and TCU software update (free).
Reliability, the BMW Xdrive will have expensive service problems soon, as it is nearing 100k miles. The better "bargain" is the C300 with only 50k, just make sure the transmission has had a full fluid change including the torque convertor. Attached are the reliability surveys, you can also go to truedelta.com and check their owners survey.
Reliability, the BMW Xdrive will have expensive service problems soon, as it is nearing 100k miles. The better "bargain" is the C300 with only 50k, just make sure the transmission has had a full fluid change including the torque convertor. Attached are the reliability surveys, you can also go to truedelta.com and check their owners survey.
Sorry, should qualify previous post: the 2008 C300/350 Sport with the AMG trim package is the best looking, both inside and out. The 2007 BMW 328i, frankly the rear-end styling was a huge MISTAKE. Although the performance of the 3.0L inline 6 of the BMW is excellent, the Mercedes has both 10% more HP and torque, however the W204 is tremendously disadvantaged by the horrible 7G Tronic transmission shifting, making the 328xi a full second faster 0 - 60 MPH.
In either case, make sure the car you buy has the HK stereo with the Logic 7 surround sound system. If not, you will be VERY sorry about the stock audio systems from these two "luxury" manufacturers, as a base Hyundai has far superior sound and cabin technology.
In either case, make sure the car you buy has the HK stereo with the Logic 7 surround sound system. If not, you will be VERY sorry about the stock audio systems from these two "luxury" manufacturers, as a base Hyundai has far superior sound and cabin technology.
A C-class is not a luxury but parts are priced as if it was. If you can not do your own work, you will be hurting at $150 an hour. $17k isn't that much, but its also 70% more than the honda/toyota.
i recommend the honda/toyota. Simple, reliable, inexpensive to repair, and will give you something to reach for in college and after.
i recommend the honda/toyota. Simple, reliable, inexpensive to repair, and will give you something to reach for in college and after.
On the other hand, my high school vehicle was a 7.2L muscle car but for college bought one of the first BMW 2002's in the US (1968), used of course. Drove it 30k miles and modified it extensively. As for cost, "necessity is the Mother of invention", and car ownership while in school provides one with the incentive to be financially productive to support it. The more expensive the vehicle, the more resourceful one learns to be, something not taught in Business 101. Perhaps Honda/Toyota ownership engenders a pattern of behavior which is difficult to break later on.
Totally agree. What's a bank balance worth if you aren't enjoying life?
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Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,351
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From: Germantown, MD/Rehoboth Beach, DE
2024 GLS450
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 1,128
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From: Acapulco Mexico
2010 C300 Sport
EIS problem should have surfaced after 5 years. Too bad about the non-HK. For about $130 you can upgrade the OEM speakers, info here:
https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w...r-upgrade.html
The C300 should be good for at least 100k miles, so figure in another 5 years you will use $7,500 of the $17.5k, which is a little over $100 per month plus maintenance. Glad you are starting with your own small business, a university degree today is not a guarantee of future stability. Besides you will be able to write off 100% of the expenses, tires, gas etc. plus amortize the purchase in 4 years, making the net cost of ownership very little.
https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w...r-upgrade.html
The C300 should be good for at least 100k miles, so figure in another 5 years you will use $7,500 of the $17.5k, which is a little over $100 per month plus maintenance. Glad you are starting with your own small business, a university degree today is not a guarantee of future stability. Besides you will be able to write off 100% of the expenses, tires, gas etc. plus amortize the purchase in 4 years, making the net cost of ownership very little.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
TBD
EIS problem should have surfaced after 5 years. Too bad about the non-HK. For about $130 you can upgrade the OEM speakers, info here:
https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w...r-upgrade.html
The C300 should be good for at least 100k miles, so figure in another 5 years you will use $7,500 of the $17.5k, which is a little over $100 per month plus maintenance. Glad you are starting with your own small business, a university degree today is not a guarantee of future stability. Besides you will be able to write off 100% of the expenses, tires, gas etc. plus amortize the purchase in 4 years, making the net cost of ownership very little.
https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w...r-upgrade.html
The C300 should be good for at least 100k miles, so figure in another 5 years you will use $7,500 of the $17.5k, which is a little over $100 per month plus maintenance. Glad you are starting with your own small business, a university degree today is not a guarantee of future stability. Besides you will be able to write off 100% of the expenses, tires, gas etc. plus amortize the purchase in 4 years, making the net cost of ownership very little.
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 682
Likes: 4
W204
Thanks. It seems that problem can cost around $2k.
If the cost of maintenance is under 1k a year I have no problem really. Thanks!
Yea, unfortunately the C300 is not AWD. Thanks!
I don't care about impressing others or the emblem on the front. I love the look and ride of the C300. I've heard otherwise with C300s maintenance. Thanks!
Haha, I always come back to wanting to get one. Thanks!
Yea, I wouldn't have a problem doing a lot of the maintenance myself, I'm pretty handy.
I agree with the whole planning thing as I have huge dreams of going the Ivy route and working for the FBI after law school. I'd rather just add the 7 or so thousand dollars and get a car I really want. Thanks for the advice!
Easier said than done Thanks!
The owner said that all transmission fluids have been changed and he will provide the shop invoices for record. Thanks so much!
Hm... This one doesn't have the multimedia pack so it doesn't have HK... I think I can live with it/upgrade.
It's an easy mentality to live by but living your life like that can only prevent a future.
Thanks for the advice. I feel that the 70% is worth it and will pay itself off in the long run.
I really like that idea. In order to be able to pay cash for one of these vehicles I have started my own small business and it's the reason I am even on this forum. It's time to make this hard work worthwhile, right?
Totally agree. What's a bank balance worth if you aren't enjoying life?
If the cost of maintenance is under 1k a year I have no problem really. Thanks!
Yea, unfortunately the C300 is not AWD. Thanks!
I don't care about impressing others or the emblem on the front. I love the look and ride of the C300. I've heard otherwise with C300s maintenance. Thanks!
Haha, I always come back to wanting to get one. Thanks!
Yea, I wouldn't have a problem doing a lot of the maintenance myself, I'm pretty handy.
I agree with the whole planning thing as I have huge dreams of going the Ivy route and working for the FBI after law school. I'd rather just add the 7 or so thousand dollars and get a car I really want. Thanks for the advice!
Easier said than done
Thanks!The owner said that all transmission fluids have been changed and he will provide the shop invoices for record. Thanks so much!
Hm... This one doesn't have the multimedia pack so it doesn't have HK... I think I can live with it/upgrade.
It's an easy mentality to live by but living your life like that can only prevent a future.
Thanks for the advice. I feel that the 70% is worth it and will pay itself off in the long run.
I really like that idea. In order to be able to pay cash for one of these vehicles I have started my own small business and it's the reason I am even on this forum. It's time to make this hard work worthwhile, right?
Totally agree. What's a bank balance worth if you aren't enjoying life?
then get a bus pass............
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 506
Likes: 1
From: Argyle, TX
10 Tahoe LT, 07 Silverado Z71, 99 BMW R1100RT
Gotta love the usual "Don't get MB or BMW as your first car. Get a Toyota/Honda or what ever so-called Asian car, they are much better for that.". 
IMO, get what ever you feel comfortable with. Just do your research before buying one. And when looking at the car, make sure you check it out properly and if you are not comfortable with everything, spending a couple of hundred bucks on a pre-purchase inspection is money well spent. Never trust 100% what the seller tells you.
A 2009 C300 with 50K miles should easily have another 100K ahead of it without any major issues. Even though there are some people who have had issues, these things have proven to be quite reliable.
One thing you also might want to look into also is the cost of insurance. If you are not listed in your parents' policy, especially the comprehensive part could get expensive. Getting one for such a new car would definitely be recommended.
Good luck with your search.
IMO, get what ever you feel comfortable with. Just do your research before buying one. And when looking at the car, make sure you check it out properly and if you are not comfortable with everything, spending a couple of hundred bucks on a pre-purchase inspection is money well spent. Never trust 100% what the seller tells you.
A 2009 C300 with 50K miles should easily have another 100K ahead of it without any major issues. Even though there are some people who have had issues, these things have proven to be quite reliable.
One thing you also might want to look into also is the cost of insurance. If you are not listed in your parents' policy, especially the comprehensive part could get expensive. Getting one for such a new car would definitely be recommended.
Good luck with your search.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 4,949
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From: Clifton, NJ
96 and 08 911 turbos
It doesn't have much space, it rides hard, it has a rock hard plastic interior, most come equipped with vinyl seats, most luxury features are optional, and power is merely adequate.
we seemingly have different definitions of luxury.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 4,949
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From: Clifton, NJ
96 and 08 911 turbos
Thanks for the advice. I feel that the 70% is worth it and will pay itself off in the long run.
I really like that idea. In order to be able to pay cash for one of these vehicles I have started my own small business and it's the reason I am even on this forum. It's time to make this hard work worthwhile, right?
Totally agree. What's a bank balance worth if you aren't enjoying life?
Rewarding yourself for hardwork is great. Then again, at 17, it seems more like entitlement.
A bank balance is security. Like most people your age, you seem to not realize that based on averages, your life will in fact be very long. Who is paying for your school tuition? Your housing? Food? Insurance?
You can either splurge on slightly nicer car and not take advantage of the compound interest and investment potential of that $7,000 (not to mention repairs/parts/maintenance) or buy a run of the mill honda that will require very little and put that $7,000 into your small business.
