Now that we've been a few months here in the new place I have a sense of a few things, including the gas expenses. The X5 is using about $5,000/month (pesos) in gas since it's the main vehicle for mom & baby's errands. The baby will get into daycare next month and that will increase a bit.
The MINI is currently in Mexico City.
I am toying with the idea of getting a used i3 to replace both the MINI and the M5. Like this:
https://auto.mercadolibre.com.mx/MLM-596946418-bmw-i3-2015-_JM
To give you an idea, I can sell the M5 for $500,000 pesos and the MINI for $280,000 or so.
So if I sell both cars I'd release a little cash and non-negligible gas money as the i3 would become mom & baby's daily driver an the X5 will be reserved for longer trips / weekends.
I can recharge at home at close to zero cost b/c of the solar panels.
A new i3 maybe. It'd have to be electric only. That's $780,000.
I LOVE my M5 and it is in mint condition (really) but we don't use it much. Here there is little traffic so I usually reach for the keys of the smaller, more fun cars (actually the E46 is my favourite DD again).
Another option could be the new Countryman hybrid. That is $720,000. It's a much more versatile car than the i3 but both the wife & I do love the electric feeling and like the "innovative" i3.
Not interested in the Bolt. I went to test drive it. Great car but we're spoiled and can't get into an econobox interior.
used i3? new i3? keep the M5? Countryman hybrid? Wait years for a more expensive Tesla model 3? Do nothing?
I would stretch for the range extender, but for a city runaround I like the i3.
Not really on topic, but here on the border I notice a bunch of vehicles with Mexico plates that aren't sold here at all, some of the names I don't recognize. Many of them are smaller cars. So you have quite a choice. :ohyeah:
Quote from: 12,000 RPM on October 26, 2017, 01:32:06 PM
I would stretch for the range extender, but for a city runaround I like the i3.
No need. The range of the all electric is more than enough. There is the X5 for longer trips. Range is however an advantage of the new i3 over the used i3. The new one has about 40% more range.
Quote from: shp4man on October 26, 2017, 01:34:36 PM
Not really on topic, but here on the border I notice a bunch of vehicles with Mexico plates that aren't sold here at all, some of the names I don't recognize. Many of them are smaller cars. So you have quite a choice. :ohyeah:
Overall variety is a bit better in the US (especially variety in levels of equipment within a model range). But we do get a few euro and third world specials that you don't. Notably: Renault, Peugeot, SEAT among others.
First, stop being an unthusiast. Obviously the correct answer is to get an i8. Unless you're poor, then get a used Yugo. Now that that's out of the way...
I've lost track of how many cars you have at this point. V10 M5, E46 M3, 1M, 1/3rd of a GT4, a Mini, and an X5? Honestly, I would get rid of the M5 and Mini, pick up an i3 (honestly, I really do like and a think the bamboo interior is a cool touch), keep the X5 as your comfy all around car, and the M3 can remain your daily.
Quote from: Xer0 on October 26, 2017, 01:49:19 PM
First, stop being an unthusiast.
+1 :lol: You must be poor LOLOLOLOL
Electric would be fun Torque for the City. And you still would have the track car and X5 so.... Sure!
Quote from: MexicoCityM3 on October 26, 2017, 01:30:26 PM
The X5 is using about $5,000/month (pesos) in gas since it's the main vehicle for mom & baby's errands.
$5,000/mo es loco.
Quote from: 93JC on October 26, 2017, 01:58:05 PM
$5,000/mo es loco.
Both you and Lebowski need to get out more ;).
i3 to replace a Mini and an M5? Why don't you just follow Lebowski's thread and buy whatever mainstream brand CUV he's going to buy?
Being seen in a CR-V = death sentence
Quote from: 12,000 RPM on October 26, 2017, 06:39:44 PM
Being seen in a CR-V = death sentence
You know what the nice thing about CR-Vs and other blandmobiles is? You AREN'T seen. You're invisible. Total incognito mode. It's almost refreshing to drive a blandmobile after driving my car around a lot.
Quote from: MexicoCityM3 on October 26, 2017, 01:30:26 PM
I can recharge at home at close to zero cost b/c of the solar panels.
Do you have powerwall-type storage so you can use the electricity at night?
Quote from: 12,000 RPM on October 26, 2017, 06:39:44 PM
Being seen in a CR-V = death sentence
Quote from: CaminoRacer on October 26, 2017, 06:41:33 PM
You know what the nice thing about CR-Vs and other blandmobiles is? You AREN'T seen. You're invisible. Total incognito mode. It's almost refreshing to drive a blandmobile after driving my car around a lot.
Haha. I know. But yeah, we can't. I mean of course if we ever come to recognize our reality as poors we will survive. But as long as the banks don't know that, we're ballin'.
Quote from: Morris Minor on October 26, 2017, 06:45:19 PM
Do you have powerwall-type storage so you can use the electricity at night?
I have it on order. Put in a deposit about 8 months ago. Supposedly it would be delivered "in the summer". But we all know about deadlines and Tesla. I wrote a few days ago and haven't heard anything back.
I'm kind of lukewarm about big home batteries. The early adopter tax is too heavy and the benefit too minor if you live an area with a reliable electric grid. Electricity is fungible; there's no shame in dumping your joules into the grid and pulling 'em back out from it.
It'll probably 5-10 more years before they're cheap enough to make them a no-brainer.
Quote from: MexicoCityM3 on October 26, 2017, 01:59:28 PM
Pesos.
Yo comprendo la situación, señor. If you're spending that much on gas I understand why you're thinking of going electric; 5000 MXN is, as I said, loco. :lol:
Quote from: FoMoJo on October 26, 2017, 02:02:44 PM
260usd. Not so bad.
4-5 times my monthly fuel bill... :mask:
I think he drives a decent amount, though. When you're a baller and have a couple houses... :lol:
Quote from: 93JC on October 26, 2017, 09:42:10 PM
Yo comprendo la situación, señor. If you're spending that much on gas I understand why you're thinking of going electric; 5000 MXN is, as I said, loco. :lol:
4-5 times my monthly fuel bill... :mask:
That's only for the X5 (wife). I probably spend an additional 2,000 pesos. But that would continue because fun.
Quote from: Laconian on October 26, 2017, 07:34:24 PM
I'm kind of lukewarm about big home batteries. The early adopter tax is too heavy and the benefit too minor if you live an area with a reliable electric grid. Electricity is fungible; there's no shame in dumping your joules into the grid and pulling 'em back out from it.
It'll probably 5-10 more years before they're cheap enough to make them a no-brainer.
I think it all depends on usage patterns. If you have an EV it makes sense to charge it overnight with your solar-generated electricity.
Also I think the equations change with the latitude & climate. e.g. in higher latitudes, a/c use is lower, & usage is heaviest in the evenings when people come home & start cooking, watching TV etc. Contrast that with here in sweaty GA where electricity usage times coincide more with solar generation times: late afternoons, when the sun is still well above the horizon.
I'm not against EV's, and I do like the i3 interior.way more then I thought I would... But I really don't see the i3 being all that compelling of a package.
I'd say give the EV market another 3 or so years to develop before jumping on it.
Quote from: r0tor on October 27, 2017, 07:46:04 AM
I'm not against EV's, and I do like the i3 interior.way more then I thought I would... But I really don't see the i3 being all that compelling of a package.
I'd say give the EV market another 3 or so years to develop before jumping on it.
BMWs are out of my pricerange all the time. Your last statement is very legit.
I would dump the M5 and Countryman. You don't seem to be using them a lot. That's it.
I don't think it makes much sense to get the i3 in addition to the X5 to save money. It's cheaper to just have the X5 for your wife and child rather than both cars. The cost of having two cars with maintenance and insurance is going to be more than any gas savings.
If you want the i3 just get it for yourself to putter around locally in. If your wife likes it better than the X5 to drive then great. If she doesn't, then that's also fine. Just get it for the sake of getting it because you like it. It's not really an economic thing.
Quote from: 93JC on October 26, 2017, 09:42:10 PM
Yo comprendo la situación, señor. If you're spending that much on gas I understand why you're thinking of going electric; 5000 MXN is, as I said, loco. :lol:
4-5 times my monthly fuel bill... :mask:
Not sure what the fuel cost per gallon/litre in Mexico is, but when my wife and I were both commuting for work, our fuel bill was around $500CAD per month.
Quote from: FoMoJo on October 27, 2017, 09:33:17 AM
Not sure what the fuel cost per gallon/litre in Mexico is, but when my wife and I were both commuting for work, our fuel bill was around $500CAD per month.
We pay 18 pesos/lt (premium). So, about 3.6 USD/gallon
$320 a month sounds reasonable. That sounds like about a tank of gas a week.
Quote from: FoMoJo on October 27, 2017, 09:33:17 AM
Not sure what the fuel cost per gallon/litre in Mexico is, but when my wife and I were both commuting for work, our fuel bill was around $500CAD per month.
My commute is only about 8 km one-way. :tounge:
Quote from: GoCougs on October 26, 2017, 03:11:42 PM
Both you and Lebowski need to get out more ;).
Hey anyone else posting and $3k shoes would have raised my eyebrows. MCM, on some level I could see it.
Something is highly suspicious about this thread ...
That said, imo unless pricing is way different in Mexico the i3 doesn't make sense. It's way too expensive for what it is to offset gasoline savings.
I would:
- Sell X5 and replace with a CRV, Pilot, Highlander etc
- Sell mini and M5 and replace with a civic si, gti etc
- Figure out which you like best between the M3, 1M, and GT4, and sell the other two
Obviously this is all subject to what's available in Mexico and individual preferences. But fewer cars and more mainstreamish cars for the higher mileage / daily drivers. Yeah I don't actually expect you to do this, just saying it's what I would do. You have too many cars.
Quote from: Lebowski on November 01, 2017, 11:07:40 AM
Something is highly suspicious about this thread ...
That said, imo unless pricing is way different in Mexico the i3 doesn't make sense. It's way too expensive for what it is to offset gasoline savings.
I would:
- Sell X5 and replace with a CRV, Pilot, Highlander etc
- Sell mini and M5 and replace with a civic si, gti etc
- Figure out which you like best between the M3, 1M, and GT4, and sell the other two
Obviously this is all subject to what's available in Mexico and individual preferences. But fewer cars and more mainstreamish cars for the higher mileage / daily drivers. Yeah I don't actually expect you to do this, just saying it's what I would do. You have too many cars.
It only saves money relative to holding on to both the M5 and MINI.
I am holding on to the toys. Among other more important things in life I do like them and help me stay motivated. I want to make real money in the next 10 years which should be my most productive. Things are looking good ATM.
Holding onto consumer debt to stay motivated is a terrible idea.
Quote from: GoCougs on November 01, 2017, 03:45:37 PM
Holding onto consumer debt to stay motivated is a terrible idea.
It really isn't consumer debt. More of debt to enable a reasonably good standard of living while personally funding investment in my company.
Our company is bootstrapped. This consumer debt is much, much less expensive than raising capital for the business. The business has a tiny amount of debt vs annual sales (less than 1/15th of annual sales).
Debt "to enable a standard of living" sounds like consumer debt to me.
I'm not judging, just saying it sounds like you're setting yourself up for a world of hurt if your best- or base- case business/economic scenarios dont materialize.
Quote from: Lebowski on November 01, 2017, 04:56:47 PM
Debt "to enable a standard of living" sounds like consumer debt to me.
I'm not judging, just saying it sounds like you're setting yourself up for a world of hurt if your best- or base- case business/economic scenarios dont materialize.
Yeah that's risk.
Quote from: MexicoCityM3 on November 01, 2017, 05:02:47 PM
Yeah that's risk.
Sure. Risk in the form of excess consumer debt is a risk most can't afford to take imo.
IMO it's a big red flag when people try to redefine consumer spending as investment, which you just did. "The reason I have car loan(s) is so I can invest more in xyz". Uh, no it isn't, it's so you can buy more car, or in your case six cars, most of which are luxury cars, for two drivers.
Quote from: Lebowski on November 01, 2017, 05:46:01 PM
Sure. Risk in the form of excess consumer debt is a risk most can't afford to take imo.
IMO it's a big red flag when people try to redefine consumer spending as investment, which you just did. "The reason I have car loan(s) is so I can invest more in xyz". Uh, no it isn't, it's so you can buy more car, or in your case six cars, most of which are luxury cars, for two drivers.
Agree to disagree. Time will tell.
I approve. I3's are nice cars, but you need to decide if the back seats and the range works for you.
I'm with Cougs and Lebowski here. :lol:
I wish you much success with the business but I'm soooooo happy that I have $0.00 consumer debt. Takes a lot of stress off.
Sure I'd absolutely LOVE a fun car ($5k Miata) instead of driving a minivan to work everyday but we have decided to wait on that. Feels great to have cash in the bank to buy a new Miata and retirement (Army) is steadily building and 99.9% guaranteed unless I commit an outrageous jailable offense or the country falls into apocalypse.
An opportunity has come up through one of my BMW contacts to buy either a new 2018 M240i Cabrio with a 30% discount or a new M2 with a 25% discount.
Very tempted, especially by the cabrio. It would cost USD 33,500. New. 2018. M240i. At our new location in Leon we have cabrio conditions all year round.
M2 would be USD 45,700.
No financing (of course).
Quote from: MexicoCityM3 on November 16, 2017, 07:28:43 PM
An opportunity has come up through one of my BMW contacts to buy either a new 2018 M240i Cabrio with a 30% discount or a 2017 M2 with a 25% discount.
Very tempted, especially by the cabrio. It would cost USD 33,500. New. 2018. M240i. At our new location in Leon we have cabrio conditions all year round.
So, how many cars do you have now?
Quote from: FoMoJo on November 16, 2017, 07:30:03 PM
So, how many cars do you have now?
5.33
Number would stay the same. The MINI would go.
Quote from: MexicoCityM3 on November 16, 2017, 07:31:58 PM
5.33
Number would stay the same. The MINI would go.
Well, that's okay then. Isn't the MINI your wife's car? Would she get the new one?
I'm just jealous.
Quote from: FoMoJo on November 16, 2017, 07:43:31 PM
Well, that's okay then. Isn't the MINI your wife's car? Would she get the new one?
I'm just jealous.
She'd get the new one. These past few days she's been taking out the 1M ocassionally and loves it.
Quote from: MexicoCityM3 on November 16, 2017, 07:44:51 PM
She'd get the new one. These past few days she's been taking out the 1M ocassionally and loves it.
Make sure you break it in well for her.
IMHO you're at the life stage where, for non-exotics, you should not be enticed by "good deals" but instead seek out certain cars that you want that are available and then try to get good deals on those. So if you were seeking out a 2018 M240i Cabrio or a 2017 M2 then get one of them but if you were not, I would pass. You have a stable of very nice cars; 3 BMWs, 1/3 of an almost exotic Porsche, and a bastard child Mini. You're kind of going back and forth in your mind regarding an electric BMW and trying to make a financial case for it which is fine but honestly not that important. It's more about do you want that electric BMW because it's damn cool.
resale value means that it will cost you very little for the M2 over the next few years when you want to trade it for the next big thing
LOL, no.
I would never do this. Ever.