If you gonna buy a car for $50k with your own money , which car will you buy ?

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Superb-Attitude9606@reddit

I have my dream car already, so I'll probably use the 50k to buy a truck like a Toyota Tacoma or something.

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cronemm@reddit

50k and get a 2012-2015 2nd gen and dump the rest on overlanding mods

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m855-556@reddit

A nice couple years old Honda civic for 30 Then fix up a 1960’s truck with rest

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larpcentral@reddit

I’d buy the same car I have now, alfa Romeo Giulia cost me 20k for 57k msrp car highest trim

Super fun to drive and luxury car at undervalued price

I don’t need a 50k car

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the_austrich@reddit

I've got the Giulia (Veloce, Estrema, Quad) on my short list.

I'm coming from a 3rd gen Acura TL Type-S, and I worry the Alfa 2.0 isn't a noticeable power jump.

The Giulia is so pretty, and while the tech is said to be what it is, the chassis is alluring.

With your experience, could you please share your take?

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the_austrich@reddit

If RS5, why not M340i/M440i?
If M240i, why not RS3?

I personally am considering (because cost and sportiness):
M440i, slightly older M2, Supra, Alfa Giulia Veloce/Quad

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Resident-Cricket-710@reddit

The answer for me will always be 10K shit box and then put 40K into it.

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Hardcover@reddit

That's how you end up with a car worth $8k.

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Get a 1st gen RAV4 for under 3000 dollars. Swap over a 3sgte into it. That’ll all cost around 7000 in total since everything bolts up. Source every aftermarket component available for it, another 5000 or so. For around 12000 you’ll have what might be the most fun you can have on 4 wheels.

Add 3000 in horsepower bolt ons and you’ll have an absolutely monster of a mini SUV. Take the rest of the money and go on vacation or a road trip with it.

https://youtu.be/_XOpCeEtOZo?si=T5Czr2hx4x85JKIc

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Resident-Cricket-710@reddit

i would totally do this to one of the early 2 door rav 4s with the removable top.

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alexseiji@reddit

I have a 4door that tips the scales at 2500ish since I have the FWD version. WIth the rear seats out, I can fit 2 full size bicycles upright in the back without thatking the wheels of. With its low floors I have more cargo capacity than any compact or even midsize suv.

It already has 2.7 turns lock to lock from the factory with a very small turning radius so the steering feels incredible out of the box.

I have owned a lot of fun cars and somehow this one, even in NA form, has been the most enjoyable car Ive owned. Ive barely put a dime into it, and I flog the living piss out of it and it has never missed a beat. Absolute bargain of a fun car if you need utility.

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Resident-Cricket-710@reddit

rad.

ive got a 1st gen 4runner that fills that niche in my life, but if im honest if i could buy another toyota shitbox to engine swap ive always wanted one of the original 4WD tercels from the 80s.

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alexseiji@reddit

That would be ultra rad!! At one point in my life I wanted a tercel to swap a 4ag into. Life is short, might as well!

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Fydron@reddit

10k car for me would be something that must last atleast 10-15 years so not a shitbox

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mista-666@reddit

what's most depressing about this statement is that 10k is what buys you a shitbox these days.

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newtonreddits@reddit

This is me. Bought an E46 M3 for 11k a decade ago and proceeded to dump 30k+ into it.

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redspikedog@reddit

Thats because the e46 m3 isn't a shit box and is actually worth putting money into it. If you really did buy a shit box you'd just want it to meet road worthy standards, otherwise you'd say "skip".

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newtonreddits@reddit

Everything is a shitbox with the right attitude. Even brand new cars 😈

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redspikedog@reddit

Yes, I agree!

Anything base is a shitbox. The shiny car hot shit syndrome lasts only 2-3 years, after that its just another shitbox going to the junkyard after 1-2 hand me downs.

Special cars are passed around and resurrected.

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newtonreddits@reddit

Oh I was meaning you can send the shit outta anything to shitboxify it.

Buy a new Porsche 911 and rallycross it 😁

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TrackingTenCross1@reddit

After paying a small fortune to have a glass-out respray done on mine, thank you for telling me it’s “worth it”.

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chudhuntr@reddit

It’s still a shitbox I’m so sorry

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TrackingTenCross1@reddit

(Nodding in agreement) I tell myself it’s a labor of love.

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DargeBaVarder@reddit

Based

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BandiTToZ@reddit

This is the way.

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jackybevibin@reddit

lexus is500 if i could find one that price lol

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nonoqt@reddit

Lexus NX

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Big-Top5171@reddit

Acura Interga Type S.

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Gmod-Racer-Overdrive@reddit

Gen 3 Viper

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Inevitable-Notice351@reddit

30K on a brand new subcompact like the Nissan Kicks SR and then invest the rest in a HYSA. That's exactly what I did! Plus my car will be paid off in 6 total payments.

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Mdlage@reddit

I think the point of the post is you have to spend it. Obviously buy a 20k pre owned Toyota and invest the rest is the correct answer.

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SkeletorsAlt@reddit

The nicest V8 Land Cruiser I can find, to be my permanent tow rig.

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bubbastanky@reddit

100 or 200?

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SkeletorsAlt@reddit

200, even though I don’t like how they look.

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bubbastanky@reddit

I feel the same way. The face lifted ones look better. Idk the exact year like ‘18 ish I think. I believe you can facelift any 200 series but 50k will get you a decent one. I’m hoping to spend around that much for one in 1-2 years

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racerpete@reddit

Have one, good choice

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tookangsta@reddit

something from the mid 2000s barebone, no add-ons no additional techs. maybe a jaguar xj or type x

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Paulpie@reddit

Vs someone else’s money? Lol

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Gladiz1972@reddit

Brand new Mini Cooper JCW convertible I am sure everyone in here will say the usual Toyota or Honda's

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Blu_yello_husky@reddit

Depends on what the situation is. Am I buying a daily driver? A road trip car? Or a fun car?

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gmacpdx@reddit

The 36k one.

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FordF150ChicagoFan@reddit

I literally did this and bought an F150 Raptor

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W-E-T-H-E-B-E-S-T@reddit

CEE TEE ARR

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not_rdburman@reddit

A 2012-2015ish 911 with higher mileage, if we don't count any future repair as part of the 50k.

They're reliable enough where it's not a stupid answer for the 50k question unless you don't let any further money go into maintenance and repairs

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burntbridges20@reddit

Two cars so I can have one fun and one more practical. Which is essentially what I did.

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fcwolfey@reddit

Gr corolla

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Nuzina@reddit

over a golf R?

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free_loader_3000@reddit

otd Golf R would definitely be over 50k

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fcwolfey@reddit

Even as a huge vw fan, 100% yes. the whole motomachi plant the special widebody compared to standard corollas. Its a MUCH more special car than a golf R

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Nuzina@reddit

different strokes 🫡

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Aromatic_Berry_3879@reddit

The fact that Corolla is in the conversation at 50k is insane

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fcwolfey@reddit

It is, but then you dig into how its a stitch welded chassis, has multiple LSD’s, a controllable center differential, and an engine thats basically their racecar engine just detuned and you get sooooo much performance for your dollar and its hardly a corolla anymore

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LastkingofPasadena@reddit

Same

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Rennsport7@reddit

GR Yaris for me

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TibFoxLDX@reddit

If snow = used b9.5 s5. No snow = used m2/m3/m4

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135is@reddit

C6 z06 or a x3m

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fredpitts@reddit

I wanted supercar performance for $50k so I just bought a mint modded X3M comp. An E50 tune and it’ll rip a sub 11 1/4 mile. Don’t need it but it’s fun!

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135is@reddit

It’s my dream daily. so underrated. Definitely one of those if you know you know cars.

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fredpitts@reddit

I also have a modded 08 135i convertible with upgraded turbos and tune. That’s my summer “golf” car.

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ychok@reddit

Lexus IS 350 F sport

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Innocent-Prick@reddit

Lightly used Lexus rx

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Amarathe_@reddit

07 bmw m5 manual and have 20-25k left over to fix it

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hisimpendingbaldness@reddit

If Its going to be a daily driver, a new loaded Subaru outback without the turbo

Toy? A new mustang GT

Used? 51 hudson hornet

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sytydave@reddit

This is pretty much my budget. I bought a new WRX in 2024. I bought the TR model with the Recaro and Brembo's. I put a tune, intake and flex fuel. It makes about 320whp on 93 and 370whp on e85. It may not be the fastest car, but it is fun to drive.

I am looking to get upgrade my summer car in the near future. I am pretty much settled on C6Z06. I will have to budget for redoing the heads, but I will upgrade the heads and put a cam/tune while I am at it. I should be able to buy a nice Corvette at that price and should come in under 50k.

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Just_Avocado2761@reddit

Give me 50k, and i will buy car in 7k, used toyota :-D

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Glittering_Poem9779@reddit

Always buy new.. you wouldn’t wear someone’s used underpants so don’t buy their used car.

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Glittering_Poem9779@reddit

Which country you in? $50k is different in different countries…

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uncivilCanadian@reddit

Probably a 340i and drive it to the ground

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Slime2278@reddit

8V RS3

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Defiant-Opposite-501@reddit

Cybertruck.

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timmmarkIII@reddit

Mustang GT convertible. Slightly used with a manual transmission (no rentals).

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HottDoggers@reddit

You can get a brand new one for that price, in the US at least.

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tvclan56@reddit

Nissan gtr r35

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PowerLonely9501@reddit

Civic type r.

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Heinz_Legend@reddit

5 Used Corollas

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lamaai@reddit

FL5 type r

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OkMeringue3009@reddit

Slightly used Genesis GV70.

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coolkid74_@reddit

Honestly, a equipped v8 Durango

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2to11to27@reddit

Hyundai Venue, I love that size and body style.

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Sweatyfatmess@reddit

Used high end Asian (Lexus, Acura, Infiniti, Genesis …). US designs are obsolete. Euro service costs are unjustifiably expensive. Not interested in no value add dealer markups for new.

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whatsrlygud@reddit

supra

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baconbro_@reddit

$11,000 1988 mazda rx7 turbo and put $39,000 into it

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DishRelative5853@reddit

Mazda CX5

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CriticismKey5574@reddit

Mustang GT!

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captainsaverebornII@reddit

Refresh model 3 performance

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quiksi@reddit

If you have access to home charging and just need basic transportation a Model 3 makes a ton of sense

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captainsaverebornII@reddit

Also 0-60 in 3sec and 1/4 mile high 10s. Best performance vehicle u can buy 50k new

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PK808370@reddit

Performance in a straight line.

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captainsaverebornII@reddit

I dont care about tracks

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PK808370@reddit

I’m saying I wouldn’t call it a “performance vehicle” if it doesn’t corner well.

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quiksi@reddit

It’s just the name of the trim level, chill out

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taidizzle@reddit

two miatas

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trickedx5@reddit

X5

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DenseSign5938@reddit

I bought a 2026 tundra

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cookiemonster8u69@reddit

Bronco

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50Aaron@reddit

Probably a C6Z or a C6 GS. Maybe a C7 with the manual but Id be disappointed that it wasnt a C7Z the whole time.

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NHDraven@reddit

Hard to beat a C6Z at that price point.

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50Aaron@reddit

It is. I havent driven an LS7 car but I think Id really enjoy it. An NA V8 with 500hp was a gift from god back in the day. Its still what Id want in my C5s over any of the new SCd LS engines.

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NHDraven@reddit

If you haven't driven a C7Z, give it a shot. I have a gen 5 Viper now, so 8.4L V10 NA 640hp. I had a C7Z prior, and they are both a lot of fun. If I had more garage space, I'd probably still have the Z. It's a lot of car for the money, and I wouldn't feel as bad putting mileage on it.

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Chance-Gold5646@reddit

540 ix touring

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AyOh_OnReddit@reddit

2013 kia sportage LX, pocket 40k lol

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Potential-Ant-6320@reddit

However much $50 of Cadillac sedan gets me.

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stephenthebug@reddit

You get to sniff the seats for 50 bucks

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Potential-Ant-6320@reddit

K

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CauliflowerTop2464@reddit

An EV if you can charge at home.

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3rdgenerX@reddit

1997 Toyota Landcruiser triple locked, with very low mileage

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Icysteez@reddit

Used CT4 blackwing

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KBCobra801@reddit

This has to be my answer too since I literally just did this 3 weeks ago. Lol

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Icysteez@reddit

Lmaooo withheld that I also did this two weeks ago

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KBCobra801@reddit

Nice! What's funny is this car wasn't even on my list because I had it in my head that the only Cadillac I was interested in was the ct5v BW. Since those are way more than I want to spend I was looking at fun cars in the $20k-30k range to get me by in hopes the ct5s would come down in price in a few years. I was out test driving some cars on my day off and decided to go check this '23 out...I fell in love during the test drive. I might have been a little too much of a V8 snob to initially give the ct4v any credit but I'm very glad that I decided to test drive it. Awesome car.

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Willy_Fisterbottom79@reddit

Second hand m550 BMW. Almost did this last year but it would have been a touch tight financially for me. Twin turbo V8 in the $40k’s.

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sjg97@reddit

I leased one back in 2018. Other than all the mechanical issues that it had that car was amazing. Such a sleeper. No one expected the 0-60 to be like 3.4 seconds

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Willy_Fisterbottom79@reddit

I was cautioned to avoid the pre technical update N63 like the plague. I fell in love the moment I put it in sport mode and got near the throttle. What a machine. ❤️

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TXtogo@reddit

A ram truck, I like them

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Left_2_Right@reddit

A decent example of a 70 Buick GSX 455

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jpttpj@reddit

A used Tacoma and some maintenance so I know

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DJScaryTerry@reddit

I'd be getting an Elantra N if it has to be a new car.

Used, it would depend what I found. 50k can get you a lot of cars but if they never show up for sale it doesn't matter.

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ExplorerIris@reddit

Honda S2000. It just looks like a dream to live with forever to death.

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Human-Time-4114@reddit

What?! I buy all my cars with my own money. Never go into debt over a depreciating asset.

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Putrid-Box4866@reddit

As long as the interest is less than HYSA rates, it's fine. It's stupid to buy a car in cash you can financed at 0%.

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Human-Time-4114@reddit

When was the last time auto loans were 0%? Or even 2%?

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dkbGeek@reddit

There are 0% promotional rates available on certain models right now.

Subaru's offering it on a bunch of models on 36-month deals and a few on 75-month deals. 0.9%/75 month on other model.

Toyota's offering 0% on the bZ, and on new 2025 Tundras, with 0.9% available on some others.

Those are just the top 2 examples I saw...

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Character-Theory1756@reddit

Those promotional rates are paid for by an equivalent hike in the purchase price. Nobody gives away money for free.

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dkbGeek@reddit

Promotional rates when they're significantly below market are often to move slow sellers. Hence the offer on 2025 Tundras, but not on 2026. Dealers are not going to jack up the price of last year's inventory. The best promo rates are usually only available to "A-credit" customers as well.

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Human-Time-4114@reddit

Wow. Thank you for the updates. I seriously thought I would never see sub 3% ever again.

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vicente8a@reddit

Mazda is offering 1.9

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Putrid-Box4866@reddit

Got mine at 1% this month, and lower trim had 0%.

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Human-Time-4114@reddit

Show the receipts

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Putrid-Box4866@reddit

Just google Model Y financing.

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Human-Time-4114@reddit

Nicely done. Wild that a performance is 5.29% and the other two trims are 0-1%. I'd love to know the thought process.

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Putrid-Box4866@reddit

Tesla taking advantage of suckers who wants speed they will never use.

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d0ugfirtree@reddit

Financing is fine if you're smart about it, as in significant down payment, reasonable interest rate, 48 month loans.

There's better ways to spend the money than tying all of it up in a depreciating asset. The important part is really never being underwater on the loan and not having an interest rate so high you can't outpace it through other investment methods.

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Dear_Sheepherder3661@reddit

if you have the cash to buy the car, take the 0% loan and it's win win. Minimal if any finance charges and your $50k stays in a high paying money account working for you.

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Avocortado@reddit

Yes, Dave. 🫡

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Human-Time-4114@reddit

It's not about being a Dave thing. It's smart.

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Top_Charity8491@reddit

whats a dave?

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Human-Time-4114@reddit

Dave Ramsey

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Environmental-Rub933@reddit

Dave Ramsey is an out of touch moron

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Human-Time-4114@reddit

K, you have your opinions thanks for that.

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Ok_Attitude1034@reddit

Entirely depends on your interest rate.

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binarypower@reddit

2026 Honda Passport Trailsport

lifetime jeep fan, over 8 jeeps from Cherokee XJ's to Grand Cherokee's but after this latest trash from Stellantis, I've been looking for alternatives. after a shit ton of research this is what I've settled on.

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Emotional_Common_527@reddit

Same one I own now. Lexus RX450h+ I love driving it

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Horror-Biscotti8999@reddit

right now probably a slightly-used toyota 4Runner. i crave reliability in a vehicle and nothing screams reliability more than the 4Runner.

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CashCxrtii-@reddit

c6 zr1

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Potential-Fennel5968@reddit

Prob a long range model Y

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ImInClassBoring@reddit

I did a fully loaded crv hybrid and had some left over.

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LimeIsImp@reddit

Something from late 60s early 70s

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roguerunner77@reddit

Used 4Runner

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maybach320@reddit

Haven’t looked recently but the nicest trim 911 997 4 that I can get.

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Leather-Resource-215@reddit

Im a creature of habit and experience... id buy a middle to late 2010s Dodge. (Challenger, Truck, Durango, or a Chrystler 300)

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Mammoth-Rent-9501@reddit

Mustang GT 5.0 automatic

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Foxtrot-0scar@reddit

Audi A6 Allroad BiTDi

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TheReaperSovereign@reddit

I bought a cpo m240i for 45k

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Croalex@reddit

Used m340

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FailHumble1928@reddit

As new of a GX as I could afford

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Electronic_Nail_7433@reddit

Is using someone elses money an option?

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Underdog1966@reddit

Tesla Model Y

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mcknzCSGO@reddit

supra

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One_Balance_5645@reddit

996TT

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SailingSpark@reddit

Currently considering, but probably won't buy anything at all, a 987.2 Porsche Cayman.

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-Deathmetal-@reddit

Another Miata and so many tires and brake pads

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olllooolollloool@reddit

I don't need a daily because I have a perfectly good Rav4, but assuming I didn't, I would buy another Rav4.

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Overall-Tailor8949@reddit

2010 or earlier Odyssey and use the money "left over" for a factory level restoration.

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professionalfumblr@reddit

2010 or earlier Odyssey and use the money “left over” for forged internals, big turbo kit, and subs

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Overall-Tailor8949@reddit

I'm in my 60's. Factory level it is with MAYBE a new stereo

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ChrisGear101@reddit

Who's money can I use, if not mine?

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CautiousRice@reddit

Am I paying these $50K? If it's my own money, I won't spend them. If it's someone else's money, I'm getting a Superb.

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binarypower@reddit

2026 Honda Passport Trailsport

lifetime jeep fan, over 8 jeeps from Cherokee XJ's to Grand Cherokee's but after this latest trash from Stellantis, I've been looking for alternatives. after a shit ton of research this is what I've settled on.

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LandCruiser76@reddit

Depends on the goal:
Offroader- The v8 swapped Fj40 I'm building 15k car with 35k of parts.
Sports car- M Clown shoe wide body.
All arounder- Toyota Tacoma 3rd gen

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Zerodayzzz@reddit

M340i is probably the best every day car for that money. 400hp fun in the backroads and a great cruiser

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coltar3000@reddit

Ford Ranger

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TheKingOfSwing777@reddit

Is buying with someone else's money ever an option?

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Kent89052@reddit

Lease a BMW M880

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0w-20@reddit

CIVIC TYPE R CIVIC TYPE R CIVIC TYPE R

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Snag710@reddit

First off, I would never recommend buying any car for 50k unless you can put down 60% as a down payment.

But I would go with a Honda pilot or a Toyota supra if you can get one in that proce range

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SkylineFTW97@reddit

If I just had $50k given to me that I HAD to spend all on a car, I'd YOLO it and buy a Lotus Elise. Otherwise I'm never getting close to that $50k mark.

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SoggyInfluence2743@reddit

used m340i

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MickeyChickadee@reddit

Used M2 or Guilia.

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DavidinCT@reddit

$50...Hmmm..... a 2021-2013 Lexus LS500 with all the trimmings. Reliable as hell, Toyota flagship, good power over 400hp and 0-60 in like 4.2 seconds.

Very comfy and performance when you need it.

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