Concerns over buying entry-level luxury car in a tier 2 city

There are a couple of concerns which is dissuading me from going ahead with the purchase.

BHPian NirDiwakar recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

Before I get to my query, I'd like to share some relevant background. I am a 30 year old man, I drive a 2016 model Hyundai Creta diesel automatic. Before this, I used to drive a 2010 Swift petrol. I love to drive, but since the last few years, after driving the Creta, I lost that thrill and excitement of driving. Buying the Creta was a head over heart decision. As a matter of fact, I still enjoy driving my Swift. It's hard to point out the reason why I didn't enjoy driving my Creta. More than the mechanical reasons, I believe one of the reasons is that I saw it as a bad financial decision purchasing a car which isn't enthusiastic to drive when I hardly drive 2-4 thousand kilometres a year.

I have now closed off the loans on my Creta and in the market for a BMW 330i. I am not considering any other car. I was waiting for the Octavia, but the launch price, omission of features and soft suspension were a deal breaker for me. I have been working from my hometown, Patna for the last few months and would likely continue this even after normalcy is restored.

A couple of concerns which is dissuading me from going ahead with the purchase are:

• Maintaining the car, since the closest service center is 200 Km+. I intend to keep this car for at least 10 years.
• Does owning a fun to drive car bring any change to the quality of life?
• Does the initial euphoria of owning a luxury car die down due to lack of good roads, safe parking spots or other reasons which you didn't fathom until you bought one?

I realise this post is aimed more at the essence of owing a FTD luxury car instead of the mechanicals and options within the segment. I initially wanted to get a used sports car like the Audi TT, Porsche Cayman, etc. Cannot do so since it will be too flashy for the city I live in. Hope to get some clarity from the personal experiences of fellow BHPians. Thanks.

Here's what BHPian TrackDay had to say on the matter:

The BMW 330i is a wonderful machine to own and is definitely worth the purchase. I would say if you can afford it, go ahead and get it. There is no point delaying certain things in life if they are well within your purchasing power.

First of let me tell you that the following is based on my friends and family circle as I personally don't own any luxury rides.

• Regarding maintenance, the older these cars get, the bigger the headaches. But then, that will also depend on how well you take care of the car, provided it is also not a lemon.
• Coming to the second question, NO it doesn't bring any change to quality of life. Quality of life is determined more by the quality of food ones eats, mental health, living environment, satisfaction with life etc. Yes, people in your circle will be more friendly with you, but then that is because of the car.
• Lastly, YES it will die down. At the end of the day, cars are a materialistic part of our life. A friend of mine said he found much more happiness when he got a dog than having a luxury car. Regarding whether it is worth it can be read this thread.

Coming full circle, I would say go ahead if your finances permit you. The car will definitely put a smile on your face every time you take her out on the highways or pull away from stand still. Most importantly, the car should be able to satisfy you and not others around you.

Here's what BHPian androdev had to say on the matter:

I don't think 200 km distance to the service center is a deal breaker. Given your limited usage (2-4K km per year), you will not be needing service more than once a year. You may have to tell the service advisor to take up service items that are due in the next couple of months. Don't buy their service package so you have complete control on what gets done on the car. Keep a battery charger to avoid dead battery situation etc. if the car doesn't see regular usage.

Whether it's worth buying or not is a personal choice. On this forum, you will definitely hear opinions in favour of buying a nice car like 330i. Depends on your financial situation really. If you say you enjoy driving Swift even now, I would guess 330i will keep you happy for many years. Does it improve quality of life? I would say no.. too much money for too little.

Here's what GTO had to say on the matter:

Certainly helps that you have chosen what is the most reliable luxury car brand from Germany. BMW is second only to Lexus in the premium car space and the reliability is surprisingly good. My 5-Series has surpassed all my expectations on reliability.

Regarding maintenance, as long as you have another backup car, you should be fine. But no way would I own just a single car without a dealer presence in my town. There are anyway wait times for some parts, even in the city.

You should also network and find a good independent shop in the Tier-2 city that is familiar with luxury cars. Would be a big help.

Be mentally prepared for some downtime when there are unforeseen repairs. Also, you will pay through your nose if the car needs to be flat-bedded 200 km away.

Regarding the change in quality of life, absolutely. It's owning a piece of art (you will spend countless hours just looking at & admiring it) and splendid engineering (unmatched driving pleasure). BMW has really nailed the engine, gearbox & suspension tune with the 330i. It's perfect for India.

There are a lot of downsides - overpriced cars, overpriced maintenance, always parking carefully, driving super carefully, the attention, pricey insurance, tyres wearing out rapidly etc.

But on the upside, if you love to drive, you will be grinning each & every time you are in the driver's seat. My 530d is now 8 years old and it still makes me grin. I am always looking forward to driving the beast.

You've clearly worked hard. Go for it and redline away into the sunset. You got to live a little, man.

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