First world problem - to buy car or watch?

[imperio]

Bit of background - 27 years old and currently starting my second year in California on a 2 (maybe 3) year secondment. I've been saving towards a BLNR and am almost there. I've recently been looking at the newer model 3 series BMWs, which I could buy if I sold my current car and chose not to get the BLNR.



After my work stint here I will probably head to Australia / NZ / Singapore where an equivalent car would cost a lot more than what they cost here, whereas the price of the BLNR won't fluctuate that much between countries.



If I go the other route, the eventual loss I expect to make on the car due to depreciation and whatnot will set me back quite a bit when I eventually sell the car and start saving towards the watch again. Other considerations include a deposit on a first home and wedding expenses.



What would you do - get the car or the watch? Financing is out of the question. I currently have a DSSD as a daily wearer and drive a MK2 Audi TT. Pic below of said car and watch which I love, but #youcanneverhaveenough

[mtrunner]

Watch without question. You are leaving soon so why buy a new car? I would get the watch without thinking about it for another second.

[The Joker]

I'm a car guy, maybe more than watches.

Looking at what you've written I say the BLNR

[Lordofrolex]

If you're leaving soon. I would get the watch, buy a car once you are in a more permanent location.

[swils8610]

The BLNR will hold its value. The car will not.

[s14roller]

The scenario is pretty easy, BLNR for sure.

[Kneecough]

Keep the car you have now...

[descartes]

That Audi is pretty nice. I'd keep it and get the GMT.

[FTX I]

You have a nice car. Get the watch.

[imperio]

I guess in other words my dilemma is if I miss the chance to get this car at this price, I won't be able to afford it in another country.

I should also factor in that a bmw has been on my to-own list since I was a kid, as has been a Rolex.


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[TheBluePrince]

The watch could last you a lifetime. An average 3 series will bore you within a week and be losing money every day you own it. Watch without doubt.

[Ticknaway]

Buy neither save your money and invest it you're 27 with plenty of time to purchase both at some time in the future. Take advantage of the time value of money, save now so you won't have to work as hard in the future.

[Tri-Tip]

If you have 1-2 years left in the States, you're going to lose several times the cost of the BLNR in depreciation on the BMW. If you take it to Australia (not sure about the other countries), you will have to pay to have it converted to RHD, I'm sure that's VERY expensive.

With the BLNR, hop on the plane and enjoy it wherever you go.

Audi TT isn't exactly a Yugo and DSSD isn't exactly a G-Shock. I would save the money for the Wedding and/or Home Purchase at this point.

[Desibaba]

Buy the watch n lease the car

[Mosbrook]

Originally Posted by Ticknaway

Buy neither save your money and invest it you're 27 with plenty of time to purchase both at some time in the future. Take advantage of the time value of money, save now so you won't have to work as hard in the future.

+1
Save now for property that will appreciated. Put disposable income toward luxury goods later. You're still young. Take advantage of it.

[Pix]

Save the money.

[Muzz]

BLNR for your current situation.

[Invictus Maneo]

Originally Posted by Ticknaway

Buy neither save your money and invest it you're 27 with plenty of time to purchase both at some time in the future. Take advantage of the time value of money, save now so you won't have to work as hard in the future.

Nailed it right there. It may not be the "fun" option but it is definitely the smart one.

[Hpozzuoli]

I wouldn't get a 3 series anyways. Go 5 series or E class. I think the 3 series and C class are for women (respectfully).

Back to you main question. Buy the car, take it with you and sell it before you leave whatever country you are going to. Less restrictions taking a personal car to another country and they sell like hot cakes. Singapore and NZ have a good market for American cars. Aus is similar to us so I don't think you will notice huge profits there if you sell. In NZ and Sing you will come out ahead.

[AK797]

I think buying a BLNR is as good as saving it with rates as they are.

[rr-nyc]

Watch for sure.


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[Danny83]

Watch

[carwash66]

I would buy the watch!
You have a nice car and you can enjoy the watch all day, every day.

[cdmorenot]

I too am 27 and I begged my parents to lease me my first car at 17. What a fool I was! If only I could go back in time. Watch!

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[GB-man]

I'd put it towards the wedding and house. I'm just a few years ahead of you and I've had to cut back luxury expenses for the wedding and some renovations on my property. If I lived in California I would let you drive my m3 all day to get it out of your system

[imperio]

Wow I was leaning towards the car and was hoping there would be some pushing me in that direction, surprisingly the responses so far have been to either get the watch or save the money.

Saving the money and not buying either option response - I see buying a watch (in particular the Rolex sports model range) to be similar to buying gold - historically it's a hedge against inflation and if you're lucky enough you might make a bit of money if/when you sell. I know some would say it might be wiser to build up my cash pool to put in stocks when the market dips (soon?), but I'm ok with losing the potential return on investment in return for a watch I like.

I'm still contemplating getting the car because I feel that I have an alternative POV to look at this from; as an opportunity to own a car that would be far out of my reach in a couple of years compared to a watch that will always be a lot easier to save for. I'm thankful for the responses so far reminding me of the impact the potential loss I could make on the car might have on my upcoming expenses in the near future.

Writing this up has also allowed me to document and compare my thoughts, which is good; I've been going around in circles in my mind for a while now.

Seriously nobody is for the car option?

[GB-man]

Originally Posted by imperio

Wow I was leaning towards the car and was hoping there would be some pushing me in that direction, surprisingly the responses so far have been to either get the watch or save the money.

Saving the money and not buying either option response - I see buying a watch (in particular the Rolex sports model range) to be similar to buying gold - historically it's a hedge against inflation and if you're lucky enough you might make a bit of money if/when you sell. I know some would say it might be wiser to build up my cash pool to put in stocks when the market dips (soon?), but I'm ok with losing the potential return on investment in return for a watch I like.

I'm still contemplating getting the car because I feel that I have an alternative POV to look at this from; as an opportunity to own a car that would be far out of my reach in a couple of years compared to a watch that will always be a lot easier to save for. I'm thankful for the responses so far reminding me of the impact the potential loss I could make on the car might have on my upcoming expenses in the near future.

Writing this up has also allowed me to document and compare my thoughts, which is good; I've been going around in circles in my mind for a while now.

Seriously nobody is for the car option?

Well I don't necessarily practice what I preach

I also believe in nothing's promised so if it means that much to you, rock on and get the car. I would get a cayman if I were you and I have a new m3.

[SemperFi]

If you're dead set on one of the two options then get the watch. You could have it for 50 years. The car...3 years?

[Cru Jones]

If you "must" have the BMW, sell the TT, lease a CPO BMW for a couple of years and get the BLNR with the remainder. BMW's CPO program is great!

[997.2]

I'd say the watch. But the TT needs to go. Can't think of a more feminine car on the road today. JMHO