1995 Trans-Am or 2000 Benz S-500 ?

[Landshark44]

I have a brother-in law who is a car nut, and makes a very good living. He often has 5 cars in his driveway, gets them used and keeps them a few months before getting something else. His current fleet includes the above mentioned cars, as well as a 2006 escalade, a 1999 jaguar (rx8?) convertible, a mustang and a 1996 ford econoline (that he drives more than any of them.....)

He just got a big bonus at work, and wants to get something new. He has offered me either car, and I'm unsure which one to take. As a husband, and father of two boys, the benz is more practical. Beautiful car with 110,000 miles and the AMG sport package. My concerns lie in how much the maintenance will cost on it. I make about 40K per year, and as with most families of four, money is always tight. I've never had an expensive vehicle, and have been told routine maintenance on this car is very pricey..

Trans-Am is sweet. Only 72,000 miles, convertible, and painted white with a blue stripe down the center to match the 25th anniversary 1994 edition. Not practical, as my kids barely fit in the back seat, but I have a 1998 Honda passport to shuttle them around to practices, school, etc...My wife also has a saab that we can use if we need to drive any distance..

So, it seems I'm lucky, and will have a new vehicle....

Which one should I take?

[Coffee Warlord]

Could be wrong, but I would venture a guess that the Benz will actually be cheaper to maintain than the Trans-Am.

Hell, ask your brother in law which requires more / more costly maintenance.

[samifan24]

If what you say about the maintenance costs is correct I say go for the Trans-Am because it's a convertible and has less miles. How many times do you have the chance to buy a convertible? That's a fun car.

[Passacaglia]

Kind of agree with sami. If this is going to be Car #3, I don't know if it matters that the Benz is more practical. Or do you think you'll drive it regularly, then end up finding yourself in situations often where you'll suddenly need to shuttle all the kids around?

[Kodos]

People still drive Trans Ams? ;)

[Autumn]

Sounds like it doesn't need to be a practical car. The question will be can you afford to keep up the insurance and maintenance on a third car in general. If it's just for fun, why not the Trans Am?

[Landshark44]

Sounds like it doesn't need to be a practical car. The question will be can you afford to keep up the insurance and maintenance on a third car in general. If it's just for fun, why not the Trans Am?

I see what you guys are saying, about the trans-am being practical. As far as whether or not to take on a third car......

My Honda Passport has 187,000 miles on it. With another vehicle, I can extend it's lifespan, by limiting the amount of things I use it for....

I've alway been leaning towards taking the Trans-Am. I just though I'd post, in case it was a bad idea. I'm waiting for someone to say, "the Benz was $90,000 new, the trans-am was $23,000 new. Book value on the Benz is twice the Book value on the Trans-Am. Are you crazy?"

[terpkristin]

Voted for Mercedes because I laugh at Pontiacs when I see them in the road.

[MacroGuru]

Personally, I do not like Trans-Am so I would jump at the chance for the Benz....

[Rizon]

Benz. The 95 Trans-Am is a hideously ugly car.

[Mustang]

Assuming both are in the same condition (other than the mileage), and both are standard packages. Blue Book is around $10K for the Benz and $6.5K for the Trans Am from a private seller.

Not sure what the winter weather is like for you in NJ, but if you get the Trans Am, there might be periods where you aren't going to want to drive it. Is it a manual? If it is and you are in alot of traffic, I'd pass. I love manuals, but not if I'm in traffic all the time.

If your brother is just giving it to you, I'd go with the Benz. Repairs might be more, but if it is something too catastrophic, you won't be out any money so, at that point you can figure out what to do.

[Logan]

Benz, not even close. White cars are pretty fug.

Why not sell the Saab and establish a reserve account for car repairs/other costs?

[Apathetic Lurker]

Trans-ams are cheaper to maintain...The after-market parts are cheaper

[Marc Vaughan]

If its purely a 'fun' car take which ever appeals to you more - sod practicalities .. from the sounds of things you're relatively sensible and already have things sorted, every now and then you have to indulge and have fun imho :D

[JediKooter]

Ask this guy what you should get...

[Landshark44]

Benz, not even close. White cars are pretty fug.

Why not sell the Saab and establish a reserve account for car repairs/other costs?

Saab is the wifes' car. She loves it....

[M GO BLUE!!!]

Benz. The 95 Trans-Am is a hideously ugly car.

I used to love the Trans Am, then the 1990's turned it into a characiture of what was great about it.

[Izulde]

I agree with Marc here. Since you have the practical angles covered, go for whichever you think is more fun.

Me, I'd go the Trans-Am. Convertible FTW.