Suggestions for a graduation gift (car) for my daughter..

MKSixer · 10-23-2022, 10:18 AM

I have the most amazing child. My daughter is finishing law school in the spring and hasn't put a foot wrong in life. She wants to move to a city in the southwest and I can't send her there in her old 3-series.

My budget is 50,000 and I'm open to German brands. She is a bit more level-headed than dad (whom she and my chief therapist have pronounced high-maintenance

) and told me she wanted a 3-series diesel. And she wants the paint color to be black.

I was thinking a CPO 4 series convertible. She will only be young once and is a really good kid. She saved my life and I have to make her leave me to go to class and study.

Thanks for the suggestions!!

2000cs · 10-23-2022, 10:39 AM

I’m not a fan of ragtop convertibles unless she will have a garage. The top takes maintenance and is easy to cut/break into. But, as you said, she will only be young once.

I like the current line of Audis and the SLK might suit if you can find a good one (been discontinued for a bit now).

Murf the Surf · 10-23-2022, 10:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MKSixer

I have the most amazing child. My daughter is finishing law school in the spring and hasn't put a foot wrong in life. She wants to move to a city in the southwest and I can't send her there in her old 3-series.

My budget is 50,000 and I'm open to German brands. She is a bit more level-headed than dad (whom she and my chief therapist have pronounced high-maintenance

) and told me she wanted a 3-series diesel. And she wants the paint color to be black.

I was thinking a CPO 4 series convertible. She will only be young once and is a really good kid. She saved my life and I have to make her leave me to go to class and study.

Thanks for the suggestions!!

You're a good man. Porsche, there is no substitute.

MKSixer · 10-23-2022, 10:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2000cs

I’m not a fan of ragtop convertibles unless she will have a garage. The top takes maintenance and is easy to cut/break into. But, as you said, she will only be young once.

I like the current line of Audis and the SLK might suit if you can find a good one (been discontinued for a bit now).

Thanks for the suggestions! Not a fan of the SLK but the Audi's are a viable option. Will look into them.

MKSixer · 10-23-2022, 10:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Onesie

A brand new 430i convertible starts at 55.
If she wants a diesel, why not just give her what she wants, though? Is she ok with a gasoline convertible?

If so, while in principle against giving stuff away especially to keep up with joneses, you said it yourself: she’s only a kid once, and you are only here for so long. You take nothing with you.

If I were in your predicament, I’d buy her a brand new 430i convertible, black, with nice seats. If she’s ok with it.
A much bigger statement, a car that will last longer, with tech she’ll appreciate. But the most important part is the “carefreenesses” of a new car. While she’s away, you can rest assured she has a car she can trust and is safe.

A bit more than what you wanted to spend, but it’s one and done. You won’t take it with you later.

Happy decision-making!

I just want her to be in a safe and reliable vehicle that is a modicum of fun. Not concerned about a statement. There are other choices if that was my objective. And I'm good with spending it all. I own the stuff...it doesn't own me. I will give her the same things my parents gave my siblings and myself: a debt free start to life and a down payment on the first home.

Thanks so much for your input!!!

MKSixer · 10-23-2022, 10:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Murf the Surf

You're a good man. Porsche, there is no substitute.

Thanks!

She will have to do that one on her own!!!!

BMW F22 · 10-23-2022, 11:04 AM

CPO Porsche Cayman or 718.

Tyga11 · 10-23-2022, 11:07 AM

Mercedes CLA 45 AMG.

Starts @ $55k. Way more car than a 430...

Maynard · 10-23-2022, 11:16 AM

Car choice is so personal. I'd suggest bumping up your budget to max, then giving her a home-made gift certificate that she can use on whatever she really wants.

BMWCCA1 · 10-23-2022, 11:30 AM

Buy her a nice M240i Convertible and pop for a warranty. Within the budget and (as someone who sells new BMWs) a much better deal than a bloated 4-series with an ugly grille.

DocL · 10-23-2022, 11:31 AM

The 4 series convertible is a great first car for a young professional. I don't have to tell you much about the car.

2008M36MT · 10-23-2022, 11:38 AM

Lexus IS350F Sport

MKSixer · 10-23-2022, 12:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BMW F22

CPO Porsche Cayman or 718.

Great sentiment but a P-car will be on her own.

MKSixer · 10-23-2022, 12:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tyga11

Mercedes CLA 45 AMG.

Starts @ $55k. Way more car than a 430...

She hates them. An upjumped Mazda she opined...

Tyga11 · 10-23-2022, 12:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2008M36MT

Lexus IS350F Sport

Good call. In white. That seems to be the perfect starter car for young women

MKSixer · 10-23-2022, 12:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maynard

Car choice is so personal. I'd suggest bumping up your budget to max, then giving her a home-made gift certificate that she can use on whatever she really wants.

I thought of giving her a check for 50 and she keeps the rest.

MKSixer · 10-23-2022, 12:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BMWCCA1

Buy her a nice M240i Convertible and pop for a warranty. Within the budget and (as someone who sells new BMWs) a much better deal than a bloated 4-series with an ugly grille.

A good suggestion but she doesn't like the size of the 2, though ironically she loves the X2.

Tyga11 · 10-23-2022, 12:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MKSixer

I thought of giving her a check for 50 and she keeps the rest.

I would give her the car. My dad bought me a 2005 Acura RSX Type S my sophomore year in college and I always remember that car. She will remember the car more vs just giving her a check.

MKSixer · 10-23-2022, 12:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DocL

The 4 series convertible is a great first car for a young professional. I don't have to tell you much about the car.

I thought so too but we shall see...

MKSixer · 10-23-2022, 12:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2008M36MT

Lexus IS350F Sport

A great car for many but not her taste. Her mom (my ex) drives a Lexus and she thinks it's too soft.

Thanks!!

Esteban · 10-23-2022, 12:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MKSixer

I thought of giving her a check for 50 and she keeps the rest.

This sounds like a good idea to me but use your experience and help her shop for the car.

Edit: that way she gets her choice and you get to make sure it's a good choice.

MKSixer · 10-23-2022, 12:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Onesie

Clarifying what I meant: as a kid getting a car from my dad, it’s an order of magnitude larger appreciation and care for said gift if it’s brand new. It’s nice getting a car anyway (I never did), but going through the experience of building it your own, and getting it new, it’s a “bigger statement” that it’s “yours” and how much more you did for her. The difference won’t be missed on her.
That’s the statement I mean, not statement to society…

Gotcha!

I offered this and Euro delivery and she said she didn't want to go through the hassle as she has to take 2 Bar exams next year and move to another city.

Thanks so much and I'm sorry for my misunderstanding.

10-23-2022, 10:18 AM	#1
MKSixer Lieutenant General 34168 Rep 11,637 Posts Drives: 2015 BMW i8, E63 M6, 328d Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Southeast United States iTrader: (0) Garage List 2016 M4 GTS (Allotted) [0.00] 2013 BMW 328d [0.00] 2007 BMW M6 [10.00] 2015 BMW i8 [10.00]	Suggestions for a graduation gift (car) for my daughter.. I have the most amazing child. My daughter is finishing law school in the spring and hasn't put a foot wrong in life. She wants to move to a city in the southwest and I can't send her there in her old 3-series. My budget is 50,000 and I'm open to German brands. She is a bit more level-headed than dad (whom she and my chief therapist have pronounced high-maintenance) and told me she wanted a 3-series diesel. And she wants the paint color to be black. I was thinking a CPO 4 series convertible. She will only be young once and is a really good kid. She saved my life and I have to make her leave me to go to class and study. Thanks for the suggestions!! __________________ Several actors have played James Bond, Sean Connery IS James Bond... Sir 7ewis, 7X FIA Formula One World Championship, World Driving Champion. 100 Wins. 101 Pole Positions. 54 Fastest Laps. Actual Rain Master. Leave me to it, Bono. One Race Win in each of his 15 years in F1. Most Laps Led in Formula One. The Centurion.
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10-23-2022, 10:39 AM	#2
2000cs Captain 4054 Rep 1,003 Posts Drives: Potato Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: USA iTrader: (1)	I’m not a fan of ragtop convertibles unless she will have a garage. The top takes maintenance and is easy to cut/break into. But, as you said, she will only be young once. I like the current line of Audis and the SLK might suit if you can find a good one (been discontinued for a bit now).
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10-23-2022, 11:04 AM	#7
BMW F22 Major General 3708 Rep 9,783 Posts Drives: ///M235i Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Bay Area iTrader: (8)	CPO Porsche Cayman or 718.
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10-23-2022, 11:07 AM	#8
Tyga11 Lieutenant Colonel 3595 Rep 1,777 Posts Drives: M3 Comp Join Date: Jul 2019 Location: Arizona iTrader: (0)	Mercedes CLA 45 AMG. Starts @ $55k. Way more car than a 430...
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10-23-2022, 11:16 AM	#9
Maynard Brigadier General 4414 Rep 3,004 Posts Drives: 228iX & M2C Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: Upstate NY iTrader: (1)	Car choice is so personal. I'd suggest bumping up your budget to max, then giving her a home-made gift certificate that she can use on whatever she really wants.
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10-23-2022, 11:30 AM	#10
BMWCCA1 BMW Owner Since 1971 2574 Rep 1,550 Posts Drives: 1964 700 Sport Cabriolet Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: Central Virginia iTrader: (2) Garage List 2013 BMW 128i [10.00]	Buy her a nice M240i Convertible and pop for a warranty. Within the budget and (as someone who sells new BMWs) a much better deal than a bloated 4-series with an ugly grille.
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10-23-2022, 11:31 AM	#11
DocL Captain 2138 Rep 960 Posts Drives: 2018 M3 Comp 6spd Join Date: Jan 2019 Location: Delray Beach iTrader: (2)	The 4 series convertible is a great first car for a young professional. I don't have to tell you much about the car. __________________ 2018 F80 M3. YMB/BLK. ZCP. Three Pedals. "Education will never be as expensive as ignorance."
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10-23-2022, 11:38 AM	#12
2008M36MT Private First Class 604 Rep 130 Posts Drives: M3 Join Date: Sep 2022 Location: Best Coast iTrader: (0)	Lexus IS350F Sport
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