Is there even such a thing? The median price for an entry level German car is something around $35k. That's just starting out. Want a decently equipped car? That will costs you another $10k + tax!!! While I believe these cars are worth every penny, and am aware that there are various factors effecting the price of these cars(exchange rates namely), where is the sensibility in buying one of these cars? Not only that but the sensibility on the behalf of the N/A distributors?(I know as w/ every buisnesss they're in it to make money) It's like you need to be making a brick thick yearly income(probably six figures to be comftarble unless you mooch) in order to afford an entry level German car!!! Not only that, but you have to consider upkeep as well, and parts for German cars sure aren't cheap. Because of all of the things I've mentioned before, it seems that the buying public concurs in the form of multiple term leases. Which sucks, because these are cars that I thought were meant to be enjoyed a lifetime?

I guess this is what the second hand market is for....???....

Buy a new Jetta in the US with the least amount of things possible and it would only be $18,530. A well-equipped one with a 2.0T engine and a lot of other options can push beyond $30,000.

I have now bought two new german cars in the last 5 years and am thinking that the next one needs to be a couple of years old used car. The problem is that unless one is very affluent and can collect cars, you'll always want something a bit better a few years down the road and that "bit better" is always something that is more expensive as well.

For me the affordable german car, is something ironic for me...
Affordable german cars, are only some VWs like base golf, base passat, fox, jetta/bora, and polo...
I have many complains about german car maker policies. A base 316 (E46) costed (before the E90 came) 30.500eur and had only 115HP. then came a loaded one with 35.000 eur but still had only 115HP. and then was the 318i (2.0l) with 150HP. It came only in base and costed 35.800 eur and it didn't have an Radio-CD, it came with steel wheels and staff like that...

Yes this is why I'm getting a 2002 CLK430 sometime this year!

M

Not qutie sure how i forgot VW... shows where my head is.


I was at Fourtitude.com reading posts on costs of ownershipo for the B5 S4(pretty high). So another question I pose to you: what is the cheapest German car to maintain(excl VW)

Probably one of those old Mercedes-Benzes that they use as Taxis in the Middle East so often (I forgot which model or models that is). I just remember them being known for bulletproof reliability.

Volkswagen and Opel used to be "the affordable German cars", but VW has gotten quite pricey as of late. Opel is still relatively good value, but they've also become more expensive. In fact, car ownership in Germany is an expensive hobby. The government will do all it can (literally) to encourage people to take the boring trains and public transport...yawn...

The affortable german car is dead, long live the new Skoda.

....and SEAT.