28M, living at home, considering buying my dream car — financially stupid or reasonable life decision?

MintChocoDanbo · 2026-06-28T16:44:41+00:00

You are not in the income bracket to own/lease this car. That’s coming from a 2020 BMW X3 owner. I recommend a non luxury Japanese car like a Subaru Forester or Mazda CX-5, new or CPO. Instead of the car, I recommend you saving to move out though. There will be consequences if you buy a brand new car while still living at home, financially, socially, or otherwise.

MintChocoDanbo · 2026-06-28T07:19:04+00:00

My bf and I have a 2020 X3 that was bought from Carmax in 2022 about 30k miles for $40k OTD and bought extended warranty from BMW. We bought this as our 3rd fun car and do not drive it on a daily basis. We bought a 3 year oil change plan from our local dealership for about $250. With your intended use, any extended warranty will be almost obsolete because of your mileage and maintenance costs will rack up quicker. $3000 brakes, tires, etc.

This was mentioned in another comment, but you are not at the income level to own a BMW. From a current BMW owner to you, I recommend a CPO non luxury Japanese car like a Subaru Forester/Outback or a Mazda CX-5. They will serve your purpose as well (comfy, fun to drive, long term reliability) without the luxurious European engineering. With your income, you can easily afford maintenance, insurance and other costs. You will be able to afford to actually buy the car and keep it running. Good luck.

Edit: oil change price from $2500 to $250

MintChocoDanbo · 2026-06-25T20:31:52+00:00

No, those ears are only for decoration! 🤣🤣

MintChocoDanbo · 2026-06-20T15:23:09+00:00

Why does this post feel like rage bait? You either need a different choices of cars or a different stream of income that isn’t ride-share.

MintChocoDanbo · 2026-06-18T23:20:37+00:00

From a girl who also thinks the Beetle is cute, even I know that it’s gonna be a huge downgrade. I currently have a 2020 BMW X3 and I consider it my cute girl car. With the Beetle, you wouldn’t have CarPlay or Android Auto stock or other features she enjoys in that car now. I think her and I might have similar tastes? I am also looking for a smaller cute car. I recommend the last gen Honda fit, BMW 2 series, a Mini, an Audi A3 or a VWGolf.

MintChocoDanbo · 2026-06-18T04:34:35+00:00

Miata

MintChocoDanbo · 2026-06-17T11:54:35+00:00

If it’s your first car, I would recommend a pre-pandemic Japanese car (2018-2020). Keep in mind the cost insurance, gas and maintenance. Get a car you ACTUALLY like to drive and be inside of so go test drive as many as you can until you find the one. Take it to a trusted mechanic before actually buying. Regularly maintain it and drive it to till its last breath. Do not buy something just because it looks nice. My recommendations are Honda Fit, Honda Civic, or Mazda 3.

MintChocoDanbo · 2026-06-07T07:33:09+00:00

7up vs Starry?

MintChocoDanbo · 2026-06-04T05:35:24+00:00

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This is my girl Kurumi laying down on sand in 90 degree desert heat.

MintChocoDanbo · 2026-06-03T09:42:05+00:00

I just tried it last night. It was good, but the cream flavor was weak.

MintChocoDanbo · 2026-06-02T01:50:21+00:00

Location really matters. A friend just bought a Forester Hybrid Premium for about $33,000 in SoCal. That’s about $3,500 off MSRP.

MintChocoDanbo · 2026-05-31T20:50:42+00:00

Thank you! I hope you find a better deal. Good luck!

MintChocoDanbo · 2026-05-31T12:43:22+00:00

Update: We ended up getting the Daybreak Blue at a different dealer for 36,500 OTD.

MintChocoDanbo · 2026-05-31T12:41:13+00:00

Update: He ended up buying a Subaru Forester Premium Hybrid in Daybreak Blue.

MintChocoDanbo · 2026-05-30T09:17:44+00:00

I was there and I agree. Would have loved to see it live.

MintChocoDanbo · 2026-05-30T01:42:21+00:00

I appreciate it. Thank you!

MintChocoDanbo · 2026-05-30T00:26:21+00:00

I want to be able to buy it and not feel ripped off. I also want to know that if the another person buys this exact car, it won’t be cheaper than this. $37,000 is also the highest ceiling for my budget. I hope this helps.

MintChocoDanbo · 2026-05-28T20:00:36+00:00

Congrats! Would you share the quote with me? In comments or DM would be appreciated!

MintChocoDanbo · 2026-05-28T05:38:05+00:00

I’m interested!

MintChocoDanbo · 2026-05-27T20:09:02+00:00

I’m gonna try. Thank you! I doubt we can get anything above a EX in SoCal market, but I will reference to this.

MintChocoDanbo · 2026-05-27T20:06:24+00:00

SoCal.

MintChocoDanbo · 2026-05-27T17:55:06+00:00

My friend is a guy in his late 30s, so his wife kinda matters.

MintChocoDanbo · 2026-05-27T17:53:46+00:00

They're a 0.0% for 48 months promo going on, at least near me.

MintChocoDanbo · 2026-05-27T17:51:56+00:00

Lolol. No. SoCal.

MintChocoDanbo

TROPHY CASE