How much are the Options? Xenon and GPS in particular?

[kimmik]

In businesses, there might be backend rebates or just a need to clear inventory.

One complicates the calculation or notion of cost. The other basically takes into account holding cost (interest charged on goods held, warehousing etc etc) which have no particular bearing on the cost of the car itself (Corey's point IIRC)

correct. i simplified the cost to a single number.

there are a lot of costs and rebates and bonuses and fringe benefits indeed. we can go there if needed, but thats a big can of worms you'd have to open.

after that the debate will get nowhere fast

[VAG newbie]

....I have no interest in competing with the mobs when purchasing. competition between consumers = dealer's gain. competition between dealer's = consumer's gain......

One thing you need to take into consideration with this approach is its effect on resale values. I too used to to hold the same view, and I got huge discounts on...dare I say it?....Mitsubishi Magna and Rover 75.

I got huge discounts on the new car purchase price (over 10k) with lots of options thrown in. It felt good when I drove the car away from the dealership. But when it comes to time for trade-in, it really hurts.

These cars are all good cars with good value. Magna was in every way better than a Camry, but for some bizzare reason, everyone prefers Camry over Magna. (Just like, why do people still vote for Labor? Why do people still vote for that evil J**** G****** whose nose is getting longer each day I see her?) I had no interest in competing with other mobs as well, so I got a Magna for my sister. She was happy about it initially, but now she really hates me when she traded that car.

Well, that probably explain why I picked Superb over Passat, I guess I haven't learned the lesson yet But surprisingly, Skodas are actually harder to negotiate than VW! Apparently the supply is so low that even the demand exceeds supply! So I am betting on this assumption that Superb will hold it's value as well as Passat. Here's hope. Go Skoda!!

[kimmik]

One thing you need to take into consideration with this approach is its effect on resale values.

Lol, well illustrated stories. I fully agree with everything you've said.

The greatest single cost to new car ownership is usually depreciation. a 50k passat will sell for around 20-25k after 5years, so average depreciation in that time is 5-6k/year.

all other running costs, together, will make up another 4-6k.

when purchasing a car, and working out what you can or cnat afford, you must also look at depreciation over the expected ownership.

[jetfuel]

Prices

GPS (Satellite Navigation) + Rear View Camera Plus
$3,000.00
Paint - Metallic
$700.00
Park Assist 2 & Rear View Camera
$1,300.00
Power - Tailgate/Boot
$750.00
Seat - Integrated Child Booster
$850.00
Sunroof - Electric Glass
$2,000.00
Walnut Wood/Aluminium Trim
$300.00
Adaptive Chassis Control
$1,650.00
Alarm with Tow Away & Motion sensors
$600.00
Cruise Control + Front Assist + City EB
$2,000.00
Driver Assistance & Visibility Package
$2,600.00
Dynaudio Premium Sound System
$2,000.00
Electric Seats - 1st Row (Front) + Drivers Memory
$1,500.00
GPS (Satellite Navigation) + Park Assist 2 & RVC +
$3,600.00