Choosing The Right  German Car For You

Being a professional high-line luxury/sports car concierge service (aka negotiator, broker, car buying service, leasing company, or whatever four letter word a dealership might call me behind my back) my clients constantly ask me which of the top three German automotive brands I would choose for myself and it’s such a loaded question for so many reasons. The car lover in me wants to push you on my current favorite model or brand, while the ex-salesman in me wants to sell you on what you initially inquired about or point you in the direction that would be the easiest and most lucrative deal for moi. However, the fighter in me and the whole reason I left the dealerships to start "The Auto Negotiator”, wants to brawl with the entire sales and management team to get you the best deal and save you the most money on the right car, no matter the brand. 

That being said, there is a famous old adage from the car business: “There's an ass for every seat”. Meaning, every car has a customer or vice-versa. It’s my job to best understand your vehicular wants and needs to present you with a car you will love just as much three years from now as you did when you drove it off the lot.

My first question is always what’s most important to you: Luxury, safety, capacity, performance, style or price? Maybe you want a combination of these preferences. Do you want the newest of the new or do you you just want the best deal? Maybe it’s comfort and luxury you seek. Perhaps you’re an active career mom who needs to get the kids to school safely but also has an open house at noon and a fundraiser to host that evening who prefers luxury a mid-size SUV. Mid life crisis sports car maybe? Ok, I’m losing you. Which of the big German 3? I’m getting there!

Every automotive brand cycles in phases of what their data tells them they’re slacking on from the year prior. One year Mercedes might go ultra tech while BMW focuses on something more performance based and Audi tries to gain momentum in their higher end C or D segment vehicles. While experts can predict the directions these manufacturers may head, we really have no clue unless someone leaks photos or intellectual property, or the vehicle is unveiled and tested by the media. That being said, If you preferred one German car brand over another, chances are you’ll still prefer it’s familiarity over the others. For Example: When I sold Audi’s and got a customer interested in switching from BMW, most of them hated the Audi and complained about the “heavier” steering, soft suspension, or loss of “feel”. When I got in a BMW and drove it I thought it felt more reckless and driver-dependent than when I drive the Audi with it’s Quattro All-Wheel Drive and electronic stabilization programs. The Mercedes is somewhere right in the middle to me. I felt like I could easily crash the BMW when driving like a jerk than if I did so in the Audi (and I enjoyed the thrill of it!). When I had Mercedes drivers come test drive Audi’s it seemed like half made the switch to Audi or they stayed loyal to Mercedes. As for Audi, their loyal following rarely slips away to the others. Once an Audi fanboy, always an Audi fanboy. It’s all perception and preference though. I can’t make up your mind for you. 

After personally owning all three German auto brands, from very different eras, I will say that Mercedes Benz has been stepping up their game in every facet while BMW has some exciting new models and style refreshes that are very attractive. Audi has been bringing back more and more of the RS line to the US market, and introduced an innovative electric car and SUV. All three brands have so much going on that it’s virtually impossible to differentiate in less than a thousand words but it’s ultimately up to you to decide what you love the most. If you’re still just as confused as you were prior to reading this, I’m happy to assist you and answer any questions you may have. Please contact me to get the best deal possible on your next new car!