How Much Would You Pay for a "Meh"?

"PatBateman" (PatBateman)
08/21/2014 at 20:21 • Filed to: Most Dangerous Game

Earlier today, I began randomly reflecting about what cars I should like, but don't. I SHOULD like the XTS-Vsport, as it SHOULD be a better car than it is with an MSRP in the $60k-$70k range. But what price would make it worth my while to buy one? How much would I be willing to spend on a "meh" car?

I'm going to go ahead and define "meh" as something you don't hate, but don't love. You're on the fence about it due to the PRICE . My "meh" car is the aforementioned XTS-Vsport. It's a big FWD (BOOOOOOOOOO) Cadillac that they slapped AWD and a dialed down version of the CTS-Vsport's engine into. I sure as hell wouldn't pay $65k for it, but would I pay $40k? Yeah, I'd pay $40k for one fully loaded with low miles. The used ones on !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! are going for about $48k, but $45k would be a more realistic buy price. Close enough to tempt me.

Since we can now post images again, share a pic of your favorite "meh" car (MUST BE NEWER THAN TWO YEARS OLD) and what realistic price would make it worth buying to you. Don't be surprised if someone finds one for sale in that range.

LET THE GAMES BEGIN!!

DISCUSSION (40)

Mr. Ontop, No Strokes, No Smokes...Goes Fast. > PatBateman
08/21/2014 at 20:24

You should spend exactly $0 on a car you feel "meh" about. If you are spending that much money, you should at least like the car you are buying.

jkm7680 > PatBateman
08/21/2014 at 20:24

Meh cars are a touchy subject. If it was a Meh car I would pay no more than $30,000 for it.

So....I'll have a BMW 740I because they don't really do anything for me at the nice price of $29,999.

Your boy, BJR > PatBateman
08/21/2014 at 20:25

Oh you motherfucker.

That pictured car is my current dream car.

PatBateman > Your boy, BJR
08/21/2014 at 20:26

There's one for sale under the Autotrader link.

PatBateman > Mr. Ontop, No Strokes, No Smokes...Goes Fast.
08/21/2014 at 20:27

You don't love the car, you don't hate the car. You're on the fence about it for that price.

Play the game.

PatBateman > jkm7680
08/21/2014 at 20:28

VERY GOOD ANSWER.

Jedidiah > PatBateman
08/21/2014 at 20:29

The 2-year old restriction makes it damn near impossible.

I'd never spend over 5k on a "meh" and never over 10k on something I like.

Mr. Ontop, No Strokes, No Smokes...Goes Fast. > PatBateman
08/21/2014 at 20:37

Sadly my personality isn't wired that way. If it's "meh" I just rent them and send them om their way after I've had my way with them....however if I were to play I would nominate the Kia Optima....It just makes me feel ....nothing at all.

Kinja'd!!!

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > Jedidiah
08/21/2014 at 20:38

How 'bouts a Chevy Cobalt?

ly2v8-Brian > PatBateman
08/21/2014 at 20:38

As much as I love it, the M4. I feel that price needs to be lower.

samssun > PatBateman
08/21/2014 at 20:40

I don't think I could pay 40k for FWD anything, but the XTS-Vsport is AWD. Way too big for my liking, but I guess at 40k it would be a deal.

Most cars I either like or not, with price as a separate obstacle often resolved by age: TTRS, Golf R, M135/235 are objectively desirable but overpriced, and hopefully will depreciate.

If I feel "meh" about it independent of price, you'd have to make it cheap enough for me to shrug and pick it up as a cheap compromise vs. what I really wanted. So the Focus ST & GTI aren't on my radar due to FWD, and the Ecoboost Mustang due to full-size car with half-size engine, and if you priced them cheaply enough for me not to care (12k?) I'd eventually cave but always think about the RS3 I'd rather have.

PatBateman > ly2v8-Brian
08/21/2014 at 20:41

Agree. I like my vehicles well-optioned, and that can push the M4 WAAAY too high.

Jedidiah > sm70- why not Duesenberg?
08/21/2014 at 20:43

No idea how much they cost, but not more than 5k.

PS9 > PatBateman
08/21/2014 at 20:44

Here's a handy XTS quiz to figure out if you should get one.

1) Are you older than 60 years old?
2) Do you live in florida?
3) Are you retired?
4) Have you ever told someone to 'get off your lawn'?
5) Are you against purchasing anything from any manufacturer who isn't Cadillac?
6) Are You Benjamin Rolland?

IMHO, more than three no's here means you should consider something else.

PatBateman > samssun
08/21/2014 at 20:45

The trick would be finding one of those cars with low miles that has been pampered. Most of those cars would have been flogged be their first owner.

ly2v8-Brian > PatBateman
08/21/2014 at 20:45

It's price competes with full optioned C7s, well optioned Caymens, and almost reaches Entry 911 territory.

MrPseudonym > PatBateman
08/21/2014 at 20:45

well, all the Nissan cars that aren't in the z series, concept cars, or the juke are meh.

and even then, the 350z is a little "meh" for me. but, at 28k for the base model, it's a sporty car, so yeah, it's justified . OH SHIT, PANIC MODE. NEWER THAN 2 YEARS OLD. 350Z IS NOT.

PatBateman > PS9
08/21/2014 at 20:47

It isn't THAT bad. Okay, maybe it is, but it's a big AWD sedan that has plenty of room for my three kids, a decent engine, room in the trunk for my golf bag, and is pretty much a luxury car.

End result: I wouldn't kick it out of bed for eating crackers.

PatBateman > ly2v8-Brian
08/21/2014 at 20:51

Yup. Drop it $6k and it would be more impressive to me.

PatBateman > MrPseudonym
08/21/2014 at 20:51

I'll sub in 370Z.

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > PatBateman
08/21/2014 at 20:52

Not a dime, if I could help it.

EL_ULY > PatBateman
08/21/2014 at 20:52

every BMW and Audi are ultra meh. What ever the tag pricer, knock 15-20K off of them.

PatBateman > sm70- why not Duesenberg?
08/21/2014 at 20:54

Spoil sport.

If you were married, had kids, and couldn't buy a Miata...

PatBateman > EL_ULY
08/21/2014 at 20:55

So a two year old 535?

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > PatBateman
08/21/2014 at 20:55

Focus/Fiesta ST.

I'm just meh about them. I have no way to describe it.

PatBateman > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
08/21/2014 at 20:56

What price would make you buy one?

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > PatBateman
08/21/2014 at 20:57

1. Under no circumstances would I buy a Miata.

2. There are cars in every category and price range that I like. I have no reason to buy a car I don't like. Not counting $20 Panameras. Realistically, I would never do it.

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > PatBateman
08/21/2014 at 20:57

Free.

PatBateman > sm70- why not Duesenberg?
08/21/2014 at 20:59

You would only buy vehicles that you absolutely loved? Keep in mind that "meh" is defined as cars you don't like because of their price.

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > PatBateman
08/21/2014 at 21:02

That's not how I'd define a "meh" vehicle, but whatever. That's a "meh" price.

I wouldn't't pay $30k for a loaded Mini Cooper S, but I'd buy a used one.

Decay buys too many beaters > PatBateman
08/21/2014 at 21:02

All new cars? 10-15% cheaper and I'd consider them.

PatBateman > Decay buys too many beaters
08/21/2014 at 21:06

So a two year old vehicle with low miles. How much for what?

PS9 > PatBateman
08/21/2014 at 21:07

My problem with it is you have to be willing to walk past an S-Class to get it. No way I would do that, and this is a LS1-nutsack-ridding diehard GM fanboy talking. I don't really care about 'heritage' or whatever badge snobbery nonsense people use to get these things, but it's just too clear which one of those two is imminently superior. It's not even close.

HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles > Mr. Ontop, No Strokes, No Smokes...Goes Fast.
08/21/2014 at 21:08

I'm with this guy.

Especially as an enthusiast, why would you ever buy a car you're not in love with. That is my exact problem with my current Civic. I made the mistake of investing money, and committing to a payment on a car I'm not in love with. It's a nice enough car, it's almost fun to drive and it looks okay, but I don't love it. Also because I don't love it, it feels like a huge waste of money. Even thought it was only 5500 bucks. If I had more money to spend on a car you can bet your ass I wouldn't settle for anything that I wasn't 110% in love with. Even right now I want to sell my Civic and try to but something more special. Something, more fun, or more capable, faster, better looking, something less... Meh.

PatBateman > PS9
08/21/2014 at 21:11

Sure, an S-Class is superior to the XTS. But you wouldn't be able to find a two year old S for $40k with decent miles. I'd buy the big Merc for $70k used, but I wouldn't call it a "meh" car.

Of course, I wouldn't say that it's worth every penny brand new either.

MrPseudonym > PatBateman
08/21/2014 at 21:27

But I don't feel 'meh' about the 370Z! I like its front, its back, the fact it's a sports, the little decorative "Fangs" at the bottom of the grille... I just don't like the 350z...

Oh well, just sub in All Sedans. They're all meh.

ly2v8-Brian > PatBateman
08/21/2014 at 22:23

bingo. Exactly my thoughts.

thebigbossyboss > PatBateman
08/21/2014 at 22:51

Here is my "meh" car. Yeah I fucking want a Veloster Turbo, I think they look awesome. Plus turbo 6 speeed....

Kinja'd!!!

But the turbo 6's are getting up around $27K plus tax. That's too much for me. Knock dat 7 off tho and NP

Decay buys too many beaters > PatBateman
08/22/2014 at 00:10

In that case E92 M3, once they hit $25K I'll buy one, right now they are my "meh" car

DanZman > Mr. Ontop, No Strokes, No Smokes...Goes Fast.
08/22/2014 at 01:44

I love the look of the interior on these things. I've never been in one tho