We get off easy in the States

[lib]

This came up as part of a thread in another forum but I thought a few of you might find it interesting:

http://www.bmw.com.au/common_content...Feb-1Coupe.pdf
http://www.bmw.com.au/common_content...ept-3Coupe.pdf
http://www.bmw.com.au/common_content...008-Feb-M3.pdf

Base MSRPs with no options in AUS:

125i Coupe: AUS $54,400 = US $50,466
135i Coupe: AUS $71,400 = US $66,237
325i Coupe: AUS $81,900 = US $75,978
335i Coupe: AUS $108,900 = US $101,026
M3 Coupe: AUS $157,000 = US $145,648

Cars are MUCH cheaper in the US than in most other developed countries.

Don't forget taxes. There's a luxury tax on cars in AUS to the tune of 25% for every dollar over ~ $57k.
On top of the regular taxes you're paying close to $25,000 luxury tax on that M3 in AUS.

[Kayne]

Don't forget that the cost of living is totally different in other countries.

[Oregon]

Originally Posted by Kayne

Don't forget that the cost of living is totally different in other countries.

In the 'free-world' we call it Socialism.:middlefinHope I have not crossed any undeclared lines through the use of the previously-unused(by me)central-digit/s smilie.:iono:

[Dan203]

Isn't there a luxury tax here too? Or did that get rescinded somewhere along the line? I also heard there was some sort of "gas guzzler" tax that gets applied to vehicles with very poor gas mileage. (like hummers and mustangs)

Edit: Never mind, just looked it up and the luxury tax was rescinded here in the US in 2002.

Dan

[d3syd]

Those prices are before on road costs (rego, dealer PD, etc). With i-drive, I paid over AUS $80k for mine. Our cars come with a lot more standard stuff though, but I'd rather option up and pay your prices.

As you can see the 335i coupe cost a LOT more than a 135i over here.

So guys, don't complain about how much you are paying.

[lib]

Originally Posted by Kayne

Don't forget that the cost of living is totally different in other countries.

Completely true. Though, looking at some comparisons of AUS & US salaries from the last few years suggests they don't earn any more than we do.

Edit:
Instead of my guesses based on what little info I can find I'll just bug d3syd....
So, do you guys just earn a hell of a lot more over there on average?

[d3syd]

Originally Posted by lib

Completely true. Though, looking at some comparisons of AUS & US salaries from the last few years suggests they don't earn any more than we do.

Edit:
Instead of my guesses based on what little info I can find I'll just bug d3syd....
So, do you guys just earn a hell of a lot more over there on average?

My guess is that we must earn more on average for your regular type jobs. For instance in Australia, a waiter/waitress would earn around $18.55 per hour, thus doesn't rely on tipping to survive.

I know your CEOs over there earn astronomical sums though.

See here for average wages in Aus. if you're interested.

http://content.mycareer.com.au/salar.../?s_cid=215859

[vivid]

cars are cheap in the US... Aus and Europe are considerably more expensive.

[BMW Dreamer]

WOW, according to those numbers I would make between 20%-90% more over there. I guess paying more for the 135i over there wouldn't be so bad.

[Tom K.]

Originally Posted by Dan203

Isn't there a luxury tax here too? Or did that get rescinded somewhere along the line? I also heard there was some sort of "gas guzzler" tax that gets applied to vehicles with very poor gas mileage. (like hummers and mustangs)

Edit: Never mind, just looked it up and the luxury tax was rescinded here in the US in 2002.

Dan

I remember paying 8% on everything over $34,000 on a Z3 back in 1997. Didn't think Bush & his buddies had allowed it to continue - but I believe we still have the gas guzzler tax which, IIRC, applies to all the BMW M vehicles.
Tom

[topvega]

Yes gas guzzler tax is still in effect. This seems to be the breakdown of it as per Wiki:
Unadjusted MPG (combined) Tax at least 22.5 No tax at least 21.5, but less than 22.5 $1000 at least 20.5, but less than 21.5 $1300 at least 19.5, but less than 20.5 $1700 at least 18.5, but less than 19.5 $2100 at least 17.5, but less than 18.5 $2600 at least 16.5, but less than 17.5 $3000 at least 15.5, but less than 16.5 $3700 at least 14.5, but less than 15.5 $4500 at least 13.5, but less than 14.5 $5400 at least 12.5, but less than 13.5 $6400 less than 12.5 $7700

[topvega]

by the way that applies to cars under 6000 pounds.. I think most larger SUV's are exempt... which is stupid. They are the ones that shld be taxed...imo

[pinksnyper]

Lets be serious here folks . More expensive cars are worth it ...WHEN YOU HAVE FLIPPIN' KANGAROOS !!!