Having Trouble Choosing A Post-Graduation Car?

By Samuel Spencer

Samuel Spencer

BIO

Sam is currently a fourth year Journalism major at the University of Cincinnati. He has been a lot technician at a Ford dealership since 2007, where... More

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7 1,529 views Apr 12, 2010

1999 Acura Integra GS-R Coupe

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If you are in college, one day this situation might fall into your lap:

You made it! You graduated! You worked your posterior off for four (or more) years, and everything has finally come together. Now that you are free, it is time to get out in to the real world that everyone has been telling you about and find yourself a job.

Just one thing... about that car of yours...

That rusted out, fart canned Integra of yours with the half-attached dilapidated bodykit doesn't exactly send out a message of professionalism. Sure, it has served you well since High School, but pretty soon everyone is going to be judging you for employment.

Thankfully, those four years of working at Taco Bell helped you save up a couple grand for this occasion. Or, maybe your parents decided to give you a healthy graduation present. Either way, you have the money, and you need a new set of wheels. What can you get that sends out the right message?

You would probably expect me to say something along the lines of "Toyota Camry!" or "Honda Civic!" at this point. Sadly, neither of these cars really do the job right. Of course theyre cheap, reliable, and safe cars. Blah, blah, blah. Who cares about anyone that they see in a run-of-the-mill japanese sedan?

For around three or four thousand bucks these days, you can find yourself a W124 Mercedes 300E.

Mercedes-Benz W124 300E sedan

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There are a number of reasons I cannot recommend this car strongly enough.

First off, this car makes the cliché term "built like a tank" a bit of an understatement. This car is what set the standards of build quality for the rest of the world to imitate in its day. It was over-engineered and designed to last forever, and many of them do. Ever seen the video of Fifth Gear trying to destroy one? If not just follow this link as a bit of a demonstration.

Second, it is more car than you might expect from the 1980's. It was very advanced for its time, with equipment that hadn't trickled down into entry level cars until years later. The ride quality (in a decent one, of course) is up there with the best offerings from American manufacturers today.

Last, and most important (especially when it comes to impressing future employers) is that this car is completely classless. Businessmen, professors, lawyers, high school students, fast food employees, would all enjoy being seen in this car. It is modest, yet handsome. It is tough, yet comfortable. It is a car that suits just about anyone, and can be afforded by just about anyone. If you pull up to an interview in one of these, you send out a message of maturity, and dignity. You show that you have good taste, but no need for overstatement.

Yes, I know, old German cars are not cheap to repair. There is a solution to this problem. Be a smart buyer! Find one that has a complete service history, or have it checked out by a professional mechanic before buying it. As long as you find one that isn't a lemon, it will be worth any potential repairs in the future, because you are buying more car than a new entry-level car for a fraction of the price.

I mean, I would hire you if you drove one.