Author Topic: Mercedes-Benz Giveaway - C300 was bought by Fr. Le Roux for 40K (Read 7564 times)

Matthew · « **Reply #10 on:** May 23, 2015, 12:48:46 PM »

Quote from: Colombiere

I disagree. This car is a good fundraiser because it appeals to a lot of different people. Most people I know would put a for sale sign on it so soon as they won. And then buy a van or help pay off their house, etc. Younger or older people without kids might keep it. How many carseats can you get in this car?

It's a luxury car. For those with means and who desire luxury goods. For those who want to appear better than their peers -- to show they have "arrived".

There are several things you are overlooking:

1. A luxury car is a luxury car. If you "keep it", you're still deciding to spend $30,000 on your "basic transportation". You could sell it and buy TWO like-new 4-door sedans "for the common man".

2. Thieves will be more likely to look in that car for money/gold/jewels/valuables/electronics, since you are obviously rich (as they see it). Oh, and a car like this is worth the risk and trouble of stealing the car itself!

3. Even if you don't intend it, everyone will believe you bought the car on purpose (which you did -- you didn't sell it, after all!) and will get the impression you consider yourself wealthier/more successful/better than they.

4. Insurance premiums will likely be higher.

5. Repairs and routine maintenance will *certainly* be higher. I believe an oil change will set you back $300 - $400. A former member of CathInfo suggested you proposition a mechanic at a Mercedes-Benz dealership to do "moonlighting" or side work for less. Basically, find a young man willing to do the same work off-hours in his own garage for a fraction of the cost. But who has the time and ability to arrange something like that? Maybe if you're Mr. Salesman, with a well-worn copy of "How to make friends and influence people" under your arm. But what about the rest of us? $300 oil changes it is. NOTE: Everyone can't simply stroll into a Mercedes-Benz and wait in line to chat with one of the mechanics privately. If it were that easy, NO ONE would pay the $300 for oil changes! Think about it.

So considering #5 alone, the choice of "what the heck. I'll just keep it" means you spend THREE HUNDRED DOLLARS (or more) every oil change, instead of the usual $35 or $40. That's quite a luxury expense right there. Paying $260 more just for an oil change!

JPaul · « **Reply #11 on:** May 23, 2015, 02:30:29 PM »

Quote from: Colombiere

I disagree. This car is a good fundraiser because it appeals to a lot of different people. Most people I know would put a for sale sign on it so soon as they won. And then buy a van or help pay off their house, etc. Younger or older people without kids might keep it. How many carseats can you get in this car?

Of course it is a fundraiser, almost all things which they do these days, are to generate and control money. For example the traveling statue tour and the Disneyland promo vids.

Matthew said,

Quote

1. A luxury car is a luxury car. If you "keep it", you're still deciding to spend $30,000 on your "basic transportation". You could sell it and buy TWO like-new 4-door sedans "for the common man".

How very true. For that matter, they could have raffled off two of such practical sedans for the cost of this one, and maybe have generated more money, but, then you must consider who are they trying to appeal to in this venture?
Certainly not those common men. And consider that this can inflame the passions of such ordinary men to own something that they cannot really afford to buy, or to own.

The Menzingen International lottery.

Colombiere · « **Reply #12 on:** May 23, 2015, 03:05:30 PM »

I still disagree. Not everybody is the common man. Some have more and if the car is used in the future for attending Mass or other duties or if one thanks God for it then that's all virtuous. Whoever wins the car should just try to be prudent and grateful. I know if my mom won it she would sell it and buy her kids a van. Maybe. Well she might keep it.
Yeah, she'd keep it. But she'd give anyone a ride, especially to Mass.

MaterDominici · « **Reply #13 on:** May 23, 2015, 03:28:29 PM »

Quote from: Colombiere

I know if my mom won it she would sell it and buy her kids a van. Maybe. Well she might keep it.
Yeah, she'd keep it. But she'd give anyone a ride, especially to Mass.

... unless you have a few children, in which case, you won't fit in her fancy car.

Nickolas · « **Reply #14 on:** May 23, 2015, 04:54:53 PM »

Colombiere, if your Mom won this car, she would owe income taxes on its value. Let say its valued at $30,000, which would be a more likely value than $40K, the winner must declare its value as income. So, let say she is in the 15% tax bracket, her tax would be about $4500. Let say she is in the 25% bracket, her tax would be $7500.

If folks want to donate to the cause, just do it, without seeking anything in return, but this is very foolish way to raise money for the organization like the SSPX. It lends itself to desire of the flesh, pride, and impression AND implicates the winner to a huge tax debt. Just foolish.