For most folks, buying a new car is kind of like getting a new phone. You have an idea of what you want, you buy it, keep it for a few years, and trade it in for a new one. Sure, some thought is given to features, specs, and other things like looks, but cars are, generally, treated as disposable items in this day in age. Many people don't even consider buying a used car, because, in their minds, why drive around in something that doesn't look or function like new?For those of us without a prejudice against used cars, though, we typically have many more doors open to us. For example, a brand-new, base-spec car likely costs just as much as an identical, fully-loaded used model from just a couple of years ago.However, if you turn back the clock even further, you can find some seriously decked-out cars for the same price as brand-new, base models. Take the 2015 BMW 760Li, for example. It's a fully loaded, full-size luxury land yacht with a twin-turbocharged V12, and it costs nearly the same as a brand-new, 2026 Honda Accord LX. Which would you choose? Model Overview 2010 BMW 760Li Before we get into the nitty-gritty regarding the pros and cons of owning each model, let's take a moment to go over what each model broadly offers in terms of features, specs, and price. The Big Bimmer BMWIn 2015, BMW's 760Li model entered its final model year, and was part of the 7 Series' fifth generation, also known as the "F01" generation. It sat as the top-of-the-line iteration of the standard 7 Series, sitting beneath models like the bespoke Alpina B7.BMW Seeing as it was the best money could buy when it came to a standard 7 Series, BMW made sure to outfit the '15 760Li with as much luxury as possible. Beginning in the cabin, all the model's seats, the center console, door cards, and dashboard are trimmed in premium Nappa leather. Front-seat passengers are treated to 20-way power adjustment, along with heated and ventilated seats. The steering wheel is also heated.Around the back, both rear seats are separated by a large, fold-down console. A power rear sunshade is also standard, along with B-pillar-mounted HVAC vents. Quad-zone climate control is also standard, and things like adjustable and ventilated rear seats, a DVD entertainment system, and passenger window sunshades are optional upgrades. Throughout the entire cabin, a 16-speaker, 464-watt sound system is hooked right into the central 10.2-inch infotainment screen mounted on the dashboard.BMWOn the outside, it's rather difficult to spot a 760Li over a standard long-wheelbase 7 Series from the F01 generation unless, of course, you get a glimpse of the badge. It comes standard with a set of 19-inch wheels, powered soft-close doors, LED headlights, and a powered trunk closing mechanism. An M Sport package was offered, which swapped the 19-inch wheels for 20-inch ones, a new steering wheel, a raised top speed limiter, and new exterior trim called "Shadowline".BMW Under the hood sits a gigantic, 6.0-liter BMW V12 sporting two turbochargers. The mill itself belongs to BMW's N-family of V12 engines, and it is specifically part of the N74-gen iteration.Both its block and cylinder heads are made from cast aluminum, and its crankshaft, connecting rods, and its four camshafts are all forged. It takes advantage of BMW's variable valve lift system, coined "Vanos", along with direct fuel injection.An eight-speed automatic transmission transforms the V12's oomph into usable motion, and a rear-wheel drive layout is used to get that power onto the road.According to current price trends, the 2015 BMW 760Li's average market price sits right around $28,670. Of course, this number will vary widely, as it's a somewhat-rare model. In addition, mileage and overall condition will affect used pricing a bit, as well. As of this writing, a few examples are for sale, although there are no 2015 models currently on the market. Instead, there are a few similar model-year examples: A 2014 model located in Ohio for $34,995 with 60,371 miles A 2013 model located in Texas for $17,999 with 151,577 miles A 2013 model located in New Jersey for $17,995 with 93,058 miles The Honda HondaIn an entirely different world lives the 2026 Honda Accord LX. No, it doesn't have a twin-turbo V12 engine, and it doesn't have 20-way adjustable seats. However, it does boast one or two things the Bimmer doesn't have.Inside, the Accord is about as basic as you can get in terms of a brand-new car. It sports cloth seats with manual adjustment, a nine-inch touchscreen infotainment system hooked into a 160-watt, four-speaker sound system, and a driver attention monitor. In addition, it also sports a remote engine start and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility. Honda's HondaSensing driver assistance suite also comes standard, with features like collision mitigation braking, road departure mitigation, and even adaptive cruise control.Honda Under the hood, the '26 Accord LX employs the use of a 1.5-liter inline-four-cylinder engine with a single turbocharger. The mill itself belongs to Honda's L-Series engine family. A CVT handles the mill's power, and a front-wheel drive drivetrain applies said power to the road surface.According to Honda, the 2026 Accord LX sports an MSRP of $28,395 before any destination fees, taxes, or other charges are factored in. Seeing as Honda generally does not offer optional upgrades or features across its trim lineup, the aforementioned price is pretty much what you'll be paying for an LX model. However, dealer-specific add-ons and fees may change the final price a bit, so make sure to look out for any sneaky price changes when buying. Pros & Cons: The BMW, Or Not? Cons BMW First and foremost, let's clear the air of one of the largest issues facing the older, V12-powered BMW: reliability. Any older German luxury car is typically going to need a good bit of care, and maintenance, to keep it in tip-top shape. The 760Li especially exemplifies this unfortunate fact, as it's laden with tech and luxury amenities, many of which cannot be fixed when they break, and can only be completely replaced.BMW According to RepairPal.com, the 2015 BWM 760Li sports an average annual maintenance cost of about $1,259 per year. This is well above average for BMWs as a whole, which falls around $968 per year spent on maintenance. Replacing virtually any component in the 760Li is expensive, with things like a single air suspension spring replacement running anywhere between $5,664 to $6,077. A power steering pump replacement can also reach $3,000 easily.This is much, much more expensive overall than the 2026 Honda Accord. For contrast, it sports a modest annual maintenance cost of just $400 per year, and its frequency of unexpected repairs and frequency of severe repairs are both below average. Replacement parts are much cheaper, and the Accord's full factory warranty would be at your disposal if you bought it new.This means that full coverage lasts three years or 36,000 miles, and powertrain coverage lasts five years or 60,000 miles. Of course, there would be no warranty available for the Big BMW to help with its potentially ruinous repair bills. Pros BMW Now that the boring stuff is out of the way, let's talk about how buying a 2015 BMW 760Li can be a good thing. For one, you're afforded luxuries that even the modern-day Honda Accord could only dream about.Instead of cloth seats adjusted with levers, you're given 20-way, power-adjustable Nappa leather seats sporting both heating and cooling, a 464-watt sound system, real wood trim, three times the number of cylinders in its engine, and double the amount of turbos. Plus, you can reach 60 mph from a complete stop faster than most modern sports cars. Plus, it looks a darn-side cooler, too. Verdict BMWOf course, the financially wise decision is to go for the new Accord LX. You're given a new car warranty, Honda-bred reliability, and the confidence that it will last quite a long time with just regular maintenance. However, if money isn't as much of an issue, and you manage to find yourself a well-sorted and thoroughly inspected 2015 BMW 760Li without many issues, owning one of those would probably be much more fulfilling, let alone more fun, than the hum-drum Accord.
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