Sorry, that was a little confusing. So you're an independent rep (so you can recommend and sell whatever you want) who also has a contract with Northwestern that allows you to sell their products? Or you're contracted exclusively with Northwestern? Just trying to clarify.
And actually, I'm sorry, I thought you were the OP responding. I didn't even realize you were someone else throwing their 2 cents in.
And I'm only 24, recent college graduate, no kids or wife, so no, I'm not really in a position where a solid paycheck every month is essential. And I totally see your point, that the potential to make good money is there. I'm just pointing out that you yourself stated that only 5% of people who start out in jobs like that actually make a career of it, and I'm guessing that's a pretty accurate number, I looked into it a lot when I was offered several positions like this.
Like I said above, with a 95% turnover rate that means for every one guy who hits it big 19 other guys are failing and quitting. To me, the odds are just kinda iffy on that. And also, like I mentioned before, the cost of completely providing your own insurance and driving yourself all over the place to meet clients is going to eat into your income, so it's not quite the same thing as making $120,000 per year at a salaried job with good benefits.
I'm contracted to sell Northwestern products as a primary means, if we don't have a product that satisfies a buyer's needs, I can then go and contact one of the other insurance firms and sell their policy to a client. We're the only company that does not allow other reps to sell our products.
Also the difference is at 24 and even 5 years down the line, its highly unlikely that you walk into a job thats $120k a year with benis and even then it doesn't guarantee that you won't have to travel in your own vehicle.
Cars are just objects and running through a bunch isn't a big deal when you're making good money. Buy a commuter car and an enjoyment car.
And its no surprise that the OP liked the M3. If you have a chance, check out the s4 and caddy cts-v (the one with either the ls2 or ls6 vette engine, it out ran the s4 in comparison tests but doesn't have the same solid german engineered feeling). Also if you're concerned about the thoughts of blue collared workers, buying an American car wouldn't be a bad idea.