by "E90M3" (e90m3)
Published 02/23/2017 at 13:30
by "E90M3" (e90m3)
Published 02/23/2017 at 13:30
No Tags
STARS: 2
Since I now have a job lined up, it’s time to do some car shopping. I’ve bought two cars in my life, both BMWs; my Explorer was a gift. However, I was away from oppo during the time of purchase of both of those vehicles. Now that I’m back and it’s time to car shop again, I figured I’d ask for your suggestions.
Requirements:
Looking to spend between 15-22k; sadly I don’t make oil money or I’d be deciding on which AMG I wanted
Get around 25 mpg combined
Decent to drive
Less expensive to maintain than my M3
Auto or manual; the M3 is a stick so this one doesn’t have to be auto
This isn’t the usual “oh I’m a high school student and I have no idea what I should get as my first car?” this is more I think I know what I want, but I want to hear some suggestions, especially if you have ownership experience. I’m leaning toward another 128i or maybe an E9X 328i with a sport pack; there are some other cars I’m considering but those are the front runners. Before I just got another BMW, I figured I’d ask oppo for some opinions.
"Nisman" (nisman)
02/23/2017 at 13:32, STARS: 0
What do you have in your fleet now? Is it just the M3? Will this new car be your daily?
"SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie" (sidewaysondirt)
02/23/2017 at 13:32, STARS: 0
Cherry AW11.
"Mercedes Streeter" (smart)
02/23/2017 at 13:37, STARS: 0
Looking to spend between 15-22k- Check.
Get around 25 mpg combined - That’s it? :P
Decent to drive - Depends on who you are.
Less expensive to maintain than my M3 - It’s a mini turbo Mercedes!
Auto or manual - You can have your stick any way you want it. ;)
"Daily Drives a Dragon - One Last Lap" (ddadragon)
02/23/2017 at 13:37, STARS: 2
S4.
"Rico" (ricorich)
02/23/2017 at 13:37, STARS: 0
I say get a 1 Series or something completely different but nay to a 3 series. You’ve got THE BEST version of the 3 series already. Especially if this is a commuter car and it will likely just be you inside of it 99% of the time (unless you are trying to car pool or need to carry equipment) I say some kind of 2 door car. Hell you could even get a used Ecoboost Mustang with a budget of around $20k.
"Wrong Wheel Drive (41%)" (rduncan5678)
02/23/2017 at 13:37, STARS: 2
You didnt say “not miata” so clearly the answer is miata lol. But actually, I would totally want an FRS/BRZ if I didnt want a convertible and budget was larger. Then use the extra budget for lighter wheels, sticky tires, an exhuast, and then start thinking about a turbo/SC build.
"BrianGriffin thinks “reliable” is just a state of mind" (briangriffinsprius)
02/23/2017 at 13:40, STARS: 8
GTi is the only reasonable answer. If it’s good enough for Clarkson, it’s good enough for you.
"Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo" (thetomselleck)
02/23/2017 at 13:41, STARS: 8
Based on your posts, reliability is not something that comes to mind on those...
"Tripper" (tripe46)
02/23/2017 at 13:41, STARS: 2
When I had two BMW’s I only drove one. So personally, I would go with another brand, but if you stick with BMW I like the 1er over the 328 all day.
Might be nice to have something Japanese if you’re going to be putting a lot of miles on. I’d go STi, but that def will not meet your MPG requirement. WRX might get close. Either one is fantastic, I’ve owned both.
I’m also gonna go +1 for a Miata.
"Chariotoflove" (chariotoflove)
02/23/2017 at 13:44, STARS: 0
See, I’d just keep driving the M3. So I’m not much help.
"Nothing" (nothingatalluseful)
02/23/2017 at 13:46, STARS: 4
Non-M Clown Shoe.
"Mercedes Streeter" (smart)
02/23/2017 at 13:46, STARS: 0
Hey now, it may be unreliable but it isn’t expensive unreliable! :P lol
Seriously though, they all aren’t as bad as mine. :)
"Tripper" (tripe46)
02/23/2017 at 13:46, STARS: 2
the S&M life ain’t bad, one of em’s gotta have a warranty though.
"Decay buys too many beaters" (decay)
02/23/2017 at 13:47, STARS: 1
C5 z06, if you can tolerate being associated with corvette owners.
Otherwise used AMG :p
"Out, but with a W - has found the answer" (belg)
02/23/2017 at 13:47, STARS: 0
ZZ2 swapped MR2? Probably not really what you’re looking for, but seems to fit all boxes. Not sure what Lotuses go for on your side of the pond?
"MonkeePuzzle" (monkeypuzzle)
02/23/2017 at 13:48, STARS: 0
well... if I were to throw my 2 cents in, I’d say get an auto.
once upon a time, ok a few times, I’ve had two toys. And the problem I found was I couldn’t decide which I liked better, or where to spend the money. But then I had a toy and a good commuter. Getting out of the good commuter and into the toy brought me joy each and every time.
I’d say get something that is auto, that has all the conveniences, and you’d feel fine parking outside a movie theatre in a bad part of town without concern that it’d be gone when you come out :D
"Tazio, Count Fouroff" (tazio0625)
02/23/2017 at 13:58, STARS: 0
Dude it may not be you, but for me, having lived in the region, down there I’d think seriously about getting an E93 328i/M (or auto if you find an otherwise-ideal candidate)
Cruising in Savannah or out on Tybee, or runs to SSI, Charleston, JAX with the top open...it’s astonishing, the beautiful, clear, temperate sunny days you get between October and April.
No canvas top issues, either.
And if you need 4 doors or a bigger rear seat, you’re already good there
Just one guy’s 02 cents
Happy hunting! *envious*
"MylesD" (mylesd)
02/23/2017 at 13:59, STARS: 2
I love the 1 series, but if you already have a Bimmer then hey...broaden those horizons!
GTI is probably my recco. I have an MKVI autobahn that’s been great for me. Refined interior, great MT, usable space, seats are great for long drives (did a CC trip).
If not that, MINI Cooper S? Lil’ bit of BMW in your life, but very different. I had an 08' Cooper S and we’d still have it if we didn’t make a long move and only bring 1 car. So much fun! I’ve driven a 128 and while a BMW MT with RWD is awesome, I’d say the Cooper S was a better drive.
"Stapleface" (patrickgruden)
02/23/2017 at 14:02, STARS: 1
How about a used Ecoboost Mustang? You can get a pretty low mileage one that will still have some warranty left. And it should tick all of your requirements.
"SPAMBot - Horse Doctor" (spambot2002)
02/23/2017 at 14:02, STARS: 1
IS 250/350. My friend has one and it is a great DD. Gets ok mileage, is nice enough inside, drives surprisingly well, and is super reliable. I would say an ISF, but I think those are outside your budget. At least go test drive one while shopping. There is a reason people buy these in crazy numbers.
"rb1971 ARGQF+CayenneTurbo+E9+328GTS+R90S" (rb1971)
02/23/2017 at 14:10, STARS: 0
You’ve already got a coupe with 4 seat so I would get something in a different category. If you’re a BMW person (I know I am), no need to necessarily branch out in terms of brands, but if you don’t want to limit yourself that’s fine too.
You could go with a roadster - Z3 or early Z4, both would likely be under budget.
If it were me I would try to find some kind of low-mile E39. An M5 is in your budget (and my favorite car I’ve ever owned), but if you found a great 540 wagon in automatic then you would have a great driving car that could play a lot of roles your M3 can’t.
"AfromanGTO" (afromangto)
02/23/2017 at 14:13, STARS: 1
Since you’re moving to Savannah/Pooler get a lifted truck.
Everyone has one, and I mean everyone.
"Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies" (jordanwphillips)
02/23/2017 at 14:14, STARS: 0
FiST/FoST
"carzcarzcarz" (carzcarzcarz)
02/23/2017 at 14:24, STARS: 0
I’d think the cheaper obvious replies would be :
Mustang
Miata
FRS/BRZ
FiST/FoST
"nermal" (nermal)
02/23/2017 at 14:45, STARS: 0
How about a Jeep?
"E90M3" (e90m3)
02/23/2017 at 14:50, STARS: 0
Just the M3 right now, so this second car will be my daily. I’d DD the M3, but it’ll be around a 60 mile round trip and that’s too many miles on the M for it to be economical.
"E90M3" (e90m3)
02/23/2017 at 14:50, STARS: 0
Don’t want to deal with a car that old, and if I did, it’d be an E30.
"E90M3" (e90m3)
02/23/2017 at 14:51, STARS: 2
Less expensive to maintain than my M3 - It’s a mini turbo Mercedes!
Mercedes turbo cheaper than an M3. Does not compute.
"E90M3" (e90m3)
02/23/2017 at 14:52, STARS: 1
I had a rental Mustang and I didn’t like it. Not because it was a rental but I really didn’t like the seating position. I also felt like the belt line was way too high.
"SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie" (sidewaysondirt)
02/23/2017 at 14:53, STARS: 0
Phrasing.
"E90M3" (e90m3)
02/23/2017 at 14:54, STARS: 0
I probably should have said I don’t want a Miata and I’d prefer an N/A car.
"Mercedes Streeter" (smart)
02/23/2017 at 14:55, STARS: 0
Man, life is so going to suck when my warranty ends.
"unclevanos (Ovaltine Jenkins)" (unclevanos)
02/23/2017 at 14:56, STARS: 0
E46 330ci?
"TheTurbochargedSquirrel" (thatsquirrel)
02/23/2017 at 14:57, STARS: 0
Mini Cooper S. Chuckable little fun box which you can drive hard all the time. Should also be able to do around 30mpg when you aren’t on it. The current generation of S engine also makes wonderful noises in sport mode.
"E90M3" (e90m3)
02/23/2017 at 14:57, STARS: 0
Since I didn’t have a normal life when I had both, I drove the M3 all the time unless I was in the office or going to the field then I took the 1. I didn’t really drive every day, so DD didn’t really fit either car. Basically since this would be a car to just rack up miles on and not worry about like I do with the M3, it’d see plenty of driving.
My experience with Subaru is that they burn oil or leak it. Might be a great car, but I’m not willing to spend my own money to find out if that’s true or not.
Don’t want a Miata, or a soft top convertible for that matter.
"E90M3" (e90m3)
02/23/2017 at 14:58, STARS: 0
I’ve heard good things about them. I might have to go look at one. If VW hadn’t cheated on emissions, I’d probably be looking for a 3 door TDI with a 6MT.
"E90M3" (e90m3)
02/23/2017 at 15:00, STARS: 1
My commute is probably going to be 60 miles round trip each day. A trip home is 500 miles and if I wanted to see other friends, it’s probably a 500 mile trip. So basically in the long run a second car should be cheaper to run than just the M3.
"E90M3" (e90m3)
02/23/2017 at 15:01, STARS: 0
I wonder if there are any for sale around me...
"E90M3" (e90m3)
02/23/2017 at 15:02, STARS: 0
I’ve thought about one of those, but I had one as a rental and I didn’t like it because I didn’t like the seating position and I felt like the belt line was way too high and visibility was poor.
"E90M3" (e90m3)
02/23/2017 at 15:03, STARS: 0
So basically you just described this: https://www.carmax.com/car/13411345
"Textured Soy Protein" (texturedsoyprotein)
02/23/2017 at 15:03, STARS: 0
I’m tempted to go test drive the one and only Hyundai Elantra Sport here in Madison just so I can tell you as a fellow hotrod E9x driver that it’s something you would like, but it’s at a dealer on the opposite side of town from me and I’ve got stuff to do tonight. Maybe! ;) It’s a stick without the tech package that they’re advertising on their website for a hair under $19.5k after rebates.
"BrianGriffin thinks “reliable” is just a state of mind" (briangriffinsprius)
02/23/2017 at 15:03, STARS: 0
Yes, but SINCE VW cheated on emissions, you can get a new gti, whose MSRP is around $29k, for about $23k.
"E90M3" (e90m3)
02/23/2017 at 15:04, STARS: 0
A couple of people have said GTi, probably worth a look.
Not really interested in the Mini for some reason.
"E90M3" (e90m3)
02/23/2017 at 15:05, STARS: 1
I’ve thought about one of those to be honest. I’ve never had a convertible before, so that might be worth a look.
"E90M3" (e90m3)
02/23/2017 at 15:07, STARS: 0
I didn’t even really think about one of those. That could actually be a pretty good option. I guess I forgot about them since I do not like their new styling. The headlights are way over styled.
"MonkeePuzzle" (monkeypuzzle)
02/23/2017 at 15:08, STARS: 0
mmmmm, 1 series!
yes, that :D
"E90M3" (e90m3)
02/23/2017 at 15:09, STARS: 1
Mustang had one as a rental didn’t like the seating position, belt line, and visibility
Miata Don’t like them, been for a test drive, no thanks
FRS/BRZ I don’t trust a Subaru engine not to leak oil, not willing to spend my own money to find out if that’s changed.
FiST/FoST Test drove a FoST and really liked it, plus they were talking about 0% APR financing and I could be on board with that.
"E90M3" (e90m3)
02/23/2017 at 15:11, STARS: 0
1. I no longer work in the oil field
2. Everyone in Texas had one and I didn’t feel compelled to get one then
3. Way too expensive
4. fuel economy
"E90M3" (e90m3)
02/23/2017 at 15:12, STARS: 0
Drove a FoST and really liked it, plus they were offering 0% financing, I may look into it a little more.
"avalonian" (avalonain19)
02/23/2017 at 15:12, STARS: 1
Yeah, brother like I’ve said in other posts ( captain mature). I’d go with something Japanese. My cousin is in the same boat, he had a fun car but it just became to much to use as a commuter everyday, so he bought a Honda. Plus, you’ve already got the M3. You have established yourself with fun, something cheap to run will save you time money and headaches cause it will start up and just go which is something you might like. Or get a used LS400 or something. And something would with a warranty would be a smart move with these German cars folks are suggesting especially how, at that price point they’ll be coming out of manufacturer warranty, which typically mean loooootssss of work to be done.
But happy hunting regardless!!!
"E90M3" (e90m3)
02/23/2017 at 15:14, STARS: 0
I really like the E39, but I don’t want to deal with some of the things that come along with owning at 14 year old car, like all the rubber needing to be replaced. Sadly if I was still in oil, I might be thinking about one.
I am a BMW person and that’s why I’m thinking of staying in the brand. I also have a thing for the E9X and the 1 series.
"E90M3" (e90m3)
02/23/2017 at 15:14, STARS: 1
I hope not, but realistically, I’d rather have a C300 than a smart and I also would want to be able to carry more than one other person.
"If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent" (essextee)
02/23/2017 at 15:16, STARS: 0
Why not experience a different brand? Maybe try something more on the comfort-oriented side of things rather than get Yet Another Sporty Car.
"E90M3" (e90m3)
02/23/2017 at 15:16, STARS: 0
I don’t really want to buy a 10 year old car with 120k+ miles on as my DD. I think the e46 is a fantastic platform, they’re just too old now.
"Twinpowermeansoneturbo" (twinpower)
02/23/2017 at 15:19, STARS: 0
135i converted to 1M body already by some guy on 1addicts.
"E90M3" (e90m3)
02/23/2017 at 15:20, STARS: 0
You keep bringing it up, I might actually have to go drive one. I’m thinking the steering is going to be like the rest of the Hyundais I’ve driven, but I should probably go find out. I just looked and the closest one with a stick is over 100 mile away, damn.
"E90M3" (e90m3)
02/23/2017 at 15:20, STARS: 0
Worth a look then.
"E90M3" (e90m3)
02/23/2017 at 15:21, STARS: 1
I’m strongly leaning toward that one. It’s basically the same as my 128i, but it’s got more equipment.
"carzcarzcarz" (carzcarzcarz)
02/23/2017 at 15:22, STARS: 0
Fist/Fost are fun cars no doubt.
Don’t overlook the Suby engine just from old tales, the new engine is actually pretty good. I’ve had mine boosted for a couple of years now and only done basic maintenance on it, never ate or leaked any oil.
"SPAMBot - Horse Doctor" (spambot2002)
02/23/2017 at 15:22, STARS: 1
The new ones definitely had to grow on me. The previous gen looks better IMO.
"AddictedToM3s - Drives a GC" (addictedtom3s)
02/23/2017 at 15:22, STARS: 0
Congrats on the job, man!
Might I suggest a BRZ?
"E90M3" (e90m3)
02/23/2017 at 15:23, STARS: 0
My M3 has been out of warranty for almost 2 years now, I’m not too worried about an N/A German car.
A Japanese car is probably the way to go, but I’d have to figure out which way I’d want to go.
"E90M3" (e90m3)
02/23/2017 at 15:24, STARS: 0
I’m not sure I want to deal with an out of warranty BMW turbo engine, in addition to my out of warranty BMW M engine.
"E90M3" (e90m3)
02/23/2017 at 15:26, STARS: 1
Thanks!
My experience with a Subaru boxster is that they all either leak or burn oil. I was also not impressed with the interior of the BRZ.
"E90M3" (e90m3)
02/23/2017 at 15:27, STARS: 0
There is still oil in my parents garage from my dad’s old Subaru. I also didn’t like the interior at all of the one I sat in.
"Mercedes Streeter" (smart)
02/23/2017 at 15:27, STARS: 0
I also would want to be able to carry more than one other person.
That’s why you need two! I kidd, I kidd. The C300 would be an awesome choice!
"E90M3" (e90m3)
02/23/2017 at 15:29, STARS: 0
I actually went and test drove a 2014 C300 today. I liked it, but it was a lot more floaty than I’m used to.
"rb1971 ARGQF+CayenneTurbo+E9+328GTS+R90S" (rb1971)
02/23/2017 at 15:33, STARS: 0
I know people with E39 cars with over 100k miles and none of them have had that sort of issue (all rubber replacement), but I don’t know what part of the world you are in. Then again most of them do a lot of preventative maintenance - and one is my local indy mechanic - so most of the failure-prone parts would have been replaced during the course of ownership anyway.
"Neil drives a beetle and a fancy beetle" (1500sand535)
02/23/2017 at 15:39, STARS: 0
I’d go farther afield than another small BMW. Either, something tiny(Miata), or something still performance oriented but a different kind of car like a GTI or FOST. Or an X1.
"Tazio, Count Fouroff" (tazio0625)
02/23/2017 at 15:39, STARS: 1
imo they’re the bomb. The top on the M3 almost never goes up.
Betcha if you test-drive one on a day like today...
Anyway, best wishes that you find the right ride
"carzcarzcarz" (carzcarzcarz)
02/23/2017 at 15:41, STARS: 0
“Old Subaru” that’s it right there.
As for the inside, did you sit in a FR-S or BRZ? The Limited version of BRZ is fairly nice. I like the inside of it better than my 330i, and the shifter is 10x better than the BMW too.
BRZ is cramped for 4 people, hell even with just 2 people and luggage, and I can see how it’s not for everybody. I do like the seating position in it better than the FoST, but those cars are a blast to drive too.
"Textured Soy Protein" (texturedsoyprotein)
02/23/2017 at 15:41, STARS: 0
I did see something in the reviews where the steering is kinda dead, but the same thing can be said about EPS BMWs haha.
I just think that if you can get something that maximizes the economy and comfort aspects while still being entertaining, that’s the way to go. Running on regular being part of the economy piece.
The Civic hatchback also comes to mind. With the turbo motor it’s supposed to be somewhat fun but you’re talking $25k for an EX-L Navi or $28k for a Sport Touring.
Someone else mentioned the Lexus IS. That may actually be a nice move, a later 1st gen like a 2012. Before I got my E92, I did look at a 2012 IS350 AWD and it was very refined, sorta fun (more fun than say, a current Acura TLX but not a “fun” car) but it’s more cramped inside than your M3. A bit more room than a 1-series though. There was an F Sport package available I think on the like 2012-13 IS350 which would up the fun quotient somewhat. For example this .
I also checked out some assorted G37s, they’re pretty ok if you get the sport package. LSD, quick steering, big brakes, etc. The sedan is ugly but more room than the IS, the coupe is bigger-feeling than an E92 but less room inside and higher beltline/sills and lower ceiling. They’re a bit rough around the edges especially the motor.
Wild card is an FX37, same motor and chassis as the G but more refined and comfort, plus room. But you don’t need awd down south and the mileage might be too low. EX37 is basically an Outbacktified G37 hatch but I think those are fugly.
"Manwich - now Keto-Friendly" (manwich)
02/23/2017 at 15:42, STARS: 0
Congrats on the job.
You already have one nice/fun car. So for a 2nd car, all you need is something reliable, basic and cheap to run.
So if your daily round trip is 80 miles or less, I’ll suggest a used Nissan Leaf... which have been depreciating a lot and are dirt cheap to run... you can probably find a good low mileage 2016 Leaf for $20,000 or less.
Or if you have a longer drive and/or want more fun at a higher operating cost, then either a Mazda MX5 or an FRS/BRZ.
"Tripper" (tripe46)
02/23/2017 at 15:44, STARS: 1
On purpose
"E90M3" (e90m3)
02/23/2017 at 15:46, STARS: 0
I meant like things like bushings and parts that wear out with age, that’s what I meant by rubber parts. Things that previous owners might not have done. I’d also have to find one without a lot of owners with would probably be difficult. I wouldn’t mind one, but finding one I’d actually want to buy would be the difficult part.
"Tripper" (tripe46)
02/23/2017 at 15:46, STARS: 0
Owns E90 M3, concerned about maintenance on a Subaru...
"Twinpowermeansoneturbo" (twinpower)
02/23/2017 at 15:46, STARS: 0
Aftermarket warranties can be purchased for a very reasonable price and I whole heartedly stand behind them. I worked in a dealership for a few years and absolutely recommend an aftermarket warranty on any German vehicle outside of warranty. The one I just purchased on my S4 covers the powertrain for the next 12 months and only cost roughly $500. Of course I could have bought coverage that extended out further too, but I don’t plan to own it that long.
"E90M3" (e90m3)
02/23/2017 at 15:48, STARS: 0
I believe I sat in the FR-S and it lacked things like a center arm rest. It also felt really cramped, and I used to have a 1 series. I guess my problem is why would I get an FR-S or a BRZ when I could get a 128i for the same price.
"Nisman" (nisman)
02/23/2017 at 15:51, STARS: 1
Gotcha. Well, I would go with any Lexus product. Even an LS 460 will get over 25 hwy and it will be bulletproof reliable. You can get a higher mileage example for under $20k. You already have one German car specifically for driving and enjoying, so your DD should be as luxurious and headache free as possible IMO. If an LS is too floaty for you, they did make a GS460. They are rare but amazing cars. If you’re thinking smaller you could do an IS 350 or something similar. There is always an ES too, which is just a glorified Camry, but it sure does make a good commuter car.
"E90M3" (e90m3)
02/23/2017 at 15:55, STARS: 0
I do not like BMWs EPS, but Hyundai’s just feels way too light and numb. I spent 10 hours in a Sonata in a day and strongly disliked it on the other side. Maybe I’m spoiled by my M3's steering, but I don’t want to get in a car everyday and think oh great I have to deal with this steering. I know they poached the guy from BMW M, so hopefully it gets better soon, but as of right now I’m not sure I want to live with that steering. It ruined the rest of the car for me, that’s how much I disliked it.
I just don’t want to spend that kind of money, I could afford it, but it’s really just too much. Might sound strange I’m looking at BMWs and saying that but the N52 is one of the most reliable engines BMW made and everything that’s not the throttle position actuators works well in my M3.
That Lexus could be a real option. It checks pretty much all the boxes and it should be reliable. I think I should go drive one.
Not a fan of Nissan or Infiniti, so I don’t think I’m going to look at them. It’s just why get one of those when I could get something like a 128i or an IS350.
"E90M3" (e90m3)
02/23/2017 at 15:58, STARS: 0
I’d also want the second to be able to handle a road trip home, and the leaf won’t do that.
Don’t like the Miata or the FRS/BRZ. Miata I found too cramped and I think they’re over priced. I don’t see they hype. I did not like the interior of the BRZ and I’m not willing to pay money to find out if Subarus still leak oil or not.
"E90M3" (e90m3)
02/23/2017 at 16:02, STARS: 0
They’re not cheap to buy, they seem to hold their value to the point of why would I just not get a new one.
"avalonian" (avalonain19)
02/23/2017 at 16:04, STARS: 0
Yeah, I feel and respect that. Or some sort of Lexus Is? Or GS!!!
"E90M3" (e90m3)
02/23/2017 at 16:05, STARS: 0
I might be able to drive an IS
"avalonian" (avalonain19)
02/23/2017 at 16:07, STARS: 0
I have space especially an IS350. That’d be the ultimate commuter, or IS-F
"E90M3" (e90m3)
02/23/2017 at 16:08, STARS: 0
IS-F is too much and I’d much rather have a C63 AMG if I had that kind of money to spend again.
"Chariotoflove" (chariotoflove)
02/23/2017 at 16:09, STARS: 1
Oh, I’m sure you’re right. Like I said, I’m not much help (said the guy who DDs a Wankel).
"avalonian" (avalonain19)
02/23/2017 at 16:10, STARS: 0
That’s fair. But definitely sample an IS350. it might surprise you
"E90M3" (e90m3)
02/23/2017 at 16:11, STARS: 0
I drove a C300 today and I have to say, the E90 drives much better. I’ll probably test out an IS350.
"avalonian" (avalonain19)
02/23/2017 at 16:14, STARS: 0
Ah, I didn’t know it drove worse. But with all this driving, comfort and effortless speed are definitely needed. Hence my IS suggestions, plus you mentioned reliability, so does driving dynamic take a back seat? Or what is it on the list of priorities?
"E90M3" (e90m3)
02/23/2017 at 16:16, STARS: 0
I’m not really sure where my priorities fall. While the C300 wasn’t as nice to drive, I could see myself really liking that car. I guess I just don’t want to hate it, so it has to do something well besides being cheap. If they only thing it’s good at is being cheap then I won’t like it.
"avalonian" (avalonain19)
02/23/2017 at 16:18, STARS: 0
Absolutely, and I respect that. Maybe an audience? But nah, IS350 ftw
"E90M3" (e90m3)
02/23/2017 at 16:19, STARS: 1
I have a strong negative emotion associated with VW/Audi products. I’ll have to look into them, but they seem to be on the high end of what I want to spend.
"Tripper" (tripe46)
02/23/2017 at 16:20, STARS: 0
Yea I mean I wasn’t necessarily saying used.
I racked up a lot of miles on my 05' WRX and beat the piss out of it the entire time (this was my most irresponsible period of car ownership/life). I also had a bunch of cheap shitty mods on it. (Rotas, cheap lowering springs, blow off valve, intake, fart can)...The only time it cost me money was when I needed tires or smacked it up, which happened more than once.
I only put 12k on the STi before I hit a deer and then traded, but it was used when I bought it. The struts came loose after my first auto x, that was it.
Unless it’s a total lemon a Subaru is always going to be cheaper to maintain/service than any German premium brand.
Besides M cars are just as famous for burning oil, you just got lucky with yours.
If you’re talking about spending low teens for the 128 as opposed to low 20's for the Subaru, then I see where you’re going.
"avalonian" (avalonain19)
02/23/2017 at 16:21, STARS: 0
Yeah, lol. I was just poppin it off so I didn’t sound bias to the IS, what about a Genesis or cadenza? Those are cruisers with solid mpg.
"rb1971 ARGQF+CayenneTurbo+E9+328GTS+R90S" (rb1971)
02/23/2017 at 16:26, STARS: 0
That’s fair. I always budget for replacing suspension bushings when I get a new car because I live in SF where the roads are more potholes than pavement so they are inevitably wasted.
"Manwich - now Keto-Friendly" (manwich)
02/23/2017 at 16:30, STARS: 0
V6 Mustang?
"Textured Soy Protein" (texturedsoyprotein)
02/23/2017 at 16:37, STARS: 0
I can see how you’d like the IS for sure. The only question mark is what kind of ride comfort penalty comes along with the F Sport. The non-F IS350 AWD that I checked out was nice and smooth and refined.
I came sorta kinda close to buying an Infiniti G37xS coupe, but really I liked it more when I drove it while my 135is was stored for the winter and I was DD’ing my Grand Cherokee. Once I got the 135is back out, the G became a lot less appealing.
The FX was my favorite Infiniti. It’s surprisingly chuckable for sitting up high and being comfy. But that’s more like an all-weather fun car for us northerners than something that you’d want, unless you want the room.
"E90M3" (e90m3)
02/23/2017 at 16:37, STARS: 0
This is what I’m looking at right now:
https://www.carmax.com/car/13411345
It’d be about 10k less than a Subaru, and that’s 10k I could throw at the M3 if I wanted to since I don’t want to mod a DD.
I guess it really comes down to cost, and the Subaru just seems like it’s more than I want to spend, same with a Lexus IS. I know I’m going to end up with another BMW, but I at least want to do due diligence and see what else the world has to offer.
I drove a C300 today, not sure if I liked it or not. Really didn’t get to drive it long enough.
"E90M3" (e90m3)
02/23/2017 at 16:38, STARS: 0
It’s just something I’d want to avoid for a while if possible. When I got my M3 it was do I want to spend 25k buying an E39 M5 then another who knows how much making it the way I want it, or do I get an M3 and it’ll basically be much newer. I went with the M3 since I wanted to drive it on my days off, not have it be in the shop.