by "protodad" (protodad)
Published 05/10/2017 at 23:21
by "protodad" (protodad)
Published 05/10/2017 at 23:21
Tags: #what car should you buy
; #wcsyb
STARS: 0
Hey Oppo, I had been planning to buy a car sometime in 2018 in the $40k range. I have been driving a beater car for quite a few years now ensuring that the wife and kids had the safe, reliable transportation they needed so my wife has been totally on board with getting something awesome. Don’t hate me but I really wanted to buy a Panamera from Carmax. Unfortunately, things don’t always work out the way you want them to and earlier this week someone felt the need to smash my DD to bits.
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Fine, this just means I have to buy something a little sooner than I planned, at a slightly lower price than I planned. I figured I could easily swing $15k-$20k so I started looking up e46 M3s and e39 M5s. Yea, too simple. The wife wants me in something newer. Like no more than 10 years old newer. For this concession, she let me bump the price point up a bit. I have some requirements as well and all of a sudden the breadth of cars I was looking for has significantly shrunk. Here’s hoping you can all pitch in some ideas and help.
The Good:
$20k-$25k range
Must be a car (no trucks, SUVs, CUVs, etc.)
Something Fast
Must have 4 seats, but doesn’t need 4 doors (though not a problem, I’m a wagon fan)
Manual is good, DCT is good, auto is bad
I’m not scared of “high maintenance” cars. I drive my DD less than 3k mi a year and have no problem doing all the work on my cars. I’m also in CA so rust and such are usually non-existent.
The Bad:
Must be less than 10 years old
No more small cars (I’ve driven them for 15 years, this last accident had my knees, thighs and feet bruised up because I’m tall and they aren’t). Midsize preferred and some higher safety ratings would be great.
No FCA or GM products please.
I’ve looked at everything from e90 M3s to Jag XFRs. Nothing is out of line if it meets the above requirements. Lay it on me Oppo. Hopefully there are some gems in that range that I haven’t thought of. Bonus points if you own or have owned the suggestion.
"ADabOfOppo; Gone Plaid (Instructables Can Be Confusable)" (adabofoppo)
05/10/2017 at 23:34, STARS: 1
Used MK7 GTI. Should be in your price range. Hell, you might find one new for less than $25k if you look around.
Focus ST would also be a good choice that meets those requirements.
Not sure about sedans. Others will probably have better ideas anyway.
Good luck finding something!
"E92M3" (E46M3)
05/10/2017 at 23:44, STARS: 2
Just get an E9X M3. E90 if you can. Wish I had gotten one over my E92.
"jminer" (jminer)
05/10/2017 at 23:46, STARS: 0
A focus ST would fit that bill. I don’t own the ST but do own a 12 focus hatch with a stick and it’s a practical and fun car.
Not the most unique choice, but is reliable and fun.
"jminer" (jminer)
05/10/2017 at 23:48, STARS: 1
A lightly used focus ST would fit that bill. I don’t own the ST but do own a 12 focus hatch with a stick and it’s a practical and fun car.
Not the most unique choice, but is reliable and fun.
"Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo" (thetomselleck)
05/10/2017 at 23:52, STARS: 0
Newer Golf R. It’s bigly small. Not Fit small.
"Wobbles the Mind" (wobblesthemind)
05/11/2017 at 00:01, STARS: 1
I would checkout a 07/08 Audi RS4 before people remember they were actually sold in the US. Everything else I can think of are cars you have already thought of. AWD, manual only (I think), 420 hp NA V8, and very limited quantities but still under the radar even for enthusiasts.
You know the 2010 E63 was getting close to your range last I checked...
"ITA97, now with more Jag @ opposite-lock.com" (ita97)
05/11/2017 at 00:03, STARS: 2
If you want pedestrians to fear you, a new mustang would be square in your price range. You can walk out the door with a new V6 for 20, and you could probably manage a base package boostang w/performance pack for close to 25. My sister bought a new V6/6 speed manual last year. It is a surprisingly good car. It doesn’t have anywhere near the hard edge of my corvette, but it handles competently, does 0-60 in the mid to high five seconds, 28-30mpg on the highway, looks good, and is comfortable to drive around. On twisty road, the car is entertaining to drive. It corners better than you think a mustang should, although her soft suspension package car with taller and skinnier rubber loses some composure at 10/10ths. I could drive a boostang with the performance package suspension and brakes without complaint.
"Wacko" (wacko--)
05/11/2017 at 00:06, STARS: 1
I know you said no GM,
but manual Cadillac ATS.....
"Highlander-Datsuns are Forever" (jamesbowland)
05/11/2017 at 00:06, STARS: 0
Subaru WRX, mustang GT, Focus ST, infinity G37, GTI v6 accord coupe
"Noah - Now with more boost." (antriebverliebt)
05/11/2017 at 00:11, STARS: 1
E90 335i, barely used 2015+ mustang GT, E60 550i or 535i, barely used 2015+ STI, V8 audi S4, V10 S6 if you’re insane and or want to be a total hero
"protodad" (protodad)
05/11/2017 at 00:13, STARS: 0
Rs4 is a good thought. Is the v8 in those just as bad as the ones from the s4?
I looked at a c63 earlier. A good amount are in that range. No idea how best they are.
"protodad" (protodad)
05/11/2017 at 00:14, STARS: 0
I would rather get an older one with more options. I had an 06 but I probably wouldn’t settle for anything below the 400hp model.
"AM3R, lost another burner" (am3r17)
05/11/2017 at 00:14, STARS: 1
E90 or E92 M3, depending if you want the coupe or sedan. Robust V8. Manual or DCT. Can’t go wrong!
"protodad" (protodad)
05/11/2017 at 00:15, STARS: 0
Too small in both cases. I really like the ST though. I’m hoping for something a little more subtle though.
"Milky" (jordanmielke)
05/11/2017 at 00:15, STARS: 2
Purple Audi, Lambo V10.
"protodad" (protodad)
05/11/2017 at 00:16, STARS: 0
S6...that is almost too scary. I’m going to go look them up now.
"protodad" (protodad)
05/11/2017 at 00:17, STARS: 0
I really should at this point. My wife thinks they “just look like a car” and I can’t tell if that is good or bad.
"protodad" (protodad)
05/11/2017 at 00:18, STARS: 0
Ok, the ctsv is allowed. I can’t find one that isn’t clapped out or too much though.
"Noah - Now with more boost." (antriebverliebt)
05/11/2017 at 00:18, STARS: 1
Supposedly not as unreliable as you’d expect, but when things do go wrong... oh boy. That said, life is short. I think it’s insane that there was a time where the Germans would sell you a sedan with a V10 in it and I bet that eventually, the few remaining examples will be insanely expensive.
"protodad" (protodad)
05/11/2017 at 00:19, STARS: 0
I’m going to sound like an ass but I want something more powerful and the mustang is the only one that fits the bill. I’ve had a mustang in the past and while the ‘11 is an easy path to 400 hp I don’t know that I want something that brutish.
"protodad" (protodad)
05/11/2017 at 00:21, STARS: 1
This is how I think. My intent originally was to keep my fit as a backup car some I could make even worse decisions.
"Itsmemupos" (itsmemupos)
05/11/2017 at 00:23, STARS: 1
From the research I’ve done the RS4 V8 doesn’t have the same issues that plague the S4, but there are suspension failure issues. There is one in Dallas I’ve been looking at for $16k (listed at 17.5 reduced from 18.8), it has 148k miles on it though. It drove great when I took it for a test drive, even more fun than my old G8 GT or my friends W8. I haven’t pulled the trigger on a pre-purchase inspection/purchase since I haven’t been able to find a shop with history of working on them.
It might be worth looking at a Ford Fusion Sport or is you can push the budget a Lincoln MKZ with the 3.0 V6T. The MKZ is what I really want, but have to wait for the wife’s Tahoe to be paid off first if I spend that much.
"protodad" (protodad)
05/11/2017 at 00:25, STARS: 0
I’ve heard that very few Audi shops can work on them. I would probably just go for full coilovers in the event that there was suspension failure.
"promoted by the color red" (whenindoubtflatout)
05/11/2017 at 00:35, STARS: 0
Pre-owned Focus ST + Mountune kit.
"Tripper" (tripe46)
05/11/2017 at 00:44, STARS: 1
If you don’t drive a lot and are going to turn a wrench yourself, I’d re consider an E46M3/E39M5. Older yes, but either car is only going to get more valuable if kept up. Also the E39M5 is the most fun, “big” car I have ever driven.
"Noah - Now with more boost." (antriebverliebt)
05/11/2017 at 00:47, STARS: 1
I don’t know how often they come up CPO but that would probably be easier than carmax. The S8 of the same era also has a V10 if that appeals (better interior, more handsome car IMO but very heavy)
"Toby F., Manager" (itsmefromhr)
05/11/2017 at 01:05, STARS: 1
Some variant of a Volvo Polestar. Safe, quick, and within your price range.
"Neil drives a beetle and a fancy beetle" (1500sand535)
05/11/2017 at 03:01, STARS: 0
Audi A7 is pretty similar to the Panamera you originally wanted, less sporty but pretty quick, dual clutch(or maybe the 8 speed unit that people like almost as much), luxurious, liftback.
Or just get an M3...
"avalonian" (avalonain19)
05/11/2017 at 06:46, STARS: 1
E60 M5, think about a range rover, Infiniti Q70 OR Q70L. Panamera, all the Mercedes-Benz lol. Used maserati quattraporte, Acura RLX, the lexus GS,LS! And all the jags.
"Tapas" (tapas)
05/11/2017 at 06:56, STARS: 1
How about a Bentley Arnage T?
"Stapleface" (patrickgruden)
05/11/2017 at 07:01, STARS: 1
Just looking at what would be local(ish) to you. You said you live in Ca. I took a stab and said around LA. Of course keep in mind that Carmax will generally give you a nationwide search. I don’t know what it might cost to ship a car to your location.
Infiniti G37 Sport
https://www.carmax.com/car/14350541
Nissan 370
https://www.carmax.com/car/14337252
Hyundai Genesis R Spec
https://www.carmax.com/car/14109579
"Meatcoma" (mastapoof)
05/11/2017 at 08:21, STARS: 0
Lexus IS350 F Sport. Although I don’t think it’s enough hp for what you’re wanting. Just get a Cayman S and call it a day.
"protodad" (protodad)
05/11/2017 at 08:32, STARS: 0
I’d love to have either one. Both seem to have hit their rock bottom in depreciation.
"protodad" (protodad)
05/11/2017 at 08:33, STARS: 1
I like the s8 as well. I’ll have to check prices but I think they were out of my range.
"protodad" (protodad)
05/11/2017 at 08:33, STARS: 0
I haven’t looked at them yet. Ill check some out.
"protodad" (protodad)
05/11/2017 at 08:35, STARS: 0
Totally forgot about the a7. I’ll check one out.
"Tripper" (tripe46)
05/11/2017 at 08:36, STARS: 1
I’ve got an E46 M3, and I will have an E39M5, but I’ve got to clear some space first. If you get serious about an E90M3, there are plenty of owners on here. I owned one and will paint a slightly darker picture than the others. See the user E90M3 or DavesAddicition for encouragement, ask me about what went wrong haha.
"haveacarortwoorthree2" (haveacarortwoorthree2)
05/11/2017 at 08:36, STARS: 0
Is that the black 08 one? Had a friend test drive it (don’t worry, he decided not to buy it).
"protodad" (protodad)
05/11/2017 at 08:37, STARS: 0
It may be an unpopular opinion but I really dislike how the e69 m5 looks. There’s one in my parking lot at work and the owner has relocated the v10 badge from the engine to the truck. I face palm whenever I see it.
I don’t think I’m crazy enough for the Maserati but a bunch have shown up in town lately. Maybe I’ll check the price.
"protodad" (protodad)
05/11/2017 at 08:38, STARS: 0
Too bad I can’t afford a driver...
"protodad" (protodad)
05/11/2017 at 08:40, STARS: 0
Ha. Yea, at least around here the is350f comes with a bunch of stereotypes for the driver. The cayman is seriously cheap for that first generation. Maybe carmax has one I can drive...
"protodad" (protodad)
05/11/2017 at 08:41, STARS: 1
I’ll bite on what went wrong. The forums are filled with puppy dogs and rainbows or people who clearly never owned them.
"Sampsonite24-Earth's Least Likeliest Hero" (sampsonite24)
05/11/2017 at 08:47, STARS: 0
What about a Taurus SHO? Sleeper status but people will move out of your way in a hurry cause theyll think youre a cop
"Tapas" (tapas)
05/11/2017 at 08:51, STARS: 1
I’ll drive you around. I imagine it would be just as relaxing as sitting down in a leather recliner.
"Tripper" (tripe46)
05/11/2017 at 09:14, STARS: 0
Of course they are! So it’s two parts. First off my car ate a ton of oil. I’m talking adding a $15 qt every two/three fill ups. Now you have probably heard that “M cars just burn oil”. I’ve heard it from enthusiasts, and dealers. I still have the invoice where it says that BMW dealers will not consider the oil use excessive until you’re adding a qt in less than 700 mile intervals!
The problem there is that between myself, my close friends, and my family, I have been around a ton of M cars and none of them burnt oil like that. Most of them (including my E46M3) don’t lose any in-between changes.
Then it started with electronics issues, limp mode... The first time it was just a $1400 throttle position actuator...the next few times It would come on and off intermittently, I would take it for service and they would be like “yeah...I dunno, we can see that it was in limp mode briefly but we cant say why”.
On top of that everything for the car was fuck you expensive, like AMG expensive! If you have the dealer replace and register the battery (which you have to do) it’s $700! I got my inde guy to do it for a measly $400, the battery is most of that price. In addition when the battery started to go it caused all kinds of weird issues, the most concerning being that it would not warn me when the oil was getting low! Towards the end the door locks started would not work every once and a while, and the a/c fan was getting stuck... I spent more than 4k on the car in 18k miles!
Now I’m no stranger to the BMW tax. I’ve had my E46 for 10 years, and I’m a fuckin’ nutjob, so I have replaced anything that started to look old. Seals, interior panels, badges, you name it. On top of that I have religiously followed the maintenance schedule including anything that my inde mechanic has suggested (VANOS preventative maintenance). Still, everything for the E90 was doubly expensive.
Here’s the worst part, and I’m sure some of the other owners will disagree... I got rid of it mainly because I wasn’t having any fun with it! If you can believe that, read on. The E90M3 is a fantastic car, and I think it just might be the most special M3. That S65 sounds glorious, and the steering rack is nearly perfect. You can feel everything down to your fingertips. Like all M3's (except for the current) the E90 is not big in the torque department, which is fine because you can rev the piss out of them and they just love it. The point I’m trying to make is that when I was having “fun” with the E90 I was in jeopardy of a really bad ticket. So the longer I owned it, the more I found myself just putting around in a super expensive 3 series. So I traded it for an Audi S3 which has been great, but if you don’t like small cars, that won’t fit the bill haha.
I’m pretty sure the previous owner beat the shit out of my E90, and my E46 is my true love so it was an easier decision than it could have been. I miss the sound, and the cockpit (just kind of wraps around you), but I don’t miss the repair bills, or replacing $700 worth of tires every 8-10k miles haha.
"Carsbikesscooters" (carsbikesandscooters)
05/11/2017 at 10:00, STARS: 1
Ok, this breaks a major rule (no CUV’s) but you should really look at a BMW X3 35i, ours is fast (0-60 in 5 seconds) and corners nearly flat, it’s essentially a 3 series wagon with the hotrod engine. Just give one a test drive
"protodad" (protodad)
05/11/2017 at 10:04, STARS: 0
Interesting. I’ve heard that the e39 burned oil but not the e90. The rest of the expenses are on par with what I’ve heard. Do you do much of your own work on them? I still want the e46 or e39 more than anything I look at these days.
"protodad" (protodad)
05/11/2017 at 10:17, STARS: 0
Ill consider it. I think if I considered a x3 I would also have to test drive a Cayenne.
"Carsbikesscooters" (carsbikesandscooters)
05/11/2017 at 10:27, STARS: 0
Test drive both, but unless you go for a turbo the X3 will be sportier
"Tripper" (tripe46)
05/11/2017 at 10:33, STARS: 1
Yea I’ve heard that about E39's as well, but I know two owners, have driven their cars tons of times, and one of them has to add oil every once in a blue moon. The other never does.
Yes and no to wrenching. Electronics are my specialty, so I’m most comfortable with that. I will change oil, brakes, basically anything that I “google” and think “yea I can swing that.” diff fluid change is next on the E46 and I plan to do that myself. However I have a great inde mechanic close by who will come and pick up my car if I fuck something up.
I love my E46, but when someone asks if you could only have one car for the rest of your life, what would it be? I always say E39M5. They’re just so great. Not that other M5's aren’t. If you really want to roll the dice, E60M5's are awesome too, gotta get a warranty there though.
"Jayhawk Jake" (jayhawkjake)
05/11/2017 at 11:27, STARS: 0
Stretch the budget slightly and pick up a lightly used S550 Mustang? I think GTs are near that range and Ecoboosts definitely are.
I will never not recommend one of these, I love mine
"Asindhidude" (thesindhidude)
05/11/2017 at 12:48, STARS: 0
Have to plug WRX/STi. I had a 15 WRX, got in a wreck and then proceeded to get a 16. Fun car, meh interior, but has enough of the obligatory amenities and minimal nannies.
"protodad" (protodad)
05/11/2017 at 17:06, STARS: 0
This is the wife first choice. ‘11s are easily in my range but I can’t stand the look of them. I like the ‘06 we had (even as a GT it was slow) but a s550 would be awesome.
"protodad" (protodad)
05/11/2017 at 18:04, STARS: 0
Any experience with the e90m3? I wouldn’t mind the DCT as long as it doesn’t have the same problems as the e46 version.
"Jayhawk Jake" (jayhawkjake)
05/11/2017 at 20:51, STARS: 1
I just saw a loaded Ecoboost at my local Carmax for $25k, they’re definitely in your range.
"protodad" (protodad)
05/11/2017 at 21:46, STARS: 0
Call me a snob but I don’t think I could do a mustang without a v8.
Plus, my wife’s family races them and they range from 11s cars to 6s cars. I would definitely get a ton of shit.
"protodad" (protodad)
05/11/2017 at 21:46, STARS: 0
Call me a snob but I don’t think I could do a mustang without a v8.
Plus, my wife’s family races them and they range from 11s cars to 6s cars. I would definitely get a ton of shit.
"protodad" (protodad)
05/11/2017 at 21:46, STARS: 0
Call me a snob but I don’t think I could do a mustang without a v8.
Plus, my wife’s family races them and they range from 11s cars to 6s cars. I would definitely get a ton of shit.
"AM3R, lost another burner" (am3r17)
05/12/2017 at 02:04, STARS: 0
DCT in the E9x seems to be pretty stout, no big problems like the E46. I’d go 6MT simply out of principle though.
"Jayhawk Jake" (jayhawkjake)
05/12/2017 at 14:17, STARS: 0
An EB can get into the 11s with a big turbo....