$25K for only car

[antirabbit]

Audi A4, for sure.

 

[dah328]

I tracked my daily driver M3 for several years with no problems beyond the expected faster tire and brake wear. If you are worried about your $25k not covering the cost of an M3 and more frequent tire and brake replacement, consider an E46 330. They're certainly fast enough to be fun on the track.

 

[NorCal]

Why the **** does every car thread on SF turn into people hyping BMWs (douche) and Audis (***)?
So many cooler cars out there and for a daily reliable driver both suck and are super expensive to buy and maintain.

 

[EMY]

I've been looking into some BMW 335s and why is manual more expensive than auto? I see 2007 auto 335 sedans with 40k miles go for $25k, but manuals at the same price have close to 60k miles or with the same mileage for $2-3000 more.

kyoung- As long as the car doesn't need too much maintenance other than fluid changes and spark plugs, I'm okay with that. Having turbo problems would be really bad though.

Audi A4 didn't even cross my mind. Besides their styling, everything else seem to suck.

 

[Kyoung05]

Originally Posted by EMY

I've been looking into some BMW 335s and why is manual more expensive than auto? I see 2007 auto 335 sedans with 40k miles go for $25k, but manuals at the same price have close to 60k miles or with the same mileage for $2-3000 more.

kyoung- As long as the car doesn't need too much maintenance other than fluid changes and spark plugs, I'm okay with that. Having turbo problems would be really bad though.

Audi A4 didn't even cross my mind. Besides their styling, everything else seem to suck.

Re: The manual v. auto, it's probably because there were less manuals originally sold, and therefore, less available used manual transmission models. They're just harder to find, I suppose, and for those that want a manual transmission, the extra premium is worth it. For instance, I would never even consider owning an automatic BMW, regardless of the model and price differential, but that's just me.

As for turbo problems, turbos have a finite life. It's hard to predict exactly how long they'll last - sometimes they go at 60k, other times they'll last longer than the engine. Granted, you can improve your chances of having the turbo last by doing regular oil changes, not running higher than stock boost levels, etc. However, in the event the turbo needs to be replaced, if you're at all mechanically inclined, it can be done in about an hour (maybe 2) or so, with basic hand tools. Also, because many WRX owners end up upgrading to larger/aftermarket turbos, chances are you'll be able to find a used stock/oem one for a reasonable price.

 

[impolyt_one]

manuals on BMWs have been 'rare' and therefore worth more on the used market for like, 18-20 years now, ever since the E34 535i.

OP, I think the main question is, what attributes are you looking for in your daily driver? As has been said, a track car can be bought for not much, so with the vast majority of your money, what do you want out of the car? An M3 and a WRX are not easy to compare. I think most WRX people get excited about the performance of the car and then walk away feeling like they would've liked more amenities in the car for the money they spent. Also, there's the lady factor: 10/10 women would rather ride in your M3, versus a WRX.

 

[EMY]

Originally Posted by impolyt_one

manuals on BMWs have been 'rare' and therefore worth more on the used market for like, 18-20 years now, ever since the E34 535i.

OP, I think the main question is, what attributes are you looking for in your daily driver? As has been said, a track car can be bought for not much, so with the vast majority of your money, what do you want out of the car? An M3 and a WRX are not easy to compare. I think most WRX people get excited about the performance of the car and then walk away feeling like they would've liked more amenities in the car for the money they spent. Also, there's the lady factor: 10/10 women would rather ride in your M3, versus a WRX.

I am looking for something that has enough power to have fun, but would be civil enough for day to day driving and not look like I'm a boy racer. WRX definitely looks like a racer (read ricer). As for as amenities, I'm honesty not even sure myself since I currently drive a pre-Chrysler era w202 c class and it is pretty basic and has no power, but decent quality. Maybe I've been spoiled and expect all cars to be about the same quality. I need to actually sit in all these cars to compare.

True story: I got replaced by a guy who drives a WRX. The guy before me drives a M3. This is not the reason why I want either one though lol

 

[Douglas]

ain't nothing wrong with a brand-new hyundai genesis coupe.

 

[EMY]

Originally Posted by Douglas

ain't nothing wrong with a brand-new hyundai genesis coupe.

yup, nothing wrong with the Genesis, but this is SF and it's a Hyundai. I like the styling, performance, whole package, but the car is still fairly new and nobody really knows about long term durability/reliability.

For M3 owners, I just read a thread that addresses the VANOS problem associated with 2003.5-2005 models and fixes a possible cause of it. M3 is still in consideration!

http://www.m3forum.net/m3forum/showthread.php?t=321494

 

[akatsuki]

Honestly I would probably buy a Lexus IS300 for around 10k and then buy a separate track car for 5-7K leaving you enough money to set it up and buy tires, etc.

 

[Douglas]

Originally Posted by EMY

yup, nothing wrong with the Genesis, but this is SF and it's a Hyundai. I like the styling, performance, whole package, but the car is still fairly new and nobody really knows about long term durability/reliability.

For M3 owners, I just read a thread that addresses the VANOS problem associated with 2003.5-2005 models and fixes a possible cause of it. M3 is still in consideration!

http://www.m3forum.net/m3forum/showthread.php?t=321494

The thing has a 10-year, 100,000 mile drivetrain warranty, plus 5 years unlimited roadside assistance.

I'm saying this as a BMW driver and former (E36) M3 owner - you're not going to do nearly so well in a Bimmer.

I love BMWs, but fixes are going to be a) necessary and b) pricey.

 

[EMY]

Originally Posted by Douglas

The thing has a 10-year, 100,000 mile drivetrain warranty, plus 5 years unlimited roadside assistance.

I'm saying this as a BMW driver and former (E36) M3 owner - you're not going to do nearly so well in a Bimmer.

I love BMWs, but fixes are going to be a) necessary and b) pricey.

Thanks for reminding me of their warranty. I ran the idea through my dad and it's a no go. Since he will be paying for most of it, I pretty much have to get a car approved by him.

 

[sonlegoman]

Toyota Camry
</thread>

 

[Rambo]

Buy a Honda Fit and use the other 10k to pay off your enormous student loan bills. Nobody gives a **** about the car you drive.

 

[bawlin]

Originally Posted by EMY

Since he will be paying for most of it, I pretty much have to get a car approved by him.

Fail.