What should I get with 32~k?

[mit5005]

Hey guys, its been a while since I have been on here cause of school and the new gf, but I missed you all and thought who is better to ask for advice about gettin a new ride.

So I'm sellin my 93 rx7 atm and I'm willin to spend about 34k max on a car, new or used. At first I was leaning towards an rx8, cause i could save some money and still get a fun car with a rotary (although i know its kinda slow), but now I am leaning towards an 06 IS350, cause I think the quality is very nice and it looks good and is almost as quick as my car is now, which I really like.

Any other ideas? I thought about used E46s and even used m5's, but I kinda want lowers miles and preferrably even factory warranty.
My criteria is 4 seats, good looks, decent performance, some luxury maybe, and a rather new car. Cabriolet would be a plus too but not required.

Thanks
Mitch

[DeMoN]

the new G35 Sedan is looking sexy if you ask me. Saw one at University 3 days ago. Im more of a 2 door person so I'd take the Coupe, actually, wait for the new coupe next year.

BTW IS350 is more than 34k as far as I know. IS250 is in the 34k range but, as with the rx8, its slow.

You should rate your requirements in looks, speed, confort, interior, space, etc.

Used M3 is going to cost u dearly on the repairs and on service (my friend has a 2001 and he spends a lot on repairs and service).

[RC45]

You are 21, why do you need 4 seats?

[ARMAN]

Holy cow your last post was 2 years ago :shock: I'd go for BMW, some of M3's(M5) in good condition.

[mit5005]

Thanks for the opinions guys.

Demon I can get 06 350's with like 10k milage or so for around 33k. As for my ratings: looks is important (i considered the a4 but i think its kinda boring looking), power is nice but not required (like 240-250hp at least), and comfort is important (i want a change from the rx7).

RC my gf's roommate is dating one of my best friends, so we're always goin out and stuff so usually I cant drive my car. I would prefer 4 seats, but a coupe is definitely an option too. I guess a 2 seater would be ok if i found a really good deal.

[ViperASR]

Honda S2000 :twisted:

[acmarttin]

Personally, I love the new IS.

So I'd tell you to get that.

[mit5005]

Well I would probably get the g35 coupe over the z just cause it has 4 seats, and i think it looks nice.
And probably cant do the s2000 since my dad hates honda lol, and he is the cosigner.
One friend of mine suggested a used 300 srt-8 or used cts-v, but i have my doubts after seeing the top gear reviews. I guess ill have to drive them.

[ViperASR]

dont buy a chrysler or cadillac!! BEWARE!

You will like them at first for their styling, but they SUCK as cars. I would highly reccomend test driving them a few times so you can get a feel for what the car is really like to live with before you make up your mind. I would personally go for the G35 coupe if I needed the 4 seats.

[dutchmasterflex]

IS350 would be a pretty good choice especially if you want 4 doors, nice speed and some luxury.

[nthfinity]

4 seats?

Caddilac CTS - V

what you lack in luxury, you make up in ass whooping performance!

[Mattk]

Recently used BMW 330?

[spanky]

Plenty of choice for a good car and some good suggestions here already. My boss bought a new IS and its a really really well built car.

[ZfrkS62]

here's my suggestion. Wait a couple of months for the 335i's to get traded in. usually the guys who have way too much money to throw around will get them, keep them for about 6 months and trade them in with like 4K on the clock. It'll get CPO warranty extension and you'll still get the original factory warr/maint to 4 years/50K. (CPO Limited Warranty is 6 year/100K) Maintenance can also be upped to 6/100, which i really suggest doing. First brake job will pay for itself.

You can go 2 or 4 door, but for insurance costs, and rigidity factors, i would go with the sedan.

The E39 M5's that may still have warranties on them, may be a couple K out of your price range, and the 03 and newer M3 is still going to set you back about 38K with all warranties on them.

In your price range, i really suggest BMW just for the fact that the Maintenance Warranty adds that much more to the deal. You can get a 350Z but you're going to be paying for the oil changes and brake jobs and such, and that will get spendy if you end up with the track model with the Brembos.

The Z4 3.0 or the new 3.0si would also be a great buy if you really want the 2 door, and chicks dig convertibles anyway :D the new ones have the new 255hp engine but will cost you more to insure over an 03 or an 04.

[Caplax40]

I can't believe no one has mentioned STi or EVO yet. They do lack the luxury area though.

One suggestion: Lexus GS300 and do a 2jzgte swap.

[novass]

@mit5005 - Is it you that built the drag Mustang? I wanna say 1969 or thereabouts. Or am I thinking about someone else?

As far as the new car goes, Z's BMW advice sounds good. What about a Subie? Wont cost that much and will still be fun.

[mit5005]

Yeah I have the 69 mustang.

As far as the sti and evo, yeah they are fun cars but I am trying to stay away from the boy racer type cars (and they arent as pretty as the bimmers and IS).

I think I might have to drive a z after all this talk, I can definitely get used 3.0's in my price range.

[RC45]

What about a Gremlin?

[ZfrkS62]

he'll spend 500 on the car and the remaining 31,500 on trying to make it run right :lol:

[RC45]

But it will be far cooler than any G35 or IS350 will be ;)

[novass]

But it will be far cooler than any G35 or IS350 will be ;)

Just dont spill water on it or feed it after midnight :wink:

How is the 'Stang? What kind of times you running?

[ZfrkS62]

But it will be far cooler than any G35 or IS350 will be ;)

if you ask me, a Pinto is far cooler than any Infiniti or Lexus :wink:

[mit5005]

But it will be far cooler than any G35 or IS350 will be ;)

Just dont spill water on it or feed it after midnight :wink:

How is the 'Stang? What kind of times you running?

Well it actually hasnt been raced for about a year now, since we just got done building a house.
But the best time so far in the 8th mile is 6.8 with poor shifting. Still havent taken her to the 1/4 mile yet.

So tonight I'll probably test drive some cars. Right now i have the g35 and z4 in mind, any other ideas for something to drive? I also thought about a used 3 series convertible, that would be nice.

[inso]

How come none mentioned ´stang or C6, not even RC45 ;)

Even the Uncle Ben clan arrived with suggestions about Evo and Sti..

My money would go to S4, E46 M3 or 335CI. Warranty is really something to think about, i would be willing to pay 30% more to get good warranty than to buy older car without it. E46 cab would be a nice daily driver too, one could get one snapped up from a dealer with really good discount, since the new model will be out really soon.

[novass]

Even the Uncle Ben clan arrived with suggestions about Evo and Sti..


Uncle Ben is a member here? I love his rice and it only takes a minute to make.

[RC45]

How come none mentioned ´stang or C6, not even RC45 ;)

He said he wanted 4 seats.. :)


Warranty is really something to think about, i would be willing to pay 30% more to get good warranty than to buy older car without it.

A $1000 or less can extend your warranty to 100,000 miles and by another 3 years, so even a lightly used car can waylay your "warranty" fears.

[Feffman]

MIT5005:

Maybe a 2004-2005 Cadillac CTS-V. Plenty of HP (400) and torque, four doors (if you need the space), still under warranty and a nice 6-speed manual tranny.

Feff

[ZfrkS62]

How come none mentioned ´stang or C6, not even RC45 ;)

He said he wanted 4 seats.. :)


Warranty is really something to think about, i would be willing to pay 30% more to get good warranty than to buy older car without it.

A $1000 or less can extend your warranty to 100,000 miles and by another 3 years, so even a lightly used car can waylay your "warranty" fears.

he's got to get a car that's still in warranty in order to extend it. and most of them don't cover hoses or interior pieces. If the bill is over 1,000 bucks for repairs it lays the car up another day while they send someone out to take pics of it. Pain in the ass really :roll:

[mit5005]

What about a benz, like a c350 sport or something?

I checked out some used 330i's in my price range, and even a new body style 5 series, but I dont know if they will be fast enough for me.

I still have to drive the z and the g35, which I'll try tomorrow hopefully.

[TopGearNL]

/\/\ Give us a little indepth please! :wink:

[RC45]

he's got to get a car that's still in warranty in order to extend it. and most of them don't cover hoses or interior pieces. If the bill is over 1,000 bucks for repairs it lays the car up another day while they send someone out to take pics of it. Pain in the ass really :roll:

Actually you can purchase an extended maintenance contract for any vehicle - in or out of factory warranty.. in fcat, because "extended service/maintenance plans" run concurrent with remaining factory warranty, you may as well wait till the factory warranty runs out before spending the money.

[mit5005]

So I might have to lower my spending amount to around 30k, depending on what my car sells for; what do you guys think about an M roadster, like 2000-2003?

I know i kinda wanted 4 seats, but if I could get one of these in my price range under 30k~ miles (which I have seen), I would make the sacrifice.

[Mattk]

^I'm personally not fond of any of the recent BMW roadsters. Go for a Pontiac GTO. 8)

[mit5005]

I was actually thinkin about one of those.

But about a week ago this kid I knew died in a single car accident in a GTO while messin around at my university, so that kinda scares me. :cry:

I know its not the cars fault, but u get the point.

And my dad(the cosigner) doesnt like GM lol.

[RC45]

Well, there are thousands of people killed in single vehicle accidents in every type of car.

Co-signer... why not lease instead of buy?

[mit5005]

Well the main reason for not gettin a GTO isn't the fact that it would remind me of my friend, its just cause there are cars out there that I would rather have.

Besides, dont I need credit to lease cars too? I havent built enough credit for something like that yet.

[Mattk]

And my dad(the cosigner) doesnt like GM lol.

That's a bit harsh. :? Any reason why?

[mit5005]

And my dad(the cosigner) doesnt like GM lol.

That's a bit harsh. :? Any reason why?

He's a die hard ford guy. He has 2 ford trucks and 4 mustangs and probably gettin rid of one of those for the new GT500 eventually.
Its just a bias thing I guess. He isnt too fond of Japanese cars either just cause they are sellin more than American cars and he wants to "support" our country, but he would still rather see me in a rice burner than a GM lol.

[mit5005]

Quick question RC, or for anybody else who knows about it, if I got like an 00'-01' bimmer without warranty, could i purchase extended warranty for it?
And does it matter if its from a private seller?

[RC45]

Quick question RC, or for anybody else who knows about it, if I got like an 00'-01' bimmer without warranty, could i purchase extended warranty for it?
And does it matter if its from a private seller?

http://www.carbuyingtips.com/warranty.htm

http://www.extendmycarwarranty.com/index.cfm?xfev=GOG&xsrn=P12&xseqn=8668

You may be better off buying through a dealer if you are that concerned.. you may get a 10, 15 or 30 day warranty or as required by law.

[Caplax40]

Quick question RC, or for anybody else who knows about it, if I got like an 00'-01' bimmer without warranty, could i purchase extended warranty for it?
And does it matter if its from a private seller?

If you're getting a loan from a bank or other financial institution, see if they offer a warranty program. My credit union does so I know they're out there. I haven't chosen one personally but I know there are different "levels" of protection and different lengths of time for the warranty.

[mit5005]

Thx for the info guys. I'm askin cause I'm startin to take a liking to 01-02 M roadsters, cause they have the E46 m3 motor, its a convertible, and its a bimmer and I can get ones for much cheaper than any m3 or lexus, like around 25k and only with 30k miles.

Who knows though, still have to sell my damn car :roll:

[thepest]

^ Nice choice there mate!
btw don't forget it has the m3's engine, but not exactly E46's! It's the 315 hp one!

[graywolf624]

You may be better off buying through a dealer if you are that concerned.. you may get a 10, 15 or 30 day warranty or as required by law.
most dealers will sell you a multiyear warrenty for about 1000 dollars extra. Id prolly lean that way on something that expensive, even though I feel guilty giving them money.

[RC45]

And didn't you want 4 seats? The Z3 body style is very small and impractical.

[mit5005]

And didn't you want 4 seats? The Z3 body style is very small and impractical.

Yeah this is true, but I have realized that after owning a 2 seater for the past 2 years, I dont really need 4 seats. There has only been a few instances where it has been an inconvenience.

I pretty much just want something good quality, fun, and reliable.

[RC45]

Try to live wih a Z3 body style befor eyou buy it - its small. I drove onfe a day - it really is a a toy. No space for anything.

[mit5005]

Yeah thats the only thing making me iffy about it. My gf just wants me to get an Rx-8, cause I can get a rather new one for a cheap price, and it has 4 seats lol.

Maybe I'll do that and just super/turbocharge it to compensate for its lack in power. :?

[Zot09]

How about a Yugo? hahaha j/k

Seriously, if you have around 30k to spend, I would go for a CPO E46 w/ ZHP(around an 03). My friend has one of those, and they are pretty darn fast considering the amount of power they have, and they can handle pretty damn well for a four door. They look nice too!

[novass]

What about a used Audi S4? Pretty quick, comfy (unless your friends are a basketball team) and not too expensive.

[Stoopie]

Just buy 3 Dacia Logans :')

[Mattk]

RX-8s don't look cool enough. My top suggestion would be a Pontiac GTO, but your dad is not fond of GM, so that's a bit dodgy. In any case, the GTO has enough space to be practical, has good performance, and is reliable. The interior is dated, but not bad. (Although I'm speaking about the Holden Monaro - there may be some superficial stylistic differences)

[TopGearNL]

RX-8s don't look cool enough. My top suggestion would be a Pontiac GTO, but your dad is not fond of GM, so that's a bit dodgy. In any case, the GTO has enough space to be practical, has good performance, and is reliable. The interior is dated, but not bad. (Although I'm speaking about the Holden Monaro - there may be some superficial stylistic differences)

I couldn't agree more, that should be the one for me! :D

[mit5005]

I would go for a CPO E46 w/ ZHP(around an 03).

What exactly is this? An M3 or 3 series?

I also looked up some S4's and I'm startin to like them. They have some good hp numbers and they are pretty classy from what I can tell.

[novass]

I also looked up some S4's and I'm startin to like them. They have some good hp numbers and they are pretty classy from what I can tell.

I wish I would have looked at a slightly used S4 instead of buying my A4 new :x A friend of mine just bought a 01 S4 with some minor mods to it and its pretty damn fast. Better yet is that when you are just putting around town it doesnt really feel much different than my A4 and even though it has exhaust its really quiet.

[Zot09]

I would go for a CPO E46 w/ ZHP(around an 03).

What exactly is this? An M3 or 3 series?

I also looked up some S4's and I'm startin to like them. They have some good hp numbers and they are pretty classy from what I can tell.

Sorry about that, it's a 3-series with Performance Package. It's probably the closest you could get to a four-door M3, in the E46 range, from the factory.

Here's an example of a 2004 330i w/ ZHP. After the 03, they added a few changes to the ZHP including different bumpers, alcantara steering wheel(mmm alcantara :drool: ), etc.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/BMW-3-Series-330i-2004-BMW-330i-Performance-Package-Navigation_W0QQitemZ300060326003QQihZ020QQcategory Z6007QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Here's a shot of my friends 2003 330i w/ ZHP. I love his rims :drool:

http://www.upithere.com/thumb/8449.jpeg (http://www.upithere.com/view/8449.html)

[TopGearNL]

/\/\ Not bad :D

[mit5005]

Wow I really like that one. It has low miles and a good price.

Today I drove an A3 at Audi, its a pretty nice car, but I'm not sure yet if I like the looks or not. It has plenty of room and I could probably get a new one for 28k or so.

Tomorrow I wanna drive a 330i and maybe even check out the new TL, I hear they are pretty nice. I have decided that for the money I'm paying, I want some luxurious, comfortable, and quick enough (> 200hp). I am really gonna look into one of those used 330's.

[inso]

Z3 roadster are really haridressers´cars, plenty of HP, well at least in european standards, but the chassis isn´t up for the job, Coupe is fine car. Z4 roadster is a good car too, and much nicer looking, 3.0 should be about in the price range.

And about the S4, look only the newer v8 models, not the biturbo, since they are bound to get broken. I know, I have been making them in Ingolstadt..

If your budget allows, M3 E46 is the definite drivers choice, and there is some luxury feeling that the ricers are missing.

And if little less fast is considered, 964RS, 993 and Boxster S could be viable choices. 964rs won´t probably even loose any money from depreciation, since there are really many purists left ;) Just read www.evo.co.uk owners comments..

[mit5005]

what do u guys think about leasing? maybe i could get even a new IS350 and just use the money from my old car to pay the payments

[Mattk]

Why lease when you can buy? Leasing is not a good long-term option.

[mit5005]

yeah i guess leasing is better when u dont have the money for a big down payment, which i will. ok forget i asked lol

[RC45]

Why lease when you can buy? Leasing is not a good long-term option.
Why buy when you don't need to?

If you buy new - you take the hit on depreciation

If you lease you are only paying for the poriton of the car you use.

In other words... if you only use $15,000 of the $40,000 car why not only pay $15,000 and give the car back at the end of the 2 year term?

[mit5005]

It probably depends on how much that particular car depreciates.

Lets say you bought the car and sold it 2 years later, what would it be worth then, like 25k? So either way you lose 15k over those 2 years.

[RC45]

It probably depends on how much that particular car depreciates.

Lets say you bought the car and sold it 2 years later, what would it be worth then, like 25k? So either way you lose 15k over those 2 years.

http://www.leaseguide.com/lease03.htm


Buy vs lease example

As an example, if you lease a $20,000 car that will have, say, an estimated resale value of $13,000 after 24 months, you pay for the $7000 difference (this is called depreciation), plus finance charges, plus fees.

When you buy, you pay the entire $20,000, plus finance charges, plus fees.

This is fundamentally why leasing offers significantly lower monthly payments than buying

[mit5005]

So they are pretty much the same thing, except insurance is usually higher on leases and you can't drive over a certain amount of miles.

[RC45]

So they are pretty much the same thing, except insurance is usually higher on leases and you can't drive over a certain amount of miles.

No they are not the same thing - did you read the link I posted?

You need to make the educated decision ;)

[mit5005]

Well it probably doesnt make a difference, but in my case I am goin to have a 15-16k down payment.

And from what I understood from that link, if you lease you pay the 7k difference, and if you buy you pay 7k difference if you decide to sell the car after the same time period.

I'll want the car for a longer than 3 years probably. Yeah you pay lower payments if you lease, but then you also have no car once you return it. So I'll pretty much be in the same ballpark.

[ViperASR]

yea, it is basically how long you plan on keeping the car. We leased one of our cars, but my dad bought it after the lease ran up, so idk how that works but whatever.

[RC45]

yea, it is basically how long you plan on keeping the car. We leased one of our cars, but my dad bought it after the lease ran up, so idk how that works but whatever.

Oh and for the milage, we got close to the milage limit on a 3 year lease in the 2nd year, so we disconnected the speedometer (very legal), we put a piece of paper over the speedo with how fast the car is going in a certain gear at a certain RPM, it worked rather well, and it made a good conversation piece whenever someone got into the car.


It is a Felony for anyone to knowingly tamper with, adjust, alter, set back, disconnect, or fail to connect an odometer of a motor vehicle, so as to reflect a lower mileage than the motorvehicle has actually been driven, or to supply any written odometer statement knowing such statement to be false or based on mileage figures reflected by an odometer that has been tampered with oraltered.

When the above law is violated, title fraud and grand theft, both felonies, are also added to the list of arrest charges against the violator. The three Felonies each carry a fine as much as $5,000.00 and/or five years in a state prison or both such fine or imprisonment.


Richard C. Morse directs the Office of Odometer Fraud Investigations at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Each year, there are more than 450,000 cases of odometer fraud in the United States. The cost to American consumers is well over $1 billion.

While any vehicle sold on the used car market can be subject to odometer tampering, this problem is most common among late-model vehicles that have accumulated high mileage in a short time. These include many vehicles that have come off lease or were part of business fleets.

NHTSA investigates odometer fraud for criminal prosecution by the U.S. Justice Department. The agency also provides funding and support to state enforcement agencies conducting odometer fraud investigations. And it helps consumers who suspect they’ve been victims of odometer fraud. NHTSA can assist victims recover their losses through private civil actions.


There is nothing legal about tampering with your cars speedo.

[Mattk]

so we disconnected the speedometer (very legal)

:shock: I don't think that's legal in Australia, either.


we put a piece of paper over the speedo with how fast the car is going in a certain gear at a certain RPM, it worked rather well

What if you weren't accelerating? Like going down a steep hill? A bit unsafe. :?

[RC45]

What if you weren't accelerating? Like going down a steep hill? A bit unsafe. :?

the speed will always be the same at the same rpm in the same gear.. ;)

[ViperASR]

Any by us I was of course referring to a friend....

[TopGearNL]

Leasing could be an option, but only if you benefit of it...

[mit5005]

Ok guys, I'm making some progress.

It's between 3 different cars now.
-06 IS350 which I might be able to get for 30k or even less with low miles.
-06 330i which i could probably get for 30-33k used with low miles.
-04-05 330i which could cost me as low as 25k for one with around 20k miles.

The only one I havent driven is the 06 330i which I would expect to be better than the older one.

I've had a lots of interest for my car too, so I might get more than I expected.

[RC45]

Any by us I was of course referring to a friend....

Huh? Is this in response to admitting to commiting a felony on a public forum?

[Zot09]

The E90's are deffinitly sick, but where in the hell can you find a low mileage 330i for around 30k??? Base price was around 38k, and then add ZSP and ZPP and you already have a 42k car. If you can, deffinitly go for the E90 dude!

[mit5005]

Well the cheapest I have seen near me is 34k, so after bargaining a little and considering I wont sell my car for another month, maybe prices will drop a little.

If not I think I might be willing to pay the extra for the bimmer. But I wanna drive the bimmer first and the lexus again during the day; I'll probably be 95% sure then of what I want, and the last 5% will be when I ready to buy with money in hand.

[Zot09]

Well the cheapest I have seen near me is 34k, so after bargaining a little and considering I wont sell my car for another month, maybe prices will drop a little.

If not I think I might be willing to pay the extra for the bimmer. But I wanna drive the bimmer first and the lexus again during the day; I'll probably be 95% sure then of what I want, and the last 5% will be when I ready to buy with money in hand.

It’s 34k, but with what options? Like I stated above, a 330i w/ ZSP and ZPP is already 42k. Add in metallic paint ($500), PDC, a few accessories and that is another $1k. If it's got a good amount of options (definitely need ZSP!!!), low mileage, and looks clean, go for it! But you might want to consider what you are going to do with it after the warranty is up. You might want to look into a CPO E90.

I've driven the E90 325i(sure it's not the 330i, but they ride similarly), the IS250 (again, not the IS350, but they ride similarly too), and the E46 330i w/ ZHP. The E90 was just awesome; it was very comfortable and had many nice features, plus the excellent BMW handling and I-6. The IS250 was very comfortable, but it lacked in the performance/handling section. The E46 w/ ZHP had the most hardcore suspension out of all, and was much more driver oriented than the E90, but it is starting to age and looks a tad bit dated compared to the E90 (looks are subjective, but I believe the E46 has a classic BMW look that cannot go old, while the new E90's are trying to get a radical new-age design that may not age well. But it sure does look damn nice right now, especially with those 162 wheels). Out of your three choices, I would go with the E90 first, and then the IS350 and E46 would be pretty close. I think the IS350 would just be slightly higher than the E46 because it is newer and a bit faster in the straights.

I recently went through your situation; it was between the TSX, IS250, and 325i. I was pretty darn close to getting the new 325i(ZSP, STEP, Adaptive Xenons, Metallic Paint, and Leather), but I decided to back out at the last moment while we were inside the SA's office making a deal. I realized I didn't need a 40k car at my age, and settled with the TSX (Alabaster Silver Metallic, Ebony Leather, 5AT, and Nav) :D , which I got on Saturday (post coming soon! I'm having a photo shoot with my friends E46 on Friday, so I'll try to post it on Saturday/Sunday).

Ultimately, it's up to you, but I don't think you can go wrong with any of those three. Best of luck, especially on that E90! Mmm mmm :)

[Mattk]

but I decided to back out at the last moment while we were inside the SA's office making a deal.

Damn, he must've been pissed.

From what I know, if you are planning to sell the car after a while, get cars with plenty of options to maintain the resale value. Try not to get a car that's very recently used, or you'll still get killed by depreciation.

[mit5005]

The one I mentioned for 34k has both packages and metallic paint and around 19k miles on it.

Is the power difference that noticable between the 06 325i and 330i?

[Zot09]

but I decided to back out at the last moment while we were inside the SA's office making a deal.

Damn, he must've been pissed.


He knew that he would sell the car anyways if we didn't buy it, he even said that to us verbally! haha We didn't say straight up that we did not want it, we just simply said that we would come back later after thinking about it. He wasn't that bad of a SA, in fact he was pretty nice, but that comment seemed a bit arrogant to me. Sure, it's true, but still...

[Zot09]

The one I mentioned for 34k has both packages and metallic paint and around 19k miles on it.

Is the power difference that noticable between the 06 325i and 330i?

Not a bad price, and of course you could knock that down a bit more. If you plan on getting a new car within the warranty period, go for it! If you plan on keeping it a bit longer, look for a CPO. I heard that BMW's mechanical reliability is not that bad at all, it is just there electrical stuff that goes haywire more often.

As for the 325i or 330i question, it all depends on what you're looking for. Are you looking for a comfortable daily driver and weekend track car? Then the 330i is for you...255hp, 2xx lb-ft tq, bigger brakes than the 325i, 0-60 in 5.6 I believe, etc. If you're looking for a daily driver, with a decent amount of punch and highway passing power, then save your money and buy the 325i. Even though it "only" has 215hp, it is still a pretty "fast" car. I believe a 6MT 325i can do 0-60 in the low 6's(6.1-ish) which is not bad at all for a car with that amount of power.

[oscargarza88]

A legacy GT spec B!
its fast, AWD, leather, GPS... u should check it out

[Mattk]

^I've heard the controls for the variable power thing is worse than iDrive and that the engine is not refined.

[Stoopie]

I've found the car for you: a 2000 BMW M5 :D It's 32k exactly!

http://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/carsforsale/bmw/m5/

BMW: 2000 M5, carbon black, black interior, 29,000 miles, rebuilt car, $32,000.

[oscargarza88]

^I've heard the controls for the variable power thing is worse than iDrive and that the engine is not refined.
its actually very easy, it only has 3 modes, so it is a knob with 3 settings... not the most sofisticated system but effective.
and the engine, well it has the same one as the impreza... with 243 hp, i have an STi and the engine is more than refined ;)
but if u can get a 2000 M5 for the same amount... i think even i would go for the M5...

[dutchmasterflex]

The one I mentioned for 34k has both packages and metallic paint and around 19k miles on it.

Is the power difference that noticable between the 06 325i and 330i?

FYI, the E90 325 and 330 have the same 3.0L inline six engine. I believe the only difference is the air intake.

[Zot09]

The one I mentioned for 34k has both packages and metallic paint and around 19k miles on it.

Is the power difference that noticable between the 06 325i and 330i?

FYI, the E90 325 and 330 have the same 3.0L inline six engine. I believe the only difference is the air intake.

Not just the air intake, but the exhaust and ECU tuning. Most of the power comes from the ECU tuning I believe.

EDIT: So you could make your 325i into a 330i if you buy the intake, exhaust, 330i ECU, brakes, wheels, chrome window trim, and chrome grill slats. I also believe the makers of the transmissions are different between the 325i and 330i. Plus, if you didn't buy Adapative Xenons and Logic7 Sound System with the 325i, you would have to add that too. But after all that, I think, you could transform your 325i into a 330i hahaha Whoops, can't forget the "330i" badging hahaha

[mit5005]

haha I would rather just pay the extra for the 330i.

So today I went to Acura and tried the TL; its a really nice car for the price, and way roomier than both the IS and 3 series. But I dont really like the front wheel drive and I like the look of the other two better also.

Listen to this; I went to the bmw used department and it was around 7 and the salesman that helped me didn't let me drive the car since I'm not under my own insurance and it was night time. And he said if I wanted to finance under my name, they wouldnt let me because I'm on a family insurance plan, this is BS right?

Oh and also he said its technically illegal for a parent to finance a car and give it to their kid. Even if this is true or not I dont think I would ever buy from this dealer.

[mit5005]

Yesterday I was finally able to find a nice salesman who let me drive an 06 E90 330i. And it was also nice to check out the 5 m6's they had there while he got the key :shock:

Let me tell you, I loved that thing. Driving it felt so nice with its really responsive and tight steering and sporty/luxury feel. It also feels more torquey then the IS.

And for some more good news, my dad actually decided to buy my car from me, so when the new year starts, its time to buy! I'll definitely keep you all updated on my shopping. :D

[Zot09]

Yesterday I was finally able to find a nice salesman who let me drive an 06 E90 330i. And it was also nice to check out the 5 m6's they had there while he got the key :shock:

Let me tell you, I loved that thing. Driving it felt so nice with its really responsive and tight steering and sporty/luxury feel. It also feels more torquey then the IS.

And for some more good news, my dad actually decided to buy my car from me, so when the new year starts, its time to buy! I'll definitely keep you all updated on my shopping. :D

I'm pretty sure that the whole insurance/financing stuff is complete b/s.

As for the E90, it is one freaking awesome car isn't it? Hopefully your dad will buy that for you man. Best of luck, keep us updated.

[mit5005]

Ok its pretty much time to choose. I still love the IS350 cause its quick, has a lot of features, comfortable, and probably a few g's cheaper than an e90 330i.

But I also love the 330i cause its just an amazing car to drive and also has comfort and some features.

But now I am also thinking about these http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?car_id=212992563&dealer_id=1175483&car_year=2002&model=M3&num_records=25&make2=&start_year=2002&keywordsrep=&keywordsfyc=&engine=&certified=&body_code=0&fuel=&search_type=used&distance=200&make=BMW&color=&min_price=&drive=&default_sort=priceDESC&max_mileage=&style_flag=1&sort_type=priceDESC&address=34120&advanced=&end_year=2007&doors=&transmission=&max_price=33000&cardist=167

Only drawback about the m3 is it has no warranty and might be more on insurance, which I still have to check. But then again the money I save on the m3 I could put towards an extended warranty from the Auto club or some other company. This is too hard :(

Edit: my friend was just showing me some c32 amg's, with low miles and within my range, any thoughts on this car? I have never drive one but they have nice hp numbers and its luxurious and all.

[inso]

i would go for the bmw, c32 are cheap for a reason, they are far from drivers cars, too much nannying.

E46 m3 with good spec, just be sure all the maintenance has been done, since there has been some engine problems, friend of mine had 2transplants.

It is like eating the cake and having it. Since it is fine/comfortable cruiser for 4 and still a good sports car for the B route.

http://motors.listings.ebay.com/_W0QQsocmdZListingItemList?sofocus=pf&sbrftog=1&fcl=3&socmd=ListingItemList&catref=C3&frpp=50&from=R2&fccl=1&satitle=&sacat=6006%26catref%3DC6&a39=1934&a41=10353&a38v1y=&a38v2y=&a10239=-24&a39705=-24&a10244=-24&alist=a39%2Ca41%2Ca38v1y%2Ca38v2y%2Ca10239%2Ca3801 %2Ca85%2Ca10246%2Ca33512%2Ca10241%2Ca10244%2Ca3970 5&pfmode=1&reqtype=2&gcs=13&pfid=2473&pf_query=&sargn=-1%26saslc%3D2&sadis=200&fpos=ZIP%2FPostal&ftrt=1&ftrv=1&saprclo=&saprchi=&fsop=2%26fsoo%3D2&coaction=compare&copagenum=1&coentrypage=search&fgtp=
M3s that are at ebay at the moment, if you hadn´t checked em out.

[TopGearNL]

I think the BMW is also the better choice, part because of the better resale value I guess.