$25k or less, best choice?

Thanks everyone, keep the suggestions coming! Im going in the AM to look at the 04 Mystichrome Cobra. Supposedly 1 of 500 made, 24k miles and they are asking $25500 (I think sticker was like $36000). I also plan to swing by the local Audi and BMW dealers to see whats up. Id preferI think I want to find / drive:



A3

325i Sport

05 330 Ci if still available

G35

Used S4

Used A8 (I like the idea but how old of an A8 are you talking about in that price range? Arent they like $80k cars new?)

TSX / TL



I think I give BMW Financial a jingle and see if I can renegotiate my contract. Given the choice Id rather keep the M3, never driven another car like it! Besides I searched autotrader today and within 500 miles of me the cheapest E46 M3 was 29900 for an 80k mile coupe, gotta have a warranty on a car like an M3 (mine is a CPO). I cant believe how well BMW's hold resale value.
 
LightngSVT said:
...Used A8 (I like the idea but how old of an A8 are you talking about in that price range? Arent they like $80k cars new?)

... Given the choice Id rather keep the M3, never driven another car like it! Besides I searched autotrader today and within 500 miles of me the cheapest E46 M3 was 29900 ...
Click to expand...



Heh heh, I had to check the date of this post. I'd figured you'd found a way to keep the M3.



I was sorta in the same boat last year at this time. I'd sold the WRX (wasn't "me" either) and given away the Volvo, so I was short on cars by my standards. Wanted something I could have fun with as a beater for around $20-25K.



The A8s are great cars IMO (remember that I drive a S8 and my wife has an A8), but I dunno...when they need work it's *expensive* and I don't impress easily in that dept. I considered getting a *third* one :rolleyes: just to use as a beater....but decided not to.



Gotta get a *nice* one and gotta get the right year. The 2000 is a great year, last year before the drive-by-wire got dodgey. My wife's car has *perfect* throttle response, but you can't say that about most post-2000 4.2 V8 Audis. For post-2000 you gotta find a good one, there's no way to "fix" the d-b-w issue.



Be careful buying any "likely to have been beaten on" Audis. People wreck them, at least around here. Or they sell them because of service issues.



On the A3, I can't get away from the premium you pay for a brand new car. And having owned a scad of Audis, I would wait until it's been out a while, they often have early model year teething issues.



We drove a few 1.8T Audis, and it's just not our kind of powerplant. Ditto for the Subie turbos, like in our WRX.



A friend's husband had the LS sport and I drove it a few times. Felt like a wannabe sport sedan (no offense to anybody who has one).



How about the previous gen M3? I ended up buying a M3 5-speed sedan for right around $20K. Nothing really wrong with it and I felt like I was at driving school whenever I drove it (you know all about this with yours). Upgrade the headlights, do the clutch-stop mod, maybe a chip or something, and you'd be in business.



But FWIW I ended up selling it after a little while and buying my latest Caprice project.



As I said the last time you were wondering what to replace the M3 with, I just don't see you being happy with a turbo or a FWD car. I always think I'll be OK with one, but then I drive one for a while and decide it's not for me. Otherwise I'd say to look into the Neon SRT-4 ;)



I dunno about the Cobra, it's the "old one" now so that doesn't sound like a geat deal to me. And you know what people can do to a hot car in 24K miles. Oh, and what about touching up that Mystic paint ;)
 
Thanks again everyone. I did a bit of shopping today:

1. Audi A3. Nice car but NOTHING (almost) comes as standard. Actually for being a turbo 4 I didnt find there to be much lag, the turbo spooled quickly and the low end torque was decent. The car drove decent enough but handling was OK and the brakes while decent were a bit mushy. Decent cargo room, but rear head room wasnt great. A base 6 speed with Open sky system stixkers for just about $27k.



They told me I could lease an A4 mid level options for the same price as buying or leasing the A3. Im supposed to go back and talk to the sales guy more Monday. they also had a 2002 A4 loaded with 25k miles blue with tan leather asking $25000 and all the A6's around seem to be high 20's to high 30s and havent seen an A8.



2. Acura TL. I drove a 6 speed model. Nice car, decent power but extremely light clutch and steering. Seems to handle well for the size, brakes are good. Seats are comfortable and more supportive than I would have thought, very comfortable and quiet witha superb sound system. This car would be a great highway car to log miles in. Im going back Monday to drive the TSX. The TL was really nice but Im not so sure about the TSX in person? There is also a 20k mile 04 TL certified on the lot.



3. 330i. I got there late so thats also on my Monday night to do list. They think that a 330i or base level 525 would lease in my price range. But they'll have the new programs on Monday. I would imagine a 525 would have to be a pig? They have an 04 M3 they want to run lease numbers for me, I told them I dont think it'll be close but they think its worth checking. It looks like a 330i could be a good compromise. And yes, they sold the $400/mo 05 330ci's. They did have an 05 C230 Compressor Sport on the used car lot, silver over black with 6000 miles and 6 speed. Had some sticker about $289/mo on it Im definitely asking about that one Monday



4. Then theres the Cobra. It was in good shape, but had a vibration at low to moderate speeds and I got the feeling it may have had a rough life. Sure the car was very fast in a straight line, but Ive benn spoiled by the BMW. OMG, what a night and day difference. The clutch was like a rock, the sifter was notchy and in a poor location, the car was noisey. I hope it was just this car because I dont remember any of my Mustangs being like this, but time clouds memories. And the kicker they only offered $30k for the trade, HAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH!!!! These cars are listed from about $39-47k for 02's around here plus they tried to tell the car had been in accident, blah blah blah so it worth less. BS!



You make some great points Accumulator. I think I may just keep the M3 and the Contour since Im very happywith both and just cut back in some other areas. But Ill finish shopping Monday and see. I probably should check out the Legacy and WRX again just to be sure.
 
LightngSVT said:
..Ill finish shopping Monday and see. I probably should check out the Legacy and WRX again just to be sure.
Click to expand...



Tip on turbo cars, the Subies in particular: try pulling out into sorta heavy traffic with your wife or somebody "sensitive" riding along. No clutch slipping, on-boost launch, just try to pull out in front of something the way you would in something like your M3 ;) Heh heh, my wife'll never go back to her (previously) beloved turbos now that she's had something with cubic inches. Her uhm, opinions ;) about turbo lag in the real world are a big part of why we sold the WRX.



Heh heh, an overpriced Cobra with a mystery vibration and a low trade-in to boot :hmph: And yeah, we often remember the cars we used to have a little too fondly ;) I just *loved* the Mustangs we drove at Bondurant, but when I drove one on the street, well, I won't be buying one...



The guy who had the Lincoln LS traded it on an Acura TL. Heh heh, I'm almost to the point of just using him as a negative example ;) Can't get him to use the two-bucket method either.



No way would I buy a Benz with that 230 blower motor. Yuck. And to think those folks build *real* engines :rolleyes: I bet the reason it's for sale with 6K miles has something to do with how it drives.



Until something really drastic comes down (hope it never does), I'd think that you could do a lot worse than just keep what you have (and know you like). I'd forgotten about the Contour...see, you don't mind a decent FWD car. It's hard to go back when you've had something you like, huh? And once you sell something, it's usually *gone*. That's something I have to tell myself when I think about selling the S8 bcause of the "deer incident" and when I get :mad: about the repair costs to Accumulatorette's A8.
 
To add to turbo cars - how about the Mitsubish Evo? As for the TSX it is a nice car, but I think at least on paper 200 hp is not that much for a car that size. I have a more mundane Pontiac Grand Prix GTP - if you are into V8 you could consider the GXP. Not a bad car but not a BMW.
 
LightngSVT said:
I would imagine a 525 would have to be a pig? ...



...They did have an 05 C230 Compressor Sport on the used car lot, silver over black with 6000 miles and 6 speed. Had some sticker about $289/mo on it Im definitely asking about that one Monday



... And the kicker they only offered $30k for the trade, HAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH!!!! ...
Click to expand...



I personally don't think you'll like the 525. Just my call based on what you've said so far. Take it out and see, though.



I drive an '04 c230 for a week. Hated it. You don't seem to like turbos because of lag - that being the case, I have a feeling you won't like the c230. Pretty much agree 100% with Accumulator on this one.



RE: 30k for your trade. Heh, that is kind of funny.



Did you happen to check out any G35s? Your desciption of the TL kind of confirms (to me at least) that I think you might like a G a lot. The power is similar to the TL, but it's RWD (no torque steer, yay), and it definitely does not have a light clutch or steering. The steering/handling is probably the thing it is most praised for. I am not sure if you'll like the relatively harsh ride (compared to the TL), but the fact that you own an M3 says something.



Overall I think Accumulator is right - it might be wise to just keep the cars you've got. But I still think you should drive a G. '05 sedan with aero, imo. :)
 
Im going to stick to the plan for Monday, drive the TSX, C230, 330i Sport. I forgot to mention that same Ford dealer (ughhhh) had a Fusion SEL, I have to say that Im really impressed with the exterior and interior look of this car and for $25 sticker fully loaded with 200hp V6 its a deal. To bad no stick in the V6 and I heard that Ford will be offering low interst rates as incentives on these cars, plus Im sure they'll give X-plan. I want to check one out but NOT at that same dealer.



I may check out the X-type and the G35 on Thursday. Both have dealers near each other, but they are about 40 minutes away. I find myself getting older than I thought I was, I want power braking and handling but Ive learned to like a more refined package in a short time. But given the fact that I drive (and like) a 7 year old Ford Contour SVT tells me that I havent totally grown up (not counting the other toys). Another car Id like to check is the 05 Mustang GT. I prefer the RWD and a firmer ride, but seem to have grown accustomed to the "extras".



As far as the $30k trade in, I dont know whether to e mad or to laugh at them. Man if I could find 32k miles, mint condition M3 convertibles for $30k Id buy up as many as there were! They still seem to sell from $39-47,000. Needless to say as soon as they told me that I literally stood up, told them no way, thanks for the effort and walked out of the dealership.
 
LightngSVT said:
2. Acura TL. I drove a 6 speed model. Nice car, decent power but extremely light clutch and steering. Seems to handle well for the size, brakes are good. Seats are comfortable and more supportive than I would have thought, very comfortable and quiet witha superb sound system. This car would be a great highway car to log miles in. Im going back Monday to drive the TSX. The TL was really nice but Im not so sure about the TSX in person? There is also a 20k mile 04 TL certified on the lot.
Click to expand...



The TSX has extremely light steering. And it's missing an LSD.
 
So there search continues... Tonight I drove the 325i, 330i Sport 6spd, C230 Kompressor sport 6spd, 04 TSX 6 speed (smelled like a horse barn inside) and new TSX auto w/nav. The 330i Sport leases for $630/mo w/$0 down thats not that much less than I pay for my M3, so whats the point other than getting rid of the Contour and having one daily driver and only 2 toys. They ran a lease on a CPO 04 M3 coupe they had....... $969/mo!!!!!!!!! I think I got a killer deal for what mine is leasing for.



Anyway, the TSX did nothing for me, felt like a Honda (no offense) and the seats werent that confortable (lease $458/mo $0 dn). Cross that off the list. the Tl would go for $550/mo $0 dn I liked it, the stereo was killer and the car has every option you can think of. The TSX had tighter steerin and clutch than the TL, but the TSX just felt fragile.



I liked the the C230, great looking car with the AMG styled ground effects and wheels, nice interior and fit / finish. When driven above 1/2 throttle or 3/4 throttle the car felt rather peppy for a 4-banger. But when driven normally it feels weak, the handling is better than expected and brakes are pretty good. With 24 / 32 MPG and potential $289 payment this could go a long way towards making up for the 1 minor shortcoming. Plus it would leave cash for yet another toy.



I really liked both the 325 and the 330, but Ive found I really like the BMW driving "experience". The 325i feels like it would "smoke" both the C230 and the TSX (although the TSX felt better than expected). Funny thing is the 330i Sport actually rode better than the 325, but the 325 steering felt a little more "solid". Both had a nice sound, revved freely, felt quick and handled / braked well. The styling has grown on my, well all except the front end. I didnt think that leather was that important, the 330 I drove had the full leather interior where the 325 was base and had vinyl (leatherette) interior and door panels. It changed the whole feel of the car.



I think tomorrow Ill take a quick run over and drive a V8 Lincoln LS Sport and the WRX or Legacy. Thursday I plan to check out the X-type and G35. Quite a wide variety of cars. So what is a 24k miles, mint, loaded 02 Audi A4 auto worth? I also stopped at the Lexus dealer to find out about the new IS250. That was a different experience, I was greeted at the door, the dealership was the nicest I have seen, the sales person took time (to much to explain the car, the dealership and even Lexus' history. Then the manager came over to greet me and answer any questions and all this with no pressure.



I think Im running out of cars to consider? Any other suggestions?
 
Which engine is in that A4?



Also re: the IS250 - it won't be powerful enough for you (just imo), but the IS350 might. Of course a brand new one will probably be in the $42-$45k range. :(
 
LightngSVT said:
So there search continues... Tonight I drove the 325i, 330i Sport 6spd, C230 Kompressor sport 6spd, 04 TSX 6 speed (smelled like a horse barn inside) and new TSX auto w/nav. The 330i Sport leases for $630/mo w/$0 down thats not that much less than I pay for my M3, so whats the point other than getting rid of the Contour and having one daily driver and only 2 toys. They ran a lease on a CPO 04 M3 coupe they had....... $969/mo!!!!!!!!! I think I got a killer deal for what mine is leasing for.



Anyway, the TSX did nothing for me, felt like a Honda (no offense) and the seats werent that confortable (lease $458/mo $0 dn). Cross that off the list. the Tl would go for $550/mo $0 dn I liked it, the stereo was killer and the car has every option you can think of. The TSX had tighter steerin and clutch than the TL, but the TSX just felt fragile.



I liked the the C230, great looking car with the AMG styled ground effects and wheels, nice interior and fit / finish. When driven above 1/2 throttle or 3/4 throttle the car felt rather peppy for a 4-banger. But when driven normally it feels weak, the handling is better than expected and brakes are pretty good. With 24 / 32 MPG and potential $289 payment this could go a long way towards making up for the 1 minor shortcoming. Plus it would leave cash for yet another toy.



I really liked both the 325 and the 330, but Ive found I really like the BMW driving "experience". The 325i feels like it would "smoke" both the C230 and the TSX (although the TSX felt better than expected). Funny thing is the 330i Sport actually rode better than the 325, but the 325 steering felt a little more "solid". Both had a nice sound, revved freely, felt quick and handled / braked well. The styling has grown on my, well all except the front end. I didnt think that leather was that important, the 330 I drove had the full leather interior where the 325 was base and had vinyl (leatherette) interior and door panels. It changed the whole feel of the car.



I think tomorrow Ill take a quick run over and drive a V8 Lincoln LS Sport and the WRX or Legacy. Thursday I plan to check out the X-type and G35. Quite a wide variety of cars. So what is a 24k miles, mint, loaded 02 Audi A4 auto worth? I also stopped at the Lexus dealer to find out about the new IS250. That was a different experience, I was greeted at the door, the dealership was the nicest I have seen, the sales person took time (to much to explain the car, the dealership and even Lexus' history. Then the manager came over to greet me and answer any questions and all this with no pressure.



I think Im running out of cars to consider? Any other suggestions?
Click to expand...





For the Mercedes C-class, the 2006 models have more powerful V6s that is one thing to look into.



How about an Audi A4 2.0T? I have read favorable reviews on that engine (plus you can chip it to get 240 hp). Audi quattro would be fun in the snow.
 
The used A4 I mentioned is a 3.0.



I think the Lexus will be to much. They said $35-40k for the IS250 and $40-45k for the IS350. You can only get a manual in the IS250 though. For $45k I could buy a used 04-05 M3!!! Heck a few grand more would buy a new M3, used M5, C55, Z06 or a host of other much nicer cars.



The A4 2.0 and the A3 both lease about $5-550/mo. Is Quattro available in the A3 or just FWD?



Im going to finish shopping this week and see where I stand. I really love my M3, its rare, performs well on track or street, is gorgeous and Im learning I got a pretty killer deal on it. I may be best just keeping the car I love....
 
The 3.0 Audi engine is nice. As Accumulator mentioned earlier used audi's can be hit or miss, so make sure it hasn't been beaten on to the best of your abilities. The A3 is available with quattro.



And ya, it seems like you're starting to lean towards keeping the M3, and I don't think a single person (aside from mayeb your wife!) would fault you for that. I love my G, but given the change to trade it in on an '02 M3 with low mileage for the deal you got... well that would be a long and reflective night. :)
 
It was an easy decision when I bought it. I found it 3+ hours away, called, found out the details and a few days later was down in Cleveland to trade in my 12k mile 01 SVT Lightning. The wife wasnt happy when I told her (she was out of town ;) ) but when she got home and saw it and I let her take it for a spin she changed her tune. we'll see what happens.
 
Yeah, just keep driving 'em to see what you think, somethig might surprise you. And every time you *think* you might've found what you want, I'd go home and visit the vehicles you've actually lived with ;)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top