What to get for under $16k?

Accumulator, I forgot to ask your opions of your E36 M3 with the auto? Ive heard it dulls the character of the car alot, but that was come from manual trans E36 owners.
 
Those Milans have really grown on me, hell, even a Ford Fusion isn't that bad. Have you considered a 2000-2003ish E46 3-Series? You certainly won't be disappointed. (I may be a little biased)
 
I think the Milan is the best of the 3 (Fusion, Milan and MKZ) because of its combo of price, style, feautres and drive. I would love an E46 3 series but they have a high resale value. The cheapest one Ive found around here is an 02 330Ci manual for $23k, most seem to go in the mid to upper 20's. I did find a 00 325Ci with 84k miles for $15k but it was sold before I could get to it.
 
If you like the 3 series cars there are a lot of E46's out there 00-02 in the 15-18K range. Some of them have as little as 55K miles. Best bet is to check the classified sections of the BMW message boards, cars.com and autotrader, and don't be afraid to look out 200 miles from where you live to find a deal. Having owned 2 BMW's I can tell you though that the problem will be with maint and repairs. Neither are cheap. If you can find one on a dealers lot it will most likely be CPO which will have a 7 yr 100K mile extended warranty. Whatever the case make sure you bring any car you plan to buy to a BMW dealership for a checkout. For 100 bucks they check it out head to toe and let you know what it needs, and give u it's service history.
 
Ive been looking at the dealers in hopes of getting a CPO'd car. I know repairs can get expensive on BMW's, though maintenance isnt that much worse than other cars.
 
LightngSVT said:
Accumulator, I forgot to ask your opions of your E36 M3 with the auto? Ive heard it dulls the character of the car alot, but that was come from manual trans E36 owners.
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I've had both (and I had the 1st-gen M3 too) so I can maybe give a worthwhile opinion. Long-winded ramble follows:



I must say it's weird for me to have an auto in that car, I keep instinctively reaching for a clutch that's not there :o



Yeah, the auto *does* blunt the performance. How badly? Hard for me to say...best analogy is that a manual M3 is like driving my S8 while the automatic one is like driving my wife's A8. It makes 0-60 happen about a second slower *BUT* and IMO it's a *huge "but", the on-paper difference is based on really *hard* launches, the kind I won't subject my drivers to on a regular basis. In the real world, I get around just as fast in the auto as in the stick, I'm just conscious of a "duller edge" to the performance. But IMO a good bit of that is the overall better control over what's happening (and when) that you get with the manual if you know how to work it. Whenever I drive a manual 3-series I *drive* it, always keeping the engine in its sweet spot- so I get better response but I'm working a lot more too. I could put the auto in "manual" mode, etc. but I just don't do it... I drive more sedately and ***** about how the car is slower :o ;) [Hey, my "female dog" word got auto-censored!]



It's not like it won't get out of its own way or that you can't drive it like you stole it, it's just not as intense as the manual version. No regrets though, for what *I* wanted this one for the automatic was/is the better choice. Wonder how long that transmission would last with a blower :think:
 
LightngSVT said:
I havent posted in a while over here, life got busy and mot much time to detail. Anyway I think its time to trade in my 98 SVT Contour DD for something a bit newer. the car has been great to me, but needs suspension and A/C work, but looks new inside / out. My budget is in the $9k - $16k range and this will be a DD in Michigan, snow and all. I guess I could look into a new car lease as I would have about $2500 to put down but want a pmt under $260/mo. Any suggestions?



What I really wanted was an E36 M3. Found one (97 sedan, manual trans) at a dealer for $14999 in very nice shape, but it was sold before I could get to the dealer! :bawling: The only problem is financing a car between 95-99 MY.



I have also looked into the 2001-2004 Lincoln LS's, given they had bad depreciation there are some deals out there like a 2004 with 42k, loaded, sport pkg, pearl white paint,still under warranty dealer is asking $14995.



A Local dealer my family (parents, Aunt, wife) has went to for years and years would lease me an 07 Milan, loaded (leather, moon, heated seats, audiophile), 4cyl, manual trans for $260/mo (inc tax). MPG would be great, plenty of room but Im not sure how peppy / sporty the car would be?



My choice would be a sporty convertible with a manual trans, but I dont really want an SN95 Mustang GT. I could pick up a Z3 or possibly Z4 but it would be to impractical as a DD. I want something fun to drive, yet nice with at least enough room to load up my dog (Alaskan malamute) and wife. I really want another Bimmer, but probably wont be in a place to afford the typical payment ($450-750/mo) for another year. The A4's seem nice but I hear alot about Audi having a ton of problems. I really dont want a Civic, Focus (unless SVT), corolla, etc.
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This probably comes off sounding a little bias as I drive one, but check out some 96-99 (I know you would prefer something newer) SHO's. The 3.4 V8 is plenty peppy, gets considerably good mileage, and since you sound like you already like your 98 contour, this is fairly similar styling-wise. The only problem you might have is that an automatic transmission is the only option available. It's a bit larger than the Contour and has four doors, so you'll be able to haul a lot of stuff.



If you find a 96-98, you'll likely get all the bells and whistles, wheras the 99's started to get stripped down as it was the last year. The 99's generally don't come with electronically controlled struts and a sunroof. One nice thing is they all came with a german ZF steering rack.



Being front wheel drive, snow shouldn't be a big problem, and the 8" wide rims allow for some sizeable snow tires.



The only problem with the V8 SHO's is the camshafts have a tendancy to fail. The sprocket on the end driving the timing chain will "walk", causing the valves to hit the pistons. This is easily corrected by welding the sprocket to the camshaft, a service that has been done with great success. There are lots of people who offer this service listed at v8sho.com. Aside from this problem, these cars are known to go for hundreds of thousands of miles without any other problems.



Again, this is just another suggestion. SHO's definately not the best cars on the market, but bang for the buck, I think they can't be beat. You can pick them up quite cheap (check out fleabay or shoclub.com's classifieds) with low mileage, and I think you should consider it since it's a great replacement for what you already have. Try to find one locally and take it for a test drive.
 
We just bought one for the wife under $16,000. A 1999 Lexus GS 300 with 84k on the Odo. It is in excellent like new shape. What an amazing car for under $16K! For the prie of a cheap econo box new we now have a loaded Lexus that is a blast to drive. We actualy paid $15K out the door with a little nego. But something that will not be a money pit or require a ton of reconditioning unless your life is full of free time. I will get some pics posted soon of her new ride, I just have to finish the outside.
 
twitch said:
From others I have spoken with leasing is NOT the way to go.
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Most people really don't understand leasing thats why they say that. Nothing wrong with leasing provided it fits your needs. To make it work out for you if you don't deduct a vehicle for business you really have to keep within the 15k per year mileage and you have to be the type of person who would have traded their car after 3 years or so anyway.



Now, if you can deduct a vehicle as a business expense then its even more adventageous since you can basically write the entire payment off instead of having to depreciate the car. If thats the case than leasing will almost always be cheaper than buying even if you drive more than 15k miles per year, again providing you would have traded the car after 3-4 years anyways.



One peice of advice I can give you is don't put any money down on a lease. Basically you're making payment up front and if you total the car the insurance company will pay the lessor and you'll loose your $2500. Ask if you can use the $2500 to make multiple security deposits instead. That will buy down the money factor and thus reduce the payment, and you'll get the $2500 back plus interest when you turn the car back in.
 
I think if you like the e36 M, go for it. although mine is a 46, I absolutely love it and dont want to get rid of it. I hear the 36 has even better feel too.



Otherwise, I really like mazda 3 and 6 styling at their price level. They get some great mpg's too.
 
You can get a new 2007 Hyundai Sonata GLS for about $16000.00 Its got new engine,trans, interior , paint , tires, everthing is new. A 5 year 60,000 bumper to bumper and a 10 year 100,000 mile warranity. The car is covered while you pay for it. No surprises, and 22 miles per gallon city. on a full size car.
 
LightngSVT said:
I havent posted in a while over here, life got busy and mot much time to detail. Anyway I think its time to trade in my 98 SVT Contour DD for something a bit newer. the car has been great to me, but needs suspension and A/C work, but looks new inside / out. My budget is in the $9k - $16k range and this will be a DD in Michigan, snow and all. I guess I could look into a new car lease as I would have about $2500 to put down but want a pmt under $260/mo. Any suggestions?



What I really wanted was an E36 M3. Found one (97 sedan, manual trans) at a dealer for $14999 in very nice shape, but it was sold before I could get to the dealer! :bawling: The only problem is financing a car between 95-99 MY.



I have also looked into the 2001-2004 Lincoln LS's, given they had bad depreciation there are some deals out there like a 2004 with 42k, loaded, sport pkg, pearl white paint,still under warranty dealer is asking $14995.



A Local dealer my family (parents, Aunt, wife) has went to for years and years would lease me an 07 Milan, loaded (leather, moon, heated seats, audiophile), 4cyl, manual trans for $260/mo (inc tax). MPG would be great, plenty of room but Im not sure how peppy / sporty the car would be?



My choice would be a sporty convertible with a manual trans, but I dont really want an SN95 Mustang GT. I could pick up a Z3 or possibly Z4 but it would be to impractical as a DD. I want something fun to drive, yet nice with at least enough room to load up my dog (Alaskan malamute) and wife. I really want another Bimmer, but probably wont be in a place to afford the typical payment ($450-750/mo) for another year. The A4's seem nice but I hear alot about Audi having a ton of problems. I really dont want a Civic, Focus (unless SVT), corolla, etc.
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While not as luxurious... the Focus ST is probably the most brilliant compact car available in america. I picked one up on the used market for a song and love it. My prior cars: Subaru Legacy GT, Acura Integra, Lexus SC400, Dodge Stealth R/T TT, and Miata. The interior is good for an american car, the suspension and handling are amazing, and it comes nicely appointed with heated seats and mirrors.
 
Now the Focus ST I believe has the same suspension that the SVT did. Actually not a bad ride, but they still go over $20k new. I had a 00 Focus ZX3 when they first came out, I was a fun little car.



I didnt think about the Mazda 3. I'll have to see what they go for used? I did test drive a new one a few ywars back and remember it being a nice little car.



Im fairly familiar with the ins and outs of leasing. I know its best to not put money down, but in my situation I "need" the lower payment and have the equity in my Contour to make the down payment for me.



I have to be honest, Im leaning towards the 06 BMW E90 325i for $329/mo. Its a bit over my $200-250/mo target but 1) its a Bimmer 2) it drives / handles / feels like a Bimmer 3) BMW includes a full b to b warranty and 100% od maintenance for 4 years free! What I need to do is sit down and price out what my Contour is costing me, plus the cost of repairs and maintenance ammortized over the next 2 years and see if it would really cost me that much more. I drive the car and although it wasnt loaded, it drove like a dream and had most of the toys (moon roof, dual climate control, keyless, full power, ABS, side and seat curtain airbags, auto sensing wipers, ABS / TCS / Stability, etc). If the numbers work out and I can sway the wife I may wait until the last business day of the year and go in and make them an offer on the car for like 1/2 the down payment and more $$ for my car and see where fate takes me. But in the mean time I will keep looking into all of your suggestions!
 
LightngSVT said:
Now the Focus ST I believe has the same suspension that the SVT did. Actually not a bad ride, but they still go over $20k new. I had a 00 Focus ZX3 when they first came out, I was a fun little car.

<snip>

I have to be honest, Im leaning towards the 06 BMW E90 325i for $329/mo. Its a bit over my $200-250/mo target but 1) its a Bimmer 2) it drives / handles / feels like a Bimmer 3) BMW includes a full b to b warranty and 100% od maintenance for 4 years free! What I need to do is sit down and price out what my Contour is costing me, plus the cost of repairs and maintenance ammortized over the next 2 years and see if it would really cost me that much more.

<snip>
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I picked up my ST with 18k miles for $7500 off of ebay... it has a 10 year/100k bumper to bumper factory extended warranty on it (with rental cars and all that jazz). It gets good gas mileage and is cheap as stink to insure (the bonus of it being the ST vs the SVT). The ST has the shocks of the SVT with toned down springs, but springs are available for under $100 new from ford racing if that's your taste.

That said, if you really want the BMW (get what you want right?), make sure you check your insurance costs. I imagine they will be a bit more than the SVTC. Then figure out how much that extra cost may change your driving.

:-P
 
Wow that is one screming deal! I went and looked at an 04 SVTF tonight. It ran great but pulled to the right, made a grinding type noise (minor) on low speed turns. Over all motor / trans were great, inside / out it looked about 9.5 of 10 but overall I dont think the car felt as well built as my SVTC. PLus the 2.5L V6 feels like a torqu monster after driving the 2L in the SVTF.



I bet the SVTF is more to insure than the SVTC or the 325i. When I had my M3 the insurance was about the same as my SVTC, although it was rated for pleasure, not commuting
 
Under 16K?

The choice is purely visceral - M3. Manual, then auto.

A nice Lexus would be a third choice.

Best Carnauba under 16K but just barely - Souveran. Sorry, just couldn't resist.

-John C.
 
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