Best daily for 45k?

Having just sold my 964, I need a new daily driver. If you were spending 45k, what would you buy? I need it to: 1. Shuttle 2 kids to school 2. Carry some Little League supplies (a big sports bag, a bucket of *****, and a few other things) 3. Be able to carry the 5 of us in a pinch (which includes a baby in a car seat) Here's what I'm thinking, with the pros and cons: 1. 2002-2003 M5 - Kinda been there, done that, having owned a 2002 540i 6 speed - I know the cars drive differently, but I'm kinda tired of the body style. 2. 2004 - Cayenne - I like this option, but I don't like the idea of getting 12 miles to the gallon. 3. Infinity M45 - Nice ride, but that interior is horrific. 4. 2004 545i - at least the body style is different, and it would be fresh for a while... What else am I missing? Short of divine inspiration, I'm probably looking at an M5.

Rick -- You should consider the 330i. Not as big as your other choices but, in my view, a vastly better driver, reasonably good mileage, good looks in/out, and able to seat 4/5 when needed. -- M

I'd get an Acura TL for $35K and spend the other $10,000 on mods for the P-car!

Porsche should make a four door sports coupe. (Good chance that I may get slammed for this comment..)

It is on the drawing board, called Panamera! (sp?)

I have an M45 but I like the interior, much nicer IMO than the BMW and I came out of an 02 540i. I think the M35X is a nice value, you can get a loaded model with AWD in your budget. I also agree with gota911, the TL is a great value for 30~35K, I know lots of people with TL's and they love them.

The 03 M5 is the best out of the ones you posted. Have you driven one of those things?! You will probably be looking at $40k for a decent mileage one, but it is worth every penny. I was in the market about 6 mo ago and decided to keep the Boxster for another "FL winter". I still might do it.

Thanks for the info. Here's a pic. I may be ready for something like this by the time it is produced... around '09..

S4 Wagon or Avant in German car.

Ha, that's me! I'm about halfway through that $10K on mods so far, but I fully intend on getting there. An Acura doesn't have the prestige of the Germans, but it's a great value with practicality and stellar reliability. It's quite a looker too. I love my '05 TL.

Here's one out of left field: Chrysler 300 SRT . Admittedly not a Euro car but it's got more room for family than some of the others that have been mentioned. It's probably a hoot to drive, too. Chrysler just announced a limo version if you need even more room.

Ditto this one

you can't compare apples and oranges.....I wouldn't never compare a Japanese brand with a German brand!!! BMW are great cars I owned 2 (3 and 5 series) and you might be tired of the body style, but in 5 years from now you will still know it is a BMW...try this with a Japanese brand they change their body styles, like I am changing underwear...there is no history behind them...they just come up with trendy eye catchers...and about 2 years later with something completely different and mostly they steal design point from European designers...and they all look the same! So if you have to have a 4 doors with enough space: cayenne (just because it is a Porsche) or a BMW.......just my 2cents...but then again I am European and like it when I see an old Merc, BMW or Porsche...try to find an old Japanese car that you can still appriciate (besides maybe an old Datsun Z model)

I'm partial to the M5 ( http://home.comcast.net/~mikewags/) . 186mph, 4.8sec 0-60 luxury/family sedans are still very rare. They are a blast to drive and all are fully loaded w/NAV, etc. The downsides are cost of mods & maint but... that shouldn't scare a guy with 2 pcars! Mike

The best idea yet! A whole lot of car for the money there.

try G35 or G35x if you need AWD. and put the rest for mod on your porsche. most ppl i know tried G35 agree it feels like a german car.

04 or 05 M3 k

I hadn't thought about the TL, I agree, that's a sweet ride. I'll go drive one this weekend. Whenever I think of a non Porsche ride, it's always BMW - I tell myself I'll try something else, but I never do. It's kind of like dinner at Macaroni Grill - I always end up with the Penne Rustica, every damn time. Another option is an E500, 2003 or 2004 - has anyone owned one? They're good looking cars, plenty fast, but also very common. Back to the 330i, has anyone tried to fit three in the back seat? Is it a disaster? Thanks for the comments, good food for thought.

I used to have a 323I and used to fit me and 2 girls back there all the time no problem. There was even room to move around a bit.

I put 4 girls in my 320i about 15 years ago..in Austria in the snow...with snow chains....no problem at all we had a blast..or was it a blizzard?!??! Merc is nice tooo..yes it is understated...but nice and fast and you won't get keyed.

I just picked up a 330xi and if I lived in SoCal I would get the 330i with sport package. My friend went from an M3 to a G35 and hated it so he got out of his lease early and bought another M3. He needed a little more room and went for a 530i and while he likes the car he misses the sportier handling of the 3 Series. Drive them both before deciding. Alan

S4 or A4 Avant. It's a much more versatile car than a sedan (from a kid hauling, gear hauling standpoin) and is a blast to drive on or off the track.

There's a reason most of us don't own MB's, and that doesn't change when you buy them at a depreciated value. As for the TL, I agree it's a great little package, but it's a front driver. -- M

Nutbeem, I wouldn't go with a 3-series if you routinely need to transport 3 in the back. 3 children, then sure it's not a problem, but if adults on occasion -- plus a baby carseat? Not unless you want your passengers to complain. I'm only 5'10" and 145, and I wouldn't want to be back there with two more of myself in my sister's 3-series, at least not for a long ride. With multiple kids and their stuff, you'll be better served going with a 5-series if you opt for a BMW. As you know with kids, we always end up hauling more stuff than we intended. Unless, of course, you value the 3's dynamics more than the 5's practicality. Go try it out and see for yourself. Good luck and keep us posted.

For 45K the best car (IMHO) is a new Lexus GS 330. As big if not bigger than a 5 series or E class, ergonomics that are unsurpassable, awsome customer service, an extremely reliable vehicle (there is a reason why Lexus is #1 in ratings consistantly). If you are into modding, then you have massive amounts off stuff available for the lexus (from L-tuned stuffed made by TRD, to numerous aftermarket companies). Check out a site called www.clublexus.com as it is the lexus equivalent to rennlist.

What about an E46 M3. As fast as a 996 with 4 doors and lots of luxury.

I hope you meant E36 M3, as there was no 4-door version for the E46.

volvo v70r. grocery getter sleeper with 300 hp that can put in a third row seat.

...but if you conclude the E46 or E90 330i's are too small, the E36 is way smaller and more uncomfortable in back. That is a hot car, though. -- M

How about an X5 4.4? Very fast for an SUV. Probably can get an '03 for $40k

Great discussion, wow. Ucube made a good point - if I value the driving dynamics of the M3 more than the space of the 5 series, get the M3 - I do. I take my two kids to school in the morning, and absolutely the ONLY time we would all cram in the M3 would be if the Expedition had exploded and my wife had to drop me off at work. The X5 is another good option, I like the revised bodywork from 2004 on. I was thinking of a 3.0 with six speed and a panorama roof, which seems like a pretty damn sweet ride. The Lexus is a looker, no doubt, but it would be a huge paradigm shift to go Japanese after 15 years of German...

2004 - present Audi S4. 6 speed, 340hp 5.0 sec 0- 60, great in rain and snow. Awesome Car, I have an 05. Best daily driver IMO. If you don't live in the snow belt, E46 M3.

Mechanically, that might not be too far-fetched. Sorry, couldn't resist.

Volvo V70R.........

2006 Acura TL Six Speed

I can't do much for comparisons, but having driven the V8 S4, I have to say that I really like it. I normally dislike Audis, including the A4 that the new S4 is based on. My laundry list of complaints for the A4 includes: numb steering feel, too much sound deadening, thick A-pillar, lame rear visibility, and the worst clutch I've ever used. That said, in the S4, all these things either go away (steering is better - not great - but much better), or don't seem to matter anymore (what rear visibility?). It is, however, a bit cramped. Not so much hip-to-hip, but the foot space in the rear seats is kind of crappy. That engine makes it all worthwhile, though. It revs so fast. So high. So fun.

I have an e430 that has been great to me, but I wouldn't call it sporty. It's fast, will hold 5 of you easily, and has that unmistakeable Benz ride that feels like it could roll through anything. I would only buy one used, they depreciate like a kia, but you could get a great low mileage one for 30-35k and be very happy with it. Definately check out the Volvo s60r if you get a chance. It's a real sleeper in the 6 speed manual, and very functional. A friend and i did a test drive weekend 8 months ago and tried all of the midsize sedans, and he ended up buying this one. After driving them all back to back, I probably would have made the same pick, it was clearly the best value of the bunch.

Let's talk about the S4 for a minute - that looks like it just might be the ticket. The last S4 I drove a couple of years ago seemed to have plenty of leg room (I'm a tall guy) but I seem to remember the footwells being kinda narrow, so I felt a little cramped while I drove it. That being said, the power felt like my 540i, and an Avant would be one of the coolest cars in town. Only me and like 14 other people in LA would know what it was...

You might also consider the Acura RL. I purchased an 05 about 6 months ago and love it. MSRP is around $49 but you should be able to get it for under $45. They come fully loaded with every option, 300hp, AWD and every electronic gizmo known to man. Definitely not the brute power of a V-8, but I believe it is the best V-6 out there. It handles great and is fun to drive, definitely doesn't handle like a FWD car. Also, make sure you do upgrade to the 18" wheels and tires and the iPod interface if you go that way, will add about $3,000. These are both dealer installed. Kris

I'd go for an M5 or 2001 740/745. E55 is another option. S4 and M3 are probly too small for 5 people.