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YOUR RESEARCHFinding a suitable replacement
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Replace wife's car
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The problem is going to be whether we need to replace my wife's car before then - I'm cheap and refuse to spend so much on a depreciating asset.
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Let me present this option, why not get a 4 door sedan (used) perhaps a standard 3 series sedan which is more than adequate for daily use and much less expensive while keeping your fun toy?
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Let me present this option, why not get a 4 door sedan (used) perhaps a standard 3 series sedan which is more than adequate for daily use and much less expensive while keeping your fun toy?
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Hoping to get a constructive discussion going on here without the odd 'immature/useless' comments that sometimes find there way in.
Having owned the 996 for a few years and enjoying every moment I'm trying to figure out a more practical replacement and wanted to see who else has been down the same road?
I'd like something similar in performance without giving up too much...
Cheers to everyone
There's nothing wrong with this discussion. What are the reasons for wanting to move to something else? What does your current car lack that you would like to see in a replacement?
BTW, I've driven a 335i. Not the same as the M3. Very heavy feeling in terms of handling characteristics. My friend took his to auto-x and the trace and constantly got CEL's due to oil temps getting too high.
Mick,
I would check out S4s if you are not going to be tracking. The handling downside from the heavy front end will not be that noticeable.
Personally, I suggest you keep your aero and buy this.
http://cannillomotorsports.com/inventory/00s4/00s4.htm
I had a RS4 play tag with me on the highway this weekend. They are monsters but I believe the B5 S4 can be upgraded to stage III and will be just as quick with a better balance.
The guy who sold me my 996 also has an RS4 (now his toy car). He said that he couldn't take the depreciation on two expensive sports cars. Looks like a fabulous ride though.
M3 Sedan. A buddy just picked one up and they are impressive for what they are. Power is fantastic and can easily better the 3.4 in acceleration. The downsides, weight, less connected feeling and obviously a much larger car. It's a very nice car but no where as focused a performance car.
Let me present this option, why not get a 4 door sedan (used) perhaps a standard 3 series sedan which is more than adequate for daily use and much less expensive while keeping your fun toy?
Mick,
What is your budget if you were to buy an additional car?
E46 AWD sedans have their quirks and they did not make many manuals. You may have to expand your search for the right car. The auto transmission was made by GM and failed often between 60K to 90K miles. The 5speed is a nice car but you may want the 330XI for more power. The ones made after 2004 have 6 speed. My 325 has about 108K now and its been reliable if you are good with maintainance.
Maintainance is a nightmare. Try to keep a high mileage M5 on the road equates to eating razor blades for lunch. I would get a 540 instead. Of course, there is no AWD..
No E39 M5's are out of the question - I've drove a few and just never liked the overall feel.
Chao I'm not going to spend over 10k for another DD and am not solely tied to BMW at all.
I'm thinking AWD since as you know winters can sometimes be harsh around these areas and Subaru's may be an option.
The mileage is not high for the year. It averaged around 10K miles per year and hard to come by. At least one that is unmolested like this example. Its got brand new turbos and a clutch. These cars are known to last a while. My BMW is a 2001 and its got 108K miles.
Only issues are, oil leaks around the gaskets. That should be addressed with the new turbo installation and vaccum leaks which would cause a CEL. You can spend $600 on a APR chip and add another 40 or 60 ponies....
My brother's friends, an audi group, are not interested in it because they want to mod it ASAP or buy it modded. I would be happy to ask one of them to come with me to take a look at it for you. Seriously...
Not really, that motor 2.7 was a stronger design than the 2.8, and that car looks bone stock, probably just freeway miles.
Even just a chip upgrade, i.e. GIAC, would get you 300hp crank.
Or if you want something different with awd, search for an Allroad.
Height adjustable, not a track car, but very capable on- and off-road.
btw, your initial spread of $35k to $50k is too wide, presume you'd rather spend closer to $35k which still gives you lots of options.
If you want a performance sedan, go BMW rwd obviously.
You are reading my mind
I've decided on a E36 M3 - my 99 never let down and maintenance was a breeze....
Here's a pic of the old girl, sold her with 35k miles....
just to let you guys know a NICE e90 or e92 m3 cannot be bought for 35K or even 50k. Try an e60 M5 or even a nice e39 M5 with lots of money to spare for mods
Are you going to get the sedan? It will have 4 doors. Pick up a set of winters and you should be fine down in MD. I came really close to picking up an E36 coupe but the winters here in CT reminds me why I bought the XI.
They are BMW generation model years like our 964, 993, 996 and 997 etc.
For BMW sedans:
E36 is 1994 to 1998
E46 is 1999 to 2004
E90 is 2005 to present
M3 lasted one year longer in E36 and is only available from 2001 on in E46s. I stopped following M3s after the P car because my true love with M3s are the E36 M3/4. "4" being a 4 door. I would consider the new M3 sedans, E92s, if I am in the market 4-5 years from now..
I hear ya. M3 sedans are a great buy for the price. When you are ready to buy, most of the bugs should be worked out.
Panamera = lab rat, if bought the first year or two they are out.
yeah, I know, but I'm okay with that. I'm sure the kinks will be sorted before I get one.
I'm not going to be ready to buy until they start coming off lease. The problem is going to be whether we need to replace my wife's car before then - I'm cheap and refuse to spend so much on a depreciating asset.
