car choices

[MikeM]

In college and am interested in getting into a newer car here soon. I was telling myself that I really wanted an e36 m3 (and I do!!), except today at the gas station I filled up my m20 for $52!!! I don't think a 3.0/3.2L m3 is going to help at all seeing as my car is only 2.5L right now.

If you were to take out your automatic disgust for all other car brands other than BMW for the simple fact that it isn't a BMW, what do you think of one of these cars? I am a college student looking for good gas mileage, but still a fun car to drive (5 speed). Ideally I like rwd (bmw's), only two doors, and a bit newer. Here are some cars I'm just throwing out.

- '02-04 Acura RSX Type-S (2.0L 4cyl producing 200hp 142 ft/lb torque and 0-60 in 6.4 sec)
- e30 318is
- mk4 (20th anniversary) gti 1.8L
- 2002+ audi a4 1.8

I really like the rsx but i know everybody in the bmw world hates them, they are japanese blah blah blah. I'm looking for an efficient and fun car that I can work on. I really like the e30 318is and I would get one if I found the right one at the right time, but a newer car would be nice.

Lets hear it!

[VinniE30]

- e30 318is

Out of your choices this is the only one I would even consider.
The others are fail wheel drive!

[e30jake]

Miata or MR2... Can be found for dirt cheap and both have efficient 4 bangers with rwd

If you want something more practical, I got nothing rwd but one of my friends has an 03 Saab 9-3 that is pretty nice. GTI or A4 would be at the top of my list as well

[stamar]

Miata or MR2... Can be found for dirt cheap and both have efficient 4 bangers with rwd

If you want something more practical, I got nothing rwd but one of my friends has an 03 Saab 9-3 that is pretty nice. GTI or A4 would be at the top of my list as well

This is great advice. 2nd gen Miata or a 1st gen miata 1.8

the mr2 spyder has always been my dream car very hard to find. Perfect really. Or celica gts.

I dont like volkswagons but those are nice ones.

saabs are great for always having turbo 4s whether its in style or not.

[OniKyan]

The others are fail wheel drive!

This. The reason people hate on Honda/Acura is not because they're Japanese but because they're mostly all fail wheel drive.


5 speed SW20 MR2 with a steel roof would be my pick. 3SGTE are a blast to drive, even in stock configuration.

[JasonC]

Nothing wrong with fwd. I still think when I go to look for another dd. I'll go look for a 92-93 Dodge Daytona IROC with the 3.0 V6 5spd.

[F34R]

mk4 GTi

[325ix]

Miata or MR2... Can be found for dirt cheap and both have efficient 4 bangers with rwd

If you want something more practical, I got nothing rwd but one of my friends has an 03 Saab 9-3 that is pretty nice. GTI or A4 would be at the top of my list as well

Miatas really aren't that cheap. Their popularity in spec series has driven up their price.

[lambo]

S2000.

[livetheride]

Honestly I'd stay away from the Audi and aim towards the rsx for practicality. The miata is great but lacks in practicality if you need to transport stuff, not fun in the snow, and gets the same mpg IIRC. I'm stuck in the same boat as you but looking for mpg as my #1 criteria.

Edit: golf tdi... tons of potential, great mpg, and great practicality.

[Herr Faust Schinken]

The m5x /s5x motors are generally a good bit better on gas than the m20 though , so that m3 may still be an option

[Xat1cZ]

Ohhh nooo 52$ you Americans have it so tough with your gas prices..... meanwhile Europe have Greece to take care of ... so in Finland for 52$ ~23 liters :hitler::hitler::puppy::puppy::curse: :curse: :curse::down:

/rant


oh and 318is or GTI....

[evandael]

Don't spend more money than your current car is worth just for better gas mileage. You'll likely never break even.


Instead think of things where you feel your car is lacking.. creature comforts? Handling? Trunk space? Make your new car an improvement across the board, not just at the pump.

[Wschnitz]

Mk4 or stick wit m20. M20 is a dd beast.

[lolcantturn]

I get 28mpg in my M50. With a lighter foot I can probably push 30. Add megasquirt and you can lean that motor out as safely as you want and get 33+ .