The Help Danny Pick a New Car Thread.

[hammer_e30]

or buy this off of this idiot
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/scz/cto/2132207930.html

Ha V6. What a homo!

[kamotors]

Sti!

[Wh33lhop]

I say get an STi, but really just because I want to see Josh slap you at the next picnic.

[e30e]

I'm kinda on a similar boat but I want something a little more sleeper looking, so I really really want a 04-05 Forester XT that is essentially a STI with a smaller intercooler, exhaust, and different software but can all be swapped to STI stuff and still remain a quick little suv. Thing only weighs what an e36 weighs and it comes with 3 pedals.

[markseven]

E39 540/6
The E39 has a great interior, timeless styling, safe, creature comforts, and if maintenance was performed at the correct intervals, pretty darn reliable. The expansion tank, radiator, and final stage resistor are the weak points, but you can tale care of those yourself. Did I mention the M62 has legs? 4.4 liters of mid range punch, man!

E46 w/ZHP package
Fun to drive, decent fuel mileage, great interior, timeless styling, safe, creature comforts, build quality, great aftermarket support. Not faster than a S50 E30 though.

E46 M
Don't get the 1st or 2nd year. Get the one with the lower redline (I think it was '04 when they realized the original redline was too high).

[Cloudbase]

Looks like your search is narrowing to an E46 M3 or something similar to an STI. I would recommend driving both of them before you do anything.

IMO E46 M3 is hands down a better DD than an STI. I've driven them both. The STI seems to be hit or miss. First gen looks better, but had tranny issues. The first year of second gen,'08, had horrible suspension and brakes. It felt like a mini van compared to my M Coupe! I heard they fixed it in the '09, but that will be on the high end of your price range. Plus the whole straight bill, bro crowd thing...

The E46 M3 is the best bang for the buck. It's not as raw as the E30, but there is no engine like the S54. It makes me smile every time I drive it. I would take a high revving NA inline 6 over a turbo 4 cyl any day. I drove an E46 sport wagon as a DD for almost a year and the E46 has a lot of small things that make it really nice. Heated seats, auto-dimming mirrors, little red light that shines on the gear shift lever, etc are really nice. Sport mode is great for 99% of the time and it's nice to turn if off for parking lots, speed bumps, etc.

Mx issues are minimal if you have any ability and are knowledgable about preventative Mx. '01 and '02 had rod bearing issues, but were also recalled. Coil packs also had recalls. Subframe separation was an issue for all model years, but covered by a class action law suit. '03 and newer is the way to go. SMG is a time bomb. 6 Speed Manual is bullet proof. Coolant issues that any modern BMW has. CDV delete is a must.

As with any BMW the previous owner is the most important factor. It should be a knowledgeable person that followed a more rigorous Mx schedule than BMW's horrid 15K mile oil changes, etc. I would look for one in the CCA classifieds. Seems to be an older crowd and people that follow the "old school" Mx schedule.

Drive one and your search will be over...

[ck_taft325is]

I'm leaning toward e46 m3. Maybe an evo/sti?

Evo's are silly IMHO.

STi's eat oil. A lot. Seriously. My buddy has one that's around 460whp and it's a great weekend car. Not a great DD.

[Danny]

M3 is looking better and better.

[phreshkid]

I think a cts-v would be a nice bet. 2 doors gets old for a dd after a while.

[!kid]

! have four freinds that drive Subies.(09WRX,07WRX,08Impreza,96Impreza) zero complaints 3 of them auto cross more than a few times a year. they all drive them hard from time to time,but take care of them with regular maintinance. no monster stickers,DC shoes, or flat bill hats....

I used to own a 08 WRX, I really miss the power and the sound. it was a great car no issues.

my vote goes for an STI or WRX

[619E30]

Evo IX

[Edev]

E39 540/6
The E39 has a great interior, timeless styling, safe, creature comforts, and if maintenance was performed at the correct intervals, pretty darn reliable. The expansion tank, radiator, and final stage resistor are the weak points, but you can tale care of those yourself. Did I mention the M62 has legs? 4.4 liters of mid range punch, man!

E46 w/ZHP package
Fun to drive, decent fuel mileage, great interior, timeless styling, safe, creature comforts, build quality, great aftermarket support. Not faster than a S50 E30 though.

E46 M
Don't get the 1st or 2nd year. Get the one with the lower redline (I think it was '04 when they realized the original redline was too high).

I will own an E39 540i/6 M-Sport. Only if it'll come with the factory M front and rear bumpers.

[Chaos Theory]

Why buy an American car if you want something reliable? That makes no sense.

Subaru gearboxes are practically made of glass, so I wouldn't be getting an STI.

If the earlier model Evos, (1, 2 & 3) are available in the states that's what I would be getting. Much rawer driving experience than you'd have with the later model Evos. Late Evos have AIDS, driving aids.

EDIT: What about a Celica GT4? AWD rally dominating (in its time) sports car with Toyota's awesome build quality.

[LJ851]

M3

[619E30]

Datsun 510 w/ sr20det and still have plenty left over, their known to be pretty reliable as well as long as you don't push too much boost.