The Help Danny Pick a New Car Thread.

[2slowe30]

s2k, honda civic si or even better SVT cobra 2003-2004 i think models(Fast, reliable, and FAST!!!)

[Danny]

My thoughts--

Knowing you as I do, via the forum, I think that you can handle ownership of an E39 M5 or E46 M3 easily without having to worry about taking the car to the dealer. Or any shop for that matter. Most of the work that these cars need is roughly the same as any other E46. But some of the parts are much more expensive. As long as you are braced for that, go for it. I just wanted to post my general feelings towards those two cars in regards to the average college student owning one. I don't think the average college student on these forums should touch either of those cars, for obvious reasons.

Congrats, by the way, for being in a position where this purchase is an option for you. That's a nice price range to buy a car that will be new enough to have nice modern features and fast/fun enough to drive that you will want to keep it around for a few years.

I really do appreciate your experienced input, if you think of anything else I should watch out for in a 60k-80k mile 2003-2005 m3 please let me know!

[rThor432]

I'm okay with having to shell out for some semi expensive parts because I can do the work myself. From what I have read people say the e46 m3 is expensive to maintain because they take it to the dealer all the time. Thoughts?

My thoughts--

Knowing you as I do, via the forum, I think that you can handle ownership of an E39 M5 or E46 M3 easily without having to worry about taking the car to the dealer. Or any shop for that matter. Most of the work that these cars need is roughly the same as any other E46. But some of the parts are much more expensive. As long as you are braced for that, go for it. I just wanted to post my general feelings towards those two cars in regards to the average college student owning one. I don't think the average college student on these forums should touch either of those cars, for obvious reasons.

Congrats, by the way, for being in a position where this purchase is an option for you. That's a nice price range to buy a car that will be new enough to have nice modern features and fast/fun enough to drive that you will want to keep it around for a few years.

[F34R]

I started it.

[Danny]

I started it.

[Il Duce]

Jesus. How is this a 19 page thread?

[Danny]

Oh I am quite ready. At least if need be our Allstate coverage will cover a lawyer in case of a trial.

[chadthestampede]

Especially since you have yet to get the insurance money for your car. Get ready for a hassle.

[Danny]

Just curious. It's one of those things that needs to be thoroughly considered before doing. I'm sure you know overestimating your spending power is dangerous.

I agree with you wholeheartedly. I've lived away from home and have felt the heat of barely scraping by with rent. The whole straight top ramen for a week thing is no fun.

[chadthestampede]

Just curious. It's one of those things that needs to be thoroughly considered before doing. I'm sure you know overestimating your spending power is dangerous.

[Danny]

So if I'm understanding this correctly just the payments for your car and insurance would total around $525 a month. Not including gas or regular maintenance. And you would be attending community college, which I'm assuming has to be paid for? Living costs? What do you do to be able to afford this?

I'm starting a full time contracted job at 19.50 an hour starting Jan 4th and ending March 28th. I'll collect around 8k after taxes, most of which will go into the car payment. Also I work in retail, 8.00 an hour ~ 15-20 hrs a week. I currently live with my parents and pay them about 200 bucks a month in rent. I do regular side jobs on neighbors cars and buy and sell parts to make little bits of cash here and there. I sincerely doubt the cost of the loan payment and insurance will top 400 dollars, but I could be wrong. If the total cost of the car and insurance is 525 a month as you've speculated I will pursue other avenues which may including having my car fixed at a body shop. I'd really really like an e46 m3. Although if it's not in the cards, it's not in the cards and that's that.

[chadthestampede]

So if I'm understanding this correctly just the payments for your car and insurance would total around $525 a month. Not including gas or regular maintenance. And you would be attending community college, which I'm assuming has to be paid for? Living costs? What do you do to be able to afford this?

[kylekrueger]

with the newest E34 m5 being 15 years old, the thought of the S38 scares me.

Also, see turbo minivan comment above.

Ah, I see

Then, I guess I would lean toward the e46 m3, personally I would never own an e46, but if you are prepared to spend the money for the repairs the e46 m3 seems to fit all of your criteria. Just whatever you do, don't get a convertible m3 or one with the SMG transmission and be forewarned the 6 speed transmissions will break they are by all means not bullet proof.




SMG: Something's Missing... Gears

[Danny]

What about an e34 M5?

Ahem* Mazdaspeed 3?

with the newest E34 m5 being 15 years old, the thought of the S38 scares me.

Also, see turbo minivan comment above.

[kylekrueger]

What about an e34 M5?

Ahem* Mazdaspeed 3?