The Help Danny Pick a New Car Thread.

[Danny]

The loan is only going to be a 10k dollar loan, I refuse to go any higher than that. 10k over 5 years at 5 or 6 percent? That's like 180-200 a month and I'll probably have it half way paid off in the first three months. I really am pretty sure I can swing it financially and I'd like to step up to a nicer car I can keep for 10 years or so and be happy with it after school.

[Cloudbase]

That sounds more reasonable. I stand by the E46 M3...

[Holland]

I couldn't see there being much of a difference in maintenance costs between the M5 and the 540, correct me if I am wrong.

[Red88]

I would think so? I pay about 50 bucks a month for liability on my 89. But I can't see it being more than 200 a month for insurance since the car is technically going in my parent's name. Feel free to correct me however, I need all the info I can get.

What are your registration fees for driving an e46 m3 in cali? It costs my dad almost $350 a year for registration here.

^just a thought

[Danny]

Probably the same, but that's yearly. Not really worried about it.

[funcrew]

It cracks me up that you're looking for something comfortable, reliable and cheap, you want 10 years of daily service, and these guys are selling you old limited-edition BMW's.

2011 base V6 Mustang. Street price $21.5K or so if you buy the newspaper ad "one only at this price" loss leader at $18K advertised plus the incentives you don't qualify for. 3400 pounds, RWD, 305HP, mechanical LSD. 31MPG highway. Big trunk, should be more reliable and cheaper to fix than late-model German. Huge aftermarket support. In a year or two, low-miles used examples will become available, probably at $16K to $19K for no-frills ones. The OEM clutch sucks, so plan on having that replaced. The Getrag trans is excellent once the clutch is taken care of.

Now, for a realistic College car, $20K is absurd, as mentioned above. How about a used 2010 Kia Forte for $11K? Or a low-miles Mazda3 for a few thousand more? Both are the same power/weight as a stock E30, and simpler mechanically than high-strung German iron.

[Evan12]

go with the m3. its sexy and sounds tits.

[Danny]

2011 base V6 Mustang. Street price $21.5K or so if you buy the newspaper ad "one only at this price" loss leader at $18K advertised plus the incentives you don't qualify for. 3400 pounds, RWD, 305HP, mechanical LSD. Big trunk, should be more reliable and cheaper to fix than late-model German. Huge aftermarket support. In a year or two, low-miles used examples will become available, probably at $16K to $19K for no-frills ones. The OEM clutch sucks, so plan on having that replaced. The Getrag trans is excellent once the clutch is taken care of.

I have actually ridden and driven in a 2010 of these, but I just cannot get into it, I don't know why it is that I am just left wanting more.

[Jean]

I couldn't see there being much of a difference in maintenance costs between the M5 and the 540, correct me if I am wrong.

There is no difference between e30 318is and m3 parts right? Same deal with comparing a run of the mill 540 and m5.

[Danny]

Regardless, I don't like the way the e39 looks.

[Holland]

There is no difference between e30 318is and m3 parts right? Same deal with comparing a run of the mill 540 and m5.

Lol, I see what you are saying. I figured both being v8's they wouldn't be too far off but I suppose it makes sense that the two cars are very different from one another.

[Rodoni]

i know plenty of college kids in e39 m5s, e92 m3s, e46 m3s, e36 m3s. its not THAT big of a deal...

[kylekrueger]

What about an e34 M5?

Ahem* Mazdaspeed 3?

[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]

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