The Help Danny Pick a New Car Thread.

[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?

[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]

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]

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]

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

[Danny]

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

[Il Duce]

Jesus. How is this a 19 page thread?

[Danny]

I started it.

[F34R]

I started it.

[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.

[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!

[2slowe30]

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

[Vedubin01]

I don't know if its been said in this thread or not but what about a few year old Lexus IS? I picked up one a few years ago, and its been nothing but a dream. Parts are cheap, insurance was not bad, and no big service to speak of. IT holds its value and is fun to drive. A good aftermarket support group and just a good daily driver...

[Danny]

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

S2k is indeed an option. Si is a good car, but FWD and plain. I can't stand the Cobra's shifter position.

[2slowe30]

S2k is indeed an option. Si is a good car, but FWD and plain. I can't stand the Cobra's shifter position.

lol get used to it also they are pretty good cars havent heard anything go bad

si's they are FWD but solid cars, cheap, fun to drive and u will love it on the track. i would deff go for a 4dr si's because they are cheap and dead nuts reliable.

S2k if u dont have alot of people usually in the car with you all the time or dont mind a 2 seater then it should be easy from there! go for it.