Help me decide on my next car! - United Bimmer Community

**Chris** · 08-19-2007, 09:30 PM

Okay, so I have my new ship date, and its relatively soon. I won't say yet cause my brother gets on here and the family doesn't know I'm leaving early yet. But anyways, I will be getting a car of my own as soon as I get to A school in Charleston, but I have NO Idea what to get. So give me some ideas!

1) Can be new or used

2) MUST have a warranty

3) At or around $30k

4) Prefer a two door, but if it performs well enough, a four door would be acceptable.

5) Must be manual

6) MUST BE SPORTY. Think Bachelors car.... not a grocery getter

7) Nothing Feminine looking (I like the new Miata, but the exterior lines are a little feminine for my taste.

8) Convertible would be nice, but not required.

I was really leaning towards an S2000, but I've never driven one, so I don't know.

The car will mostly be used at nights into town and on the weekends, so i'd like something thats more of a fun car than a daily driver car.
Any ideas?

EDIT: If you suggest a BMW, also please make a suggestion on a non BMW car. I know we all love BMW's , but they may just not be viable options right now for me.

I thought About a 350Z, but with the 370Z coming out late next year, i refuse to buy the last generation if you will.

Nothing older than a 2000... Again, not being able to afford a rediculous amount of maintenance.

**Kasei** · 08-19-2007, 09:40 PM

2001 M5?

Thats what I would get if I had 30K and could find one in good shape. Actually I would get an E34 M5 but thats just me. For what you're wanting I would go for some E39 M5.

**Dudesky** · 08-19-2007, 09:47 PM

+1. You can find E39 M5's for around 30k. If not, a 540i. Or an E46 M3. If you're going brand new, my choice would be a 350z.

**Chris** · 08-19-2007, 09:53 PM

read requirement number 2?

**Kasei** · 08-19-2007, 10:00 PM

Must have a warranty or must have a factory warranty? I'm sure most places could offer a warrenty for one if that is what you wanted.

**xsperf** · 08-19-2007, 11:45 PM

yea i would immediately suggest an m5 but no warranty

but how about a 330ci? those can be excellent cars
i know you can get a newer e46 m3 for around that much, i dunno about the warranty

ok, now off of the BMWs

audi s4?

witeshark · 08-19-2007, 11:52 PM

New Mazda3 maybe

**Chris** · 08-20-2007, 01:26 AM

What are the Maintenance costs on M5's and M3's though? You gotta remember that while ill have a nice bonus to pay for the car, i'm not making a ton of money to be able afford very costly repairs.

denyo77 · 08-20-2007, 10:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dudesky

+1. You can find E39 M5's for around 30k. If not, a 540i. Or an E46 M3. If you're going brand new, my choice would be a 350z.

+1! Or a Mazdaspeed 3

**94bmw325i** · 08-20-2007, 11:06 AM

e46 330izhp? If you plan on modding the car at some point maybe get something fun like an evo, s2000, sti, etc

**MTurboPower3** · 08-20-2007, 12:55 PM

E-46 M3 would be the best you can find a used one on ebay for around 25k.

Montizzle 325i · 08-20-2007, 05:45 PM

Go S2000 and dont look back. Ive tossed the idea around of getting rid of the dakar for a tafetta white over red S200.....SO HOT

**xsperf** · 08-20-2007, 05:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Montizzle 325i

Go S2000 and dont look back. Ive tossed the idea around of getting rid of the dakar for a tafetta white over red S200.....SO HOT

dude, TOTALLY not cool

**mullethunter3** · 08-20-2007, 06:09 PM

Not to be an ass, but I think that the S2000 is a bit to ricey, even stock. Not necessarily my style, but it could be yours.

The 350Z, AWESOME car, not a daily driver, not comfy, no visibility... I think I've said that before. I would definitely take it as a second car!

IMHO, the Mazdaspeed 3 is a little cheap feeling on the inside. Again, my taste, not yours.

Infinity G35. NOT the G37. Almost all the "improvements" made to the G35 to make the G37 were all downgrades, less headroom, uglier, less trunk space, etc. My neighbors have a sexy blue one. They've never had a problem with it in the three or so years that they've had it. ...wish my car was that reliable...

And for my "I hope you get it, even though it's completely ridiculous" choice...

The Lotus Elise. It's even more impractical than a 350Z, but a 1000 times sexier/cooler/pick-up-girls-able. Here's one for $29,000.
Come to think of it... the Lotus fulfills all but the warranty thing. Eh?

**xsperf** · 08-20-2007, 06:23 PM

yea... and if something goes wrong with the lotus?? hahaha