[fireline43]

Originally Posted by AllBlackBimmer

very hesitant to lease a car... however, perhaps is not as bad as I always thought... would keep me under warranty and any repairs would be on their bill... I don't like the thought of mileage restriction and not being able to do whatever I want with my own car... even though I wouldn't be modifying anything other than maybe a new set of wheels.

I think that way also. But when I think about it. I don't usually go over 12k miles a year. And its better financially knowing that I shouldn't mod the car. I believe in leasing your daily driver and having a second owned mod car.

[BM-109]

Originally Posted by Amini77

New Kia Optimas are pretty sick IMO, Lexus makes pretty cool cars too now so idk what you're saying. The guy wants to downgrade

Honestly, I keep saying in private how much I like the new optima. It's a great looking car. Would I buy one? Eh, I don't know. I don't think I could get over the stigma of a Kia badge. Is that shallow of me? Probably.

That said, I haven't driven one so I have no idea. I drove a new sorento with my wife and it was decent, but the powertrain a bit unrefined. I think this is the same powerplant as the optima.

Anyway, the OP hasn't really provided enough info. There are lots of new practical options that are still reasonably fun to own. If snow is a concern, the most practical car on the planet might be the current impreza. Fun to drive? No, but 36mpg with a hatch and awd? Doesn't get much better than that.

[Wichaelflacks0n]

I had a BRZ before I total'ed it and picked up my f10.. def a nice car. A bit slow but realllllllyy fun to drive (6 MT) and lots of aftermarket support. Def check out the 2nd year model of it.

[BM-109]

Originally Posted by GChase

Used Acura TSX's are hard to come by. When searching for cars a few months ago, I ultimately quit my search of TSX's just from the lack of good priced, low mileage, optioned choices.

I test drove a few in the 08-09 range and they felt great. My 328's engine bullies the TSX though, but Acura's (more specifically Hondas in general) are definitely the most reliable cars and one of the cheapest to maintain. I'd go for either a TSX or RSX type S. If you want to save even more money, maybe an Accord or S2000 if you don't have a family (guessing you do/will since you're getting a house).

TSXs are going for quite a premium on the used market around here in new england. They are nice enough, but you won't save any money (except maybe maintenance/repairs) by buying one given the high resale value on the secondary market, even co mpared to BMW.

[Augenbrauezug]

Just got a 2011 GTI with dsg tranny. I really like it more than I thought I would. Torque is really nice and $600 tune gets to 260hp 300tq

[Augenbrauezug]

Originally Posted by AllBlackBimmer

I will never own a VW, so moving on... GTIs are nice cars, and fun to drive, but not for me.

I have already thought about a wax, my buddy has one with over 450 hp to the wheels, beastly little cars, but man, they are ugly ... Actually look better with roof racks

Oh missed this, think your missing out. I would of said the same thing before I drove one. Plus mk6 looks way better than mk5

[Teutonic]

Buy an Accord Coupe Ex. Still sporty, nice looking, good resale value...

[NewYearsBoy]

Originally Posted by avocet

Mine is. Seriously... it is.


As for the op... Buying a home should be on top of your priority list. Sell your bimmer, pay off your debts and buy the nicest car you can afford.

Running a monthy payment on something like a car is like having your bathtub plug open while you are trying to fill the bathtub. A few years of focusing and compromise will pay off.

^^^ If you can find a G37s in your price range or even a G35s they are fun cars and great car for the money.

[Got_///M]

Originally Posted by CombatNinja

You act like a 2008 328 is some kind of incredible car. Seriously...

Sound a little rude there... And a bit spoiled.. For me, even though I've driven infiniti's, Lexus's, and Benz, I still consider the BMW an above average car.

OP, honestly you can't go wrong with a Honda civic, or accord. They're very reliable and fun to drive in 6mt. I would also recommend an Infiniti g35.. Great car, sporty, and somewhat reliable. But you're car, if it has been well maintained shouldn't bother you with any major repairs for the next couple of years at least.

[LSPowered]

Drive a Mazdaspeed6 GT

[john08135i]

Mazda CX5
Scion XB

[badazzm]

Dude the brz for sure. Shit looks good and very economical.

[DesioMedia]

Ever think about an is300? RWD 6cyl and a manual with a nice interior can be had for under 10k. That is if you don't mind the factory tail lights.

[mosx]

Stick with your current car or by a 5 year old Civic. Doubt you're going to come close to a 328i in your price range.

[flyinb501]

G35 coupe. You can find one in any price range depending on how old you want to go. RWD, quick, nice interior, great exterior, reliable.

[hankcah]

I may be late to the party but IMO, why not just pay it off? You will have all of that money you aren't using to pay the loan to put into the car for maintenance or repairs. I don't think it'll be that bad.

[Scrubber]

Originally Posted by hankcah

I may be late to the party but IMO, why not just pay it off? You will have all of that money you aren't using to pay the loan to put into the car for maintenance or repairs. I don't think it'll be that bad.

THIS.

The best kind of car is a paid off one. Just keep paying yourself the car payments for three months after its paid off for "unexpected maintenance" and bam, you can save for the house, which I might add, is a much more sound investment than a car.

[lesha]

2008 328 with 65k miles costs under 20k, so if you are not having problems with it I say just keep it, unless you really want to downgrade and get a car for 10k or less, which is hard to find, I would keep my 328 than getting a Honda or a Toyota for 20k

[wontonbomb]

Originally Posted by CombatNinja

You act like a 2008 328 is some kind of incredible car. Seriously...

You act like your posts are hilarious and insightful. Seriously...

[WreckerX5d]

Originally Posted by hankcah

I may be late to the party but IMO, why not just pay it off? You will have all of that money you aren't using to pay the loan to put into the car for maintenance or repairs. I don't think it'll be that bad.

This x2.

Learn from my mistakes. Every time I tried to get into a newer car hoping I'd come out cheaper, it ended up costing more. You have 2 years left on your loan, in which I am guessing is around 6-9k. You will still probably need to get another loan for the next car, and there goes another 4-5years of payments. Pay off your car, and what you used to make in payments, put in a savings account for unexpected repairs.

[cuiter23]

Originally Posted by lesha

2008 328 with 65k miles costs under 20k, so if you are not having problems with it I say just keep it, unless you really want to downgrade and get a car for 10k or less, which is hard to find, I would keep my 328 than getting a Honda or a Toyota for 20k

My thoughts exactly, might as well keep the 3. However, if you are planning to save money on repairs, maintenance, gas, insurance, overall ownership costs I would consider a vehicle under 10k. Since "downgrading" to a Toyota, Honda in the 20k range would get you in a lot newer or even brand new vehicle, why not just keep the 3.

If a few grand is most likely the issue for you, definitely consider something cheaper. You can get the same year civic for under 10k. Gas is cheap, bulletproof, cheap insurance and as well save you a lot of money when you buy the car.

The bottom line is, I think its pointless to sell your car for 20k, then go buy another one for 15k (most of the options listed above are around that price if not higher). If you are going to save, might as well go all the way.

[MNBart]

I came from a GTI and it really was a great car. It drove well, had a great interior, and overall was a blast! Not to mention, it's sporty too and with a quick tune will push 300lbs of torque