OT: Replacement Commuter Car
02-06-2007, 11:34 PM
#31
My research of the E39 540 revealed that the problem areas were the valve cover gaskets (hmm, 993?), radiator, water pump, catalytic converters, and the pixel displays. Lucky for me, all were addressed on the car I bought except for the pixel display, which I am having replaced by BMWNA via a "goodwill" program, I just have to pay for labor (thanks to bimmerforums for this info). Most of these issues are easily solved by the DIY type though if not already addressed. Other that, the BMW 4.4L V8 seems bullet proof. Like the 993, these minor issues are worth the price of admission.
If you are thinking of going the super gas mileage route, my vote is for the VW TDi. I had an '03 Golf TDi when I lived in California and really liked it. We could get 45+ mpg driving the 3 hour mountain route from Edwards AFB to Las Vegas going 85 mph with the AC cranked. And it looks like a normal car with more torque than the S2000 without the need to replace some several thousand dollar battery pack.
If you are thinking of going the super gas mileage route, my vote is for the VW TDi. I had an '03 Golf TDi when I lived in California and really liked it. We could get 45+ mpg driving the 3 hour mountain route from Edwards AFB to Las Vegas going 85 mph with the AC cranked. And it looks like a normal car with more torque than the S2000 without the need to replace some several thousand dollar battery pack.
02-07-2007, 09:53 AM
#34
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I guess you have to decide whether you want a new car or a used car. Once you are open to considering a used car, your choices open up tremendously.
If you need to carry more than 2 people, an E39 540i would be a great choice. I had a '97 540i/6 speed before picking up my '03 M3. It was a blast to drive for such a big car. I even tracked it a bunch of times, although it was quite modded at that point. If these strike your fancy, I would recommend looking for a 01+ 540i. They had the facelift in '01 and have had some upgrades. They are in the price range that your looking for and are fast and comfy.
If you don't need to carry more than 2 people, then you could consider either a late E36 '99 M3 or an early E46 '01 M3. While they are entirely different beasts, both are fun and pretty affordable to upkeep and maintain. You can find '01 and '02 M3s with higher mileage in your price range, and they should have had the bearing recall already. I have 67k miles and haven't had any major problems, despite it also being my track car (for now
) and daily driver.
There are lots of choices out there...... Good Luck!
If you need to carry more than 2 people, an E39 540i would be a great choice. I had a '97 540i/6 speed before picking up my '03 M3. It was a blast to drive for such a big car. I even tracked it a bunch of times, although it was quite modded at that point. If these strike your fancy, I would recommend looking for a 01+ 540i. They had the facelift in '01 and have had some upgrades. They are in the price range that your looking for and are fast and comfy.
If you don't need to carry more than 2 people, then you could consider either a late E36 '99 M3 or an early E46 '01 M3. While they are entirely different beasts, both are fun and pretty affordable to upkeep and maintain. You can find '01 and '02 M3s with higher mileage in your price range, and they should have had the bearing recall already. I have 67k miles and haven't had any major problems, despite it also being my track car (for now
) and daily driver. There are lots of choices out there...... Good Luck!
02-07-2007, 12:16 PM
#36
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Originally Posted by Tim993
What do you think of the Infinity G35? Or an Acura TL? I have had a few Acuras and Nissans over the years as daily drivers and have enjoyed them. If you look for a 1 or 2 year old model it might get down to your price range. Just a thought.
FWD sucks!
After my last Acura 2004 TL (lemon) and two prior Nissan Maximas I don't think I will own a FWD car again. Especially one with a fair amount of hp as the torque steer was too annoying to deal with. I would rather deal with the higher maintenance of a German car than an inferior design.
02-07-2007, 12:29 PM
#37
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Another vote for an A4. We got a 2003 A4 wagon with 37k miles for under $20k, then put a Stasis suspension on it for maybe $2k more. Very happy so far. And I was passing 944's on a wet track last fall.
p.s. I agree with Greg...FWD does suck. Safe, but really no fun.
p.s. I agree with Greg...FWD does suck. Safe, but really no fun.
02-07-2007, 01:54 PM
#38
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How about un-pimping your ride with a new VW GTI? There's even a four door
version available now.
The R32 will have to be used because they have not
produced one in the new body style. R32's were low production cars
and are quite sought after by enthusiasts which has kept their values up.
Finding a deal could be a challenge.
version available now.
The R32 will have to be used because they have not
produced one in the new body style. R32's were low production cars
and are quite sought after by enthusiasts which has kept their values up.
Finding a deal could be a challenge.
02-07-2007, 02:09 PM
#40
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Originally Posted by Harold_C
They're running a special lease deal on '07 Prius': $229/mo. right now through the month.
It's tempting to get something that balances my gas usage.
It's tempting to get something that balances my gas usage.
02-07-2007, 03:05 PM
#42
Rennlist Member
Not sure why there are so few BMW fans in the Renn community, although those of us that are BMW guys are fanatical. If you like to drive and the pleasure of quality character and some "practical fun" is important BMW is a natural selection. Clearly the second best German car company. Except for certain select models from Audi, VW and MB, BMW is a no brainer. I will agree with Greg Fishman and Harold_C a E39 540 or 530 is obvious. 3 series cars are great as well especially used. Try to find a certified model with a warranty although they are bullett proof. Where can you get a full sedan with an awesome chasis, a sporty attitude and suspension, a six speed tranny and a motor that is always willing. RWD with an excellent traction control system (DSC) that can be completely disabled.
If you must turn your back on the 2nd best car company in Germany and probably the world then I agree with the suggestions of an R32, one of the S4 Audis or the WRX or EVO.
If you must turn your back on the 2nd best car company in Germany and probably the world then I agree with the suggestions of an R32, one of the S4 Audis or the WRX or EVO.
02-07-2007, 03:10 PM
#43
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I had thought about trading my 02 530i (65k miles) for a new A4. Audi is offering a pretty nice lease deal (around $400/month), but after driving it I decided to keep my car. I didn't want a payment, and I just didn't feel as connected to the car. A S4 or RS4 would be nice but I don't need that much car for a DD. Also the 530i has a lot more torque than a stock 2.0T IMO.
02-07-2007, 04:25 PM
#44
Three Wheelin'
I also think a BMW is a no brainer. On the open highway, I really think there is no better car...they really are the "ultimate driving machine"...for the highway. My daily driver is a '95 525i 5-speed and it has 227K miles. I commute 100 miles per day and it has been absolutely flawless since new.
02-07-2007, 04:28 PM
#45
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Originally Posted by TomF
Do you have a link to this? I cannot find it anywhere online. It may not be available in my area, though...
Not all deals run in all areas, so you might be unlucky and not have one. But there are some other deals out there as well, including 0% APR on the Prius as well.