OT: Replacement Commuter Car
02-07-2007, 04:45 PM
#46
Burning Brakes
VW R32 is an interesting idea...is there a good place to get more information?
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.
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, 04:49 PM
#47
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I DD an e46 M3. Exceptional vehicle and an 01 can be had for 25-27 IF you really look.
They are very fast and very fuel efficient for a commute in comparison to their performance. Likewise, any e46 BMW is a good buy in my opinion-fun to drive, efficient and generally maintenance free BESIDES the damn air bag issues.
They are very fast and very fuel efficient for a commute in comparison to their performance. Likewise, any e46 BMW is a good buy in my opinion-fun to drive, efficient and generally maintenance free BESIDES the damn air bag issues.
02-07-2007, 05:43 PM
#48
Rennlist Member
Originally Posted by Sean Spicer
...Actually, what is BMW maintenance like in general (2002+ 3-series, 5 series)...
I would test drive a 325 with and without the sport suspension. That sport suspension is really nice on the track, but on the street it's a bit comparable to my 88 Carrera. I actually prefer a little body roll for a street car.
02-07-2007, 05:51 PM
#49
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Originally Posted by Jukelemon
I DD an e46 M3. Exceptional vehicle and an 01 can be had for 25-27 IF you really look.
They are very fast and very fuel efficient for a commute in comparison to their performance. Likewise, any e46 BMW is a good buy in my opinion-fun to drive, efficient and generally maintenance free BESIDES the damn air bag issues.
They are very fast and very fuel efficient for a commute in comparison to their performance. Likewise, any e46 BMW is a good buy in my opinion-fun to drive, efficient and generally maintenance free BESIDES the damn air bag issues.
realllllllllllllllly loook.... the only ones I've seen in that price range have been salvaged..
02-07-2007, 06:10 PM
#50
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Another BMW daily driver here too. We bought an '01 325i Touring (aka wagon) back in '05 to replace a lemon'd Volvo XC90.
It's been a great car, nothing major other than the known issues (control arms, ball joints,rear shock mounts), but then these are just great excuses for what else, upgrades!
Our wagon has the 5 speed manual, so performance has been surprisingly good. With the upgraded brakes (Brembo BBK), suspension (Eibach coilovers), and new control arms, the car handles far better than most daily driven vehicles ought to.
Space is great. We were able to haul a 3 burner gas barbeque in several boxes along with my two boys in the rear back home. While probably not safest way to transport boxes and barbeques, it nonetheless fit.
In my experience, the Audi's nose heavy balance in the A4 was annoying as it plowed around cloverleafs. The BMW has good balance and just has an overall better 'feel' when the road turns curvy. Or maybe it's just I miss my old 2002tii...
-travis
It's been a great car, nothing major other than the known issues (control arms, ball joints,rear shock mounts), but then these are just great excuses for what else, upgrades!
Our wagon has the 5 speed manual, so performance has been surprisingly good. With the upgraded brakes (Brembo BBK), suspension (Eibach coilovers), and new control arms, the car handles far better than most daily driven vehicles ought to.
Space is great. We were able to haul a 3 burner gas barbeque in several boxes along with my two boys in the rear back home. While probably not safest way to transport boxes and barbeques, it nonetheless fit.
In my experience, the Audi's nose heavy balance in the A4 was annoying as it plowed around cloverleafs. The BMW has good balance and just has an overall better 'feel' when the road turns curvy. Or maybe it's just I miss my old 2002tii...
-travis
02-07-2007, 06:14 PM
#51
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I'm still rooting for the WRX, but the R32 appears to be back at VW:
http://jalopnik.com/cars/news/chicag...r32-234791.php
http://jalopnik.com/cars/news/chicag...r32-234791.php
02-07-2007, 08:31 PM
#53
Rennlist Member
Originally Posted by Van1
I just bought a '98 BMW 540i Sport 6 speed as my commuter car. Paid $13k for a very nice example with 100k mi. With a budget like yours, you could find a newer example with much less mileage. Just look for one that has had the problem areas addressed. This car runs like a top and starts with absolutely no problem with the sub 0 degree F temps we have had lately here in Omaha. Even goes better in the snow with Blizzaks than my wife's all wheel drive ML500 with all season Michelins. Should definately answer all of your criteria you laid out except for the maybe the last one in that it might be a little thirstier than some others mentioned. But the 310 lbs of twist is addicting. Wish my 993 had that kind of torque. I absolutely love driving the 540. Very comfortable and fast. It is the perfect addition to my 993.
Yeah, what he said. This is what $17999 gets you in a 2001 540i w/ 55k mi
I'd much rather have this over an A4 or a Honda!
6spd or you can of course get them with automatic:
http://www.cars.com/go/search/detail...eadExists=true
Good luck,
Steve R
02-08-2007, 12:23 AM
#54
Rennlist Member
Thread Starter
Wow Steve! That's a helluva deal...If I could find a similar one I'd probably pull the trigger. I love the prior gen 5-series (e39?). And 55K for $17K...wow. I'm not worthy.
sean
sean
02-08-2007, 12:41 AM
#57
Drifting
Like Van1, I drive a 1998 540i 6-speed daily. I can't say enough good things about the car. I bought mine a year ago with 99K on the clock for $12K in perfect condition. It has been a maintenance free year and hoping for another one. The car has plenty of power and is a blast to drive. For your budget, you could get an extremely nice one. I would go middle of the road and get one like Steve posted for $18-20K. Good luck!
02-08-2007, 12:15 PM
#58
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Originally Posted by troppo
2005 acura tl 6 speed...very fun to drive and much more reliable than the bmw's, vw's, etc...
02-08-2007, 12:22 PM
#59
Rennlist Member
NICE the BMW guys have come out in full support!!!
Mine looks identical to the one Steve R found you. Mine is an 02 with a little newer interior. I bought it a year ago for $29K with 42K miles certified and BMW warrantied to Jan 2008 or 100K miles. The car is absolutely addictive! The chasis, the suspension, the TORQUE ohhh the TORQUE and the gorgeous sound. Prices have come down significantly, so if I loved it at $29K I really love it at $18K.
Good luck on your search.
PS
Drove my friend's 2004 Range Rover which uses the 4.4 V8 and it is great in that application as well.
Mine looks identical to the one Steve R found you. Mine is an 02 with a little newer interior. I bought it a year ago for $29K with 42K miles certified and BMW warrantied to Jan 2008 or 100K miles. The car is absolutely addictive! The chasis, the suspension, the TORQUE ohhh the TORQUE and the gorgeous sound. Prices have come down significantly, so if I loved it at $29K I really love it at $18K.
Good luck on your search.
PS
Drove my friend's 2004 Range Rover which uses the 4.4 V8 and it is great in that application as well.
02-08-2007, 01:53 PM
#60
Rennlist Member
Thread Starter
Thought you might enjoy this...using data on cars.com, I thought I'd post what the market looks like from an asking price perspective...that's a good deal. Now if someone would call me back. Grin.