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$12k to spend

B

ballmode

Lifer
I've been looking at these used luxury sedans for quite a while to replace my miata.

I have found a handful in my area of each with around 80k-120k on the clock.
Should I consider purchasing any of these vehicles for a daily driver?
 
If all you have to spend is 12k then why don't you get something other than a luxury car so you can get a lot more car for the money with a lot less miles that will last longer?
 
As long as you have a rainy day fund set aside for repairs that will be necessary, go for it. Even better if you can turn a wrench yourself. Parts tend to wear out at ~100k. I've never driven either, so I can't comment on which I would prefer.

What is wrong with the Miata?
 
Originally posted by: zerocool84
If all you have to spend is 12k then why don't you get something other than a luxury car so you can get a lot more car for the money with a lot less miles that will last longer?
Click to expand...

Out of warranty foreign lux cars depreciate like a rock, especially BMWs. Chances are, he's actually getting much more car for his $12k than he would if he were looking at Accords / Camrys.
 
I can do regular maintain items, I can change shocks... but internal engine work I can't do.

I have been reading that the BMW 3 series go through bushings around 60-70k miles, power window motors go bad and water pumps/radiators. That and power steering hoses 🙁

As for the Infiniti VQ35 engine, well that is in the altima/maxima/g35/350z/those suv's they make, I'm sure I'll be fine engine/tranny wise.

I'd rather buy one with 100-120k miles with all the recent stuff done to it than buying one for 80k and having to spend money in the next 10-30k miles. What do you guys think?
 
Originally posted by: Black88GTA
As long as you have a rainy day fund set aside for repairs that will be necessary, go for it. Even better if you can turn a wrench yourself. Parts tend to wear out at ~100k. I've never driven either, so I can't comment on which I would prefer.

What is wrong with the Miata?
Click to expand...



It's too small, what I should do is drive it till it gets cold. Then I will probably trade it in for something... I'm not driving it for another winter as my only car ever again, or any convertible for that matter.
 
Originally posted by: ballmode
Originally posted by: Black88GTA
As long as you have a rainy day fund set aside for repairs that will be necessary, go for it. Even better if you can turn a wrench yourself. Parts tend to wear out at ~100k. I've never driven either, so I can't comment on which I would prefer.

What is wrong with the Miata?
Click to expand...



It's too small, what I should do is drive it till it gets cold. Then I will probably trade it in for something... I'm not driving it for another winter as my only car ever again, or any convertible for that matter.
Click to expand...

Ah, ok then. Just kind of curious.

Anyway, watch out for subframe issues on E46 (1999 - 2006) 3 series models. I am not aware of any serious issues with the G35 off the top of my head.
 
G35, though both are very nice. Parts will be a little cheaper and easier to come by. Slight power advantage, great car. Enjoy!
 
The only thing I've ever done to my '05 330Ci is changing the oil out of interval (7500 instead of the recommended 15000 miles) and changed my "lifetime" transmission fluid and filter; the car is approaching 60K but I do drive quite a bit. Never had any problems, neither does one of my cousin with his 325Ci. I still like my car, and prefer it over many others, despite its lack of power.

I'm a preventative sort of guy, so I change my fluids based on street wisdom rather than what manufacturer recommends. Anything that could go wrong at a certain interval, new parts go in; it gives me a peace of mind knowing everything is always in perfect working order and not waiting on something to fail.

I have some friends with G35s, couldn't like them enough.
 
http://www.g35driver.com that forums there has tons of info just use the search.

http://www.infinitihelp.com this site has great DIY videos and instructions for many things on the G35 as well as price calculators on how much maintenance should cost and more all in all its a great site.

http://www.infinitipartsusa.com/ never buy parts at Infiniti dealer they will rip you off, this site has some good prices but shop around. Also you can bring in your car to Nissan dealers as well and do maintenance or repairs for cheaper then from an Infiniti dealer. A g35 has the same engine as a 350z, somethings they will make you go to the Infiniti dealer though.

Good luck on your selection.
 
I don't think so. BMW's are expensive as hell to maintain when they start breaking down. Something with that much mileage and not on a warranty anymore might be on the verge of having some problems.
 
Originally posted by: ballmode
Originally posted by: Black88GTA
As long as you have a rainy day fund set aside for repairs that will be necessary, go for it. Even better if you can turn a wrench yourself. Parts tend to wear out at ~100k. I've never driven either, so I can't comment on which I would prefer.

What is wrong with the Miata?
Click to expand...



It's too small, what I should do is drive it till it gets cold. Then I will probably trade it in for something... I'm not driving it for another winter as my only car ever again, or any convertible for that matter.
Click to expand...

A tip - you'll get a lot more for a convertible now than when the weather is cold.
 
If you had to get a G35 or BMW 330 with that many miles on it, I'd take the G35 simply because of maintenance and reliability.
 
I'm starting to lean this way if I find the right car.


E46 330i Manual w/sports package > Any G35 Sedan > 330i auto

if I can't find a manual bmw there will be no point for me to buy the car. the auto G35 is faster than the auto 330i and has better Cd than a 330i which I didn't know
 
ARE YOU INSANE?

There is no comparison. G35 in the hizzy. First, I bet it's got less miles/is newer and next it's not a BMW with its maintenance issues. The G35 has one of the best V6s ever made. Most of them are good for about 5 million miles. Ok, I'm lying. 3 million. Go with the g35.

I think given your ability to do work up to the shock level it's not the end of the world to buy one of these used. Any car of that age is going to eat up some parts here and there but you'll probably be fine unless you have a drivetrain come-apart (which I'm sure is more likely on the BMW and when it happens will cost a great deal more to fix).

If performance is what you're looking for, at least from a power to weight ratio, the G35 will get it for you more than a BMW unless you get a particularly old one, then you're looking at even higher maintenance.
 
www.autohausaz.com for bmw parts. Some of the best prices i've seen.

Any reason you want the 3 series? You could go to an E39 525/528 etc for less than that. I got my 540 wagon for $10k with 111k miles, and I was paying a premium for the wagon. I've seen 5 spd 540 sedans with around 100k for $8k
 
I had an 05 G35S sedan.

I loved that car. It was my favorite of all the cars I've had and they include BMW, Lexus, Acura, Subaru, Honda and VW.

I had two problems with it. One was the clutch would not spring back up after pushing it in every once in a while and the other was with a bad CD changer.

My '95 325i had tons of problems. I have a brand new 335i and its already had its fuel pump and fuel injectors replaced at 2,500 miles. I love the way the car drives but I'm really concerned about its long term reliability.
 
Originally posted by: Black88GTA
Originally posted by: zerocool84
If all you have to spend is 12k then why don't you get something other than a luxury car so you can get a lot more car for the money with a lot less miles that will last longer?
Click to expand...

Out of warranty foreign lux cars depreciate like a rock, especially BMWs. Chances are, he's actually getting much more car for his $12k than he would if he were looking at Accords / Camrys.
Click to expand...

Ding!

I buy german cars at around 100K on the clock for that reason, it's a great value.
 
Originally posted by: thegimp03
I don't think so. BMW's are expensive as hell to maintain when they start breaking down. Something with that much mileage and not on a warranty anymore might be on the verge of having some problems.
Click to expand...

That's EXACTLY the mentality that allows people like me to get fantastic deals.
 
Originally posted by: ballmode
I'm starting to lean this way if I find the right car.


E46 330i Manual w/sports package > Any G35 Sedan > 330i auto

if I can't find a manual bmw there will be no point for me to buy the car. the auto G35 is faster than the auto 330i and has better Cd than a 330i which I didn't know
Click to expand...

My brother has a manual 328 coupe, bought it some 2 years and the only maintenance he's had to do was ball joins wearing out (listen for clunks when going over bumps).

I'm not a big fan of the G35 sedan (looks goofy to me, IMO), but I'd take the coupe of a 3 series coupe for sure. That VQ motor is awesome.
 
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