Help me pick a new car!

hoorah

Senior member
Dec 8, 2005
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My old BMW 525 lost its second gear synchro last night, and I've been thinking about upgrading anyway, so I think its time I sold it/traded it and got something new. I'd rather not spend the time and money to fix it.

I love the way the car drove (still does too in 1, 3, 4, and 5 gears), so I'm very partial to getting another BMW. I like the E46 (3 series between like 2000 and 2005), so I've been considering a 2004 330i w/ the sport package. I don't really have any in mind, thats just what I was looking for. Problem is I'm having a hard time justifying $30k on a car, even if I can afford it.

So, any other ideas that I should test drive before buying one? I think I've covered most everything unless theres an interesting car out there I don't know about. It has to have a manual gearbox, it has to have xenon lights, and it has to have leather. Beyond that, I am very preferential to RWD cars.

I drove the G35 coupe, don't like it.

Haven't driven anything by Volvo in awhile, but I like the way they look. FWD though. Mabye an S40R or an S60 T5.

I've always liked the Maxima for what it offered for the price, but the latest design makes me kinda say "eh".

I like the way the new mustang looks, but its never really been a part of my lifestyle. On top of that, the insurance would kill me (I've checked, and no I don't have anything on my record).

Love the Audi A4(with some upgrades) and S4, but only comes in 4 door. Would prefer 2 door, but can't have everything.

Like the Mercedes C class, but thats my girlfriend's car, can't have another one of those.

I've no problems with a RWD acura, but they are much more limited in manual trans variants.

Okay, I think I left myself no other options because I'm too picky, but if you have any suggestions, lets hear them!
 

akiraxtc

Senior member
Feb 1, 2001
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How about 6sp 2005 RX8? It's an RWD car, has option for Xenon, leather, and damn nice tranmission and engine sound to boot :)
 

PricklyPete

Lifer
Sep 17, 2002
14,582
162
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Originally posted by: akiraxtc
How about 6sp 2005 RX8? It's an RWD car, has option for Xenon, leather, and damn nice tranmission and engine sound to boot :)

Definitely a good suggestion.

I'd also suggest the new MazdaSpeed6...atlhougth not everyone loves them...I test drove one the other day and thought it was a hoot.
 

tvbi

Banned
Mar 2, 2005
275
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Originally posted by: akiraxtc
How about 6sp 2005 RX8? It's an RWD car, has option for Xenon, leather, and damn nice tranmission and engine sound to boot :)

and the hunger for gas and oil...
 

PricklyPete

Lifer
Sep 17, 2002
14,582
162
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Another one that is at least worth a test drive is the GTO unless you are completely turned off by the looks. Comfortable and Fast...although if you're looking for the "prestige" of a BMW, Merc, Acura, or Audi...you won't get it with a GTO or a Mazda.

Tried the Lexus IS250 or IS350? While 4 doors, it is very sporty looking and you can get the 250 with a manual.
 

fbrdphreak

Lifer
Apr 17, 2004
17,555
1
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Originally posted by: akiraxtc
How about 6sp 2005 RX8? It's an RWD car, has option for Xenon, leather, and damn nice tranmission and engine sound to boot :)
You see, most people like a little thing called TORQUE
 

hoorah

Senior member
Dec 8, 2005
755
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Ah, the lexus IS! I knew there was one I was forgetting.

Yeah, will have to look at that. You can't get the IS350 with a 5/6 speed? I will have to take a look at the 250 though.

I've been looking alot at the 330, and all of the ones I like that have the colors/options I want are 4 doors. So, if I'm going to end up getting one with 4 doors anyway, I might as well include other 4 door cars in the search.

As for the GTO, well, I can't say I've test driven it, but a 6L engine with gas prices where they are and the insurance on a vette motor don't exactly get me revved up. I'll take a look, but its probably not going to happen. Thanks for the suggestion though.

As for rev matching and driving it for a few thousand miles, how do you think I'm getting to work now :)?
 

vi edit

Elite Member
Super Moderator
Oct 28, 1999
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GTO came to mind as well.

Can be had in low 20's used, Mid-high 20's new with good haggling.
 

MikeMike

Lifer
Feb 6, 2000
45,885
66
91
Originally posted by: vi_edit
GTO came to mind as well.

Can be had in low 20's used, Mid-high 20's new with good haggling.

haggle properly and you can get it for 26k.

also, 28mpg on highway (ppl report 30) isnt bad at all.

city is different.

Insurance isnt all that costly, im 20, and progressive quoted me something like 1400 a year for it with their top of the line everything.
 

hoorah

Senior member
Dec 8, 2005
755
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Ok, for the G35c...

It may have been partially because I got the pushiest salesman on the face of the earth and it was overall a waste of time to even look at it because I had to leave the guy was so annoying, but here were the things I didn't like about it.

I wasn't impressed with the quality of the leather. Mabye I'm imagining things.

It felt very heavy in the turns, and the dynamic stability control was invasive to the point I was slower through the turns than with a car with no equipment. Nowhere near as agile as my 93 4 door BMW (weighing in at 3700lbs).

Most of all, it didn't feel like a driver's car like a BMW or a Mercedes does. More like it was built to cruise up and down A1A, which is fine if thats what you're looking for. Keep in mind I went in with the highest expectations of that car, I love the way it looks. After I drove it though, it just wasn't anything I wanted to keep.
 

SithSolo1

Diamond Member
Mar 19, 2001
7,740
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Was the sales guy in the car? Around here they give you the keys and let you drive around by yourself. Having never driven a BMW I can't compare but I have no problem tossing my 35 around the twisties, it seems to like them. Also did you drive the one with the sport package? I got an '05 w/ it but I can't remember if the its an option or standard on the '06s. Anyway, my last car was a 4x4 truck so what do I know. :eek:
 

DainBramaged

Lifer
Jun 19, 2003
23,454
41
91
Originally posted by: MIKEMIKE
Originally posted by: vi_edit
GTO came to mind as well.

Can be had in low 20's used, Mid-high 20's new with good haggling.

haggle properly and you can get it for 26k.

also, 28mpg on highway (ppl report 30) isnt bad at all.

city is different.

Insurance isnt all that costly, im 20, and progressive quoted me something like 1400 a year for it with their top of the line everything.

And 17 in the city.
 

hoorah

Senior member
Dec 8, 2005
755
18
81
Thanks for all the help. I decided on a 2001 330Ci Coupe with some nice options. I expect to get to price negotiations soon (fun).
 

Aharami

Lifer
Aug 31, 2001
21,205
165
106
Originally posted by: hoorah
Thanks for all the help. I decided on a 2001 330Ci Coupe with some nice options. I expect to get to price negotiations soon (fun).

nice car
 

Doboji

Diamond Member
May 18, 2001
7,912
0
76
Test drive the Mazdaspeed6... it's remarkeably BMWlike... thats what I drive... It's AWD with a front bias... but try it out... You may find you like it.

 

Googer

Lifer
Nov 11, 2004
12,576
7
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Originally posted by: Doboji
Test drive the Mazdaspeed6... it's remarkeably BMWlike... thats what I drive... It's AWD with a front bias... but try it out... You may find you like it.

It might be but FWD will never be like a BMW. The biggest thing that gives BMW it's handling ability is the 50/50 weight distribution. The Mazda with 60/40 will never truly be like a real BIMMER. The 6 will always be subjected to understeer.

http://autos.yahoo.com/newcars/mazda_ma...ylt=AhwFcpCW6IXcO.24go4oviPR6ckF?p=all