I test drove a BMW 135

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A

ArizonaSteve

Senior member
Dec 20, 2003
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I'm looking to replace my aging Misubishi Eclipse GT in the next six months or so. I test drove a BMW 135 last weekend (automatic - if I buy one I'll be buying the stick-shift) and was impressed with the acceleration and handling.

I'm a bit of a speed freak, but I also like some refinement. What other makes/models should I be considering in the $40K price range?
 
Arkaign

Arkaign

Lifer
Oct 27, 2006
20,736
1,379
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Originally posted by: ArizonaSteve
I'm looking to replace my aging Misubishi Eclipse GT in the next six months or so. I test drove a BMW 135 last weekend (automatic - if I buy one I'll be buying the stick-shift) and was impressed with the acceleration and handling.

I'm a bit of a speed freak, but I also like some refinement. What other makes/models should I be considering in the $40K price range?
Click to expand...

CPO M3?

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/...dist=12&standard=false

Might be a shade out of price range, but a good deal.

Also not to be missed would be a spin in a C6 Vette. Best Vette interior yet, though it's not exactly the nicest on the market.
 
SSSnail

SSSnail

Lifer
Nov 29, 2006
17,458
83
86
You can even pick up some older 911's and such for $40K, usually those cars are driven by bimbos with big fake breasts (or older guys that does 65mph on the highway but like to be seen in a Porsche) and the cars are kept in top conditions.
 
Knavish

Knavish

Senior member
May 17, 2002
910
3
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1-2 year old Porsche Cayman can be had for < $40k ... now that's a nice looking German car. :)
 
Imported

Imported

Lifer
Sep 2, 2000
14,679
23
81
Evolution MR? I saw one for $34k with 0% financing for 60 months last weekend. Probably not as refined as you want though.
 
C

Cobalt

Diamond Member
Apr 3, 2000
4,642
1
81
Originally posted by: Arkaign
Originally posted by: ArizonaSteve
I'm looking to replace my aging Misubishi Eclipse GT in the next six months or so. I test drove a BMW 135 last weekend (automatic - if I buy one I'll be buying the stick-shift) and was impressed with the acceleration and handling.

I'm a bit of a speed freak, but I also like some refinement. What other makes/models should I be considering in the $40K price range?
Click to expand...

CPO M3?

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/...dist=12&standard=false

Might be a shade out of price range, but a good deal.

Also not to be missed would be a spin in a C6 Vette. Best Vette interior yet, though it's not exactly the nicest on the market.
Click to expand...

With the way those E90/92s are sitting on dealer lots you can get a brand new one for around $50k. And with better financing deals too.
 
Kadarin

Kadarin

Lifer
Nov 23, 2001
44,296
16
81
The M3 (and the 335 e92, for that matter) is a much better looking car, IMO, than the 1 series.
 
A

ArizonaSteve

Senior member
Dec 20, 2003
764
105
106
Good suggestions there, but the SO has vetoed the Corvette (too much of a "mid life crisis" car, apparently) and the Evolution MR ('cause it's a Mitsubishi Lancer). And I'm not allowed to buy a four-door either.

I like the 370Z. Not so sure about the Pontiac (it is GM after all).

Keep 'em coming!!

How does the Porsche Boxter stack up?
 
G

GoatMonkey

Golden Member
Feb 25, 2005
1,253
0
0
The 135 is a badass little car. I'd prefer a 335 to have a little more interior space, but that's down to your personal preference.

There really isn't a direct competitor for the 135. Some are kind of similar but not exactly. Just get the 135 and enjoy it.

 
punjabiplaya

punjabiplaya

Diamond Member
Nov 12, 2006
3,495
1
71
Boxster is nice, but I thought the interior was fugly. If you want small and fast, a GTI is always a good choice. Audi TT/A4 are also good choices.
 
SSSnail

SSSnail

Lifer
Nov 29, 2006
17,458
83
86
If you're gonna go with Boxster, go with a newer BoxsterS (2004 > ). You can get a nicely outfitted interior with the Boxster depends on your options, but keep in mind that this is a roadster, and as such the interior will be no nonsense.

I personally would take the 135, simply because of the amazing drive train although it's a bit "smallish" for my taste. Look around for a 911, you're bound to find one in good condition for around $40K.
 
Imported

Imported

Lifer
Sep 2, 2000
14,679
23
81
I don't know what else in that range that I would take over a 135. They are amazing cars. I too would prefer a 335 coupe though.
 
RichieZ

RichieZ

Diamond Member
Jun 1, 2000
6,551
40
91
why would you buy a boxster in the last model year of this generation 2?
 
Kromis

Kromis

Diamond Member
Mar 2, 2006
5,214
1
81
Originally posted by: Fmr12B
Nissan 370Z

Corvette base model with Z51 should be $38-$42K.

'06 GT0

G37
Click to expand...

:thumbsup:

Edmunds had a comparison test between the Z and the 135i. They gave the nod to the Z :)
 
NutBucket

NutBucket

Lifer
Aug 30, 2000
27,169
643
126
Originally posted by: ArizonaSteve
Not so sure about the Pontiac (it is GM after all).
Click to expand...
The G8 is probably one of the best cars GM sells. Every "professional" reviewer loves it. And, if the Aussies built it, you can be sure its over-engineered. They're crazy down there for some reason but they LOVE their ridiculously fast, "domestic", RWD sedans (Ford Falcon, for example).

 
Kirby

Kirby

Lifer
Apr 10, 2006
12,028
2
0
Originally posted by: punjabiplaya
Boxster is nice, but I thought the interior was fugly. If you want small and fast, a GTI is always a good choice. Audi TT/A4 are also good choices.
Click to expand...

I think a R32 with biturbos would be a better bet. :D
 
B

bananapeel42

Banned
Feb 5, 2008
327
0
0
If you're a speed freak that wants refinement I think the 135 is by far your best bet, you're going to get a great interior and a fast car. It is faster than the 370Z g37, etc. etc.
 
A

ayabe

Diamond Member
Aug 10, 2005
7,449
0
0
Originally posted by: bananapeel42
If you're a speed freak that wants refinement I think the 135 is by far your best bet, you're going to get a great interior and a fast car. It is faster than the 370Z g37, etc. etc.
Click to expand...

It's not faster than the 370z, they're pretty much neck and neck with the Z having a leg up big time in the handling department. Of course you can easily flash the 135 for a nice boost in power.

Aside from being slightly or majorly fug depending on who you ask, it's not easy to find a 135 with a manual and/or not a convertible. You'll probably have to order it, which means you're gonna get raped on the price.

Just something else to consider.
 
Imported

Imported

Lifer
Sep 2, 2000
14,679
23
81
Originally posted by: ayabe
Originally posted by: bananapeel42
If you're a speed freak that wants refinement I think the 135 is by far your best bet, you're going to get a great interior and a fast car. It is faster than the 370Z g37, etc. etc.
Click to expand...

It's not faster than the 370z, they're pretty much neck and neck with the Z having a leg up big time in the handling department. Of course you can easily flash the 135 for a nice boost in power.

Aside from being slightly or majorly fug depending on who you ask, it's not easy to find a 135 with a manual and/or not a convertible. You'll probably have to order it, which means you're gonna get raped on the price.

Just something else to consider.
Click to expand...

I looked at a 370Z over the weekend and the two they had were marked up 4.5k. Both were the touring model, no nav, and auto.
 
B

BlahBlahYouToo

Lifer
Jul 10, 2007
12,041
3
0
Originally posted by: ArizonaSteve
Good suggestions there, but the SO has vetoed the Corvette (too much of a "mid life crisis" car, apparently) and the Evolution MR ('cause it's a Mitsubishi Lancer). And I'm not allowed to buy a four-door either.

I like the 370Z. Not so sure about the Pontiac (it is GM after all).

Keep 'em coming!!

How does the Porsche Boxter stack up?
Click to expand...

boxster is down on power unless you get the S.
 
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