Which make and model is Best here?

[z1ggy]

Maybe in the near future I am thinking about going after a used BMW or Audi. If I could afford it I would look at the M3 or the S5, but if I didn't find anything worth while at a good price I would also look at 335's or A6's. Is it a bad idea to even go after a used European car such as these?

 

[boardsportsrule]

bmw>all imho.

although my buddies audi is fun; the 1990's-20002ish bmw's are the cleanest looking cars in my opinion.

If you're an enthusiast of any sort, look at some BMW forums and find the things to look for in the model that you're looking at purchasing. just saying m3 doesnt say much, as they had m3's as far back as the 80's...

in my opinion the E46 m3 is the one to get if you're going for classy and E36 m3 if you're going for an autocross car.

i'd suggest starting at

http://www.google.com/search?sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8&q=e46+forum

and reading up on the e46 and see if its soemthing you're interested in...

ps. no it's not bad, but it may be expensive. I have owned a few bmw's, now onto a 1984 e28...needs some attention but damn fun to drive and work on.

 

[Arkaign]

What is your budget? That will really determine whether or not this is a good idea. Also whether or not you care about RWD/AWD/FWD. Are you wanting a luxury car or a fast car, or a mix of both?

 

[Imdmn04]

I have a 335i, I probably would not keep it too long after the warranty runs out.

One major problem is the high speed fuel pump, BMW extended the warranty on this to 100,000 miles after everybody complained about the failure. However, there are too many little things like electronic components that can go wrong on European cars that are not covered after the standard warranty. Dealer will charge you an arm and a leg just to reset an engine light after warranty.

Unless you do your own maintenance work, buy a used BMW/Audi/Mercedes with the assumption that you should have disposable cash lying around to fix a problem when they arise.

 

[z1ggy]

What is your budget? That will really determine whether or not this is a good idea. Also whether or not you care about RWD/AWD/FWD. Are you wanting a luxury car or a fast car, or a mix of both?

My budget would be from about 20k to 25k give or take a little bit. I would really like to get something higher than a 2001 maybe even closer to the 2003 to 2004 range. I would like RWD or AWD, def not Front wheel. I want mainly something thats sporty and fun to drive, but also has some class and luxury to it too. If I had to sacrifice one of the two things, I would sacrifice the luxury.

 

[Doggiedog]

I've got a 335i as well. I'll probably get the new F30 3-series when it comes out in 2012.

I had my HPFP replaced at 2500 miles and am not confident in keeping this car longer than 4 years. I was hoping to have the car 10 years but I doubt it will last that long. BMW doesn't seem to care that people are having failed HPFPs.

If you care about sportiness though, the 335i is really a beast. I am thrilled every time I drive the car.

 

[zerocool84]

Have you taken into account the cost to maintain these after they've had some miles? The parts are going to be more expensive than other cars obviously cus they're luxury. Also keep in mind that Audi doesn't have the best reliability.

 

[JulesMaximus]

I own a couple cars...my bike kills both of them along with most other cars. They all have their plus's and minus's...

 

[iGas]

JD Power used car reliability:


2006 Audi A6 Sedan
Fuel Economy Range:
17 mpg city - 29 mpg highway

Maximum Seating Capacity:
5 people

Horsepower Range:
255 hp - 335 hp


Overall Initial Quality:

Overall Performance and Design:

Vehicle Dependability:

2009 Audi S5 Coupe
Fuel Economy Range:
14 mpg city - 24 mpg highway

Maximum Seating Capacity:
4 people

Horsepower Range:
354 hp


Overall Initial Quality: [SIZE=+1]*[/SIZE]

Overall Performance and Design: [SIZE=+1]*[/SIZE]

Predicted Reliability:

IMHO, Audi is the better if those are the only choices because it is more dependable than BMW.

2006 BMW 3 Series Sedan

2006 BMW 5 Series Sedan

 

[Arkaign]

OP, I think the best choice in your budget would be :

G37 Coupe

or

IS350

Both are more on equal standing to the ~300hp 3-Series and A4 offerings, but simpler design and almost certainly more reliable and cheaper to maintain. I can't speak for the IS350 personally, but I think the G37S coupe drives just as good as the 335i coupe, although it has a slightly 'bigger' feel to it, and the steering has a little more power to it.

In a perfect world, the 335i would be my clear choice, but I don't think I can recommend one out of warranty. They're perfect for the type that drives them for the first year or three under factory warranty, but after that, I don't think it's a great idea. Ditto with Audi.

 

[brblx]

i think it's hard to beat the BMW in driving feel. 'ultimate driving machine' maybenot, but they're nice. the audis are also good, but just don't feel as tight.

20-25k seems like a low budget for a non-VW german car, though. that's more GTI or maybe A3 territory.

if you have to go more than 2-3 years old to get a BMW, then you can't afford one (unless we're talking older more 'tuner' friendly cars like e30's). sounds mean, but i just think you may regret it down the line. no reason not to buy a brand new car with with a warranty if you're gonna spend 25k. but that much probably won't even get a certified pre-owned bmw.

 

[z1ggy]

If I wasn't able to find anything worth while in the german car line up, I would always love to own some American made muscle. Would it be better/worse to try to pick up a used Mustang GT, or a Camero SS or maybe even a Z06?

 

[iGas]

Go for a Porsche if turning heads is your goal.

Damned cheap toy

 

[Imdmn04]

Go for a Porsche if turning heads is your goal.

Damned cheap toy

A 9 year old boxer is not going to turn any heads other than the "poser" label.

 

[Arkaign]

A 9 year old boxer is not going to turn any heads other than the "poser" label.

Boxsters are still really nice driving cars, and AFAIK pretty reliable. Not the most practical things, but imho that's a pretty decent bargain for that type of car.