YACT: alternative to E36 1996-98 3-series?

[andylawcc]

hehe... no, I am not looking for one right now, but i want this to be my next next car though.


so are there any alternative to the old 3-series?

 

[EarthwormJim]

Not much out there in a RWD sedan that handles well besides the e36 in that price range.

You could look for an IS300, but I doubt those can be had for $12k.

Why don't you want an e36 anyways? You don't like BMWs?

 

[andylawcc]

Originally posted by: EarthwormJim
Why don't you want an e36 anyways? You don't like BMWs?

oh no, don't get me wrong, I like them... (in a weird way I like the E36 gen more than E46). I just want to see if there are any other choices out there to keep me from being too one-sided.

 

[EarthwormJim]

Really aren't many RWD sporty sedans. Up until recently it was pretty much only BMW making one.

 

[andylawcc]

Originally posted by: EarthwormJim
Really aren't many RWD sporty sedans. Up until recently it was pretty much only BMW making one.

well, as you said, IS300, and, G35. but those are not 'old enough' to go under the 12-14k price range. The old C-class C190 may cut it, but they are a tad too old.

 

[andylawcc]

bumpie!

 

[SecretShadow]

w124 series Mercedes. They may not handle quite as well as the BMW, but they are definitely 'athletic.'

 

[andylawcc]

Originally posted by: SecretShadow
w124 series Mercedes. They may not handle quite as well as the BMW, but they are definitely 'athletic.'

ya, I actually like how they look. What the year did that model begin from?

 

[MikeMike]

a newer CTS should be falling into that area.

 

[andylawcc]

Originally posted by: MIKEMIKE
a newer CTS should be falling into that area.

http://autos.msn.com/research/vip/default.aspx?make=Cadillac&model=CTS#used

not quite there yet, maybe another 2-3 years it will be around 15k.
and their bottom-end V6 (a 2.8L?) is a rather weak one too. so I will pass on that.

 

[SecretShadow]

Originally posted by: andylawcc

Originally posted by: SecretShadow
w124 series Mercedes. They may not handle quite as well as the BMW, but they are definitely 'athletic.'

ya, I actually like how they look. What the year did that model begin from?

86-95-ish.

They made sedans, wagons, coupes, and convertibles. The convertibles still fetch a pretty penny. I believe there were some advanced (or maybe aftermarket?) handling options, research it up?

I'd try to find either a 94 or a 95, they had fixed most of the issues by then (oil leaks I think?). Almost contrary to common sense, the E420 does not perform much better than the E320, so don't kill yourself trying to go with the bigger engine.

If you REALLY want to work hard, try to find a 94 or 95 E500. They were modified E420's, hand-built together with Porsche.

 

[andylawcc]

hey hey, a 94-5 E320 Coupe/Sedan is around 8000.... hummm... tempting. (I am car shopping now)


nah, they looks too mature for me though

 

[SecretShadow]

Originally posted by: andylawcc
hey hey, a 94-5 E320 Coupe/Sedan is around 8000.... hummm... tempting. (I am car shopping now)


nah, they looks too mature for me though

What about a Lincoln LS? Are they down to 12k yet?

 

[andylawcc]

Originally posted by: SecretShadow

Originally posted by: andylawcc
hey hey, a 94-5 E320 Coupe/Sedan is around 8000.... hummm... tempting. (I am car shopping now)


nah, they looks too mature for me though

What about a Lincoln LS? Are they down to 12k yet?

ya, just check with autos.msn.com, the 2000 v6 one is around 10k. and I do like how they look too.

 

[MikeMike]

Originally posted by: andylawcc

Originally posted by: MIKEMIKE
a newer CTS should be falling into that area.

http://autos.msn.com/research/vip/default.aspx?make=Cadillac&model=CTS#used

not quite there yet, maybe another 2-3 years it will be around 15k.
and their bottom-end V6 (a 2.8L?) is a rather weak one too. so I will pass on that.

you are saying the 210 hp that the 2.8l puts out, is weak but the 190 thats in the 1998 bmw 3 series, 328 isnt???

also, the 2.8 is extreme base.

the 3.6 has 255 and shouldnt be that much more expensive.

edit: i didnt know this but, the 04 CTS only came with a 3.2l V6, and it put out 220hp.

 

[kt]

What about the first generation of Lexus GS300? Can't go wrong with an inline-6 that puts out about 220hp.

 

[Aimster]

My friend sold his M3 for 12k.
I believe it was a 1999?

It was beautiful.

Look for an M3 for around 12k.

 

[KevinH]

Originally posted by: kt
What about the first generation of Lexus GS300? Can't go wrong with an inline-6 that puts out about 220hp.

It's FWD.

 

[kt]

Originally posted by: KevinH

Originally posted by: kt
What about the first generation of Lexus GS300? Can't go wrong with an inline-6 that puts out about 220hp.

It's FWD.

Where do you get the idea that it's a FWD? Are you confusing it with the Lexus ES line maybe? GS has always been RWD.

 

[KevinH]

Originally posted by: kt

Originally posted by: KevinH

Originally posted by: kt
What about the first generation of Lexus GS300? Can't go wrong with an inline-6 that puts out about 220hp.

It's FWD.

Where do you get the idea that it's a FWD? Are you confusing it with the Lexus ES line maybe? GS has always been RWD.

Oh yah. Have them mixed.

-Come by tomorrow and help me install my new head unit kt.