Same price which do you choose for a daily with all factors taken into account (fun, maintenance, gas mileage, insurance)?
BMW 330i with ZHP performance package and AA supercharger, 330 hp
E46 M3
06 STi
00-02 BMW M5
V8 Audi S4
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Same price which do you choose for a daily with all factors taken into account (fun, maintenance, gas mileage, insurance)?
BMW 330i with ZHP performance package and AA supercharger, 330 hp
E46 M3
06 STi
00-02 BMW M5
V8 Audi S4
I think I'd pick the STi.
Ze Germans, zey make nice cars, but zey are not zo good to maintain...
M3.
Those can all be pretty pricey to maintain IMO.
The M3 and M5 both have expensive Service II's. Make friends with a BMW tech ;) The M5 is old enough that it won't have or be able to have without spending a lot of money aftermarket a lot of the "cool" things that we take for granted now (satellite radio, bluetooth, nav, etc.)
The S4 is pretty thirsty. Like 14mpg thirsty. Right now, not a big deal, but when gas hits $4/gal for premium again...
The ZHP is a nice car (although I'm not a fan of the alcantara), but once you put the blower on there you really start to make compromises regarding the longevity of the car.
The 06 STi will beat you up as a daily driver. The creature comforts in it aren't anywhere near as good as any of the other cars on your list.
Insurance on the 330i will likely be the cheapest (esp. if you don't tell them about the blower). The older M5 might be decently cheap to insure too.
If it was me, I'm partial to a E46 M3 convertible non SMG. Or an E46 M3 CSL (no cruise control on this one though).
07 335i's are starting to get into this price range too. Make sure you get one with the oil cooler (mid 07 addition or warranty addition as well). Spend < $1k on mods (chip mostly) and you've got a VERY fast vehicle that's very comfortable. Likely still under the "free" maintenance and warranty too.
It doesn't ever snow, so reliability and cost of ownership would be the major factors in the STI's favor.
The M5 just makes me weak in the knees.
I would narrow it down to the STI and M5 (only if it was a stick). Then I'd test drive em both and make a decision.
Chris
E46 M3 plus an extended warranty plan.
Have you looked at an Evo X? You can get them brand new for well under $30k, and they're very impressive cars. More "grown up" than an '06 STi, but very capable and fun to drive.
M3
M3.
Make me an offer.
J/K
Have you had this one forever, yet?Quote:
Originally Posted by ken o
Nope, need another week.Quote:
Originally Posted by wrx74
Look it wasn't me that brought this up ;)Quote:
Originally Posted by altiain
If this is strictly for the street, a used 335i would be WAY more comfortable (front seats at least, rear is more comfortable in the Evo) and the trunk is about twice the size in the 335i than the Evo (two sets of clubs are tight in the evo's trunk).
Then again, it's been so long, I don't really remember what a stock Evo drives like any more.
I can do most the inspection 2 stuff myself, it's just basic maintenance. The rest can be handled by a good independent shop at a reasonable rate. I've never driven the M5 or Sti but I really liked a 330i sedan I drove, I personally love the alcantara.Quote:
Originally Posted by goofygrin
M3 is really nice, I was highly impressed with Ken's. You can't get a CSL here in the US, closest thing is competition package. N54 motor in the 335 is appealing but too common and a SMU chick car, plus 400 wtq with no LSD is not appealing.
Evo X is too out of the price range (mid to high 20's) and also I hate the way it looks (no offense, just preference). I'm sure the performance is awesome and I did like the interior but it's just not for me.
Right now I'm thinking E46 M3 followed by 330 zhp with a 6 psi kit (which should be plenty reliable). Need to drive an M5 but most are too old and not sure if I will like the Sti at all plus would hate to get pulled over by the cops every 5 mins
I'd love to have an older M5. They are IMO, the last of the classic BMWs (E46's being the LAST of the classic BMW).
Something like this:
http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=366471
ETA: FWIW, the Evo X is now < $30k for a base model. It was down to $27k last month, but higher now :-/. And I agree the looks aren't for everyone.
The e39 M5 is a tank. It will run forever. Like the older 7's. The clutch is a bit heavy and it handles like a 4000lb car. I put 115K miles on an e39 and only had to spend $1,500 in non-BMW covered work. And you can fit 4 sets of clubs in the boot.
None of the above.
I need some other choices.
For long trips, I would choose a Lincoln Towncar.
For an all around sports car, I have what I want, A Mazdaspeed Miata.
For when the price of gas shoots back past $4.00/gallon, ugly no longer matters. I would prefer a Hybrid, hopefully this one at 100 miles per gallon.
Ooohh that's a nice M5, reasonable price too for the mileage. Thanks for the link.Quote:
Originally Posted by goofygrin
Quote:
Originally Posted by Radio-Active
My Dodge ram does just fine for long trips (~24MPG in most cases)
The Jeep takes me where the Ram can't.
The Solara is a good all around touring car.
I just don't think I need anything else. I rarely drove the Miata even close to its limits so I don't need a sports car.
Maybe Cosmos should just get a Solara? :mrgreen:
M3
I'd rather ride a bicycleQuote:
Originally Posted by altiain
E46 M3 :drive: I've always wanted one, but I'm afraid of maint cost, and am truly unfamiliar with the brand. For instance I have no idea what service II means. Thus the un-know makes me :scared:
That and I'm no baller like you, just a lowly public servant :( hardly getting by with an unemployed wife (I think she likes being home) and a kid starting college next semester :punchout:
Oh, sorry I degress, the M3 for me.
I'm no baller, I just don't have a wife, mortagage or a kid so more play money.Quote:
Originally Posted by TurboDuane
Oh, but you are ;), some days I wish I had no wife, kid starting college, and no mortgage.Quote:
Originally Posted by CosmosMpower
On the bright side, in 6 or so years I'll own my house free and clear, my son should be done with school, so I'll only have the wife left ::Fruity::
Sorry, all, but the correct answer is 330i.
so would IQuote:
Originally Posted by CosmosMpower
Dude... you are on your honeymoon... put the computer away and go ravage your bride!Quote:
Originally Posted by boisking