[Ryan335]

Ok guys,

Looking for a nice (read luxury), preferably fast car in the 35k region. I really dont care about gas mileage and just want a luxurious, fast and preferably german car. I will most likely buy used and so far have thought of a few options. I don't know if there is a new car offered that fits the criteria I'm looking for. Right now I'm leaning towards the S4 and 545i....I just love the V8 noises and torque. I'll post my initial options below but feel free to offer any other suggestions!

'05 Audi S4 (15-25k miles)
'04 545i (25-35k miles)
'05 CLK500 (15-25k miles)
'06 Lexus IS 350 (<15k miles)
'06 Jeep SRT8 (<10k miles)
'06 330i (<15k miles)

Cars that I know I don't like are G35, evo, sti, or anything american (besides jeep).

So guys, Which would you choose!!!

ps. If it helps I will be taking this car to college and it might get dinged up slightly (living in DC) and nav. is a must. THANKS!!

[epbrown]

Why not a used E46 M3? After that, my choice would be an off-lease 530i, rather than an E46 330i.

[hks786]

I'd say go for the S4 or the IS350...

[hks786]

Originally Posted by epbrown

Why not a used E46 M3? After that, my choice would be an off-lease 530i, rather than an E46 330i.

+1 on the E46 M3...

[Ryan335]

Originally Posted by hks786

+1 on the E46 M3...

I know i know... the 2 problems with that is that living in DC (constant traffic) I don't want a stick (hate smg...tried to like it but never did)... the ride is also pretty rough...albeit not much worse than the S4 and I think the interior looks a bit dated. Thanks for the suggestion though.... keep them comming!

[eleven11]

Things I'd consider:

2004 C32 - fast, but body style getting outdated
2006 330i -
2006 is350 - not bad, but not German
2005 S4 - exterior isn't my fav, but it's a strong car
2003 CLK55 -> rare, but you can find with under 40000 miles for this price, and better reliability than the C32 given it's n/a
2004/5 CLK500 - not sure how well the non-AMG handles
2005 Porsche Boxter - actually, the Boxster isn't my cup of tea, but worth mentioning

2005(?) Lotus - not really luxury, but really fun and quick


-you won't get a 2004 545 for that price with those miles (at least as of 2 months ago when I looked), but 530i is worth checking out.

[Ryan335]

Originally Posted by epbrown

Why not a used E46 M3? After that, my choice would be an off-lease 530i, rather than an E46 330i.

That was kind of my thinking.... the '04 545i's are starting to come of leases and the prices are falling pretty quickly.

[hks786]

Originally Posted by Ryan335

I know i know... the 2 problems with that is that living in DC (constant traffic) I don't want a stick (hate smg...tried to like it but never did)... the ride is also pretty rough...albeit not much worse than the S4 and I think the interior looks a bit dated. Thanks for the suggestion though.... keep them comming!

Hmm, what about an IS350? I love the new IS...

[Dammmittt]

S4

[Ryan335]

Originally Posted by eleven11

Things I'd consider:

2004 C32 - fast, but body style getting outdated
2006 330i -
2006 is350 - not bad, but not German
2005 S4 - exterior isn't my fav, but it's a strong car
2003 CLK55 -> rare, but you can find with under 40000 miles for this price, and better reliability than the C32 given it's n/a
2004/5 CLK500 - not sure how well the non-AMG handles
2005 Porsche Boxter - actually, the Boxster isn't my cup of tea, but worth mentioning

2005(?) Lotus - not really luxury, but really fun and quick


-you won't get a 2004 545 for that price with those miles (at least as of 2 months ago when I looked), but 530i is worth checking out.

I thought the same thing until I looked for 545i's today! There are a number of them in the 35-40k range and they looked pretty clean!

Heres a good example of one!

http://www.cars.com/go/search/detail...eadExists=true

[BMW F22]

06 BMW 330i but Im biased.

[zenmaster]

Would you consider an '08 135i?

[Ryan335]

Originally Posted by BMWE90

06 BMW 330i but Im biased.

I'm with you on the 330i, but I'm worried that it wont be as thrilling to drive as the S4 or 545. If I could get into a 335i I would do it in a heartbeat but at this time I think they are still a little too expensive....am i right?

[Ryan335]

Originally Posted by zenmaster

Would you consider an '08 135i?

Yes but I need the car by the 1st week of august...:mad:

[zenmaster]

Originally Posted by Ryan335

Yes but I need the car by the 1st week of august...:mad:

Go the the BMW dealership and tell them your story. Maybe get a cheap lease on something nice, and arrange a pre-order the 135i.

[younghov85]

i like the IS but its very small!

[ward]

how about a year or two old vette

[Ray]

545i

But I wonder if you can rely on this car.

[bullitt5897]

do not do an IS350 if your looking for performance. If your looking for an Amazing ride comfort and a nice car IS 350 all the way!!!

For performance I would go with the SRT8. Mercedes are just Junk!!! Porsche I just dont care for them because the materials used arent that great for the prices they charge!

My overall choice for ya would be between the IS and The Jeep.
Good Luck!

[zimbim]

Go 545i with the extended warranty to 100,000 miles. Make sure you have that extended warranty and you're safe.

[ik999]

if you can find the 545i at the price you want, it might be a good choice.

[OhhaiAlex]

E36/46 M3 Hands down