$35,000ish to spend on a car... WHICH TO CHOOSE??

Ryan335 · 07-02-2007, 09:42 PM

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 · 07-02-2007, 09:47 PM

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

hks786 · 07-02-2007, 09:48 PM

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

hks786 · 07-02-2007, 09:48 PM

Quote:

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 · 07-02-2007, 09:52 PM

Quote:

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 · 07-02-2007, 09:53 PM

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2004 C32 - fast, but body style getting outdated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 · 07-02-2007, 09:54 PM

Quote:

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 · 07-02-2007, 09:56 PM

Quote:

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 · 07-02-2007, 10:08 PM

S4

Ryan335 · 07-02-2007, 10:08 PM

Quote:

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 · 07-02-2007, 10:14 PM

06 BMW 330i but Im biased.

zenmaster · 07-02-2007, 10:15 PM

Would you consider an '08 135i?

Ryan335 · 07-02-2007, 10:17 PM

Quote:

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 · 07-02-2007, 10:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zenmaster

Would you consider an '08 135i?

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

zenmaster · 07-02-2007, 10:23 PM

Quote:

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 · 07-02-2007, 11:13 PM

i like the IS but its very small!

ward · 07-02-2007, 11:15 PM

how about a year or two old vette

Ray · 07-02-2007, 11:28 PM

545i

But I wonder if you can rely on this car.

bullitt5897 · 07-02-2007, 11:29 PM

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 · 07-02-2007, 11:32 PM

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

ik999 · 07-02-2007, 11:59 PM

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

OhhaiAlex · 07-03-2007, 05:49 AM

E36/46 M3 Hands down

07-02-2007, 09:42 PM	#1
Ryan335 Lieutenant 107 Rep 428 Posts Drives: Macan GTS Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Chicago iTrader: (0)	$35,000ish to spend on a car... WHICH TO CHOOSE?? 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!!
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07-02-2007, 09:47 PM	#2
epbrown Colonel 63 Rep 2,128 Posts Drives: BMW M Coupe, Porsche Boxster S Join Date: May 2007 Location: Chicago, IL iTrader: (0)	Why not a used E46 M3? After that, my choice would be an off-lease 530i, rather than an E46 330i.
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07-02-2007, 09:48 PM	#3
hks786 Major General 2270 Rep 5,364 Posts Drives: * Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: UK iTrader: (0)	I'd say go for the S4 or the IS350... __________________
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07-02-2007, 09:53 PM	#6
eleven11 Major 411 Rep 1,457 Posts Drives: -F85 X5M- Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Derby City iTrader: (0)	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. __________________ 2017 X5M - Current 2017 F31 Wagon - Current 2014 M5 ZCP - Retired 2011 135i Coupe - Retired 2007 335i Sedan - Retired
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07-02-2007, 10:08 PM	#9
Dammmittt My favorite sign. 175 Rep 4,338 Posts Drives: 2007 M Coupe Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Der Autobahnen iTrader: (0)	S4 __________________ 07 ///M Coupe (Premium Package) Black Saphire Ext. Imola Red Int. Best Website EVER!
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07-02-2007, 10:14 PM	#11
BMW F22 Major General 3654 Rep 9,783 Posts Drives: ///M235i Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Bay Area iTrader: (8)	06 BMW 330i but Im biased.
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07-02-2007, 10:15 PM	#12
zenmaster Brigadier General 1581 Rep 3,888 Posts Drives: '17 M2 Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Atlanta iTrader: (1)	Would you consider an '08 135i?
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07-02-2007, 11:13 PM	#16
younghov85 Captain 68 Rep 889 Posts Drives: 2006 E90 black 325 Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Lanham, Maryland iTrader: (0)	i like the IS but its very small!
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07-02-2007, 11:15 PM	#17
ward Major General 159 Rep 6,158 Posts Drives: F Join Date: May 2005 Location: T iTrader: (0)	how about a year or two old vette
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07-02-2007, 11:28 PM	#18
Ray Member 313 Rep 22,825 Posts Drives: three series Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: sfCA iTrader: (0)	545i But I wonder if you can rely on this car.
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07-02-2007, 11:29 PM	#19
bullitt5897 Second Lieutenant 14 Rep 249 Posts Drives: is300 Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: atl iTrader: (0)	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!
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07-02-2007, 11:32 PM	#20
zimbim Second Lieutenant 12 Rep 215 Posts Drives: 335i Coupe Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Charleston,SC iTrader: (0) Garage List 2007 e350 Sport [0.00] 2007 335i Coupe [0.00]	Go 545i with the extended warranty to 100,000 miles. Make sure you have that extended warranty and you're safe. __________________ e92/Black Sapphire/Coral Red/Aluminium Trim and Pedals/Sport/Luxury/Nav/Keyless/Ipod Adapter/6MT/Sirius/Turbo Tuner
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07-02-2007, 11:59 PM	#21
ik999 Lieutenant 25 Rep 497 Posts Drives: e90 335i f32 435xi Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: gta iTrader: (0)	if you can find the 545i at the price you want, it might be a good choice.
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07-03-2007, 05:49 AM	#22
OhhaiAlex Oh hai :) 50 Rep 3,880 Posts Drives: M3 Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Santa Clara iTrader: (0)	E36/46 M3 Hands down __________________
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