New (Used) Car

[dsheller]

So I'm thinking of buying a used BMW, either an M3 or a Z4, but can't decide on which, seeing as I'm single the 2 seater Z4 would work fine. What do you guys think, pros cons?

Edit: I'd probably get an 04 Z4 or an 02/03 M3. If that makes any difference to anyone out there.

[wossname]

A BMW will make you unpopular.

[dsheller]

Maybe in the UK.

[visualAd]

[dsheller]

VisualAd you have done it again!! You helped me make my decision, I think i'll go with the M3!

[Lord Orwell]

well since you are single i say go with the two seater. Coupes are sexy to easy chicks (so i have heard - wife is reading over shoulder )

[Lord Orwell]

ok now for my real answer. Visit cars.com and look around. They have a feedback section where everyone who owns a specific model of car can rate it and give their experiences. Helps prevent you from picking a lemon.

[mendhak]

It would be very un-American of you to buy a car that isn't a gas guzzler. We do, after all, want the ice caps to melt as soon as possible.

[zaza]

Gas-guzzling cars are so yesterday in the US of A. The next big thing is petrol-powered houses.

[dsheller]

It would be very un-American of you to buy a car that isn't a gas guzzler. We do, after all, want the ice caps to melt as soon as possible.

Hey man, no committments yet, I could still try and buy a Hummer!

[learning c]

he like euro cars by the sounds, how about:
http://www.citroen.com.au/cms/defaul...ticle&ID=22476

[Lord Orwell]

hey i posted a pic of a bunch of petrol-powered houses!

[kritikal]

to be honest the Z4 is a nice car, but I dont reccomend it

if you're a car lover, the M3 is for you, though you'll be looked upon as a snob without an individual opinion. my suggestion

Saloons:
Jaguar S-Type:
nice classes Michael Owen drives one, must be good then you can get these with low mileage(35.000 less) and about 2003-2005 for US$25k-$30K con would probably be the insurance, IMO the interior and looks are nicer. get the V8!

Audi A4:
this is a good car, very nice, you can buy a brand new one for 28K - 46K it has really cool looks to it, and its german, good competition for the 3 series. though If you've got 35K I'd go for a brand new 2008 Audi TT, the car looks cool on the in and out, and theres no iDrive.

Coupes:
Jaguar XKR: ok most of these are usually the low 40s high 30s price range, but in the link i found a decent one for a good price, this is definitely a lil out of you're price range unless you got 35Gs which then means you can afford a virtually brand new M3. the XK8s are alot cheaper but you're looking at the older version with the not so fresh looks. this one is the one with the latest facelift.

Porsche Boxster: There are tons in Charlotte, than have really low mileage(10.000 less) prices ranging 19K-28K this is a good option to the Z4 because it has more room in the Trunks (it has 2 trunks, bcause the engines behind the seats) though the age you're looking at 1999-2004.

Infiniti G35 Coupe: I thought this is something that you might want to consider, a mix between a sedan and a coupe, Inifiniti G35s can be found for 29K with low mileage(15.ooo less) at $29K, they look nice, and something to consider from Japan. Ifiniti is Nissan's Lexus, or Mercede's Maybach. and in the early 90s Nissan had the best technology on the market these days there in the top 5 easily.

you could get a corvette C5R for US$22K-28K but you seem more keen on the europeans, well if you are considering the BMW's the iDrive you either love or HATE. In My Opinion it should be called iDistract and then iCrash.
knowing me Id be looking at a vette or a jag

[dsheller]

The A4, Boxter, and Vette I have all considered, but I've been using BMWs for a few years, and really enjoy the handling. I think I'll have to go test drive a Boxer and A4 -- as I already know how the vette handles. As for the iDrive, I have used it fairly well on my dad's 06' 330, but never liked it... I am kind of neutral on the subject. Hopefully, any BMW I would want wouldn't have it =).

Now, the reason I want the M3 is because I test drove it and loved the handling and power, also since I do in fact have friends it would be useful to carry them around from time to time. My reason for the Z4 is basically ... because its a convertible =) I'll have to research the options you suggested and try to compare them all.

[Lord Orwell]

just throwing this out there... You could buy a New Toyota (example) for the same price as a used BMW

[dsheller]

I COULD be practical, but I am 19. Try again Lord Orwell.

[wossname]

Buy a horse and spray paint it the same colour as the car. Then you can trample your enemies on the way to work.

[dsheller]

Buy a horse and spray paint it the same colour as the car. Then you can trample your enemies on the way to work.

I have always wanted to trample my enemies... think the spray paint would decrease horsepower?

[mendhak]

My car has all its specifications in mulepowers. Even speed.

[Xcoder]

The A4, Boxter, and Vette I have all considered, but I've been using BMWs for a few years, and really enjoy the handling. I think I'll have to go test drive a Boxer and A4 -- as I already know how the vette handles. As for the iDrive, I have used it fairly well on my dad's 06' 330, but never liked it... I am kind of neutral on the subject. Hopefully, any BMW I would want wouldn't have it =).

Showboat.

[Bonker Gudd]

Get yourself a life man.

[kritikal]

damn dsheller, I aint got that much dough, and im nearly 18... lucky guy. wish i could be looking at a car of that kinda value already...

[dsheller]

damn dsheller, I aint got that much dough, and im nearly 18... lucky guy. wish i could be looking at a car of that kinda value already...

Been saving for about... forever, so I can put a large amount down. Rest I can finance pretty easily.

[kritikal]

and I've been working at WoolWorths(like Wal-Mart) since I was 15 and only have AU$18K (US$13.5K) and I've only been spending $600 a year...

[dsheller]

$13.5k isn't a bad amount to have in savings, especially if you're 18.

[Lord Orwell]

and just think how much you'll have saved after you blow it on your car, which you will probably wreck.

By the way (off topic) i was away from the forum for a long time. What happened to Parksie?

[kritikal]

true but its still a long way from 20K+ though

[dsheller]

and just think how much you'll have saved after you blow it on your car, which you will probably wreck.

By the way (off topic) i was away from the forum for a long time. What happened to Parksie?

I've wrecked one car, and am surprised I am still alive from it, so I don't plan on doing it again, thankfully it wasn't an expensive car. Almost dying in a car wreck makes you drive a whole lot safer... not saying I don't open up the throttle on straight aways still...

[thegreatone]

and just think how much you'll have saved after you blow it on your car, which you will probably wreck.

By the way (off topic) i was away from the forum for a long time. What happened to Parksie?

Parksie ha sadly passed away.

Here is the thread on this sad subject: http://www.vbforums.com/showthread.php?t=303151

:mike:

[Lord Orwell]

i opened a car up on a straightaway once - broke my hand in the wreck.

I also had a car tire fly apart at 95mph once.

[dsheller]

Well like I said, from mine I am surprised I am still here to type today. On a country road I was going like 45 and Bambi and her friends popped out in front of me -- I soon found myself smacking right into the side of a hill. Glad it happened where it did though, about 25 feet down the road the hill became a valley about 30 feet deep.

[Lord Orwell]

if you are worried about accidents, how about a nice used Volvo? Unibody construction and all that... I have had 5 deer at once pop out on the road in front of me also. I avoided a wreck somehow that time. I feel your pain.

Here is what you should do with your 20,000

$50 - used vw bus (people wagon)
$3000 - Porsche engine and transmission
$10 - crowbar to install engine with
$200 - wheelie bars (you will need them)
$2000 - labor to install above
$5,000 - custom Radio with 40" plasma tv & 4 15" subs
$3,000 hydraulics
$1,500 redo interior
$1,500 very nice paint & chrome
$3,500 one tank gas (just kidding - actually 24" rims)

that's pretty close to 20,000 and will get you laid more often (plus a built-in bed!)