My First Big Boy Purchase; NEED ADVICE

Nkc · 11-05-2015, 12:51 AM

135 ftw.

theriz · 11-05-2015, 01:22 AM

buy a carolla. save for something you really want.

Fundguy1 · 11-05-2015, 07:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by theriz

buy a carolla. save for something you really want.

Basically my advice but for me and maybe him a nice car was what I really wanted.

Lshaw · 11-05-2015, 02:08 PM

LOL Regarding #3 on your Needs list. You wont accomplish that by any means with a Mini, nor a GTI (my opinion, dont hate me, hatches are not for everyone).

If you are coming from a SUV, i would stick with a 4 door for the ability to haul things around, passengers, etc. It is more practical, and yet still fun.

It seems like you are sticking with German?
-e46 M3 would be awesome, great car, however like all older luxury cars, maintenance might not be worth it in the long run, plus not something you want to give to your sister. SMG transmission isn't for everyone, assuming you dont want a manual.

-135/128 would be a good candidate if you want a small 2 door. You will have a blast in this car and good bang for your buck in terms of modding. Comparable to the Mini and GTI.

-e9x 335, are relatively affordable nowadays, and a pretty good entry car. Disregarding engine reliability, etc. Good size, great power, very mod friendly and sufficient amount of space, even the e92s have decent passenger room without the extra 2 doors

-Audi S line or A line, cant overlook as well. But living in texas, the awd isnt necessary, but still fun. I would personally love an S4, only for the power +awd (Coming from a subaru background)

Good luck.

Fundguy1 · 11-05-2015, 05:52 PM

Yeah, I'd look 335 4 door or even 535I if it was the only car. Not a Volkswagen(insert Audi) fan. You could always go Xi if you want awd but probably you don't.

danniexi · 11-06-2015, 11:27 AM

whatever you buy, buy used. won't get hit with depreciation as badly. save that money.

MaC-N54-E82 · 11-06-2015, 10:24 PM

I'm biased, but I would recommend the 135i. They pack a ton of performance at a very reasonable price in the used car market.

R N M · 11-08-2015, 09:36 AM

New for 30k - Mustang, BRZ, WRX

Used - E90 92 328i/335i but make sure you get warranty.

135i and GTI are ok but dont do much for me styling wise.

E46 M3 is a special car but you need to have $10k on the side as repair fund if you plan to daily it.

Never_Enough · 11-09-2015, 08:58 AM

335i or Miata.

Also, buying a car because other might look at you? LOL!!! You need a lot more than $30k for that.

Red Bread · 11-09-2015, 10:51 AM

Used Elise if you want attention and don't mind the smell of glue or the build quality of some drunk teenagers.

Never_Enough · 11-09-2015, 02:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Red Bread

Used Elise if you want attention and don't mind the smell of glue or the build quality of some drunk teenagers.

My friend's Exige was a solid car & TONS of fun to drive

Red Bread · 11-09-2015, 03:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BoostedRide

Quote:

Originally Posted by Red Bread

Used Elise if you want attention and don't mind the smell of glue or the build quality of some drunk teenagers.

My friend's Exige was a solid car & TONS of fun to drive

The mechanical bits seem well done, but things like the sunvisors, center console and even the headlights have been known to just randomly fall off. My buddy's Exige shed parts at random, probably to just save weight.

lcrain · 11-09-2015, 04:52 PM

I would enjoy a rear-drive BMW more than a front-drive hatch as an only car, personally. You can get a very nice E46 M3 for 30k. I'd probably cap your purchase price at 25k, and put 5k in an account that you do not touch except for maintenance/oh shit repairs.

If you decide to down that road, head over to M3forums and read A LOT about what to look out for. There are a ton of E46 M3s that have been abused at this point. Finding a really nice one will be challenging. They aren't unreliable cars, but they need to be maintained. If you can find one that has the big ticket items checked off (subframe reinforced, vanos buttoned up, bushings would be a huge plus though not required IMO, rod bearings) it is certainly worth paying a premium for.

That said, if you want to give this to your sister, or you just plan to drive around town, don't buy an e46.

Alfisti · 11-09-2015, 05:25 PM

X1 withthe 6 in it, drop it a couppla inches. Goes like a rat up a drain pipe, has the badge and should fit the budget.

Fundguy1 · 11-09-2015, 07:03 PM

Dark knight what are your thoughts? What did you do?

Nitrousbird · 11-12-2015, 10:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lcrain

I would enjoy a rear-drive BMW more than a front-drive hatch as an only car, personally. You can get a very nice E46 M3 for 30k. I'd probably cap your purchase price at 25k, and put 5k in an account that you do not touch except for maintenance/oh shit repairs.

That better be one hell of a nice E46 M3 for 30k! You can get a pretty nice E92 M3 for that kind of money.

But again, should a kid fresh out of college start his big boy life with a 30k car payment? A 5 year, 3%, 30k loan is $539/month. Have to figure insurance on the cars we are talking about for a young guy will be at least $200/month. Add in fuel, maintenance and repairs he will be shelling out close to $1000/month for a car. Not exactly a smart financial plan for someone straight out of school.

Alfisti · 11-12-2015, 02:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nitrousbird

That better be one hell of a nice E46 M3 for 30k! You can get a pretty nice E92 M3 for that kind of money.

But again, should a kid fresh out of college start his big boy life with a 30k car payment? A 5 year, 3%, 30k loan is $539/month. Have to figure insurance on the cars we are talking about for a young guy will be at least $200/month. Add in fuel, maintenance and repairs he will be shelling out close to $1000/month for a car. Not exactly a smart financial plan for someone straight out of school.

This. Really, get serious young man.

koreez88 · 11-12-2015, 07:07 PM

OP, what would the down payment be?

adc · 11-13-2015, 10:00 AM

Go for a 2008 or 2009 E90 M3 with less than 70k miles on it. Should be very close to your $30k limit. Stripper car if you can, it will be more reliable that way. Then add an extended warranty for piece of mind.

It is very special, drives and sounds great, has street cred. And if you're lucky, it may not depreciate a lot or even at all over the next 3-5 years.

Fundguy1 · 11-13-2015, 10:13 AM

I think he's gone. He has 7 posts in 7 years. So this is all academic.

11-05-2015, 12:51 AM	#23
Nkc NOOB 1607 Rep 1,356 Posts Drives: Cars Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: @BMWclassicdivision iTrader: (0)	135 ftw.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-05-2015, 01:22 AM	#24
theriz Brigadier General 408 Rep 3,583 Posts Drives: 2017 M3 Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Ventura County, CA iTrader: (2) Garage List 2017 F80 M3 [0.00] 2011 335i M-Sport [4.00] 2015 M3 [0.00] 2009 X5 [10.00]	buy a carolla. save for something you really want.
	Appreciate 1 Quote

11-05-2015, 02:08 PM	#26
Lshaw Lieutenant Colonel 255 Rep 1,873 Posts Drives: 09 335i 6mt Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: NYC/Pittsburgh iTrader: (21)	LOL Regarding #3 on your Needs list. You wont accomplish that by any means with a Mini, nor a GTI (my opinion, dont hate me, hatches are not for everyone). If you are coming from a SUV, i would stick with a 4 door for the ability to haul things around, passengers, etc. It is more practical, and yet still fun. It seems like you are sticking with German? -e46 M3 would be awesome, great car, however like all older luxury cars, maintenance might not be worth it in the long run, plus not something you want to give to your sister. SMG transmission isn't for everyone, assuming you dont want a manual. -135/128 would be a good candidate if you want a small 2 door. You will have a blast in this car and good bang for your buck in terms of modding. Comparable to the Mini and GTI. -e9x 335, are relatively affordable nowadays, and a pretty good entry car. Disregarding engine reliability, etc. Good size, great power, very mod friendly and sufficient amount of space, even the e92s have decent passenger room without the extra 2 doors -Audi S line or A line, cant overlook as well. But living in texas, the awd isnt necessary, but still fun. I would personally love an S4, only for the power +awd (Coming from a subaru background) Good luck. __________________ 07 335xi (2007-2010) 08 Legacy Spec B (08-) 09 335i (2010-) 15 X5 xdrive 35i (2015-) 17 Forester XT (2016-)
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-05-2015, 05:52 PM	#27
Fundguy1 Major General 2051 Rep 8,339 Posts Drives: 335 e93 Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: Orlando, fl iTrader: (0)	Yeah, I'd look 335 4 door or even 535I if it was the only car. Not a Volkswagen(insert Audi) fan. You could always go Xi if you want awd but probably you don't.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-06-2015, 11:27 AM	#28
danniexi Brigadier General 3258 Rep 4,450 Posts Drives: 2022 F97 X3M Comp LCI Join Date: May 2008 Location: NJ/NY iTrader: (15) Garage List 2022 BMW X3M Compet ... [10.00] 2016 BMW F80 M3 [10.00]	whatever you buy, buy used. won't get hit with depreciation as badly. save that money. __________________ BMW MY22 F97 X3MC LCI - CURRENT BUILD THREAD\| Instagram: @danniexi BMW MY16 F80 M3 - GONE BMW MY08 E92 335XI - GONE BMW MY06 E46 325XI - GONE
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-06-2015, 10:24 PM	#29
MaC-N54-E82 S58 Love 615 Rep 487 Posts Drives: 2023 M4 Competition xDrive Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: OR iTrader: (0) Garage List 2023 BMW M4 Competi ... [10.00]	I'm biased, but I would recommend the 135i. They pack a ton of performance at a very reasonable price in the used car market. __________________ MAC Current: 2023 G82\|BG over BLK Prior: 2008 N54 E82\|AW over CR Also: FJ60, Volvo Recharge
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-08-2015, 09:36 AM	#30
R N M Colonel 3886 Rep 2,128 Posts Drives: F80 M3 Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: NYC iTrader: (0) Garage List 2016 BMW M3 [0.00]	New for 30k - Mustang, BRZ, WRX Used - E90 92 328i/335i but make sure you get warranty. 135i and GTI are ok but dont do much for me styling wise. E46 M3 is a special car but you need to have $10k on the side as repair fund if you plan to daily it.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-09-2015, 08:58 AM	#31
Never_Enough Banned 2246 Rep 2,476 Posts Drives: Satan's Chariot 2.0 Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: PA iTrader: (6) Garage List 2018 Charger Hellcat [0.00]	335i or Miata. Also, buying a car because other might look at you? LOL!!! You need a lot more than $30k for that.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-09-2015, 10:51 AM	#32
Red Bread Major General 4460 Rep 9,136 Posts Drives: Smog machines Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Austin, TX iTrader: (0)	Used Elise if you want attention and don't mind the smell of glue or the build quality of some drunk teenagers.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-09-2015, 04:52 PM	#35
lcrain Captain 60 Rep 865 Posts Drives: e36 m3, TT-RS Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Dallas, TX iTrader: (1)	I would enjoy a rear-drive BMW more than a front-drive hatch as an only car, personally. You can get a very nice E46 M3 for 30k. I'd probably cap your purchase price at 25k, and put 5k in an account that you do not touch except for maintenance/oh shit repairs. If you decide to down that road, head over to M3forums and read A LOT about what to look out for. There are a ton of E46 M3s that have been abused at this point. Finding a really nice one will be challenging. They aren't unreliable cars, but they need to be maintained. If you can find one that has the big ticket items checked off (subframe reinforced, vanos buttoned up, bushings would be a huge plus though not required IMO, rod bearings) it is certainly worth paying a premium for. That said, if you want to give this to your sister, or you just plan to drive around town, don't buy an e46.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-09-2015, 05:25 PM	#36
Alfisti Brigadier General 7095 Rep 3,263 Posts Drives: 2008 Saab 9-3 Combi Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: Toronto, Canada iTrader: (0)	X1 withthe 6 in it, drop it a couppla inches. Goes like a rat up a drain pipe, has the badge and should fit the budget.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-09-2015, 07:03 PM	#37
Fundguy1 Major General 2051 Rep 8,339 Posts Drives: 335 e93 Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: Orlando, fl iTrader: (0)	Dark knight what are your thoughts? What did you do?
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-12-2015, 07:07 PM	#40
koreez88 Всем привет ;) 152 Rep 3,358 Posts Drives: Tesla Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: USA iTrader: (12)	OP, what would the down payment be?
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-13-2015, 10:00 AM	#41
adc Major General 2825 Rep 6,803 Posts Drives: 2018 F80 M3 ED Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: MD/DC iTrader: (12)	Go for a 2008 or 2009 E90 M3 with less than 70k miles on it. Should be very close to your $30k limit. Stripper car if you can, it will be more reliable that way. Then add an extended warranty for piece of mind. It is very special, drives and sounds great, has street cred. And if you're lucky, it may not depreciate a lot or even at all over the next 3-5 years. __________________ 2018 991.2 Carrera T 2019 Z4 30i 2022 X2 M35i
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-13-2015, 10:13 AM	#42
Fundguy1 Major General 2051 Rep 8,339 Posts Drives: 335 e93 Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: Orlando, fl iTrader: (0)	I think he's gone. He has 7 posts in 7 years. So this is all academic.
	Appreciate 0 Quote