25 Comments
 

Define 'very expensive' with regards to leasing.

-------------------------------------------------------- "I do not think there is any other quality so essential to success of any kind as the quality of perseverance. It overcom
 

It would be a crappy M3. Just get a small Beemer like a 3 series. Also, if you're into engine performance, Pontiac makes some cheap cars with some serious horse power. G8 isn't even that bad.

I also like the new GMC SUV's. Might be able to get a smaller one stripped down for a decent price.

 

A4, M3, and CTS (all 05-ish with 30K+ miles) seem like the way to go for me. I take it that they are already significantly depreciated, so when I sell them back I wouldn't lose on on too much of their original value.

Thanks for the help!

 

With that price range, I would go for an E46 M3, no question.

The 1 series has decent performance but is seriously ugly. I'm not sure what is going through their heads these days, although the new 5 series is decent. I don't think they'll ever top the classics like the E30 M3 or even the E39.

Depending on what you are thinking in terms of practicality, some other nice options would be a Mercedes-Benz CLK430, Honda S2000 or a late 90s C5 Corvette.

 

I would go with a used Acura TL. Great car, fun to drive, and you can get one without too many miles for 20k.

If you wanna step it up a little bit, get an 05 or 06 BMW 5 series.

 
Best Response

For the current generation of the 3 series is denominated E90-E93. It goes E90 (Sedan), E91 (Wagon), E92 (Coupe) and E93 (Cabriolet). There are two engine sizes in the US, a 3.0L I6 (the 328) and a 3.0L twin-turbo I6 (the 335). They dropped the Ci and CiC designations, so sedans, coupes and cabriolets will be 328i/335i. The Xi refers to the four wheel drive versions, as the standard is rear wheel drive. There is also 328d/335d models, indicating diesel.

Past generation is the E46. Comes in 325/328/330 in the US, all naturally aspirated. Same designations as the current generation, but also with Ci for coupes and CiC for convertibles. Some convertibles come with just the Ci name as well. Let me know if you have any specific questions.

 

Moneyrunner--

E46 (1999 - 2006):

323i = 2.5L I6 170 hp 325i = 2.5L I6 184 hp 328i = 2.8L I6 193 hp 330i = 3.0L I6 225 hp 330xi = 3.0L I6 225 hp AWD M3 = 3.2L I6 333 hp

323Ci/325Ci/328Ci/330Ci are simply the 2dr coupe versions with the same specs (for the most part). CiC = 2dr convertible. The 330 and 325 replaced the 323 and 328 during the e46 lifecycle.

 

BTW if you are a guy, don't get a 3-series convertible because they are flaming. I won't deny that they are nice cars, but there is an unwritten rule that only women can drive 3-series converts. In general, I think that the newest generation looks much more feminine (especially the E92 coupe, the E90 sedan is just straight ugly). My ultimate recommendation would be a pristine E36 M3 coupe in arctic silver, particularly a 95-96 OBD1. Also the royal purple ones (super rare) are surprisingly masculine and a true collector's item.

 

Get whatever you want. Fuck the "unwritten rules". You can start dictating to me what car to drive when you're paying for them.

But I agree with moneyrunner-buy a Metrocard and for the 1 day a month you need a car, invest in a Zipcar account.

"We are lawyers! We sue people! Occasionally, we get aggressive and garnish wages, but WE DO NOT ABDUCT!" -Boston Legal-
 

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"We are lawyers! We sue people! Occasionally, we get aggressive and garnish wages, but WE DO NOT ABDUCT!" -Boston Legal-

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