Officially looking for my next ride!

[Chate]

Summers drawn to a close, and i'm now realistically looking for a car wohooo!

I've decided on a BMW 530i, 2007+ in white. Yeah i know its gonna be quite a power drop from the vette (350 to 255hp) but I think the reliability, lack of noise, and ride comfort/styling (and fancy factor) will be my compensation. I've contacted dealers thru the BMW CPO website with what i'm looking for but its supposedly gonna be tough to find one with the heads up display option...which I REALLY want because i STILL regret not getting it in the vette :(

anyway this is gonna be my car for the next 5 years at least (till i pay off the 70-80k of student loans i'll have at graduation) so if youve got any feedback on the car choice i'd appreciate it (anyone have one??) my range is 30k or less so if you see one anywhere let me know!

[SeanPlunk]

Summers drawn to a close, and i'm now realistically looking for a car wohooo!

I've decided on a BMW 530i, 2007+ in white. Yeah i know its gonna be quite a power drop from the vette (350 to 255hp) but I think the reliability, lack of noise, and ride comfort/styling (and fancy factor) will be my compensation. I've contacted dealers thru the BMW CPO website with what i'm looking for but its supposedly gonna be tough to find one with the heads up display option...which I REALLY want because i STILL regret not getting it in the vette :(

anyway this is gonna be my car for the next 5 years at least (till i pay off the 70-80k of student loans i'll have at graduation) so if youve got any feedback on the car choice i'd appreciate it (anyone have one??) my range is 30k or less so if you see one anywhere let me know!

They're really nice cars, but you can pick up a nice 335i (http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/searchresults.jsp?num_records=25&search_lang=en&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&search_type=both&distance=200&address=92807&marketZipError=false&style_flag=1&make=BMW&model=335I&make2=&start_year=2007&end_year=2010&min_price=&max_price=30000&seller_type=b&transmission=&engine=&drive=&doors=&fuel=&max_mileage=45000&color=&keywordsrep=&keywordsfyc=&keywords_display=&sort_type=priceDESC&body_code=0&certified=&advanced=y&highlightFirstMakeModel=&showZipError=y&default_sort=priceDESC&awsp=false&systime=&sownerid=604978&rdm=1252368277499) in that price range as well and IMHO it's a better car hands down.

[Chate]

Yeah i like the 335i, I've already heard reports of turbo failures though...i really dont want to deal with that. Even BMW says "life average is 6 years" and with me, u or any of the guys on this board driving we'll be juiceboxing it the day we buy it...
After the vette i just want something that runs nicely and that i dont have to keep taking to the shop...comfort/convenience over power

and the 335i doesnt have a spare tire, after the vette i hate run flats too...driving with normal tires and a AAA card isnt really that practical haha also the 530 gets better mpg in real world driving based on forums i've read (23 for the 335 and 29 for the 530) which is nice because i'll be driving a lot next year when i'm on call/rotations


plus everbody and their mom has a 3 series :P

[SeanPlunk]

Yeah i like the 335i, I've already heard reports of turbo failures though...i really dont want to deal with that. Even BMW says "life average is 6 years" and with me, u or any of the guys on this board driving we'll be juiceboxing it the day we buy it...
After the vette i just want something that runs nicely and that i dont have to keep taking to the shop...comfort/convenience over power




plus everbody and their mom has a 3 series :P

I think if the keep the car "stockish" and don't go too crazy with mods you wouldn't have to worry about it. If you are that concerned just get a CPO BMW and you're covered. Oh, and 335i>530i everyday of the week.

[Chate]

yeah cpo would be the only way i'd get a 335, its usually over $30k tho for a CPO one sadly...still i'm looking around my brain and wallet want a 530i, my indian side says get a IS350 haha but again the prob i have with the 3 series and IS is that they're everywhere, i'm sick of looking at em so its harder for my heart to accept purchasing one :P

[Vettezuki]

You should get a bike. As circumstance would have it, my awesome Bandit is for sale (gotta raise some scrilla for business). :) It's faster than your Vette by a lot, comfortable (it's a standard not a super sport), will get 30 something mpg on regular, costs almost nothing to register and insure, you can split traffic and park more places.

El Bandito (http://motorgen.com/garage/showvehicle.php?vid=213)

[SeanPlunk]

yeah cpo would be the only way i'd get a 335, its usually over $30k tho for a CPO one sadly...still i'm looking around my brain and wallet want a 530i, my indian side says get a IS350 haha but again the prob i have with the 3 series and IS is that they're everywhere, i'm sick of looking at em so its harder for my heart to accept purchasing one :P

I'd rather have an IS350 or 335i than a 530i. What about a Pontiac G8 GT? (http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ct=u&car_id=263806815&dealer_id=768282&car_year=2009&rdm=1252385438252&model=G8&num_records=25&systime=&make2=&highlightFirstMakeModel=&start_year=1981&keywordsfyc=&keywordsrep=&engine=8+Cylinder&certified=&body_code=0&fuel=&awsp=false&search_type=both&distance=200&marketZipError=false&search_lang=en&showZipError=y&make=PONT&keywords_display=&color=&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&min_price=&drive=&default_sort=priceDESC&seller_type=b&max_mileage=30000&style_flag=1&sort_type=priceDESC&address=92807&advanced=y&end_year=2010&doors=&transmission=&max_price=30000&cardist=17&standard=false) It's bigger, still has a V8, is cheaper to operate, etc. I really like this color too... (http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ct=u&car_id=263806815&dealer_id=768282&car_year=2009&rdm=1252385438252&model=G8&num_records=25&systime=&make2=&highlightFirstMakeModel=&start_year=1981&keywordsfyc=&keywordsrep=&engine=8+Cylinder&certified=&body_code=0&fuel=&awsp=false&search_type=both&distance=200&marketZipError=false&search_lang=en&showZipError=y&make=PONT&keywords_display=&color=&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&min_price=&drive=&default_sort=priceDESC&seller_type=b&max_mileage=30000&style_flag=1&sort_type=priceDESC&address=92807&advanced=y&end_year=2010&doors=&transmission=&max_price=30000&cardist=17&standard=false)

[Chate]

Oh vettezuki...i'd LOVE to have a bike, but i really need a sedan/more seats! So...i'd have to get like a honda accord along with the bike...hmmmmm hahaha, realistically tho a bike is probably gonna be wayyyy later when i'm grown up, living in an apartment its just a matter of time till someone hurts the bandit or the car...poor vette has lots of door dings too :(

I refuse to buy another GM car, unlike the fanboys who's spell i was under before, i refuse to accept the 30 page lists of "common problems" that every high end GM product seems to carry with it... so no G8 GT, i used to love them too...but i just want peace of mind. After the celica/supra/LFA are shown in october i MIGHT just opt for the IS if i havent found a bmw by then, toyota is still my fav company (remember the original chetanmobile? 219k on the clock, 1981 corolla wagon baby, it was still running when i let it go!!)

[SeanPlunk]

Oh vettezuki...i'd LOVE to have a bike, but i really need a sedan/more seats! So...i'd have to get like a honda accord along with the bike...hmmmmm hahaha, realistically tho a bike is probably gonna be wayyyy later when i'm grown up, living in an apartment its just a matter of time till someone hurts the bandit or the car...poor vette has lots of door dings too :(

I refuse to buy another GM car, unlike the fanboys who's spell i was under before, i refuse to accept the 30 page lists of "common problems" that every high end GM product seems to carry with it... so no G8 GT, i used to love them too...but i just want peace of mind. After the celica/supra/LFA are shown in october i MIGHT just opt for the IS if i havent found a bmw by then, toyota is still my fav company (remember the original chetanmobile? 219k on the clock, 1981 corolla wagon baby, it was still running when i let it go!!)

I would definitely NOT buy a BMW then either. The out of warranty costs tend to be very high. I think I'd but an IS350 - great car :bigthumbsup:

[Chate]

BMWs CPO is 6yrs 100k from original date tho, so if i get an 08 with 40ish on the clock i'll be good till 2013, by then i'll have been working for a couple years anyway so i'll be ready for something new.

IS is a good car for sure, they're just everywhere and mostly driven by rich asian kids whos parents get em as their first car...i guess the image issue is always gonna haunt me :P. I'm willing to sacrifice the 45hp loss to get a bigger more luxurious car with decent handling and fancy factor. Plus i've had a 2 jap cars and an american car, might as well get a european one to round it out...regardless of what i get i'm gonna regret it a year later cuz something cooler will be out, might as well be sad and baller in a 5 series hah

[SeanPlunk]

BMWs CPO is 6yrs 100k from original date tho, so if i get an 08 with 40ish on the clock i'll be good till 2013, by then i'll have been working for a couple years anyway so i'll be ready for something new.

IS is a good car for sure, they're just everywhere and mostly driven by rich asian kids whos parents get em as their first car...i guess the image issue is always gonna haunt me :P. I'm willing to sacrifice the 45hp loss to get a bigger more luxurious car with decent handling and fancy factor. Plus i've had a 2 jap cars and an american car, might as well get a european one to round it out...regardless of what i get i'm gonna regret it a year later cuz something cooler will be out, might as well be sad and baller in a 5 series hah

What about the redesigned G35/7 Sedan? (http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/searchresults.jsp?num_records=25&search_lang=en&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&search_type=both&distance=200&address=92807&marketZipError=false&style_flag=2&body_style=SEDAN&make=INFIN&model=G35&make2=INFIN&model2=G37&make3=&start_year=2007&end_year=2010&min_price=&max_price=30000&seller_type=b&transmission=&engine=&drive=&doors=&fuel=&max_mileage=45000&color=&keywordsrep=&keywordsfyc=&keywords_display=&sort_type=priceDESC&body_code=8&certified=&advanced=y&highlightFirstMakeModel=&showZipError=y&default_sort=priceDESC&awsp=false&systime=&scarid=265943009&rdm=1252429572418) They're really nice and in your price range as well. They also have over 300hp and one of the guys (Scott) on here ran 13.9 stock at California Speedway in one.

[Chate]

Holy crap!
I always thought the new body G was still in the high 30s, a quick browse on autotrader shows me THIS (http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ct=c&car_id=260169864&dealer_id=1389984&car_year=2007&rdm=1252429768942&num_records=25&model=G_MODELSCLASS_SERIES&systime=&make2=&highlightFirstMakeModel=&start_year=2007&engine=&keywordsrep=&keywordsfyc=&certified=&body_code=0&fuel=&awsp=false&search_type=both&distance=200&marketZipError=false&search_lang=en&showZipError=y&make=INFIN&color=&keywords_display=&scarid=265943009&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&min_price=&drive=&default_sort=priceDESC&seller_type=b&position=top&max_mileage=&style_flag=1&sort_type=priceASC&address=92807&advanced=&end_year=2010&transmission=&doors=&max_price=30000&cardist=22&standard=false)

Hmm, with nissan's CPO its 6yrs/100K too, it seems this might actually be a better value...loaded 07 for 25k??? aye yi yi!!

[SeanPlunk]

Holy crap!
I always thought the new body G was still in the high 30s, a quick browse on autotrader shows me THIS (http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ct=c&car_id=260169864&dealer_id=1389984&car_year=2007&rdm=1252429768942&num_records=25&model=G_MODELSCLASS_SERIES&systime=&make2=&highlightFirstMakeModel=&start_year=2007&engine=&keywordsrep=&keywordsfyc=&certified=&body_code=0&fuel=&awsp=false&search_type=both&distance=200&marketZipError=false&search_lang=en&showZipError=y&make=INFIN&color=&keywords_display=&scarid=265943009&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&min_price=&drive=&default_sort=priceDESC&seller_type=b&position=top&max_mileage=&style_flag=1&sort_type=priceASC&address=92807&advanced=&end_year=2010&transmission=&doors=&max_price=30000&cardist=22&standard=false)

Hmm, with nissan's CPO its 6yrs/100K too, it seems this might actually be a better value...loaded 07 for 25k??? aye yi yi!!

Yeah, same warranty I believe. Cheapers maintainance costs and you definitely get more for the money.

DO IT :bigthumbsup:

[Chate]

sadly tho it aint got the prestige factor of the 5 series, thats hard to give up, going from the vette iono if my pride will be satisfied with a g :( LOL

[SeanPlunk]

sadly tho it aint got the prestige factor of the 5 series, thats hard to give up, going from the vette iono if my pride will be satisfied with a g :( LOL

The G is closer performance wise to the Vette than the 530i (although it's a bit of a stretch either way).

[Chate]

lol yeah neither car is nearly a vette power-wise, i'm over that part already...cruisin in the bimmer will at least be ego-compensation in the looks department...the G will be a loss of power and i'll regreat not buying the bimmer

[SeanPlunk]

lol yeah neither car is nearly a vette power-wise, i'm over that part already...cruisin in the bimmer will at least be ego-compensation in the looks department...the G will be a loss of power and i'll regreat not buying the bimmer

I guess :huh:

Honestly, the 5 series is getting redesigned for the 2011MY, so I think a current 530i will look dated pretty quickly. After all, that design debuted all the way back in 05.

[Chate]

i hadn't considered the redesign, you're def right about that...hmmm i dont even have an arguement against that..and redesign means huge pricedrop coming next year for the used market IE if i buy one know i'll have hella buyers remorse and i HATE that :P

arite i'll seriously consider the G, i'm gonna go test drive some cars tomorrow i'll let ya know what i think of the drive!

the 5series competes with the infiniti M35 though right? maybe i should look into that too, they seem similarly priced as well...

[SeanPlunk]

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm235/immortalsuraj1988/g_sedan_352.jpg
http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm235/immortalsuraj1988/g_sedan_351.jpg

:thumbs_up:

[Chate]

yum that spoiler and those rims do the trick for sure!! niceee

[Chate]

gross they get real world 17mpg tho :( major turnoff

[SeanPlunk]

gross they get real world 17mpg tho :( major turnoff

Ehhh, I bet you could do better than that. Does the 530i get a lot better mileage?

[Chate]

yeah, 28 for the 530i same as the IS350, lil better than the 335i (26) these are averages from those real world sites

i almost just wanna lease an accord, i can trade the vette and pay nothing out of pocket for 3 years, by then i'll be ready to buy something nice and have enough money too LOL

[Chate]

Highlander hybrid? 22k for a certified 06 w. 40k on the clock, 32mpg combined avg mpg, warrantied till 2012

cheap, efficient, 268hp, big enough to get things done, plus those SD to OC/LA trips wont be such a bitch on the wallet...and i wont have to break the bank :)
thoughts?

[SeanPlunk]

Highlander hybrid? 22k for a certified 06 w. 40k on the clock, 32mpg combined avg mpg, warrantied till 2012

cheap, efficient, 268hp, big enough to get things done, plus those SD to OC/LA trips wont be such a bitch on the wallet...and i wont have to break the bank :)
thoughts?

Going from a Vette to a Highlander Hybrid? :leaving:















:gay::hippy:

[Chate]

its so hard to decide!!!! ughhhh
i want decent power, good gas miles, reliability
in otherwords a 2012 Toyota supra (if it ends up using the TT hybrid 6 cyl motor thats rumored)...but i need a car NOWWWW

accord hybrid? lol 255hp for $17k and 35mpg :)

[SeanPlunk]

Good gas mileage and speed (http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/searchresults.jsp?num_records=50&search_lang=en&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&search_type=both&distance=300&address=92807&marketZipError=false&style_flag=1&make=LOTUS&model=LOTELISE&make2=&start_year=1981&end_year=2010&min_price=&max_price=30000&seller_type=b&transmission=&engine=&drive=&doors=&fuel=&max_mileage=&color=&keywordsrep=&keywordsfyc=&keywords_display=&sort_type=priceDESC&body_code=0&certified=&advanced=&highlightFirstMakeModel=&showZipError=y&default_sort=priceDESC&awsp=false&systime=&rdm=1253125882653). Do it :bigthumbsup:

[BRUTAL64]

Good gas mileage and speed (http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/searchresults.jsp?num_records=50&search_lang=en&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&search_type=both&distance=300&address=92807&marketZipError=false&style_flag=1&make=LOTUS&model=LOTELISE&make2=&start_year=1981&end_year=2010&min_price=&max_price=30000&seller_type=b&transmission=&engine=&drive=&doors=&fuel=&max_mileage=&color=&keywordsrep=&keywordsfyc=&keywords_display=&sort_type=priceDESC&body_code=0&certified=&advanced=&highlightFirstMakeModel=&showZipError=y&default_sort=priceDESC&awsp=false&systime=&rdm=1253125882653). Do it :bigthumbsup:

Have you ever sat in one????????:crutches:

[Vettezuki]

its so hard to decide!!!! ughhhh
i want decent power, good gas miles, reliability
in otherwords a 2012 Toyota supra (if it ends up using the TT hybrid 6 cyl motor thats rumored)...but i need a car NOWWWW

accord hybrid? lol 255hp for $17k and 35mpg :)

Is a 2012 Supra a for sure thing? You're not referring to the Toyobaru are you?

[SeanPlunk]

Is a 2012 Supra a for sure thing? You're not referring to the Toyobaru are you?

No, it's not a sure thing as far as I know. In addition, if the Supra back in the day was 50-60k, imagine how much a new hybrid version would be :(

[SeanPlunk]

Have you ever sat in one????????:crutches:

I have :thumbs_up:

Chate is actually a little shorter than I am so I think he could get in and out more easily.

[Chate]

apparently (ok all this is hearsay from my 2nd favorite car site autoblog) next month toyota is gonna show the toyobaru (celica range replacement) and the supra as well as the LFA at tokyo

Toyobaru is the low end 4cyl 200ish hp rwd coupe
Supra is midrange vette competitor, supposedly v6 TT hybrid ~400hp
And LFA is the supercar competitor v10, $100k+

http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/08/second-that-emotion-toyobaru-re-confirmed-for-tokyo-motor-show/

[Chate]

also must have a back seat, and the elise causes back problems and has a metal floor...i cant even tolerate the lack of comfort in the vette!!

the new (europa? evora??) lotus car is freaking sick tho!!

[Chate]

YouTube - Fifth Gear - Lotus Evora - Track Test (HQ)

hahahaha

[SeanPlunk]

How about this? (http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/searchresults.jsp?num_records=50&search_lang=en&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&search_type=both&distance=300&address=92807&marketZipError=false&style_flag=1&make=CAD&model=CTS&make2=&start_year=2003&end_year=2007&min_price=&max_price=30000&seller_type=b&transmission=&engine=8+Cylinder&drive=&doors=&fuel=&max_mileage=&color=&keywordsrep=&keywordsfyc=&keywords_display=&sort_type=priceDESC&body_code=0&certified=&advanced=y&highlightFirstMakeModel=&showZipError=y&default_sort=priceDESC&awsp=false&systime=&rdm=1253131506151)

[SeanPlunk]

Or this (although you'd have to negotiate down a little) (http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/searchresults.jsp?num_records=50&search_lang=en&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&search_type=both&distance=300&address=92807&marketZipError=false&style_flag=1&make=CAD&model=STS&make2=&start_year=1981&end_year=2010&min_price=&max_price=32000&seller_type=b&transmission=&engine=&drive=&doors=&fuel=&max_mileage=&color=&keywordsrep=115117112101114099104097114103101100&keywordsfyc=__c3VwZXJjaGFyZ2Vk__&keywords_display=supercharged&sort_type=priceDESC&body_code=0&certified=&advanced=y&highlightFirstMakeModel=&showZipError=y&default_sort=priceDESC&awsp=false&systime=&rdm=1253131761807).

[Chate]

gross, i'd take the highlander before another GM car...

[SeanPlunk]

Winner! (http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/searchresults.jsp?num_records=50&search_lang=en&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&search_type=both&distance=300&address=92807&marketZipError=false&style_flag=1&make=MB&model=E55&make2=&start_year=2003&end_year=2010&min_price=&max_price=32000&seller_type=b&transmission=&engine=&drive=&doors=&fuel=&max_mileage=&color=&keywordsrep=&keywordsfyc=&keywords_display=&sort_type=priceDESC&body_code=0&certified=&advanced=&highlightFirstMakeModel=&showZipError=y&default_sort=priceDESC&awsp=false&systime=&sownerid=74651&rdm=1253146325216)

More specifically this one (http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ct=p&car_id=254497187&dealer_id=63532609&car_year=2003&rdm=1253146325216&model=E55&num_records=50&systime=&make2=&highlightFirstMakeModel=&start_year=2003&keywordsfyc=&keywordsrep=&engine=&certified=&body_code=0&fuel=&awsp=false&search_type=both&distance=300&marketZipError=false&search_lang=en&sownerid=74651&showZipError=y&make=MB&keywords_display=&color=&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&min_price=&drive=&default_sort=priceDESC&seller_type=b&max_mileage=&style_flag=1&sort_type=priceDESC&address=92807&advanced=&end_year=2010&doors=&transmission=&max_price=32000&cardist=345&standard=false) :drool:

[Vettezuki]

Winner! (http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/searchresults.jsp?num_records=50&search_lang=en&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&search_type=both&distance=300&address=92807&marketZipError=false&style_flag=1&make=MB&model=E55&make2=&start_year=2003&end_year=2010&min_price=&max_price=32000&seller_type=b&transmission=&engine=&drive=&doors=&fuel=&max_mileage=&color=&keywordsrep=&keywordsfyc=&keywords_display=&sort_type=priceDESC&body_code=0&certified=&advanced=&highlightFirstMakeModel=&showZipError=y&default_sort=priceDESC&awsp=false&systime=&sownerid=74651&rdm=1253146325216)

More specifically this one (http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ct=p&car_id=254497187&dealer_id=63532609&car_year=2003&rdm=1253146325216&model=E55&num_records=50&systime=&make2=&highlightFirstMakeModel=&start_year=2003&keywordsfyc=&keywordsrep=&engine=&certified=&body_code=0&fuel=&awsp=false&search_type=both&distance=300&marketZipError=false&search_lang=en&sownerid=74651&showZipError=y&make=MB&keywords_display=&color=&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&min_price=&drive=&default_sort=priceDESC&seller_type=b&max_mileage=&style_flag=1&sort_type=priceDESC&address=92807&advanced=&end_year=2010&doors=&transmission=&max_price=32000&cardist=345&standard=false) :drool:

Don't those things inhale fuel? But otherwise not a bad sedan :smack: . . . just how many Mercds are there in SoCal . .

[SeanPlunk]

Don't those things inhale fuel? But otherwise not a bad sedan :smack: . . . just how many Mercds are there in SoCal . .

They do inhale fuel, but they also run low 12's stock and are easily modded :D

[SeanPlunk]

Here are some TTV12's also (http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/searchresults.jsp?num_records=50&search_lang=en&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&search_type=both&distance=300&address=92807&marketZipError=false&style_flag=1&make=MB&model=SL_CLASSCLASS_SERIES&make2=MB&model2=SL_CLASSCLASS_SERIES&make3=MB&model3=CL_CLASSCLASS_SERIES&start_year=2003&end_year=2010&min_price=&max_price=32000&seller_type=b&transmission=&engine=12+Cylinder&drive=&doors=&fuel=&max_mileage=&color=&keywordsrep=&keywordsfyc=&keywords_display=&sort_type=priceDESC&body_code=0&certified=&advanced=y&highlightFirstMakeModel=&showZipError=n&default_sort=priceDESC&awsp=false&systime=&sownerid=74651&rdm=1253146870793) :pot_stir:

[Chate]

as much as i LOVE the E55, Ben's right, it gets 14 mpg

i feel like i'm goign around in circles...335i is still the only compromise thats realistic, i just have to wait it out a bit for prices to drop another 3-4 grand and accept that run-flat tires are the wave of the future...

[Chate]

mmmmm (http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ct=u&car_id=265250733&dealer_id=1331371&car_year=2007&rdm=1253138402678&num_records=50&model=3_SERIESCLASS_SERIES&systime=&make2=&highlightFirstMakeModel=&start_year=2007&engine=&keywordsrep=&keywordsfyc=&certified=&body_code=0&fuel=&awsp=false&search_type=both&distance=300&marketZipError=false&search_lang=en&showZipError=y&make=BMW&color=&keywords_display=&scarid=267908008&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&min_price=&drive=&default_sort=priceDESC&seller_type=b&position=top&max_mileage=&style_flag=1&sort_type=priceASC&address=92807&advanced=y&end_year=2010&transmission=&doors=Two+Door&max_price=&cardist=40&standard=false)

[Chate]

any real benefit (besides looks) of the 335i coupe over the sedan?
i see sedans running 12s no prob, plus they gain the middle back seat too and passenger entry/exit will be easier AND they're almost on average 3 grand cheaper (coincidentally the same price as the exhaust/intake/tune package from vishnu)

[SeanPlunk]

any real benefit (besides looks) of the 335i coupe over the sedan?
i see sedans running 12s no prob, plus they gain the middle back seat too and passenger entry/exit will be easier AND they're almost on average 3 grand cheaper (coincidentally the same price as the exhaust/intake/tune package from vishnu)

No, only benefit is looks. I think the coupe may weight slightly less, but the difference is small at best.

[SoCalC55]

Woah... the E gets 14mpgs??? I average 18mpg on 50/50 street/freeway driving and i definitely dont drive easy. The comp shows I get 25mpg while going 80 on the freeway too...

I just dont see getting that low unless your on the floor with that supercharger whining away all the time

[SeanPlunk]

Woah... the E gets 14mpgs??? I average 18mpg on 50/50 street/freeway driving and i definitely dont drive easy. The comp shows I get 25mpg while going 80 on the freeway too...

I just dont see getting that low unless your on the floor with that supercharger whining away all the time


LOL...so true.

MPG is roughly 16/17 city and the best I've gotten on interstate travel is 24.1...and that was going 80+ most of the way.

It's a great DD. I put 20-25k per year on and have no complaints. It is very comfortable on long hauls as well, so long as it's only 2 of you. My wife and I took it to Key West (10hrs each way) and were very comfortable. We tried to throw our 2 young sons in for a 5hr trip and it was miserable. Hauling the kids around town is just fine and its OK with 4 guys going to lunch, but the 2 in back don't have much leg room.

As far as mileage, I drive mostly suburban with some highway and average 16-17 consistently. It will get low 20's with the cruise set at 80 on the interstate and will still get 16-18 running in the low triple digits. Average can easily drop to 10-12 if you're really on it in town.

Mileage looks okay, but not great :huh:

[Chate]

BUMP

ok i'm back, school is over and rotations are about to start so i really am in need of a replacement now...

Looking for a daily driver, vette def has to go, i have her at 120K miles now and am looking for a bigger car with better mileage. I imagine i'll be keeping whatever i buy as my DD for a while, and as much as i'd like to keep 2 cars its just not affordable right now.

I'll be driving about 60miles to 100 miles a day for the next year, plus going to and from SD on weekends so i've been considering a hybrid. I dont think i want a used one, just because new car prices (specifically for prius) are only 2grand away from used within a year old or so.

So i'm looking at prius vs insight of course, anyone have either one or care to chime in? I like the prius because its a gadget and the electronics and unintended acceleration should partially make up for the loss in power with cool factor...the insight is significantly cheaper (almost 5k) and loses mpg by about 10 or so per epa...soooooo iono im gonna test drive both today

[SeanPlunk]

Lease a 335d :)

295hp, 425ft/lb, runs low 14's and get's better than 30mpg.

[kdracer73]

expect 20- 40 % less than EPA estimates !

[Chate]

prius realistically gets solid 50mpg in the city, most of my driving will be thru traffic in sd/downtown at clinics :(
i can lease a prius for 240 a month with 0 out of pocket for 36 mos (8700) which is a lil less than i'll get for my vette on trade too (i'm expecting close to 9k-10k) the 335d is gonna cost me diesel fuel prices (rather than 87 that prius uses) plus the bimmer is closer to 450 a month :(

less out of pocket means more to spend later when i get a fun car!

[Vettezuki]

The Prius is Satan's representative on earth.

The new Focus gets close to 40 mpg on the fwy, but still well into the 30s in the city. A Focus is considerably cheaper than a Prius. You can trade in a purchased Focus as opposed to a leased X. What are the mileage restriction on the Prius Lease? Break out Excel, the higher mpg Prius may not at all be a net saver.

[Chate]

36k miles /3yrs on prius lease, most miles are going to be city, focus is rated at 24 city, and though excel-ing the difference between a normal and hybrid vehicle i wont make up the price in gas for a while, the gadgety-ness of the prius is soo friggin cool vs the boredom of a regular focus/civic/corrola, plus i dont want to keep it for more than 3 years anyway, the money that i lose on a focus etc is gonna be about the same as what i'll spend on the lease for 3 yrs (which includes maint now)

[SeanPlunk]

36k miles /3yrs on prius lease, most miles are going to be city, focus is rated at 24 city, and though excel-ing the difference between a normal and hybrid vehicle i wont make up the price in gas for a while, the gadgety-ness of the prius is soo friggin cool vs the boredom of a regular focus/civic/corrola, plus i dont want to keep it for more than 3 years anyway, the money that i lose on a focus etc is gonna be about the same as what i'll spend on the lease for 3 yrs (which includes maint now)

I say buy a used econo car and trade in the Vette outright. Then you have no payments and still have something with good gas mileage. Then in 3 years you'll have saved money and you can buy the car you really want.

[Chate]

makes economical sense, fo sho
doing research and reading reviews, i dont want a civic or corrola tho...

[Vettezuki]

I say buy a used econo car and trade in the Vette outright. Then you have no payments and still have something with good gas mileage. Then in 3 years you'll have saved money and you can buy the car you really want.

Good idea. Kids these days. All they want are some flashing lights. :smack:

[blackax]

You should look at 2001 honda insight. It would fall in to the range that your looking to spend and get you great MPG.


here is one in SD for about 8200 with a 5 speed only 50,xxx miles

http://orangecounty.craigslist.org/cto/1800816109.html

5speed for 7500 with 180,xxx with a replaced battery and car pool stickers (They are work 2-3,000 by themselves IMHO)

http://orangecounty.craigslist.org/cto/1727608501.html

[Chate]

the old insight is too small, i need more than 2 seats!

and its either hp or flashing lights, gotta have at least 1!!

(thats flashy inside not cop lights outside haha)

[Chate]

I test drove the prius...and thats definitely a no. I got flipped off by a guy in an Aztec when merging into the freeway because it didnt accelerate fast enough.


Why cant someone just put a big battery in a corvette so it gets awesome mileage in traffic, and let the engine do its job at higher speeds or in "power mode"...that would be the perfect car.

[SeanPlunk]

Something like this would be awesome. (http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ct=u&car_id=275700014&dealer_id=55845948&car_year=2006&rdm=1278265068219&lastStartYear=1981&model=&num_records=25&systime=&make2=&highlightFirstMakeModel=&start_year=2006&keywordsfyc=&keywordsrep=&engine=&certified=&body_code=0&fuel=Diesel&awsp=false&search_type=used&distance=100&marketZipError=false&search_lang=en&sownerid=581794&showZipError=y&make=VOLKS&keywords_display=&color=&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&min_price=&drive=&default_sort=priceDESC&seller_type=b&max_mileage=&style_flag=1&sort_type=priceDESC&address=92807&advanced=y&end_year=2011&doors=&transmission=&max_price=20000&cardist=55&standard=false) Not sure if you want a manual, but it would be fairly fun to drive, especially compared to a Prius.

EPA mileage 35/42 mpg

[BADDASSC6]

TDIs are excellent. I rented one in Europe. We drove from Frankfurt to London, Paris, Pampelona, Barcelona, Zurich and finally back to Frankfurt. Loaded down and speeding it got 42 mpg.






















Fuck a Prius!

[Vettezuki]

I agree on the TDI, though the caveat in Chate's case is that most of his miles will be in the city, where a hybrid that shuts off the engine and gets around on all electric is going to shine.

[enkeivette]

3rd place? So there are better drivers than Carlos! Ha!

[SeanPlunk]

3rd place? So there are better drivers than Carlos! Ha!

I bet he wins this year ;)

[BADDASSC6]

I don't have enough experience, money, power, skill or manpower to challenge the reigning champ. I battle for second and hope he doesn't show or breaks. Of course it's easy to talk shit when you don't compete or even man up on a dyno:barf:.

I have missed more than half the season therefore it's mathematically impossible for me to do better than third. Last year I had catastrophic engine failure, wheel failure, and clutch failure that limited my points total.

I'm focusing on preparing the car and making a big push for the 2011 season. I still need the lead team to break (a lot) in order to hope for anything other than second.

[Leedom]

I test drove the prius...and thats definitely a no. I got flipped off by a guy in an Aztec when merging into the freeway because it didnt accelerate fast enough.


Why cant someone just put a big battery in a corvette so it gets awesome mileage in traffic, and let the engine do its job at higher speeds or in "power mode"...that would be the perfect car.

If I got flipped off by anyone in an Aztek for something I deserved to be flipped off for I would make a hard right over a cliff just for the embarrassment.