[dan79brooklyn]

Hello from Japan.

I am probably going to be in the market for a new DD/family car soon.
We are a one car family, with two boys ages 3 and 9.
Currently I am driving a 1999 MK4 GTI, we bought it for the equivalent of $500 and it was in great shape for a 15 year old car. However it is having increasing little issues and I don't find it especially exciting to own.
We really only need one car, as much as I would like a little sports car (Miata or boxster) just for myself. It is pretty unlikely at the moment.

There are three cars which I am considering. Budget is $4000-$8000. They have to be automatics as my wife drives as well and it's easier to live with.

First option BMW E46 Touring M Sport.

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The only BMW I have owned before was a 1976 2002, but I am a fan of the marque. The E46 seems to have it's share of issues but they're generally well known and there is a huge following online. Another possibility is the slightly newer E90 touring:

Ｂ�*Ｗ Ｂ�*Ｗ ３２５ｉツーリング�*スポーツ　�*�� �ディーラー車　サイバーナビ - 愛知 （有）ニューヨーカーオートサービ� �[700020668030160603001] | goo自動車&バイク


Any advantages to the newer 3 series over the E46 ?

The other BMW I like is the first generation 1 series. Over here in Japan this can also be had with the M sport package in either straight six or 4 cylinder. I think the six is the way to go?

Here is an example:

Ｂ�*Ｗ Ｂ�*Ｗ １３０ｉ�*スポーツ　６速マニュア� �　１オーナーＨＤＤナビ黒革 - 静岡 アップル　三島店　� �式会社　ＳＡグループ[700061002530160626001] | goo自動車&バイク


The 1 series with the six cylinder is pretty expensive compared to the E46 with a similar engine. But it looks like a fun car. The two liter 4 cylinder can be had for slightly less Money.

Ｂ�*Ｗ Ｂ�*Ｗ １２０ｉ　�*スポーツ　ストラーダ� �ビ地デジ　�*セノン　ＥＴＣ - 大阪 ＰＯＬＯジャパン[700070261130160209001] | goo自動車&バイク

The other car I like is the Golf GTI that followed the one I have now: the MK5 this is the first one with the DSG gearbox. I would hate to have something go wrong with it. But I really like the looks and performance.

フォルクスワーゲン ＶＷ ゴルフ ＧＴＩ　黒本革　ＨＤＤナビＴＶ　� �ＴＣ　１７インチ - 東京 � �式会社　オズ[700957089930160629001] | goo自動車&バイク


As you can see I'm partial to German cars. I am open to other suggestions and would love to hear some feedback on the above three models.

Here is some more criteria so I don't hear wild suggestions....

I prefer RWD over FWD, I have no need for a 4WD car. I want something sporty/reliable/10-15 years old/can seat four comfortably/a hatchback or wagon/sport seats...

Thanks.