to buy a BWW or not

[ricochet]

Wrong place, but question to Porsche people (I trust you folks).

I gotta get the wife a car soon (will be trading in her SUV/van). I want something affordable, yet kinda fun for me to drive.
My questions, what do you guys like??? Besides Porsches.
Yesterday I drove the Lexus IS350 (WAS FUN, but WAY too TIGHT). The Infiniti g35 sedan had more room, was more fun, yet slightly slower (not much). Next the BMW 325i and then the 330i, still smaller than wanted, but much more fun. The wife wants one, she likes the 330i sports package auto. Sadly her last vehicle sucks on trade in and I gotta work on options for a while to get the price NEAR what we want (we are working folk with a HUGE mortagage, and too many payments).
C'mon guys, I want German type engineering, but the Mercedes have lost a lot since Chrysler got involved. My limit is less than wanted, especially since my trade-in is worth little more than nothing.
The 325i seemed weak, the 330i tolerable. But holds resale.

What splits performance/resale/ family needs?

Thanks guys...
Corrected the typo

[Dkennel]

What is your budget?
If you want German engineering you could consider a V6 Passat, I hear the new one is pretty neat. Of course you have no bragging rights or elite appeal with a VW. Audi may be a little better option if you want/need that. BMW has the highest luxury appeal right before Mercedes. Mercedes are ok but pretty expensive and the c-class is very small.
As far as bang for the buck I think you could not beat a VW Passat V6.
I have never been a fan of Lexus (souped up Toyota). Infinity sedan (g50) looks neater to me.
One of our other cars is a Jaguar s-type, pretty neat car, relatively cheap if you buy used (texascarsdirect.com) in Dallas, but definitely reliability and maintenance issues.
Well that is my 2 cents, enjoy looking around and comparing models.

[Eric Coffey]

I'd look for a CPO 2004/2005 330i zhp (performance package). Or maybe the new Passat?

[Dkennel]

Here is a link to a Passat article:
http://www.germancarfans.com/news.cfm/newsid/2050803.005/page/1/volkswagen/1.html
0-60 in 6.6s sounds pretty good for a price less than 30k. Definitely more fun than a SUV/van

[Leader]

Why not consider a CPO 5-series BMW coming off a 3-year lease? Price should be right - and it's a lot more car than the 3-series.

[450knotOffice]

My wife drives a 2004 525i. We love it! It's very well engineered, quick, roomy and quiet. The engine is so smooth you'd think it was an electric motor. We drove the Mercedes too and were only mildly impressed.

Buy the BMW. You and your wife will not regret it.

[Rot 911]

I think you should set your sights lower and get your budget under control.

[ricochet]

Thanks guys,
No VW per my previous ownership. I agree the Passat is better, but the wife said no VW, MATTER NOT. She also said no Japanese stuff, but ALLOWED Infinity and Lexus. She hates Toyota THAT bad, they offered us the worst car ever built. Never worst.

So I ALSO HAD A BAD Datsun, and a bad VW, while also a bad MG. Complain about US stuff? Geez, I was blessed owning even Ramblers.

I need BMW stuff (current). My wife wants a current semi performance car, and is bigoted towards Euopean or American. That is why I love her. She also had bad Japanese stuff and we see alike.

[Noah930]

Get an E30 325i or 325is. Those go for about $3000. Then you can go race prep it for an additional $15-20K. 190 HP or so. Weight will depend on how much stuff you're willing to jettison (how spartan you're willing to endure). Track car (I recall guys really being happy running those in the Pro3 class) that can also be streetable (barely). It's a BMW. It's sporty. And it'll be good for both street and track.

Seriously, the most important question: what's your budget? It's impossible for us to help without this information.

[trj911]

My latest purchase. I think its the best sedan you can buy. A stealth, unbadged M5.

[ricochet]

Originally posted by Kurt V
I think you should set your sights lower and get your budget under control.

We live in an area where most folks make 10x what we do, our neighbors pay $4-5+k per month per house note, or more. My daughter is as good as theirs, but she ONLY drives a new Mustang. Her boyfriend drives a NEW H3, her other boyfriend drives a viper. My budget is tight( by my standards), but if I make $x it matters little (as my wife makes a lot more), my question was one of car stuff.

If I asked stuff for my brother who makes $10m+ PER YEAR would budget matter?

I guess, I invest most of my budget, I want a car for her without upsetting my investments. If i REALLY wanted, I'd buy a BUGATTI. My question was to keep my budget in control, BUT I want to retire with a few $.

Am not asking for retirement info, am asking for info on an auto I believe my wife is worthy of. We skrimp often, but she needs a car better that one I offered for the last 30 years. Sad if I offended folks, she is worthy of more than a VW (SHE PUT UP WITH MY SORRY ASS).

[gassy]

[onewhippedpuppy]

I agree with Kurt, but obviously you seem concerned about your neighbors. So, I agree with the used 5 series. Lots of car for the money, and since you obviously have at least one older child, she can actually fit in the backseat of a 5 with comfort. A 3's backseat is ok, but I wouldn't want to spend much time there. You can easily find a E39 528 for under $20k, and a nice 540 for around $20k. Upwards from there depending on how new you feel you need.

Tom has the best choice of all, but a nice E39 M5 is still upwards of $30k. Nice call on the debadging though, I love a sleeper!

[gassy]

Focus on your family, not what you think the neighbors want to see parked in your driveway.

[ricochet]

Originally posted by gassy
Focus on your family, not what you think the neighbors want to see parked in your driveway.

Prolly the best advice ever offered and is so true.

That said, I have great neighbors and ones CARING little what cars are parked here. My house is easily 2-3k sq ft smaller than any on my block, maybe 4-5k smaller, but I am happy. I want what I can afford (and enjoy).

[emcdan]

I have a 03' 325i. I wished I would have got the sports package. It is a great option. My daugter has a O5' Honda S2000 (very fast). They are a fun car but two seater.

[Dottore]

I have the 330ci with the sports package and love it.

I should caution you though that it has a very firm ride - particularly with the 18 inch wheels. This is fine here in God's country where the roads are well maintained - but whenever I get on the freeways south of the border my kidneys and fillings take some serious punishment.

The car itself is beautifully balanced (neutral) and very nicely finished. But skip the sports package if you are driving largely on poorly maintained highways.

[techweenie]

Originally posted by ricochet
Thanks guys,
No VW per my previous ownership. I agree the Passat is better, but the wife said no VW, MATTER NOT. She also said no Japanese stuff, but ALLOWED Infinity and Lexus. She hates Toyota THAT bad, they offered us the worst car ever built. Never worst.

So I ALSO HAD A BAD Datsun, and a bad VW, while also a bad MG. Complain about US stuff? Geez, I was blessed owning even Ramblers.

I need BMW stuff (current). My wife wants a current semi performance car, and is bigoted towards Euopean or American. That is why I love her. She also had bad Japanese stuff and we see alike.

My experiences with BMWs have been like your experience with VW and your wife's experiences with Toyota and Datsun.

Does she know that a Lexus is Toyota with a different badge? Infiniti a Nissan (Datusn) with a different badge? Both brands were just concocted for Americans.

I've had a couple Audis -- have one now -- and they are a very good alternative, IMHO.

[alf]

E36 M3 is now in the teens and many come with 4 doors.

[MOMO3.2]

I have had excellent experiences owning and driving the heck out of all manner of Volkswagens. I have never experienced mechanical issues.

We owned an Audi A4 Quattro for 4 years and loved it too. Audis are impressive in every way and worth the $. It is just a matter of whether or not you are willing to pay.

We did trade in our A4 for a BMW X3 3.0 this past August. So far, I am pretty much blown away by it. It is small for an SAV (built on the 3 series platform), but it is big enough to fit our needs. Moreover, the driving dynamics are very surprising. The X3 is fun as hell to drive. It handles great due to 50/50 weight distribution and placement of the wheels on the extreme corners (like the Mini). BMW also went to extremes to keep the center of gravity as low as possible.

If the X3 does not have any mechanical issues down the road, I would say it is a perfect 10 for fitting our needs.

If you need a reasonably sized family vehicle that is a blast to drive, take a look at the X3.

Sincerely,

Mike