Thoughts on a sedan thats fun to drive and cheap?

[89911]

I have seen that BMW is bringing out an M3 sedan this year. I have been patiently looking at 4 door sedans. I currently have an 89 911 that is a summer and track car, an 2002 Sequoia that is a gas pig, tow vehicle, winter drive, hauler of 8, dependable car that I own and never have to worry about cleaning it or it breaking down. The wife drives a 2005 Honda Odyssey which I drive twice a year on vacation. I think the best car for me is a sedan that I can drive more then the 911 since it is a two passenger vehicle car and I have 4 kids. I also have about an 8 minute commute to work and may put, at most, 8K a year on all the cars I drive. I just can't justify buying a brand new M3 or possible a used RS4 and then driving it for as little as I do. I have thought that an older M3 Sedan might be fun and cheap: http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?car_id=233115156&dealer_id=61433951&car_year=1997&model=M3&num_records=25&systime=1195954939171&make2=&start_year=1997&keywordsfyc=&keywordsrep=&engine=&certified=&body_code=0&fuel=&awsp=false&search_type=both&distance=200&marketZipError=false&search_lang=en&make=BMW&color=&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&min_price=&drive=&default_sort=priceDESC&max_mileage=&style_flag=1&sort_type=priceDESC&address=15237&advanced=&end_year=1998&doors=&transmission=&max_price=&cardist=200&superSpotlight=

I guess if Porsche made a 4 door car, it would be in the running. Any other contenders that are in the older M3 price range?

[Zeke]

I've always admired Jags. Some of the later ones are pretty good for reliability. Nothing will beat that Honda, IMO, and I've never owned one. I just never hear people dissing Hondas. Nevertheless, I like a little more style.

[Spede]

I'd consider a sport wagon. Like a WRX or something similar.

Reliable, easy on gas, sporty, can be had for ~$10k, and it's a wagon!

[1fastredsc]

Originally Posted by Spede

I'd consider a sport wagon. Like a WRX or something similar.

Reliable, easy on gas, sporty, can be had for ~$10k, and it's a wagon!

They can also be modified to stupid fast levels. You could also look into buying a 3 like mine but in the mazdaspeed trim, they are also quite ferocious.

[jim72911t]

That's a pretty fair price for that M3/4 if it is as described. When I was looking a year ago, it was tough to find a manual in good condition, and when they could be found they were in the $14-18K range.

Make sure that you get service records with the car. My brother bought a 60K mile M3/4 a couple of years ago and it has cost him several thousand in repairs/maintenance since he's owned it.

Great cars, though, and it's even a sedan you can take to the track!

Jim

[Dottore]

Some ex-police Dodge Hemi Chargers are starting to turn up at police auctions.

You could pick one of those up, nicely tricked out, for next to nothing and have a lot of fun with it.

[dewolf]

Jaguar XJR. Power, refinement and vastly improved reliability. Just an all round beaut car.

[tmsautoart]

legacy GT...faster than the WRX....more conservative looks...great sleeper!

[livi]

Thread title sounds like a 'pick any two out of the three'.

Nissan 200 SX turbo ?

[Rick V]

I echo the Suby. They will go anywhere, parts are cheep, insurance isn't bad, although, I would want a Baja, with the STI setup. 4Door Brat.

[Joeaksa]

Originally Posted by milt

I've always admired Jags. Some of the later ones are pretty good for reliability. Nothing will beat that Honda, IMO, and I've never owned one. I just never hear people dissing Hondas. Nevertheless, I like a little more style.

I own both, drive both. The accord is my daily driver and does a very fine job at what its supposed to do, haul me and my crap around. At 230,000 miles and still running strong, its hard to beat its reliability and cost of operation.

The S-Type Jag is the same, just several levels above the Honda in style and comfort. Owned a Jag in one form or another and they just keep getting better and more civilized. Still puts a smile on my face every time I drive it.

No way to compare the two but then they are not in the same league. Best to just enjoy both of them!

[89911]

Thanks so far. I guess I'm looking for a car that I can drive the 80% I don't need a 3 ton SUV and don't take the 911. A 4 door sedan is what I like, so no wagons or hatchbacks. If I would pick a new one, it would be a M3 sedan, S4 or RS4, Infinity IS-F to start. All these car new are $60-75K new and it just seem stupid to pay $1500/month and then drive the car 4000 miles a year. (Unless there is some sort of incorporated tax write off since I am a small business owner? )) I could see getting a car like the 97-98 M3 for the little I would use it. Trouble is these car all have over 100k miles on them and no warranty.

[p911dad]

What about the Mitsubishi Lancer? I heard good reviews of that as a low cost driver's car. Hmm?

[Palum6o]

Test drive a Mercedes C55 AMG. Its a great handling sedan with two personalities... (there's more than enough power on hand). You can pick a low mileage one in the mid 30's.

[Moneyguy1]

milt:

Look up the site:

Jags that run

Kinda a fun concept....