What to get for a new DD?

Shifter · 09-09-2009, 03:05 PM

I currently have a 01 A4 for a daily driver, and I have decided it is time to replace it. My first thought was to get a BMW, but I really don't care for the current body style.

My needs are as follows:

4 door
Auto (wife doesn't drive stick and I don't want her to learn. Otherwise she will want to drive my Porsche!)
Fun to drive!
Safe. The a4 has 10 airbags, not that I have needed them, but it is nice they are there.

No wagons, suvs or crossovers.

What is out there? I would prefer European, but I guess that doesn't matter too much.

Budget is in the 15-20k range, so nothing new. And I do have time to wait, the Audi only has less than 80k, so it should be good for some time, even if it is boring to drive.

Discuss!!

Thanks,

Tom

gprsh924 · 09-09-2009, 03:18 PM

If you don't like the new body style, just get an 05 E46, the last year they made it for the standard car (the M3 carried on until the 06 model year).

dd74 · 09-09-2009, 03:30 PM

Hurry, hurry, hurry and see if you can't get a deal on a Pontiac G8. I don't know if $20K will cut it, but it doesn't hurt to ask.

Plus, it's Australian.

911boost · 911boost's Garage

A Volt

Eric Coffey · 09-09-2009, 04:00 PM

Maybe an older Merc E55/C55 AMG?

Hebrewhomeboy · 09-09-2009, 04:30 PM

I'd say get a nice 3 series. You can't really go wrong with those cars.

Jim Sims · 06:11 PM

"I'd say get a nice 3 series. You can't really go wrong with those cars."

Unless you get an E46 with the rear suspension tearing out of the body sheet metal.

http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=679669

LeeH · 09-09-2009, 06:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shifter

Budget is in the 15-20k range, so nothing new.

Why not new? You should be able to pick up a new 2009 Mazda3 S for under $20K.

pavulon · 09-10-2009, 03:19 AM

Volvo s60? I think the V70R is a really cool car (Audi allroad 4.2 as well) but also think wagons are great!!

Sarc · 09-10-2009, 05:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shifter

What is out there? I would prefer European, but I guess that doesn't matter too much.

E39 BMW?

daepp · 09-10-2009, 06:01 AM

06 gs300/430.

Z-man · Z-man's Garage

A Mercedes C-class AMG would be mightly fine.

A Subaru Legacy GT or WRX/STi would be fun if you have snow issues in your area.

Volkswagon Jettas are decent cars - worth a look.

Just my $0.42,
-Z-man.

look 171 · 09-10-2009, 07:29 AM

I had an Subi Outback wagon. I really don't know what the exact name is for that thing to tell you the truth. I had the flat 6 not the turbo four. I really like that car. Corners pretty well, safe and cheap to run. Plenty of get up and go. It feels faster then my S2000 off the line. Not too many 6's around and lots of turbo 4s. Got rid of it and boughtr a van instead because of the 2nd kid.

VenezianBlau 87 · 09-10-2009, 09:24 AM

I second the e39. Built like a tank and I love mine.
DIY friendly. Mine's been major trouble-free. Just a few little things. The sport (wagon) is sharp, too.

m21sniper · 09-10-2009, 09:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LeeH

Why not new? You should be able to pick up a new 2009 Mazda3 S for under $20K.

Yes, but why?

If he's bored in an A4 i REALLY don't see him wanting a mazda 3...

dd74 · 09-10-2009, 10:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VenezianBlau 87

I second the e39. Built like a tank and I love mine.
DIY friendly. Mine's been major trouble-free. Just a few little things. The sport (wagon) is sharp, too.

What are the specs on that car? engine, trans, hp, torque, weight, etc. And mpg?

Anyone have a link?

VenezianBlau 87 · 09-10-2009, 06:33 PM

I sold my '03 Jetta GLI (vr6 2.8 L manual 6-speed) after I bought this. It's not really "fun" to drive like the Jetta; just better on long business trips. Probably a 330i stick would be more what the OP is looking for. I get 31 highway / 21 city with mine (automatic).

There's some basic info here on the e39:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BMW_5_Series_%28E39%29

Bimmerforums.com has been really helpful. Shouting props to Pelican...I do buy my parts here. Mine's the 3.0L six (M54) like pictured below:

Shifter · 05-03-2010, 04:11 PM

Sorry to dredge a post from the past, I have been sort of playing around looking, thinking about selling the A4. Then I realized I could just give the girl the Audi, and pick up a topless number for myself.
Started looking, and decided I wanted something a bit older. My 944 is pretty well sorted, so it hasn't given me any pain for quite some time. So enter the idea for the older car. Started looking at Alfa spiders and Fiat spiders! Couldn't think of anything else to really make myself suffer!
Of course this is the worst time of year to buy one, but I have been looking.
Well, my plans changed last week on my way to go see about an alfa. Another driver sorta missed that big red light at an intersection. Needless to say, the fun summer car is on hold.

So the question now is, what is the most fun sport sedan for under 15K? Still has to be automatic and safe.
I am leaning towards a five year old 3 series, mercedes or I just don't know.
How fragile are the 3 series overall? I have seen several branded title cars that the before pictures just don't seem like they should total the car. Headlights and bumper cover and bumper shocks, totals a late model 3 series with under 50k?
Or something under 10, and I still get my Fiat/Alfa?
I tried the slk230 route for the new car, and I got the stink eye for that...

Thanks!

Zeke · 05-03-2010, 04:22 PM

I'm a Jaguar man. The later the model the better they are. Or so I've heard.

I had a '64 like JoeA's. Neat car, but it finally died on me way back when. No money to fix it.

89911 · 05-03-2010, 04:58 PM

I would suggest an e39 535i with a 6 speed that comes with the sport package. Nice balance overall. It has better steering then the 540's since you can get the rack and pinion without the V8. Its a real drivers car.