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One of these!

under $10K. Still gets mid 20's gas mileage. Easy to DIY.

I have a 2006 330i which is the first year of the E90 series and the only year you could still get the 330i. After that it was the 335i with all the dual fuel pump problems. Before the 330i, I had an E46 2002 325i. I have found both to be very reliable and maintenance is fairly straight forward. But not as reliable as your typical Japanese sedan.

My C36 was a fantastic car. The build quality has made my BMWs look pretty sad in comparison.

What year was it? Some of those Benz were POSs for a number of years.

The new Toyota Camry LE 4 cylinder / 6 speed automatic are very nice :)

The harnesses from 93-95 was usually a problem on MBZ. 97 and up had a 5 speed auto that had a tendency to blow up after 80K- but the rebuilt versions hold up.

any benz that was INTRODUCED between 98-2005 (bodies:W203, W211, R230) is gonna be loaded with problems- that was about the time the Chrysler influence kicked in.

A c36 like the one above only really has weak spots with the cylinder heads- they blow head gaskets from time to time. I suspect mine has been redone when I got it- it was really, really clean under there. Wiring harness was only an issue between 93-95 and most of those are done by now.

+1 For Legacy Gt

Obligatory: Why not a well-prepared 944? :D

He wants a good kid hauler......

My C36 was a 95. Original harness and HG with no issues, though the harness was getting crusty. Built like a vault though.

I wouldn't be scared of the 2006 330i or 2007/8 328i. They can be had for under $20K with average miles. You're on the right track. Let me know if you want me to find you one.

Others that haven't been mentioned (just brainstorming):

Pontiac G8 GT 6speed
new-body Cadillac CTS 3.6 6speed
old-body Cadillac CTS-V 6speed
Infiniti G35
late-model Mustang V8 GT (forget Paul, it loosely fits your criteria)
Mitsu EVO
late-model MBZ C230 Sport 6speed

Don't be too scared of a V8 6speed Audi B6 S4. They're not quite as bad as the older (00-04) B5's, or the 2.0T B6. They feel like a front driver though. ALL the weight is over the nose.

E

Here's an example of a 2007 C230 Sport 6 speed with 39K miles. One owner lease return. About $17K, FOB Atlanta.



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Ooh, the new CTS and CTS-V are good. Can you already get a G8 GT for $20k? That's a lot of car....

Yes, but most GT V8s are a little over $20K. Every once in a while they can be snagged for less, esp now where snow is flying.

I know of a *clean* white '08 G8 GT auto w/ nav with 55K mi I can buy now for $19900. But wait a couple weeks and you might see 40K units for similar, at wholesale. They have the 5 year 100K powertrain warranty. 400hp, 5-series size and handling, Germanic fit and finish....not a bad deal.

A good customer has a 2009 CTS 3.6 Sport we helped him get. He loves it, and he came out of a 540i Sport I helped him get a few years ago. He also has a 335i (wife's), and likes the Caddy better. He's selling the 335i with 29K for $25K, if anyone's interested.

How big/old are the kids? How frequent are they in need of transit? Do they need their own doors? Can they open their own doors? imho, lots of "sedans" start to look pretty small in back once you have to put in a car seat, especially if those in the front seats are tall. Do you need to worry about strollers? easy kid clean up?

I picked this up a few weeks ago to keep miles of my 930 that was my daily for 3 years. I'm very happy so far, it has loads of features for what I paid, I needed a wagon for dog hauling.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4148/...e1116bf3_z.jpg
IMG_4165 by willtel, on Flickr

+1. You beat me to it.... ;)

Here's an example of a 2006 BMW 330i 6 speed I can get for about $17200 FOB Atlanta. There are several 07-08 328s for under $20K.

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FS-The Ultimate Driving Machine-2007 BMW - Suncoast PCA

from a fellow Porschephile

E39 BMW. Just picked an 02 530i 60k miles, cold weather sport, premium, packages. $12,500. Heck of a lot of car for the money, and plenty of rear seat and trunk room