Most Rewarding Car for under $20k?

[gprsh924]

Well here goes nothing,

I currently have an auto 02 530i with sport and premium packages that has 102,000 miles on it. I bought it about 20 months ago with 62,000 miles for $12,500. So quick searches show that I can probably sell it for $9-10k, especially as it has had the main preventative maintenance and minor issues addressed. I owe around $6k on it, so that would leave me with $4k in my pocket for a down payment on a new car.

I am in outside sales and will likely average 30k miles per year over the next few years. My company has a car package, but it stipulates that the car must be 10 yrs old or newer and be 4 door. Since my car is too old, I only get paid mileage (@ $.30/mile). Basically I need to get a newer car in the next few months.

The logical side of my brain says to get a Hyundai or some other appliance that will essentially be free to operate between the warranty and my company's car package. However, I just don't think I can bring myself to do it. Those types of cars provide zero enjoyment for me, where I absolutely love my E39 (performance, ride quality, interior, and looks).

We've always been a luxury car family and I don't think I can really back slide. So the question becomes, what to get. Again, it needs to be less than 10 yrs old for the next 3 or so years, so 06 or newer. The top end of my budget is about $20k out the door. I want something that combines the feel and driving experience of my E39 that hopefully won't break the bank over the next 90k miles driven.

An 06 or 07 5 series is in the price range with 50k-70k miles, but they are such a step down styling wise from my E39.

Any thoughts on what car is going to give me the biggest bang for my buck given the stipulations?

2006 or newer
4 doors
Fun to drive
Gets as close to 22mpg in the city as possible (so I get full fuel reimbursement)

Thanks in advance

[Jnikic]

B6/7 S4? Might not be the best on gas mileage, but they look great and sound awesome. And with a 340hp 4.2 liter v8, they're fun to drive. I have to think the awd would also be beneficial. I've had mind since 2004 and find it hard to replace even with 110k miles ...

[Christien]

Too bad it has to be 4 doors. I read your title and immediately though Cooper S. I absolutely love mine. But it's 2 doors.

Life is too short to drive Hyundais.

[kaisen]

With your propensity for BMWs, I'd think you'll end up with one

So the question is:

328 or 528?

Late model, higher miles or Older, lower miles?

RWD or X-Drive all wheel drive?

[kaisen]

You can buy an off-lease 2009 BMW 328i with Premium and Cold Weather with 50-60K miles for $18-19K

Beware, however, that putting 30K miles per year over the next three years means you'll have 150K miles on it before you considered getting rid of it.

PERSONALLY.... and it's not the popular opinion.... I would buy a relatively inexpensive economy car and drive the wheels off it. Save your money for a second vehicle that you can actually enjoy, be it a sports car, track toy, or simply a car that you would enjoy saving for non-work driving.

[johnsjmc]

VW Jetta diesel 4 doors and will last for the high miles you need. You can turn up the fuel/power on a diesel with a chip. . Add bigger wheels and sway bars.

[ramonesfreak]

GTI would be my guess

[BRPORSCHE]

This is an easy one.

Mazdaspeed3 with all the goodies. It's an effing blast to drive and yet still economical.

[slow&rusty]

Mitsubishi EVO IX MR....no brainer...fastest most fun for less than $20K and can keep up with the exotics.
Yasin

[einreb]

I was kindasorta looking for the same flexible bang for the buck 4 door under 20k car earlier this year .

I picked up a 7k mile 2011 4 door GTI w/dsg for 19.5k. cpo, extended warranty etc.

I do not regret the purchase... surprisingly good mpg. Interlagos cloth seats ftmfw.

-Bernie

[Hydrocket]

I had an IS350 with Sport Package that was a fantastic car...Sold it with 120,000 miles, and never had an issue with it.

[Zeke]

That's about the price for an '06 Cayenne. You probably don't want the maintenance though.

[Hydrocket]

Originally Posted by Zeke

That's about the price for an '06 Cayenne. You probably don't want the maintenance though.

Are they that bad? Saw one with H6 and manual...thought it might be a good buy.

How heavy is the maintenance?

[Christien]

Originally Posted by BRPORSCHE

This is an easy one.

Mazdaspeed3 with all the goodies. It's an effing blast to drive and yet still economical.

Come to think of it, that car was on my radar when I bought the cooper, but it doesn't come in a convertible, which meant it was out of the running for me. But maybe that might be something to consider.

[chocolatelab]

How about a chevy equinox? I know its not high on the fun factor but that was my last company car and i drove the nuts off of it. AWD and ran like a top. Good gas mileage 4 doors. Fold the seats down and you have room for everything.

f-it, get a cayenne

[Instrument 41]

Being an outside salesman, for me, the company car is the way to go. I've been doing this since 1987. But I agree with earlier advice about a cheap "economy" and "business" looking car. One thing..Do you take clients to lunch? Does what you drive have any bearing on what your customers as a first impression. This is hard for a car guy. I know I have tried everything. High Mileage, pay cash, no car note but maintenance issues. Buy new put some down, then you upside down in it in a year. If you have to buy something buy the cheapest with the lowest miles, regardless of brand. But..the best way is the company car.

[Noah930]

Originally Posted by gprsh924

We've always been a luxury car family and I don't think I can really back slide.

That's a dangerous mentality to have for a young'un. My 2 cents, for what they're worth.

Not saying you should drive a crapbox. As you're in sales, as others have mentioned, the vehicle you drive may give your clients an impression on your abilities (fair or not). But sometimes you also have to separate--to a certain degree--vehicles for fun and vehicles for work.

Don't forget to double check insurance rates before you buy. That Mitsu EVO or STI sound great, until you're forking over $2-3K annually for insurance due to age and gender. Maybe look into a late model 3-series/C-class/A4/Lexus IS/Infiniti G35 if you're leaning entry-level luxury, or a GTI/MS3 for a step lower. The Civic Si sedan isn't a slouch, either (and if you can bring yourself to tolerate a Japanese car), and might be the most economical to operate if you're traveling 30K miles annually.

[Heel n Toe]

Is 19 MPG in the city close enough? At least take one for a spin... it won't measure up to an E39, but it might be a fun, capable car for what you need.

2006 Mazda 6 - Top Speed

[island911]

Originally Posted by Zeke

That's about the price for an '06 Cayenne. You probably don't want the maintenance though.

I will say that, for the Cayenne, the MPG-city is going to be a lot worse than 22. I get ~16.

it's a damn comfortable and capable car.

[speeder]

I think either the Jetta TDI, as new as $20k will get, is best bet. Some other great cars have been suggested but when you factor in fuel mileage, insurance and reale value with higher than average miles, a TDI is the way to go.

Great car to drive, also.