1gCL

iTrader: (1)

As some of you may have read in my other thread, my CL is totaled so I'm in the market for a good used car.

I am open to most types of cars...wagons, sedans, crossovers/SUV, coupes. This will be my daily driver for work. I rarely have any passengers in the car but would like a decent amount of space. Tranny can be auto or manual...but some cars must be had in a manual (I think most of us know which cars that would include).

I'm trying to keep in under $15k. I'm still a bit all over the board, but I'm really just looking for the best bang for the buck.

Cars I've found and considering:

* 2003 BMW 530i, 48340 miles, M-sport front bumper, painted body molding, listed with sport, premium, and cold weather packages but it doesn't appear to have the sport package. $12,400.






* 2003 MB E320, 60222 miles, sport package. $16,990.







* 2003-2004 Lexus RX330, all with 70k+ miles, starting around $17k

* E46 3-series, but a bit hard to find in manual around here.

* Oddball: 1979 Mercedes Benz Wagon and pocket the rest of the money. http://neworleans.craigslist.org/cto/1578744534.html

Any other suggestions would be great and appreciated. You guys always come up with good ideas.

subinf

Hmm. That wagon could be interesting.

GIBSON6594

i'd get a scion

charliemike

What kind of space do you need?

You might be able to find a Mazdaspeed3 for $15k if you look around and find a motivated private seller.

A MkV GTI with a manual transmission would be a fun car too. If you want RWD, I can understand that too.

seeandbe

you'll run into lots of electronic and maintenance issues with european cars once the car has past 60,000 or so. the best car(s) for the best value would probably have a better investment in japanese (cliche, i know, but it's true!). i'd say get an Accord or TSX. whatever you do decide to purchase, be sure to get it professionally inspected. used cars come with a great deal of hidden issues that sometimes regular mechanics will fail to find or tell you. just do a google search for "used car inspections" and check out the sponsored links. i think aim mobile inspections is the first listing. check it out, and hope that helps!

NSXNEXT

iTrader: (2)

I'd get a garage first....or at least a driveway.

I love the E, so classy. Any warranty on the bimmer or E?

NSXNEXT

iTrader: (2)

How about another CLS, maybe a 6-speed?

1gCL

iTrader: (1)

I parked the CL at my friend's house this time instead of the airport parking garage. She insisted it would be safer at her house...quite ironic. I'm definitely leaving my car in my garage or at the airport garage next time.

I love the E also, but no warranty on either the E or bimmer. Edmund's gives a reliability rating of Moderate Problems for the engine on the E stating an occasional Mass Air Flow Sensor failure...$224 for part and $26 for labor which isn't too bad. Everything else is rated Minimal Problems.

The bimmer has the same ratings with the exception of the engine which is rated Significant Problems. Problems with ignition coils failure.

mrmako

I think 2003 was the first year of that E class design. I love that car, but can't afford the upkeep here. If you can, I'd say look for an 04 (ensure the problems of 1st model year are out).

TheMirror

Of the two German sedans, the 530i is the better bet. Its coming up on its 6-cylinder maintenance period though, which means cooling system upgrades and possible suspension bushing replacements.

Avoid that old MB wagon. Even with the turbo those diesel cars are incredibly slow.....and its 30 years old. Thus, the money you initially pocket will find its way right back into the car before long.

Izzy-Type-S

iTrader: (1)

I'd personally go with the BMW you listed if those are the final choices you have selected.

thevikas87

iTrader: (2)

I just bought a e39 540i, and absolutely love it.

If you want to check out a certain BMW forum (I don't know if I'm allowed to name it on here?) But I'll do it anyways "Bimmerfest" They have so much info that you should check out before making your purchase.

Also, the only thing that I see that weirds me out regarding the sport package on that car is the steering wheel. It looks to have everything else with the package : the shadowline trim, steptronic transmission, bumper, etc

dallison

tough choice, it would have to come down to a test drive.

Moog-Type-S

530i

jspagna1

I would take the BMW. Better quality & performance.

PortlandRL

BMW...I've heard those '03 E-Class (being the first) are pretty sketchy, especially with the electronics.

wonton

if you want my opinion, i wouldnt take European. if problems happen you will be having a big hole in your wallet. Personally with 15K i would try to find a civic or an accord if you don't mind being a daily driver just to get you from point A to point B. now if you wanted more luxury go with a TSX or TL. just my

charliemike

He's being responsible by setting a limit of $15k. Let's not take all his fun away.

juniorbean

iTrader: (5)

You should definitely to a search in Car Talk. Lots of euro car owners who do not have many or any problems. We personally went from a TLS to a 2006 A4, then a 2006 A6 (current car with ~76K miles), and both cars were better then my TL-S and even my 3.0 CL.

Now, scheduled maintenance will be more expensive, however, not too much more. Plus, that's when you spend the extra coin and buy CPO. Both of our Audi's included free maintenance up to 100k.

One thing I would say... I would not own a euro out of warranty. Then again there's few newer Japanese cars I'd own out of warranty.

JS + XES

iTrader: (1)

GTI MKV or 1st Gen Mazdaspeed3

charliemike

I agree with you completely. I wish I knew more about how to work on cars. I would definitely own a German car past 100k miles if I could do things like control arms, etc without completely bolloxing it up.

I think the only modern Japanese cars I would want to own past 100k miles are a 350Z, an Infiniti FX or M, and maybe a Lexus LS or GS.

Not because the rest wouldn't be functional. But because they're boring LOL.

SuperTrooper169

iTrader: (2)

My usual answer... 06-07 Honda Accord Sedan 6mt.

Moog-Type-S

You might be able to get a MkV with an FSI engine, but not the TSI engine for that price.

JS + XES

iTrader: (1)

Honda Accord V6 6MT would be a great choice too yeah.

teranfon

My choice as well. Very competent and rewarding car for the money.


Terry

nokiaman

+1 or the coupe if you can find one.

I would have suggested the 530i but in AT with the V6, it's less fun than the Accord! If you can find a 540i with a 6-speed, now that's a different equation.

zguy95135

- TSX
- S2000
- older TL
etc?

knight rider

iTrader: (1)

2006 Maxima SE

RaviNJCLs

iTrader: (4)

I like the 530i. But that's just me.

phee

iTrader: (5)

03 maxima.
s2k
3rd gen tl 6mt
accord 6mt
cls6
infiniti i30-35

tmnhs81

530i

thevikas87

iTrader: (2)

I'll say it again!

540i 6spd

You can definitely find one in that price range in excellent condition

nokiaman

I remember the first time I drove one, it was a beautiful world I was lost into.. I haven't been looking at prices since I sold mine but it shouldn't be hard to find an 01/02 M5 in that price range as well.

ineedmyfixofacura

iTrader: (2)

AGREED!!!! Do it, 540i is a beast and for your price range you can get one anywhere from 60-75k miles in mint condition.

TheMirror

For a DD I'd consider a 530 over a 540. The V-8's are the romantic choice of course, but they're more complex, worse mileage, more service intensive, etc. etc....

OP already has a 997S for thrills, FYI.

JS + XES

iTrader: (1)

didn't catch that he had 997S.

dude, then just get a Camry. oh wait................

mrmako

2007 or 2008 Legacy GT spec B..... Nice car, rides excellent, AWD, and very nice interior (leather, stereo, 6MT).... But it might cost a bit more.

Goosew

iTrader: (1)

I'm surprised there aren't more votes for an older (05) TL?

Or Maxima even?

JediMindTricks

of the cars you listed, i'd go with the 530.

but if i was looking, i'd be hunting for something along the lines of a tsx, accord sedan/coupe, ms3, etc.

alexSU

iTrader: (3)

04-06 TL 6MT or the Accord Coupe 6MT

Reliable, fun, affordable

OP, you mention the Lexus RX, I've always wanted one just to cruise around. Really nice SUV and very comfortable but it's a chick car/suv.