Quick run down... I have a Navigator, and my wife drives an MDX. I only get 9.9 mpg in my Navi... meaning $500-600 per month in gas.

I am wanting to buy another vehicle, somethine with better gas mileage, but still nice. I am pretty picky about cars...I am going to pay cash, and want to spend less then $12000, preferably 10000. I know that isn't a lot of money but, it won't be driven everyday.

I've looked at some 1999-2001 BMW 3 & 5 series, as well as some Mercedes C & E classes. Should I stick with those, or get something else?

Any advice is welcome.

 

:ibcartalk:

 

Any of your choices would be infinitely better than your Navigheytor.





That being said, I'd remove the C-class from your choices and try considering a TSX, i4 Accord, or Toyota. But, judging from your current choices, you want some luxury too...so, look into a used Acura TSX or BMW 3-series.

 

i dont think u can get those cars for $10k

 

Yes, luxury... TSX is too expensive right now...

 

Even a 99 328i will be pushing 12k and probably close to 100k miles. Though it seems you are married to your Navigator it would seem the finacially prudent move (you do mention money is the genesis of the idea) would be to trade the Navi on a newer car that fits what you want. If you really look at the finances of buying, maintaining and keeping insurance on a 3rd car that will get maybe 24 mpg compared to the 9 of the Navi (which you will still have to drive some, maintain and insure) you will have to drive it a LOT to balance the savings in gas. My guess either you haven't considered all the finacial ramifications of a third car, are willing to spend money just so big oil gets less of your money or are just looking for an angle to flush out the stable. I think the only way to make the $s work is to get a cheap, fuel efficient and reliable beater (re older Civic).

 

My brother just sold his 99 323is (E36 Coupe) with 120k miles for 9k. Your gonna have to look for slightly older cars with high mileage if you want to get into those cars. Then you also have to figure maintnence on an older German car isn't cheap either.

 

lincoln ls?

A bit bland compared to it's competition, but it's dirt cheap.

i think a 01 or 02 with 60 or 70k and a v6 is right in that price range

 

You could easily get a cl for that price,first gen 3.0 for well under $10k and I'm sure it would be well maintained. Pretty good on gas for a v6 and a fun little car. I have a 2.2 and love it.

 

anything is possible, but looking at an older 3/5 series, it will cost you Mx wise..

 

get a 99 TL, or check out a Lexus ES300 98-01 with slightly high miles. those cars are rock soild, extremely reliable and get very good fuel economy for a V6 and are very confortable.

You really should list what is most important to you in order and then go from there.

1. performance
2. reliablity
3. style
4. luxury
5. overall value
6. gas mileage
7. maintenance costs
8. practicality, etc.

Then we can assist you further in your decision making process.

 

sell the navi and get a yaris. with the left over money, go and take a two week vacation somewhere

 

Fixed.

I say up your budget and get a 3 series. Or you can always go with something like an Altima, Accord or some other Japanese 4 cylinder.

 

LMAO.. I looked at an 01 today with 48k for $10900... actually, they are a sweet ride...

 

I owned a 98 CL 3.0 for a long time... very nice... but, if I were to get another CL, it would be a 2nd gen.

 

Thanks for your post... I will look into the 99 TLs...

1. Reliability
2. Luxury
3. Style
4. gas
5. value
6. maintenance
7. performance
8. practicality

I love the 3 series, but am open to the LS, TL, C class....

I know this is being choosy with a small budget, BUT it is a THIRD car. I am not getting rid of the navi... to nice, and too much invested (24's, tv, dvd, navi, etc, etc...)

I am thinking of going to an auction saturday w/ my buddy... anyone ever been to one for cars?

 

 

I can sell you my 96 328is for 9k.

Gets about 27mpg mixed, if you keep your foot out of it. Intake, Exhaust, OBDI intake manifold, Bilstein PSS9 coilovers, flipped M3 strut hats (3.0 degrees of negative camber), 96+ M3 staggered wheels, projector headlights w/ xenon upgrade, a set of snowtires mounted on steel wheels, and a set of Hoosier slicks mounted on another set of wheels. It's got 98k on it, but it's been taken care of.

 

I wouldn't recommend C & E classes, as it will cost you more in the long run. You should expect to be paying for some heavy maintenance on 1999-2001 model years. The expected gas savings will evaporate quickly. Not sure about the E36 BMW's. I thought those were pretty solid as I still see many on the road.

 

Anyone else???

 

Buy a stick-shift Cobalt. That'll cost you about $11k and should pull 35-37 on the hwy easily. Otherwise, a new Elantra would fit the bill.