$25k or less, best choice?

LightngSVT · 09-30-05, 07:58

Im so torn here, with the new house (and 5 car garage) on the lake the wife had to have we have to cut back on some "frills". We have X amount to spend on cars, I currently have an 02 M3 and a 98 SVT Contour and pay $800/mo in payments and $174/mo in isurance. Well the wife just lost her free company car so we just bought her a new car. Like a schmuk I told her to get what she wants even if it costs more than she wanted to spend. So we bought her an 06 MAriner last night.

Back on topic, needless to say my car budget is now that much less. I need to be in the $350 - 500 ish payment range total (NOT counting the wife-mobile). My M3 is a lease, is there anyway to dramatically lower the payments while already under contract? I LOVE the car, but $700/mo is a lot plus I refuse to use it as a daily driver!

So what would you drive, new or used, for $25k or less (or that would lease in the $400-500 range)? I would be getting rid of the M3 and Contour so it has to be a daily driver as well as cool and performance oriented. My current toys include a 93 Lightning w/a 396cid motor, lowered, etc and a 91 Mustang GT. So far Im thinking:

05 Mustang GT coupe
03-04 Cobra coupe
05 330ci ($400/mo lease)
06 3251 sport

Any suggestions? I really like my current fleet, but something has to change (unless someone wants to give me about 20 grand, LOL!). A good all around performer- handling and acceleration, style and some "wow" factor, decent gas mileage and reliability (or warranty) would be my priorities I think.

Way2SSlow · 09-30-05, 08:19

03-04 Snake gets my vote, but I cant find any here that $25K and under. They're all around $28K here.

Picus · 09-30-05, 08:23

Are you dead-set on a Ford or BMW? Just wondering, because if not there are quite a few cars I think fit your requirements. If you're not opposed to FWD a used Acura TL would be one to look at, my current fav, the Infiniti G35 sedan is another, an A4 or even A3 might suit you, although the A3, being new only, might be over your budget range. Of course it goes without saying that there are any number of fwd nissans/toyotas/hondas that are worth looking at (Accord v6, camry v6, altima/maxima 3.5se's). I have a feeling since you own an M3 you might gravitate towards a rwd car, in which case the G35, Lexus IS300's, A4's etc... would probably warrant a test drive. That's without even mentioning domestics. I find their styling a tad bland but that's all personal preference. There are a bunch of solid V6 sedans from GM/Ford, inclusing mustangs, which you obviously like. I'm a big fan of the new mustang, so the gt would definitely be a contender for me.

Of the four listed I would get the '05 330i, of course I'm biased since that what my wife drives.

In terms of warranty you know, as the owner of an M3, that BMW's warranty is really good, but also kind of short, so that's something to keep in mind.

Do you have any dead-set preferences like "It must be RWD or AWD" or "It has to be a V6, or a 4 cyl turbo" that would help narrow down the list? I mean there is always an WRX STi or something, but for some reason I don't get the feeling from you that you're into those.

LightngSVT · 09-30-05, 08:23

Ther is an 04 Mystichrome and an 03 (silver with about 25k miles) at my local Ford dealer. They have the 03 price at $23695 on the window, havent check the Mystichrome yet.

DETAILKING · 09-30-05, 08:29

If u can even find an 05 330ci that is left in inventory....and further the lease is 400 out of the door....get that! A lot of guys are paying close to 600 a month on them. Remember loaded up it is a 44K car.

Picus · 09-30-05, 08:42

Quote:

Originally Posted by DETAILKING

If u can even find an 05 330ci that is left in inventory....and further the lease is 400 out of the door....get that! A lot of guys are paying close to 600 a month on them. Remember loaded up it is a 44K car.

That's what I was thinking. A $400/mo lease on an '05 330i is a really good deal. I've had a couple electirical problems with my wifes but it was all covered under warranty and it seems fine now (knock on wood).

LightngSVT · 09-30-05, 09:13

A few weeks ago my local BMW dealer had 2 or 3 05 330cis left, with the lease special tag on the windows. Not sure if they are sold or not? My concern is that I would compare it to the M3 conv I have which wouldnt be fair to the 330.

As far as requirements, RWD would be first choice, FWD or AWD second. Other than Ford products I cant think of really any other dmoestics that Id want (sure Vette, GTO, SRT4, etc are nice but I dont think Id buy one). Im not real big on the asian cars either for some reason. I think the WRX's are very cool little cars, but I drove one and while it was fun didnt feel that it was "me" exactly. I guess some test drives might help broaden my horizons though.

Picus · 09-30-05, 09:36

I'd find out if they have any of those 330ci's. If you can get one for $400 a month DETAILKING is right, it's a no brainer. It won't be as powerful as your M3, obviously, but the handling should be similar enough that it won't kill you to drive it. Honestly it's going to be difficult to find something with the power and handling of the M3 in the 25k range that still has a warranty.

I'm a big fan of Japanese cars, especially the luxury brands, but that's mostly because their cars tend to be RWD and have bullet proof reliabilty. If you're not into them that's understandable. If you want a list of RWD cars in that price range that I would personally test drive it would be Mustang GT, Bimmer 328/330, Audi A4, Infiniti G35 sedan, Lexus IS300 in no particular order. Of those the Gt will have the most power, the 330i will probably have the best overall handling stock, and the G35 is probably the best mix of the two (imo of course).

LightngSVT · 09-30-05, 10:46

So what do new A3's go for? That seems like an intersting car. Or maybe a used A4? Ill do a little research on the G35 too. How would a Lincoln LS Sport compare to a G35? I realize nothing in that low of a price range will match the M on any level, and thats why Im sad to think of it going.

SamIam · 09-30-05, 11:21

I'd buy a certified A4 or maybe an S4. In fact, for $25, you could buy a used A8, 300 HP and all wheel drive.

wterry · 09-30-05, 11:26

Got my 06' A3 for right under $25k but I got pretty much a base model since I didn't want leather seating and for whatever reason Audi decided that people who might want the sport or prem package would automatically get leather too. Whatever Audi!!!

The car is great so far, only have about 1500 miles on in in about 2 months of driving in ATL traffic. I was coming from an '03 WRX and I like driving the A3 more as it doesn't suffer from the turbo lag the WRX did. Before the WRX I had an 03' G35 Coupe 6sp, which was a great little car also, but got rid of it after 4 months of ownership as it began to feel to cramped inside.

I also tested the 325i 06' model and took the A3 over it as it felt more "fun" to drive. The BMW handlded better obviously as it was RWD vs FWD, but didn't leave the smile on my face the A3 did/does. Good luck in your car hunting.

travisdecpn · 09-30-05, 11:27

If you can find one, try a 03-04 Acura TSX, great car for the money.