Looking for a used car (opinions please)--->

For the same reason I do not buy Rolex watches. Too high price/poor timekeeping. I sold cars at a high end dealership for six years and have driven all the high price cars! Including the BMW's and Lynn I am about as impressed with them as the three Rolex watches I used to own,which is not much!!By the way I now own Breiting Watches.I see the cars you own/no comment!!I in fact I replied to your post on buying a used BMW. Please do not get me started on Suv's!! I think the Accord 6-speed 2004 model and up as noted before a really good choice.The Bmw 3 series just cost too much to repair and maintain for what they are. I really like the 330 sport,but high cost/maintenance!I have been a maintence officer in the active/reserve army for 29 years. I have been racing cars for 35 years. I am a car nut . Do you even know what showroom stock racing is? I am just can not beleive that anyone would want to own a 3 series,knowing how much it will cost them to operate.The RX 8 looks to be a really nice car,just do not know yet about how well they are built.
 
To Louisana Jeeper It's still a Neon .True the New Turbo SRT-4 Neon will out run your GT! Not to mention how much better handling the car is completed to your dino rusttang
 
yeah, your right .. I'm going to the neon dealership tommorow to see if they will trade straight over, or trade + me giving them a little extra cash for an SRT.
 
For me, it's all about the driving experience. Doesn't matter what badge is on the car, if the car makes you feel one with the road.
 
I don't know a whole hell of a lot about the various cars out there -- but doing stuff like reading this thread is eroding my ignorance....



I had a couple of Alfa Romeos when I was a kid-- first car I owned was a '70 GTV 1750......I think I loved that car almost as much as I do my new Mz3. I still think its looks are among the finest ever, and wish I had another one now, to wax worship Autopia style (not to mention drive :))



Then Alfa's styling took -- IMHO -- a turn for the worse.....But I imagine they still have dreamlike handling and engines.....nobody's discussed them in this thread, so does that mean they're not too good depreciation wise, or just not highly thought of period?



BTW, I'm with loco (of course!)-- can't go wrong with one of the new Mazdas. You should at least take one out for a good test drive before you make your decision, unless for some reason they just aren' t in your picture.
 
the srt4 isnt a neon... its a REALLY PISSED OFF NEON



4dr, 5sp, quicker than most cars out there, nice sounding exhaust (no cats) and its 23gs with tax, fully loaded
 
Lynn said:
Gosh, Andrew ACR2, you've just rocked my world. :eek: Why would ANYBODY buy a BMW when they could have a Dodge Neon?? Our departmental secretary would heartily agree with you, I'm sure, as she totters out to her Neon each day. And my 87-yr-old next door neighbor supports you too!! NEONS ROCK!!!!
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:rofl or Porsche,Jaguar,Mercedes...
 
$170 oil changes??? :eek: You're getting ripped BIG TIME. My BMW dealership only charges $50 or so. The thing is, changing oil in BMW's I6 is soooo easy, why wouldn't you do it yourself? I bought an oil extractor, makes oil changes that much easier.



I've had my 328Ci for 4 years now and it has been the cheapest car I've ever owned for maintenance. Changed my front brake rotors and pads myself using BMW parts for less money than what it cost me to do the same on my wife's 4Runner using Toyota parts. Inspection I, did it myself, no big deal. When Inspection II time comes around, I'll bite the bullet and let the dealer put their trained eye to work.



I've read a little about the control arm failures and double checked them on my car. Turned out mine came with the stronger design. I wonder if that's one of the many differences between the 328/330 and the 323/325 or is it the sport packaged equipped cars versus the standard suspension.



Back to your original question: I'd look for a good independent BMW tech and if you can find one, keep your car. My next choice would be a V6 Accord. I also like the looks of the 5-door Mazda 6s although they will be a little over budget.
 
blackcaraddict said:
If you are a girl, then the Jetta will be fine. If you are a ricer, the TSX will be fine. If neither applies, then move some money around, spend a bit more and get the Acura TL. Fine looking sedan-type car.



And don't waste your money on another 3 series BMW, this is also not exactly a man's car.



Hey, you wanted opinions.
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You must be a "small" man!



Do you know what makes a man a man? I am not sure if you are serious here, but your attitude is very childish.



JUST MY UNWANTED OPINION OF YOU.
 
I think Ioco hit the nail on the head. If you like the car and can afford it and whatever repairs that will be needed go for it. That is why we have so many choices. I sold cars for ten years and know you must make educated choices. Just do your homework and talk to people who own the car. There is no perfect car. I myself just want the most bang for the dollar,whcih is the Dodge SRT-4.I value performance and handling very high but I donot want to spend too much. I worked at a dealership that sold Lambo"S. lWe also sold Dodges and the Viper. Now the Viper is very fast,but is a hard car to live with everyday. We all have differant needs and whatever choice you make ,either keep your current BMW or get other model I hope that you will enjoy it. I sorry if I hurt anyones feelings. If I had a BMW I would use Amsoil and change it myself.
 
HellrotCi said:
I've read a little about the control arm failures and double checked them on my car. Turned out mine came with the stronger design. I wonder if that's one of the many differences between the 328/330 and the 323/325 or is it the sport packaged equipped cars versus the standard suspension.
Click to expand...



You still have potential wear problems. Not with the control arms themselves but with the ball joints (there are 2 in each arm) and the bushings. The ball joints and the bushings just wear out. Unfortunately the ball joints are not servicable or replaceable (you have to replace the whole arm).



Not that difficult of a DIY job. I just did it yesterday on my wife's car. Cost me about $300 in parts and a couple of hours on a Saturday.



As for oil changes. I don't think they get a whole lot easier than on a 3 series BMW. The drain plug is easy to access on ramps or jack stands. The filter is a replacable element that is easily accessed from opening your hood and un screwing a cap. Cost the price of the oil of your choice and about $12 for the filter in new O ring.
 
3Wheeler said:
I don't know a whole hell of a lot about the various cars out there -- but doing stuff like reading this thread is eroding my ignorance....



I had a couple of Alfa Romeos when I was a kid-- first car I owned was a '70 GTV 1750......I think I loved that car almost as much as I do my new Mz3. I still think its looks are among the finest ever, and wish I had another one now, to wax worship Autopia style (not to mention drive :))



Then Alfa's styling took -- IMHO -- a turn for the worse.....But I imagine they still have dreamlike handling and engines.....nobody's discussed them in this thread, so does that mean they're not too good depreciation wise, or just not highly thought of period?



BTW, I'm with loco (of course!)-- can't go wrong with one of the new Mazdas. You should at least take one out for a good test drive before you make your decision, unless for some reason they just aren' t in your picture.
Click to expand...



Alfa still make great cars but I think they have not officially sold any cars in the USA since the mid 1990's.
 
Check out the Miata!

Great car and more bang for your buck new or used.

You can get a MadzaSpeed turbo for $25,000 or so.

Then join your local Miata club and you will enjoy you Miata even more.

Nick
 
If you are thinking about the V6 Accord then think about the V6 Altima. It's a more fun car to drive and has loads of torque.
 
KEEP THE BIMMER!! The extra cost is well worth having a rear wheel drive sports sedan. After all, we are talking about the Ultimate Driving Machine. The E46 is also one of the best looking body styles you can find on any new car. If for some reason you really wanted to switch, you could always go Lexus IS300. You'd keep rear wheel drive and add Japanese reliability. The TSX is really nice too, but I agree with these guys, switching from rear to front wheel drive would take some getting used to.



OR, if you want to follow blackcaraddict's logic, you could get a "man's" car. Who wouldn't want a circa '98 Ford Mustang? I don't think I'd be man enough to go from a Bimmer to this, but maybe you are:

PlasticFantastic.jpg
 
Andrew ACR 2 said:
To Louisana Jeeper It's still a Neon .True the New Turbo SRT-4 Neon will out run your GT! Not to mention how much better handling the car is completed to your dino rusttang
Click to expand...



Id avoid the srt neon like the plague. Sure, it may be fast, but chrysler has had so many probs with neons in the past, I wouldn't even consider one. Id rather have a boosted import than a domestic boosted 4 banger.
 
Well....I went to see a few cars and went on a few test drives.....



Accord sedan V6 - Nice car, roomy, will hold its value, loaded up with goodies, comfortable, and the V6 has some nice power. What I didn't like was the handling, and the 3/36 warranty.



Acura TSX - Wish I could find one, I just missed out on a steal......2004 Silver 6 speed with 17K miles for 19K. It has all the goodies for a nice price, nice styling, very nice interior, nice handling, and decent power (although wish it was a V6)



Jetta GLI - VR6 - 6 speed manual. Well this is my choice. Although it feels "narrow" and the interior is no where near the level of my BMW, out of all these cars it drives the most similar to what I have now. It handles the best out of the crew with the 17" wheels and sport suspension, the 6 speed tranny is NICE!!!!! The VR6 is impressive.....definately pulls harder than my 2.5L I6, and has a lot more low end torque. There seems to be a bunch out there 2003 with 5-10K miles selling well below sticker of a new 2004. Now I just have to pick a color!



Thx for all your input guys.....new front tires on the bimmer going on tonight :) It's lookin so good....I don't know if I am going to be able to part with it! hahaha
 
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