New Car Advice

[Loki]

Ok so I currently own a VW Passat. I was looking at a BMW 330 but now I'm leaning toward muscle carish. I kinda wanna be a real college student and have a car that growls. I'm lookin at a 2001 Mustang Cobra, but I'm also hearing of a new Bullitt editition based on Steve McQueen's car from the movie "Bullitt". Anyone know if it's just cosmetic changes or are there actually internal differences they made from the regular GT? And how does it matchup to cobra?

[ArkiStan]

Originally posted by Loki
...I kinda wanna be a real college student and have a car that growls....

jeez...I always thought the college students with growling cars were the fake ones. I mean, go and study for chrissake. Sorry didn't mean to sound cynical. I'm just bitter about my crappy car.

Wow, VW Passat--> BMW330. I'm happy for you man.

[Loki]

Oops I meant 323...hehe big difference there..hah Actually I would like to get the new passat if possible but unfortunately as school progresses it gets more expensive.

I would get a truck but in LA that's a joke. Good luck trying to find parking for that thing..haha

[Loki]

Originally posted by ucbstan

Originally posted by Loki
...I kinda wanna be a real college student and have a car that growls....

jeez...I always thought the college students with growling cars were the fake ones. I mean, go and study for chrissake. Sorry didn't mean to sound cynical. I'm just bitter about my crappy car.

Wow, VW Passat--> BMW330. I'm happy for you man.

Remember that hard studying now means nicer things later. So don't be too bitter...think of it as an investment.

[Memo]

Wait a minute........the Passat is less expensive than the 323, so why wouldn't you get the passat? hehe. I am a collge student too (Univ. of Texas). I am looking to buy a new car too. Currently I own a F-150, so I'm gonna sell that, hopefully get about 10k - 12k. I have narrowed....or not so narrowed my choices to: BMW 323i, BMW Z3, Mazda Miata, Audi TT. I've been looking a little at the new Toyota MR2 Spyders, but I know nothing about those cars. I haven't heard anything about this new Mustang you're talking about. I thought about a GT, but I just want something that isn't American made :) Not that Fords are bad anything, as I said, I have an F-150, just want something "better" :)

[Ice-9]

Damn, I hear ya, ucbstan. What's with all these college kids with money? I'm in college, and I drive a Porsche, but I bought it with my own $2000 and have put in HUNDREDS of hours already fixing it up. I have no concept of how one could afford a new car while in school. Mommy and Daddy like you a lot, huh guys?

[pennypinch]

Originally posted by Ice-9
Damn, I hear ya, ucbstan. What's with all these college kids with money? I'm in college, and I drive a Porsche, but I bought it with my own $2000 and have put in HUNDREDS of hours already fixing it up. I have no concept of how one could afford a new car while in school. Mommy and Daddy like you a lot, huh guys?

My mommy and daddy love me more than your mommy and daddy, that much is clear!

:D

[styleee]

Originally posted by Ice-9
I have no concept of how one could afford a new car while in school.

i graduated from college and i still can't really afford a nice new car... only a really cheap one. and now that my rent went up 50% i can barely afford that!

[Loki]

Originally posted by UT Memo
Wait a minute........the Passat is less expensive than the 323, so why wouldn't you get the passat? hehe.

Actually the 323 is less expensive than the passat. I have the V6 GLX passat which was more money than than the 323 I looked at before.


DROOL :P
http://grendel.wox.org/911GT2.jpg

[Memo]

Hmm, I just went to BMWUSA.com and VOLKSWAGEN.com. On the webiste it seems the 3 series are back to 325 and now up to 330 I didn't see the 323 on the site. I checked the prices and the 3 series is still more expensive than the Passat. And as my parents loving me....well I guess they do :P They bought my F-150 back in 98 and now i'm gonna sell it and put the money down for my next car, and I will pay for the next car. They'll still be paying insurance though ;)

[Loki]

I reiterate...the 323 was NOT as expensive as the passat when I bought my VW. But now that 325 has replaced it it may or may not be more expensive. My passat was $29K or $32K after license and registration and tax. The only 325 that is more expensive is the convertible. otherwise all are less or comparable to the passat.

2001 325i (http://www.autobytel.com/content/research/vir/index.cfm?id=4;4&action=quicklook&make_vch=BMW&make_id_int=5&model_vch=325&newUsed=new&series_id_int=19501&breadcrumbs=HP%2CResearch%2CMakeSearch)

2001 325Ci (http://www.autobytel.com/content/research/vir/index.cfm?id=4;4&action=quicklook&make_vch=BMW&make_id_int=5&model_vch=325&newUsed=new&series_id_int=19526&breadcrumbs=HP%2CResearch%2CMakeSearch)

The convertible is the only one that is more @ $35K

2001 325Cic (http://www.autobytel.com/content/research/vir/index.cfm?id=4;4&action=quicklook&make_vch=BMW&make_id_int=5&model_vch=325&newUsed=new&series_id_int=19404&breadcrumbs=HP%2CResearch%2CMakeSearch)

And BTW it's not that I have parents that love me....it's called investments :D

[Ice-9]

Originally posted by pennypinch

Originally posted by Ice-9
Damn, I hear ya, ucbstan. What's with all these college kids with money? I'm in college, and I drive a Porsche, but I bought it with my own $2000 and have put in HUNDREDS of hours already fixing it up. I have no concept of how one could afford a new car while in school. Mommy and Daddy like you a lot, huh guys?

My mommy and daddy love me more than your mommy and daddy, that much is clear!

:D

Nuh uh! (not sure how to spell that, but you get the idea)

You're a poopyhead!

[despayre]

the newest car on my "list":
nissan Z concept. check it out at www.nissandriven.com

http://www.240z.org/images/old&new_z(large).JPG

could be a good candidate for your next...

Pictures over 150kb in size should be linked only



[Edited by Got Apex Moderator on 05-02-2001 at 12:39 AM]

[Loki]

BTW Is anyone gonna answer my original question?


And since we're posting pics.

YUMMY YUMMY :P

http://grendel.wox.org/BMWM3.jpg

http://grendel.wox.org/BMWM5.jpg

[Edited by Loki on 05-01-2001 at 06:14 PM]

[Loki]

Ok so anyway...I went to test drive some stangs this weekend and I thought they were great!! Thing had lotsa power and great handling. However, I have yet to be able to drive a cobra. I did see one modified cobra. The guy had put a vortect blower on it and new brakes, wheels, and nitrous. Thing rated at 525 BHp!!! I couldn't believe it. Damn thing could give just everything a run for it's money..hehe :P

[Ice-9]

'cept maybe this: :thumbup:

http://209.132.49.149/images-large/1994_dauer_962_lemans-2.jpg

[Jihforce]

Originally posted by Loki
I reiterate...the 323 was NOT as expensive as the passat when I bought my VW. But now that 325 has replaced it it may or may not be more expensive. My passat was $29K or $32K after license and registration and tax. The only 325 that is more expensive is the convertible. otherwise all are less or comparable to the passat.

2001 325i (http://www.autobytel.com/content/research/vir/index.cfm?id=4;4&action=quicklook&make_vch=BMW&make_id_int=5&model_vch=325&newUsed=new&series_id_int=19501&breadcrumbs=HP%2CResearch%2CMakeSearch)

2001 325Ci (http://www.autobytel.com/content/research/vir/index.cfm?id=4;4&action=quicklook&make_vch=BMW&make_id_int=5&model_vch=325&newUsed=new&series_id_int=19526&breadcrumbs=HP%2CResearch%2CMakeSearch)

The convertible is the only one that is more @ $35K

2001 325Cic (http://www.autobytel.com/content/research/vir/index.cfm?id=4;4&action=quicklook&make_vch=BMW&make_id_int=5&model_vch=325&newUsed=new&series_id_int=19404&breadcrumbs=HP%2CResearch%2CMakeSearch)

And BTW it's not that I have parents that love me....it's called investments :D


Unless you are buying a 325i with options, yeah, it will be under 30k after tax and licensing (if you are lucky). BMWs are notorious for adding 2-3k per package.
ALWAYS OVERESTIMATE the price of a car because they rarely EVER are priced "starting price". A BMW with no options and features isn't a pretty sight. Believe me, I've seen it, that's way I forked out 5k more to get one with a premium package. My 325i ended up being more expensive than you Passat so you can't say that only the convertible is more expensive. You can probably get a 323i from last year. However, don't expect to be much cheaper than the 325i since they retain their value pretty well.

[Loki]

Ya that's true. The options are killer as is the same for Mercedes. But anyway...I'm not planning on spending too much at the moment because law school is gonna be hella expensive. After I graduate from that though hopefully I can get my hands on an M5. :D

[calng]

The only thing I would says is stay away from the BMW 3 Series! They are the worst series ever! My uncle had a BMW 3 Series that was bought in the mid 90's, my friends' bought brand new BMW cars recently as well. The problem with these cars is that you will spend *alot* of money just fixing these cars. They break down once they reach 5 years. And it ain't cheap. So far, I have friends that bought the 2000 BMW 328, 99 323, 96 328. The 2000 BMW has had no problems yet, but the 96 has been going back and forth to get it fixed. Only the 5 series and above are the good reliable cars. You should wait, I think this year for the Mercedes Coupe. That is going to compete with the BMW 3 Series.

If you have alot of money to burn, buy the BMW 3 Series. That's all I have to say.

[Ice-9]

calng - do you know what kind of problems? My dad just decided to start looking at Beamers, and is considering a '98 328 convertible, so I'm doing research for him. Are the problems of the standard garden variety, and just very frequent? Or are they major-overhaul types, like clutch and steering rack? I'd appreciate any info.

[att]

the bullit and cobra versions of the mustang are just marketing b.s. and you will eventually be disappointed. find the best deal you can on a stock mustang with the large engine and go aftermarket on it. i would actually get on with low miles from a couple years ago and add on from there, you can build yourself a really nice ride that way. if you are looking for a really fun car to drive though, i would go for a subaru wrx. for what you get for your money there isnt much in the market right now to beat it. oh, one other thought, if you like the camaro, i would go for that with the ls1 engine over the mustang anyday. that engine kicks fords ass, which i hate to admit being a mustang owner, but its the truth.

[Jihforce]

Originally posted by Ice-9
calng - do you know what kind of problems? My dad just decided to start looking at Beamers, and is considering a '98 328 convertible, so I'm doing research for him. Are the problems of the standard garden variety, and just very frequent? Or are they major-overhaul types, like clutch and steering rack? I'd appreciate any info.

You know, I have to say that BMW aren't known for their reliability. I know that they have made major improvements for the new designer 2000-2001 models. But I cannot say for the 98 ones. The thing is, with rag top convertibles, you will have wind noise issues as the car gets older. Also, engine and maintenance costs an arm and a leg, regardless of the year.The newer models are at least come with 3year/36,000 mile free maintenance. In any case, look to spend 500 bucks or so for maintenance checks and if your beemer ever get hit by a falling tree, buy a new one cuz in Car & Driver had that problem with theirs and the repair cost was 29k...haahahaa.

[Memo]

I don't know that the 3 series are unreliable. I think they're pretty reliable cars. But it does cost a lot of money to repair, especially if its off warranty. If you're buying used MAKE SURE YOU GET EXTENDED WARRANTY. I was in my friends 325 and we kind of took a turn going hmm 60? Anyways, hit the curb, the plastic "skirt" i guess of the older 325s bent and we did some other damage. It cost about 5,000 to fix. A taillight alone costs about $500. It's crazy. But it's a BMW! :)

[ken]

Yeah, unless you lease, make sure you can afford the repairs, because there will be repairs. And the repair cost is 2x what you may expect on an american or japanese car.

[calng]

Originally posted by Ice-9
calng - do you know what kind of problems? My dad just decided to start looking at Beamers, and is considering a '98 328 convertible, so I'm doing research for him. Are the problems of the standard garden variety, and just very frequent? Or are they major-overhaul types, like clutch and steering rack? I'd appreciate any info.

I do not know the exact problems, but I can ask my friends and uncle the specific problems. But it is mainly engine problems. And they occur very frequent. For the 1-2 years, the beamer should be fine (if you're lucky), then afterwards, you can say your wallet and bank accounts good bye because that's how much you'll be spending to fix the Beamer up. But it is mostly engine problems. I will ask them the specific problems they are having. I was also thinking of getting a Beamer, until the stories I have heard from them. My uncle has been bring the beamer to the shop *at least* once every month. Oh, the warranty stuff...sometimes, they don't cover it. So, good luck!

[brain]

Mercedes C coupe to compete against the 3 series? They already have the C240 and C320 to do that. The C coupe is basically the equivalent of a 318ti. The darn thing will be the only mercedes model with a non-leather interior. It's also using the older 2.3L Kompressor engine, which in my opinion is not too great. I'd keep the C class in mind to compete against your 3 series. I've had my 2001 C320 for about 5 months now and I'm extremely happy with it.

[Ice-9]

Originally posted by Jihforce

In any case, look to spend 500 bucks or so for maintenance checks and if your beemer ever get hit by a falling tree, buy a new one cuz in Car & Driver had that problem with theirs and the repair cost was 29k...haahahaa.

Heheh, I read that article, too. F'ing ridiculous. And speaking of C+D, the new Mercedes AMGs sound really sweet. Almost along the lines of the M3 - sportier than just about anything else Mercedes has done. Definitely out of the price range of a Beamer 3, though.

calng, thanks for the tip. I'll let my dad know, since it's his money. Engine problems sound like trouble - any more info you can give me eventually would be great.

[calng]

Originally posted by freakinfreak
Mercedes C coupe to compete against the 3 series? They already have the C240 and C320 to do that. The C coupe is basically the equivalent of a 318ti. The darn thing will be the only mercedes model with a non-leather interior. It's also using the older 2.3L Kompressor engine, which in my opinion is not too great. I'd keep the C class in mind to compete against your 3 series. I've had my 2001 C320 for about 5 months now and I'm extremely happy with it.

Actually, they are coming out with a Mercedes Coupe to compete against the sport coupe cars like the Intergras.

[brain]

I don't know about that. With a starting price os around $25k, it seems like it's the wrong ballpark.

[Ice-9]

25k may seem high, but the Acura replacement for the Integra, the RSX, starts at $23k, with the Type S a few grand more. So they're all at around the same price, I just think the Mercedes coupe isn't all that great.