DaFunkyUnit

Once I'm out of school, these are the cars I'll be looking at. Which one to choose though? I've always been a fan of the bmw 3 series (dream car is M3, but lets be realistic here...)

Which is most bang for the buck?
How about mod-ability?
Performance, etc...?

Leon

Bimmer...

The IS300 isn't European, though.

DoPeY5007

A4

epoxi

nothin beats a good ol' 3 series, if i could i would definitly take a 3 series over an A4.

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DaFunkyUnit

you are absolutely right. What was i thinking?

I've seen a totally tricked out is300, and man it looks pimp! i mean, you gotta admit, the is300 is one sleek auto. Hmmm, since its not European, maybe it'll be cheaper for the upkeep costs (coz European parts are super expensive!)

hapoo

Need I Say anything?

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Tommy Boomfiger

id pick the bimmer, but if i needed more room for less price, id choose the passat

Tommy Boomfiger

i dont really experience that for my 316i. actually i get parts (oem or better) for about the same price i pay for my corolla. unfortunatley bmw inspections cost a lot more than checkups for the 'rolla

aglio412

i'm a hardcore vw/audi fan....but from that list, i'd pick the 330 in a heartbeat. however, it's significantly more than the others once nicely equipped...if you wanna get EVERYTHING and still have some loot, the passat or even A4 is a good choice.

but dayem...330's are soooooooooooooooooo nice.

Nanotech9

dood - buy a 96 - 99 M3 for the price of the 330. Its WORTH IT. even if the car has 20k or 30k mi on it, you'll enjoy it soooo much more

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Tommy Boomfiger

ive seen some pretty good (not great, but very good) deals on m3's that come off a 3 year corperate leases. usually company cars for people who dont know how to drive hard, but its unlikely to get a stick. they almost never have more than 36k on the dash. dont forget, though, that the e36 m3 is really lacking in power compared to the european e36 m3 or the current m3. but definately good deals.

Brock_Landers

Infiniti G35 in a second. As fast or faster than all of these cars. Handles very close to the BMW. $35,000 fully loaded. More hosrpower than the 96-99 M3. 260 Horsepower. 0 lift. .27 Drag coefficient. 260lb/ft torque. Go test drive one. You will not be disappointed. Only negative thing is it is an automatic until september.

Showtime

Infinity
I really like the coupe 6 speed thats coming shortly.
nice!
-jel

spigidygak

Well seeing as I drive an 01.5 A4 1.8t. . . I'd say go with that for the best bang for yer buckaroo. With an extra $700 or so you can chip it that will increase your hp and torque a grip ends up being around 220 hp and 260 torque or so. But my mom has a 02 330i. . . if only it was manual that is seriously one of the best balanced cars I've driven. Only thing is its not really in the bargain or value area for your money.

Oh yeah and if you're wondering the 02 A4's (B6 platform) are kick ass. My sister bought the 3.0 with the multitronic tranny. . . the thing is as roomy as a passat but still very much more sportier than a passat. And the new look has really got me jealous now. And honestly if the 3.0 had a lil' more kick to it, its a serious competitor to the 330i, just a hair off in every department and interior wise it blows bmw out of the water. But still in the end if money was no factor I'd go with the 330. Audi is still a greater value though especially if you get a 1.8t, so much potential in the lil' bugger.

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DaFunkyUnit

so what if we step down the bimmer to... oh say either a 325 or a 328? (= weaker engine.. i think)

would it still be the bimmer?

oh, as for the infinite g35, i'm sure it performs pretty well, but i just don't like the look of the car

Jihforce

330i is way more expensive than you'd think. As a matter of fact, for a fairly well equip one, you're looking at 5-8k more than, lets say, the A4 1.8T.
325i, decently equipped, we're looking at 32k. Keep in mind that performance difference is noticeable between a 330 and 328/325.
I don't know what you're looking at as your budget, but if you are buying/leasing a new BMW, look to spend at least 1k down (in most cases its 2.5)and 500-600 a month.
The reason why I wouldn't touch a used BMW is because not all BMWs are created equal. Some tend to break down a lot even when new. And the warranty is shorter.
Also, take in consideration insurance...it costs around 2k to insure a BMW per year in the LA area. (i'm assuming you live here). If you want one, live in SD or something, rates get cut down by close to 40%.

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Jihforce

a BMW is a BMW. Granted there are a few models that should have never been made.
You're losing about 41 horses from a 330-325. The handling should remain about the same, which compared to some other cars, its amazing. BMW engines are very smooth too.

aglio412

i just saw that you asked about modability....if that's a concern, go with the passat or a4 w/ the 1.8t engine...there are by far more performance mods for that engine than for any of those other cars listed.

although, if it was me, i wouldn't be gung ho about modding any of those cars...that's why i'm getting a GTi with the 1.8t soon...won't be afraid to tinker with it or drive it hard...i think if i had an a4, i'd be too caught up in the leather and amenities to see it as a sports car...either that or i don't have the loot to buy and a4 AND hook it up...yeah that's it...who am i fooling, i would love a hooked up a4.

DaFunkyUnit

well, you always have the dilemma of:

1) buying a lesser priced car, then modding the hell out of it,

-or-

2) buying a more expensive car and keeping it stock (coz no way in hell i'm modding something that has a phone number as its price tag )

it wont be another coupla years before i start plunking down the hard-earned dough for the ride. its just nice to plan ahead

ribitch

I am an american muscle lover, so none of em. If I had to pick one, it would be the audi.

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rasetsu

My thinking if I'm a little tight on cash, get a cheaper car now and save up for my dream car. In your case, that's M3 which isn't unattainable like a Ferrari or something. I love the 3 series, but if I had gotten a 330i, I'd be kicking myself everytime I see a M wishing I had that instead. When I get a car, I want to be happy with it and have no regrets. I always have this thing about getting the best trimmed car if possible and if not, I'd try to see what else I could afford that is the best trimmed. Maybe you could lease something?

Tommy Boomfiger

if youre talking about a new m3, its not exactly easily attainable. i went looking for a new m3 a month ago and i was told that there was a 1 year wait and a $10,000 premium over sticker. im sure the 1 year wait can be expedited with a little extra cash, but its not that easy.

Jihforce

And who knows, you might end up wanting a M5 later.

Cantacuzene

330i is prolly the best of the bunch. The IS300 sucks. They put the lexus badge on it but the interior is plasticy and not luxurious at all.

Subaru WRX > IS300

rasetsu

$10,000 over sticker?! It's a BMW, not a Lamborghini! Screw that then! I've seen so many M3s living in West LA that I didn't realize they came at such a premium. I would go for a used M3 or a new Lexus IS just because Lexus won't nickel and dime you with options and packages. I personally prefer N/A six cylinders than a turbo charged four (A4 1.8T). If money wasn't too tight, then I would go for an A4 2.8 Quattro or even a S4 (turbo six is better than N/A 4!). Actually, if BMW is demanding that much for a M3, I would definetly rather get a S4.

I think German sports sedans (330i, A4)are probably better engineered for performance than the Lexus, but from a money stand point, the Lexus will probably be the most painless to buy as there won't be this and that options that require this and that package etc. etc. bumping the price up and up.

rasetsu

In terms of performance, I'd have to agree. But the interior of a WRX is pretty gawd awfull aside from the Momo wheel and firm bucket seats. The IS exterior lends itself the aura of a luxury sedan at least. The fit and finish of a Lexus is also better than any Subaru. As I said, the only problem I have with the 330i is the maze of options, packages, and accessories that make the car cost a lot more than what it's supposed to.

Brock_Landers

July issue of road and track did a sports sedan comparison. You should see the magazine on the racks over the next few weeks. I will list the position of the cars below along with some quotes from the article.



Here's how the competition ranked:

11. Lincoln LS 3.0
10. Jaguar X-Type 3.0
9. Volvo S60 T5
8. Cadillac CTS
7. MB C320 Sport
6. Acura TL-S
5. Audi A4 3.0Q
4. Saab 9-5 Aero
3. Lexus IS300 (5spd)
2. BMW 330i (5spd)

#1 - G35 by Infiniti (Auto)

"The G35 is the best of this group, plain and simple. Why? Try 260bhp, 260lb-ft. of torque, and rear wheel drive...When you add excellent steering, super-predictable handling and plenty of passenger space, what Infiniti has done is remarkable; the low price isn't even a factor."

"...the G35 is bound to make converts out of a lot of BMW fans."

"It's a winner."

kimchicowboy

would the infiniti I35 be considered midrange? i think that's a pretty nice looking car myself. better looking than the G35, but definitely doesn't perform since it's not supposed to.

but out of the bunch from the list up top, i would choose the 330

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Brock_Landers

And if you did choose the 330 you would have the second best.

rasetsu

I don't think the I is worth it because it's just a rebadged Maxima while the G is a rebadged Skyline (something I CAN'T get at a Nissan dealer here for a little less money).