If you had to pick a midrange European sedan....

DaFunkyUnit · 06-04-2002, 11:29 PM

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 · 06-04-2002, 11:54 PM

Bimmer...

The IS300 isn't European, though.

~~DoPeY5007~~ · 06-05-2002, 01:31 AM

epoxi · 06-05-2002, 02:18 AM

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

DaFunkyUnit · 06-05-2002, 03:24 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Leon
Bimmer...

The IS300 isn't European, though.

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 · 06-05-2002, 03:50 AM

Need I Say anything?

Tommy Boomfiger · 06-05-2002, 04:05 AM

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

Tommy Boomfiger · 06-05-2002, 04:08 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by DaFunkyUnit
(coz European parts are super expensive!)

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 · 06-05-2002, 07:24 AM

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 · 06-05-2002, 07:38 AM

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

Tommy Boomfiger · 06-05-2002, 08:06 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by 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

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 · 06-05-2002, 10:16 PM

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 · 06-06-2002, 12:46 AM

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

spigidygak · 06-06-2002, 12:51 AM

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.

DaFunkyUnit · 06-06-2002, 03:10 AM

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 · 06-06-2002, 12:18 PM

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%.

Jihforce · 06-06-2002, 12:23 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by 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?

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 · 06-06-2002, 12:24 PM

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 · 06-06-2002, 01:25 PM

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 · 06-06-2002, 02:34 PM

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

rasetsu · 06-06-2002, 03:05 PM

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 · 06-06-2002, 03:37 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by 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?

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 · 06-06-2002, 03:41 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by 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.

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

View Poll Results: Pick da ride
BMW 330i	17	58.62%
Audi A4 (1.8T)	7	24.14%
Lexus IS300	2	6.90%
Volkswagon Passat	3	10.34%
Voters: 29. You may not vote on this poll

06-04-2002, 11:29 PM	#1
DaFunkyUnit Rear Admiral Upper Half Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: the peanut gallery Posts: 3,904	If you had to pick a midrange European sedan.... 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...?

06-05-2002, 02:18 AM	#4
epoxi Lieutenant Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: Irvine, CA Posts: 387	nothin beats a good ol' 3 series, if i could i would definitly take a 3 series over an A4. __________________ it wasnt me.......

06-05-2002, 03:50 AM	#6
hapoo Fleet Admiral Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: 742 Evergreen Terrace, Springfield USA Posts: 9,270	Need I Say anything? __________________

06-05-2002, 07:24 AM	#9
aglio412 Commander Join Date: May 2001 Location: wish you were here Posts: 1,357	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. __________________ daily dwayne :: Next Level Tuning

06-04-2002, 11:54 PM	#2
Leon Administrator Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 3,114	Bimmer... The IS300 isn't European, though.

06-05-2002, 01:31 AM	#3
~~DoPeY5007~~ court-martialled Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Brig Posts: 0	A4

06-05-2002, 04:05 AM	#7
Tommy Boomfiger Rear Admiral Lower Half Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Chi town Posts: 2,348	id pick the bimmer, but if i needed more room for less price, id choose the passat

06-05-2002, 07:38 AM	#10
Nanotech9 Vice Admiral Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Gone Wheeling! Posts: 4,408	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 __________________

06-05-2002, 10:16 PM	#12
Brock_Landers Ensign Join Date: Feb 2002 Posts: 22	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. Last edited by Brock_Landers : 06-05-2002 at 10:20 PM.

06-06-2002, 12:46 AM	#13
Showtime Lakers fanatic Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: L.A. ->SoCal<- O.C. Posts: 7,090	Infinity I really like the coupe 6 speed thats coming shortly. nice! -jel

06-06-2002, 12:51 AM	#14
spigidygak Admiral Join Date: May 2000 Location: Redlands & San Diego, CA. Posts: 5,882	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. __________________ Last edited by spigidygak : 06-06-2002 at 12:55 AM.

06-06-2002, 03:10 AM	#15
DaFunkyUnit Rear Admiral Upper Half Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: the peanut gallery Posts: 3,904	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

06-06-2002, 12:18 PM	#16
Jihforce Vice Admiral Join Date: Jan 2000 Posts: 4,340	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%. __________________ Auto Leasing Info @ RIDEwithG.com \| My Food & Travel Blog

06-06-2002, 12:24 PM	#18
aglio412 Commander Join Date: May 2001 Location: wish you were here Posts: 1,357	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.

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06-06-2002, 01:25 PM	#19
DaFunkyUnit Rear Admiral Upper Half Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: the peanut gallery Posts: 3,904	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

06-06-2002, 02:34 PM	#20
ribitch Rear Admiral Upper Half Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Michigan Posts: 3,672	I am an american muscle lover, so none of em. If I had to pick one, it would be the audi. __________________ http://ribitch.com/ipod.html

06-06-2002, 03:05 PM	#21
rasetsu Lieutenant Commander Join Date: Mar 2002 Posts: 529	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?