Car Rec: $20k, 4 real seats, 3 pedals
03-17-2019, 11:54 AM
#31
i do not own one and have never but a used gti, as new as you can afford is a great car. add to that if you would be able to squeeze some sort of golf r on that list it would be perhaps even better given the winter months. ford fiesta st or ford focus st, live with the cheap interior enjoy the ride.
03-17-2019, 12:07 PM
#32
Registered User
Thread Starter
I am curious what nice E90 M3s you are finding for sub-$20k. If I were to buy one my budget would be $30k period. I would either buy a less expensive one and spend the $ to have all the right things done, buy a less expensive one and save the $ to cover a big repair ($10k+), or buy one that has already had everything done (rod bearings and actuators being the big two).
I just think budget shopping a car like this to use as a daily is a mistake, a new engine can cost as much as you are looking to spend on the whole car. If you can’t afford $30k you shouldn’t buy one for $20k.
All that said it is a totally amazing car and would be my choice if I could just have one car. I have a 997 C2S and my E90 328i M-Sport, to me that makes a great combination, but I think the E90 M3 would be dang close to the two combined. Driving the 328 I am always impressed how great of a car it is. We were just at at an auto show and I couldn’t find a car under $40k that I would trade the 328 for.
I just think budget shopping a car like this to use as a daily is a mistake, a new engine can cost as much as you are looking to spend on the whole car. If you can’t afford $30k you shouldn’t buy one for $20k.
All that said it is a totally amazing car and would be my choice if I could just have one car. I have a 997 C2S and my E90 328i M-Sport, to me that makes a great combination, but I think the E90 M3 would be dang close to the two combined. Driving the 328 I am always impressed how great of a car it is. We were just at at an auto show and I couldn’t find a car under $40k that I would trade the 328 for.
I’d assume any M3 needs $4k to $5k in the first year or two on brakes, tires and miscellaneous. I’m not sure how much less some of the other cars here would need.
I’m a little bummed about missing out on that car but as far as I can tell prices are dropping 10% per year and I’m in no rush.
I agree the later 3 series have not improved on the E90. I have another post here about car recs for my brother. He wants awd and his budget is 40k. I told him E90 328ix.
03-20-2019, 08:06 PM
#33
Registered User
Thread Starter
I drive another E92 (that’s the coupe) M3 and continue to be impressed. It’s way more luxurious and less raw than the E46 M3 which. I’m not sure if I like that. I have to remember the context that I have an S2000 that’s plenty raw and this would 2nd, bad weather, larger family car would be a change of pace.
Its not a serious contender but I drove a 128i. I think it’s my favorite non-M. The N52 naturally aspirated I6 is an absolute gem. It revs happily to 7000 rpm. I just wish it made more power. This little car is kind of a luxury BRZ/FRS with a more usable backseat. The short wheelbase and lightness make it more tossable than the 3 series. They weigh a little over 3000 lbs which is about as light as it gets for RWD car with 4 seats. I wish that the M division had punched out the N52 to 3.2 liters and hit 300 hp. Then they could throw on the M3 suspension like they did with the 1M. That’s the car I wish they built.
(sorry guys, getting really deep into the Bavarian weeds)
Its not a serious contender but I drove a 128i. I think it’s my favorite non-M. The N52 naturally aspirated I6 is an absolute gem. It revs happily to 7000 rpm. I just wish it made more power. This little car is kind of a luxury BRZ/FRS with a more usable backseat. The short wheelbase and lightness make it more tossable than the 3 series. They weigh a little over 3000 lbs which is about as light as it gets for RWD car with 4 seats. I wish that the M division had punched out the N52 to 3.2 liters and hit 300 hp. Then they could throw on the M3 suspension like they did with the 1M. That’s the car I wish they built.
(sorry guys, getting really deep into the Bavarian weeds)
03-21-2019, 08:06 AM
#34
I drive another E92 (that’s the coupe) M3 and continue to be impressed. It’s way more luxurious and less raw than the E46 M3 which. I’m not sure if I like that. I have to remember the context that I have an S2000 that’s plenty raw and this would 2nd, bad weather, larger family car would be a change of pace.
Its not a serious contender but I drove a 128i. I think it’s my favorite non-M. The N52 naturally aspirated I6 is an absolute gem. It revs happily to 7000 rpm. I just wish it made more power. This little car is kind of a luxury BRZ/FRS with a more usable backseat. The short wheelbase and lightness make it more tossable than the 3 series. They weigh a little over 3000 lbs which is about as light as it gets for RWD car with 4 seats. I wish that the M division had punched out the N52 to 3.2 liters and hit 300 hp. Then they could throw on the M3 suspension like they did with the 1M. That’s the car I wish they built.
(sorry guys, getting really deep into the Bavarian weeds)
Its not a serious contender but I drove a 128i. I think it’s my favorite non-M. The N52 naturally aspirated I6 is an absolute gem. It revs happily to 7000 rpm. I just wish it made more power. This little car is kind of a luxury BRZ/FRS with a more usable backseat. The short wheelbase and lightness make it more tossable than the 3 series. They weigh a little over 3000 lbs which is about as light as it gets for RWD car with 4 seats. I wish that the M division had punched out the N52 to 3.2 liters and hit 300 hp. Then they could throw on the M3 suspension like they did with the 1M. That’s the car I wish they built.
(sorry guys, getting really deep into the Bavarian weeds)
I got a 128i loaner once and one thing that bugged the hell out of me was there didn't appear to be a temperature gauge at all. As someone who religiously drives gently until fully warm, that would drive me crazy not knowing when it's okay to get on it.
03-21-2019, 07:03 PM
#35
Registered User
Thread Starter
The N52 is a great motor, so smooth and sonorous, and the magnesium block makes it a hell of a lot lighter than the S54. It's a bummer that there was a 255hp version for only one year in the 2006 E9x (though the Z4 also got it) before they went to the turbo I-6 and that version was never seen again IIRC.
03-22-2019, 05:27 PM
#36
If you like the N52, E90 328i M-Sport would be something to check out. That is my DD and I absolutely love it. You could get a really nice example for $15k although the M-sport is hard to find at any price point.
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