[BellasBmw]

Hey guys

My mom is in the market to purchase a new/slightly used car. She has a 1988 325 right now (manuel, coupe) and she loves it. However, its gotten run down. She doesnt want to spend a lot considering she just wants to get from point A to point B. (i tried to get her to buy my car and ill get a 330 haha, but she didnt go for it).

What do you all suggest thats reliable, good mileage, styling, ..etc. I know she likes volkswagen but i heard they're not reliable. What else?

[ward]

you can pick up a used E46 for high teens now, just be sure it's checked by a mechanic to avoid a lemon

but it's hard to beat a civic for cheap dependable transportation

too bad to hear the 88's on it's way out (I had an 87 coupe, got to about 186,000 miles before I sent it on it's way)

[KL2DC]

Bella, how much is she looking to spend and does she prefer pre-owned or new? What are the other requirements (e.g. seating capacity, cargo etc)??

[rossmelvin]

vw are a POS

[BellasBmw]

Originally Posted by KL2DC

Bella, how much is she looking to spend and does she prefer pre-owned or new? What are the other requirements (e.g. seating capacity, cargo etc)??

She doesnt care on new/used as long as its not more than 2 years used. She wants to spend high teens or low 20's.

Shes gonna keep the 325, its her baby.. we're trading in a 2000 mustang convt that no one drives.

She doesnt need a lot of cargo space and she usually is by herself driving. I told her bout the Mini but i think it might be too small for her (in the sense that she would be scared if she got into an accident).

[shimshimhada]

, she can drive a stick and you can't.

[BellasBmw]

Originally Posted by shimshimhada

, she can drive a stick and you can't.

Hell ya.. i get my driving skills from my mom. She dont mess around.

[KL2DC]

well at that price range, how about a sensible and safe Honda Accord EX-4 or a Civic EX? Both are nice reliable (somewhat fun) cars....

Too boring? The new GTi? Comes with DSG or manual. If you wait a little, Honda's coming out with an Si Sedan (less racy than the coupe).

[shimshimhada]

A brand spanking new Mini Cooper S.

[shimshimhada]

OH! Tell her to get a used S2000!

[Flyingfart]

Drive it! and you'll fall in love. Guaranteed!
Accord Cpe 6MT EXv6 w/ HFP Factory Performance Sport Suspension Package

The Honda Factory Performance (HFP)/Ro_Ja Honda Accord Concept makes its debut in the Honda display at SEMA. It was developed as a collaboration between industry icon RJ deVera and Honda Factory Performance. The goal was to combine aftermarket products, Honda factory components and HFP accessories to create a car that meets the demands of today's enthusiast buyers. To do it, the Accord Coupe received a 2.4-liter i-VTEC TSX engine and a TSX close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission, a Pure Styling Ro_Ja Ground Effects Kit, Sparco racing seats, 19-inch Ro_Ja Forged wheels and BF Goodrich tires. Leading aftermarket companies GReddy Performance Products USA, Circuit Worx, and Street Concepts pitched in to help make the concept a wildly creative, yet purely Honda vision of the Accord Coupe.

Powertrain Modifications

2.4 liter, 4-cylinder Acura TSX i-VTEC engine
Acura TSX 6-speed manual transmission
GReddy turbo system
GReddy stainless steel dual exhaust system
Chassis/Suspension Modifications

HFP suspension upgrade (shocks and springs)
19x8 Ro_Ja Motorsports Formula 2 wheels
BF Goodrich G-Force KDW 235/35-ZR19 high performance tires
Exterior Modifications

Pure Styling Ro_Ja Ground effects kit
HFP rear wing
Versus Motorsports carbon fiber hood
Honda Formula Red paint
Interior Modifications

Black Sparco Torino 2 front seats
Sparco shift knob
Color-matched interior panels and rear seats

[BellasBmw]

Originally Posted by Flyingfart

Drive it! and you'll fall in love. Guaranteed!
Accord Cpe 6MT EXv6 w/ HFP Factory Performance Sport Suspension Package

It looks too "Ricey" for my mom..

[shimshimhada]

Mini Cooper S FTW.

[ALPINE6SPD]

e46 wagon for the space.

[CnoteMD]

I would recommend an E46. Since you are on the west coast, a 3 series with sport package would be a good car for the high teens-low $20k range.

[KL2DC]

what about the Saab-aru 9-2X...the incentives on these things are ridiculous and they are (slightly) more refined than the impreza which it obviously is. I am not sure if they are still 'giving away' the Jag X-types, I believe a year ago, people were driving the 2.5 models off the lot for low to mid 20s....

[r3amir]

Originally Posted by BellasBmw

It looks too "Ricey" for my mom..

Then take out a little rice and keep it simple Accord EX 4 cylinder, I have one

[BellasBmw]

I was thinkin about the E46, but its not really worth it since the warranty wouldnt be full.

[BMW F22]

^ buy an extended warranty for it.

[Robin_NL]

Mini CooperS or Golf GTI

[BellasBmw]

Originally Posted by Robin Hood

Mini CooperS or Golf GTI

Im tryin to convince her to get the Mini. Its adorable, i was almost thinking of gettin one too.

But i know her, and she might be scared about getting hit, since its so small. But she cant drive big cars either haha..shes had this bmw since 1988, thats all shes used to.

[Robin_NL]

Originally Posted by BellasBmw

Im tryin to convince her to get the Mini. Its adorable, i was almost thinking of gettin one too.

But i know her, and she might be scared about getting hit, since its so small. But she cant drive big cars either haha..shes had this bmw since 1988, thats all shes used to.

It's not SMALL like the old Mini Bella. It's almoste like the VW Golf GTI even wider I guess. It's a safe and very very well built car. And cute too.