[Kiemyster]

So im looking to get a daily driver and I have 12,000 to play with. If the car is really worth it I will squeeze the extra 3K.

I'd prefer a car with AWD since im in NY. So far I'm considering:

2002 E46 M3 convert - AT, 110K miles @ $15,000
2003 E46 330xi sedan - AT, 110K miles @ $11,000
2004 E46 330xi sedan - AT, 77K miles @ 15,000
2004 E60 545i Sedan - 6SP, 112K miles @ @15,000
2004 E60 545I Sedan, Full ACS kit - AT, 102K miles @ 15,000

I am favoring the E60 with the ACS kit because some new rims on it and it would look quite nice. I just dont know if I can deal with that color interior. but i guess i could always swap out the seats down the line.

any suggestions? what would you guys do with 15K?

[persian54]

those cars will rack up maintenance ... so try 10k, and save 5 for repairs

[persian54]

I'd pick the m3 tho

[WWONG]

A BMW over 100k is going to cost you a lot to repair. I think you'll break even or somehow actually spend less by buying a car in the $20k range.

[mtla4]

A japanese car

[blacknbean]

if your looking over 100k id recommend something non bmw. maybe a accord or something. my accord has over 200k and never been in the shop for anything other than scheduled maintanence

[ptack]

Hope you can do your own repairs (and make your own parts) because a BMW with 100+k miles on it can easily cost you an extra $3-4K per year with a variety of issues. That's cheaper than making payments on a new BMW, but if this is siupposed to be the beater, then you should get a Honda.

[b0bab0i]

E46 M3, 330i Zhp

[Kiemyster]

Im not really so worried about repairs. My two current cars are new M cars and I need a beater. Its really for winter and to beat around with in grimy area's.

I really am shooting for a 545i to be honest. I want that power at hand, and I already love the E60. Plus its safer than the E46, so thats a big plus.

Should i search cross country? I dont know about buying a car before i see or drive it unless its brand new.

[mtla4]

Go for something different like a subaru or something...3 bmw...I dunno I like having different cars.

[Kiemyster]

Originally Posted by mtla4

Go for something different like a subaru or something...3 bmw...I dunno I like having different cars.

for me, its the industry standard. Anything less gets no chance in my books. The only non BMW i will own will be an Evo 7GSR and a 1999 MB SL500 Convert. Speaking of a lancer evo, I wonder how much they go for.....
.. Ill take my leather seats, ty

[mtla4]

Originally Posted by Kiemyster

for me, its the industry standard. Anything less gets no chance in my books. The only non BMW i will own will be an Evo 7GSR and a 1999 MB SL500 Convert. Speaking of a lancer evo, I wonder how much they go for.....
.. Ill take my leather seats, ty

Up to you but lots of fun cars out there

[ZStig]

I;d get a subaru for a beater/winter

[giants84]

Paying 15 grand for a car with over 100k miles is not a good idea, just think how many problems you will have with them, for 15k you can get a bunch of nice cars just look at Ebay.

[Kiemyster]

Originally Posted by giants84

Paying 15 grand for a car with over 100k miles is not a good idea, just think how many problems you will have with them, for 15k you can get a bunch of nice cars just look at Ebay.

You guys are a great help. I think im going to wait a few months, save some money up and spend 22-24K on a proper E60 with low miles. I dont really need a beater untill the snow comes because I'm still not sure how i feel about taking my E90 out in the snow. All that fucking salt on the paint, gives me nightmares and a heart attack. Clearbra should be safe, right?

[graider]

why don't you just drive your e9x m3 or x5m in the winter? i don't think it make much sense to have 3 different cars, pay insurance for them, and leave them in garage collecting dust.

If i were you, i would drive the hell out of the m3 or x5m everyday.

[ZStig]

seriously, whats wrong with the x5m?

[Crimson92]

new civic for 15k...that what i did cant help you with awd tho...maybe impreza?

[Kiemyster]

Originally Posted by graider

why don't you just drive your e9x m3 or x5m in the winter? i don't think it make much sense to have 3 different cars, pay insurance for them, and leave them in garage collecting dust.

If i were you, i would drive the hell out of the m3 or x5m everyday.

Originally Posted by Roffle Waffle

seriously, whats wrong with the x5m?

The X5M is my old man's primary vehicle, and the M3 is my primary vehicle. we have a toyota pickup and a smart car as well. Its like we have a pool of vehicles and we want to add another luxury car. The toyota is for the office, and the smart car is an advertising vehicle. So the both of us are left driving M cars. We want to have a subway car to use when we have to go show a house in a grimey area or something of that sort. Also if we want to take clients to the showing or whatever I dont want people coming in my M unless its a fellow enthusiast.

So if we both put up 10k we can add a 20k E60 to our pool hopefully, and of which i would assume full control over for winter. The X5M will obviously see snow, but my M3.... I think she deserves better. We will see.... I used to say i would never smoke in my car, look what happened.

[ZStig]

so you're living with your dad and sharing cars? I'd use the smart car for the winter

[Kiemyster]

Originally Posted by Roffle Waffle

so you're living with your dad and sharing cars? I'd use the smart car for the winter

I wouldnt be caught dead driving the smart car on anything aside from a residential road at any day at any time. LOL that thing is its own death wish.

Its a little more complicated. I'll be in the city, hes going to be in queens. So he has the X5M and the smart. The toyta sleeps at the office with the smart. Im stuck with my M3 and I need something else, I dont want to subject the car to too much abuse. Especially the salt on the road... the corrosion will drive me nuts.

If I can get my hands on a white 5 series with low miles its game over. I can make that car look almost as stunning as the m3 (but not quite)

I daydream about a 5 series on 20" V710's w/ M tech aero kit.

[graider]

personally if I'm in your case and need a DD, i would go with something extremely reliable and generic looking such as the newer accord. it has decent rooms for all passengers, luggage space, smooth engine, ride nice and a bit sporty as well. everything works as one would expect from a honda. I would skip these as too old and too many trouble to deal with. it's not like you don't already have an m3 right.

2002 E46 M3 convert - AT, 110K miles @ $15,000
2003 E46 330xi sedan - AT, 110K miles @ $11,000
2004 E46 330xi sedan - AT, 77K miles @ 15,000
2004 E60 545i Sedan - 6SP, 112K miles @ @15,000
2004 E60 545I Sedan, Full ACS kit - AT, 102K miles @ 15,000