I love my '07 Sublime Daytona Charger, auto-stick and all.
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And that... is a very cool looking car! Nice ride. Love those things, but I need a stick.
Car suggestions/Advice... who me?
- Thread starter TRC51
- Start date
And that... is a very cool looking car! Nice ride. Love those things, but I need a stick.
benjamming
Well-known member
Don't go crazy, but rather enjoy it as E46M3 said. Relax & appreciate that you have the ability to purchase a toy of this magnitude. Anyway, carry on, contine analyzing & then analyze some more. You don't want to regret it, for sure.
E46M3
Well-known member
Your M3 inspection issues sounded odd to me. You should be able to find quite a few CPO (certified Pre Owned, still under warrenty) M3s, with under 50k miles, still in your price range, in your area, without shipping them.
Heck, I spent 6 months looking after I knew I was going to buy an M3. I was rather specific. A used silver M3, black interior, cloth seats only - no leather, 6 speed, under 50k miles, under warranty, without a sunroof (rare), no navigation, no power seats, with the bearing job done, inspected prior to purchase. I found it, and I'm now driving the snot out of it. It came with bonus parts, like a Borla exhaust, and stainless brakes lines, chipped, and a cold air intake... still in my budget, It's exactly what I was looking for, and the morning I spotted it, I bought it.
Carry on driving yourself nuts... in a fun way.
Cheers,
E46M3
PS:
Don't know where your located, but this is the first ad I clicked on in the forum where I bought one of my cars:
" 2004 M3, CPO, 47,800 miles. Asking $27,500, there is 7+ months of warranty and full maintenance left on the car. Before it runs out you have the advantage of taking the car in for a full inspection and getting anything that looks like it needs serviced warrantied..."
http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=709314
There are plenty more out there - many cheaper, I opened only one link, and I think this one was an SMG... but you get the idea.
Heck, I spent 6 months looking after I knew I was going to buy an M3. I was rather specific. A used silver M3, black interior, cloth seats only - no leather, 6 speed, under 50k miles, under warranty, without a sunroof (rare), no navigation, no power seats, with the bearing job done, inspected prior to purchase. I found it, and I'm now driving the snot out of it. It came with bonus parts, like a Borla exhaust, and stainless brakes lines, chipped, and a cold air intake... still in my budget, It's exactly what I was looking for, and the morning I spotted it, I bought it.
Carry on driving yourself nuts... in a fun way.
Cheers,
E46M3
PS:
Don't know where your located, but this is the first ad I clicked on in the forum where I bought one of my cars:
" 2004 M3, CPO, 47,800 miles. Asking $27,500, there is 7+ months of warranty and full maintenance left on the car. Before it runs out you have the advantage of taking the car in for a full inspection and getting anything that looks like it needs serviced warrantied..."
http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=709314
There are plenty more out there - many cheaper, I opened only one link, and I think this one was an SMG... but you get the idea.
E46 and Pistolwhip
Can you guys tell me what acceptable mileage is on the cars you guys recommended (M3 & 03-04 Cobra respectively)? In other words, what kind of mileage should I be turned of a car for (assuming it's been reasonably well taken care of)?
Thanks.
Also have a line on an 00 M5 with 24,000 miles that I can't seem to take my mind off of.
E46.... where are you in Upstate NY? I am also in Upstate NY.
Can you guys tell me what acceptable mileage is on the cars you guys recommended (M3 & 03-04 Cobra respectively)? In other words, what kind of mileage should I be turned of a car for (assuming it's been reasonably well taken care of)?
Thanks.
Also have a line on an 00 M5 with 24,000 miles that I can't seem to take my mind off of.
E46.... where are you in Upstate NY? I am also in Upstate NY.
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PistolWhip
Well-known member
I've scene Cobra's with over 100k and still very well taken care of. The thing you want to consider is the mod's that are done and how long they've been done. I'd avoid a car that was drastically modified its entire life. Like if you find one that's got 40k miles on it and has had a Whipple for 35k miles, you may want to really look it over. However, these cars are made to be beaton on and in most cases are. They can take it, don't be scared. My car has 10k miles on it, but I bought it with 7k and it was completely stock. So mine hasn't been torn up too bad over its life.
I would say 50k+ is the limit for me, but in all honesty, I wouldn't rule out any mileage for the right deal on a Cobra. You may be able to get a very nice Cobra with well thought out mods for a great deal, just because it has a few extra miles on it. Don't be afraid of that kind of deal. These things are made to last and normally do. Even if they start to wear out, they're cheap to fix and the parts are super easy to get.
I would say 50k+ is the limit for me, but in all honesty, I wouldn't rule out any mileage for the right deal on a Cobra. You may be able to get a very nice Cobra with well thought out mods for a great deal, just because it has a few extra miles on it. Don't be afraid of that kind of deal. These things are made to last and normally do. Even if they start to wear out, they're cheap to fix and the parts are super easy to get.
GT500 540hp $45000
CTSV 556hp $60000
I was thinking in terms of the fact that he needs an all-purpose car. CTS has 4 doors, 5 seats. Wouldn't that be more economical for what he's trying to do than a Mustang?
dustin19
Banned
so im taking ur looking for one of these new age fiberglass(plastic **** with no chrome) body cars ? and u dont want something with age ?
E46M3
Well-known member
TRC51 wrote:
There are two milage milestones you may want to look at with the M3 and the S54 engine. Both have to do with value. When looking for a used M3, look for one with roughly over 30,000 miles, or over around 60,000 miles. Referred to as "Inspection I" and "Inspection II," this is the normal timeframe in which the BMW engine should have received replacement fluids, filters, bushings, and belts, or plugs, ect. If under warranty, this is free. If not it's around $600-$900, sometimes more. This milage range may vary, as the car indicates when the service is required based on how the car has been driven. Should you find an M3 at 26,000 miles, that's not to say don't buy it, just know that it will soon require service to be considered well maintained. If it's an '01-02 build year, ensure that the "rod bearing" service has been performed before taking it to the track.
I would not hesitate at all to buy an E46 M3 with 55-60,000 miles for track use, and like PistolWhip, I have seen M3s on the track with well over 100,000 miles. BMW S54 engines are engineered to be in their ideal prime at 35-45,000 miles. (An engine with less than 15,000 is considered "green.") A quick review of M3s for sale within your price range indicates milage from 24,000 to 81,000 - the average appears around 40,000 miles, for cars at around $20,000.
In terms of reliability, I did some quick math on my personal M3's use. If you were to take a track like Watkins Glen, with all of it's 11 corners, and lay it back to back across the US, I have more than driven from New York City, to Los Angeles. - and back - at full track speed. That's a top speed of around 150mph, and an average speed of about 90mph, all in gears 3-5, heal and toe shifting 17,488 times during the journey. All I have needed to do so far in exchange for this perfect joyride, is reliably change the oil, brake fluid, brake lines, rotors, brake pads - and clad my rims with Toyo R888 R-Compound tires.
Carry on.
Cheers,
E46M3
(E46M3's Batcave location PM-ed)
There are two milage milestones you may want to look at with the M3 and the S54 engine. Both have to do with value. When looking for a used M3, look for one with roughly over 30,000 miles, or over around 60,000 miles. Referred to as "Inspection I" and "Inspection II," this is the normal timeframe in which the BMW engine should have received replacement fluids, filters, bushings, and belts, or plugs, ect. If under warranty, this is free. If not it's around $600-$900, sometimes more. This milage range may vary, as the car indicates when the service is required based on how the car has been driven. Should you find an M3 at 26,000 miles, that's not to say don't buy it, just know that it will soon require service to be considered well maintained. If it's an '01-02 build year, ensure that the "rod bearing" service has been performed before taking it to the track.
I would not hesitate at all to buy an E46 M3 with 55-60,000 miles for track use, and like PistolWhip, I have seen M3s on the track with well over 100,000 miles. BMW S54 engines are engineered to be in their ideal prime at 35-45,000 miles. (An engine with less than 15,000 is considered "green.") A quick review of M3s for sale within your price range indicates milage from 24,000 to 81,000 - the average appears around 40,000 miles, for cars at around $20,000.
In terms of reliability, I did some quick math on my personal M3's use. If you were to take a track like Watkins Glen, with all of it's 11 corners, and lay it back to back across the US, I have more than driven from New York City, to Los Angeles. - and back - at full track speed. That's a top speed of around 150mph, and an average speed of about 90mph, all in gears 3-5, heal and toe shifting 17,488 times during the journey. All I have needed to do so far in exchange for this perfect joyride, is reliably change the oil, brake fluid, brake lines, rotors, brake pads - and clad my rims with Toyo R888 R-Compound tires.
Carry on.
Cheers,
E46M3
(E46M3's Batcave location PM-ed)
walperstyle
Well-known member
- Joined
- Oct 5, 2009
- Messages
- 48
Nissan 240sx. Destroy Porsches for $15k-$20k. Including cost of car. www.ka-t.org
fotoflojoe
Well-known member
TRC51: Have you settled a car yet?
Not yet, but I am totally impressed by E46m3's latest post. I am in the Albany area, so I have the ability to hit multiple tracks within a 4 hour drive. The M3 is very, very tempting. I would be lying if I said I wasn't searching the pages he suggested for them. As stupid as it sounds, I keep going back to wanting a V8 for the noise though. I have pretty much eliminated the M5... as much as I love that car, I have heard some bad things about them (they're great when they're not broke).
The guy with the 07 Mustang just put a new hood on the car, so that is back on my radar. Considering an 03 Mustang Cobra I came across. Lots on the table... but...
...really what is going on is the drama with my garage build. Right smack dab in the middle of the build, so I am trying to dot my i's and cross t's. Lumber being delivered today, so I am hoping to start framing this weekend at the latest. Trusses to be here in two weeks or less. Just a lot going on, so I have turned the burner down on the car shopping for now. It's still lit and I am watching, just got to get the car's home done too. My wife also has me second guessing myself as to how much I should pay for a "second" car. That compounds my problem.... I am all confused now. If I just had a better handle on the actual final cost of this garage... and the economy.
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fotoflojoe
Well-known member
Not yet, but I am totally impressed by E46m3's latest post. I am in the Albany area, so I have the ability to hit multiple tracks within a 4 hour drive. The M3 is very, very tempting. I would be lying if I said I wasn't searching the pages he suggested for them. As stupid as it sounds, I keep going back to wanting a V8 for the noise though. I have pretty much eliminated the M5... as much as I love that car, I have heard some bad things about them (they're great when they're not broke).
The guy with the 07 Mustang just put a new hood on the car, so that is back on my radar. Considering an 03 Mustang Cobra I came across. Lots on the table... but...
...really what is going on is the drama with my garage build. Right smack dab in the middle of the build, so I am trying to dot my i's and cross t's. Lumber being delivered today, so I am hoping to start framing this weekend at the latest. Trusses to be here in two weeks or less. Just a lot going on, so I have turned the burner down on the car shopping for now. It's still lit and I am watching, just got to get the car's home done too. My wife also has me second guessing myself as to how much I should pay for a "second" car. That compounds my problem.... I am all confused now. If I just had a better handle on the actual final cost of this garage... and the economy.
I hear ya.
My vote is still for the M3, but best of luck with whatever you dedide to get. Good luck with the rest of your garage build as well!
I've been agonizing over getting another M3 for about a year. This thread has pushed me into action - now is the time.
I may be going to look at a 2006 convertible in Troy this weekend.
I hear ya.
My vote is still for the M3, but best of luck with whatever you dedide to get. Good luck with the rest of your garage build as well!
I've been agonizing over getting another M3 for about a year. This thread has pushed me into action - now is the time.
I may be going to look at a 2006 convertible in Troy this weekend.
Troy..... you mean, Troy, NY? I work in Troy! I don't want a vert, but can you tell me where the car is so I can get a look at the inside? Wait... is it black with cinnamon leather with like 14kmi on it? I saw one like it in my local ads, but it was a vert and too pricey. Really nice car though.
fotoflojoe
Well-known member
Yes, and yes.
The M3's in Troy, NY.
I found it on carfinder's website, it's almost an EXACT duplicate of the one I used to own; Carbon Black vert/Cinnamon interior.
Yeah, their asking price is way high, $41K I beleive? Book is closer to $35K.
I got side-tracked and won't be making the trip this weekend. If you happen to go check it out, let me know what you think.
OK.... so after a PM by a board member, and a surprisingly reasonable conversation with the wife, I think I have decided to put this to bed. As in, I don't think I am going to buy a second car. At least, not one in this price range. I had found a really nice Carbon Black M3 and was bouncing back and forth between it and the Mustang when someone put it in perspective for me. I am still in the middle of building my garage.... which is seriously causing my wallet to hemorrhage cash. I just bought bigger windows and a set of steel doors this weekend and dropped $1k before I could blink. I think I am done spending on the garage, but that’s what I said before I upgraded the windows… and I haven’t bought my 16ft garage door yet ( which I would like to be a carriage look door).
Anyway, so I have changed my price range to about half. Say $10K to $15K for something I can beat the **** out of, haul kids and autocross. Thinking of a 346 M3, a previous gen Mustang, F body….
Anyone want to try and help again?
Thanks to all who participated. This actually may come back up in 2010 because our financial situation (being alright right now anyway), will be even better with the new year.
Anyway, so I have changed my price range to about half. Say $10K to $15K for something I can beat the **** out of, haul kids and autocross. Thinking of a 346 M3, a previous gen Mustang, F body….
Anyone want to try and help again?
Thanks to all who participated. This actually may come back up in 2010 because our financial situation (being alright right now anyway), will be even better with the new year.
Glad you saw the typo in that.
z28snksknr
Well-known member
I'm gonna vote for an F-body. For 10-15k, you can get a relatively low mileage car w/ 300+ hp and basically the best modern engine platform (LS) there is. They run forever (mine's got 260k miles), go fast (low 13's stock), and get good mileage (23+ highway). I'll leave it to you for styling preference between Firebird and Camaro.
If that doesn't suit you, I say grab a cheap GTO and mod it to suit. i wish I was buying a car right now because that's what I would do.
If that doesn't suit you, I say grab a cheap GTO and mod it to suit. i wish I was buying a car right now because that's what I would do.
fotoflojoe
Well-known member
TRC51, it's all your fault. 
I've looked at four M3s this past week. Bought this one last night.
Picking it up on Thursday.
Yeah, I'm giddy.
Yeah, I can't sleep.
Yeah, I'm twelve.
(Excuse the crappy cellphone pix)
I've looked at four M3s this past week. Bought this one last night.
Picking it up on Thursday.
Yeah, I'm giddy.
Yeah, I can't sleep.
Yeah, I'm twelve.
(Excuse the crappy cellphone pix)
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Congratulations!... I think. That's a sweet ride right there. BTW, if I were you, I would be just as giddy!
Damn...
That's a sweet ride right there. BTW, if I were you, I would be just as giddy!Damn...
TRC51, it's all your fault.
I've looked at four M3s this past week. Bought this one last night.
Picking it up on Thursday.
Yeah, I'm giddy.
Yeah, I can't sleep.
Yeah, I'm twelve.
(Excuse the crappy cellphone pix)
Doozi
Member
How about using that new garage to build a V8 Miata??
I'm doing a 347 cubic inch small block Ford and the LSx swaps are becoming very popular! The range in build cost ranges from about $10k - $35k, but most guys are able to build a well sorted V8 Miata for around $18k - $20k.
Just a thought!
~Doozi
I'm doing a 347 cubic inch small block Ford and the LSx swaps are becoming very popular! The range in build cost ranges from about $10k - $35k, but most guys are able to build a well sorted V8 Miata for around $18k - $20k.
Just a thought!
~Doozi
GreenRodder
Member
The thing about having a v8 miata is you have the sound and performance of a V8 but you're still stuck driving the same girly looking miata.
nice looking e46. is it 6spd or SMG? what year is it? i know the first year or two had recalls for bad main bearings...just FYI..i'm a bimmer nerd...sorry. grats on getting yourself one. check out bimmerforums.com for all the BMW knowledge you'll ever need
While I've never had a V8 in a Miata, I did have a 95 M-edition Miata (M1) several years ago. In the twisties, a Miata would leave all those manly men driving their muscle cars in the dust. I never thought of the Miata as a girly car because of their huge presence in spec racing, SCCA, etc.
Ended up selling that Miata when we had our first kid. Needed to get something more practical so we got a Mini Cooper S.
fotoflojoe
Well-known member
nice looking e46. is it 6spd or SMG? what year is it? i know the first year or two had recalls for bad main bearings...just FYI..i'm a bimmer nerd...sorry. grats on getting yourself one. check out bimmerforums.com for all the BMW knowledge you'll ever need
Thanks.
It's a 2006, 6spd. For me, SMG is a love-it or hate-it kinda thing, I'm on the hate-it side - I'd much rather stir the pot.
Yeah, the bearing recall applied to years up to 2001.5. definitely made sure to stay above those years.Thanks.
It's a 2006, 6spd. For me, SMG is a love-it or hate-it kinda thing, I'm on the hate-it side - I'd much rather stir the pot.
I am of the same opinion. Would much rather have the 6spd. I also wanted to avoid cars below 2002, so that took me out of the new price range. I don't know what to do... I just came across a 2001 Camaro SS in black with T's with only 35kmi on it for $15K. That.... is tempting.
Doozi
Member
I'll admit... a stock, early model year Miata can look a bit "girly", but after you slap on a set of 15x8 rims, an SCCA-approved roll bar, dual exhaust, and have a shiney 7.5" Ford rear differential hanging underneath, it all changes!
~Doozi
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Back from the dead... I am bringing it back. Has it really been a whole year??? REALLY! I have been looking that long?! No wonder my wife is ready to choke me to death talking about it. But... the search is over.
I have spent the last year contemplating everything to 100kmi+ E36 m3's to considering putting money down to buy a new 2012 Boss Mustang. I looked at dozens of E46 M3's and plenty more Mustangs. I tried to justify paying a lot for a car... then switched to paying a little to have a toy to beat on... back to finding some kind of middle ground somewhere that would suit all my needs. As stupid as it sounds, a friend finally said to me, "If you want to get a car.... you gotta BUY a car.... you have to start somewhere." So I decided to just go back to what my heart pulls me back to... Mustang V8's.
So I finally searched for my starter car and came up with a nice 06 Roush Sport (body and aesthetics only) for a good price. It was 3hours away and I had a friend test drive it and got the go ahead. I had him throw down a $200 deposit and started making plans. Amazingly, for the first time in my life I started having troubles with my bank (even with my 800+ credit score). Short story long, my bank of 25 years came up with a load of new loan policies that were absurd. After two attempts at accepting what they needed, the third new policy was the last straw. I had enough. I called the wife and she suggested I call another local credit union... so I did. No lie... in half an hour I had a new account open, free checks for life and a loan approved for $17k and I hadn't even stepped in the door.
That problem aside, I decide to search the local craigslist adds to find something to send to a friend of mine to throw him off the scent that I was buying a car (trying to drop a surprise on him). What do I find.... my dream car for sale! Yes, it was for sale a month ago... but the guy dropped the price by $2500... and it was only 10 miles from house!! HOLY ****! What do I do... what do I do??? What did I do... screw the $200, I am buying my dream car!!
So without further delay... and to bring this drama to a close. I present to you my new toy (THANK YOU ALL VERY MUCH FOR INPUT.... I LOVE THIS BOARD).
I have spent the last year contemplating everything to 100kmi+ E36 m3's to considering putting money down to buy a new 2012 Boss Mustang. I looked at dozens of E46 M3's and plenty more Mustangs. I tried to justify paying a lot for a car... then switched to paying a little to have a toy to beat on... back to finding some kind of middle ground somewhere that would suit all my needs. As stupid as it sounds, a friend finally said to me, "If you want to get a car.... you gotta BUY a car.... you have to start somewhere." So I decided to just go back to what my heart pulls me back to... Mustang V8's.
So I finally searched for my starter car and came up with a nice 06 Roush Sport (body and aesthetics only) for a good price. It was 3hours away and I had a friend test drive it and got the go ahead. I had him throw down a $200 deposit and started making plans. Amazingly, for the first time in my life I started having troubles with my bank (even with my 800+ credit score). Short story long, my bank of 25 years came up with a load of new loan policies that were absurd. After two attempts at accepting what they needed, the third new policy was the last straw. I had enough. I called the wife and she suggested I call another local credit union... so I did. No lie... in half an hour I had a new account open, free checks for life and a loan approved for $17k and I hadn't even stepped in the door.
That problem aside, I decide to search the local craigslist adds to find something to send to a friend of mine to throw him off the scent that I was buying a car (trying to drop a surprise on him). What do I find.... my dream car for sale! Yes, it was for sale a month ago... but the guy dropped the price by $2500... and it was only 10 miles from house!! HOLY ****! What do I do... what do I do??? What did I do... screw the $200, I am buying my dream car!!
So without further delay... and to bring this drama to a close. I present to you my new toy (THANK YOU ALL VERY MUCH FOR INPUT.... I LOVE THIS BOARD).
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And a couple shots to top it all off....
Car is also lowered with adjustable suspension, so it's setup to handle. I have some more parts to add to it to optimize it, but I am more than willing to do that. Looking forward to it, actually. Now I have to sit on it all winter!!!
Car is also lowered with adjustable suspension, so it's setup to handle. I have some more parts to add to it to optimize it, but I am more than willing to do that. Looking forward to it, actually. Now I have to sit on it all winter!!!
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Kevin54
MEMBER EMERITUS
Congrats on the Bullit 'Stang. 
Definitely a keeper there. Probably one of my favorite styles of automobile and I'm a Chevy guy. I keep telling the wife that next go-round will be a Mustang in the garage
Definitely a keeper there. Probably one of my favorite styles of automobile and I'm a Chevy guy. I keep telling the wife that next go-round will be a Mustang in the garageStuntmonkey
Well-known member
Get a used Audi RS6. I've seen them in the $30k range
WRX and evo's are fun, but generally looked at as a kid's car.
I haven't read the whole thread, just the first page. But I gotta chime in here and don't go near a new Audi. They are complete piles of ****. More trips to the dealer/service center then any other car.