Quote:
Originally Posted by ItsMeScottG
(Post 1241614)
I actually found a car that is very affordable that I really like. If I can find one in good shape for the right price I'll be getting one and won't have any debt. I'm looking for a e46 330i. Two of my friends from school have this car and they love it. I drove one of their cars two days ago for a court of hours all across Houston and I loved it. Best of all if I can find one for the right price I can just pay it off in full and not have a car note. If I go this route, it's a 3.0v6 so that should help me a little on insurance and they have good potential. I'll lower it, tint it out, get some nice aftermarket rims, throw some potenzas on it, get M3 motor mounts installed to start off with. I'm trying to find one with the m tech-1 package if I can find one I'll be happy.
I wanted a GTO but I'm 20 and I'm in college so getting myself into a 16k+ car note probably isn't the best option at this point of time. I think this will work out great if all is in my favor.
I looked it up and I can find one with low miles, in near-mint condition for under 10k. So I just need to save up a little more and I'll have myself a new whip.
I know how some of you guys feel about BMW's in general, but I personally really like the e46 330i, it looks aggressive, I had a blast driving one the other day, and these cars have lots of potential when hey are taken care of. I'd be happy with one.
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Before you get set on something like that, be sure you're ready to maintain it. It's an entirely different world than a Pontiac.
I'm assuming you'll be looking at one around 100k miles, give or take, at that price range. I could be wrong, I don't know what prices are around you, but that's probably what you'd get in my area. Lets say you get an 03, just for kicks. So now you have a 12 year old, 100k+ mile BMW.
Are you prepared for the maintenance costs on something like that? A power steering pump for a GA is what, around $50-$75? You're looking at $250+ for E46. That might be an extreme example, but you're not going to find the plentiful, inexpensive parts like you have for the GA.
I'm not trying to come off as a d!ck, I'm just making sure you know what you're getting in to. Premium cars cost much more to own and drive than the mass-produced, inexpensive sedans. I'm reminded of this every single time I have to fix something on my Saab vs my Honda.
I'm not saying you shouldn't do it.... personally, though, I wouldn't. You're at a point where you need a car that can provide reliable transportation, I'm guessing.... not something that might leave you stranded somewhere (of course, any car can strand you).
Props for not taking on debt, however. People in their early 20's getting $15k+ car loans are just throwing money away.
TL;DR: don't waste your money. You're 20 years old. Worry about school and girls. Get a fun car later in life, when you can afford a really fun one.