Spend Jake's Money.

[Jake]

I can't even be nice about the "no Toyotas" thing so I'll just ignore the last few posts

[ViPER1313]

If you can deal with impractical, <!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/doc/cto/5729827021.html">http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/doc/ ... 27021.html</a><!-- m --> .

I'm going to continue to throw out non-BMW things in a vain attempt to steer you away from the dark side.

[ViPER1313]

Because LS1, offer $9500 - <!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://m.cars.com/vehicledetail/#vdp?listingId=678884620">http://m.cars.com/vehicledetail/#vdp?li ... =678884620</a><!-- m -->

[Senor_Taylor]

Please explain "no Toyota"

Sent from my SM-G900R4 using Tapatalk

[*insertusernamehere*]

OK here me out on these:

Chris Davis said it's one of the best sedans he's ever driven! It's like a speed3 but less "bro".


RWD, I6, reliable, looks good, its basically a japanese e46....to some that's better, and thinking about it..you probably won't agree :lol: And it's not a Toyota, it's a Lexus. IT'S DIFFERENT


Really cool, unique and gadgety on the inside, turbo and non turbo options, reasonably reliable, cool points off the wall, badass if you ask me, impractical af, like there isn't a better option it checks all your boxes. At least find one and take it for a spin!



You will literally look good everywhere you roll up. Everywhere. All the time. Ain't nothing with a pretty daily.


Speaks for itself 100. Also its not another BMW but still german.


Also because its not BMW but still german and you're already looking at them.


With how many bimmers you've had i'd personally go explore something new unless it was the e46 M3. You're basically chasing your tail with the bimmers, they're more or less the same engine in a new body and considering you're history + racekur you've had it all. But then again, if that's what fits the perfect daily for you and you're happy with it then shit, who's to argue? Get it and be satisfied!

I'm also gonna say no to the Abarth and Mini. Mini is basic and not enough special or cool points and the fiat just looks weird, even if it sounds good, you gotta walk up to and away from it everyday.

How do you feel about maintenance with your coffee?

[*insertusernamehere*]

[*]Z3M Roadster (S52)

Oh, my tralala



My ding ding dong.

Seriously, this stood out as making the most sense to me. You're a convertible guy, if it asplodes you already know how to fix it blindfolded and/or know 347 other people who can, and the aforementioned dingdingdong factor. Bonus points if it's evergreen.

Oh lord have mercy on my poor soul ignore my entire post. I don't even know why I try to think about other cars hock: hock:

[.RJ]

Alright, I've got the answer here.

Audi TT.

Now, that you're done laughing at me, I'll explain. They're cheap-ish, they still look good 10+ years on, can be had coupe or drop top (although, I think the coupe is the way to roll), easily found with 3 pedals, most have quattro, fun enough to drive without being slow enough that its boring or too fast that you never get to use it, relatively unique amongst the land of porsches, bmw's and lexus around here. They're more or less reliable, certainly way more reliable than that E30/E36 clusterfuck of a Z3 with exploding cooling systems and interiors. I've had my A4 for 2.5 years now and the only "failure" was a stuck open tstat and some worn upper control arm bushings. Skip the 1.8T motor, those things are turds. The 2.0T motor is solid, or if you find one with the 3.2 that's the VR6... get some pipes on that thing and hock:

[youtube]www.youtube.com/watch?v=DuC3zYo_emI[/youtube]

Here's some pricing examples, there are *plenty* more out there 8-12k gets you a nice first gen -

<!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.ebay.com/itm/Audi-TT-None-/222238687330">http://www.ebay.com/itm/Audi-TT-None-/222238687330</a><!-- m -->



Or stretch your budget a little to get a 2006+ 2nd gen

<!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.ebay.com/itm/Audi-TT-S-Line-/152239393784">http://www.ebay.com/itm/Audi-TT-S-Line-/152239393784</a><!-- m -->



I am slightly biased here, but I think this is my next car after our TDI goes back to the CEL fatherland. I'm leaning towards the 3.2 with some twicepipes, although I have to admit I'm window shopping the RS (2.5L 5-cyl turbo), too... APR stage 1 tune puts those things over 400hp. Bonkers. For once I'd like to own a proper fast car.

[ViPER1313]

Just because I know you like these, have this shipped to you

<!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.shoforum.com/index.php?threads/1989-sho-for-sale-low-miles.130689/">http://www.shoforum.com/index.php?threa ... es.130689/</a><!-- m -->

[D_Eclipse9916]

If you can deal with impractical, <!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/doc/cto/5729827021.html">http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/doc/ ... 27021.html</a><!-- m --> .

I'm going to continue to throw out non-BMW things in a vain attempt to steer you away from the dark side.

Good luck.

FYI - Had a brand new mustang convertible V6. Transmission is meh (auto), but that V6 is quite good. I still couldnt own a mustang without a V8 but the 6 was economical, sounded good, was smooth and torquey through the powerband like old school BMW 6s. Good job ford, wonder how cheap these would be for motor swaps as an enduro car would be awesome with one of these.

[ViPER1313]

I get the allure of the V8, and the Coyote 5.0 is a league above the 3.7, but if you can stop and judge the 2011+ V6 objectively, it's a hell of a package for the price. 305hp is more than the old 4.6 V8 made stock, it revs out well and has no known weak points that I am aware of.

Edit: and this is the fanboy in me, but for all the stick axle haters, a 2011 Mustang V6 held the VIR Car and Driver LL record for a car under $35,000 for 5 years. After it bounced off its 112mph governed top speed for 10 seconds on the straights. You can argue driver skill, tires, but it echoes the other tests from 5 years ago. <!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.caranddriver.com/features/lightning-lap-2015-results-historical-lap-times-and-more-feature">http://www.caranddriver.com/features/li ... re-feature</a><!-- m -->

Like I said, a hell of a package if you look at it objectively.

[Senor_Taylor]

I get the allure of the V8, and the Coyote 5.0 is a league above the 3.7, but if you can stop and judge the 2011+ V6 objectively, it's a hell of a package for the price. 305hp is more than the old 4.6 V8 made stock, it revs out well and has no known weak points that I am aware of.

And it sounds amazing with a nice axle back. I swear Chris Lacey's car with the Borla on it was one of the best sounding cars I've heard. It sounds very exotic.

[youtube]5YR009StEf0[/youtube]

[youtube]V4N2ICZ--pw[/youtube]

... But I still can't see myself owning one, let alone Jake.

[Scott]

If you can live with the shame of two pedals, my buddy from back home is about ready to let go of a toy.

99 SL500 (I think they only made autos of these)

If you can live with the shame of two pedals, my buddy from back home is about ready to let go of a toy.

99 SL500 (I think they only made autos of these)

Pretty car, but nope, three pedal or GTFO.

The early SL's of that generation had a manual available. They are extremely rare......

[ViPER1313]

Jake,

If you must buy another BMW, dig deep, sell a kidney, purchase this. What could go wrong?

<!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="https://cnj.craigslist.org/ctd/5786023233.html">https://cnj.craigslist.org/ctd/5786023233.html</a><!-- m -->

[JustinG]

I never thought Id say buy an Audi....but I think RJ is on to something with the TT.

[.RJ]

Jake,

If you must buy another BMW, dig deep, sell a kidney, purchase this. What could go wrong?

<!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="https://cnj.craigslist.org/ctd/5786023233.html">https://cnj.craigslist.org/ctd/5786023233.html</a><!-- m -->

[Jake]

Good recommendations posted over the last few days, thanks all!

Speed6 - too practical although I do like them.

Stealth/3000GT - ehhh not really my thing.

Mustang - would need to drive 'em. That Mach 1 I mentioned was out for some repair when I tried to drive it on Friday.

IS300 - Lovely cars, I really enjoyed David's red one when he had it. It's a 330i that doesn't break. Still a bit high up on the "practical" scale.

300ZX - Would only want the turbo and they look like absolute disasters to work on.

CC - Joey mentioned this to me as well. Not opposed to it but also falls into the practical category. I've driven one with a 6-speed and it was relatively fun.

S4 - seems a bit scary after doing some reading, mostly because 4.2L V8.

I test drove a 2012 Mini Cooper S on Friday afternoon. They had a 2009 that was the same car with twice the miles, but was at their other dealership or something. Whatever. Was a reasonably fun car but I don't think it's "me" per se. I think if I end up wanting to do a small 2-door hatch, I'd prefer the GTI to the Mini.

The TT is a fascinating idea, RJ. I would definitely want a coupe just for the sake of avoiding "bitch basket" kind of jokes. I did sit in a first-gen TT coupe at Carmax years ago when I was Miata-and-things-shopping, and recall it being very tight inside... but I'll have to give one another shot. I vastly prefer the styling of the second-gen, though.

Got a friend who just picked up a 1.9L Z3, I know it's got different seats compared to the M Roady but I want to see if "fitting" is a vague possibility with one of these, so he'll bring it by this week sometime.

As an aside, my Geico check cleared and it's mighty nice seeing that slightly fatter savings account balance. I moved on Saturday and took the Metro in to kickball yesterday and to work today. We shall see how urgent this "replace the 'vert" thing truly is.

[.RJ]

I would avoid the S4. Run far, far away. If you do any TT shopping, let me know, I'll tag along. 2 dudes in a bitch basket, awww yeah.

[ScottyB]

its hilarious RJ brought up the TT, but seriously, they're not bad with a few tweaks to the suspension to liven them up. they're NOT just like driving a cramped golf. i've long toyed with the idea of getting one to rallyx, with as cheap as they are.

i'll say this about the 1st-gen TT...the beefier, 225hp (they have 2 exhaust pipes vs 1 that the "180" version has) versions are actually built pretty tough, although of course if the proper maintenance isn't done, they're $$$ to get back to reliable. they don't suffer the same oil sludge issues that the longitudinal (re: audi) cars did thanks to a bigger oil pan, the turbos are stronger K04 versions (same as found in the modern 2.0T in all VAG cars), and the transmissions are strong. they're fairly light for what they are, and can make a fair amount of power without a huge investment. while they are front heavy, its still a short (very, at 96") wheelbase, they can be made to handle well and being a small AWD car means you can hoon one around and get the ass out a bit without much risk. in bad weather they are unstoppable.

they still require frequent t-belt changes (interference engine), and some of the interior bits are $$$$ to replace if they break. they're small inside and out, and some electronics will shit the bed (gauge cluster, window regulators, possibly coil packs...standard German stuff). thankfully they do share some major components with the golf.

they're dirt cheap and kind of a modern classic. if you do get a vert, please cage it and put giant, F-off tires on it.



my dad just sold his '08 2nd gen TT. FWD, DSG, still a blast. beautiful inside and out. they're a better car, mechanically, than a 1st gen for sure. definitely more expensive though.

[JPolen01]

Scott, I love how you seem to know so much about such random vehicles.

[.RJ]

Scott is a closet auditard