2010 BMW 135i

[Beej]

I know I'm biased and all, but I think e46 M's are hard to beat in terms of all-around fun in the sub $20k range. I revisit it every few months, and even after 5 years, I can't think of many options I'd rather have as "the fun car", particularly for the money (even though they're a maintenance risk (mine has been good to me)). It's getting tougher to find clean ones, though. I'm happy to help in the search, especially once you're in Richmond!

I'm with you on the upper-end Porsche (think GT3) thing. Maybe a Lotus, but they're well above 20k last I checked. M Coupes (both Z4 and 3) seem to be a bit higher priced, as well. S2000 is a helluva car too, but might not be as quick as you want if the e46 M is the slowest you'd go.

Maybe an Alpine White on Red 6 speed 135i? Throw a dual exhaust and tune on there, I bet it'd be nice.

[RawrImAMonster]

I drove an AP1 S2000 last year and it was a fun little car. But yeah, they are completely gutless in factory form. I think these might be the only convertible I've ever liked though.

I've always wanted a subaru but I'm too scared of the damn EJ25. If only subaru had given us the 2.0 STi motors.

E46 M3 still seems like a better option than anything else mentioned. The fact that it's one of the best looking BMW's adds a lot of appeal too.

[ScottyB]

I've always wanted a subaru but I'm too scared of the damn EJ25. If only subaru had given us the 2.0 STi motors.

having been immersed in the subaru world for the last 8 years (damn has it been that long!?) you can, in fact have this...in a swapped car. the STi 2.0 you're referring to is the EJ207. the ways in which it does not suck include forged internals, big port head, a twin scroll, and 8200rpm ceiling, stock. its a great engine and it blows my mind that subaru was retarded enough to screw us out of it....apparently because 'mericans need torks, or whatever.

the downside is (A) you're getting a used JDM engine that (B) has almost certainly been driven hard and © is only available on a wooden pallet or in a swapped car. if you buy a properly swapped vehicle its not AS bad, because people have been swapping this engine in for years and years. however, you're going to have to pay for it and at that point you can just get a nicer car that makes more power stock, for about the same price.

i know you've owned an evo as well, and frankly i don't think any subaru is going to make you happy after experiencing that car. the evo is simply a better car from a driver's standpoint. the only thing subarus have going for them in comparison is cheaper cost and maybe a little less weight.

[ScottyB]

if you're willing to do some preventative maintenance upfront, and don't mind the goofy headlights, porsche 996 C2's are currently the deal of the century at less than $20k buy-in for a decent one and under $15k on one that might need work.

there is no getting around that the engine is a time bomb if you miss out on changing a few key components like the IMS bearing and some tensioners, but man...its a rear engined legend. that said, if you just want to drive and not throw money at it there are better alternatives.

[RawrImAMonster]

I've always wanted a subaru but I'm too scared of the damn EJ25. If only subaru had given us the 2.0 STi motors.

having been immersed in the subaru world for the last 8 years (damn has it been that long!?) you can, in fact have this...in a swapped car. the STi 2.0 you're referring to is the EJ207. the ways in which it does not suck include forged internals, big port head, a twin scroll, and 8200rpm ceiling, stock. its a great engine and it blows my mind that subaru was retarded enough to screw us out of it....apparently because 'mericans need torks, or whatever.

the downside is (A) you're getting a used JDM engine that (B) has almost certainly been driven hard and © is only available on a wooden pallet or in a swapped car. if you buy a properly swapped vehicle its not AS bad, because people have been swapping this engine in for years and years. however, you're going to have to pay for it and at that point you can just get a nicer car that makes more power stock, for about the same price.

i know you've owned an evo as well, and frankly i don't think any subaru is going to make you happy after experiencing that car. the evo is simply a better car from a driver's standpoint. the only thing subarus have going for them in comparison is cheaper cost and maybe a little less weight.

Oh yeah I know all about those. I looked into the swap a while back. I just don't like the idea of swapping in a motor that parts won't be readily available for.

As far as the 996 thing goes, I just don't really like the way those look enough for me to want to deal with the downsides that come with them.

Edit: Well, the 996 with the aero kit isn't so bad, but again how bad is the maintenance on these compared to something like an E46 M3? How reliable are they in general? I haven't ever looked into porsches at all.

[CaptainHenreh]

Oh yeah I know all about those. I looked into the swap a while back. I just don't like the idea of swapping in a motor that parts won't be readily available for.

Such as?

[RawrImAMonster]

Oh yeah I know all about those. I looked into the swap a while back. I just don't like the idea of swapping in a motor that parts won't be readily available for.

Such as?

JDM only motors.

[.RJ]

Edit: Well, the 996 with the aero kit isn't so bad, but again how bad is the maintenance on these compared to something like an E46 M3? How reliable are they in general? I haven't ever looked into porsches at all.

Oil changes (12 quarts) are expensive. Parts are expensive.

But, if you drive it regularly, not much goes wrong with them. There are a couple of common failure items on 996's that are pretty well documented and as long as those are fixed they are solid cars.

[CaptainHenreh]

Oh yeah I know all about those. I looked into the swap a while back. I just don't like the idea of swapping in a motor that parts won't be readily available for.

Such as?

JDM only motors.

No, what part of that motor isn't "readily available"?

The only difference between the Ej207 and the Ej257 is (essentially) the piston size and the piston construction method. All your "parts", like timing belt, water pump, gaskets, blah blah blah blah are just as far as your local friendly scoobaru dealer.

[WRXtranceformed]

What about a Corvette?

[RawrImAMonster]

I drove a C5 Z06 when I was looking at cars a couple of years ago. I wasn't a huge fan of the seat position or the extra long hood. Haven't had a chance to drive a C6 yet, but I keep telling myself I'd like to get a C6 Z06 one day when the prices come down.

Base model vettes are super common around here too so that is a bit of a turn off.

[*insertusernamehere*]

[RawrImAMonster]

Well, it's completely back to stock now. Took the tuner, intake, and charge pipe/BOV off and gave it one final cleaning on Tuesday. I managed to not attach one of the hoses right and blew one of those off while driving yesterday. Sounded like an extremely loud BOV basically. Luckily, it will still drive fine with a massive boost leak since it doesn't have a MAF, so I just drove home and popped it back on.

Sounds like a buyer is coming to pick it up Saturday morning. Time to start shopping for it's replacement.

[Senor_Taylor]

I heard the hot car right now is 92 Miatas.

[*insertusernamehere*]

Time to start shopping for it's replacement.

[rherold9]

Time to start shopping for it's replacement.

Ftfy

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[RawrImAMonster]

Time to start shopping for it's replacement.

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8515/85313...d950_b.jpg

Ehh, too new, still too much depreciation to make it worth it. I'm just not really much of a fan of owning anything newer. Also there's about 10,000 of those in Harrisonburg alone.

It's pretty much going to be an E46 M3. They aren't losing much value right now due to depreciation, they handle well, they have enough power (just barely), and they are the best looking BMW. That and I want to own one before they get too old and shitty.

[SlimKlim]

330hp is "just barely" enough power. Kids these days. :roll:

[RawrImAMonster]

I like the car to move when I hit the gas pedal, what can I say?

300-400whp is the sweet spot for a street car in my opinion. Any less is boring, any more and you run into traction issues with normal tires. I think E46 M3's dyno around 280whp stock, so headers and a tune should help with the "just barely".

[rherold9]

My car moves when I hit the gas pedal but it doesn't have 300-400hp. Is my car broken?

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