WTF should I buy (A consolidated list of bad decisions)

[D_Eclipse9916]

Bringing this post back from the dead because I need some ideas. Parents are encouraging me to sell my forester one its fixed and I kinda wanna unload it before something catastrophic happens.

Budget: Whatever i sell the forester for so somewhere between 13-16k +1-2k
RWD or maybe AWD
No older than 2008-2009 because my parents think its crazy to buy something older/more miles than what I got, and their name is on the title
Less than 75k miles because see above
Manual transmission, I cant keep living with an automatic
More than 4 cylinders
2 or 4 doors, no wagons/suvs I want something fun, leg room doesn't matter since I only ever have 2 people in my car and one is 4'10
I want something I can keep stock and daily drive until I graduate pharmacy school and still have fun/occasional autocross with

Current considerations are: 

e92 335i, I'd like to find one without the iDrive if possible or the updated iDrive because moms 06 535i iDrive was incredibly bad

cheapest e92 m3 in the country, see above but it'd probably be a busted one

Long shot is a last model year e46 with lowish miles if I can find it

09+ Audi S5 if I can find one cheap enough and can get one without the awful infotainment system in my moms A5

G8 GT or CTSV

Throw all my rules out the window and C5 corvette because dad loves chevys and has a 03 vert

I feel like theres plenty more options but nothing really comes to mind other than BMWs

Where are you shopping that you can find 13-16k E92s m3s, G8 v8 manuals, CTS-Vs and S5s with less than 75k miles and 2008+?

[Senor_Taylor]

What about whatever the equivalent of the G37 is now? Does it need to be a mid size or large sedan?

I feel like a GTI or Focus ST could be a really good fit for you, man.

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[ryangreen1]

Where are you shopping that you can find 13-16k E92s m3s, G8 v8 manuals, CTS-Vs and S5s with less than 75k miles and 2008+?

I haven’t looked seriously at them, just a quick autotrader search to see ballpark numbers. I’m on shit mountain WiFi all weekend so I’ll look more when I get home.
Both of those rules are more for convincing my parents to even consider looking at them. I don’t care what the mileage and age are but they don’t like older cars. So if I can find one example anywhere near my budget they’ll at least think about getting a higher mileage one. And I have a couple thousand I can go for over whatever my car sells for.
These are just the cars that popped in my head when they said I should sell my car and I haven’t looked enough to figure out pricing.

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What about whatever the equivalent of the G37 is now? Does it need to be a mid size or large sedan?

I feel like a GTI or Focus ST could be a really good fit for you, man.

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I’ve never been a huge fan of the Infiniti’s for whatever reason. I think cause my friends Mom had a pretty shitty m35. Also not a fan of 350/370z’s I don’t think they aged well at all. No preference on size really as long as it has back seats.

I kinda thought about gti or focus but the fwd really kills it for me. I haven’t owned a rwd car or something with more than 4 cylinders so I kinda want those next. Wish I would have considered them before I got the forester.


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[Senor_Taylor]

I just feel like if you're going to try to get something really "cool" and RWD for that price range, you may end up getting something that's going to end up needing the same amount of work and attention as the Forester has required.

If you're okay with that, be patient and find the best 335i you can.

[Jake]

A N55 engine 335i would treat you alright, the N54s had more issues (but are older and thus cheaper). Can't remember when the N55 came out but I think it was 2010ish.

DJ will just tell you it's a fat, worse-handling Corvette but what about a GTO? I did a lot of research on them when I bought my E46 M3 and for a daily driver, they seem more livable than a Corvette but still fun. Never offered a sunroof so if that's a deal-breaker then you're SOL.

Can you get a 5.0 Mustang for that kind of money yet?

This is an oddball but if you're looking for oddballs... a Crossfire coupe? It's a super-cheap way to get into a RWD Mercedes SLK320 with a manual. I've only driven my mom's, which is stock as the day it was made, but it could be a fun car with some tweaks. They are full Mercedes under the Karmann-designed body and have proven to be pretty reliable. Not the best "driver's car" but could be worth a thought. Just one.

A B5.5 or B6 Audi S4 makes me feel a bit fizzy. Those are fun cars although I don't know how good/bad they are to actually own.

[WRXtranceformed]

There are probably a million options if you go to Autotrader and plug in your parameters. I would not try to reach for a clapped out car that originally cost in the $65k+ range at that price point. If you think broken Subarus are expensive, wait until you start dealing with issues on special edition Audis / BMWs.

Or just get a newer Mustang V8 GT and call it a day

[.RJ]

A B5.5 or B6 Audi S4 makes me feel a bit fizzy. Those are fun cars although I don't know how good/bad they are to actually own.

Oh man there's a lot of bad ideas in this thread but this one takes the cake.  They're cheap but you'll spend at least half again the purchase price getting it right and after that... good luck.

E92 328 or 335 would be a good choice.  A nice m-sport/6MT 328 would be easy to find in your budget, the 335 will likely be higher miles but they seem like they are solid/reliable motors if you get the N55 - I think 2010+.  For the same money you can also get a M-sport 128 if you dont mind a smaller car.  Most of the cars I've seen for sale at this point in your price range have been adult owned and not ruined yet, but dont be afraid to hold out for the right one.  

If you want a sedan, you can also find a B7 (2006-2008) or B8 (2009-2013 I think) Audi A4 with the 2.0T/6-speed.  I really loved my B7 wagon.  Compared to the E90 its a much simpler car and the cars are very much an evolution of the B5 so no huge changes but each iteration got far better and more reliable - the B8 motor will make a little more power with tuning than the B7.  You may be able to find a B7 S4 in your price range but I wouldnt touch it unless its already had its timing chain guides replaced - its an engine out service.  

While I'm on the audi train you can also get a TT with 6MT/AWD, too.  I really dig the 2008+ TT's.  Cool cars and pretty useful with its faux hatchback.

[Apoc]

B5.5 S4 is like a hot ass chick who is batshit crazy. It's a helluva ride, but you know at some point she's gonna lose it and throw all your shit from a top floor window.

[ryangreen1]

I just feel like if you're going to try to get something really "cool" and RWD for that price range, you may end up getting something that's going to end up needing the same amount of work and attention as the Forester has required.

If you're okay with that, be patient and find the best 335i you can.

Exactly what I'm scared of, but the forester hasn't been really much work other than the blown turbo and whatever is going on now. Its more fear of higher mileage subarus and horror stories from other owners driving my insomnia. My parents just panic if a car isn't running perfectly since they never keep their cars over 60k miles.

A N55 engine 335i would treat you alright, the N54s had more issues (but are older and thus cheaper). Can't remember when the N55 came out but I think it was 2010ish.

DJ will just tell you it's a fat, worse-handling Corvette but what about a GTO? I did a lot of research on them when I bought my E46 M3 and for a daily driver, they seem more livable than a Corvette but still fun. Never offered a sunroof so if that's a deal-breaker then you're SOL. 

Can you get a 5.0 Mustang for that kind of money yet?

This is an oddball but if you're looking for oddballs... a Crossfire coupe? It's a super-cheap way to get into a RWD Mercedes SLK320 with a manual. I've only driven my mom's, which is stock as the day it was made, but it could be a fun car with some tweaks. They are full Mercedes under the Karmann-designed body and have proven to be pretty reliable. Not the best "driver's car" but could be worth a thought. Just one.

A B5.5 or B6 Audi S4 makes me feel a bit fizzy. Those are fun cars although I don't know how good/bad they are to actually own.

GTO is a solid idea that wouldn't have crossed my mind. Dad would disown me if I got a Mustang since he currently has 3 chevys and has owned about 20 in his life, 8 of which were corvettes/camaros.
Honestly I think the crossfire is one of the top 5 ugliest cars ever made, no offense to your mom.
The b5.5 and b6 audis are probably too old and modded at this point to consider but I would love one. Dad has a strong dislike for modded cars, which is one reason he wants me to keep whatever I get next stock.

Oh man there's a lot of bad ideas in this thread but this one takes the cake.  They're cheap but you'll spend at least half again the purchase price getting it right and after that... good luck.
E92 328 or 335 would be a good choice.  A nice m-sport/6MT 328 would be easy to find in your budget, the 335 will likely be higher miles but they seem like they are solid/reliable motors if you get the N55 - I think 2010+.  For the same money you can also get a M-sport 128 if you dont mind a smaller car.  Most of the cars I've seen for sale at this point in your price range have been adult owned and not ruined yet, but dont be afraid to hold out for the right one.  

If you want a sedan, you can also find a B7 (2006-2008) or B8 (2009-2013 I think) Audi A4 with the 2.0T/6-speed.  I really loved my B7 wagon.  Compared to the E90 its a much simpler car and the cars are very much an evolution of the B5 so no huge changes but each iteration got far better and more reliable - the B8 motor will make a little more power with tuning than the B7.  You may be able to find a B7 S4 in your price range but I wouldnt touch it unless its already had its timing chain guides replaced - its an engine out service.  

While I'm on the audi train you can also get a TT with 6MT/AWD, too.  I really dig the 2008+ TT's.  Cool cars and pretty useful with its faux hatchback.

I'm not against any of the 3 series, but a i6 twin turbo sounds pretty damn good. I've never been big on the 1 series, the proportions just aren't quite right to me.
Mom has a 2010 A5 with the 2.0T and an automatic and it just feels kinda... meh for the weight of that car and only 200 hp. The steering in her car is also insanely heavy. I'd much rather go with a 3 series with 50+ more horsepower for the money.
I have the same feeling about the TT's as the 1 series, proportions just don't look good IMO.
I was so happy when I saw how cheap B7 S4s were until I saw Timing chain guides and against the firewall and engine out service, so for someone with my limited mechanical skills and small set of tools thats out of the question. Smashing a v8 in a car designed for a turbo 4 doesn't seem very fun for wrenching. Also most I saw with replaced timing chain guides and in my price range were automatics.

There are probably a million options if you go to Autotrader and plug in your parameters.  I would not try to reach for a clapped out car that originally cost in the $65k+ range at that price point.  If you think broken Subarus are expensive, wait until you start dealing with issues on special edition Audis / BMWs.

Or just get a newer Mustang V8 GT and call it a day

Thats whats making me lean more towards a nicer 335. The subaru hasn't been bad minus the turbo exploding (pretty sure the current problem is a small one), which if I hadn't been under warranty I'd have just bought a used one for 1/4 of the price since everyone takes the TD04s off their wrx's anyway.
I would consider a mustang if dad didn't worship the chevy v8.

B5.5 S4 is like a hot ass chick who is batshit crazy. It's a helluva ride, but you know at some point she's gonna lose it and throw all your shit from a top floor window.

Definitely wouldn't be the first time I've made that decision. Its a wild ride while it lasts, but it usually ends up with all your belongings on fire in the front yard.

[Senor_Taylor]

Does the N55 actually have any big money maintenance items? I feel like we should discuss the nature of the cost of ownership. The Forester has a high chance of just exploding. Does an N55 have much to worry about except the charge pipe and other low occurrence boost related issues? Coking issues due to DI and Vanos recall?

[.RJ]

All DI motors, N55 included, will have carbon build up on the intake ports over time. Figure a $400-600 cleaning every 30-60k.

The older (N54) motors had issues with the fuel system, turbos leaking, and were generally more prone to issues and BMW extended the warranty on some parts. The N55's seem more reliable. All newer BMW's have electric water pumps that will shit the bed somewhere around 60-80k, budget $1000 to replace. My 135 has been trouble free, but I've only put 8k miles on it.

If maintenance and cost of ownership is an issue, you may be barking up the wrong tree here unless you have the budget for a CPO car.

[Senor_Taylor]

  All newer BMW's have electric water pumps that will shit the bed somewhere around 60-80k, budget $1000 to replace.

That's it? That's really cheap as far as that job goes. I'm guessing these are timing chain engines? Are there signs before the WP goes?

[.RJ]

$1000 is cheap for a water pump? You're on crack.

Usually no signs, just warning lights on dash/limp mode.

[ScottyB]

you can find the oddball Gen1 CTS-V out there for a good price with low miles, but its going to be past your age cutoff. same with the GTO, but keep in mind GTO parts are getting tougher to find and they aren't bulletproof cars either.

if your dad can bear it, look at an S197 mustang after the 2012 refresh so you get the 5.0. that's a lot of car for the money and don't let anyone tell you they can't handle well with a couple bolt ons.

My parents just panic if a car isn't running perfectly

sorry, but forget German cars.  in your price range, and age, best of luck to you if you want to try. VW is even a stretch.

i tried to play this game and hunted E92 328i's until i realized BMW might actually hate their customers by installing $1000 water pumps, $400 batteries and putting f'ing emergency pyrotechnic charges on the battery cable.  i liked the car on paper, but it wasn't worth the bullshit for that level of performance.  maybe i'd put up with it for a twin turbo or unicorn 6MT wagon, but those bring their own issues with rarity, condition, or price.

A B5.5 or B6 Audi S4

had a B5.5 1.8T, gave me good feels as well when it was running right. ultimately came to realize it gave me anxiety whenever i drove it because i was subconsciously waiting for the next link in the chain that would break. you have to love the SHIT out of audis to want to deal with an S4. at this age there are some that are practically new again with all the replacement parts, but there are country miles of vac hose and a billion hidden oddball sized screws shoved into every corner just waiting to give you some new flavor of CEL. its a 5lb. sedan with 10lbs. of turbo hamster-junglegym squeezed into it.

i'd love to tell you to get an audi TT 2.0 Quattro. that's a cool, unique car that shares enough with the GTI that its semi-reliable but you're still dealing with a car that will need care here and there.

[JustinG]

5.0 mustang

SS Camaro

BRZ/FRS

Z4

NC Miata

[Senor_Taylor]

Literally none of those are sedans?

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[JustinG]

2 or 4 doors, no wagons/suvs I want something fun, leg room doesn't matter since I only ever have 2 people in my car and one is 4'10

[rherold9]

NC Miata

Yeah, do this. Put a roll bar in it and slice your finger open

[D_Eclipse9916]

5.0 mustang

SS Camaro

BRZ/FRS

Z4

NC Miata

Great list!
NC miata is way more fantastic than what is on paper


Don't let people convince you the Camaro sucks.  Later 5th gen and 6th Gen Camaro SS with a good suspension and tire package are VERY good handling cars but I am not sure your budget outlined will get you the proper packages

5.0 Mustang, absolutely.  Good solid cars.

[ViPER1313]

I’m going to ignore all your criteria and suggest a brand new Fiesta ST (can be had in the 16k range) or Focus ST (18 to 19k). Both fall roughly into your budget, are plenty fast, and have a warranty.