Help me pick a car

clinehall · **Posted:** Sun Jan 11, 2015 7:25 pm

Michael Westerfield wrote:

MikeWhitney wrote:

- Not something I have had before (BMW, BMW, BMW, WRX, NA/NB Miata, S2000)

MikeWhitney wrote:

Drove a 2008 BMW tonight. Was REALLY nice driver gobs of torque, smooth, nice creature comforts ... but at the end I didn't bite. Just not cool or interesting enough for me.

Hopefully looking at a 2007 BMW in a cool color combo tomorrow. Still a bit boring but I can be won over by niceness. Now I gotta go learn about what goes wrong with the 335's....

Does not compute. You getting another BMW is about the most predictable thing that could happen.

What about some type of used AMG machine that can be had for pennies on the dollar?

Agreed, aren't you bored with with BMW's? For what they are, I love me some Mercedes.

Chad Culbertson · **Posted:** Sun Jan 11, 2015 8:07 pm

I have a soft spot for Mercedes, particularly the 190 E 2.5-16 Evolution, which unfortunately wasn't ever available here. I know some sort of 190 was available here but not sure if any of the good ones were. Some older AMG could be fun too.

Steven Carter · **Posted:** Sun Jan 11, 2015 8:39 pm

Aaron Buckley wrote:

Are people reading the entire thread before posting here? His max budget is $15k and people are mentioning E9x M3's, SRT Chargers and other cars that are well over $30k. :lol:

The IS250 also came in a manual transmission, but not the IS350 or anything more powerful than that. I think Mike should be looking at older vehicles that are a bit more peculiar. - AB

SRT Chargers from 2006-8 are sub $20k cars, and after mentioning the G37 and BMW 550 it appears the price range is flexible.

Richard Casto · **Posted:** Sun Jan 11, 2015 9:04 pm

Aaron Buckley wrote:

Are people reading the entire thread before posting here? His max budget is $15k and people are mentioning E9x M3's, SRT Chargers and other cars that are well over $30k. :lol:

I think people are just throwing stuff at the wall (regardless of cost) to see if anything sticks.

I am going to do the same.

* Factory Five 818 or some type of Resto-mod (agreeing with Rodney)
* Acura NSX. Mid-engine (new to you?) and "some" power. Iconic car. But likely too much $$$ as I believe prices are going nowhere but up. Maybe get lucky on a salvage title somewhere.
* Boxster S. Likely too soon after the 911, but again... Mid-engine with "some" power.

Richard

MikeWhitney · **Joined:** Wed Aug 20, 2003 9:15 pm **Posts:** 4724

Steven Carter wrote:

SRT Chargers from 2006-8 are sub $20k cars, and after mentioning the G37 and BMW 550 it appears the price range is flexible.

Not really flexible. The 550 I drove was $14k and I've found several G37's that low.

Still surfing craigslist.

Jordan Normark · **Posted:** Sun Jan 11, 2015 10:16 pm

3rd gen, FD Rx-7? Rare car, fun to drive, still looks great. With turbo's and rotary engine it will keep you busy.

Steven Carter · **Posted:** Sun Jan 11, 2015 10:17 pm

Fair enough, then. Obviously disregard the E9x M3 suggestion.

Good luck on your search!

steve remchak · **Posted:** Sun Jan 11, 2015 10:20 pm

128i.

DickRasmussen · **Posted:** Sun Jan 11, 2015 11:46 pm

How about one of the "interesting because different" relatively low volume cars like Chrysler TC, Cadillac Allante, Buick Reatta, or the relatively recent version of the Ford T bird? Convertibles/hardtops that are eye catching and the "fun part" would be top down motoring in "not common" cars that might have reasonable parts availability. NOT for me but I cannot relate to what you are looking for anyway. :lol:

Or maybe something like the Volvo C30 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Volvo_C30 turbo 2 door hatch.

MikeWhitney · **Joined:** Wed Aug 20, 2003 9:15 pm **Posts:** 4724

steve remchak wrote:

128i.

Hmmm

steve remchak · **Posted:** Mon Jan 12, 2015 9:20 am

MikeWhitney wrote:

steve remchak wrote:

128i.

Hmmm

I've been watching cars.com and beaters are in the $15k range.

Clean & optioned they are low 20s. Lots of convertible choices also. Mostly automatics particularly the convertibles. Fun car the convertible, I had one as a loaner for several days.

Chuck Branscomb · **Posted:** Mon Jan 12, 2015 9:59 am

MikeWhitney wrote:

steve remchak wrote:

128i.

Hmmm

Get the 3-stage manifold from an E90 330i or N52 powered X5/X3/Z3/530i 3.0 from a junk yard and then the AA tune = 255hp. Definitely find a 6MT one though.

Andrew Jonell · **Joined:** Mon Mar 23, 2009 6:43 pm **Posts:** 1350

MikeWhitney wrote:

Hmmm

Maserati Biturbo.

Les Davis · **Joined:** Fri Aug 29, 2003 2:04 pm **Posts:** 2059

Michael Westerfield wrote:

What about some type of used AMG machine that can be had for pennies on the dollar?

This.

RodneyWright · **Posted:** Mon Jan 12, 2015 1:40 pm

Chuck Branscomb wrote:

Get the 3-stage manifold from an E90 330i or N52 powered X5/X3/Z3/530i 3.0 from a junk yard and then the AA tune = 255hp. Definitely find a 6MT one though.

Chuck, do you happen to have a part number for the manifold or at least a pic of what it looks like? The 328 goes out of warranty this fall and this might make driving the car a little more fun.

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