What Should I Get For My Next Car?

[QuietChaos]

After toying around with a Corvette for a while, I'm looking to get back into something more practical. I'd like something newer, sporty, and it must seat at least 4 people. Budget is about 8k.

Here's what I've narrowed it down to, but I'm open to suggestions.

BMW E46 325ci/328ci. They don't look bad with a few mods, and I like the modern interior. Unfortunately, it seems there is a shortage of E46 coupes in BC in nice colours.










BMW E38 740i/L. Kinda ballin. The interior space and practicality would be nice. It is more dated than the E46, though. Also, it's easier to find E38s in the right colour combos.








I also considered the Charger R/T, 300C, and G35 coupe but they were seriously pushing the budget.

[gtrjon]

e46 the e48 is too outdated plus its a sedan. g35s are always nice too

[evilgtr]

I don't know anything about BMW's but if you can the one in the second or third picture for $8000 then il take one to ! Those pictures look sweet.

[QuietChaos]

I looked into the G35s, but the sedans aren't nearly as nice looking as the coupes, and the coupes haven't depreciated as much either. Cheapest on the market is around 11k. If I find a well maintained G35 coupe for 8, I'd be down.

@evilgtr: I've even found an E46 325ci for less than 6 grand! Unfortunately, it was gold with a tan interior. Not for me. I intend on keeping my next car for a while, so I'm being extra picky.

[QuietChaos]

Definitely leaning towards the E46..this one's soo clean! However, it's the facelifted model. Headlights, taillights, and side markers are different.

[cschepp]

If you are going BMW I would definitely choose the e46. Just overall better lines And probably some more get up and go. Or you could get a c-class Benz that is along the same lines as this. Whatever floats your boat. But personally If I was going to pick between the 2 I would buy the Beemer for sporty/looks and the Benz for sheer cruising. Anyways hope this helped

[Rainey94]

Well if I were you I would also go for the E46 coupe, unless you 75.... then go for the sedan.. My friend has an E36 M3 and he loves it, and my Step-dad has a E92 335xi coupe thta has had some work done and he loves his too. I was thinking of buying an E30 M3 for abit the realised that wouldn't be the greatest idea in terms of practicality. good luck!

[DJ]

go for the e46 (facelift)

[gtrjerry73]

If you are going for practicality then I wouldn't be looking at an older Beamer. I would go more to the g35 or even a newer accord? The accord is probably pretty expensive but I have seen a couple for around 10 ish. Tons of power lots of room and even available in awd. I'm just cringing at repair bills for a used BMW but if you want a Beamer then e46 is the direction I would go. Newer, nicer interior, just better bang for your buck

[QuietChaos]

Haha, I actually used to own a BMW. I still have one, actually. They're not too bad at all if they're well kept. The 4.4L V8 in the 740i has been known to go on past 400,000 miles with proper care..ridiculous. I'm leaning more towards the E46 for sure though. It doesn't have nearly as much power as the E38, but the handling and lighter weight should make up for it.

As for the bills on a used BMW..I'm more than used to that kind of thing. My Vette makes owning a BMW look like owning a Civic. Practicality wise, it's a step up as well.

I'd love a facelifted E46, but right now they're still out of range of my budget.

Thanks for all the input so far!