Best Used German coupe for low $30s?
Thread Starter
Pole Position
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 287
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From: CA
Plenty of decent German cars in that range:
04 Audi A6 2.7 tt - s-line version for a tighter suspension (not a coupe but still a solid choice in my book)
01-03 MB CLK 55 - old design but still a good car with a great engine
01+ MB CL500 - still a beautiful car
02+ BMW M3 - an obvious choice
99+ Porsche 996 - I'd look for a late model 99 with clear tails and a clean history, but watch for RMS (rear main seal) problems
Note, however, that my selection is biased towards performance-oriented vehicles. Of course if it were me, I'd choose an NSX over any of the above...
But since your buddy is a snooty bastard and can't drive too well, I recommend a debadged 04 BMW 525i.
At least it looks new, right?
40 mph rear end collision and he walks away from it? I'd love any car that saved my life.
(edit: I noticed in pic2 that the airbag must have crushed his sunglasses on his face - look at the broken frame on the floor. lol!)
04 Audi A6 2.7 tt - s-line version for a tighter suspension (not a coupe but still a solid choice in my book)
01-03 MB CLK 55 - old design but still a good car with a great engine
01+ MB CL500 - still a beautiful car
02+ BMW M3 - an obvious choice
99+ Porsche 996 - I'd look for a late model 99 with clear tails and a clean history, but watch for RMS (rear main seal) problems
Note, however, that my selection is biased towards performance-oriented vehicles. Of course if it were me, I'd choose an NSX over any of the above...
But since your buddy is a snooty bastard and can't drive too well, I recommend a debadged 04 BMW 525i.
At least it looks new, right?40 mph rear end collision and he walks away from it? I'd love any car that saved my life.
(edit: I noticed in pic2 that the airbag must have crushed his sunglasses on his face - look at the broken frame on the floor. lol!)
He drove the porsche but thought it was too crazy and said the M3 feels faster. Also, if he can get one for 30-35k, won't there probably be something wrong with it?
There are too many self indulgent weeners in Glendale lol j/k. Looking at the fact your buddy had an Integra, he likes a fun to drive car. For 30k, a used M3 fits the bill. If he is willing to spend 35k then the new 2007 BMW 328 coupe will do
lol j/k. Looking at the fact your buddy had an Integra, he likes a fun to drive car. For 30k, a used M3 fits the bill. If he is willing to spend 35k then the new 2007 BMW 328 coupe will do
Lead Lap
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 3,593
Likes: 5
From: CA
Gone in 60 Seconds, anyone? lol
I think that the M3 is the bet here. However, as someone mentioned the CPO, I dont know you'll find a CPO one for that price. You could find one from a private seller around $35k Im sure with a extended warranty then just pay the transfer fees. Why would you ever buy a 330Ci or less if you could have an M3? lol I think your friend should consider a C5 Z06; not a bad car and you can find some in about the same price range.
I think that the M3 is the bet here. However, as someone mentioned the CPO, I dont know you'll find a CPO one for that price. You could find one from a private seller around $35k Im sure with a extended warranty then just pay the transfer fees. Why would you ever buy a 330Ci or less if you could have an M3? lol I think your friend should consider a C5 Z06; not a bad car and you can find some in about the same price range.
Thread Starter
Pole Position
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 287
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From: CA
I kept mentioning the C5 to him, as it's the one American car I like, but he said it has to be German... I'm just thinking it's going to be tough to find one in the low 30's without somethin wrong w/ it
Lexus Champion
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 2,183
Likes: 5
From: California
LOL you're right --- his glasses did break on his face. He didn't even have a single bruise. The A6's back bumper was messed up, but it had frontal radiator damage too because it was pushed into an RX330!
He drove the porsche but thought it was too crazy and said the M3 feels faster. Also, if he can get one for 30-35k, won't there probably be something wrong with it?
He drove the porsche but thought it was too crazy and said the M3 feels faster. Also, if he can get one for 30-35k, won't there probably be something wrong with it?
I guess he's leaning towards the M3. I've driven both the 6 speed and the SMG, and I prefer the manual. It's a great car, but I would take the 996 over both versions.
Lexus Champion
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,600
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From: FL
How are we supposed to do anything with a statement like that? Are you comparing a Honda Civic DX to a 335i? Is the Civic DX "better" than the 335i?
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,378
Likes: 1
From: CA
Japan makes some good cars, but to say the some of the best? Let's be real here, Toyota, Honda, etc. makes good cars but does Toyota other than the new LS, does Toyota have anything that can compete with the 100+k supercars? A new 335i is in the mid 40s, what does Japan have to offer for "not even half the price of German cars?"
Lexus Champion
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 1,788
Likes: 3
From: Illinois
E46 M3 without question, or if you can score a 996 for a good price then I say go for it. I've seen a few 00 converts go for mid-35's, probably empty-optioned and a decent amount of miles on it, but both probably won't give you much trouble down the road either.
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How about the last gen CLK 430?
Let me add, M3s sound GREAT, but they are M3s, which means the previous owner has a higher chance of driving the snot outta the car, which can be more problematic for a 2nd owner. So look for maintenance records...
Audi TT is also a great and different suggestion.
Let me add, M3s sound GREAT, but they are M3s, which means the previous owner has a higher chance of driving the snot outta the car, which can be more problematic for a 2nd owner. So look for maintenance records...
Audi TT is also a great and different suggestion.