Help me pick a ~$35k car (LONG)
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Oct 2005
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From: MA
Elbow room is fine--I put one arm on the windowsill and one on the armrest, and only occasionally bump elbows with my wife. Headroom is likewise no issue--the seats are extremely low, so my head clears the front/side of the sunroof opening by a little over an inch. The seats are pretty much exactly as wide as my frame, so I don't have problems with shoulder or hip room either. I see three possibilities here:
1. The E90 3-series is a LOT smaller in these dimensions than my E46, and you've only tried the newer models, while I haven't (I haven't sat in a 3-series newer than about 2002).
2. Despite being shorter, you have a substantially bigger upper body (and much shorter legs) than I do.
3. You've only tried 3s with the Sport Package. I can't even come remotely close to sitting in the 3-series Sport seats--the bolsters are just ridiculously tiny, and I can't see anyone with a 30" or better waist being comfortable in them.
Yeah, the 5 is already on my list (used obviously--I ain't paying $60k for one), and I've added the A6 thanks to several suggestions here.
1. The E90 3-series is a LOT smaller in these dimensions than my E46, and you've only tried the newer models, while I haven't (I haven't sat in a 3-series newer than about 2002).
2. Despite being shorter, you have a substantially bigger upper body (and much shorter legs) than I do.
3. You've only tried 3s with the Sport Package. I can't even come remotely close to sitting in the 3-series Sport seats--the bolsters are just ridiculously tiny, and I can't see anyone with a 30" or better waist being comfortable in them.
Yeah, the 5 is already on my list (used obviously--I ain't paying $60k for one), and I've added the A6 thanks to several suggestions here.
I am sure you can get a 2 year old 5 series or a brand new A6 for less than $50K.
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Oct 2003
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From: Virginia/D.C. suburbs
Since your preference is for a traditional 3-pedal manual transmission, that may be very hard to find on an M45. In fact, I don't think they built any for the American market.
For 35K, your target price, you don't necessarily have to buy used. Check out the new 2010 Subaru Legacy GT (not older ones, as they will probably be too small for your needs). The new 2010 model meets much of your criteria. It is substantially larger inside (room for four 6-footers) than the old model, comes ONLY with a tradtional manual transmisson, starts out around 28-30K depending on trim level (typically optioned models will run low-mid-30's), has reasonable gas mileage, a solid reliability record, good fit/finish, full-time all-wheel drive (you will appreciate that in winter), and a decent amount of power. The only possible snag is the Bluetooth......I didn't see it on the option list, but you can check with Subaru on that (a new audio-electronics option will soon be available). I'm also not wild about the body styling....but that, of course, is a subjective matter.
For 35K, your target price, you don't necessarily have to buy used. Check out the new 2010 Subaru Legacy GT (not older ones, as they will probably be too small for your needs). The new 2010 model meets much of your criteria. It is substantially larger inside (room for four 6-footers) than the old model, comes ONLY with a tradtional manual transmisson, starts out around 28-30K depending on trim level (typically optioned models will run low-mid-30's), has reasonable gas mileage, a solid reliability record, good fit/finish, full-time all-wheel drive (you will appreciate that in winter), and a decent amount of power. The only possible snag is the Bluetooth......I didn't see it on the option list, but you can check with Subaru on that (a new audio-electronics option will soon be available). I'm also not wild about the body styling....but that, of course, is a subjective matter.
Thread Starter
CL Community Team
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 9,312
Likes: 584
From: IL
Yeah Mike, the Legacy GT Limited made my short-list (midway through my massive OP
), largely due to the turbo/MT combination combined with the size increase for 2010. Bluetooth for phonecalls is standard on the Limited (not available on the Premium or lower models as far as I can tell), as you can see here. Not sure if it has A2DP for streaming music via bluetooth, but there's an optional iPod/iPhone interface cable that would be almost as good of a solution (I have an iPhone, which I use for Pandora, XM, and iPod functionality in the car).
Edit: A2DP audio streaming is actually available on the Premium via the MediaHub with Streaming option, or in the Limited with Moonroof (??) and Navigation options. So I'd be golden there.
), largely due to the turbo/MT combination combined with the size increase for 2010. Bluetooth for phonecalls is standard on the Limited (not available on the Premium or lower models as far as I can tell), as you can see here. Not sure if it has A2DP for streaming music via bluetooth, but there's an optional iPod/iPhone interface cable that would be almost as good of a solution (I have an iPhone, which I use for Pandora, XM, and iPod functionality in the car).Edit: A2DP audio streaming is actually available on the Premium via the MediaHub with Streaming option, or in the Limited with Moonroof (??) and Navigation options. So I'd be golden there.
Last edited by geko29; Jan 11, 2010 at 09:36 AM.
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Oct 2005
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From: MA
$35k? Those examples must have over 60k on the clock & sitting on some used lot. If you must buy used op get a car with very low mileage. At some point you will get tired of buying second hand vehicles. For $35k go new.
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Buying new or used is no right or wrong way. The buyer has a choice to decide which method they prefer.
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/search...=1263239842274
Certified BMWs have quite a few in that range as well
http://www.bmwusa.com/Standard/Conte...delsearch.aspx
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 8,787
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From: MA
Believe me, I was shock too. These are 1 or 2 year old $60000 BMWs going for $35000 and some with low mileage too. From what I understand, these Bangle design 5 series are not selling too well and they are over stock. If I was in the market for a used BMW and dont mind the Bangle design and the interior, I would have pick one up because its a bargain.
Believe me, I was shock too. These are 1 or 2 year old $60000 BMWs going for $35000 and some with low mileage too. From what I understand, these Bangle design 5 series are not selling too well and they are over stock. If I was in the market for a used BMW and dont mind the Bangle design and the interior, I would have pick one up because its a bargain.
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 8,787
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From: MA
I am of the same opinion as you. If I have a choice of a new car or a nicer used car, I would pick the new car any day of the week. There are many opinions in here for both cases with some pretty good reasons behind it.
Thread Starter
CL Community Team
Joined: Feb 2007
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From: IL
And FWIW, I've actually never bought a used vehicle before. I've bought one new old stock (previous model year but new) and one demo, but never a pre-titled vehicle.
And FWIW, I've actually never bought a used vehicle before. I've bought one new old stock (previous model year but new) and one demo, but never a pre-titled vehicle.
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 8,787
Likes: 122
From: MA
I've seen literally dozens of listings for 2008 535is in my area with under 15k miles (most under 10k) between $33 and $39k.
And FWIW, I've actually never bought a used vehicle before. I've bought one new old stock (previous model year but new) and one demo, but never a pre-titled vehicle.
And FWIW, I've actually never bought a used vehicle before. I've bought one new old stock (previous model year but new) and one demo, but never a pre-titled vehicle.