[Nkc]

135 ftw.

[theriz]

buy a carolla. save for something you really want.

[Fundguy1]

Originally Posted by theriz

buy a carolla. save for something you really want.

Basically my advice but for me and maybe him a nice car was what I really wanted.

[Lshaw]

LOL Regarding #3 on your Needs list. You wont accomplish that by any means with a Mini, nor a GTI (my opinion, dont hate me, hatches are not for everyone).

If you are coming from a SUV, i would stick with a 4 door for the ability to haul things around, passengers, etc. It is more practical, and yet still fun.

It seems like you are sticking with German?
-e46 M3 would be awesome, great car, however like all older luxury cars, maintenance might not be worth it in the long run, plus not something you want to give to your sister. SMG transmission isn't for everyone, assuming you dont want a manual.

-135/128 would be a good candidate if you want a small 2 door. You will have a blast in this car and good bang for your buck in terms of modding. Comparable to the Mini and GTI.

-e9x 335, are relatively affordable nowadays, and a pretty good entry car. Disregarding engine reliability, etc. Good size, great power, very mod friendly and sufficient amount of space, even the e92s have decent passenger room without the extra 2 doors

-Audi S line or A line, cant overlook as well. But living in texas, the awd isnt necessary, but still fun. I would personally love an S4, only for the power +awd (Coming from a subaru background)


Good luck.

[Fundguy1]

Yeah, I'd look 335 4 door or even 535I if it was the only car. Not a Volkswagen(insert Audi) fan. You could always go Xi if you want awd but probably you don't.

[danniexi]

whatever you buy, buy used. won't get hit with depreciation as badly. save that money.

[MaC-N54-E82]

I'm biased, but I would recommend the 135i. They pack a ton of performance at a very reasonable price in the used car market.

[R N M]

New for 30k - Mustang, BRZ, WRX

Used - E90 92 328i/335i but make sure you get warranty.

135i and GTI are ok but dont do much for me styling wise.

E46 M3 is a special car but you need to have $10k on the side as repair fund if you plan to daily it.

[Never_Enough]

335i or Miata.

Also, buying a car because other might look at you? LOL!!! You need a lot more than $30k for that.

[Red Bread]

Used Elise if you want attention and don't mind the smell of glue or the build quality of some drunk teenagers.

[Never_Enough]

Originally Posted by Red Bread

Used Elise if you want attention and don't mind the smell of glue or the build quality of some drunk teenagers.

My friend's Exige was a solid car & TONS of fun to drive

[Red Bread]

Originally Posted by BoostedRide

My friend's Exige was a solid car & TONS of fun to drive

The mechanical bits seem well done, but things like the sunvisors, center console and even the headlights have been known to just randomly fall off. My buddy's Exige shed parts at random, probably to just save weight.

[lcrain]

I would enjoy a rear-drive BMW more than a front-drive hatch as an only car, personally. You can get a very nice E46 M3 for 30k. I'd probably cap your purchase price at 25k, and put 5k in an account that you do not touch except for maintenance/oh shit repairs.

If you decide to down that road, head over to M3forums and read A LOT about what to look out for. There are a ton of E46 M3s that have been abused at this point. Finding a really nice one will be challenging. They aren't unreliable cars, but they need to be maintained. If you can find one that has the big ticket items checked off (subframe reinforced, vanos buttoned up, bushings would be a huge plus though not required IMO, rod bearings) it is certainly worth paying a premium for.

That said, if you want to give this to your sister, or you just plan to drive around town, don't buy an e46.

[Alfisti]

X1 withthe 6 in it, drop it a couppla inches. Goes like a rat up a drain pipe, has the badge and should fit the budget.

[Fundguy1]

Dark knight what are your thoughts? What did you do?

[Nitrousbird]

Originally Posted by lcrain

I would enjoy a rear-drive BMW more than a front-drive hatch as an only car, personally. You can get a very nice E46 M3 for 30k. I'd probably cap your purchase price at 25k, and put 5k in an account that you do not touch except for maintenance/oh shit repairs.

That better be one hell of a nice E46 M3 for 30k! You can get a pretty nice E92 M3 for that kind of money.

But again, should a kid fresh out of college start his big boy life with a 30k car payment? A 5 year, 3%, 30k loan is $539/month. Have to figure insurance on the cars we are talking about for a young guy will be at least $200/month. Add in fuel, maintenance and repairs he will be shelling out close to $1000/month for a car. Not exactly a smart financial plan for someone straight out of school.

[Alfisti]

Originally Posted by Nitrousbird

That better be one hell of a nice E46 M3 for 30k! You can get a pretty nice E92 M3 for that kind of money.

But again, should a kid fresh out of college start his big boy life with a 30k car payment? A 5 year, 3%, 30k loan is $539/month. Have to figure insurance on the cars we are talking about for a young guy will be at least $200/month. Add in fuel, maintenance and repairs he will be shelling out close to $1000/month for a car. Not exactly a smart financial plan for someone straight out of school.

This. Really, get serious young man.

[koreez88]

OP, what would the down payment be?

[adc]

Go for a 2008 or 2009 E90 M3 with less than 70k miles on it. Should be very close to your $30k limit. Stripper car if you can, it will be more reliable that way. Then add an extended warranty for piece of mind.

It is very special, drives and sounds great, has street cred. And if you're lucky, it may not depreciate a lot or even at all over the next 3-5 years.

[Fundguy1]

I think he's gone. He has 7 posts in 7 years. So this is all academic.