01-05-2014, 11:18 AM | #1 |
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Alternate beater to spend $20k on
I'm extremely happy with my M5 and is my only car because I only have one assigned spot in my condo in the city. I drive my car everywhere, but avoid areas where it is mostly street parking, crowded (like beaches, concerts, and sporting events), and other tight parking situations just because I'm OCD. Want to buy a single family home, with a multi-car garage, but I don't want to leave the city just yet. I'll do that once I settle down. Many of my neighbors who have two cars, simply park their second on the street. I want to have peace of mind when parking on the street, anywhere in the city, and not have to worry / care about door or bumper dings.
My dilemma now is finding a used car, that is still cool to drive, highly reliable, and low on maintenance. My budget is $20k - option is to buy a new cheap barebones car or buy something used. Right now looking at a FWD 2011 Mini Countryman S with 45k miles for $20,998. I don't think I would buy a regular mini just because it is too small for my taste. What do you recommend?
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01-05-2014, 11:26 AM | #2 |
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Infiniti G37 AWD used. Enjoyable car to drive. Cheap to maintain. Reliable.
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01-05-2014, 11:26 AM | #3 |
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01-05-2014, 11:42 AM | #5 |
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I used to own a G35x and it was a good car. Thinking back, I should have simply kept my older cars instead of trading them in.
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01-05-2014, 11:44 AM | #6 |
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Hard to find them used. I don't need the FWD and the countryman I was looking at is FWD. A used AWD mini is going to be over my budget and might as well buy new at that point.
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01-05-2014, 12:28 PM | #7 |
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For a beater I would steer clear of European cars. They deliver less for your money and they are less reliable. VW GTI and Mini are nice cars, but they are junk compared with a G35x or a Lexus IS350. Also if you want ground clearance look at an EX35. My parents have a 2008 and its been bulletproof - still is.
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01-05-2014, 12:40 PM | #8 |
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To stay within BMW, how about a 1st gen X3 or e93 328i Touring?
The e83 X3 got bad reviews for a stiff ride but I really liked mine as a DD.
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01-05-2014, 10:28 PM | #9 |
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I highly recommend a used Fiat Abarth. Highly reliable, super duper fun, awesome gas milage, better stock exhaust note than an F10 M5, and you can literally park it anywhere because it's so small and not worry about it getting hit.
I've had mine for 7 months now and I get more attention in it than my M5 and I've spent ZERO dollars in maintenance and it came with a 4 year warranty. Good luck. Oh I forgot it can be driven in snow too!
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01-05-2014, 11:57 PM | #10 |
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My buddy has a 13 countryman. Really fun and somewhat reminds me of my m5. GPS interface etc. At least it's not a total diff. Feeling. It's a good choice and really fun to drive (the S or it's not worth it...)
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01-06-2014, 10:32 AM | #14 |
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this is why i kept my e91. you can get a used e90/91/92 for about that much and probably CPO'd.
the N52 is a very smooth engine and again the steering feels so much better than the F10 that its going to be hard to let go for an upgraded beater. donuts in the snow in the e91 with 2 kids in tow was the highlight of the weekend. the G35/37x is nice, but it still feels like a nissan (IMHO)
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01-06-2014, 10:48 AM | #15 |
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Just so that I care less about it because it won't be garaged and on the street. Looking at new gti, Mazda 3, or corolla at the same time. Like someone was saying, leasing is another option. Get something nicer for less than $200/month.
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01-06-2014, 11:30 AM | #16 |
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Vote: Golf GTI
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01-06-2014, 11:36 AM | #17 |
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IM getting a Wrangler this summer as a beater. More like $25ishk though.
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01-06-2014, 11:58 AM | #18 |
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You can easily pickup a used Abarth for under 20K. Random girls will give you a thumbs up (this has literally happened to me) and random dudes might make fun of you, but who cares. The thing is like a street legal go-kart. Test drive one, trust me. Lol!
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01-06-2014, 12:10 PM | #19 |
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He is in SF. He will get thumbs up from dudes as well.
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01-06-2014, 12:27 PM | #20 |
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Mini cooper is the way to go. Cars are awesome and actually VERY fun to drive.
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01-06-2014, 01:03 PM | #22 | |
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Quote:
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