Car Buying Month Commences

[disinfected]

I've been throwing around the idea of getting a second car all summer, and now the time has come where I am going to have to start making decisions. I've got a bit of room to play with given the down payment I have, and here are the first few selections I've considered at a dealership that is willing to work with me.

Possibilities:

Acura RSX '02

BMW 325i '03

Mercedes CLK320 '04

Mercedes C320 '03

Mazda RX-8 '07

Subaru WRX '02

Any input is preferred, I'm going to have attempted to drive a good number of them by the end of the weekend, as the place seems more than happy to sell to me.

This is only the tip though, as there are other places to look, but opinions on the first batch? Pros? Cons?

 

[Leonidae@MFT]

There better be manual cars on your list or I have to put points on your man card..

 

[ShobThaBob]

How much are you spending and what do you actually want out of a car? Your choices are all over the map.

 

[Beeblebrox237]

Yes, what exactly do you want? For a comfortable daily driver, I'd suggest the CLK320. For a pure sports car, the RX-8.

 

[aadil717]

I guess the BMW 325i is the best of both worlds in terms of compromise - comfort, solidity, quality and performance (to an extent). Costs on maintenance could be a con.

Though, I'd go with the RX-8 if you're not looking for a daily. It has the performance, however it's not very economical - and I don't think they're too reliable (oil issues and engine seizures) but thats only if they're not well looked after, oh and they don't hold their value too well - but I guess it would of taken the grunt of the depreciation already so it shouldn't be that bad.

The CLK320 is too meh IMO; comfortable but not very exciting and I guess it's not going to be too engaging to drive either, it will be a great cruiser though - cost of maintenance and running costs will also be a con.
C320 is the same but with less practicality - personally I'd just avoid it.

Acura; never driven one but I'm guessing it's probably the most reliable out of the bunch (as long as its stock and not been a victim to previous owner abuse) and they're fairly quick too so I'm guessing they're good cars.

Subaru WRX: that particular Subaru doesn't even look remotely interesting. It won't have many comforts apart from maybe AC and a basic CD player; and that's probably about it. They're good cars to drive though. But I wouldn't enjoy driving it as a daily - its more of a car you'd like to thrash and drive to the limits everywhere (on track of course...). They are great cars though, just make sure it's been well looked after (applies to all the cars I suppose).

Final answer: Mazda RX-8 or BMW 325i, that's what I'd choose - BTW does the BMW have leather and also is it manual?

 

[MedigoFlame]

As others have already said, it'd help to list off what your ideals of second summer car.

To be honest, I'd avoid the RSX, looking modified, who knows what could have been done to it.

And...as others have already said, I'd also suggested the BMW 325i. A more all-around car. Though, the color stands out, it's at least unique... However, I can't remember if it's factory or not.

Or the Subaru.

 

[disinfected]

This is not a super serious car, something for going back and forth or at the same time possibly a bit of fun. The budget is sub $10,000, or at or around $10,000 after a $3000 down payment.

There's also a black 325, though I'm not as interested in the higher price and the automatic transmission.

Also a low mileage 6-Speed Crossfire, though I know a lot of people have divided opinions on these.

Going up a bit but still staying around the budget are these...all under 13,000, but could possibly get them to around ten with a bit of bargaining and my down payment.

A newer-model RSX with a clean record.

'04 350z Enthusiast Roadster 6-speed.

And last, but certainly not least.

 

[MedigoFlame]

I'd still recommend the orange 325i if you plan on driving it around and having fun with it as well. (Autocross or something? ) Some great modifications can be done to it for such usage. Subaru would also be a good choice, though I've been told they can be expensive to modify.

As for your latest post:

Black 325i: No, auto and pricer tag, why bother? Unless, it has more options that you'd like, then you could consider it.

Crossfire: I'm in the crowd that dislikes the Crossfire, however I've never been in one or heard much about them for "fun" usage. So I can't give much of a helpful input on it.

Clean RSX: Looks good and could be some good fun with it. Definitely a car used on autocross (still not sure what you mean by "fun") and it could be a decent daily-ish.

350Z Roadster: Sounds alright, but not sure if it's that much of a "fun" car. More of a cruiser, unless modified.

Boxster: The very unfortunate thing is, it's image. People will see you in what's considered the "barbie" car. However, they do seem to make great track/autocross cars.

In my honest, I haven't really driven these, but through information and some things I've seen about these cars. I can at least give some small advice, though you can still through it out the window due to the fact I've never owned any of them. From me, I'd say:

1. 325i (Orange)
2. Subaru Impreza WRX
3. Clean RSX
4. RX-8
5. Boxster
6. 350Z Roadster
The rest, I wouldn't really bother with.

Hope all what I said helps with something at least.

 

[Slash]

Hmm, its a tossup between the WRX and the BMW for me. Thinking BMW though.

 

[1241Penguin]

I haven't heard many good things about the transmissions in 2002 year model Subaru WRX's. A quick Google search will yield lots of owners complaining about their transmission. If you opt for a WRX, I'd suggest looking at newer ones (YM2002+).

 

[JacoJa]

Boxster. Definitely the Boxster if it were my money. I assume it's a Manual?

 

[disinfected]

Boxster. Definitely the Boxster if it were my money. I assume it's a Manual?

It is. It's the 5-Speed manual and a '99.

The upside is it only has 36,000 miles, the lowest of everything shown here.

 

[ShobThaBob]

That's a huge downside, unless it's already had the motor replaced. Steer clear of the Boxster at all costs. Anything else you're looking at is a much better choice. You still haven't said precisely what it is you're looking for. Driving dynamics? Comfort? Raw speed? FWD? RWD? If you don't have much experience with all the cars you think you might want, go to a Carmax or something similar and just sample whatever you can. The real shopping comes after you have a set car and price in mind.

 

[homeforsummer]

Boxster. Definitely the Boxster if it were my money. I assume it's a Manual?

That would be my choice too. Only idiots think it's a girl's car, so only avoid the Boxster if you don't mind basing your decision on the opinions of idiots

Oh, and they don't blow up with the regularity people claim. Some did, not all.

That said, there are plenty of good choices there. The RSX and 350Z would be fun in different ways. The BMW would be quick and nice to drive every day, but not as outright fun as the others. And I quite like the Crossfire, but from reviews I've read it's more of a interestingly-styled cruiser than an outright sports car. The Mercs are also cruisers (though I disagree with the chap who said the C320 would be less practical than the CLK320 - hatchback vs. 2-door coupe, hatchback is more practical most of the time). Awaiting daan's input on the RX-8...

 

[ShobThaBob]

Conservative estimates on Boxster engine failures are at 5%, with the number likely being closer to 10-12 percent. That's obscenely high. It's no rotary, but it's also no bulletproof monster. In this case, the low mileage is definitely the detriment. If the engine has already been replaced, go for it. If not, you could possibly have a time bomb that could go off at any point.

 

[disinfected]

That's a huge downside, unless it's already had the motor replaced. Steer clear of the Boxster at all costs. Anything else you're looking at is a much better choice. You still haven't said precisely what it is you're looking for. Driving dynamics? Comfort? Raw speed? FWD? RWD? If you don't have much experience with all the cars you think you might want, go to a Carmax or something similar and just sample whatever you can. The real shopping comes after you have a set car and price in mind.

I'm more looking for something that will fit into my budget yet maintain a bit of that not-so practical factor. My wife and I already own a '12 Hyundai, so we've got out reliable transportation. I need something to get me back and forth to work but at the same time be less bland than your run of the mill Toyota Camry. I've owned more cars than I'd like to admit over the years, so I've touched on a bit of everything.

This is just going to be my first hop back into the used car field in awhile. I also want to make sure I don't buy something that is going to pop into a cloud of smoke when I drive it home for the first time.

 

[Kent]

That's one heck of a list, very few commonalities between the entries besides all being cars that are "cool."
I'd narrow it down basic ideas first...
Coupe or Sedan
Auto or Manual
FWD or anything else
Sport or Luxury

Decide on all the factors above and you're choice will be made.
Just kidding, but that sort of thing could help, good luck with the choice and be sure to update us all.

 

[homeforsummer]

Conservative estimates on Boxster engine failures are at 5%, with the number likely being closer to 10-12 percent. That's obscenely high. It's no rotary, but it's also no bulletproof monster. In this case, the low mileage is definitely the detriment. If the engine has already been replaced, go for it. If not, you could possibly have a time bomb that could go off at any point.

Or, a car with an 88-95% chance of not expensively blowing up, and a 100% chance of having lots of fun

Some people always focus on the bad stuff

 

[disinfected]

Or, a car with an 88-95% chance of not expensively blowing up, and a 100% chance of having lots of fun

Some people always focus on the bad stuff

It seems like it's really been taken care of.

 

[ShobThaBob]

Taken care of really has nothing to do about it.

http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2008/11/wild-ass-rumor-of-the-day-porsche-boxster-engine-failures/

http://www.pelicanparts.com/techart...Failures/13-ENGINE-Common_Engine_Failures.htm

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsche-996-997-forum/627130-how-common-ims-rms-failure.html

When it comes to used cars, especially for a primary car, focus on reality. Do not get yourself a Boxster. A lot of sources say IMS failure almost always occurs before 50k. Check on your car. It's much more common on earlier models. Fits the bill as well.


Do you want a 5-10% chance that your car will just brick itself and delete all the money you spent on buying it? When it comes to the Boxster, do yourself a favor and find one that has either A - had the engine replaced, or B - had the IMS seals reinforced. Buy it from someone knowledgable. In this case, mileage is a friend, not an enemy.

This isn't a slight against the Boxster, just reality. I love the car and would love to own one as either a primary or secondary vehicle if I wasn't so addicted to high amounts of power. They're great cars and a blast to drive. But face facts and spend your money right. If you don't have money for expensive repairs, don't yourself a Boxster. If you HAVE to spend your money on a Boxster, buy one with more mileage and proper care done to address blatant issues with the original engine.

Edit - think of it this way. You go to a dealership with all these cars. If he looked at you and said "It could be your lucky day! Out of these 20 cars, one of them WILL devour its engine one day! Are you feeling lucky!?" Would you buy there? Of course not. Buying a Boxster from a random dealership with no major service history is doing just that.

 

[disinfected]

But judging by that theory can't you make the same claim about any used car? That risk is always there, no matter what you get. Particular example would have been the Civic I had back before I was in the military, when a rock-sold d-series motor poofed on me in the pouring rain.

Seems like that risk is just one of the chances you take. After all, people bought these cars for what, three and a half-four times the price of this one back in the late 90's knowing the same possibilities?

Either way, this one is a bit out of the range for what I truly want to spend, but it's just a possibility to consider. In a perfect world, I'd like to start $10,000 and under before my down payment.

If anything from what is posted, I'm leaning towards the 3-series, but there is still plenty of time to do research and get some ideas.

 

[ShobThaBob]

Sure, but we're talking about cars which were grenading their engines within the first few years of ownership. Because of the initial cost, there are going to be the outlier cars that weren't driven very much, like the example you posted. For cars with notorious issues, the ones with the least mileage are the ones you should be afraid of.

Honestly, there are plenty of 2.7 and 2.5L Boxsters available for well under 10k. If you can find one owned by a knowledgable owner and good service history, I'm sure it would serve you well.

E - What is your normal driver if you're considering an E46 as a second car?

 

[disinfected]

E - What is your normal driver if you're considering an E46 as a second car?

We've got a 2012 Hyundai Accent, but having one car is starting to get tougher to share between the two of us. Initially I owned a brand new Nissan Altima coupe and an '04 Honda Civic, but when the government worked it's magic and I lost my job in the name of money in the military, they weren't feasible to keep. The Accent is in my wife's name, and not having a car to my own that I can take back and forth on my short commute to work just is tough. As I said, I've owned more cars in nine years than I'd like to discuss, but now that I'm in a fairly good spot once again financially I am back in the market.

EDIT: Not to mention, I'll be financing, I don't have $10,000 in hand ready to hand over to Grandma Blanche who happened to have a well-maintained Porsche in the garage in Edmond, Oklahoma...we've all heard stories like those.

If I'm going to buy a car outright, I've only really got $3000 that I would like to part with, and the selection of finding anything interesting in that price range is a bit hard to come by. This is also why I set $10,000 as my limit for financing.

If I could find a logical, fun beater for under $3000 I'd do it, but that just isn't happening.

 

[ShobThaBob]

Get financed through a credit union. It'll be at a better rate than any other place you go to, and it'll certainly allow you to buy that car from Grandma Blanche