Agent 00J Needs A New Car and Wants Your Help!

About a month ago I showed you pictures of my 2008 BMW M3 that was crashed into some trees by an employee.  The accident was February 11, 2009 and I have been in discussions with the insurance company since that point in an attempt to get the car totaled.

The state of Tennessee requires an insurance company to total a car if repairs costs meet or exceed 75% of the value of the car, and this week after a visit from a BMW factory representative who went over the car with a fine toothed comb, the parts and labor total went above the 75% threshold.  The insurance company was made aware of the supplement to the initial estimate late Friday afternoon, and I anticipate a final decision Monday morning.

Of course if I get that decision Monday morning, I will start the process of buying a new car sometime later that afternoon or Tuesday (depends on my schedule).

So here is the question that begs to be answered, what car do you think I should buy next.

A few ground rules here, I promised my wife that next time I buy a car, instead of financing or leasing it, I would pay cash.  With that in mind, and since I don't want to part with more than about $25-$30k, that will limit the choices.

I want navigation and a true USB connection for my iPod along with XM or Sirius radio.  A sunroof is a must as is a manual transmission.  A 4-door is a necessity given the need to put a child's seat into the back however it must be fun to drive and somewhat sporting in nature.

In talking to Agent 001 I suggested to him that I was leaning towards either a Honda Civic Si or VW GTI but that doesn't mean the final decision is made.

How about checking in and offering up some suggestions.  I will take your advice under advisement and keep you in the loop as to what I finally decide.  Of course I will be incognito, my Agent identity will not be revealed until after the deal is done - a deal that will be read the world over by loyal AutoSpies.com readers like you.

So check in, tell me if you agree with my choices or offer up your own suggestions - I won't be purchasing until at least Tuesday anyways so there is plenty of time to influence the decision.

2010 BMW Z4 Gallery

2009 Geneva Auto Show

Be sure to upload your photos on the go by sending them to Mobile@AutoSpies.com

WorldofLuxury - 3/22/2009 8:24:05 PM

-4 Boost

In the end, no matter how much fun I can have in a car, only the company that I've been a fan of can provide me with a vehicle I'll always been fond of.

I have a 730Li outside the US, and it's a great car to drive; but I've always enjoyed my LX 470 more.

CarCrazedinCali - 3/22/2009 8:44:27 PM

+6 Boost

Way to answer the question...

Buy a MINI!

0to60 - 3/22/2009 8:51:12 PM

+3 Boost

Does it have to be a new car?

Agent004 - 3/22/2009 9:15:08 PM

0 Boost

grigor@gkuonline.com

this guy has the answer

Agent004 - 3/22/2009 9:26:30 PM

0 Boost

Or buy used?

HSCenterconsole - 3/23/2009 7:53:06 AM

-8 Boost

Why would you ever want a used car?

HSCenterconsole - 3/23/2009 10:20:11 AM

-4 Boost

I've been fortunate enough to always have had new cars. My concern with a used car is that you don't know who has driven it before you. Lot of posters here are suggesting sporty used models (S5's, 335i's, etc.). You are taking a big chance of getting a car someone has realy abused.

henbmw - 3/23/2009 4:02:59 PM

0 Boost

With the addition of a decent warranty, a pre-owned car makes a lot of sense. Especially when you consider that most cars lose 15-20% of their value off the showroom floor.

HSCenterconsole - 3/23/2009 4:10:15 PM

+1 Boost

hen, its still a used car and you don't know who drive it before you. It could have been the 80 year old widow who went out once a week for cat food or the idiot 16 year old who just got his license and drives the you know what out of the car. Warranty helps, but there is still a big question mark.

ajabbari - 3/22/2009 10:00:26 PM

+1 Boost

Actually I have to second the vote for the Mini. I've owned mine for about a year and a half since my last car was totalled and I have been very happy with it so far. This is one of the few cars I've driven where after a year and a half of driving it every day I still look forward to sitting behind the wheel every time I need to go someplace.

Also, another thing which is worth considering is the service you get with the car after the fact. This is of course also dealer dependent, but with my dealer I get essentially the same perks I'd get with a 3 series. So basically I get a free loaner everytime it goes in, 3 years of free scheduled service, a free carwash whenever I want, etc.

The car's not perfect, and coming from an M3 might feel a little rough around the edges (which in a way is what makes it fun), but compared to a Civic I think it would hold up pretty well as far as the driving experience goes.

Agent00J - 3/22/2009 10:46:19 PM

+1 Boost

I like the idea of the Mini Cooper S however it is not a 4-door and the Clubman just isn't appealing to me.

-00J

Agent00J - 3/22/2009 10:45:44 PM

+3 Boost

The Acura MDX is for my wife which replaces her Audi A6.

-00J

KZ258 - 3/23/2009 9:38:26 AM

+2 Boost

lol i dont think many people can help you out here, ooj. your wife is obviously holding the threshold of your major decision. i mean, who else would buy their wife a damn acura SUV? is it that hard to find an independent woman and have love at the sametime?

anyway, ooj, it is definitely shameful to see a man from a 2008 M3 to a civic. i say get a used E46 M3. they go for 20-35 grand. a good, not-so-casual car that you can pay in cash.

DiamondJim - 3/22/2009 10:23:24 PM

+3 Boost

i don't understand why you would downgrade from an M3 into a Civic. a man of your means should just get another M3, i saw 2 of them today one in black and one in a cute blue color and i loved them both.

i am not a fan boy either so i will throw this one out there, Toyota Venza. otherwise just get your M3 again.

Agent00J - 3/22/2009 10:48:16 PM

+2 Boost

The ability to pay cash and not have a car payment takes another M3 off the list. I am driving in excess of 30k miles a year right now, and as such I figure I can drive something cheap while putting a lot of miles on it, and in a year buy another Porsche to play with on weekends.

-00J

Agent001 - 3/22/2009 10:27:29 PM

+5 Boost

Low mileage 07' 335 sedans are all over eBay in the high 20's and Infiniti G's even less...and they are MUCH safer in a crash.

001

DiamondJim - 3/26/2009 10:21:03 PM

+1 Boost

if i remember correctly, when this site was in its infancy, 001's wife was in a crash and 001 was very pleased it was in a BMW...

GL314159 - 3/27/2009 8:09:07 AM

+1 Boost

Agree with the G35 or 335 alternative - don't go from Bimmer to Civic.

mpgomatic - 3/22/2009 10:41:23 PM

+2 Boost

Two sedans we reviewed recently are in your price range and could fit the bill ...

You might feel at home in the Australian-built Pontiac G8 GT after the M3. Lots of go and excellent handling. A good bit more roomy than the M3. And they're a wicked bargain right now ...

http://www.mpgomatic.com/2009/03/21/pontiac-g8-gt-mpg-review/

The clean diesel VW Jetta TDI is a fun ride and delivers excellent mileage. We reviewed a Sportwagen with the enormous sunroof ...

http://www.mpgomatic.com/2009/02/19/volkswagen-jetta-sportwagen-tdi-review/

Enjoy! :)

mmm333 - 3/22/2009 10:43:06 PM

0 Boost

Acura TSX 6-Speed Manual With Technology Package $32,260.

mpgomatic - 3/22/2009 11:01:07 PM

+2 Boost

To add on the G8 GT ... no go on USB iPod integration and Navigation from the factory ... but you could use this as another bargaining point with the dealership. Swap out the head unit for something that provides both ...

topneuro - 3/22/2009 11:06:32 PM

+1 Boost

2009 Infiniti G37 Convertible PRHT.

Agent00J - 3/22/2009 11:18:16 PM

+2 Boost

I am not a Convertible person, furthermore I need 4-doors.

-00J

SmokeEm - 3/22/2009 11:18:56 PM

+2 Boost

I would go for a used G35 or 335i, but if you have to buy new, then VW GTi. You have to limit your choices if you can only spend up to $30K

SmokeEm - 3/22/2009 11:25:14 PM

+2 Boost

You can get a fully loaded GTI 4-Door with DSG for under $30k, easy choice IMO. I actually recently drove the Civic Si. It drives and handles well, but the dashboard is a total deal breaker. It is just plain horrible. I prefer the engine and interior of the GTi. Everything is much more classy than the Honda.

holmstar - 3/23/2009 10:50:16 AM

+2 Boost

I test drove a civic a while back...

I've have never had this happen to me in any other car, but after 10 minutes in that civic I had an terrible back ache. The seat just didn't work for me, not enough lumbar support or something...

Jordanski - 3/22/2009 11:53:02 PM

-2 Boost

Depends what you're looking for in a car though.
How about a Matrix XR?
LOL. A Pontiac G8? I swear there practically giving those things away for free these days.

My best bet is to go with a Hyundai Genesis coupe, or a Nissan 370Z.
If I were you I'd go for an Impreza WRX; however being in Canada, AWD is to my advantage.

holmstar - 3/23/2009 10:51:17 AM

+5 Boost

"Hyundai Genesis coupe, or a Nissan 370Z"

Did you forget that he said he needs 4 doors?

mpgomatic - 3/23/2009 12:45:02 PM

+2 Boost

Amen, M53R.

@Jordanski - I wasn't won over on the G8 GT until I spent some time in the saddle. After a week-long test drive, there's little doubt that the G8 GT is the biggest bargain out there. It rocks.

528i - 3/23/2009 1:23:51 AM

0 Boost

2004/5 Audi S4, about $25-$30k on ebay. or a TSX like mmm333 said.

rumnyc - 3/23/2009 2:38:11 AM

+2 Boost

used 4dr 328 or 335 FTW!!!

sdcarguy - 3/23/2009 7:00:19 AM

-1 Boost

+1 for a GLI or 4DR GTI and get the body Kit
Crash Test Ratings
Driver Front 4 Star Rating
Passenger Front 4 Star Rating
Front Side 5 Star Rating
Rear Side 5 Star Rating
Rollover Rating 4 Star Rating

Mazda 6 has 5 star rating all around.

sdcarguy - 3/23/2009 9:37:48 PM

+1 Boost

NHTSA gives the 2009 Mazda 6 stars all around

http://www.safercar.gov/portal/site/safercar/menuitem.db847bd57e3dc1f885dfc38c35a67789/?vgnextoid=c95df2905bf54110VgnVCM1000002fd17898RCRD

sdcarguy - 3/23/2009 9:39:25 PM

+1 Boost

NHTSA gives the 2009 Mazda 6 5 stars all around

http://www.safercar.gov/portal/site/safercar/menuitem.db847bd57e3dc1f885dfc38c35a67789/?vgnextoid=c95df2905bf54110VgnVCM1000002fd17898RCRD

sdcarguy - 3/23/2009 7:11:23 AM

+1 Boost

Also check out Mazdaspeed 3 4 Doors, 263HP, Nav, Sirrius, $27K

HSCenterconsole - 3/23/2009 7:54:58 AM

+3 Boost

Agent 00J:
Some advice: In the future, don't let other people drive your car, especially when they are trying to impress a date. If you had abided by that rule, you wouldn't be downgrading from an M3 to a Civic or GTI right now. Talk about learning a lesson.

Agent00J - 3/23/2009 9:03:17 AM

+2 Boost

Lesson learned. With that being said I have never been one to not share "my toys" with others. This was just a freak accident.

The funny thing is both my wife and myself agree that this was actually a blessing in disguise as the M3 was not even a year old yet, however I had already put 24,000 miles on it, far in excess of the 12K a year I signed to, and based on how much I drive (a number that wasn't in the picture last year when I got the M3) I would easily exceed 36K by midsummer leaving 20 months or so on a lease that I would then have to buy additional mileage for.

I can buy something cheap, run it into the ground in terms of mileage and not take as big a bath as I would on something really expensive.

-00J

HSCenterconsole - 3/23/2009 9:38:11 AM

-2 Boost

Maybe it was a blessing.

The problem with "sharing your toys" is that at the end of the day, this incident has severely inconvienced both your family and you. Has it done the same to the idiot your lent your keys too? My guess would be probably not.

KZ258 - 3/23/2009 9:46:45 AM

+1 Boost

HSCenterconsole -

i totally agree with your statement. ooj, an M3 isnt something your suppose to share or any other really expensive car. your friend might act bad for you, but he has no worries at the end of the day. you're the one whos stuck with the damage. there is no "blessing" by losing an M3 no matter how you look at it.

my maxima might not be prestige or whatever, but i still dont let anyone drive it alone. only close family will drive it with me in the car but thats it.

Audiphile - 3/23/2009 9:12:29 AM

+3 Boost

Hey 00J,

You've already nixed the Mini Cooper S, so I won't make that suggestion.
If you want a new car, go with the Volkswagen GTI.
If you are willing to consider a used car, I'd go with the BMW 335i. It is not quite the car that an M3 is, but it's awfully close. However, finding a good one for $30,000 or will be tricky. (I'm basing that last comment on the asking prices on cars.com in my area - Richmond, Va. Considering the car market right now, you might be able to get a good used 335i for quite a bit less than the asking price.)

A used Audi S4 wouldn't be bad either. However, don't get one older than a 2005 model, because Audis made before that period had reliability problems.

budfrogS4 - 3/23/2009 9:27:20 AM

-2 Boost

I'm not sure about the options that you want but the fastest car I can think of for 30k is the 370z.

09CTSVforMe - 3/23/2009 9:55:22 AM

+1 Boost

Why not get a Cobalt SS for under $19,000, tack on a $500 tune and outperform all the other suggestions mentioned here, and pocket the extra $11 Grand for going out to dinner ot travel to Europe or something?

That or get a used CTS-V...

PlanB - 3/23/2009 9:57:36 AM

+1 Boost

An 2009 Mazda 6 with all of your requirements comes in just under $30k, that would be my choice.

jsell - 3/23/2009 10:07:06 AM

-1 Boost

OOJ....let me sell you a TL with TECH for 2k below invoice...or the AWD (which you already have experience with) for 2k below invoice....we can and have painted grills to match the exterior....on a side note....how about the Mazdaspeed3??

V-10 NSX (still dreaming)

iamdabest1 - 3/23/2009 10:41:41 AM

+1 Boost

get the 2009 maxima

0to60 - 3/23/2009 2:54:41 PM

+1 Boost

I second the Maxima. You may be able to talk them down close to 25k if your 25k does not include tax, tag, and all that other garbage they try to add on. You would have to really press them tho.

chris357 - 3/24/2009 3:46:52 PM

+1 Boost

the 09 maxima is not that far off in price to a G37, but both of them blow the budget based on what he specified.

candywhite - 3/23/2009 11:27:38 AM

+4 Boost

I have a 07 GTI.
and i must say that i am very happy with it.
I got stuck in the dual clutch & launch control craze, so it got it, but now regret not getting the manual.
Great Grunt. I put 30k miles on it, car never missed a beat, super reliable. amazing off the line and you will be doing 120mph before you know it.
Id say the 2 main reason over the Civic would be GREAT low end torque, this thing moves off the line and the interior is great. My seats hug me.

Highly Recommend VW.

M53R - 3/23/2009 12:22:43 PM

+2 Boost

You really really REALLY need to test drive a Pontiac G8.

And try avoiding to buy a used car. Especially to cheap to be real ones because you have no idea what the owner did to the car to offer it for so low! And many people start abusing the car right when they put the "on sale" sticker.

Good luck.

M53R - 3/23/2009 12:23:26 PM

+1 Boost

Oh, I forgot to mention Mazda 6. Nice car.. But I don't know how much it costs.

JRobUSC - 3/23/2009 12:27:00 PM

+2 Boost

you could get a Certified PreOwned 2007 335i sedan for $30k. With the mileage you drive the CPO coverage is a no-brainer for what it costs, and everything else about the car fits what you described perfectly.

PPower - 3/23/2009 12:49:24 PM

0 Boost

Once you've experienced the Honda/Acura nav, it's hard to go with anything else.

new: Acura TSX 6MT tech.

used: G35 sedan 6MT w/ nav (have to add the ipod adapter though). However, there is RCA input w/ video to see ipod video. 2007 voice command controls audio & climate like Acura, and starting 2008 voice command is for navigation only. But 08 got back up camera w/ Nav instead of tech pkg on 07.

JUGNU - 3/23/2009 2:17:53 PM

-1 Boost

Is Hyundai Genesis coupe on sale here in U.S. If it is try that. It meets your criteria well.

Accord coupe, Altima coupe, scirocco, mini...etc.

JUGNU

HSCenterconsole - 3/23/2009 3:11:25 PM

+1 Boost

JUGNU, read the article before posting. He said he wanted four doors. Use your head so you don't have to write stupid follow-up posts like you did below.

JUGNU - 3/23/2009 2:23:43 PM

0 Boost

you said four doors, so make that genesis sedan V6, Maxima even slightly used G37 sedan, scirocco.

JUGNU

IhavearedS2000 - 3/23/2009 3:27:13 PM

+2 Boost

If you were going from an M3 to either a Civic Si or a VW GTI - the natural choice would be the Civic - the Honda and BMW have more in common than you would think - both have high revving, fun, refined engines, great transmissions...

Civic good points
-value
-engine if you like to rev
-handling/ride
-transmission
-quality/reliability

Civic bad points
-engine if you don't like to rev
-performance no longer at the top of its segment
-steering a bit artificial
-polarizing interior design

That being said, many Civic competitors have surpassed it in performance, if not refinement and value - wait a year or two, when an all new Civic will go to the head of its class (AGAIN!)

henbmw - 3/23/2009 4:00:19 PM

0 Boost

370Z.

henbmw - 3/23/2009 4:05:48 PM

0 Boost

Oops, missed the 4-door comment..

Audiphile - 3/23/2009 4:33:02 PM

+2 Boost

Have you considered the Infiniti G37 sedan? You might be able to get a new one for $30k, considering the car market right now. Or get one that is only one or two years old.

Agent001 - 3/23/2009 4:58:08 PM

+1 Boost

What about an A3?

001

monkeyrun - 3/23/2009 5:27:43 PM

+2 Boost

VW GTI looks way better than Civic.

Audiphile - 3/23/2009 7:42:32 PM

+1 Boost

001 made a good suggestion. The Audi A3 would be a good choice. The list price for a new one would be just over $30,000 equipped the way you want it, but you could probably haggle your way below that figure. Or you could get a used one, and save even more.
Consider the A3 a sort of upscale Volkswagen GTI.

IhavearedS2000 - 3/24/2009 5:47:58 PM

+2 Boost

Which Kia Soul has the same hp as the 197 hp Civic Si? Did I miss a press release? And did you ever row a Kia stick? It's like moving a plunger thru poop...

What? No Honda fans at AutoSpies? Shocker!

mme1979 - 3/24/2009 12:54:28 AM

+1 Boost

i would say you need to buy used 08 G35 sedan with stick shift.For $30k you can buy a loaded one with 15000 mile on it !

chris357 - 3/24/2009 3:43:29 PM

+1 Boost

how about a used mazdaspeed 6 that woudl be pretty cheap and fit all the criteria and then some

RowanBuds - 3/24/2009 4:23:40 PM

+1 Boost

Gotta second the G37 / 35 (if you could find a 35 leftover, you would get a killer deal). I would think that for 31,500 - 33K out the door you could have one with pretty much all options. This will be head and shoulders above practically all else that has been mentioned, in both refinement, and fun factor. This thing can sure be tossed around in a way that its curb weight does not suggest. Its a little bit light on the torque, but that is remedied by keeping revs high. With decently hard driving, i average around 16.5 mpg----with about 12-13 very spirited. The Sport model is the only one that comes in a 6-speed, and for 2008, the ipod is fully integrated, not just RCA plugs as in the 07. I have the 07 all wheel drive, and man is that thing fun. I am looking into getting an E90 M3 next, and would be dying to hear a comparo from somebody who has spent a lot of driving time in both. The high revving VQ35HR is a blast, especially over 5K rpm-----something that from what I read, is a similar trait of the 4.0 in your now departed M3. Good luck 00J, I'll be waiting for your decision.

RowanBuds - 3/24/2009 4:29:49 PM

+1 Boost

Sorry for not posting all in one, but as I think about this more, the stretch you would be making (from 30K to a top of 33, for the G) would be the best 1500-3000 dollars you have ever spent---you will figure that out once you get a G. Then go rent a Civic SI / GTI / Mazda 6 and tell me that the difference wasn't worth well more than the (presumably) one month salary or less difference. You will not be disappointed----and you won't look like a ricer driving it. It is just as at home on a roadcourse / autoX as it is pulling up to Cipriani for dinner, or heading to a wedding/baptism/funeral. It is an amazingly versatile car. Trunk space is a bit lacking (especially with the 6-CD changer---i suggest getting the non-changer trunk liner, and removing the changer it will make a world of difference in usability of the trunk space. The G can also be a bit tight for back-seaters with a 6 foot 3 driver, but hell, they aren't paying for it, now are they?

FerrarisR4me - 3/24/2009 6:34:15 PM

+1 Boost

I have a 03 Civic Si. It is a whole lot of fun to drive and practical at the same time. I've driven the new Si's and they're even better. Wish I could get one. As you noted they are inexpensive too so you can put some fun parts in em.

IhavearedS2000 - 3/25/2009 7:57:26 AM

+1 Boost

Why are people referring to Jeremy Clarkson's review of the EURO CIVIC? I have a feeling Agent 00J isn't going to go over to Europe and export it into the US...the US and EURO Civics may be very similar but they are not the same thing...

Besides, from what I remember reading, the new EURO Civic was an unqualified hit in Europe...

If Agent 00J was going to import a car he could get the Japanese market Civic Type R - that cars handling has been compared to the legendary Integra Type R, oh, and current day super cars. But again, I have a feeling Agent 00J will so something more practical, and rightly so in these current market conditions...

bikeatl77 - 3/25/2009 12:38:38 PM

+1 Boost

If new I'd go for the Subaru Legacy 2.5GT Limited. Starts @ $29K. Auto trans & navigation adds $4.5K so $33.5 loaded. 385 Watt 9 speaker harman/karmon with ipod/mp3 jack (not sure if it is true USB) comes standard. Those are MSRP's so I imagine it could be bought new for $30K these days. 243 hp@6000 rpm and 241 lp@3600 rpm funneled to the AWD system. It has great safety ratings, gas mileage in the low 20's and holds its value well. The best part is that you don't see a million of them on the road like the Honda's and VW's you've got your eye on and will look more respectable parked next to your girl's MDX :)

Then again, aside from all the negative comments about buying used, the cash your looking to drop can get you alot of car at CarMax in this economy and you can purchase warranties up to 100K for an additonal 2K without a deductible just to be on the safe side. I saw a black 2008 Mercedes 350 C class Sport with only 2K miles on it going for $35 on carmax today at the Duarte CA location.

Good luck. Having your M3 wrecked might have been an inconvenience but car shopping is fun as long as your not in a huge rush.

cactus - 3/25/2009 2:15:43 PM

0 Boost

mazdaspeed3!! best bang for the buck it has everything for looking for with the navi in todays market you can easily get the car depending on tenn. taxes out the door with 23-25k depending on how good you are at negotiating. i drove the si when i was getting my car definitely a great car but all and all it was a civic and didnt justify its elevate price as well as the gti they are both great in there own aspects but will definitely be to bland from the m3, the gti will have a fit and finish close to the m3. the only thing the mazdaspeed 3 doesnt have is the usb for the mp3 is has an aux 3.5mm plug which works fine for me, but for 250 more you can get oem through the dealer the actually ipod hookup that will charge your ipod and allow the steering wheel functions to work... but if your looking for the right car its probably the r32, you can find a couple still new not titled if you look hard but the only reason you might not find this the perfect fit is the price its north of 30k, id be driving that if i could afford it but am more then content with the torque, style, size, power, interior +++ of the car, just the fit and finish is not like your m3 i imagine. good luck i cant wait to see what your gonna get

cactus - 3/25/2009 2:18:10 PM

0 Boost

mazdaspeed 6 is nice, but when you compare it to the new speed 3's its a little dated, equal to the 1st generation speed (07-08) the 08.5 grand touring models may i add > are so nice

DiamondJim - 3/26/2009 10:24:42 PM

+1 Boost

"I am driving in excess of 30k miles a year right now"

i believe that is all the more reason to drive with an excellent suspension underneath you. you know, i never get sick of seeing the mercedes C- class about town. if you can, just cough up the bucks and get something worthwhile, forget that civic idea.

mkaresh - 3/26/2009 11:24:46 PM

+1 Boost

You seem to be thinking compacts. A G35/G37 stands out in its class, but nothing in that class has the agile feel of a compact.

So...how about an Evo X? The dealer near me has a new 2008 GSR (i.e. 5-speed manual) marked down from $36k to $28k. Must say the Evo is much more attractive at the latter price. There's a dealer-installed NAV available. Though a Garmin would be cheaper and better.

If the Evo wasn't deep into your target price range, I'd say MS3. The main advantage of the GTI is a premium interior. And you mentioned a Civic, so it sounds like a premium interior isn't a priority.

mkaresh - 3/26/2009 11:26:55 PM

+1 Boost

I should add that I test drove the 2008 M3 and Evo in the same day. For around-town driving, the Evo was considerably more fun. The M3 doesn't get fun unless you can really push it, and how often is that possible anywhere near the limits of the law?

schumy - 3/27/2009 12:42:03 AM

+1 Boost

Not very helpful I admit but based on the editorial comments made by Agent 00J, a supposed car enthusiast, may I suggest you have lost the will to live!

dap5482 - 3/28/2009 11:07:41 AM

+1 Boost

I would go with the GTI, since they're what you're looking for. Another option with the same fun for a similar price would be the Jetta GLI, same engine/trans, and equipped with nav and sunroof, would be under $30k.

DieselRules - 3/29/2009 2:31:00 AM

+1 Boost

If you rack up high mileage and want car ownership for close to free, pick up a 3-4-year-old car (nice car, like 335 or S4) that is low-mileage and single-owner.
Rack up a pile of miles, but be sure to sell before 100k miles and before 5 years old. The difference in price due to the additional mileage will be miniscule.
(its a trick learned from a salesman friend)
A CPO will cost more, driving up your costs. But the warranty is nice insurance on a used car, and limits potential costly problems/$$$.

Otherwise: Honda tin-can or GTI/GLI, I wouldn't be driving fast with family in the back of a Civic. VW has the lowest cost for bumping air-bags from 6 (front) to 10 (adding 4 rear air-bags in my wife's 2009 Jetta TDI/DSG wagon cost a couple hundred). Many of a VW's safety features aren't available in Honda's at any cost.