Bz2005s2k

Hey guys,

So my question is simple enough. I know these types of questions have been beat to death but I just want to make sure I am not over looking any cars.

If your budget was $40k give or take, what car would you buy for a daily driver?

Requirements:

1. Fun to drive
2. Better then 20mpg average
3. Low maintenence cost
4. Prefer auto since wife can't drive manual but for the right car will consider manual
5. Prefer new but used is ok as well
6. Will see light winter duty so some kind of traction control needed

For those that know me, you know that I have a 135i right now. I do not want to get into the background right now but I might be Lemon Law'ing the 135i. Another 135i is still an option for me as I loved the car when it was not in the shop and I do believe that my bad experience with the 135i is isolated.

Let the suggestions begin....

QUIKAG

Another 135i or Lexus IS350 with a factory F suspension if you want better reliability.

pbm317

If not another 135i, maybe the 328i coupe, or a G37

dombey

^ sweet. I didn't realize you can get factory F suspension.

G37
MB C350
Used Cayman S, RS4, M3

Christople

Newer Boxster S + Daily driver

2001+ 911 Carerra + daily driver

335 Sedan

bjohnston

I will likely be considering a G37S 4-door or G8 GXP soon. The new A4 may also be nice, but it may leave you wanting for power. I've never driven an IS350 since it's auto-only, but if you prefer an auto, they look good inside and out. You can also get E550s, which I love, in that neighborhood. If I wanted an auto, I'd get one of those over any of the above. Check out this one maybe not too far from you. http://www.poundwholesale.com/shop/details.php?v_id=241

The Gasman

Used elise.

Aerodax

Another 135i

S2020

$20K for car. $20K in the bank in this weak economy.

that is unless you are loaded and have the next 6 month's living expenses set aside.

Bz2005s2k

I am not loaded but I do put away more per month into investments then I do my cars. I am also very young so I think that this market will not hurt me too much long term. Thanks for the advice though

Elise As much as I would love one, there is NO WAY it could be daily driven, IMO.

I would probably not consider a P-car since they do not appeal to me much. They are great fun to drive (I have driven a 911 Turbo and a Cayman S) but they fail me in the looks department unless heavily modded.

I like the idea of the G37. That car is sexy and fun to drive.

I also like the idea of an RS4 but for my price range they are hard to come by.

So far another 135i or a 328i/335i Coupe sounds good. With this 135i being my first BMW, my confidence in them has been shaken

Thanks for all of the suggestions,

Brandon