a fellow toronto member bought a 2002 M3 with 60K for $26K this time last year....hasn't had a "problem" with it.

he did recently mention that he needs tie rods or bushings or some other crap down below.....

 

Sorry to say that I disagree with this statement. A friend of mine was shopping for cars in this segment last December, and we visited two Infiniti dealerships in the Phoenix area, in addition to Lexus, Acura and BMW dealers.

The two Infiniti dealers were the shadiest of the group. They seemed somewhat disrespectful of our knowledge about cars. They tried to push my friend into test driving a car she said she wasn't interested in, and they followed up with endless harrassing and annoying phone calls. It seemed they were focused on making the sale and nothing else. The difference in customer service and attention to detail between the Infiniti dealers and the Lexus dealer was enormous.

She eventually bought an IS250, and she was very pleased with both the car and the entire purchasing experience.

 

Good responses:

- I do need to take another look at the G35. The size of the car turns me off a bit, but it seems like a good compromise. Gas mileage isn't too hot, but not a deal breaker.

- I've never been a fan of the A4 though it has been several years. I recall it feeling very disconnected, vague shifter, and the AWD (and corresponding weight) isn't that useful up here in the bay area. However, it sounds like a worthwile test.

As for the CPO - does anyone know if it cover wear and tear items? For example I've heard that even brake pad jobs in a 3 series costs $400-500. Maintenance costs seem far higher than in any other Japanese car.

 

SOme BMW"s have separate maintenance extended coverage (past the initial 4 year/50,000 that's included with the new cars). Or you can purchase it for $1,200 or something like that.

The Civic Si sedan, I just picked one up, is lighter than the TSX/TL, but similar Honda style.. higher strung small engine, FWD. I think it's a good value. Picked it up with Navi for 22K + ttl. Lightweight, feels nimble, not quite as planted as my old 3 series with sport package, or G35, but it's still pretty fun to toss around. Great gas mileage too! hahah

Jetta GLI could also be a nice option, nice DSG, but it's also FWD.

 

i have an 05 TSX, and with some minor suspension mods its a great little handler, its not speed demon, but your just going to commute anyway.

 

You need to move to the South Bay, living is easy down here LOL.

 

Mazdaspeed3 is pretty fun and a bit cheaper than the EVO/STi. Torque steer, traction, and a clutch that engages right off the floor were the only problems I had with it. Much funner to drive than the TSX or TL, although it isn't as refined as either.

 

have you driven an Evo or STi on the highway? ride quality is same or better than the s2000's (in my personal experience), and definitely quieter...

 

The Subaru Legacy GT is definitely one of the front runners imo, but I'm into driver's cars and care more about having fun than being coddled to death .

For the money, you can't get a better car - add a better suspension and a Cobb chip and you will beat any sedan under 50k. I'd take a GT over a Spec B and put in the goodies on my own dime though. It has the room you need in a midsize with the better sound dampening and some nice touches, but you still get the WRX STI engine for play time.

Of course, the 1 series bimmer and A3 quattro might be worth considering too.

 

As stated, extended Maintanance contracts need to be bought seperatly from a dealer... thats not covered in CPO...

your right about the cost of a brake job.. dealership maintanance labor costs are high... but same wear and tear jobs can be done at local neighborhood repair shops for much cheaper... you just buy the original parts from the dealer yourself and give it to a local shop or mechanic to install...

but if things break, you have CPO... just keep all records/receipts...