I think the old 5ers were offered in more diverse colors than similar E-class. I have seen a few different shades of blue and grey that don't seem to have similars in the MB lineup - I like those colors, so I have noticed. MB had no regular production blue for those cars other than "capri blue" which is kind of dark...I like a lighter silvery blue that MB hasn't seemed to offer since the early 90s.
I think E39s are gorgeous compared to what replaced them! :shades:
I remember when the C30 came out, I test drove one with a friend - base everything, all it had was automatic and a roof decal package. Non-metallic paint, no cruise, no gadgetry. Not a bad car per se, but if I am going to spend 25K+, I want cruise control!
"...lease payment with zero due at signing for $300 for 36 months/15k per year."
Sounds like a good deal, depending on the equipment. But if you want to keep it ten years, why would you lease? And I'm not sure about going from a GS430 to an Altima. The Altima will have a sportier ride but won't be near as plush.
Volvo missed the boat on the pricing of the C30 it should have launched with the 2.4i non-turbo as standard and then the T5 motor as an option. Get the base car down close to 20,000 base so as to more closely compete with the base MINI.
They are getting better with pricing as they have added a lot of standard equipment for 2010 at basically the same price as a 2009. They still don't have the base engine yet but I have seen the EPA put up MPG estimates for the base engine on the C30 so they are at least planning to offer it eventually.
I like leasing new cars because it allows for an out after 3 years. If I buy the new car and someone hits me 3 weeks later, the value is drastically reduced and I'm stuck with the car. If I lease, I have a 3 year period where if it gets hit or damaged I can return it to the finance company and move on.
I am looking at a 2010 2.5S with convenience, convenience plus, and premium audio with a MSRP of $27,000.
Anony, 10 years? did you type that with a straight face?
You are the perfect person for buying moderately used cars like the lexus that happen to be a good deal. You are for sure a flipper.
The Altima is nice. My sister recently bought a similar one (roof, AT, etc.) Nice enough, but not luxury. I am guessing however you want a 6 speed stick? Never drove one, so I don't know what they are like.
But, I have to guess based on your other criteria and previous likes/dislikes, you aren't going to fall in love and stay that way with it.
I am a bad person to preach this, but if you really, really want something, just break down and get it. Every time you settle, justify (AKA in my case, cheap out), you will never be happy.
Just find the 3 series you want and get it over with, even if it cost a little more. You can get a nice CPO for the cost of a new Altima, and be a lot happier.
Lease an Altima? Bored with the GS and you want an Altima? Don't be swayed by a cheap lease...if you aren't getting what you want.. And, let's get real... you aren't going to be driving anything for ten years... Heck, the GS thing has only lasted a month..
I like the upmarket Altima ... when I bought my L300 in 2002, I took an Altima home for a night to see if I liked it. Wasn't impressed with the interior materials, but I've heard that Nissan has attended to that in a mid-cycle refresh.
I guess the question is .. do you need a new-car warranty? Do you plan on keeping it for 9-10 years, like you did the 'Trep?
$4K for 38K miles and a warranty doesn't seem like a huge premium, to me.
Leasing to buy can work if the money factor is real low -- you get 3 years of low interest payments. Then if the residual value is brutal the buyout can be attractive if the wholesale price is a few grand north of your buyout. Can work with a mercedes but don't think there is much of a likely advantage on an altima. Could be though.
Wasn't impressed with the interior materials, but I've heard that Nissan has attended to that in a mid-cycle refresh.
Yeah, I think it was 2005 that they gave the car a minor restyle, and improved the interior a bit. I checked out the 2002 when they first came out, and remembered that the interior seemed like the one area where they cut corners on the car. I figured that Nissan pretty much blew their wad on the engines...especially the V-6, which really kicked off the hp war in this class of car. Still, I liked the car enough overall that I could've put up with the interior.
I guess the question is .. do you need a new-car warranty? Do you plan on keeping it for 9-10 years, like you did the 'Trep?
Well, my first instinct would be to keep the car indefinitely...either until it gets totaled, worn-out, or needs some cost-prohibitive repair. But, since it would hold the line on depreciation better than my Intrepid did, I also wouldn't be "trapped" by the car, and would have more freedom to trade if something else enticing came along.
As for the warranty, well these things have a 5/60 powertrain I think, although I guess any 3/36 bumper-to-bumper would be history, at 38K miles. With the amount of driving I do, I figure might get it from 38K to 60K in 3 years.
But yeah, overall $4K for an extra 38K miles, full warranty, and a brand-new car doesn't seem like a bad deal. I might be able to get them to knock some more off that $15K used car, but I imagine on the new ones, that ~$2K under invoice is probably going to be about as good as it gets.
Have you actually bought the GS yet, or are you able to still be trying it out from the dealer? You haven't even given the GS a chance, & the cars you're talking about are at best a lateral move, or even downgrades.
But, would any car "do it" for you? A used M3, or M5 even? I wonder. When I bought my used e24 M6, it was instant lust, even after test-driving a ton of other bmw's & M-B's, But I'd say, keep that nice GS, it's not even that much $$ tied up.....
I have a chance to get a 1999 Olds Intrigue with the 3.8L and 112k miles for $2000 / may need some front end work because it hits bumps hard and some noise from the front end. Very clean in and out and one owner. Any comments please!!!!!!!!
I'm still trying it out so to speak.. I have a couple of more weeks before I have to turn it in. Our plans are to put 18" or 19" wheels on it, tighten the suspension, and maybe an exhaust.
Honestly, I don't know what my "dream" car is. Everything seems to have compromises. I miss the days of fun-to-drive Hondas with great interiors. Even the new Civic Si is a compromise because the interior is great up until that two-tiered dash. Even the 3-series is a compromise. I had the chance to drive a 2008 335i manual transmission and by the end of the week the seats were driving me nuts and I was tired of the clutch, it seemed hard to drive. I can't remember the last car I truly was in love with, the closest would be my 04 Accord. That was a dumb move to get rid of it. That's what I am trying to avoid this time around.
THe next car I buy I WILL keep it for 10 years, unless it gets stolen, totalled, or becomes a tragic money pit. So, truthfully, I don't know what to do. I am second guessing the Lexus because I don't want to buy it, and then hate it 4 months from now and have to listen to Gee's "I told you not to sell your Accord" for the next 6 months.
THe next car I buy I WILL keep it for 10 years, unless it gets stolen, totalled, or becomes a tragic money pit.
Honda Pilot. Not because it solves your problem, but because it solved Jolie's problem. And anything that solves Jolie's problem must be taken seriously... :shades:
2006-2007 Accord EX V6 with NAV and a manual but they don't seem to be available. Gee doesn't like Pilots ... I think because of the interior. It doesn't give him a lot of room. I drove a RAV4 (2008) a while ago and it was tight for Gee to even sit in as a passenger. Audi/VW are great but reliability scares me, I would strongly consider an A3 were it not for this. BMW/Mercedes are high maintenance and potentially high and frequent repairs. Lexus doesn't make anything new that I would want. Toyota doesn't make anything that rings my bell either. So that leaves me here ...
Buy the GS430 I am driving now 07-09 Si sedan with NAV 06-07 Acura TL 2009-2010 Altima 06-07 Accord EX V6 NAV 06 Infiniti G35 sedan 05-07 Maxima sedan
for you, off that list? Go with the Acura TL. That is a nice car, and to me, better than the Accord in many ways. Great seats too, and nice style with plenty of luxo goodies. This assumes, of course, you dont mind that much HP through the front wheels.
although after test driving both, I actually preferred the AT TL. Just too much power to modulate (had to be careful with my maxima SE 5 speed, and the TL took that to a new level.
should have plenty of room too, and very easy to tweak (suspension, etc.) if you really want to.
Didnt notice you included the G35. Totally my favorite, but I like the restyle better (2008? )
but even more so than with the TL, a much nicer car with the AT. The clutch and shifter just seemed to be way too touchy and really more of a "chore" than I liked, especially if you are used to a Honda clutch and shifter.
I believe '07 was the restyle. The '03-'04 were the same, then a slight refresh and power bump for '05-'06. Then, if I'm not mistaken, the '07s saw the 300hp 3.5 and new look.
Funny thing is (well, OK, not funny) that each power increase was ~20hp with no discernable bump in torque. And yet the car kept gaining weight. :sick:
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
BMW/Mercedes are high maintenance and potentially high and frequent repairs.
Well, that's a pretty vast statement. There are lots of bmw owners who find them reliable, & repairs or maintenance maybe the same cost as a honda. Brake job, new exhaust, tires, those aren't cheap on even a honda, let alone an acura or lexus.
IMO, you've ruled out the most interesting cars (often German). But you've already been thru 1/2 the Japanese cars made, and are bored to tears. ......I don't see that changing with the other cars on your list, or how any of them are "better" than a GS......... ???
Well, that's a pretty vast statement. There are lots of BMW owners who find them reliable, & repairs or maintenance maybe the same cost as a Honda. Brake job, new exhaust, tires, those aren't cheap on even a Honda, let alone an Acura or Lexus.
Precisely. Here are the averaged maintenance and repair costs for my vehicles(including tires):
2007 Mazdaspeed 3- 4.4 cents per mile over 52,000 miles 2004 BMW X3 2.5- 2.8 cents per mile over 86,000 miles 1999 Jeep Wrangler TJ- 5.2 cents per mile over 58800 miles 1995 BMW 318ti- 5.4 cents per mile over 119,000 miles
Note that the Mazda currently needs tires, front brakes, and an EGR repair, all of which will cost at least $1200. Running costs will then average @6.7 cents per mile.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
The X3 isn't really a fair comparison, since it had no-charge maintenance for 4 years/50k (but you may have had to pay for tires or supplemental oil changes). Of course, you pay for the "free" maintenance up front.
I had a high-mileage VW Jetta, and I got fed up with it when it was needing a repair at least every three months. I remember the cumulative cost at that point being under 5 cents a mile, but the frequency of repair seemed excessive.
Just doing a quick estimate, I think my 2000 Intrepid ran around 5.1 cents per mile in repairs/maintenance over its ~150,000 miles from showroom to sitting in the back yard waiting for the wrecker to come get it. Not too horrible, I guess.
With BMW's, isn't it mainly the bigger ones, like the 5-, 6-, and 7-series, that tend to run the big bucks with maintenance and repair? I've heard that giving someone a free used 7-series is something akin to the old days when you'd give your enemy an elephant as a gift, because the upkeep would bankrupt him!
The inline six cyilnder powered rwd BMWs are going to be the most reliable.
I would put a 2000-2002 530i head to head with a GS for reliability and repair costs and I bet they come out pretty much even. The BMW might even do better then the V8 GS.
I don't know if I would try that with the newest body style 5 series models though. It might not come out so pretty.
Used TCO only goes back to 2004 unfortunately. The Lexus wins there, about .09 cents a mile cheaper to own and operate. The M&R part is twice as much for the '04 530i vs the GS 430; about $7,000 more over 5 years.
With BMW's, isn't it mainly the bigger ones, like the 5-, 6-, and 7-series, that tend to run the big bucks with maintenance and repair? I've heard that giving someone a free used 7-series is something akin to the old days when you'd give your enemy an elephant as a gift, because the upkeep would bankrupt him!
The 5ers aren't that bad- especially the I6 cars. As for the 6/7/8 Series cars, it all depends on your DIY skills as well as your ability to locate good deals on parts.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
... but then there are some many choices. But I would lose a lot less on depreciation and would be able to trade more often.
My first choice is for Gee to donate his 08 IS250 to me but that doesn't seem to be happening any time soon. I even said I would settle for the 98 Prelude and he wouldn't go for that either... So I'm left to stew and second-guess.
One thing I did notice is that the GS' climate control takes a while to warm up. Most Toyotas I have been in are great when it comes to climate control so I'm a little surprised.
One thing I did notice is that the GS' climate control takes a while to warm up. Most Toyotas I have been in are great when it comes to climate control so I'm a little surprised.
it sounds like Jolie-level justification for dumping it.
Just get rid of it now, and save yourself the angst. You know it is going to happen anyway, might as well be while you are still on an extended "test drive"
I spotted a couple of manual trans 540s with low'ish miles for under $8k. I think one is a '97 with 74k and the other is an '00 with 84k.
Anyhoo... am I remembering incorrectly or did those V8s have some major issues? I looked real quick on the bimmer board I frequent and didn't see any major flags right off the bat ... but I didn't look very long.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
Something about the nikasil blocks not getting along with the sulfur content of US gasoline, IIRC. At any rate, why not look for a nice 535i and call it a day?
Was that a big 6? I thought it was a V8. They also had that 533, didn't they? I thought that was the big 6. I get a big confused about all those that aren't a x25, x28, or x30.
edit: ahhh.. thank you wikipedia. Seems the 535 was a 6. It was the 530 of '94-'95 was a small 8.
Problem is, the 5 is just so darned heavy. A 6-cyl is just not enough in that car, IMHO. I mean, the lightest E39 is what? 3500 lbs?
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
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Anyhoo... am I remembering incorrectly or did those V8s have some major issues? I looked real quick on the bimmer board I frequent and didn't see any major flags right off the bat ... but I didn't look very long.
Well, the V8s aren't as reliable as the inline sixes, but the problems are mostly confined to oil/water leaks due to gaskets that are fiddly to replace. The V8s -like the sixes- will also usually require a water pump and radiator at @100,000 mile intervals. You're also probably looking at a new clutch depending on the driving skills/habits of the PO.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
Problem is, the 5 is just so darned heavy. A 6-cyl is just not enough in that car, IMHO. I mean, the lightest E39 is what? 3500 lbs?
A lot of Bimwads believe that the E39 530i with a manual and the Sport Package is one of -if not THE- sweetest BMW sedans ever built. The slushbox isn't all that slow either as it runs from 0-60 in less than seven seconds and does the 1/4 mile in the low 15 second range.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
Haven't heard anything from you in the last few days regarding the 'Trep and its replacement. Anything new to report? Did you go drive the Charger or the G8?
Inquiring minds want to know.
Also, a quick question for fin ... when did the "pagoda" SL's appear in the US? I ask only because I've been watching the first two seasons of AMC's "Mad Men" on DVD and a 250SL was featured .. but, the timeline of the show stated that it was 1962. I thought those model's were available in the mid to late 60's.
Haven't heard anything from you in the last few days regarding the 'Trep and its replacement. Anything new to report? Did you go drive the Charger or the G8?
Nah, nothing new to report. I still have to mail in the Intrepid's title and the payoff letter from Chrysler Financial, in order to get my $2000, and be done with the car. I have the title, but can't find the payoff notice. And they want $16 for a replacement. I know this is gonna sound cheap, but I've been tearing the house apart looking for that payoff letter, to avoid paying the $16! Oh well, at least in the process it's helping me to go through a lot of old crap and paperwork I don't need anymore.
Haven't driven a Charger or a G8 yet, but now my mind's starting to wander to more boring things, like a 4-cyl Altima or Accord. I did request an internet price quote today from the local dealer, about a green 2010 Accord EX sedan. All I got back was a long generic letter that basically said "call us".
Andre, that sucks, not being able to put your hands on that piece of paper. I think I know where I've got the L300 title, but I've been slowly moving all my paperwork to the home office - one of the advantages to working from home is that you've got time to address those types of things.
Nothing wrong with a 4-cyl Accord or Altima. If all you need is point A to point B transportation, they should fit the bill nicely. You thinking purchase or lease? I like the looks of the Altima over the Accord, IMHO - though just about anything short of an Aveo looks better than the current gen Accord.
fin - thanks for the clarification .. I just knew they had screwed that up. So much of the show is spot on in terms of historical references. The first season started out in 1960 - Nixon vs. Kennedy - and the end of the second season coincided with the Cuban Missile Crisis (October 1962).
The main character bought himself a 1962 Cadillac Coupe de Ville during season 2 ... $6500 cash! My handy dandy inflation calculator shows that to be about $45K in today's money. Was a nice looking car, but, man, was it looooonnnnnggggg.
Comments
I think E39s are gorgeous compared to what replaced them! :shades:
Sounds like a good deal, depending on the equipment. But if you want to keep it ten years, why would you lease? And I'm not sure about going from a GS430 to an Altima. The Altima will have a sportier ride but won't be near as plush.
Volvo missed the boat on the pricing of the C30 it should have launched with the 2.4i non-turbo as standard and then the T5 motor as an option. Get the base car down close to 20,000 base so as to more closely compete with the base MINI.
They are getting better with pricing as they have added a lot of standard equipment for 2010 at basically the same price as a 2009. They still don't have the base engine yet but I have seen the EPA put up MPG estimates for the base engine on the C30 so they are at least planning to offer it eventually.
I am looking at a 2010 2.5S with convenience, convenience plus, and premium audio with a MSRP of $27,000.
You are the perfect person for buying moderately used cars like the lexus that happen to be a good deal. You are for sure a flipper.
The Altima is nice. My sister recently bought a similar one (roof, AT, etc.) Nice enough, but not luxury. I am guessing however you want a 6 speed stick? Never drove one, so I don't know what they are like.
But, I have to guess based on your other criteria and previous likes/dislikes, you aren't going to fall in love and stay that way with it.
I am a bad person to preach this, but if you really, really want something, just break down and get it. Every time you settle, justify (AKA in my case, cheap out), you will never be happy.
Just find the 3 series you want and get it over with, even if it cost a little more. You can get a nice CPO for the cost of a new Altima, and be a lot happier.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
anyway, what don't you like about it? Maybe Gee can do a few tweaks to it to stoke the fire a little bit
A performance exhaust, some suspension tweak? What will it take? Slap on a Turbo and turn it into a 4 door 300zx?
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Tarted up T5 models.. with low miles... more like $24k-$25K..
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Lease an Altima? Bored with the GS and you want an Altima? Don't be swayed by a cheap lease...if you aren't getting what you want.. And, let's get real... you aren't going to be driving anything for ten years... Heck, the GS thing has only lasted a month..
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I've sorta been leaning towards an Altima, but not sure whether I want to go brand-new or slightly used. Seems like the prices really don't come down much from new. For instance, here's an '08 S model with 38K miles for $15K, at my trusty standby, www.fitzmall.com. But then the same thing, brand-new, is only $4K more.
And even a nicer model, with alloys and sunroof and a few other niceties, is only around $22K.
I guess the question is .. do you need a new-car warranty? Do you plan on keeping it for 9-10 years, like you did the 'Trep?
$4K for 38K miles and a warranty doesn't seem like a huge premium, to me.
Sorry, don't see that happening. You change your cars more often than I change my toothbrush (well maybe not quite, but you get the idea).
Yeah, I think it was 2005 that they gave the car a minor restyle, and improved the interior a bit. I checked out the 2002 when they first came out, and remembered that the interior seemed like the one area where they cut corners on the car. I figured that Nissan pretty much blew their wad on the engines...especially the V-6, which really kicked off the hp war in this class of car. Still, I liked the car enough overall that I could've put up with the interior.
I guess the question is .. do you need a new-car warranty? Do you plan on keeping it for 9-10 years, like you did the 'Trep?
Well, my first instinct would be to keep the car indefinitely...either until it gets totaled, worn-out, or needs some cost-prohibitive repair. But, since it would hold the line on depreciation better than my Intrepid did, I also wouldn't be "trapped" by the car, and would have more freedom to trade if something else enticing came along.
As for the warranty, well these things have a 5/60 powertrain I think, although I guess any 3/36 bumper-to-bumper would be history, at 38K miles. With the amount of driving I do, I figure might get it from 38K to 60K in 3 years.
But yeah, overall $4K for an extra 38K miles, full warranty, and a brand-new car doesn't seem like a bad deal. I might be able to get them to knock some more off that $15K used car, but I imagine on the new ones, that ~$2K under invoice is probably going to be about as good as it gets.
But, would any car "do it" for you? A used M3, or M5 even? I wonder. When I bought my used e24 M6, it was instant lust, even after test-driving a ton of other bmw's & M-B's, But I'd say, keep that nice GS, it's not even that much $$ tied up.....
Honestly, I don't know what my "dream" car is. Everything seems to have compromises. I miss the days of fun-to-drive Hondas with great interiors. Even the new Civic Si is a compromise because the interior is great up until that two-tiered dash. Even the 3-series is a compromise. I had the chance to drive a 2008 335i manual transmission and by the end of the week the seats were driving me nuts and I was tired of the clutch, it seemed hard to drive. I can't remember the last car I truly was in love with, the closest would be my 04 Accord. That was a dumb move to get rid of it. That's what I am trying to avoid this time around.
THe next car I buy I WILL keep it for 10 years, unless it gets stolen, totalled, or becomes a tragic money pit. So, truthfully, I don't know what to do. I am second guessing the Lexus because I don't want to buy it, and then hate it 4 months from now and have to listen to Gee's "I told you not to sell your Accord" for the next 6 months.
Honda Pilot. Not because it solves your problem, but because it solved Jolie's problem. And anything that solves Jolie's problem must be taken seriously... :shades:
25 NX 450h+ / 24 Sienna Plat AWD / 23 Civic Type-R / 21 Boxster GTS 4.0
Buy the GS430 I am driving now
07-09 Si sedan with NAV
06-07 Acura TL
2009-2010 Altima
06-07 Accord EX V6 NAV
06 Infiniti G35 sedan
05-07 Maxima sedan
although after test driving both, I actually preferred the AT TL. Just too much power to modulate (had to be careful with my maxima SE 5 speed, and the TL took that to a new level.
should have plenty of room too, and very easy to tweak (suspension, etc.) if you really want to.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
but even more so than with the TL, a much nicer car with the AT. The clutch and shifter just seemed to be way too touchy and really more of a "chore" than I liked, especially if you are used to a Honda clutch and shifter.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Funny thing is (well, OK, not funny) that each power increase was ~20hp with no discernable bump in torque. And yet the car kept gaining weight. :sick:
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
Well, that's a pretty vast statement. There are lots of bmw owners who find them reliable, & repairs or maintenance maybe the same cost as a honda. Brake job, new exhaust, tires, those aren't cheap on even a honda, let alone an acura or lexus.
IMO, you've ruled out the most interesting cars (often German). But you've already been thru 1/2 the Japanese cars made, and are bored to tears. ......I don't see that changing with the other cars on your list, or how any of them are "better" than a GS......... ???
Precisely. Here are the averaged maintenance and repair costs for my vehicles(including tires):
2007 Mazdaspeed 3- 4.4 cents per mile over 52,000 miles
2004 BMW X3 2.5- 2.8 cents per mile over 86,000 miles
1999 Jeep Wrangler TJ- 5.2 cents per mile over 58800 miles
1995 BMW 318ti- 5.4 cents per mile over 119,000 miles
Note that the Mazda currently needs tires, front brakes, and an EGR repair, all of which will cost at least $1200. Running costs will then average @6.7 cents per mile.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
I had a high-mileage VW Jetta, and I got fed up with it when it was needing a repair at least every three months. I remember the cumulative cost at that point being under 5 cents a mile, but the frequency of repair seemed excessive.
With BMW's, isn't it mainly the bigger ones, like the 5-, 6-, and 7-series, that tend to run the big bucks with maintenance and repair? I've heard that giving someone a free used 7-series is something akin to the old days when you'd give your enemy an elephant as a gift, because the upkeep would bankrupt him!
The inline six cyilnder powered rwd BMWs are going to be the most reliable.
I would put a 2000-2002 530i head to head with a GS for reliability and repair costs and I bet they come out pretty much even. The BMW might even do better then the V8 GS.
I don't know if I would try that with the newest body style 5 series models though. It might not come out so pretty.
The E60+ aren't pretty in more ways than one :shades:
I saw a Lexus GS taxi in Switzerland, so those are probably pretty OK too. Lots of 5er taxis...but most I suspect were diesel.
Unless you meant the Accent GS. :shades:
The 5ers aren't that bad- especially the I6 cars. As for the 6/7/8 Series cars, it all depends on your DIY skills as well as your ability to locate good deals on parts.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
My first choice is for Gee to donate his 08 IS250 to me but that doesn't seem to be happening any time soon. I even said I would settle for the 98 Prelude and he wouldn't go for that either... So I'm left to stew and second-guess.
One thing I did notice is that the GS' climate control takes a while to warm up. Most Toyotas I have been in are great when it comes to climate control so I'm a little surprised.
Maybe needs a new t-stat?
Just get rid of it now, and save yourself the angst. You know it is going to happen anyway, might as well be while you are still on an extended "test drive"
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
I spotted a couple of manual trans 540s with low'ish miles for under $8k. I think one is a '97 with 74k and the other is an '00 with 84k.
Anyhoo... am I remembering incorrectly or did those V8s have some major issues? I looked real quick on the bimmer board I frequent and didn't see any major flags right off the bat ... but I didn't look very long.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
Are you talking about the old V8 535? Or the new twin turbo?
On the former, I haven't heard good things about those V8s, either. And, on the latter, if you can find me one for $8k, I'll be there! :P
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
They also had that 533, didn't they? I thought that was the big 6. I get a big confused about all those that aren't a x25, x28, or x30.
edit: ahhh.. thank you wikipedia. Seems the 535 was a 6. It was the 530 of '94-'95 was a small 8.
Problem is, the 5 is just so darned heavy. A 6-cyl is just not enough in that car, IMHO. I mean, the lightest E39 is what? 3500 lbs?
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
Well, the V8s aren't as reliable as the inline sixes, but the problems are mostly confined to oil/water leaks due to gaskets that are fiddly to replace. The V8s -like the sixes- will also usually require a water pump and radiator at @100,000 mile intervals. You're also probably looking at a new clutch depending on the driving skills/habits of the PO.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
A lot of Bimwads believe that the E39 530i with a manual and the Sport Package is one of -if not THE- sweetest BMW sedans ever built. The slushbox isn't all that slow either as it runs from 0-60 in less than seven seconds and does the 1/4 mile in the low 15 second range.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
Inquiring minds want to know.
Also, a quick question for fin ... when did the "pagoda" SL's appear in the US? I ask only because I've been watching the first two seasons of AMC's "Mad Men" on DVD and a 250SL was featured .. but, the timeline of the show stated that it was 1962. I thought those model's were available in the mid to late 60's.
Nah, nothing new to report. I still have to mail in the Intrepid's title and the payoff letter from Chrysler Financial, in order to get my $2000, and be done with the car. I have the title, but can't find the payoff notice. And they want $16 for a replacement. I know this is gonna sound cheap, but I've been tearing the house apart looking for that payoff letter, to avoid paying the $16! Oh well, at least in the process it's helping me to go through a lot of old crap and paperwork I don't need anymore.
Haven't driven a Charger or a G8 yet, but now my mind's starting to wander to more boring things, like a 4-cyl Altima or Accord. I did request an internet price quote today from the local dealer, about a green 2010 Accord EX sedan. All I got back was a long generic letter that basically said "call us".
Nothing wrong with a 4-cyl Accord or Altima. If all you need is point A to point B transportation, they should fit the bill nicely. You thinking purchase or lease? I like the looks of the Altima over the Accord, IMHO - though just about anything short of an Aveo looks better than the current gen Accord.
fin - thanks for the clarification .. I just knew they had screwed that up. So much of the show is spot on in terms of historical references. The first season started out in 1960 - Nixon vs. Kennedy - and the end of the second season coincided with the Cuban Missile Crisis (October 1962).
The main character bought himself a 1962 Cadillac Coupe de Ville during season 2 ... $6500 cash! My handy dandy inflation calculator shows that to be about $45K in today's money. Was a nice looking car, but, man, was it looooonnnnnggggg.