Thank you for the warm welcome. Yesterday I took my wife and daughter down to the BMW dealer just to walk the lot and look at the new 3 series. My wife couldn't tell the different at first between the 11' and 12'. The new issue of car and driver 'The Comparo Issue', compared the new 4 cylinder 3er with the usual suspects and it still came out on top, but a comment was that the model it replaced may be a better driver...
Before the 335 which I picked up Dec of 2011, I've had the fortune of owning/leasing a G sedan, and before that an A4, so I've made the rounds a bit with some other vehicles purchased in between. I'm one with little brand loyalty and I would consider myself somewhat unbiased with cars when comparing them.
Lastly, in an earlier post....just haven't made it back far enough, someone mentioned a power kit upgrade for their 335 which pluses HP by 20 and torque by 30...What was the cost and how much did this really change the vehicles performance?
Speaking of slow, I was leafing through some old car rags I have stashed in the corner. A 1980 issue of C&D. Amazing how much slower cars were back then, and somehow we all survived driving. hardly anything broke the 10 sec 0-60 barrier it seemed.
Yes, my hot-rodded 1974 Monte Carlo was almost never beaten by new cars back in the 1977-1980 time frame. And my 1979 Arrow GT 2.6 was a hot car when I bought it new- capable of a 17 second 1/4 mile...
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
Lastly, in an earlier post....just haven't made it back far enough, someone mentioned a power kit upgrade for their 335 which pluses HP by 20 and torque by 30...What was the cost and how much did this really change the vehicles performance?
I'd check out BMW Performance, Dinan, and Turner Motorsport. They all offer software upgrades for the N55.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
No kidding, that Arrow GT really was a hot car in '79 but I didn't see many of them. A 17 sec quarter mile ET was RX-7 performance. In 1979 I went new car shopping with my girl friend at an AMC dealership. The first car I sat in was a red, decal-and-graphic trimmed AMX which still had the keys in it from a previous test drive! I thought it was a sign that I should buy that car, but my girl friend was reading the window sticker and said "No way." By the way that $7K plus AMX couldn't do a 17 second quarter mile - even with a 304 V8! :surprise:
A time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing.
Looks like it has no deferred maintenance needs, anyway. Hopefully the title issue won't scare the die-hards away...it could. Just put the wing back on.
for you old(ish)-timers to help a youngster pick his first "adult" vehicle: Help Me Choose!
He's got a budget, but otherwise the door is WIDE open.
MODERATOR /ADMINISTRATOR Find me at kirstie_h@edmunds.com - or send a private message by clicking on my name. 2015 Kia Soul, 2021 Subaru Forester (kirstie_h), 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 (mr. kirstie_h) Review your vehicle
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MODERATOR /ADMINISTRATOR Find me at kirstie_h@edmunds.com - or send a private message by clicking on my name. 2015 Kia Soul, 2021 Subaru Forester (kirstie_h), 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 (mr. kirstie_h) Review your vehicle
mvs.....you can get the 335i "power package" which is essentially a firmware/software remap of you ECU to gain 20 HP and 30 torque. BMW was offering a deal last year for $599 (plus whatever labor your dealer charges).
I got mine done when the dealer had a 15% off all accessories sale.
Does it make a difference? Yeah.....but not in every day, 35 MPH in town driving, though. But, if you need to get down an on/off ramp quickly, or to pass a line of cars on a two lane, it makes a big difference.
We've been out of town for our son's birthday, seems I missed those listings. My dream car would be:
2007-2009 BMW 328i Montego Blue over gray or black Premium/NAV/Cold weather I prefer a stick, but would take an automatic if it had everything else on the list. I am also indifferent towards the sport package. I actually think I would prefer it without the sport package.
Another option would be a 2009 VW Jetta 2.0T wagon with a manual transmission. We had the 09 with the DSG, and I regret selling it. If I could go back, I would've kept in and then had it and the Tiguan.
A fairly uncommon color, Nav, combined with a stick, may not even exist! At least by taking the AT option you have a shot at finding one.
I agree about the sport package. I like the seats, but don't want the stiffer suspension of skinnier (ration) tires. not when I drive on roads that resemble a moonscape!
The Jetta wagon is nice too. I looked at those a few years back and was impressed. probably not a lot of sticks floating around, but may be some (and have to remember some of those models didn't even have the stick option).
A lot of that is flexible, if it's the right price. I wouldn't take a base automatic but if I found an automatic in a good color with NAV, I would take it. On the same side, I wouldn't want a stick with no options. I found a wagon up north of here that has what I want, but it's black, which is a no go here in the south.
I know exactly what you're saying. When my wife and I were considering a newer 3-series, we had maybe four or five things as priorities - exterior color, interior color, sport pkg, manual, navigation. We agreed we didn't need to hit on all those things, but the right combination of "some" of those things would be compelling.
Now that black 328xi wagon you provided a link for - I personally would jump on that.
Also, what about considering a GTI instead of the Jetta wagon, only 'cause finding the 2.0T (since it's standard) with a manual would probably be an easier task. And the only thing you're missing out on is a bit more cargo space in the hatch.
38 MPG highway--if it gets that mileage in real-world driving, it may have the trophy for midsize non-hybrid cars. That's the same highway mileage as a compact car, in a larger, more powerful package. The features are pretty impressive too. No word on a hybrid version, yet?
It will be interesting to see how it compares to the Accord they're about to unveil.
Just put 1750 miles on the current Altima (a brand-new rental)... 75-80 mph for most of trip... about 100 miles of that was local driving... averaged 30 mpg... not bad.
I believe it was Stickguy (you know, tall, very thin, big round head. Arms always straight out at an upward angle, stands kinda spread eagle....) who watered the seed of a thought in my newly fermenting CCB brain to buy...a Winter Beater!
This is kinda fun, cars.com/less than $6k/30 miles away: I'm perusing a '93 Infiniti G20 and a'99 Nissan ALtima, both with less than 90k miles and less than $5k. A plethora of Hondas with (well) over 100k miles at a Honda dealer a few miles from here. Olds Intrigues and Aleros! Caddys, Subies and Pontiacs to add to this rock and roll stew! Maybe an AMC Gremlin that I would hope wouldn't be rife with gremlins! As a former Saaber ('71, '76 and '95), a Saab?
A coworker asked why are you shopping for a winter beater in April? Well, beyond being New England and any day of the year could be a winter's day in a deep and dark December, I've got CCB-itis! Three cars is not enough! Four is now the number of counting!
So, what say y'all? Any advice/experience in winter beater and the mid-life crisis? Haven't told the wife, she will not be amused. Son just wants me to trade my ride for a new A7. He can afford it, I can't...
'21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)
for a NE winter beater, I saw go domestic. Saturn, an Olds alero maybe, a Malibu. Won't have to be that old or too miley to be cheap. And, you won't care if the snowplow hits it!
When I built the 335 x-drive I wanted last year I configured a sedan with almost every available option, premium, cold weather, Nav, sat radio, M-sport package, and I had to have space gray exterior and black interior....and oh yeah, had to be a stick.
There was one car like this in Dec of 2011 and it was on a boat inbound. I was also adamant on getting it invoice or under less rebates. It was a difficult task and I finally found the dealer that actually owner the car (As others would need to swap for it).
I think the only reason I got it was due to the end of year timing and the dealer letting it go to hit a quota.....with that said, knowing what I went through to get what wanted at the price I was willing to pay....a preowned car up to a specific standard would be a find above and beyond a needle in a haystack.
My car has less than 9000 miles now in about 1.5 years and I have a few scratches and a dent on the door.....careless people in parking lots playing bumper cars with. Y baby.....you ave no idea how I painful it is to look at them
You should be in Florida for Spring Break. While there, you may have to overturn some stones, but find and buy a Subie. Easy one to flip when the second snow falls (you have to mess around in it during the first dump).
I found a 5 speed in Chattanooga one year, so they're down there. Although, I can't say as I've seen a second one down there since my test drive in '04. :shades:
Muy bien. But you missed Traffic and Monty Python. Not that there's anything wrong with that...
And speaking of Florida (the state, not the Rapper): Ah, Spring Break in Florida. The fabulous scenic and winding road (Hello, New Jersey!), known as the Nurburgring of the East, I-95 led four wide-eyed and wildly over-expectant college boys to Fort Lauderdale and the infamous "The Button." And, the concoction of the gods known as "The Smasher." Sadly the consumption of said Smasher(s) has led to the death of any fond memories I may or may not have made. Although, I do believe I met a lovely young lady from Baltimore. If she's reading this now, please return my wallet. And rental car, still paying Avis for that little indiscretion... Hey, did anyone know there is actually alcohol in a Long Island Iced Tea?
I saw a Saab in Florida once, Vermont plates. It looked quite uncomfortable.
We'll see where this Winter Beater saga takes us. It took me about four years to finally throw off the conservative yokes of convention and buy the Silver Brit. Of course, winter is only a heartbeat away...
Forgive the late night posting (read: rambling), hope all is well with you, Fezo.
'21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)
I almost got one in 2001. Actually had the order in, but changed my mind (OK, cheaped out!) by the time it arrived.
I wanted a 525i in blue, with a stick. Didn't exist in stock, so they pulled out the allocation sheet (yes, actual paper in those days). And looked for the next open slot for a 5 series, and put my name on it. Then speced it out exactly how I wanted it.
my understanding is that was their assigned block of incoming units, and they had until a certain day to lock in the configuration of each unit. If that day came and no one had put a deposit on that unit, the dealer just plugged in whatever they wanted to have in stock.
Not as quick of course, but if you are real picky and can wait 6-8 weeks, then you could get whatever oddball combo you felt like paying for.
Found a 09 Civic EX sedan with factory leather, factory navigation, and a manual transmission. Has 30k on it and the dealer is asking $17,000. Not quite a BMW, but it's an oddball, and it gets about 36-38 MPG.
Also found a 08 328i with 43k. Premium and NAV, non-sport and no heated seats. Dealer is asking $21,000. Gray over gray.
Yes, you can spec one and order it. The dealers I visited/called in CT, NJ, and NY weren't cooperative. As it was end of the year, mid December. Anything ordered would be XX weeks out. I didn't want to wait, and as negotiations progressed with a few dealers the prices were aggressive buying before year end vs. waiting. I ended up getting something like $5-6k off a $56k vehicle, basically the deals out now last year.
My set of vehicles that would ensure I'm satisfied for the next few years would be my current 335i + and MDX for the family + an S5 convertible or honda S2000....my wife doesn't approve of any of this.
Beaters are fun, the wife or other circumstances forced me to let them go. Had a 93' Honda accord ex, (gone maybe 5-6 years ago) wife put it on the web and sold it for being in the driveway too long. An 06' Civic but than my father in laws Pontiac had an engine failure and my commuter car moved to him (should have seen that one coming well in advance...failure on my end).
I know you & Gee love manual trans cars. You guys alsO know that Hondas are fantastic cars, I own 2 (147K '01 Prelude Type SH & 14K '11 Pilot EXL w/ NAV). They just bring stupid money used. Think about it, that '09 Civic EXL w/ NAV & stick was what, a $22K car that the person bought for $19,500 (it could've been leased)? They probably traded the car in after 3 years & the dealer gave them the old "there's really no market for a manual transmission car" line of horse hockey & gave them 12K? 13,500?
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
Whoops ! Forgot about that 3er! Nice car for a nice price! You'll love a non-sport 328i! I've got a non sport '11 328xiA & it is quite awesome. Nothing drives like a BMW.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
No "horse hockey" about that. That Civic would be one oddball car. Most people have no use for leather in a Civic and couldn't care less about Navagation. Add a stick to that and we have a car that would be nearly impossible to sell, new or used.
UNLESS...That one of a kind buyer came along which COULD happen.
If I were a Used Car Manager in a Honda Store and that cr came back as a lease return, I would call Honda and ask them to come pick it up.
Not a "bad" car by any means. Just nearly saleproof!
I see a decent amount of newer Civics with leather. Not many with nav, though. I think they only started offering it as a factory option in 2006, so it's not something that's been available for very long.
Comments
Before the 335 which I picked up Dec of 2011, I've had the fortune of owning/leasing a G sedan, and before that an A4, so I've made the rounds a bit with some other vehicles purchased in between. I'm one with little brand loyalty and I would consider myself somewhat unbiased with cars when comparing them.
Lastly, in an earlier post....just haven't made it back far enough, someone mentioned a power kit upgrade for their 335 which pluses HP by 20 and torque by 30...What was the cost and how much did this really change the vehicles performance?
Yes, my hot-rodded 1974 Monte Carlo was almost never beaten by new cars back in the 1977-1980 time frame. And my 1979 Arrow GT 2.6 was a hot car when I bought it new- capable of a 17 second 1/4 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'd check out BMW Performance, Dinan, and Turner Motorsport. They all offer software upgrades for the N55.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
I am a sucker for cheap (and yes I know all about the purchase price only being a down payment on some cars).
Like the sport package seats though.
http://southjersey.craigslist.org/cto/2936255498.html
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic
It was a nice clean looking gray 2000 BMW 328i. new brakes, 134K on it, AT sport package 4 door. For $3,000. In Mt. Laurel.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Welcome Vetteman007. What's in your stable?
Sounded like a nice deal, shame it was an AT.
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic
Current bid on eBay is $16,601 but the reserve hasn't been met yet.
Help Me Choose!
He's got a budget, but otherwise the door is WIDE open.
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MODERATOR /ADMINISTRATOR
Find me at kirstie_h@edmunds.com - or send a private message by clicking on my name.
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Review your vehicle
I got mine done when the dealer had a 15% off all accessories sale.
Does it make a difference? Yeah.....but not in every day, 35 MPH in town driving, though. But, if you need to get down an on/off ramp quickly, or to pass a line of cars on a two lane, it makes a big difference.
2007-2009 BMW 328i
Montego Blue over gray or black
Premium/NAV/Cold weather
I prefer a stick, but would take an automatic if it had everything else on the list. I am also indifferent towards the sport package. I actually think I would prefer it without the sport package.
Another option would be a 2009 VW Jetta 2.0T wagon with a manual transmission. We had the 09 with the DSG, and I regret selling it. If I could go back, I would've kept in and then had it and the Tiguan.
A fairly uncommon color, Nav, combined with a stick, may not even exist! At least by taking the AT option you have a shot at finding one.
I agree about the sport package. I like the seats, but don't want the stiffer suspension of skinnier (ration) tires. not when I drive on roads that resemble a moonscape!
The Jetta wagon is nice too. I looked at those a few years back and was impressed. probably not a lot of sticks floating around, but may be some (and have to remember some of those models didn't even have the stick option).
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
link title
Now that black 328xi wagon you provided a link for - I personally would jump on that.
2024 Audi Q8 e-tron - 2017 911 C4S - 2025 BRZ - 2023 A6 Allroad - 2024 Genesis GV60 - 2019 Cayman
Just a thought.
2024 Audi Q8 e-tron - 2017 911 C4S - 2025 BRZ - 2023 A6 Allroad - 2024 Genesis GV60 - 2019 Cayman
But, seems a bit optimistic on the price. I can get newer CPO sedans for way less than that.
Odd looking carfax too. Been getting flipped lately. plus a (supposedly) minor accident on there.
I would be just as happy with a late E46 for way less money!
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
38 MPG highway--if it gets that mileage in real-world driving, it may have the trophy for midsize non-hybrid cars. That's the same highway mileage as a compact car, in a larger, more powerful package. The features are pretty impressive too. No word on a hybrid version, yet?
It will be interesting to see how it compares to the Accord they're about to unveil.
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http://southjersey.craigslist.org/cto/2940612645.html
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
But, that car would break your heart.. and, probably your wallet.. It's a $3600 gamble that isn't likely to go well..
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This is kinda fun, cars.com/less than $6k/30 miles away: I'm perusing a '93 Infiniti G20 and a'99 Nissan ALtima, both with less than 90k miles and less than $5k. A plethora of Hondas with (well) over 100k miles at a Honda dealer a few miles from here. Olds Intrigues and Aleros! Caddys, Subies and Pontiacs to add to this rock and roll stew! Maybe an AMC Gremlin that I would hope wouldn't be rife with gremlins! As a former Saaber ('71, '76 and '95), a Saab?
A coworker asked why are you shopping for a winter beater in April? Well, beyond being New England and any day of the year could be a winter's day in a deep and dark December, I've got CCB-itis! Three cars is not enough! Four is now the number of counting!
So, what say y'all? Any advice/experience in winter beater and the mid-life crisis? Haven't told the wife, she will not be amused. Son just wants me to trade my ride for a new A7. He can afford it, I can't...
'21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
There was one car like this in Dec of 2011 and it was on a boat inbound. I was also adamant on getting it invoice or under less rebates. It was a difficult task and I finally found the dealer that actually owner the car (As others would need to swap for it).
I think the only reason I got it was due to the end of year timing and the dealer letting it go to hit a quota.....with that said, knowing what I went through to get what wanted at the price I was willing to pay....a preowned car up to a specific standard would be a find above and beyond a needle in a haystack.
My car has less than 9000 miles now in about 1.5 years and I have a few scratches and a dent on the door.....careless people in parking lots playing bumper cars with. Y baby.....you ave no idea how I painful it is to look at them
You should be in Florida for Spring Break. While there, you may have to overturn some stones, but find and buy a Subie. Easy one to flip when the second snow falls (you have to mess around in it during the first dump).
I found a 5 speed in Chattanooga one year, so they're down there. Although, I can't say as I've seen a second one down there since my test drive in '04. :shades:
This will be fun. And he even quotes Simon and Garfunkel mid post.
Once you get to four cars I'll let it drop that I have four cars so surely you'd want 5.......
And speaking of Florida (the state, not the Rapper): Ah, Spring Break in Florida. The fabulous scenic and winding road (Hello, New Jersey!), known as the Nurburgring of the East, I-95 led four wide-eyed and wildly over-expectant college boys to Fort Lauderdale and the infamous "The Button." And, the concoction of the gods known as "The Smasher." Sadly the consumption of said Smasher(s) has led to the death of any fond memories I may or may not have made. Although, I do believe I met a lovely young lady from Baltimore. If she's reading this now, please return my wallet. And rental car, still paying Avis for that little indiscretion...
I saw a Saab in Florida once, Vermont plates. It looked quite uncomfortable.
We'll see where this Winter Beater saga takes us. It took me about four years to finally throw off the conservative yokes of convention and buy the Silver Brit. Of course, winter is only a heartbeat away...
Forgive the late night posting (read: rambling), hope all is well with you, Fezo.
'21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
I almost got one in 2001. Actually had the order in, but changed my mind (OK, cheaped out!) by the time it arrived.
I wanted a 525i in blue, with a stick. Didn't exist in stock, so they pulled out the allocation sheet (yes, actual paper in those days). And looked for the next open slot for a 5 series, and put my name on it. Then speced it out exactly how I wanted it.
my understanding is that was their assigned block of incoming units, and they had until a certain day to lock in the configuration of each unit. If that day came and no one had put a deposit on that unit, the dealer just plugged in whatever they wanted to have in stock.
Not as quick of course, but if you are real picky and can wait 6-8 weeks, then you could get whatever oddball combo you felt like paying for.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Also found a 08 328i with 43k. Premium and NAV, non-sport and no heated seats. Dealer is asking $21,000. Gray over gray.
My set of vehicles that would ensure I'm satisfied for the next few years would be my current 335i + and MDX for the family + an S5 convertible or honda S2000....my wife doesn't approve of any of this.
Beaters are fun, the wife or other circumstances forced me to let them go. Had a 93' Honda accord ex, (gone maybe 5-6 years ago) wife put it on the web and sold it for being in the driveway too long. An 06' Civic but than my father in laws Pontiac had an engine failure and my commuter car moved to him (should have seen that one coming well in advance...failure on my end).
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
And about $19k for the 328i, so that seems like a bargain at $21k.
'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
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
UNLESS...That one of a kind buyer came along which COULD happen.
If I were a Used Car Manager in a Honda Store and that cr came back as a lease return, I would call Honda and ask them to come pick it up.
Not a "bad" car by any means. Just nearly saleproof!
People whined and whined because Honda didn't offer these so, finally they did!
Talk about a dismal flop. We were stuck with one for over a year!
http://torchlightmotors.com/newandusedcars/5241/1785314/aa92abda-ecdc-4811-9ba6-- 05e906302073/none/2006-Saab-93-Parlin-NJ-08859.aspx
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
http://southjersey.craigslist.org/cto/2938595416.html
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
http://eugene.craigslist.org/cto/2906261773.html