Sections: MF Feature | Site News Mar 31st, 2009 47 Comments 
As many of you know I sold my 2007 MCS (with every JCW accessory imaginable) a few months ago. There were lots of reasons I won’t go into here but I will say one of the over-riding factors was that I simply needed something a little larger and unfortunately a Clubman wouldn’t quite do.
So I was resigned to the fact that I would probably be MINI-less for at least a couple years with this move. But I still wanted to make the most of it and get something a truly enjoyed driving everyday. There were a few choices I immediately considered. While I could comfortably afford more than my previous MINI, I wanted to aim quite a bit lower due to new priorities. So with that decided, I zeroed in on a price range that was from $20,000 to $25,000. And besides, there’s something I’ve always found charming in the search a great used car. So the idea was set, I’d find something interesting (with four doors) that would in turn allow me to get something even more interesting and smaller (and presumably more fun) down the road.
So let’s see. Four doors, fun, relatively efficient and rare (or at least interesting). There are several brands out there that I could consider. The new MazdaSpeed 3 fit within this category but it’s too small and not really what I’m looking for. And the size factor rules out things like four door GTI’s (not to mention the quality and engineering factor) and other like-sized hatches.
In the end there was only one brand that made sense. It’s the one that I’ve owned and driven for years; BMW. A lot of MF readers might not know this but my 2002 MC was my first front-wheel drive car. In fact it was only the second non-BMW I’ve ever owned. So stepping into a BMW just felt right. Now the hard part, which one.
I could go low-end and look for four door E30’s (the 3 Series made from 1984 through 1991). I could also consider an E34 5 Series (early 90’s 535i preferable) with the bulletproof 3.5L inline six. Then there’s something more exotic. An E28 M5? Wait, what about an E34 M5? Both incredible cars with a purity of concept that can’t be matched by any four door today. But even crazier, high-mileage E39 M5s (the ones made from 1999 through 2004) can be found in the mid-20’s. Yes as crazy as it sounds an E39 M5 would be totally doable given my modest price range.
But as I started my search for that mythical $24K E39 M5 I started to realize a few things. For starters 400hp is probably insane for the kind of city driving I do every day (not to mention the 12 mpg I’d surely get around town). Then there are the running costs. Insurance is one thing. But think of the repair bills should anything (God forbid) happen to that extraordinary high-reving 400hp V8. And then there’s the size. Tight Chicago streets are not kind to cars like an M5.
So my search continued with the M5 dream put on the shelf at least for now.
So I moved to the most recently 3 Series, the E90. The 335i and 328i were clearly out of the equation due to price (as was the 330i pictured above) but the 2006 325i held some promise. There were plenty of them available in that range but finding one in the spec I would want (sport package, manual and preferably Nav) is extremely hard to due given the price point. Then there’s the idea of buying what seemed like a commodity. Remember, I wanted something special, not something I’d see coming and going everyday.
To be continued tomorrow.
Kennedy Mar 31st, 2009 Link
Just happened to stop by today… Glad I did, who doesn’t like back-seat car shopping (or driver seat car shopping)? I’m guessing E46 ZHP. I’ve been keeping my eye on ‘04/’05’s for a while, prices are good and great car.
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Drew Mar 31st, 2009 Link
Completely agreed. 2004/2005 E46 ZHP cars can be found in that price range, with reasonable miles. Most of them (esp. with a 6-speed) were enthusiast owned as well, so they normally have nice options. Good luck with the search!
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goat Mar 31st, 2009 Link
The ZHP I had the joy of test driving a year or so ago (my friend was shopping a CPO E46) was the most rewarding E46 I have ever driven (I have not driven an E46 M3, mind you) and the only one I could see myself enjoying daily. It felt more ’serious’ and ’special’ than even a sport pack 330i but was still more than reasonably comfortable and practical. It was noticeably quicker than a 330i and I loved the firmer suspension and exhaust tone. Stunning in the BMW red too.
Looking forward to reading Part II.
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greg Mar 31st, 2009 Link
I recommend the Jaguar X-Type 3.0 with the sport package. This car has all wheel drive and can be purchased with a MANUAL! I had one when they first hit and I loved it. Plenty out there for under $20k and you can still go to British car shows.
Some nice Audis out there too for under $20k.
ReplyMazda 3 too small, but a sedan is just right?
The MazdaSpeed 3 only comes as a five door hatch in the US market and is/was too small for my needs at this time.
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Rocketboy_x Mar 31st, 2009 Link
Gabe.. width wise? Or is there just more need for trunk space when fully loaded with people? I don’t mean to pry, but when I think room, I think hatchbacks, and not sedans.
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Tom Mar 31st, 2009 Link
Ok guys and gals, Lets all pitch in and buy Gabe a real screamer. I’ll buy the Cold Weather Package for him, anyone else bidding the Premuim Package, Sport? Let’s get a nationwide effort together to keep Gabe in a MINI come hell or high water. We need to stay true to our roots! Let’s do this! We’ll shoot for a face lift 2010 model, JCW of course.
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alpinamike Mar 31st, 2009 Link
How about something with high returns, E34 Alpina Bi turbo? You will get your money back, and you can find them in Canada ;)
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Jordan Mar 31st, 2009 Link
I am in Chicago (Evanston, actually) and recently came across a 2002 M3 with 25,000 miles (asking price of $27,000). I had a 2004 M3 (recently traded) and thought about getting another, but do not have room to pull the trigger. It was pristine. Let me know if you want the info.
I could also be persuaded to part with my wifes 2007 328i (6-spd, sport package, xenons, heated seats, etc.)…
ReplyI am in Chicago (Evanston, actually) and recently came across a 2002 M3 with 25,000 miles (asking price of $27,000). I had a 2004 M3 (recently traded) and thought about getting another, but do not have room to pull the trigger. It was pristine. Let me know if you want the info.
Wow yeah that would be tempting given the S54 engine lust I currently have. So I guess I gave that away… I didn’t get an M3. At the end of the day I needed something more practical. Hopefully the less practical comes in a year or so :)
BTW small world. You’ll see me and the new car in Etown as that’s where I live.
How about something with high returns, E34 Alpina Bi turbo? You will get your money back, and you can find them in Canada ;)
lol – would love to go with something like that but this will be my only car for a year or two so I need something a little more modern :)
Ok guys and gals, Lets all pitch in and buy Gabe a real screamer. I’ll buy the Cold Weather Package for him, anyone else bidding the Premuim Package, Sport? Let’s get a nationwide effort together to keep Gabe in a MINI come hell or high water. We need to stay true to our roots! Let’s do this! We’ll shoot for a face lift 2010 model, JCW of course.
Uh wow I can’t say I don’t like the idea :) …I mean I would LOVE to get back into a MINI. You never realize how much you miss it until you don’t have it.
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callahan Mar 31st, 2009 Link
If you need something roomier, my dad is selling his Buick Roadmaster station wagon. A true classic.
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Doogs Mar 31st, 2009 Link
I don’t get how a Mazda3 hatch is too small, but an E90 sedan would somehow fit the bill.
What about Subaru? I think a Forester or a Legacy wagon would be logical if you need more room but still want a manual and something involving to drive.
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Alan Smithee Mar 31st, 2009 Link
If a Mazdaspeed3 is too small, I don’t see how any 3-series could be seriously considered, even though I love the ZHP (that from a former E46 M3 owner).
If the E39 M5 is too exotic, an E39 540i with manual transmission, especially if you can find one with a fold-down back seat, should be perfect.
Or, if you want rare, seek out an X5 3.0 with manual transmission. It’s a surprisingly fun drive.
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iNomis Mar 31st, 2009 Link
A GTI 4dr has more passenger room than an E34 5sp. Had a 91′ 535 and we have a current Jetta now. Not sure how it compares to more modern BMWs but I would think it’s close to the current 3 series. New VWs are good cars.
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CraigE Mar 31st, 2009 Link
I had an E32 740iL for about a year. Absolutely fantastic car. I just love the classic styling with hings like the round headlights. Very similar underpinnings to the E34 but a huge rear seat and larger boot. Every time I see an E34 it looks like the chopped the last quarter off the boot. Also, I’m 6′6″ and I was quite comfortable behind the driver’s seat, even when it was set to my position. I unfortunately had to give it up for various reasons. I’ve been considering getting another E32 740 or a 750. BMWs of this model and generation can be had relatively inexpensively. Most of the ones I’ve been looking at, are in the neighborhood of $4000-$7000. Even though mine was quite reliable, don’t expect upkeep to be inexpensive.
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Eugene Mar 31st, 2009 Link
Gabe, as others said I don’t understand you with regards to MazdaSpeed3. In between my 05 R53 and my current 07 R56s I had a Mazda 3s sedan with 2.3 L engine, fully loaded. I loved the car, as a matter of fact some people (no one who reads MF) some times even thought I do in fact have a 3 series :) The car certainly had more room than a 3 series. I will agree that FWD is not to compare but…
Also Gabe can you elaborate on what is wrong with a 4 door GTI other than size?
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John Mar 31st, 2009 Link
Clearly you have not been following the news. GM is the way to go. With the government takeover, they will be selling a car that will drive from either end so you can pull into a parking space, switch ends and pull back out. They will all be electric and there is already a plan in place to put a plug at every meter in every city. Choice of color will be green over green. The doors will be canvas and expandable so that you can stretch the car from a coupe to a sedan with a handy hand crank. After filing a simple order/purchase/rebate form you will be sent a rebate worth twice the price of the car. Surplus rubber telephone lineman’s gloves will be standard equiptment and you will not be able to sue the government should you get electricuted or otherwise die.
ReplyGabe, as others said I don’t understand you with regards to MazdaSpeed3.
Lots of reasons. Not quite the shoulder or legroom as a 3er. Doesn’t have the RWD (essential if I’m going to have anything larger than MINI). Doesn’t have the refinement or comfort of long-range touring. Finally I just don’t care for the look inside and out. I could go on but the the long and short of it is that the MazdaSpeed3 just wouldn’t have worked.
Also Gabe can you elaborate on what is wrong with a 4 door GTI other than size?
See above and add horrendous experience with VW quality in the past.
If the E39 M5 is too exotic, an E39 540i with manual transmission, especially if you can find one with a fold-down back seat, should be perfect.
I love the idea but a gas guzzling V8 just doesn’t make a ton of sense for the city driving I do. But… it’s great great car.
Or, if you want rare, seek out an X5 3.0 with manual transmission. It’s a surprisingly fun drive.
As much as I agree with this I can’t bring myself to seriously consider an SUV as my only car (from a philosophical POV).
04-05 Audi S4 Avant
I’m looking to keep the engine behind the front axle :)
What about Subaru? I think a Forester or a Legacy wagon would be logical if you need more room but still want a manual and something involving to drive.
Drove a friend’s 2007 Legacy wagon (with 5 speed) and was literally scared at the lack of communication and vagueness in the shifter and steering. A good car but not for me.
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that.guy Mar 31st, 2009 Link
Gabe, don’t take all the alternative suggestions as attacks. It’s just that no one here wants to see you rolling like an orthodontist.
Reply@that.guy: Oh I totally don’t and I appreciate the conversation and suggestions. There are some great cars listed above.
This is actually why I so rarely comment anymore. It’s hard to answer questions without people thinking you’re being defensive.
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carsncars Mar 31st, 2009 Link
I’ve always had a thing for station wagons that “go”. So… 5-series tourer (rare), S4 wagon, or my personal favourite, the Volvo V70R (don’t ask). The Audi and Volvo are AWD. The Volvo unfortunately has a less than stellar reliability record.
Otherwise, have you checked out used Infinitis? They’re not the driving machines BMWs are, but they depreciate further, are RWD, and Nissan’s VQ-series V6s are some of the best on the market. A practical but decent to drive 2/3-year “stopgap” vehicle. There’s the G35, or I know you said “no SUVs” but the FX35/FX45 is kind of in between.
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Mini Vanilli Mar 31st, 2009 Link
im in the same position as you gabe with the same price range. ive been searching but can’t find that car the just “fits”. i want practical, then i want cool factor. i want great engine power, then i want good mileage. i want new, then i want used. im all over the place. the MINI kind of ruined me because although there are great cars out there, some better than the MINI they just dont have the same feeling, either boring engines, horrible build quality or just boring interiors. and the search goes on!!
hey what about a 128i? i know its out of price range, but might be available for under 20,000 in 2 years off lease.
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Dave MacMini Mar 31st, 2009 Link
Last year the lease was up on my wife’s Kia, and I got a chance to get an ‘04 745i for just under 20K US. It had about 80K miles on it, and no warranty, but what a car! Mind you it is not an M5, but lots of power, very comfy, and lots of toys. I admit, it is expensive to run compared to a 3 series, but I really like it, and it will not really depreciate a lot more. And, I don’t mind the iDrive at all.
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dr Mar 31st, 2009 Link
I love the idea but a gas guzzling V8 just doesn’t make a ton of sense for the city driving I do. But… it’s great great car.
I always got the impression that Gabe had very little commuting and such…I thought I remembered that Gabe could walk to work. That would seem to make mpg an irrelevant figure. I mean when you fill up once a month the cost of gas becomes fairly meaningless. I am also suprised that RWD is concidered such a strong asset in Chicago. Personally I can not imagine having a RWD car north of about 40lattitude. I know a couple of track days a year are fun but I would not want RWD as a daily driver where real winters occur
ReplyI always got the impression that Gabe had very little commuting and such…I thought I remembered that Gabe could walk to work.
No more. I drive to work and have some highway miles every week or two.
I am also suprised that RWD is concidered such a strong asset in Chicago. Personally I can not imagine having a RWD car north of about 40lattitude. I know a couple of track days a year are fun but I would not want RWD as a daily driver where real winters occur
RWD with snow tires in the winter… great control and huge potential for fun.
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Alan Smithee Mar 31st, 2009 Link
If the E39 M5 is too exotic, an E39 540i with manual transmission, especially if you can find one with a fold-down back seat, should be perfect. I love the idea but a gas guzzling V8 just doesn’t make a ton of sense for the city driving I do. But… it’s great great car.
Well, there is always the E39 530i…down ~60hp on the 540i, but also down ~200lbs and it has R&P instead of RB steering…so it is a better handler, especially with the sport package.
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goat Mar 31st, 2009 Link
Agree with Gabe that RWD in winter (properly equipped with quality winter tires like Nokians or similar) >> FWD (even with identically capable winter tires). The control you have in corners with a well balanced RWD car is unbeatable and HUGE fun. Yes, this applies “where real winters occur” (e.g., Ottawa, Canada in a modded suspension miata).
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Eugene Mar 31st, 2009 Link
@dr:
I always wondered why do cops drive RWD cars. :)
You should try taking a turn on an snow covered intersection.
I will take over steer v under steer any day!
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alpinamike Mar 31st, 2009 Link
Are you waiting for MINI to cough up a new(long term review) R57? lol
Just joking gabe, I would go with a newer 3er touring four wheel drive, stay brand loyal like the rest of us!
Replydid you also sell your old 3 series wagon?
Nope – don’t have it anymore. This new car is truly my only car.
ReplyI have a feeling its a 5 series of some sorts … they do seem to depreciate faster than the 3 and many can be picked up at good prices. Not sure about the ease of finding one with the options you want tough.
Reply“To be continued tomorrow”…
On April Fools Day…
I bet it’s an isetta. You certianly won’t see that coming and going every day.
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Holly Apr 1st, 2009 Link
I have a nice 2002 330Ci convertible with 6,050 miles on it for sale. Always garaged, no passengers, no parking lots, bad weather, smoke, perfume, food ever. Everyone comments on its beauty and it looks and drives brand new. New performance tires, all maintenance kept up to date. Only 2 lifesize gorillas are the backseat passengers. It seats 4. I’m selling it only so I can buy the new MINI Convertible.
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lavardera Apr 1st, 2009 Link
Egads! I find this whole thing just ridiculous, as if Gabe would get anything but a BMW at this point. I would not have commented at all, except its just all such a painful rationalization that I can barely restrain myself from beating my head against my macbook screen!
And so I’m outing you bro’ – 330i ZHP. I don’t follow BMWs to know all the ins and outs and codes, but this is some just shy of M territory 4dr and I’m sure its an absolutely great ride. But justifying it on too small too big my porridge is just right is lame. Face it – its just a kick ass sedan and thats reason enough.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/motoringfile/3401993278/
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veggivet Apr 1st, 2009 Link
My money’s on the Smart, given the date. Or maybe a classic Mini. The suspense is killng me, Gabe! Congrats on whatever you bought. No matter what you’re driving, the MINI karma will still be with you.
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glangford Apr 1st, 2009 Link
Gabe, I hear you on potential quality problems with VW. On another note however, if the GTI is out of the running, its normally aspirated twin the Rabbit, might be something to consider. Generally liked by both Edmunds and CR, also recieving high marks for reliability. A fully loaded Rabbit new would be in your budget. But it sounds like you have your heart set on a used BMW, not a bad choice either.
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Emely&Robert Apr 1st, 2009 Link
I don’t know if you guys got these, but I would have gone for the E90 320Si if I found myself in your position.
ReplyI don’t know if you guys got these, but I would have gone for the E90 320Si if I found myself in your position.
The E90 320si isn’t available in the US market. It’s a great car though!
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C4 Apr 2nd, 2009 Link
Gabe is a “dyed-in-the-wool” BMW fan. I honestly do not see him driving anything that doesn’t have the propeller emblem on the hood.
The BMW E 46 330i in Imola Red is a drop dead gorgeous car. I have seen a few around here, and to my eyes, it was the best looking 3 series in recent time. The E90 looks heavy and quite frankly, the rear looks like a Japanese car on the sedans.
Reply[...] but not so much with Gabe’s new car pictured here. You can, however, read about it here (pt 1) and here (pt [...]
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