04-06-2023, 04:55 PM | #61 |
Carmudgeon
Join Date: Apr 2005
Posts: 4,668
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04-06-2023, 11:07 PM | #62 |
The old cranky SOB....
Join Date: Oct 2003
Carmudgeonly Ride: several cars... way too many....
Location: Near Seattle
Posts: 4,798
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Frankly- any modern car can be a nightmare for maintenance or repair down the road.
My niece and her husband had matching Toyota 4Runner's. Both of them were pretty much lemons. She traded it in for a recent model X5 and the husband has a work F150 (of which the company allows for full personal use). Neither of them wants to go near a Toyota ever again. Go figure... LOL
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Kevin 1970 2800CS - - 2001 740iL - - 2006 997.1 - - 2012 Escalade 1968 Mustang GT Convertible - - 2003 Ford F250 PSD - - 1985 728i |
04-07-2023, 08:26 AM | #63 | |
dogged
Join Date: Dec 2003
Carmudgeonly Ride: '22 M440 xDrive GC
Posts: 13,299
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04-07-2023, 08:34 AM | #64 |
Solving problems
Join Date: Oct 2003
Carmudgeonly Ride: M5 / 718 GTS / Cooper S / GTI / LR4
Location: Metro Boston
Posts: 25,265
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04-07-2023, 08:46 AM | #65 |
dogged
Join Date: Dec 2003
Carmudgeonly Ride: '22 M440 xDrive GC
Posts: 13,299
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05-14-2023, 10:36 AM | #66 |
Solving problems
Join Date: Oct 2003
Carmudgeonly Ride: M5 / 718 GTS / Cooper S / GTI / LR4
Location: Metro Boston
Posts: 25,265
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I've done a bunch of reading and I think the front runners are:
- M550i with DHP (>MY2021, inevitably CPO since it's out of production this year) - M340i (>MY2023, but probably new so I can spec it) - i4 M50 The key will be too see the difference in space and comfort between the two. I expect the M340i to handle better due to weight. Other less likely options to consider: - E53 (>MY2021) - My wife doesn't like the exterior looks so much. - 540i (>MY2021, CPO) - Extremely unlikely: Then new M560i if it is a revelation I'll try to test drive them soon to see if I can cross some out early and stop wondering. |
05-14-2023, 01:45 PM | #67 | |
dogged
Join Date: Dec 2003
Carmudgeonly Ride: '22 M440 xDrive GC
Posts: 13,299
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Quote:
Plus, coming from the M3 so recently, it would be both similar and different at the same time. The others might just be a bit lesser in fun and power. But any well-optioned 5 series will provide the luxe factor you are also missing in the current fleet, so that might be nice as well. |
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07-12-2023, 12:53 PM | #68 |
Solving problems
Join Date: Oct 2003
Carmudgeonly Ride: M5 / 718 GTS / Cooper S / GTI / LR4
Location: Metro Boston
Posts: 25,265
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Crazy thought: What about a CPO Giulia QV?
I really wanted one of those when I bought the M3 but didn't go that route because: - It was too new and AR had just come back to the US - No stick - Pricey compared to a ED-discounted M3 - No ED - I had always wanted an M3 Addressing those points: - The Giulia QV seems to be surprisingly reliable (seems not worse than BMW) - No stick is no longer a problem, since all options I'm considering are automatic - Not considering one new, but the M3 has climbed much more in price by comparison anyway - I already did ED on an M3 As a plus, the ride seems to be MUCH better than on the M3 (especially ZCP), it seems to have great steering, and be a lot more fun to drive and certainly more unique and special than anything else I am considering (M550i, M430i, 540i). The drawbacks are that it is not as roomy or nice inside as a 5er or even 3er. It also has fairly crummy fuel economy, same as the V8 M550i. I'd be looking at a >MY2020, since it got interior updates and they resolved the battery drainage issue. It's a more peaky engine that loves to rev to redline, so it won't have the loads of torque down low that a M550i has, but it seems much more exciting. It seems their brakes are touchy at low speeds but cannot tell if that is only the case with CCBs. Ultimately, an M550i would make for a more relaxed commuter I'm sure. But the QV seems like a more interesting car to own and drive. It would likely be cheaper too. I'm not necessarily planning on owning a QV or M550i for a long time unless I fall in love and the car ends up being the last a given type of car and replacements all suck. In all likelihood it would be updated with an EV a few years down the road. Last edited by FC; 07-12-2023 at 01:04 PM. |
07-12-2023, 03:12 PM | #69 | |
Carmudgeon
Join Date: Jun 2004
Posts: 3,244
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Commuter car down the road
Quote:
Was it clarkson who said “every car enthusiast needs to own an Alfa at some point”? I think if you go into it with the right attitude, it could be a unique and fun experience Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk |
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07-12-2023, 03:22 PM | #70 | |
Solving problems
Join Date: Oct 2003
Carmudgeonly Ride: M5 / 718 GTS / Cooper S / GTI / LR4
Location: Metro Boston
Posts: 25,265
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Quote:
I'll keep an eye out for one to test drive. Same for M550i's (2021+). Not any near me right now. |
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