Vehicular annoyance - Page 4

wdc330i · 07-16-2019, 09:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John V

You know, an M2 was on my list, but I think it's just too expensive used. Maybe in a few years.

My experience is BMW build cars that do okay for about 80k, then start to fall apart.

I'd honestly love another E36. I simply cannot find a decent one to start with.

M235 is a value...probably the same 80k problem. But these are high standards...

Josh (PA) · 07-16-2019, 09:17 PM

Fwiw, I have 110k on the 2013 X5 and 101k on the 135 and other than a water pump at 30k on the 1er I have had absolutely no problems with them. Both n55 engines.

Curious, what's the downside to the focus RS or mini

Josh (PA) · 07-16-2019, 09:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wdc330i

M235 is a value...probably the same 80k problem. But these are high standards...

You can get them in awd too if that was a pro for winter time

rumatt · 07-16-2019, 09:19 PM

Swing by and take my Model 3 for a drive through town to the grocery store and back. Then tell me you'd rather be in a Volkswagen.

Come to the dark side........

But yeah, a long-range AWD would be $48k. Minus a bit in incentives. And then gas savings.

*clyde* · 07-16-2019, 09:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John V

Oh my god, no. Anyway, I already have a truck that can actually do trucky things (like tow)

I guess I never stated my desires / goals.

1) Small-ish but with utility. No trucks, no SUVs.
2) Reasonably good handling, and quick.
3) Reasonably efficient. The Mazdaspeed averages 23MPG and the Boxster averages 24. Ideally, I'd like to do better than those cars.
4) Reliable (i.e. no BMWs)

Irritatingly I keep coming back to the GTI and the Tesla.

I see you saying no BMWs, but a non-rusty E46 wagon with an engine swap and through mechanical recondition probably won't take too much time, cost too much, and leave you with something that should be pretty trouble free for a good while and have some BaT type salability when you're done with it in a few years.

On the Camaro...The visibility issue just isn't an issue after a few days. What's become more and more of a drag for me are the long doors combined with my very far forward seating position making ingress/egress a growing annoyance. It's not a V8, but if you want to borrow mine for a few days or week, let me know.

JST · 07-16-2019, 10:14 PM

JV hates Fords, though honestly a Fiesta ST might be exactly what he’s looking for.

JST · 07-16-2019, 10:16 PM

There are still new 2019 Fiesta STs around for less than 30. Probably a lot less.

Hey, check out this car I found on Cars.com: https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/d...ff=share_other

JST · 07-16-2019, 10:19 PM

This one is 18, and local:

Hey, check out this car I found on Cars.com: https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/d...ff=share_other

rumatt · 07-16-2019, 10:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by clyde

I see you saying no BMWs, but a non-rusty E46

Speaking of non-rusty E46's.... I know of one that JV's been intimate with that isn't being driven as much as I expected.

Only half kidding.

.

John V · 07-17-2019, 06:47 AM

I did consider a Focus ST and a Fiesta ST. I've not driven a Fiesta. I've driven a couple Focus ST's. I do like them okay for what they are (kind of a better version of the Mazda), but the GTI is just better at everything than the Focus and they're much more comfortable. Same thing with the Mini. One of my good friends is a Mini tech and he likes how the cars drive but regularly reminds me not to buy one because they frequently go wrong and they are a PITA to work on.

Why no Subarus? Honestly I don't like the way they drive, I don't like the way they sound, and I don't like the way they look.

I'm glad some of you have had good experiences with modern BMWs. You're in the minority of the (unscientific) group I've polled. I race with and work with a lot of people with the latest few generations of 3 series and constantly hear about the niggling problems that start popping up after the warranty expires. Leaks, failed water pumps, CELs, electronics getting flaky. I did start looking at M2s last night - I know this is absurd but I don't think I could buy an M235 knowing that the M2 exists

. They're pretty pricey used, cheapest one I saw in a quick search was around $40k. Definitely something to consider.

The Cayman was the car that was in the back of my head the last couple years. I love the Boxster, but I am not in love with having a convertible. It's nice around here like two months of the year and the rest of the time it's just annoying. That's definitely on the list. I wouldn't drive it through snow (salt, really). I'd drive the truck or something.

I keep thinking about "building" something (which yes, I realize is very much at odds with the "I want something really reliable so I don't have to work on my daily driver" but we all have our faults). Either an S54 E36 or (shudder) another RX-8 with an engine swap. Either a V8 or another four cylinder. But I promised myself and my wife no more project vehicles until the RX-8 I already have is sorted. So ... never?

You also almost never see E46s with V8 swaps. That would be pretty rad. Hmmm...

07-16-2019, 09:17 PM	#32
Josh (PA) Hello. Join Date: Mar 2004 Carmudgeonly Ride: '09 X3, '11 328xiT, '11 135i C, '17 c2, '19 X5 Location: Downingtown, PA Posts: 5,530	Fwiw, I have 110k on the 2013 X5 and 101k on the 135 and other than a water pump at 30k on the 1er I have had absolutely no problems with them. Both n55 engines. Curious, what's the downside to the focus RS or mini __________________ Josh (PA) - '19 X5 '17 991.2 C2 Cab '11 135i Convertible '11 328xiT '09 X3

07-16-2019, 09:19 PM	#34
rumatt Mugwump Join Date: Oct 2003 Carmudgeonly Ride: E46 330i, Chevy Colorado, Tesla Model 3 Location: NY Posts: 17,475	Swing by and take my Model 3 for a drive through town to the grocery store and back. Then tell me you'd rather be in a Volkswagen. Come to the dark side........ But yeah, a long-range AWD would be $48k. Minus a bit in incentives. And then gas savings.

07-16-2019, 10:14 PM	#36
JST 195 Join Date: Oct 2003 Posts: 24,609	JV hates Fords, though honestly a Fiesta ST might be exactly what he’s looking for.

07-16-2019, 10:16 PM	#37
JST 195 Join Date: Oct 2003 Posts: 24,609	There are still new 2019 Fiesta STs around for less than 30. Probably a lot less. Hey, check out this car I found on Cars.com: https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/d...ff=share_other

07-16-2019, 10:19 PM	#38
JST 195 Join Date: Oct 2003 Posts: 24,609	This one is 18, and local: Hey, check out this car I found on Cars.com: https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/d...ff=share_other

07-17-2019, 06:47 AM	#40
John V No more BMWs Join Date: Apr 2005 Carmudgeonly Ride: Ram, MS3, CX-5, RX-8 Location: Glenwood, MD Posts: 14,753	I did consider a Focus ST and a Fiesta ST. I've not driven a Fiesta. I've driven a couple Focus ST's. I do like them okay for what they are (kind of a better version of the Mazda), but the GTI is just better at everything than the Focus and they're much more comfortable. Same thing with the Mini. One of my good friends is a Mini tech and he likes how the cars drive but regularly reminds me not to buy one because they frequently go wrong and they are a PITA to work on. Why no Subarus? Honestly I don't like the way they drive, I don't like the way they sound, and I don't like the way they look. I'm glad some of you have had good experiences with modern BMWs. You're in the minority of the (unscientific) group I've polled. I race with and work with a lot of people with the latest few generations of 3 series and constantly hear about the niggling problems that start popping up after the warranty expires. Leaks, failed water pumps, CELs, electronics getting flaky. I did start looking at M2s last night - I know this is absurd but I don't think I could buy an M235 knowing that the M2 exists . They're pretty pricey used, cheapest one I saw in a quick search was around $40k. Definitely something to consider. The Cayman was the car that was in the back of my head the last couple years. I love the Boxster, but I am not in love with having a convertible. It's nice around here like two months of the year and the rest of the time it's just annoying. That's definitely on the list. I wouldn't drive it through snow (salt, really). I'd drive the truck or something. I keep thinking about "building" something (which yes, I realize is very much at odds with the "I want something really reliable so I don't have to work on my daily driver" but we all have our faults). Either an S54 E36 or (shudder) another RX-8 with an engine swap. Either a V8 or another four cylinder. But I promised myself and my wife no more project vehicles until the RX-8 I already have is sorted. So ... never? You also almost never see E46s with V8 swaps. That would be pretty rad. Hmmm...