Another "help me buy a car" thread.

[eric5148]

I have 16K to spend. I don't really know what the hell I'm doing because this will be my first car.

I saw this M3 (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=6131&item=45582443 29&rd=1) on ebay that I like.

I want a small-midsize sedan that can go kinda fast (I drive fast for no reason /images/graemlins/grin.gif). I prefer auto, because 99% of my driving is in the city, and a manual would just be a pain in the ass. I also like the Audi A4 and Honda Accord. Thoughts?

[ZBTHorton]

I sell cars at Carmax, I've driven every freakin car on the road.

Couple of questions you need to be able to answer:

1. How long are you going to keep it?
2. How important is it that your car is under warranty?
3. Import/Domestic?

One thing I would be very weary of is 'older cool cars'. Old BMW's, Old Mercedes, High Mileage Tahoe's...stuff like that.

Are they cool cars? Yep. They may run great too. But your asking for trouble with any car over 60K miles. Unless it's a Honda, Toyota, or Nissan.

Not just are you going to have more frequent repairs, but they are going to be insanely expensive.

[Claunchy]

You could probably get a used Acura CL for around that range. Similar to the Accord, but a little nicer inside and a little quicker. M3s are badass though.

[mosta]

I don't know, you're the pro, so maybe I'm wrong, but in my limited experience used BMWs (and I'd assume Mercedes) can go forever, like well over 100k miles. they're more expensive to repair, but it's not like a ferrari or anything absurd.

but with regard to the M3 OP mentions, again I'm far from an expert, but I've seen too many stories about nightmare used M-series. sports cars attract abuse, and a lot of people want to modify them in all sorts of ways. I shy away from used sports cars, and the M-series qualifies, unless I hvae a really good source.

[ZBTHorton]

The only thing I can go by is the warranties we offer on the cars.

Some cars like Honda's and Toyota's continue to get 36000 mile extended warranties for real cheap.

Extended warranties on high mile BMW's are CRAZY expensive and go for like 12,000 miles.

I think BMW's, Mercedes, etc are awesome cars. I just wouldn't buy one with high miles. They AREN'T Honda's.

[SCfuji]

get a used lexus sc300 or 400. any year is pretty much fine. the engine (charged or not) is super strong and will treat you well.

[scrub]

[ QUOTE ]
I have 16K to spend. I don't really know what the hell I'm doing because this will be my first car.

I saw this M3 (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=6131&item=45582443 29&rd=1) on ebay that I like.

I want a small-midsize sedan that can go kinda fast (I drive fast for no reason /images/graemlins/grin.gif). I prefer auto, because 99% of my driving is in the city, and a manual would just be a pain in the ass. I also like the Audi A4 and Honda Accord. Thoughts?

[/ QUOTE ]

I was in a similar situation and decided to buy a new civic instead.

scrub

[Patrick del Poker Grande]

Don't get an A4. You'll spend more on maintenance and repairs than you will buying it. Now that I've said that, I have two friends who are trying to get rid of... I mean sell... theirs. You interested?

[eric5148]

Thanks for the advice, I don't think I'll get the M3.

What are your thoughts on 3rd party inspection services? Are they necessary?

[fluxrad]

two words:

Honda Accord.

[IHateKeithSmart]

[ QUOTE ]
two words:

Honda Accord.

[/ QUOTE ]

Yep. And the V6's are pretty quick.