[BimmerRookie]

I know I may catch some flack for this, but I think I'm about done with my E93 M3. I am a second owner of a 2008 E93 M3 (6MT) with 59,XXX miles. I have loved it to death during the time of my ownership, but I think I'm ready for something different. I've been looking around, but there are so many options out there and I'm curious to see what others have as suggestions. I'm trying to buy used under $45k. I'm not trying to buy a fast car again, I just want something that can provide me with some sense of comfort when taking long road trips, or daily commuting in Houston traffic, but I don't want a complete sponge either.

my priorities are as follows:
1. 4 doors
2. automatic preferred, but could swing another MT if it's that good
3. Comfortable cabin (seat & leather quality, ergonomics, etc.)
4. Up to date technology, good audio system (CCC iDrive sucks)
5. Smooth, but not while compromising ride quality (firm, but comfortable)
6. Cheap(er) to maintain when compared to my current M

Some cars I've considered (not in any particular order):
1. F30 335/340
2. Lexus GS350 F Sport
3. F150 KR/Platinum (Always toyed the idea of having a big lux-pickup)
4. Golf R
5. WRX STI

So does anybody have any insight or advice? TIA

[hgtran21]

GS350 for cruiser with decent power. the ML system in there destroys most other cars sound system.

[WreckerX5d]

2015 Chevy SS, comes standard fully optioned with MRC.

[gtron]

Originally Posted by BimmerRookie

I know I may catch some flack for this, but I think I'm about done with my E93 M3. I am a second owner of a 2008 E93 M3 (6MT) with 59,XXX miles. I have loved it to death during the time of my ownership, but I think I'm ready for something different. I've been looking around, but there are so many options out there and I'm curious to see what others have as suggestions. I'm trying to buy used under $45k. I'm not trying to buy a fast car again, I just want something that can provide me with some sense of comfort when taking long road trips, or daily commuting in Houston traffic, but I don't want a complete sponge either.

my priorities are as follows:
1. 4 doors
2. automatic
3. Comfortable cabin (seat & leather quality, ergonomics, etc.)
4. Up to date technology, good audio system (CCC iDrive sucks)
5. Smooth, but not while compromising ride quality (firm, but comfortable)
6. Cheap(er) to maintain when compared to my current M

Some cars I've considered (not in any particular order):
1. F30 335/340
2. Lexus GS350 F Sport
3. F150 KR/Platinum (Always toyed the idea of having a big lux-pickup)
4. Golf R
5. WRX STI

So does anybody have any insight or advice? TIA

i cannot help you decide but i can help you rule out number 2 and 5:

2. Lexus GS350 F Sport > $50k and your budget is $45k.

5. WRX STI - only comes in manual which breaks your number two priority. on a side note, i just ordered one.

f30 likely goes over budget as soon as you add any options.

[Kwando]

Originally Posted by gtron

i cannot help you decide but i can help you rule out number 2 and 5:

2. Lexus GS350 F Sport > $50k and your budget is $45k.

It appears that OP isn't opposed to a used car so I'm sure you can find a used GS F Sport within budget..

I'd suggest a F10 535i M Sport. Great alternative to the M5 without the M price. You could probably find one in budget but I suppose cost of maintenance would still be above what you're looking for.

[BimmerRookie]

Originally Posted by gtron

i cannot help you decide but i can help you rule out number 2 and 5:

2. Lexus GS350 F Sport > $50k and your budget is $45k.

5. WRX STI - only comes in manual which breaks your number two priority. on a side note, i just ordered one.

f30 likely goes over budget as soon as you add any options.

- You can definitely find used 350 F-Sports for well under 40k (~30k miles)

- Edited my original post, I could swing another Mt, if it was that good of a buy.

- Used F30s are attainable around there from what I've seen on the used market in my area (HTX), so that's why it's on my list.

Thanks for the feedback!

[BEM-S4]

If you can stretch your budget a bit, I'd get something like this and not think twice about. It's an S, not RS, so the maintenance isn't insane. They've got it listed at $51K but you could get that down some.
https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/d...5707/overview/

Otherwise, have you looked into Exec Demo BMWs at all? Typically under 10k miles, never titled, still get warranty and all that good stuff.

[BimmerRookie]

Originally Posted by Kwando

It appears that OP isn't opposed to a used car so I'm sure you can find a used GS F Sport within budget..

I'd suggest a F10 535i M Sport. Great alternative to the M5 without the M price. You could probably find one in budget but I suppose cost of maintenance would still be above what you're looking for.

Thanks for the suggestion! I'm sure the maintenance would be more reasonable than the M, but still high(er) than normal. Maybe that's what you're trying to get at? Would the 535 be too floaty?

[BimmerRookie]

Originally Posted by BEM-S4

If you can stretch your budget a bit, I'd get something like this and not think twice about. It's an S, not RS, so the maintenance isn't insane. They've got it listed at $51K but you could get that down some.
https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/d...5707/overview/

Otherwise, have you looked into Exec Demo BMWs at all? Typically under 10k miles, never titled, still get warranty and all that good stuff.

Oh my lord, that S6 is gorgeous! 45k is conservative in the sense that I can buy outright with cash at that point, but If I were to take a loan, I could stretch a bit.

I haven't looked into exec demos yet, I'm aware that some option like that must exist, but I haven't gotten down to looking for it. Any leads there? Is there online information, or does it depends dealer to dealer?

[Kwando]

Originally Posted by BimmerRookie

I'm sure the maintenance would be more reasonable than the M, but still high(er) than normal. Maybe that's what you're trying to get at? Would the 535 be too floaty?

Exactly what I was trying to say regarding maintenance. But you know what they say - you gotta pay to play . I don't think it's too floating but it's definitely got a different driving personality from a full M car.

[gtron]

Originally Posted by Kwando

It appears that OP isn't opposed to a used car so I'm sure you can find a used GS F Sport within budget..

I'd suggest a F10 535i M Sport. Great alternative to the M5 without the M price. You could probably find one in budget but I suppose cost of maintenance would still be above what you're looking for.

Originally Posted by BimmerRookie

- You can definitely find used 350 F-Sports for well under 40k (~30k miles)

- Edited my original post, I could swing another Mt, if it was that good of a buy.

- Used F30s are attainable around there from what I've seen on the used market in my area (HTX), so that's why it's on my list.

Thanks for the feedback!

my fault, i missed the used car part.

[BEM-S4]

Originally Posted by BimmerRookie

Oh my lord, that S6 is gorgeous! 45k is conservative in the sense that I can buy outright with cash at that point, but If I were to take a loan, I could stretch a bit.

I haven't looked into exec demos yet, I'm aware that some option like that must exist, but I haven't gotten down to looking for it. Any leads there? Is there online information, or does it depends dealer to dealer?

He's not local to you but you could call Peter Ryan at BMW Main Line, that's who I always deal with. He did my gf's 3 diesel for her, was $50K MSRP 7k miles on it if memory serves and paying $350 per month or thereabouts. Can also buy one if you'd rather go that route. I leased it bc it was a "try before you buy" on a car that had been driven, so worst case if it's a disaster I have the warranty the whole time and can just give the damn thing back. If you are not in a rush they can find you pretty much whatever you want.

That said, for what you are describing as your needs / wants, if it were me I'd be on the phone about the Audi right now. For the $ I don't know that I can think of another car that would be such a versatile option. Big enough to be comfortable, great driver considering it's a bigger sedan, fast, interior top notch, AWD can't hurt in a car like this, etc.

[WHL102]

+1 on the S6.

I'm currently split between getting into a CPO A4 or a new VW GTI w/ Perf. Pkg., but my budget is about $10k less than yours.

Interestingly, I'm not dying to get into another BMW like I was with my F30.

[WHL102]

Originally Posted by BimmerRookie

I know I may catch some flack for this, but I think I'm about done with my E93 M3. I am a second owner of a 2008 E93 M3 (6MT) with 59,XXX miles. I have loved it to death during the time of my ownership, but I think I'm ready for something different. I've been looking around, but there are so many options out there and I'm curious to see what others have as suggestions. I'm trying to buy used under $45k. I'm not trying to buy a fast car again, I just want something that can provide me with some sense of comfort when taking long road trips, or daily commuting in Houston traffic, but I don't want a complete sponge either.

my priorities are as follows:
1. 4 doors
2. automatic preferred, but could swing another MT if it's that good
3. Comfortable cabin (seat & leather quality, ergonomics, etc.)
4. Up to date technology, good audio system (CCC iDrive sucks)
5. Smooth, but not while compromising ride quality (firm, but comfortable)
6. Cheap(er) to maintain when compared to my current M

Some cars I've considered (not in any particular order):
1. F30 335/340
2. Lexus GS350 F Sport
3. F150 KR/Platinum (Always toyed the idea of having a big lux-pickup)
4. Golf R
5. WRX STI

So does anybody have any insight or advice? TIA

What about the C-class or E-class? Great cruisers.

[BEM-S4]

Originally Posted by WHL102

What about the C-class or E-class? Great cruisers.

Drove a C450 a few weeks back, really nice car. That said the Benz styling is a bit vulgar for my taste and the interior layout was not to my liking.

OH... I didn't think of this before bc you said used. Check out the S90 Volvo that just came out, I've been hearing really good things. The S80 that it's replacing pretty fully decked out was like $50K I think, can't imagine this one would be too much different. Not in the same league performance-wise as some of the other stuff we are talking about, but for a DD if you want some creature comforts, every safety feature currently available on this planet, and the benefits of a new car (warranty, maintenance, etc.) may be worth a look.

[jaco]

2013-2014 S4
2015 Chevy SS

[dragonsi]

Golf R, easy choice.

[TBN54]

Cadi ATS/CTS 3.6 is a very nice car for the money.

[Sedoy]

2012+ CLS550 - one of he best looking sedans.
2012+ A6 Prestige - great technology.
2012+ Jaguar XF - less common than Germans.

[jaco]

Forgot, CTS V Sport, 420 HP. Used they are under 45k and were 60-72k new.

[hockey21]

ATS, CTS, Audi S4, Audi A6 ( used) TESLA!!!! ( i guess out of budget)

[Alfisti]

OP you're a woman right? Because you say you want a comfy cruiser and you've hard as nails STI, Golf R and F-Sport on there.

I'd go Shaguar myself, a bit different and still tons of power.