Other Cars in general
11-30-2006, 08:02 AM
#1
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My Ride: 2005 545i Orient Blue
Hi all,
Need some help from my fellow Bimmer enthusiasts. The hubby and I are considering a third car. As you can tell from my signature, my hubby drives a big truck and we're considering a fun weekend car for him. I've heard many of you rave about the Mini and am curious to hear the pros and cons of that car or any other cars that you all like, drive or would like to drive. This will be a third car and not something that we want to invest tons of money in but since we're both spirited drivers, we do want something that will go when we hit the gas pedal.
Thoughts, suggestions, etc.... are all appreciated.
Btw mods, I didn't know where to put this, feel free to move it!
Thanks!
Need some help from my fellow Bimmer enthusiasts. The hubby and I are considering a third car. As you can tell from my signature, my hubby drives a big truck and we're considering a fun weekend car for him. I've heard many of you rave about the Mini and am curious to hear the pros and cons of that car or any other cars that you all like, drive or would like to drive. This will be a third car and not something that we want to invest tons of money in but since we're both spirited drivers, we do want something that will go when we hit the gas pedal.
Thoughts, suggestions, etc.... are all appreciated.
Btw mods, I didn't know where to put this, feel free to move it!
Thanks!
11-30-2006, 08:28 AM
#2
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My Ride: E61 535d Apr 05. UK spec + Media Pack, Luxury Pack & Visibility Pack
Take this with a pinch of salt. I don't know what is available in the US and/or whether it's "really" the same as in Europe, nor what you consider tons of money, nor if you would consider second hand (I definitely would) but for a fun car I'd have on my shopping list:
Porsche Boxster (or Cayman - but not so many available at the right price point yet) or 996 (any, but for fun if you can find a GT3 it's difficult to beat!)
Nissan 350Z
E46 M3
Lotus Elise / Exige
Mitsubishi Lancer Evo VIII
probably all of the above are second hand only option, if you are considering a Mini.
For Mini money or thereabouts - new
Subaru Impreza WRX
VW Golf GTI (this is likely to be significantly different in the US)
Sorry, I really really do not like the Mini. Poorly packaged (inefficient use of space), uncomfortable and expensive for what it is. However, I never owned one, and the only test drive was pretty short.
Porsche Boxster (or Cayman - but not so many available at the right price point yet) or 996 (any, but for fun if you can find a GT3 it's difficult to beat!)
Nissan 350Z
E46 M3
Lotus Elise / Exige
Mitsubishi Lancer Evo VIII
probably all of the above are second hand only option, if you are considering a Mini.
For Mini money or thereabouts - new
Subaru Impreza WRX
VW Golf GTI (this is likely to be significantly different in the US)
Sorry, I really really do not like the Mini. Poorly packaged (inefficient use of space), uncomfortable and expensive for what it is. However, I never owned one, and the only test drive was pretty short.
11-30-2006, 09:39 AM
#5
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My Ride: 2007 E63 AMG | Obsidian Black | Schwarzes Nappa | Black BirdEye Maple | Premium II Package | Electronic Trunk Closer | Parktronic
Engine: RPi/Powerchips custom ECU tune, RPi Ram Air Kit (BMC filter, scoops), RennTech Sport exhaust, secondary cats, charcoal and resonator delete, custom AAA x-pipe
Exterior: 50% side windows / 35% rear window Formula One Pinnacle Series | Flat AMG hood emblem
Suspension: Renntech Lowering Module
Wheels/Tires: Radenergie R10, Falken FK452 245/30/20, Yokohama ADVAN Sport 285/25/20
-----------------------------------------
2005 545i Sport SMG | Ti Grau | Schwarzes Dakota | Anthracite Maple | Logic 7 | Nav
Engine: Custom AFE CAI, Superchips ECU remap, Sprint Booster, RDSport Dual Exhaust Conversion with Quad Pipes and X-pipe, 3 resonators deleted, 90mm tips!
Exterior: M-Tech Aero kit | M5 Mirrors | M5 Rear Bumper | Trunk Lid Finisher | Vorsteiner decklid spoiler | 50% Formula One Pinnacle Tint
Suspension and Brakes: Bilstein PSS9 coilovers, JBT BBK: 16" cross-drilled rotors, 8 piston and 15" cross-drilled rotors, 4 piston
Wheels: VIP Modular VR 02 20x9F, 20x10R | Toyo T1R 245/30/20F, 285/25/20R
Lights: PIAA 4150K Xtreme White Plus fog lights, AIB v3
MOST IMPORTANT: Hardwired V1; =)
ED Date: 4/7/05, Re-delivery date: 5/21/05
Give us a price range.
11-30-2006, 09:40 AM
#6
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My Ride: 2005 545i Orient Blue
dlevi67, the Nissan 350Z isn't an option since he beats that in the truck all day long... 
so it has to be something a little quicker than that.
The others are good options, will look into it.
JDN, haven't seen the article yet but will check it out.
Looking at a few used M3's, those are always sweet options.
Any other ideas?
so it has to be something a little quicker than that. The others are good options, will look into it.
JDN, haven't seen the article yet but will check it out.
Looking at a few used M3's, those are always sweet options.
Any other ideas?
11-30-2006, 11:20 AM
#8
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My Ride: 2007 E63 AMG | Obsidian Black | Schwarzes Nappa | Black BirdEye Maple | Premium II Package | Electronic Trunk Closer | Parktronic
Engine: RPi/Powerchips custom ECU tune, RPi Ram Air Kit (BMC filter, scoops), RennTech Sport exhaust, secondary cats, charcoal and resonator delete, custom AAA x-pipe
Exterior: 50% side windows / 35% rear window Formula One Pinnacle Series | Flat AMG hood emblem
Suspension: Renntech Lowering Module
Wheels/Tires: Radenergie R10, Falken FK452 245/30/20, Yokohama ADVAN Sport 285/25/20
-----------------------------------------
2005 545i Sport SMG | Ti Grau | Schwarzes Dakota | Anthracite Maple | Logic 7 | Nav
Engine: Custom AFE CAI, Superchips ECU remap, Sprint Booster, RDSport Dual Exhaust Conversion with Quad Pipes and X-pipe, 3 resonators deleted, 90mm tips!
Exterior: M-Tech Aero kit | M5 Mirrors | M5 Rear Bumper | Trunk Lid Finisher | Vorsteiner decklid spoiler | 50% Formula One Pinnacle Tint
Suspension and Brakes: Bilstein PSS9 coilovers, JBT BBK: 16" cross-drilled rotors, 8 piston and 15" cross-drilled rotors, 4 piston
Wheels: VIP Modular VR 02 20x9F, 20x10R | Toyo T1R 245/30/20F, 285/25/20R
Lights: PIAA 4150K Xtreme White Plus fog lights, AIB v3
MOST IMPORTANT: Hardwired V1; =)
ED Date: 4/7/05, Re-delivery date: 5/21/05
I would second the e46 M3 suggestion.
11-30-2006, 11:47 AM
#9
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Not to be a total Porsche homer here since I have the 911, but you could find a very nice used Boxster in your price range. That is one of the most fun cars that I have ever driven. I also might look to find a Z4 or E46 in your price range. Both fun. I kind of think a 3rd fun car should be a convertible.
11-30-2006, 11:55 AM
#10
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My Ride: 2005 545i Orient Blue
We had a Z4 but the 2.5 and that was kinda slow... plus I didn't mention this before but we want a manual transmission. Really leaning towards the E46 but will check out the Boxter.. although did see a sweet 911 online... thanks silver bullet!
