So I'm in the market for something to replace my 2001 Acura TL that's been my DD for a while now. I've had some idle time recently so I'm obsessing over it but work is picking up soon and I'll be gone a lot so this will likely be a late summer/early fall purchase.


The wise decision would be to buy something new and reliable with a warranty but I want something I'd love. A car that I keep looking back at when I walk away like I do with my Evo.

I looked at E46 M3s for about 6 months before I bought my new Evo and I still have that itch to get one.

It'd probably be a dumb move to buy a 10+ year old BMW to DD though.

Are there any cars in the sub $25k price range that you guys would recommend as a DD? Or maybe wait around for a good deal on the M3?

Thanks!

 

i've still wanted the e46 m3, but the cost of repairs is crazy high. subframe, vanos etc

y not just DD your evo? or i hate to say it but just get an accord or camry lol. those things never break, and extremely reliable.

for a DD you want something u dont care about and is reliable as ever. i have a camry and a TL, i had to park it so i can start DDing the evo. otherwise i will never drive the evo.

 

Depending on your family situation, my vote is a miata. Lol. I love mine. Cinch to work on, cheap to repair (mod), great mileage, convertable for that cali sun, and it's like driving a mosquito! But that's just my opinion.

 

Not DDing the evo lol. She's my baby lol. When I go to work, I'm there for at least 3 days with the car parked out in the sun.

Starting to lean toward reliable/boring to avoid future headaches.

 

I can't lol. Even an s2000 is too cute for me lol.

 

I should probably go to a local dealer today to drive their 6spd m3 just to see if I still want one. I test drove one last year and I wonder if driving the evo, now burning E85, changed my outlook on things lol.

 

Everyone is a nay sayer.... until the drive one....

LOL

Good luck finding something man!

 

Yeah I don't doubt they're a blast to drive. Thanks.

 

Miata X 2. Just picked up a 1999 Miata in fantastic condition for $4k. Been driving it everyday to work. I don't care if I look like a fool the car is one of the best drivers cars I have ever driven.

 

Wait for the new Honda Civic Si.

 

100 miles round trip but only once a week. I work/stay there at least 3 days in a row.

Probably would average no more than 10k miles a year between commute and errands.

 

135

 

If you're DDing, I think an E46 M3 is a bad car for your needs. I looked at getting an E46, but got dissuaded by the high repair costs, known mechanical issues, and some of the quirks of the car. I still kinda want to have one as a fun car though; I think they look amazing. I also looked at an E39 M5, but stayed away for similar reasons. It was also damn near impossible to find an example of either car that wasn't overpriced and/or overused.

I ended up getting a C63 instead.

For you, I think a TL would be a good choice, or if you can afford it, a newer M3 (E92).

 

2014 - 2015 Chevrolet SS 6-Spd manual. Looks like a grocery getter but fast with good suspension. Also a rather rare car. They didn't sell very well, you might find a new one on the lot.

 

Miata
Is
Always
The
Answer




I guess to me this situation screams a boring car that's comfortable and "disposable", if only because it sits in an open lot for long periods of time. Or you could look at something like a Focus ST, a bit of fun but still easy to drive for 50 miles.