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Advice for a first time college grad

16 messages,  Last post on Feb 13, 2011 at 5:11 AM

You are in the BMW 1-Series Forum.

What is this discussion about? BMW 1 Series, Car Buying, Car Financing, Car Leasing, Convertible

Messages Page 2 of 2

#8 of 16 Re: Advice for a first time college grad [qbrozen] by plekto

Jan 11, 2011 (3:20 pm)

Replying to: qbrozen (Jan 11, 2011 2:34 pm)
Mustangs are decently reliable and a good choice, since they are only $20-$25K for a base model. The 2011 model has a fantastic V6 engine as well, but the fact that they made such a change means that the older generation is suddenly very inexpensive.(old V6 was junk, V8 was/is a tank)
 
Good choices, used - get a loan and pay it off in 1-2 years if possible:
 
2008-9 Mustang V8. 3-4 years is the sweet spot where off-lease vehicles start to trickle into the economy. It also is the best price to-age-point for CPO and used vehicles in terms of depreciation.
 
2008-9 Pontiac G8. The V8 version is a "poor man's" Corvette, and used, they are tremendous bargains. Handling is almost at the level of a CTS.
 
2008 Lexus IS350. Also very good value, used. My top "Import pick"
 
2008 CTS - excellent car. The V6 is amazing.
 
2008 C350 sport. This is a hidden gem and reliability is very good compared to past models by Mercedes and BMW. My top "European sedan" pick.
 
You shouldn't have to spend more than 25K for any of these. The Mustang V8 and the Pontiac G8 should be closer to 15K.
 
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ct=u&car_id=285670812
This is a typical example. The 4.6 V8 is the same one they still use in the Crown Vic./Grand Marquis and is un-killable. 0-60 in 5.1 seconds is enough for any sane or even slightly insane driver

#9 of 16 Re: Advice for a first time college grad [plekto] by qbrozen

Jan 11, 2011 (4:06 pm)

Replying to: plekto (Jan 11, 2011 3:20 pm)
I think you missed the part where he said he wants a vert.

#10 of 16 Re: Advice for a first time college grad [qbrozen] by hikari07

Jan 11, 2011 (6:48 pm)

Replying to: qbrozen (Jan 11, 2011 4:06 pm)
She actually... I'm one of those weird girls that is really passionate about cars and computers. All my guy friends make fun of me for loving convertibles so much because it adds so much weight, but I'm not out to race my car - just have fun in it.
 
Also, a small side note - I HATED the mercedes 300 series I drove (I don't remember exactly what it was). I couldn't feel the road at all, since I was used to the mustang. It felt wrong, and entirely way too smooth. I know thats their draw, but it just felt weird for me.

#11 of 16 Re: Advice for a first time college grad [hikari07] by cdnpinhead

Jan 11, 2011 (8:37 pm)

Replying to: hikari07 (Jan 11, 2011 6:48 pm)
She actually. . .
 
I wonder how many people just had their head(s) snap around -- funny how stereotypes work.
 
Sounds like you've put a lot of thought into what you're planning -- well done. Don't overlook the savings that can result from buying a 2-3 year old car that was gently driven by one of the badge hounds who only want to wear it for awhile. You'll save tens of thousands. . .and enjoy the snot out of it.
 
Good luck!

#12 of 16 Re: Advice for a first time college grad [cdnpinhead] by plekto

Jan 11, 2011 (9:07 pm)

Replying to: cdnpinhead (Jan 11, 2011 8:37 pm)
I caught that from the beginning. (note the near total absence of personal pronouns in my posts)
 
Oh - note the C350 "Sport" - the thing is worthless with the stock suspension and really needs the sport package. That said, while it's lovely, it's also very expensive, even used.
 
If you want a convertible, though, you're stuck with a precious few choices that aren't heavy or pretty much impossibly expensive for no good reason. The Camaro and Mustang are probably the only fairly reasonable choices, though you *could* always get a couple of year used S2000. There's nothing not to like about it - it was one of the few actual roadsters on the market.

#13 of 16 Re: Advice for a first time college grad [plekto] by qbrozen

Jan 12, 2011 (12:32 pm)

Replying to: plekto (Jan 11, 2011 9:07 pm)
she also wants 4 seats, so no S2k.
 
I'd find a used 1-series, if that's what I had my heart set on. $26k can buy a 2009 128i automatic with less than 20k miles.

#14 of 16 Re: Advice for a first time college grad [qbrozen] by plekto

Jan 12, 2011 (2:45 pm)

Replying to: qbrozen (Jan 12, 2011 12:32 pm)
True, that's also a good way to go about it, though the 128i is (IMO), heavier than it should be. If I could buy any BMW, it would be a 1999 E36, which I feel was the best example ever made. Light, fast, and just simply perfect. The newer models suffer from excessive weight and electronics to break and go wrong. The 1 series was a step back towards the E36, but it doesn't have the same magic. (especially if you are looking at a used E36 M series - those are truly worth drooling over) $15K and you're in heaven.
 
I've always loved BMWs, but the last decade or so has seen them turn more mainstream and that's unfortunately why I recommend other vehicles which do "mainstream sport sedan" about the same for less money.
 
Case in point - the CTS. It's a pretty amazing car and shows what GM can do when it decides to get serious. The only thing before it that I'd consider to be as groundbreaking from GM was the old Grand National from the 80s. Well, maybe that and the Syclone. That was simply bonkers. It's kind of somewhere between a 3 series and a 5 series, but for a lot less money, especially CPO/Used.
 
Still, if you want it all in one package, this is your car:
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ct=p&car_id=287432057
 
I'd rather have one of these over anything but a 928 S4 or maybe a GNX. Finding a cherry example for these cars, though, is the tough part.

#15 of 16 Re: Advice for a first time college grad [hikari07] by eliset

Feb 08, 2011 (12:20 pm)

Replying to: hikari07 (Jan 10, 2011 3:58 pm)
Hey hikari - I do some social media work for GM and thought it might be helpful for you all to know that GM has a discount for college students and recent grads. Check out our website http://bit.ly/dqKjne for more info. There's also a Facebook page where you can share your experiences and get money saving tips. Check it out when you have some time! http://bit.ly/caU470

#16 of 16 Re: Advice for a first time college grad [eliset] by GBrianK

Feb 13, 2011 (5:11 am)

Replying to: eliset (Feb 08, 2011 12:20 pm)
Anyone mentioned how extremely unreliable the CTS is?
 
I think the BMW or an Infiniti G37 would be great convertible choices.

Messages Page 2 of 2

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