In need of choosing my next car...

[Justbringit41]

Hey guys. I've been on the boards for a little while but don't post too often but I could really use your guys' help in choosing a car. My lease is up in April on my '03 Mazda6 and I'm looking for an upgrade. I'll also be graduating college so it's kind of a celebratory thing for me as well. The cars I'm looking at are the Acura TL Type-S, Audi S4, BMW 3-Series Coupe (of course), Infiniti G35 Coupe, Nissan 350Z, and Volvo S60R.

The main problem is that my parents are helping me make a decision and while my father doesn't have much to say about whether it's FWD, RWD, or AWD, my mom will NOT let up that I need AWD. I live on Long Island and yes it can snow sometimes and there are hills but I don't think it's necessary to have a car that performs well 1 week out of the year if I won't enjoy it the other 658 days.

So her argument is maybe I should look at a 328xi coupe. I'm a car fanatic and I've been searching for my next car since I got my current car 4 years ago. I'm not a street racer but I enjoy a car with oomph and not an everyday driver. I KNOW that if I were to look at a 328xi I'll only be sorry I didn't get it's 300hp brother.

As for the other cars, the S4 would most likely be the previous model with the same engine (B6) and even that might be out of the price range. The Infiniti and Nissan are essentially the same, the TL-S isn't available for test drive yet (and seems to lack some of the enthusiasm I'm looking for), I'm not in LOVE with the Volvo. That leads me to these forums.

I know I'm not alone here in saying that, I'm not the type of guy who can "live with" the smaller engine, softer suspension, single-sided exhaust, whimpier wheels, etc.

I should add that waiting for a possible 335xi isn't an option due to the circumstances.

This may sounds like an irresponsible rant but I'm in need of some good advice. Please help.

[raceyBMW]

If this were my list, I would have to say the TL-S would not be on there simply because it is FWD. Yes it has a lot of power and good styling, but the FWD just kills it for me.

I felt the same as you regarding the 328 vs 335. I knew if I saved a few $$$ by getting the 328 I would never be satisfied and would always wish I would have gotten the 335. So that's why I made the decision I did.

As far as AWD vs RWD, what it really comes down to is the tires you put on the car. If you get a RWD, you will need to get good winter tires during snow season, no questions asked. If you do this, you will never have any problems. I am on my 3rd BMW now, and live in Colorado, and have never had any problems with my cars with winters on them (I will not be putting winters on the 335 since I have my other car to beat around in). Even the best AWD car is crap in the snow unless you have the right tires.

As far as the Nissan vs Infinity vs Audi vs Volvo vs BMW, that is going to come down to personal preference. I recommend that you go out and test drive all these cars, then you will know for sure. I think you will probably come back to the 335 when you do, I know I did. For me it offered the best cost vs overall perfomance and luxury out of any of these.

Good Luck!

[AlexMM]

First of all don't get a Volvo. It's a nice car but it's for older ppl and also an old model, Nissan is also a bit old. S4 is an amazing car but i think it's about USD 15k more expensive. 328ix is an excelent car however if you're looking for a performance ride try to get 335i, awsome car. Explain to your mom that on icy roads you are not an inch safer with AWD than with RWD. It's better to drive safely on wet roads anyway, tires are THE most important thing to think of here. Don't know much about the Infinity but i can tell you that German cars are The Stuff.

Whatever you get - get a fresh model, the one that gets your heart rate up. Considering what your dad drives it shouldn't be that difficult to pick ;)

[Justbringit41]

My #1 choice is obviously the 335i but I'm going to have to visit my dealership and get some lease quotes before I can make that decision. Otherwise, my #2 would probably be the S4 but it's pricey and then the Infiniti. Man it's hard to find everything u need in 1 car. I guess that's why the ones that have it all are so expensive

[adriver]

First of all don't get a Volvo. It's a nice car but it's for older ppl and also an old model, Nissan is also a bit old. S4 is an amazing car but i think it's about USD 15k more expensive. 328ix is an excelent car however if you're looking for a performance ride try to get 335i, awsome car. Explain to your mom that on icy roads you are not an inch safer with AWD than with RWD. It's better to drive safely on wet roads anyway, tires are THE most important thing to think of here. Don't know much about the Infinity but i can tell you that German cars are The Stuff.

Whatever you get - get a fresh model, the one that gets your heart rate up. Considering what your dad drives it shouldn't be that difficult to pick ;)


You know thats a load of crap, right? If you really believe that, next time you get a chance, go to an audi dealer, hop in anything with quattro. Go find an icey road, and go have fun. Then go tell me that youre rwd/fwd car will be able to do that, with whatever tires you want to put on compared to the factory all seasons.

[AlexMM]

You know thats a load of crap, right? If you really believe that, next time you get a chance, go to an audi dealer, hop in anything with quattro. Go find an icey road, and go have fun. Then go tell me that youre rwd/fwd car will be able to do that, with whatever tires you want to put on compared to the factory all seasons.

I currently have an Audi Quattro so... it's fun to drive in the snow but ice? Be my guest...

[TheRealMadDog]

...snip I'll also be graduating college ...snip
...snip I don't think it's necessary to have a car that performs well 1 week out of the year if I won't enjoy it the other 658 days. ...snip


Ah, a new college grad. What they teach in school nowadays...

But seriously, what do you expect the Bimmerforum posters recommend for you ?? A Honda Civic ??

Buy the BMW. It's a fantastic car. Fast, sporty, and keeps an excellent resale value. My .02.

TRMD

[PeterC4]

Hey guys. I've been on the boards for a little while but don't post too often but I could really use your guys' help in choosing a car. My lease is up in April on my '03 Mazda6 and I'm looking for an upgrade. I'll also be graduating college so it's kind of a celebratory thing for me as well. The cars I'm looking at are the Acura TL Type-S, Audi S4, BMW 3-Series Coupe (of course), Infiniti G35 Coupe, Nissan 350Z, and Volvo S60R.

The main problem is that my parents are helping me make a decision and while my father doesn't have much to say about whether it's FWD, RWD, or AWD, my mom will NOT let up that I need AWD. I live on Long Island and yes it can snow sometimes and there are hills but I don't think it's necessary to have a car that performs well 1 week out of the year if I won't enjoy it the other 658 days.

So her argument is maybe I should look at a 328xi coupe. I'm a car fanatic and I've been searching for my next car since I got my current car 4 years ago. I'm not a street racer but I enjoy a car with oomph and not an everyday driver. I KNOW that if I were to look at a 328xi I'll only be sorry I didn't get it's 300hp brother.

As for the other cars, the S4 would most likely be the previous model with the same engine (B6) and even that might be out of the price range. The Infiniti and Nissan are essentially the same, the TL-S isn't available for test drive yet (and seems to lack some of the enthusiasm I'm looking for), I'm not in LOVE with the Volvo. That leads me to these forums.

I know I'm not alone here in saying that, I'm not the type of guy who can "live with" the smaller engine, softer suspension, single-sided exhaust, whimpier wheels, etc.

I should add that waiting for a possible 335xi isn't an option due to the circumstances.

This may sounds like an irresponsible rant but I'm in need of some good advice. Please help.

Buy a Civic, save your money, buy a house and then come back to this forum in 10 years, unless your parents are buying you one.

[rcmcfe]

You know thats a load of crap, right? If you really believe that, next time you get a chance, go to an audi dealer, hop in anything with quattro. Go find an icey road, and go have fun. Then go tell me that youre rwd/fwd car will be able to do that, with whatever tires you want to put on compared to the factory all seasons.

4 wheel dr. will help in snow, but ice is another story.

[PeterC4]

Are you guys freak'in nuts??? This is a college grad who's spending $40k or so on a car? Good luck to you son. If your Dad is buying it, take what you can get. But I'd get a house, an investment portfolio, an apartment building, but sure as hell I wouldn't get a stupid BMW. Some of the guys who are part of this forum have a lot of money... Justbringit41, what ever your name is...get a grip man. If you have the money and you're getting it so be it. Otherwise.... get an investment advisor.

[Sea2Ski]

Buy a Civic, save your money, buy a house and then come back to this forum in 10 years, unless your parents are buying you one.
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I agree. Unless you *need* 4WD or AWD. Then get a 10 year old car that has it.<o:p></o:p>
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I graduated in 94, moved back in with mom and dad for 3 years. Then I bought a 4 bedroom, 2.5 bath, on 2.5 wooded acres by myself. During all that time, I drove a '82 318i which I am still driving. However, it is in MY garage at MY house on MY land. Now, I am waiting for my 335i and I can not wait for it! The satisfaction of knowing that I got to this point and can afford this car myself is a great feeling of self satisfaction. The thing is, it is going to be weird to have a car that has a passenger side window that works and a seat that I do not have to put a towel down on because a spring busted through it about 2 years ago.... and having the headlights come on without a 5 second delay.... and no rattling exhaust... and.. well the list goes on.<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
But you know what? I will have two BMWs. One that is great and that I love, and one that defies words (or so I hope it will when I get it....)<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
" it's kind of a celebratory thing for me as well..." <o:p></o:p>
I believe that If you do things for immediate gratification, I do not think you enjoy it as much. Graduating college was nothing compared to what happens in the "real world" (and I did have a difficult major.....) <o:p></o:p>
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Work hard for it, and earn it - then you will love it more then you could possibly imagine. Of course, this is all IMHO. <o:p></o:p>

[wrxfool]

Are you guys freak'in nuts??? This is a college grad who's spending $40k or so on a car? Good luck to you son. If your Dad is buying it, take what you can get. But I'd get a house, an investment portfolio, an apartment building, but sure as hell I wouldn't get a stupid BMW. Some of the guys who are part of this forum have a lot of money... Justbringit41, what ever your name is...get a grip man. If you have the money and you're getting it so be it. Otherwise.... get an investment advisor.


Well said, buy a house. Do it right the first time, there will always be a new model, more power etc. At least with a house there is more of a sense of pride. I built a house jan 06 and moved in oct 06, my fiance and I made about 140k already. I bought a 2005 STi 3 days after the house, now I'm kicking myself for not buying 2 houses instead. I know some people will say that I didn't know I was going to make that kind of money. I knew, edmonton has been booming for a while. Oh well one is better than non.
And when you think about it you will be able to get from point a to point b regardless of what vehicle to buy.
And if you don't take the advice then buy the 335i coupe . hahaha

[cemman]

The only trouble with the comparison is that it is a well known fact that a new car is typically the worst financial decision one could ever make. If pure logic drove our lives, we would all drive Honda Accords and never visit websites like this. Unfortunately, we are all afflicted with the same sickness. That being said, Peterc4 and WRXfool are absolutely right. Don't waste your money until you have it to waste.

[KPACOTKA]

Life it isn't only about money. Why do not drive just a nice car when you young? Why should you save money entire life just to buy a good car when you 50? Go ahead and buy X. Some valuable magazines choose X over quattro. When you drive a nice car just think about starting own company, sure you can earn much more money than save.

[PeterC4]

Life it isn't only about money. Why do not drive just a nice car when you young? Why should you save money entire life just to buy a good car when you 50? Go ahead and buy X. Some valuable magazines choose X over quattro. When you drive a nice car just think about starting own company, sure you can earn much more money than save.

You're nuts. Do not listen to this. Justbringit41, if your Dad has the scratch to buy you one, sit down, talk to him about what made him successful and listen. Just listen son. Trust me. I make a heck of a lot of money. I drove an Accord for 9 years. Buy a house. Invest in a retirement savings plan. Don't do it unless you have so much money it doesn't matter. If that's the case, who gives a hoot. Buy a Porsche and scrap this wannabe BMW crap.

[rifle]

You're nuts. Do not listen to this. Justbringit41, if your Dad has the scratch to buy you one, sit down, talk to him about what made him successful and listen. Just listen son. Trust me. I make a heck of a lot of money. I drove an Accord for 9 years. Buy a house. Invest in a retirement savings plan. Don't do it unless you have so much money it doesn't matter. If that's the case, who gives a hoot. Buy a Porsche and scrap this wannabe BMW crap.

I agree, get set in life financially first. Cars are great fun but they are a luxury.

[Bulldog 6]

I didn't like the volvo S60 turbo, it felt way underpowered. I like the look but the acceleation on the highway was terrible. My 2001 Hyundai Santa Fe accelerated about the same when merging on the highway. The best advice is to test drive them all and see what you like.

I agree with some of the others, put your money in something that appreciates. Buy a starter home if you have to then rent it out in when you are ready to upgrade. Depending on the market you can own for about the same as you will pay in rent, why not have your $$$ work for you? If you are looking for a place for a great start check out San Antonio it is nuts how far you money goes...especially for real estate. Also you won't have to worry about AWD.

[Justbringit41]

Sheesh. I never imagined I'd receive so much future financial advice on a BMW website. Anyways that being said I appreciate the concern of my fellow car enthusiasts. However, the car is mostly a graduation type present since I've saved my parents anywhere between 50,000 and 60,000 on college tuition.

[wrxfool]

Well enjoy it, it sounds like you've earned it. Go for the 335i coupe and get studded tires.

[cemman]

Sorry to be negative on what should be a happy occasion. Congratulations on your impending graduation. Don't let a bunch of jaded old pricks (me included) wear you down. Enjoy your youth and enjoy your car. The 335i is the only choice you won't kick yourself about later. I see your dad has an M5, pretty sure that's not AWD. Assuming he lives on Long Island as well, perhaps that is a compelling argument.

[wrxfool]

^^^ Hey I take offence to that I'm only 29 .hahahhaha

[KPACOTKA]

You're nuts. Do not listen to this. Justbringit41, if your Dad has the scratch to buy you one, sit down, talk to him about what made him successful and listen. Just listen son. Trust me. I make a heck of a lot of money. I drove an Accord for 9 years. Buy a house. Invest in a retirement savings plan. Don't do it unless you have so much money it doesn't matter. If that's the case, who gives a hoot. Buy a Porsche and scrap this wannabe BMW crap.
You are stupid and deserve drive Accord entire your life.

[PeterC4]

You are stupid and deserve drive Accord entire your life.

Sure. Trust me, I don't need to drive an Accord. And you're a rocket scientist telling some kid who's 23 years old or so, to go blow his brains out on a BMW 335. A graduation present of that magnitude is great. Even if he has wealthy parents I still think its a dumb thing to do. Plenty of time for cars and you don't have to wait until you're 50.

Justbringit, if you've saved your parents 50 to 60 k because you're enjoyed scholarship money for good academic performance, I don't need to ramble on. You'll have plenty of time to buy cars. $40,000 bucks at a compound growth rate of 8% agumented by just $2,000 bucks a year in savings is worth $278,000. Alternatively maybe you could make a down payment on a modest house/condo.

If you have far more money than you know what to do with....go for it. But I see you might be leasing it so I'm not sure what you're doing. Anyway, if you do get a BMW you will enjoy the driving experience even in the 328 Coupe.

[zetaxi165]

Listen to the "old farts" man.

Regardless of whether your dad is paying for it or you are, take that money and invest it.

You still have a long way to go till 30.

I was in a similar situation when I got out of college.

I invested in some stocks and land instead (which ended up doubling over 3 years). I drove a used Skoda Octavia (Jetta's cheaper cousin) for 2 years, then moved up to a Chrysler Sebring and now at 29 I am getting myself a BMW 335 e92.

But the best part is I now have a great place, a big portfolio of investments etc etc. I actually live a lifestyle that complements the car I drive.

Besides, scraping by and sharing accomodation etc etc just to drive a nice car is not cool. I think it is cheating in a way. You are just tyring to Front that you are a young successful guy, when in reality you are not.

just me two cents.

BTW: I wouldnt listen to KPACOTKA - she drives a z4 (and can barely type - but we won't pick on her in public right now).

[denton]

Greetings:

Listen to your mom, moms are always right, lol. AWD is a wonderful thing to have in the snow, not only driving, but in getting in and out of driveways and parking spots. Since I see you live near me another advantage of AWD is that when accelerating at the full potential of the car on broken pavement, that is, the kind we see a lot of around here, AWD will really get the tires on the road.

Other posts are correct, on ice nothing but studded tires will help.

I'm partial of course, I'm picking up my 328xi Friday after owning
an Audi for years. Don't expect to get anyone on a bimmer board to advise you to get a Volvo :-)

Denton

[GatorM]

I live in CT and drive an E36 M3 every day, summer and winter. If you have snow tires, you don't in any way need AWD. This is the greater NYC area, not Wyoming.

[aBMWdude]

Hello guys
This is my first post in here .I have been reading a lot of advices in here. Let me telll about my situation .I always had the dream to drive a Bimmer. I lost my old car in a accident 9 months back and since have been living without a car just waiting to buy a Bimmer .I want to buy a 3 series will AWD .Waiting for the 335xi but God know when it will be available.So may settle for 328xi. Would appreciate any expert advice on this .Thanks guys .