00-03 M5. Most of the examples in your price range are going to still be around 50k miles. These cars were 75k+ when new, so they are in the hands of people who have cash (and one can assume brains as well) and maintained as such. Can be expensive to repair but they are surprisingly very reliable. I love the understated look





used car market is teeming with bang for the buck in the 20-30k range right now

 

Acura TL-Luxury car that doesn't cost any more than an accord to operate. You can get a 6spd manual with brembo brakes and get great gas mileage.

Dodge Charger/300c-Comfortable and quick cars. Cheap to own. Only negative really is the not so great gas mileage and no option for a manual.

Infiniti G35 sedan-Practical v6 sedan. Rear wheel drive plus 6 speed could be entertaining.

The problem with purchasing these $50k+ cars used is that you may be able to afford to purchase them. But the service/parts will still cost like a $50k+ car and the likelihood of getting one still in warranty is slim.

 

Has anyone here even WORKED on a 7 series?

The 03-08 7s havent really gone wrong yet. If they ever need repair, its for something electrical. They're well designed machines, but the electronics are a nightmare. There's a TON of computers in it that are all networked with each other and have constant communication.

Dont buy that generation. Its a lost cause if you dont get one new and want to keep/maintain it.

The earlier ones, the E38s, are pretty much the pinnacle of a BMW flagship cruiser. I've worked on them more than any other BMW, and they're a joke to fix. Repair bills are only higher because everyone always goes to the dealership for parts and has it fixed there...when really the labor rate and cost is no different than any other dealership. They're so easy to work on and work with, its great. Nothing has ever been "hard" with them, at worst, time consuming.

 

I to agree on this, but I dont think u can get one for 12k. Get a E30 M3 because how different of a car it is, comes with a 4cylinder ITB's plus came out of the factory in race form. Its not like the E36 m3 where u get a souped up 325. Stay away from the E34 M5 there nice cars but most unreliable M series there was.

 

There is a reason why German mechanics send their kids to private schools...

 

Well he said 20k, 12k is just what he has now, not just his purchasing power. I have seen (rather tired) M5's in the 10-15k range, but much nicer ones around 25

if their public schools are anything like ours, who can blame them?

 

I love TR.


You should get the BMW X5 and call it a day. I think that would be your best bet Josh... get like a 2000 or a 01 for 5k - 8k. and use the rest for crack. Or you can just put it in the bank..

 

OP if you are moving to Cali keep in mind their emissions standards, make sure whatever vehicle you get will pass them.
Same goes goes for safety inspection stuff, most states are nowhere near as lax about mods as Florida is.

 

Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT-8 would get my vote

 

98 or up Z28 or Trans Am. They are larger than your S2K, many have leather, plentiful in either stick or auto. Ive seen them gut in the high 20s for MPG. Best of all they are still quicker than most cars out there. They can be had for a decent price. Ive seen many T/As driven by women...they are still clean, decent mileage, just in need of some basic maintenance...plugs, filters, etc. Also they are pretty cheap to mod, and you cant argue with the sound of a v8.