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I need everyones opinon on my next car purchase. My dilemma is.... wife has given the ok to replace our second car with a convertible. MY choice would be a 2 seater with manual transmission and at least 300hp. The compromise from the wife means that I need a 4 seater for guests, luggage, kids,...blaa blaa blaa. I have researched BMW 3 and (2005, 2006) 6 series, audi S, Mercedes, Ford and some others. I have a budget of $30,000 and really want something with a manual transmission and a decent acceleration. I liked the mercedes and have been told to look at them but only the SL comes with manual transmission. I lean towards the look of the European cars over the Fords and Chevys. Can anyone help suggest a car that is manual transmission, 4 seats, at or close to $30K, 2003 year or better and has has some balls when you step on the gas. Thanks!!!
For $30k in an M3 Convertible, I'd say that you would be looking at a 2003/2004 model, since the 2005 is probably closer to $35k and 2006 are $40k+.
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All the world's a stage, and all the men and women merely players: they have their exits and their entrances; and one man in his time plays many parts, his acts being seven ages.
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Any thoughts on a Jaguar? I know they have had a bad rap for mechanical problems in the past but what about recently? I know they dont hold their value but thats not a big concern, I will probably have it for awhile, and if I can get some other guy to pay for the depreciation, im ok with that.
Test drive a Saab 9-3. You'd probably prefer the Aero -- 2.8L turbo w/280 hp and 6-spd manual.
I bought my first Saab (1986 9000 Turbo) after test driving BMWs and Mercedes and being very disappointed in both. Our second car at the time was a Porsche 924 Turbo, and I wanted a sedan that handled like the little sports car. It filled the bill perfectly. I traded it for an '88 two years later, mainly because that was the first year Saab offered ABS braking, and I'd had a close call on a slick road while driving to the dealer that morning. I paid for the 30,000 mile servicing (like $1200), turned around and wrote another $10,000 check for the same car (different color) with ABS.
I drove that car for 12 years and put 180,000 miles on it. That was the first and only car I've ever kept for more than 5 years -- just couldn't let go of it. It was as much fun to drive the last day as the first. It loved high speed cruising. At 130 mph it felt like it was on rails.
Scoff at me if you like, but do yourself a favor and test drive one. Great cars, and I'm sure the Aero will handle like a fine sports car. (Actually, I'd guess the Touring or Sport models would too, but the Aero should knock your sox off.)
(Incidentally, my 9000T only had 165 hp as I recall, but you'd have never guessed it was below 250 hp. It was a great performing 4-banger! The 4-cyl engines now all produce 210 hp. The Aero has a straight 6 and develops 280 hp.)
Any thoughts on a Jaguar? I know they have had a bad rap for mechanical problems in the past but what about recently? I know they dont hold their value but thats not a big concern, I will probably have it for awhile, and if I can get some other guy to pay for the depreciation, im ok with that.
They build a beautiful car, absolutely gorgeous inside and out.
Mechanical reliability is OK.
They don't break down like they used to, but they cost a good chunk to get fixed.
They were at one time close to the bottom when it came to reliabilty.
Now I believe they rank better than average.
This is just my opinion but Jag is one of the few Euro car companies that was much improved (mechanically speaking) after a buy out.
Saab wasn't so lucky...I have owned two 900 turbo convertibles (still own the '90). Nothing they have built since being taken over has stood out (JMHO)...so much of what made a Saab special was phased out***sigh***If you do happen to test drive Aero please let us know what you think...I wouldn't mind testing one myself.
I'd go with an E46 M3 because all the desirable Jags are still pretty costly. The E46's (2000-2006) are still very attractive, have great handling and decent power (333hp). If you can afford it my first choice would be a 2006+ Jaguar XK which is simply a beautiful car with a dash of Aston design thrown in.
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